The EC Commission’s decision to open an investigation into whether the Italian “Salva Calcio” measures, whereby Serie A clubs have the option to write off players’ values over a ten year period, amounts to illegal state aid is unlikely to prove very popular in Italy. If the Italian law (which the Commission also alleges is … Read more
The proceedings between the Royal Household (represented by the Attorney General) and the Daily Mirror and its undercover reporter (Ryan Parry) have been settled. The fact that proceedings were initiated and the statements made on the Royal Family’s behalf at their conclusion before Mr Justice Lightman yesterday suggest a change of approach by the Royal … Read more
On 1 December 2003 it will become unlawful under the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 for employers to discriminate on the grounds of an individual’s actual or perceived sexual orientation. On 2 December 2003 it will become unlawful under the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 to discriminate on the grounds of an … Read more
On 11 November 2003 singer Van Morrison’s company, Exile, was ordered to pay Gary Marlow, owner of The Crown Hotel in Marlborough, £40,000 in damages as a result of Morrison cancelling a gig at the hotel which had been promoted by the owner. Whilst the case was decided very much on its specific facts, there … Read more
In our April 2003 early warning we reported on the judgment of Mr Justice Lindsay on the issue of liability in the epic legal struggle between Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, OK Magazine and Hello! On 7 November Mr Justice Lindsay delivered his judgment on the issue of damages. The judge subsumed the Douglases’ claims … Read more
From 1 December 2003 it will be unlawful to use a hand-held mobile phone or similar device whilst driving. The penalty will be £30 or up to £1,000 on conviction. The legislation which creates this offence is the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) (No.4) Regulations 2003. Surprisingly, these regulations have an impact on employers. … Read more
Now that BSkyB has divested itself of its minority interests in all Premiership clubs save Leeds, it is interesting to recall that of the two main problems arising from BSkyB’s bid for Manchester United that were identified by the Monopolies Commission, only one related to broadcasting. This was the question of whether BSkyB’s ownership of … Read more
