February 2009 Archives

BEING a litigation lawyer, I come across many interesting cases.

Because of the present economic climate, litigation is no longer seen at the last resort.

There has been a significant increase in people and businesses turning to litigation to aid cash flow and recoup losses.

BUSINESS owners are unlikely to have avoided hearing about the major update of company law which is currently in progress.

The implementation of the final parts of the Companies Act 2006 is scheduled for October 1 this year.

But it can be hard to see the relevance to the day-to-day running of your business.

Andrew Whalley on how the middle classes are getting up to no good during the recession.

I'VE NOTICED a growing number of stories in the press about the desperate measures being taken in the face of the recession.

Certain stories come as no surprise, with people tightening their belts and spending less on high cost items such as cars and holidays abroad, or downsizing to cheaper brands at the supermarket.

But it seems that the middle classes have been turning to a life of crime to help them ride out the current economic storm.

Philip Gray says the laws protecting software rights are themselves "soft".

THE COMPUTER represents the greatest technological advance in the last 50 years and computer programmes (software) are the main intellectual property underpinning the IT industry.

In contrast, the law protecting software is far less progressive.

Much of the current legislation stems from the mid-1940s which provides that software developers are only protected by the 'soft IP' of copyright, rather than the 'hard IP' of a patent.

JUST A few places remain at Exchange Chambers' "Understanding Alternative Dispute Resolution" seminar which is taking place at Liverpool Town Hall on Wednesday February 25.

The seminar, which is accredited with 4 CPD points, runs from 9am to 2pm.

Tom Handley, Exchange Chambers' director, said: "This seminar will prove extremely useful for legal professionals and anyone involved with internal management issues."

Further details are available from Exchange Chambers on 0152 236 7747.

LDP Legal yesterday broke the news that DLA Piper's Liverpool office could lose up to 13 of its support staff in the company's latest round of cuts

But before that story went online, I spoke to solicitors formerly of that parish, as well as managing partner Philip Rooney.

One recently-departed DLA solicitor told me the Liverpool office sits under a cloud of nerves. The former insider said the office feels like Manchester's younger brother and is jumpy about being cut loose from the company altogether.

Jon Bloor from Lees Solicitors on how a business' social networking assets are increasingly important for buyers.

MAINSTREAM media commentary on internet social networking services has often focused on their use (or misuse) by employees in the workplace.

However, a growing number of businesses in the UK are using these services to promote their brands and reach their customers. Airlines, supermarkets, high street retailers, newspapers and even your local coffee shop are more and more likely to have a presence on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or other services.

The "due diligence" investigations which a buyer makes when acquiring a company will usually include checking the ownership of any relevant domain names or websites as these form an important part of the target company's assets.

LAW FIRM DLA Piper confirmed yesterday up to 13 jobs could be culled from their Liverpool office.

The firm, which is based in the India Buildings in the city centre, started a nationwide consultation yesterday that could see 140 employees made redundant.

Around 30 of those are likely to be fee-earners, with the remainder support staff in DLA's eight offices.

Clive Bleasdale discusses commercial tenancy agreements in the current market.

THE MAJORITY of retailers are struggling with business in the current climate and an increasing number would like to pay rent on a monthly rather than quarterly basis.

Landlords have been getting nervy at the prospect and at the moment a question I'm being asked a lot is if a landlord has flatly refused such a request, is there any legal challenge that can be brought?

So if you are a retailer in this situation, it is worth considering the following advice.

BANKS could face legal action by disgruntled workers if they are denied bonuses, a City lawyer said tonight.

Ronnie Fox revealed he is representing clients at three different banks who maintain they are entitled to payouts despite the recent conditions.

The specialist in employment law said a large number of bankers could take action if the Government imposes a blanket ban on bonuses.