When commercial relationships break down, the critical question for leadership is often the same: do we settle — or do we fight? In 2025, this decision carries more complexity than ever before. Courts expect early engagement. Litigation costs are rising. And the scrutiny from investors, regulators and the media is more intense.

The rapid evolution of payment methods spurred by digital innovation, consumer demand and changing financial infrastructure has had profound implications for the gaming and betting industry. Operators are increasingly exploring new payment methods, including digital wallets, open banking solutions, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) offerings, and cryptocurrency. However, each payment method brings with it distinct regulatory, compliance and reputational risks.

Often, the value of a brand can rival or surpass that of physical assets. A well-protected brand may confer significant commercial advantages by enhancing consumer trust and creating enduring recognition in oversaturated markets. Trade mark registration is one of the most effective legal tools available to secure brand. Below, we outline the key principles of trade mark registration in the UK and the legal framework under the Trade Marks Act 1994 (as amended) ("TMA 1994/ the Act").

As the use of third-party funding becomes increasingly embedded in the practice of arbitration and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) has released its Proposed Guideline on Third-Party Funding (Proposed Guideline).

The Proposed Guideline, which is open for public comment until 17 June 2025, represents a much-needed opportunity to bring clarity and structure to a complex and evolving area of practice.

The Arbitration Act 1996 has served the UK well: it put party autonomy at the centre, limited court intervention, and gave London and other UK seats an enviable international reputation. Almost three decades on, however, practice has evolved. Digital evidence, third‑party funding, emergency relief, and transparency expectations have all out paced the 1996 framework. Enter the Arbitration Act 2025 (“the 2025  Act”).

As digital technology becomes increasingly embedded in every aspect of life, the UK's criminal justice system faces growing challenges in managing the vast amounts of digital evidence emerging in modern investigations. Nowhere is this more apparent than in fraud offences, which are becoming more sophisticated, data-heavy, and international in scope. In response to these issues, the UK government commissioned Jonathan Fisher KC to lead a comprehensive review of current disclosure laws, resulting in the report Disclosure in the Digital Age: Independent Review of Disclosure and Fraud Offences. The report offers key insights and recommendations on how to modernise the legal framework to make it fit for a digital-first world.

In a world where content is created, shared, and monetised at the click of a button, copyright is one of the most important legal tools available to protect your business’s creative assets. Yet despite its significance, copyright remains one of the most misunderstood areas of law, particularly when it comes to ownership.

Whether you are commissioning a brand identity, publishing marketing materials, or developing digital platforms, it is critical to understand your rights—and your risks.

When selling a business, one of the most important decisions owners must make is whether to sell the company's shares or its assets. While both methods can achieve a successful transfer, they carry very different legal, financial, and tax implications. Understanding these differences is essential for both sellers and buyers to avoid future disputes and ensure a smooth transition.

Running a gambling business comes with significant regulatory responsibilities. A licence review by the Gambling Commission is not just an administrative hurdle—it can have serious consequences for your business, from financial penalties to potential licence suspension. If you’re facing a review, it’s crucial to approach the process with diligence, strategy, and a clear understanding of your obligations.

The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) recently published its "Guideline on the Use of AI in Arbitration (2025)" (the ‘Ciarb AI Guideline’).

The Ciarb AI Guideline provides practical guidance to practitioners and other participants in dispute resolution processes who wish to benefit from the responsible use of artificial intelligence (‘AI’).

This initiative reflects the Ciarb's commitment to embracing technological advancements while maintaining the integrity and fairness of the arbitration process.

Section 1(1) of the Defective Premises Act 1972 (DPA) provides that a person who takes on work in providing a dwelling must ensure it is done “in a workmanlike or professional manner” and that the result is “fit for habitation.” The DPA can extend liability for defective workmanship beyond the typical six or twelve-year limitation periods - sometimes up to 30 years. As a result, contractors (and other construction professionals) (“Relevant Persons” for the purposes of this article) may face claims long after they would ordinarily be time-barred.

Construction law encompasses a complex framework of legal principles governing procurement methods, contractual obligations, and dispute resolution mechanisms within the construction industry. The choice of procurement strategy—whether traditional contracting, design and build, or a hybrid approach—significantly impacts risk distribution, project control, and cost management. Additionally, contractual provisions governing timelines, payment structures, and adjudication play a crucial role in mitigating disputes and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Understanding these principles is essential for employers, contractors, and legal professionals to navigate the complexities of project execution while mitigating potential conflicts.

The government has introduced the Code of Practice for Software Vendors, which seeks to establish clear expectations for software providers and encourage best practices in security and risk management. While the Code is currently voluntary, it represents an important step towards improving software security standards and shaping future regulatory approaches.

Building safety has become a central concern in England following high-profile failures that have exposed weaknesses in construction regulation. In response, the government has implemented the Building Safety Levy, a mandatory financial contribution from developers intended to fund the remediation of unsafe buildings. This Levy, set to take effect in September 2025, forms part of the Building Safety Act 2022 and is a fundamental shift in how the construction industry bears responsibility for past and future building safety issues.

In recent years, the United Kingdom has faced increasing concerns over the social and financial costs of gambling-related harms. The growing popularity of online gambling, coupled with the accessibility of high-stakes gaming, has raised alarms about its impact on vulnerable individuals. As part of its commitment to addressing these concerns, a new measure has been introduced - the statutory gambling levy.

Following recent amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR), two recent cases illustrate the way in which courts are using these new powers to bring the benefits of ADR to bear at different stages of court proceedings and facilitate efficient dispute resolution. 

It's International Mentoring Day! We sat down with our trainee Chira Santea to learn more about her legal journey so far, what it's like being mentored, what's she's learned so far as a trainee and much more.

Julian Critchlow examines recent developments in the law and practice of ADR, outlining its implications for parties to disputes, and investigate the implications of recent relevant changes to the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR).

A background to the practical and legal problems that UK-based entities may face when engaging in international arbitration with sanctioned Russian parties.

This guide aims to provide contractors and subcontractors with a practical overview of adjudication to assist them in navigating the process in the event of a dispute.