Automotive

Recent Articles

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  14/05/2024

  Hungary

  EU introduces criminal offences and penalties for sanctions violations

  Criminal offencesUnder the Directive, the following conduct constitutes a criminal offence when committed intentionally and in violation of restrictive measures or a national provision implementing restrictive measures:making funds or economic resources available directly or indirectly to, or for the benefit of, a designated person, entity or body;failing to freeze funds or economic resources belonging to or owned, held or controlled by a designated person, entity or body;enabling designated natural persons to enter into, or transit through, the territory of a EU member state;entering into or continuing...

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  13/05/2024

  Hungary

  UK's Accession to the 2019 Hague Convention to ensure enforcement of UK court judgments

  In January 2024, the UK acceded to the 2019 Hague Convention, which unequivocally permits the enforcement of UK court judgments, regardless of whether a jurisdiction clause is exclusive/symmetrical.The UK’s accession to the 2019 Hague Convention brings clarity and certainty regarding certain types of jurisdiction clauses and the enforcement of UK court judgments in other countries in the aftermath of the UK’s departure from the EU in 2020.As a reminder, prior to BREXIT on 31 December 2020, the UK through its EU membership was party to the Lugano Convention, which facilitated the enforcement...

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  29/04/2024

  International

  On your radar | Key employment issues to be aware of internationally

  We are delighted to share with you our latest and largest edition of On Your Radar, with contributions from 35 countries. As ever, you will find employment law updates covering a diverse range of topical developments, for example:Several countries report changes to their rules on hiring foreign workers – Hungary, Serbia and Romania.Belgium explains that companies with over 50 employees must appoint a person of trust who plays an important role in protecting employees against psychosocial risks in the workplace including sexual harassment. At a time when employers are looking for ways...

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  29/04/2024

  Europe

  Design decision on ‘Sole technical function’ packs a punch – The CJEU breaks down the technical design exclusion in Papierfabriek ruling

  SummaryIn a case which has been recognised as among the most impactful European design cases of the past year, the Court of Justice of the European Union (“CJEU”) has clarified the principles of ‘sole technical function’ invalidity for registered designs (Papierfabriek Doetinchem BV v Sprick GmbH Bielefelder Papier- und Wellpappenwerk & Co.)This case revolves around a Community design registered by Sprick GmbH Bielefelder Papier- und Wellpappenwerk & Co (“Sprick”), which Papierfabriek Doetinchem BV (“Papierfabriek”) was alleged to have infringed.Papierfabriek...

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  09/04/2024

  Europe

  The sum of parts: Registered design for segments of towers found valid by General Court

  BackgroundTA Towers ApS (“TA Towers”), a company based in Denmark, is the holder of the below registered Community design relating to goods for building materials, specifically, ‘building materials for a windmill tower’ (the “RCD”): On 3 September 2019, the intervener, Wobben Properties GmbH (Wobben) filed an application for a declaration of invalidity of the RCD. Wobben claimed that:the contested design lacked novelty,it did not have individual character, andthe features of its appearance were solely dictated...

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  08/04/2024

  Hungary

  Hungary proposes ex-ante competition tool to regulate essential companies

  On 2 April 2024, the Hungarian Ministry of Justice submitted an omnibus act to the Hungarian parliament proposing the amendment of several Hungarian laws, including the Competition Act. This Proposal’s most noteworthy element is – based on the German example – expanding the Hungarian Competition Authority’s (HCA) toolbox by introducing a new ex-ante regime enabling the HCA to impose obligations on certain companies without first having to demonstrate a violation of the law.This following article summarises the Proposal’s new rules, potential consequences and next steps.PROPOSED...

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