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This week's news on Out-Law.com
TMT & Sourcing
Computer program that copied the functions of another did not infringe
copyright, ECJ advisor says
Computer program that copied the functions of another did not infringe copyright, ECJ advisor says
A computer program does not infringe the copyright of another one just because
it performs the same function as it, but it could do if it copies the means by
which the other program works, an advisor to the European Court of Justice (ECJ)
has said.
01/12/2011
Talks aimed at harmonising approach to copyright levies planned for next year
The European Commission has appointed a mediator to hold talks aimed at creating
a consistent approach to copyright levies across Europe. Discussions will begin
early next year and could result in changes to EU copyright law, the Commission
said.
01/12/2011
Google not shown to have had actual knowledge of defamatory comments, High Court rules
Google does not have to pay damages to a UK intelligence adviser for "very
modest" defamation she suffered, the High Court has ruled.
30/11/2011
Facebook settles privacy complaints with US regulator
Facebook will have to obtain "affirmative express consent" from its users before
imposing material changes to their privacy settings, according to the US Federal
Trade Commission (FTC).
30/11/2011
Government increases tax relief for start-up investors
A new scheme will increase the amount of tax relief investors in early stage
companies can claim under plans aimed at boosting investment in start-up firms,
the Government's Autumn Statement has said.
29/11/2011
Government seeks views on web accessibility
The Government has asked for views on what problems disabled people face when
using the web and other technologies and whether laws and regulations should be
changed to improve accessibility.
29/11/2011
Litigation & International Arbitration
Lawyers need more training on electronic disclosure, says top judge
Lawyers and judges must be properly trained on how best to examine electronic
documents and email evidence or risk wasting vast sums of money in legal costs,
a senior judge has warned.
30/11/2011
Regulatory
Regulatory approval of data transfers to apply EU-wide, Commissioner says
Plans to enable global businesses to obtain easier EU-wide approval for the way
they transfer personal data have been announced by the EU's Justice
Commissioner.
30/11/2011
Projects and Construction
Government's infrastructure spending commitments 'only a drop in the ocean' without private finance, expert warns
An additional £5 billion to fund infrastructure outlined in the Chancellor's
Autumn Statement will "only be a drop in the ocean" without funding from the
private sector, an expert has warned.
29/11/2011
Retail and Leisure
Small retailers to benefit from surprise business rates relief holiday extension
Over half a million small businesses will be given a further six month extension
to the current business rate relief holiday, the Chancellor has announced.
29/11/2011
Banking and Restructuring
Courts to decide on legality of 'football creditors' rule this week
The Football League will find out this week whether it is lawful for it to
insist that football players, managers and other clubs get paid before other
creditors if a football club enters administration.
29/11/2011
Pensions
Government will give small businesses extra time to prepare pension for
auto-enrolment
Small businesses are to be given an additional year to prepare to enrol their
workers automatically into a pension scheme, the Government has said.
29/11/2011
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