FAST Legal Update Member Bulletin – January 2025
In this newsletter, we explore some recent developments in the CJEU, with the EU court ruling on copyright protection for software variables. We also consider legislative updates, with a progress update on the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, and a new bill of interest in the form of the Data Use and Access Bill. This issue also covers a range of updates and action in the artificial intelligence space, including the launch of a consultation on the application of UK copyright law to the training of AI models, and new initiatives seeking to ensure the safe use of AI.
FAST Legal Update Member Bulletin – September 2024
In this bulletin we delve into a variety of topics, including the outcome of the King’s Speech in the form of two new bills: the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, and the Digital Information and Smart Data Bill. This issue also covers recent cyber incidents, including the high-profile CrowdStrike outage and the cyberattack against the NHS. Finally, we turn to a recurring focus of these updates, namely developments in the artificial intelligence space; we consider potential action that may take place following DSIT’s call for evidence and the EU AI Act now having entered into force.
FAST Legal Advisory Group Digital Regulation Meeting
In this meeting, we discuss ‘AI – the future challenge’ with Daniel LLoyd from TLT LLP.
FAST Legal Update Member Bulletin – May 2024
In this bulletin we delve into a variety of topics, including the recent Court of Appeal judgment in Parker-Grennan v Camelot UK Lotteries Limited, the perils of generative AI in the court room and the disruption of LockBit, a well-known ransomware enterprise. Also discussed are what the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill (‘DPDI Bill’) might mean for the UK and its future ‘adequacy’ in an EU data protection context. Finally we turn to the government’s response to a call for views on software risks for businesses and organisations.
FAST Legal Update Member Bulletin – December 2023
We have focussed much of this edition on recent developments in AI law. There have been two important cases on AI which we have explored below: Emotional Perception AI Ltd v Comptroller General (Is AI a computer program for the purposes of the Patent Act 1977?), and Thaler v Comptroller General (Can AI be an inventor?). There have also been some important legislative developments in AI since my last bulletin. So, we will also look at the EU AI Act and at the AI Bill going through Parliament at the moment. On the privacy front we look at YouTube’s ad block being a breach of EU privacy law.
FAST Legal Update Member Bulletin – September 2023
In this newsletter, we explore an update in the important copyright case of Wright & Ors v BTC Core & Ors, where a High Court decision was reversed; and the case of Meta Platforms Inc. v Bundeskartellamt, which imposed requirements in relation to the interpretation of the GDPR. This is followed by a summary of the updates to the Online Safety Bill which is currently making its way through parliament. Finally, we look at the UK’s Product Security and Telecommunication Act, as well as a High Court order awarded to Sky.
FAST Legal Update Member Bulletin – June 2023
In this newsletter, we explore the case of PQ Systems Europe Ltd v Aughton, which looks at infringement of copyright software and misuse of confidential information…
FAST join the Parliamentary Internet, Communications and Technology Forum
One of our aims at FAST is to strengthen the rights of Software owners. As part of that vision we are making new steps to get in front of parliamentarians, influencers and policy makers to help our members have a say in new initiatives and potential regulation.
MHA Corporate Finance Team advises leading IT services provider Bechtle AG on acquisition of Tangible Benefit UK
Bechtle AG, one of Europe’s leading IT service providers, has agreed a deal to acquire London-based Tangible Benefit. Tangible Benefit is a well-known name in the industry, achieving revenues of some 70 million euros in its 2021/22 fiscal year. Its core business is hardware procurement including related plug-and-play services and software licensing, complemented by security and network […]
Whistle-blower’s claims lead to £48,500 of software recoveries at Scottish employment agency
FAST urges people to report software misuse The Federation Against Software Theft (FAST) is urging employees who have real concerns over the misuse of software in the working environment, to report it. This call to action follows recent research from the charity Public Concern at Work, which found that three out of four whistle-blowers, who […]