7 7 July 2005

News:

Legal experts on consumer protection policy have clashed over the merits of whether federal laws currently being considered by Congress would help protect consumers from identity theft.

The British Horse Board (BHB) is fighting a series of actions to uphold contracts for the sale of data rights following the Wednesday 13 July Court of Appeal decision in the long running legal battle between the BHB and William Hill.

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted on Wednesday 6 July by a massive majority to reject proposed legislation that critics say would have allowed the widespread patenting of computer software in Europe.

Features:

The European Parliament’s firm rejection of the proposed patent directive not only dismisses any hope of a foreseeable solution to EU patent harmonisation, but also illustrates that European Union’ institutions are failing to work together.

As the internet expands, ICAAN has recently announced the approval of two new domain extensions. Rhys Williams and Claire Brunel-Cohen of Bird & Bird examine their purported benefits.

The Court of Appeal decision in BHB v William Hill has left database owners reassessing their rights and value of their databases as a revenue source. Dominic Bray and Lucy Otterwell, of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham LLP, assess the implications of the decision.

Peregrine Systems Limited v Steria Limited illustrates the implications of wrongfully terminating a contract. Mark Lewis, partner at Field Fisher Waterhouse, examines the case and the key considerations before making a decision to terminate.

Significant market disparities in online music between the US and Europe has forced the EU Commission to address the issue. Seb Belcher, Head of Interactive Entertainment at Harbottle & Lewis, examines the EU policy framework designed to provide a solution

Microsoft makes interoperability information available

Directive 2005/29 on unfair business-to-consumer practices

EU to reconsider proposed data retention rules

Review of the Scope of Universal Service

Commission launches five-year strategy to boost the digital economy

Appointment of the first .eu domain registrars

EU decision on safer use of the internet.

Copyright: UFC-Que Choisir v Studio Canal & Universal Pictures Video France
Trademark: Societe des produits Nestle SA v Mars UK Ltd
Interstate Commerce: Granholm v Heald