Global: In this episode, Rachel Howie and James Langley are joined by Dr. Peter Bekker to discuss how to avoid drafting defective arbitration clauses in international contracts. They explore the core elements of effective clauses, common pitfalls, and practical strategies for ensuring predictability and enforceability in arbitration agreements.

United Kingdom: The Pension Protection Fund's decision to suspend its levy for 2025/26 marks a defining moment in the evolution of the UK's pension landscape. It demonstrates the growing stability of the defined benefit pension system but also signals a shift in how the government views regulation, funding and the Pension Protection Fund's evolving role.

New Zealand: Data centres may look innocuous from the outside, but inside they house the hardware that keeps the digital economy running – the backbone of banking, cloud services and the AI tools now reshaping business. As demand accelerates, New Zealand is on the cusp of a data centre boom that could reshape its economy and test whether regulation and infrastructure can keep up. 

Australia: While the commercial drivers of mergers, acquisitions and restructures are critical, the short- and long-term success of a transaction can hinge on the smooth management and successful transition of the workforce. A successful ‘Day One’ requires early planning, clear communication and strategies to retain key talent. From payroll and benefits to HR systems and policies, getting the workforce transition right reduces disruption, protects workplace culture and preserves deal value. This is the fifth and final article in a series by Employment & Safety Partner Helene Lee and Senior Associate Angela Cartwright providing insights into, and practical guidance on, workplace law considerations when navigating complex transactions.

Asset protection trusts (APTs) remain a key tool for families seeking to safeguard wealth across generations. This paper examines the role, benefits, and common misconceptions of APTs, while highlighting evolving regulation, case law, and jurisdictional considerations that continue to shape their effective use.

Přinášíme vám aktualizované vydání newsletteru, ve kterém Vás budeme informovat o aktualitách, které souvisejí s přípravou na registraci u NÚKIB a implementací NIS2 – a to až do okamžiku konečného termínu pro registraci. V tomto vydání Vám představíme některé klíčové prováděcí vyhlášky, které byly publikovány ve Sbírce zákonů.

British Columbia introduces prompt payment legislation aiming to accelerate cash flow during construction, provide interim resolution of disputes and abolish Shimco liens.

The USPTO Appeals Review Panel’s (ARP) rehearing decision in Ex parte Desjardins (“Decision”) appears to signal a meaningful shift in how AI-related patent claims are evaluated under Section 101. Echoing his recent patent-signing ceremony rhetoric on protecting “applied technologies,” including AI, Director Squires critiqued overbroad eligibility analyses that risk ceding U.S. leadership in emerging tech.

New Zealand: The Defence Industry Strategy 2025 released jointly by the Ministry of Defence and the New Zealand Defence Force in early October 2025, addresses a critical question: how will NZ$12 billion in defence investment committed under the Defence Capability Plan over the next four years actually be delivered?

Australia: On 16 September 2025, the Full Federal Court of Australia delivered judgment in Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Patents [2025] FCAFC 131, a significant decision concerning the patentability of computer-implemented inventions in the context of electronic gaming machines (EGMs). The Court allowed Aristocrat’s appeal, overturning the primary judge’s decision on remitter and finding that the residual claims were patentable subject matter.

The USPTO Appeals Review Panel’s (ARP) rehearing decision in Ex parte Desjardins (“Decision”) appears to signal a meaningful shift in how AI-related patent claims are evaluated under Section 101. Echoing his recent patent-signing ceremony rhetoric on protecting “applied technologies,” including AI, Director Squires critiqued overbroad eligibility analyses that risk ceding U.S. leadership in emerging tech.

Vietnam: On 7 August 2025, the Government issued Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP regulating foreign employees working in Vietnam. This infographic is the detailed guidance on how to complete Form No. 03.

In September 2025, the Ministry of Finance announced the first draft of the Law on Business Investment to comprehensively replace the current Law on Investment. Accordingly, the Draft will be submitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval at the 10th Session of the 15th National Assembly (starting in October 2025). In case of approval, the Law on Business Investment is expected to take effect from 1st July 2026.

United States: The legal landscape for hemp-derived products is evolving rapidly across the United States.

United Kingdom: This October spotlights wellbeing and inclusion, from mental health in crises to Black History Month, with practical steps employers can take.

Vietnam: Aiming for the goal of upgrading and developing Vietnam’s securities market, on 29 April 2025, the State Bank of Vietnam issued Circular No. 03/2025/TT-NHNN (“Circular 03”) regulating the opening and use of accounts in Vietnamese dong for conducting foreign indirect investment activities in Vietnam. Effective from 16 June 2025, Circular 03 introduces significant amendments to simplify administrative procedures, remove legal barriers, and facilitate a more favorable investment environment for foreign investors. 

New Zealand: Break-ups are never easy, but in business, heartbreak is an occupational hazard. In the context of documenting and regulating shareholder relationships, the risk of disputes arising is both foreseeable and alleviable. It is therefore critical for dispute processes to be well considered and anticipated from the outset of commercial dealings, because once you’re in the thick of it, it’s too late. The recent High Court decision of Bobnev Jackson Trustee v Robinson [2024] NZHC 3256 is an example of the costly and time-consuming consequences of a shareholder ‘divorce’. 

Hungary: A recent judgment of the Hungarian Supreme Court includes important findings in relation to the liability of online platform service providers. 

Global: Let’s take a look at joint ventures (JVs) – a model that allows for deeper operational involvement and closer integration with local partners. In some cases, schools have entered long-term JV arrangements with investors who take responsibility for managing and driving their international expansion – a structure that can offer both strategic alignment and sustainable growth at scale.

Canada: Sandbagging, where a buyer seeks indemnification for breaches of representations or warranties despite knowing of the breach before closing, remains a complex and often contentious topic in M&A transactions in Canada.