Knowledge

Following her departure from Big Machine Records in 2018, Taylor Swift wanted to buy back the copyright in the master recordings of her albums. Ultimately, Swift instead re-recorded “Taylor’s Version” of those albums. Carly Duckett explains why, and how, Swift did it.

The Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA 2022) has introduced a number of changes in regulation, with a particular focus on high-risk buildings. 

The transfer of certain landholdings could be subjected to the new Land Reform (Scotland) Bill 2024 provisions on lotting decisions. These changes would significantly reshape the way holdings can be sold, with a mandatory lotting decision to take place before the transfer. 

Non-alcoholic alternatives are increasingly in the spotlight and their rise in popularity brings with it new considerations for workplaces. We consider the issue of non-alcoholic drinks in the workplace and how employers might approach this.

The annual registration and returns submission deadline of 6 July 2024 for employment-related securities (ERS) is just around the corner.

ESG data and ratings play a key role in investment decisions for pension funds.  In this article, we consider what ESG data and ratings are and how they are used by pension funds, as well as the forthcoming regulation of ESG ratings activities in the UK and EU.

When selling your property, it’s important to take taxes into consideration – especially as your options will change if you own more than one home.First published in The Scotsman. 

We summarise the new civil penalty regime and reforms to Companies House in the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. 

The sale and transfer of large landholdings could be about to change radically – with an expansion of the existing community right to buy provisions to allow community bodies greater opportunity to register an interest in purchasing a large tract of land or part of one. 

This article summarises updated guidance issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). It introduces the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) and outlines who is caught by these before discussing guidance about what incidents are reportable and how to report these to the HSE.

In Marks and Spencer PLC v Aldi Stores Limited, the Court of Appeal considered whether Aldi had infringed the registered designs of M&S gin-based liqueur bottles and reviewed the role of the “test period” allowed to designers. 

Overview of a recent judgment which demonstrates the general principle that a servitude cannot be repugnant with the burdened proprietor’s ownership. 

When a landlord and a tenant present competing interpretations of reinstatement and termination provisions, how is the true meaning identified?  

Offshore wind has a critical role to play in reducing climate change emissions, while also delivering security of energy supply.First published in Energy Voice. 

To highlight Mental Health Awareness Week, Partner Fiona McKerrell led a Q&A with Andrew Russell, director of Arran Sense of Scotland, on the lessons he has learned over the years regarding self-care.First published in The Herald. 

A guide to the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 and accompanying statutory Code of Practice on the fair and transparent distribution of tips.

We examine the recent Court of Session judgment of Lord Woolman in Lee Donald Barclay v Thorntons Trustees Limited and Others [2024] CSOH 18 and consider the evidential challenges that commonly arise in cases where a will is alleged to have been forged.

The Technology and Construction Court has recently handed down a decision in the case of McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd v LJJ Limited providing guidance on the “slip rule”.

The Government has published a Response to a recent Call for Evidence in relation to the National Security and Investment system setting out the Government’s plans, and key areas of focus, over the coming months.

As Scotland struggles to achieve challenging net zero targets, decarbonisation through the development of the hydrogen sector stands to be a powerful enabling force. First published in The Herald. 

Parties facing adverse decisions of ‘non-public’ UK regulatory bodies may be able to obtain judicial review of those decisions in Scotland in circumstances where (as a recent case illustrates) judicial review of those decisions is unavailable in England.

In Thatchers Cider Company Limited v Aldi Stores Limited, the High Court assessed whether Aldi’s cider had infringed Thatcher’s trademark and amounted to passing off, while considering the scope provided to “benchmarking” in product development.

In light of Churchill v Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, the Civil Procedure Rules Committee has announced a consultation on Alternative Dispute Resolution and proposed changes to the Civil Procedure Rules. 

Scotland’s ambitious 2030 renewable energy targets won’t be possible without a key enabler: port infrastructure. First published in The Herald.