Technology Hub

The courts are becoming increasingly relaxed about how people sign their contracts. We’ve seen a variety of examples in recent years – a name typed into the bottom of an email, clicking an “I accept” box on a website and identifying information in the header of a SWIFT message. These reflect the realities of modern business, where most communications take place by telephone or electronically, and the people involved are often under time pressure to get things done.

Individuals are entitled under UK and EU data protection legislation to request a copy of their “personal data” from an organisation which holds it. In broad terms, “personal data” is information about or relating to that individual.

Despite recent attempts by the opposition parties to block a no-deal Brexit, and the resumption of negotiations with the EU on a revised deal, a Halloween no-deal Brexit remains a real possibility. However, in such an event owners of EU trademarks and designs can at least be certain as to how these rights will be protected.

As our lives become increasingly digital, the need to ensure that online services are accessible for all has moved up the agenda