Industry & Regulatory Bodies
Justice secretary Ken Clarke pledges ‘Big Bang’ for UK legal sector
As proportion of total UK revenue generated by legal services rises, senior Cabinet member sets out measures to promote competition and consumer choice...  »
.xxx marks the spot in rampant rush for new domain
Stampede for adult-content suffix now underway, with central registration body offering block for any brand seeking to avoid raunchy connotations...  »
Gatekeeping and domains: how ICANN will guard brands in the new gTLD structure
Trademark protection has emerged as the primary concern over the coming new domains landscape. However, writes Alex Hall of Mundays Solicitors, the framework has been designed with prevention of abuse....  »
America invents new patent laws with Senate vote
US Congress passes long-debated legislation to overhaul patent system – but questions remain over its likely effectiveness...  »
Are lawmakers smoking out tobacco brands?
Australia faces some imposing legal hurdles in its attempt to ban tobacco trademarks. However, as Matt Packer writes, this has not stopped other countries from thinking about extinguishing them...  »
New trends in ESI: has network pride led to privacy’s fall?
Recent innovations in the networking field have raised public expectations of online privacy. Matt Packer asks whether these hopes are realistic...  »
State of the art still uncertain after UK LG-Sony settlement
Nick Reeve of Reddie & Grose LLP explains how the recent UK settlement in LG Electronics Ltd v Sony Corporation provides commercial relief, but leaves a question on confidentiality and standards u....  »
Clock ticking on Apple bid to ban Samsung tablet in Europe
Apple lawsuit over Samsung’s rival to iPad cites three areas of infringement. But does the case really show that EU rules against software patents are not being followed?...  »
US think tank in deregulation plea to lower legal services costs
Major non-profit policy research outlet the Brookings Institution argues that US accreditation and ownership rules are keeping prices of legal services high and competition low...  »
Google acquires protective patent shield in Motorola buyout
Purchase of US mobile-phone company provides Google with ready-made defence against patent suits...  »