Public Sector Services

15 January 2026

Tesla’s plans for its autonomous “Cybercab” vehicle have hit an early legal hurdle in 2026, following difficulties securing trademark protection for the name. While the project itself has generated significant attention, the branding issue highlights a familiar but often underestimated risk in intellectual property law: trademark squatting. The situation serves as a reminder that even […]

13 January 2026

As we move through 2026, data protection remains a fast-moving area for organisations operating in England and Wales. While the core principles of UK GDPR continue to apply, the regulatory, technological and enforcement landscape is evolving. Businesses that treat data protection as a static compliance exercise risk falling behind. Below, we highlight the key developments […]

8 January 2026

British singer-songwriter Lily Allen has taken a strategic intellectual property step following the success of her fifth studio album, West End Girl. Allen has applied to register the title as a trademark for a range of commercial uses, including clothing, accessories, and beauty products. Released in October 2025 to critical and public acclaim, West End […]

7 January 2026

Your terms and conditions are not a document you can set and forget. As laws change, business models evolve and customer expectations shift, outdated T&Cs can expose your business to unnecessary risk. Regular reviews help ensure your terms remain legally compliant, commercially effective and clear for your customers. Use the checklist below as a practical […]

7 January 2026

Entering into a franchise can be an attractive route into business ownership. It offers the reassurance of an established brand, a proven business model and ongoing support. However, a franchise agreement is a legally binding contract that can shape your financial and professional future for many years. Before signing on the dotted line, it is […]

22 December 2025

As the year draws to a close, the festive season offers an ideal moment to review your contracts. To help businesses start the new year on solid ground, we’ve prepared a holiday-themed checklist: The 12 Clauses of Christmas. Think of it as your legal advent calendar, ensuring every agreement is wrapped up neatly and securely. […]

18 December 2025

When a marriage breaks down, most of us think about property, pensions, or children—not the family pet. Yet for many, a dog, cat, or other companion animal is a cherished family member. The recent case of FI v DO [2024] EWFC 384 (B) shows how the Family Court in England and Wales are increasingly considering pets’ welfare, […]

18 December 2025

The Government has confirmed that protection against unfair dismissal will not be available from the first day of employment as originally promised in the Labour manifesto for the 2024 General Election. Instead, employees will need six months of service before they can potentially bring a claim for unfair dismissal. This represents a significant departure from […]

16 December 2025

Franchising remains one of the most attractive models for scaling a business. For entrepreneurs seeking rapid growth and for franchisees looking for a proven concept, the franchise agreement is the document that underpins the entire relationship. It sets out the rights, responsibilities, protections and commercial realities for both sides. Berry Smith understands that a well-drafted […]

15 December 2025

Cybersecurity is no longer a purely technical issue delegated to IT teams. For directors, it is a core governance and legal risk, particularly where cyber incidents expose personal data. Under English and Welsh law, failures in this area can trigger regulatory action, civil claims, reputational damage and, in some circumstances, personal consequences for directors themselves. […]

8 December 2025

Research and development (R&D) collaborations are central to innovation across technology, life sciences, engineering and manufacturing. Businesses invest heavily in creating new products, processes and intellectual property, and the contractual framework governing that work is critical. A well-drafted R&D Agreement ensures clarity, protects ownership and defines how the results of the project can be used. […]

1 December 2025

Berry Smith is pleased to announce another excellent year of recognition in Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500, the two leading independent directories of the legal profession. Multiple departments across the firm have been acknowledged for the quality of their work, consistent client service, and technical expertise. We are proud to see so many […]