The Court of Appeal has upheld an earlier decision of the High Court that Wayne Rooney’s image rights representation agreement with Proactive Sports Management was in unreasonable restraint of trade and therefore unenforceable. Proactive was, however, entitled to payment in respect of post-term earnings by Rooney. Rooney entered into the agreement with Proactive in 2003 … Read more
In the recent case of Lucasfilm v Ainsworth, the Supreme Court held that the defendant, Andrew Ainsworth, did not infringe the copyright of the claimant, Lucasfilm, by making and selling versions of the infamous Stormtrooper helmets which appeared in the Star Wars films. However, the court did hold that Lucasfilm could enforce its US copyright … Read more
In his Autumn Statement last week, Chancellor George Osborne unveiled the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (“SEIS”) which is designed to encourage investment in business start-ups. From April 2012, investors (or “business angels” as they are known) who invest up to £100,000 in a qualifying business start-up will be eligible for income tax relief at 50%. … Read more
The European Court of Justice last week delivered its judgment in this important case for photographers, largely upholding the Advocate General’s Opinion reported in detail in our April 2011 bulletin. The judgment confirms that portrait photographs enjoy the same copyright protection in the EU as other photographs and artistic works. To suggest otherwise may seem … Read more
In its latest newsletter AIM Regulation gave its guidance on what is considered to be a “close period”. Directors and certain employees of companies admitted to trading on AIM are prevented by AIM Rule 21 from dealing in any of the company’s AIM Securities during a close period. “Close period” is generally the period of … Read more
