Why legal advice remains essential for low-value lease transactions
When considering a lease transaction, whether as a landlord or a tenant, it can be tempting to go without professional legal advice, as you may think that the legal costs could be disproportionate given the low rental value.
Landlord’s leasehold obligations
It’s no real surprise that landlords are responsible for the maintenance and repair of the structure and common parts of the leasehold properties they own. But how far do their specific obligations reach?
Intellectual property risk, strategy and trade secrets: Lessons from Quantum Computing
Google’s quantum computer is described as an oil barrel made up of round discs suspended in a bronze liquid helium bath refrigerator. Housed in a secure laboratory in Santa Barbara, California USA, the technology behind this computer is subject to strict security, confidentiality and export control and it is claimed to be the world’s most powerful quantum computer.
Family Mediation Week: Supporting Separating Couples to Resolve Matters Without Court
As Family Mediation week gets underway, it is hoped that many more separating couples will consider using mediation as a way to settle arrangements for their children and finances.
Statutory demand served over the festive period to protect landlord’s position
The Commercial Litigation team was instructed by a commercial landlord to take urgent enforcement action against a tenant company that had failed to pay rent falling due over the Christmas period. The arrears comprised a significant sum, including unpaid rent and associated legal costs, and the client required swift, decisive action to protect their position.
Family Mediation Week 2026
Family Mediation Week kicks off on 26th January with a week of diverse events promoting the benefits of mediation to separating couples. These include a number of online sessions specifically aimed at the public with one session hosted by “This Morning” Agony Aunt Deidre Sanders on the topic of family separation and mediation.
Forfeiture: A Guide for Landlords
It is not uncommon for tenants to face difficulties in meeting their rental obligations. This situation often places landlords in a precarious position, uncertain about their legal rights while striving to maintain a steady rental income. One remedy available to landlords in such circumstances is the right of forfeiture. The law surrounding forfeiture is complex and must be handled carefully to avoid pitfalls.
IP Risks, Strategy And Brand Clearance – Open AI Case Analysis
Intellectual property (IP) is often one of a business’s most valuable commercial assets. Whether launching a new product, rolling out a rebrand or acquiring another company, early and thorough IP due diligence is critical to protecting brand value and avoiding costly disputes. A failure to carry out appropriate trade mark searches, IP audits and clearance exercises can expose businesses to injunctions, forced rebrands, delayed product launches and significant reputational damage. This article considers the IP lessons arising from the widely reported OpenAI dispute and explains why a structured IP strategy should be embedded at the outset of any major commercial project.
From the pitch to the office: how football loyalties can be a hiring factor
Employment Judge Wright commented in the recent decision of Miss M Kalina v Digitas LBI Ltd, that employers may legally reject job applicants who support rival football teams if it risks workplace harmony. The decision has sparked debate about the boundaries of lawful hiring practices and the role of personal affiliations in professional settings.
BPE secure an emergency dismissal of an HMRC winding up petition
A winding up petition starts a formal court process to put a company into liquidation on the basis that it is unable to pay its debts as they fall due. Once issued, and particularly if advertised in The Gazette, a winding up petition can have immediate and severe commercial consequences. Banks may freeze accounts, suppliers may withdraw credit and a company’s reputation can suffer significant and lasting damage. Acting swiftly and decisively is therefore critical. This case study highlights how BPE successfully protected a well-known UK business from the consequences of an unjustified winding up petition brought by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Pre-action disclosure in audit negligence claims
Pre-action disclosure plays a crucial role in audit negligence and professional negligence claims within the Commercial Courts, enabling parties to obtain documents before litigation begins in earnest. This early disclosure helps clarify the strengths and weaknesses of claims, facilitating informed decision-making and potentially encouraging settlement.
Gifts and Bribery: Navigating the Festive Season with Integrity
As the festive season approaches, many of us embrace the tradition of gift-giving. Whether it be tokens of appreciation for clients, hospitality for partners or seasonal gestures among colleagues. While these exchanges can foster goodwill and strengthen professional relationships, they also carry significant legal risks.
