johndoe@gmail.com
FacebookAre you sure you want to reset the form?
Your mail has been sent successfully
Are you sure you want to remove the alert?
Your session is about to expire! You will be logged out in
Do you wish to stay logged in?
The August issue of Irish Criminal Law Update is now live for subscribers of Irish Criminal Law. This month Laura Byrne BL provides an insightful case analysis of DPP v Jason Bonney. This was an appeal against the conviction of the appellant, who was convicted of participating in the commission of an offence by a criminal organisation, namely the murder of David Byrne, by providing access to a motor vehicle. The appellant maintains that he was not the driver of the relevant vehicle at all material times. The appeal related to the treatment of alibi and rebuttal evidence during the trial. The appeal also centred on the extent to which the appellant was entitled to raise issues not identified at the trial before the Special Criminal Court and the application of the principles identified in The People (DPP) v Cronin (No.2).
The August issue of Bloomsbury Family Law Briefing is now available for subscribers.
Re S-O (Children) (Relocation and Prohibited Steps Order) [2026] EWCA Civ 998 (30 July 2026) – Appeal of the mother (M) of two children by different fathers allowed: (a) the judge’s welfare analysis was not sufficient; and (b) the judge’s decision to continue the PSO was not justified. The PSO was discharged.
Re D (Change of Circumstances: Domestic Abuse Allegations) [2026] EWCA Civ 969 (30 July 2026) – Second appeal ((1) DDJ and (2) CJ in the Family Court) concerning a girl (aged seven). The CAFCASS officer based his recommendation on the assumption that the alleged abuse had occurred. The original DDJ decision transferring D to her mother, and permitting relocation, and the CJ decision affirming set aside, and sent back to the local Family Presiding Judge.
Re B and G (Fact-finding) [2026] EWCA Civ 860, [2026] WLR(D) 385 (9 July 2026) – Judge’s oral judgment given from her notes six weeks after a care hearing. The judge refused permission to appeal. The parents filed notices of appeal. An approved version of the judgment was produced with changes related the grounds of appeal. Held: this was a complex case which required intense judicial scrutiny. The judge did not provide this. Appeal allowed.
Skatteforvaltningen (The Danish Customs and Tax Administration) v MCML Ltd (previously known as ED&F Man Capital Markets Ltd) (1 July 2026) [2026] UKSC 19, [2026] 3 WLR 219, [2026] WLR(D) 349 – Findings of issue estoppel must be contained within narrow limits in disposal of a case; for if held to apply an issue estoppel can seriously inhibit a party’s entitlement to claim (or defend) their rights. Such can only arise from an issue decided by a court where resolution of that issue had been necessary and fundamental to the earlier decision.
Greenstein v Bogolyubov [2026] EWFC 190 (14 July 2026), Peel J – In Bogolyubova v Bogolyubov [2022] EWFC 199 Peel J refused to sanction a consent order based on the parties’ separation agreement of 2017. A chancery judgment against H left him owing jointly and severally with Mr Kolomoisky. With interest and costs, the present sum due is about $3.2 billion. Fresh case management orders defined.
R (Ahmed & Ors) v Entry Clearance Officer (Solicitors' duties: indication of fraud) (IJR) [2026] UKUT 273 (IAC) (10 November 2025), Upper Tribunal Judges Lindsley and Hoffman: where there are ‘red flags’ that suggest the client is seeking to use the solicitor’s services in furtherance of a fraud, the solicitor cannot continue to act without first making enquiries to satisfy themselves that the conduct is not fraudulent. To continue to act would be a breach of their professional obligations.
De Menezes v Alves & Ors [2026] EWHC 1906 (Ch) (24 July 2026), Fancourt J – Of time estimates, and allowance for reading time; and threats as to costs (ie probably wasted costs) if warnings are overlooked.
When can the court hear an ‘academic’ argument?
In common law ‘academic’ means that the outcome of a case – as things have turned out between the partes – cannot alter their respective positions because by the time the case comes on for hearing their particular litigation has been settled. Their case (the lis) has been resolved. Over the 80 years since the main modern case on the subject (ie Sun Life below) developed, the common law has moved gradually to a more nuanced position on dealing with ‘academic’ issues. Such arguments will only arise very occasionally arise; but where a court is dismissive of an application as ‘academic’ a party may pursue their point if any of the aspects below arise – eg in children cases where a question arises which affect a number of care cases.
This article considers the extent to which the subject has developed over the past 40 years especially the extent to which a public law element which may affect a variety of litigants even though a question between the two original parties has been resolved (the family financial case of Bowman v Fels (Bar Council intervening) [2005] EWCA Civ 226, [2005] 1 WLR 3083, [2005] 2 FLR 247 (8 March 2005) is an important case in point).
This approach to the court to resolve an issue of public importance – the equivalent of Civil Procedure Rules 1998, Pt 8 in family proceedings if Family Procedure Rules 2010, Pt 19. Civil Procedure Rules 1998 could be used on a free-standing basis: for example, to review a procedure or a form of practice might arise which is causing difficulties to a number of parties (a European Court of Human Rights 1950 fair trial issue); or if one individual or body (say a large pension fund holder) had a question which frequently cropped up – and was unresolved – in private parties’ proceedings. The point may be academic as between the applicant and another private party, but its resolution might save the court time and a variety of difficulties in the future.
Family Court Reports [2026] Vol 2 Pt 6 is now available for subscribers.
The following cases have been reported in [2026] 2 FCR 6:
A, B and C (Children_ Perpetrator Finding), Re [2026] EWCA Civ 219; 2 FCR 457
H (Children_ Expertise of Witness) [2026] EWCA Civ 249; 2 FCR 511
RA v PK [2025] EWHC 3456 (Fam); 2 FCR 537
Issue 85 of E-Contracts is now available for subscribers.
Issue 95 of Termination of Employment is now available for subscribers.
The July issue of Bloomsbury Company and Commercial Law Briefing is now available for subscribers.
The July issue of Bloomsbury IP/IT Law Briefing is now available for subscribers.
The UK Supreme Court has upheld Tesla’s appeal concerning whether an implementer of a standard can bring proceedings requesting a FRAND declaration if the FRAND offer is made through a patent pool or platform (Tesla, Inc and another v InterDigital Patent Holdings, Inc and others; Tesla, Inc and others v InterDigital Patent Holdings, Inc and another [2026] UKSC 27).
In its judgment in IlliquidX Ltd v Altana Wealth & Ors [2026] EWCA Civ 874, the Court of Appeal upheld a finding of misuse of trade secrets and breach of confidence in a case concerning the ending of a joint venture to trade in distressed Venezuelan debt.
The Court of Appeal dismissed Microsoft’s appeal in a case concerning the sale of second hand computer software and software licences (JJH Enterprises Ltd (t/a ValueLicensing (VL)) v Microsoft Corporation & Ors [2026] EWCA Civ 872).
Following his finding that copyright in certain Peppa Pig videos was infringed, Mr Justice Richards has ordered declaratory and injunctive relief and costs (Hasbro Consumer Products Licensing Ltd & Anor v Cong Ty Tnhh Dau Tu Cong Nghe Va Dich Vu Sconnect Viet Nam (aka SConnect Co Ltd) & Ors (Re Consequentials) [2026] EWHC 1957 (Ch)).
easyGroup has lost a trade mark infringement and passing off case that it brought against the owner of Easy Bathrooms (easyGroup Ltd v Cubico (UK) Ltd (t/a "Easy Bathrooms") [2026] EWHC 1645 (IPEC)).
In his judgment in Fendi Italia SRL & Ors v Rolo Fashion Ltd & Anor [2026] EWHC 1703 (IPEC), His Honour Judge Hacon awarded £213,000 in damages to four luxury goods companies controlled by LVMH after judgment in default had been granted in relation to trade mark infringement by the sale of counterfeits or dupes.
The Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) has clarified questions regarding the interpretation of Article 3(1) of Directive 2001/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2001 on the harmonisation of certain aspects of copyright and related rights in the information society (the InfoSoc Directive) in its judgment in Case C-788/24 Anne Frank Fonds v Anne Frank Stichting and Others [ECLI:EU:C:2026:559].
The Court of Appeal of the Unified Patent Court has found that certain Kodak printing plates infringe one of FujiFilm’s European patents and has granted an injunction covering Germany (Fujifilm Corporation v Kodak GmbH and others UPC_CoA_473/2025, UPC_CoA_474/2025, UPC_CoA_873/2025, UPC_CoA_881/2026).
The title Irish Income Tax 2026 is now live for subscribers of Irish Tax. This tax essential, formerly known as Judge, is the leading income tax book for tax practitioners, accountants and tax lawyers. Indispensable in practice, it will help you to apply the relevant legislation with ease and precision.
Irish Income Tax 2026 provides a complete analysis of the principles and practice of income tax in Ireland. It also provides an examination of recent key decisions by the courts in Ireland and in the UK, as well as by the Tax Appeal Commissioners. This new edition is updated to Finance Act 2025, which brought in changes to income tax bands, personal tax credits and the Rent Tax Credit.
This title is included in Bloomsbury Professional's Irish Tax online service.
The title Taxation of Companies 2026 is now live on the Irish Tax Service. This flagship title, also known as Feeney, provides the most comprehensive analysis and commentary available on the taxation of companies in Ireland. Written by Tom Maguire, this new edition is updated to Finance Act 2025. An extremely practical book, it features detailed worked examples and extensive references to case law throughout the work. The guidance and advice outlines how to successfully apply new tax reliefs, keeping your client's tax liabilities as low as possible.
This year's edition covers key developments such as:
This title is included in Bloomsbury Professional's Irish Tax online service.
The July edition of Irish Civil Litigation Update is now available for subscribers of the service. This month, we provide a case analysis of Corcoran & Anor v Permanent TSB Plc & Ors. The court considered a costs application made by lay litigants in an appeal of an interlocutory discovery application in circumstances where the appellant defendants withdrew their appeal shortly before the scheduled hearing date.
An updated version of Research and Development Tax Reliefs is now available for subscribers. It includes the latest extensive Finance Act changes as well as technical case law analysis and updates and linked examples and calculations.
Topics covered in this update include:
The latest update to Personal Tax Planning is now live for subscribers. The commentary and examples have been updated in line with the provisions of Finance Act 2026. In addition, the product now contains 4 new sections as follows:
The latest update to UK Financial Statements: Presentation and Disclosure Requirements is now live for subscribers. This features the following:
The latest update to Partnership Taxation is now live for subscribers. This includes a summary of the Upper Tribunal in Putney Power Ltd v HMRC [2026] UKUT 105 (TC) which considered the test for commencement of trade; and a note to reflect the Court of Appeal decision in Muller UK & Ireland Group LLP and others v HMRC [2026] EWCA Civ 248.
The latest set of example financial statements and disclosure checklists are now live for subscribers. The disclosure checklists reflect changes arising from the FRC's periodic review. The example financial statements take account of recent amendments to UK and Ireland accounting standards.
The Third Edition of The Law Relating to International Banking and Capital Markets is now available for subscribers.
The Law Relating to International Banking and Capital Markets addresses the key legal issues associated with international banking and debt issues in capital markets.
This book provides a detailed analysis of the legal concerns relating to the lending of money, whether by way of:
It also covers choice of law, jurisdiction, sovereign risk, contractual remedies, exchange controls and legal opinions.
The Third Edition has been updated to include the changes following the UK’s departure from the EU, to the methodology for calculating interest rates with LIBOR being replaced by SONIA and EURIBOR with €STR, changes to the securitisation and derivatives markets and the usual gradual evolution of case law and financial regulation in the area as a whole.
This is essential reading for anyone wishing to gain a perspective on these transactions, including banking lawyers, bankers, academics and postgraduate students.
The June issue of Bloomsbury IP/IT Law Briefing is now available for subscribers.
The Court of Appeal of the Unified Patent Court has reversed the first instance finding of infringement in its judgment in Kodak GmbH v Fujifilm Corporation UPC_CoA_312/2025, 333/2025, 880/2025 and 882/2025, finding that, although the patent was valid, there was no infringement in Germany due to a prior user right and none in the UK because the named defendants were not liable for acts carried out in the UK.
The England and Wales Court of Appeal judgment in Rowntree v Performing Right Society Ltd & Anor [2026] EWCA Civ 814 concerned a proposed class action, brought by Dave Rowntree (the drummer of Blur) against the Performing Right Society (PRS). The court upheld a decision granting summary judgment/strike out of the claims.
In his judgment in Warner Bros Discovery Inc & Ors v Nokia Corporation & Anor (Interim Payment Judgment) [2026] EWHC 1505 (Pat), Mr Justice Meade ruled on the interim payment to be made by Warner Bros Discovery and Paramount to Nokia pending the determination of a final licence between the parties.
Mr Justice Mellor’s judgment in Janssen-Cilag Ltd v The United States of America (USA) [2026] EWHC 1532 (Pat) concerned the State Immunity Act 1978 (SIA) and its relevance to patent law. The judge found that service at the address for service on the UK Register constituted service under the SIA.
His Honour Judge Hacon refused to grant an application for summary judgment in Merck Sharp and Dohme (UK) Ltd v Halozyme Inc [2026] EWHC 1287 (Pat). In this case, Halozyme had consented to the revocation of one of its patents (known as EP 622) but Merck sought an order for summary judgment, recording that Halozyme had no real prospect of succeeding on infringement.
Hasbro has been granted summary judgment in a claim regarding sound recording copyright in Peppa Pig videos (Hasbro Consumer Products Licensing Ltd & Anor v Cong Ty Tnhh Dau Tu Cong Nghe Va Dich Vu Sconnect Viet Nam (aka SConnect Co Ltd) & Ors [2026] EWHC 1546 (Ch)).
Miss Recorder Amanda Michaels found trade mark infringement and passing off of the names Vanity Fair and GQ in her judgment in Advance Magazine Publishers Inc & Anor v Cornucopia Entertainment Ltd & Anor [2026] EWHC 1488 (IPEC), in a case where the names were used in offers to sell tickets to exclusive events.
The UK Supreme Court has refused permission to appeal the judgment in Lunak Heavy Industries (UK) Ltd and another v Tyburn Film Productions Limited [2025] EWCA Civ 1643.
Finally, patents judge Meade J has been appointed to the Court of Appeal.
The second edition of Conduct and Accountability in Financial Services is now available for subscribers.
This title provides comprehensive, practical and expert guidance on how best to comply with the Senior Managers & Certification Regime.
The Second Edition has been fully revised to include:
This is a must-read text for all staff in UK financial services firms, professional associations, industry bodies, regulators, academics and advisers to financial services organisations.
The May – June update of Pensions Law Briefing is now available for subscribers.
Issue 85 of Business, the Internet and the Law is now available for subscribers.
The July issue of Bloomsbury Family Law Briefing is now available for subscribers.
R (Aina Khan Law Ltd) v Legal Ombudsman [2026] EWCA Civ 773 (23 June 2026) – Family law specialist solicitor took insufficient cognisance of vulnerable client and held to have overcharged. The Legal Ombudsman’s findings were upheld on appeal to the Court of Appeal.
Re B (A Child) (Interim Separation) [2026] EWCA Civ 748 (17 June 2026) – Interim care order set aside on the mother’s appeal and over the local authority’s objection.
JC v MC (Refusal of Relief from Sanctions) [2026] EWFC 145 (22 June 2026), MacDonald J – Relief from sanctions refused (Family Procedure Rules 2010, r 4.6; and per Denton principles) in respect of a husband’s application to vary a periodical payments order he had consented to. As against case management directions: H’s statement was too long and filed late. Variation application dismissed with costs.
Re AA & BB [2026] EWHC 1359 (Fam) (5 June 2026), Hannah Markham KC as a High Court judge – Hague Convention proceedings: children aged eight and four. Mother on the run from California and now to Manchester. The case is ‘a positive reminder of the working co-operation between the press and the court and the possibility of using all possible avenues, including publishing details in the press to locate children …and to take steps to protect them’.
Re YZ (Declaration of Parentage: BATUK: DNA Evidence) [2026] EWHC 1601 (Fam) (26 June 2026), Poole J – Declaration of parentage of a child born to a Kenyan mother in March 2019 proved to be the child of a serving British soldier.
Beech Hill Capital Ltd v Duplan (aka Duplancic) & Ors [2026] EWHC 1390 (Comm) (10 June 2026), Sharif Shivji KC as a High Court judge – A full statement of the principles governing debarring or conditional orders for non-payment of interim costs orders.
Al-Uzaybi v Home Office [2026] EWHC 1524 (KB), [2026] WLR(D) 338 (19 June 2026), Chamberlain J – Closed material procedure (CMP) where a special advocate was alleged to have used closed documents obtained in earlier proceedings. She required permission of court or party providing documents for such collateral use. Guidance on proper approach to collection of closed material from special advocates (per Justice and Security Act 2013 and Civil Procedure Rules 1998, r 31.22).
Release of court material to a journalist from family proceedings
The article this month derives from the judgment of Poole J in Bradley v CM [2026] EWHC 125 (Fam), [2026] 4 WLR 43 (26 January 2026) where he was dealing with an application from a journalist, Jessica Bradley, that the court release to her three files from Children Act 1989, Pt 2 (private law) proceedings. As a non-party she wanted to see, and perhaps report on, how the family courts in four cases dealt with allegations of parental alienating behaviour (1) to enhance ‘public scrutiny of the way in which the courts decide cases so as to provide public accountability and secure public confidence; and (2) to enable public understanding of the justice system’ [citing from Re HMP [2025] EWCA Civ 824, [2025] WLR(D) 351 (1 July 2025).
Poole J explores ([35]-[58]) the current state of the law, as he sees it, in family proceedings for release of documents to non-parties. Non-parties may include journalists, academics, researchers even duly authorised lawyers (‘legal bloggers’). Legal principle and rules present the reader, including a High Court judge such as Poole J, with a mixture – not by any means always consistent – of substantive law (statute and common law), delegated and sub-delegated legislation (ie practice directions and ‘practice guidances’) and of draft orders provided for by those practice directions which the article seeks to explain.
Family Court Reports [2026] Vol 2 Pt 4 is now available for subscribers.
The following cases have been reported in [2026] 2 FCR 4:
Kars v Brown [2026] EWHC 31 (Fam); 2 FCR 275
S (Care and Placement_ Schedule of Findings of Fact), Re [2026] EWCA Civ 85; 2 FCR 293
SM v BA & Anor (No 3_ Amendments to Statements of Case) [2026] EWFC 9; 2 FCR 316
X v Y [2026] EWHC 42 (Fam); 2 FCR 343
Family Court Reports [2026] Vol 2 Pt 5 is now available for subscribers.
The following cases have been reported in [2026] 2 FCR 5:
Re A, B & C [2026] EWFC 27; 2 FCR 359
DR v ES and Ors (Further LSPO Application) [2026] EWFC 15; 2 FCR 370
Kay v Martineau Johnson (A firm) [2026] EWCA Civ 224; 2 FCR 392
S (Foster Care or Placement for Adoption), Re [2026] EWCA Civ 47; 2 FCR 422
X, Re [2025] EWFC 479 (27 November 2025); 2 FCR 448
The July edition of Irish Employment Law Update is now available for subscribers of the service. This month, we feature the case of Kate Bermingham v Cqzp Limited. This will be of interest to practitioners dealing with cases of constructive dismissal. It demonstrates the importance of fair procedures being adhered to when disciplinary action is taken by employers and when grievances are raised by employees. This case also emphasises that it is incumbent on a complainant to demonstrate their engagement with the respondent’s internal procedures in order to succeed in a complaint of constructive dismissal.
The July edition of Irish Child and Family Law Update is now available for subscribers of the service. This month, Beibhinn McGinley BL provides a case analysis of G.G. v H.I. This was a matter concerning a Decree of Divorce and ancillary reliefs were ordered by the court on foot of a settlement between the parties on 16 December 2022. The application was before the court due to non-compliance with court orders. Judge Jackson considered that the outset that it would be naïve not recognise that difficulties can and do arise post settlement. It was acknowledged by the applicant, that the concerns that are borne out of the within breaches were at the lower end of the scale in terms of their value. Judge Jackson stated that these orders cannot be ‘sliced and diced’ to suit the performer in whatever way they deem fit. She considered the terms of settlement and made rulings accordingly. It will be of interest to practitioners navigated enforcement of settlement terms.
The latest update to Tax Planning for Fam and Land Diversification is now live for subscribers. This update includes new commentary on the importance of valuations of IHT assets following the change to the value of assets where relief can be claimed from April 2026.
Commentary has also been revised to reflect the recent change in BADR rates.
New commentary has also been added to reflect the tribunal ruling in Afsha Chugtai v Revenue and Customs [2025] UKFTT 00458 (TC) which illustrates the complexity of the law dealing with gifts with reservation of benefit.
An updated version of Miller, Hardy and Ismail on Company Reorganisations (formerly titled Taxation of Company Reorganisations) is now live for subscribers.
The commentary is up to date with the latest HMRC guidance and the provisions of Finance Act 2026. It includes a new section on the multi-national top-up tax and domestic top-up tax provisions as they apply to reorganisations.
It also reflects a number of important case decisions including M Group Holdings (UT): substantial shareholding exemptions; Blackrock (UTT), Oxford Instruments (FTT), and Kwik Fit Group Ltd (UT): unallowable purpose test; and Delinian (formerly Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC) (CA) and Wilkinson (FTT): Anti-avoidance on exchange of shares.
The latest set of Tax Case Summaries are now live for subscribers. This includes the decision in Professional Game Match Officials Ltd & Anor v Revenue and Customs [2026] UKFTT 654 (TC) where individual match engagements between PGMOL and referees were not contracts of employment but contracts for services. Also included is Philip McBean v HMRC [2026] UKFTT 799 (TC), which was an appeal against the decision of HMRC to register the Appellant for VAT from 1 October 2013 to 27 July 2020 and to issue a penalty for failure to notify HMRC of his liability in the sum of £9,236.80.
Fair Play: Fighting to Protect the Spirit of Sport – The Memoirs of a Sports Lawyer is now available for subscribers.
A sports governing body owes a duty to its athletes and fans alike to ensure that the playing field is level and the outcome is determined solely by the athletes’ natural talents, skill and effort, and not by confounding factors such as performance-enhancing drugs or equipment, or insuperable natural advantages in age, sex, or weight.
Jonathan Taylor KC, with his unparalleled experience in the field over the past 28 years, in particular as lead advocate on some of the most prominent and important sports law cases ever fought, provides a detailed insider account of those cases as a means of illustrating the practical, ethical and legal issues confronted by regulators who are seeking to protect what makes sport such a unique and compelling spectacle.
Jonathan has a range of stories to tell that give us a fascinating insight into what is really involved in fighting for the integrity of sport. These include prosecuting the spot-fixing case against the Pakistani cricketers in 2010, helping the sports movement respond to the state-sponsored doping scheme in Russia from 2011 to 2014, policing the boundaries of male and female competition categories in the Caster Semenya case in 2019, and litigating whether double amputee Blake Leeper had an unfair performance advantage over able-bodied athletes.
The June issue of Bloomsbury Cyber Law Briefing is now available for subscribers.
The June issue of 5 from 5 Essex Court – Employment Law Bulletin is now available for subscribers.
A Rights-Based Inter-Legal Approach to Artificial Intelligence is now available for subscribers to the Cyber Law service.
How can European public law effectively address the profound rights challenges posed by AI systems?
This groundbreaking book delves into this pressing question by critically analysing the limitations of current regulatory frameworks, including the Artificial Intelligence Act, the General Data Protection Regulation, and European human rights law. Drawing on leading judgments from the European Court of Human Rights and the Court of Justice of the European Union, the book explores real-world case studies of AI systems employed by public authorities, highlighting their impact on fundamental rights.
Arguing that the EU's risk-based regulation approach falls short in protecting fundamental and human rights, the author introduces a compelling alternative: a rights-based inter-legal approach grounded in the theory of inter-legality. This innovative framework emphasises the ’publicness‘ and ’inter-systemic‘ nature of AI, advocating for a lifecycle perspective – from design to deployment and beyond.
Rich with legal insights and practical methodology, this book presents a three-step adjudication model to integrate the inter-legal approach into European legal practice, paving the way for a more robust protection of fundamental principles, rules and rights in the AI era. Essential reading for scholars, policymakers and practitioners, this work redefines how Europe can lead the charge in responsible AI regulation.
The Fifth Edition of Social Work Law in Scotland is now available for subscribers.
Social Work Law in Scotland provides a practical guide to the legal framework within which social work operates. The book provides coverage of key areas of law in social work including those relating to children, families and adult services.
The Fifth Edition of this highly regarded text covers important recent developments including:
Students studying for a degree in social work, as well as those in the profession, will benefit from this up to date guide.
The June issue of Bloomsbury Family Law Briefing is now available for subscribers.
Case Summaries
Re M (A Child: Adoption: Duty of Disclosure) [2026] EWCA Civ 568 (11 May 2026) – Local authority appeal, where adopters had failed to disclose information relevant to the original order. The adoption order was set aside and as was the adoption application and the placement order reverted to the status quo ante.
Ahmed v The Secretary of State for the Home Department [2026] EWCA Civ 509 (28 April 2026) – A father’s appeal against an Upper Tribunal decision dismissing a First-tier Tribunal (FTT) decision after of F’s unsuccessful appeal of the Home Office decision. F had also applied in the Family Court concerning his daughter. The FTT were entitled to reject his appeal given his lack of commitment to his child.
Ferrara v Ferrara [2026] EWCA Civ 512, [2026] WLR(D) 275 (29 April 2026) – A husband (H) failed to prove that Italy was the more appropriate forum for the parties’ divorce. Stay refused, W’s divorce to proceed in UK. H’s appeal dismissed.
MJS Projects (March) Ltd v RPS Consulting Services Ltd [2026] EWHC 884 (TCC) (15 April 2026), HHJ Kelly as a High Court judge – Costs order made where a claimant failed to take part in alternative dispute resolution.
SL v SM [2026] EWFC 109 (12 May 2026), Trowell J – Anonymisation ordered ‘[60] I do not consider that it would be a good use of judicial time to provide for an argument and then a reasoned decision on anonymisation…’.
Blackpool Borough Council v RR & Ors [2026] EWHC 1100 (Fam) (14 May 2026), MacDonald J – Child anonymised, but no one else including the mother named. The fact of the mother’s HIV status was to be open.
Kanabar v Kanabar [2026] EWCA Civ (15 May 2026) – A husband’s appeal (for which he had had permission) died with him, and the district judge’s original order reinstated.
Coal Pension Properties Ltd v Mace Living Lt & Ors [2026] EWHC 1248 (TCC) (26 May 2026), Roger ter Haar KC as a High Court judge – Consideration of alternative service of documents (same as for family proceedings) under CPR 1998, r 6.15 and grounds for refusing an order explained.
Appeal in family proceedings without a party appellant
E v D [2025] EWFC 512(B) is nominally an ‘appeal’ though without an appellant known to the law or to Family Procedure Rules 2010 (FPR 2010). It is a circuit judge’s decision, so not citable (Practice Direction of 9 April 2001 (Citation of Authorities) [2001] 1 WLR 1001, [2001] Fam Law 794 para 6.2). It is analysed here since it exposes a number of significant errors which justify its discussion
The judge tells the reader that the appeal was by a children’s guardian (‘the guardian’) from a child arrangements order of District Judge Gray (‘DJ’). The order had a penal notice attached which it was thought by the district judge to mandate steps by the children’s guardian.
The judge defines the ‘parties’ positions as that ‘[8] The guardian obviously (sic) brings the appeal and pursues it. The mother supports it. The father neither opposes nor supports the appeal.’
The following question arise from this. The article suggests the relevance of each:
The May issue of Bloomsbury Cyber Law Briefing is now available for subscribers.
The May issue of Bloomsbury IP/IT Law Briefing is now available for subscribers.
In Acer Incorporated & Anor v Nokia Technologies OY [2026] EWCA Civ 564, the Court of Appeal reversed the High Court finding and granted Nokia a case management stay subject to certain conditions. Nokia requested the stay after it made an offer to license its patents on terms subject to adjustment by the decision of an arbitral tribunal.
Lifestyle Equities CV & Anor v Frasers Group Trading Ltd (formerly called Sportsdirect.com Retail Ltd) & Ors [2026] EWCA Civ 583 concerned the ability of the proprietor of a registered trade mark to recover losses suffered by licensees of the trade mark, in the absence of an application being made to register those licences. The claim for damages suffered by sub-licensees was dismissed.
The Court of Appeal has upheld a ruling that Google’s use of Shorts on its YouTube platform did not infringe several figurative trade marks comprising the word SHORTS and that a word mark for SHORTSTV was invalid (Shorts International Ltd (SIL) v Google LLC [2026] EWCA Civ 668).
In Bargain Busting Ltd (BBL) v Shenzhen SKE Technology Co. Ltd (SKE) [2026] EWCA Civ 532, the Court of Appeal reversed a decision to grant an interim injunction restraining BBL from making further threats for trade mark infringement. Meanwhile, following his ruling disposing of contempt proceedings, in Bargain Busting Ltd v Shenzhen SKE Technology Company Ltd & Ors (Re Consequential Matters) [2026] EWHC 1146 (Ch), His Honour Judge Paul Matthews ruled that BBL must pay SKE’s costs on the indemnity basis.
In Samsung Electronics Co Ltd & Anor v ZTE Corporation & Ors [2026] EWHC 999 (Pat), Mr Justice Meade ruled that Samsung should pay ZTE $392 million for a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) licence.
Mr Justice Mellor found that a patent for an aircraft ejection seat with moveable headrest was valid and not infringed, based on his construction of the claims (AMI Industries, Inc v Martin-Baker Aircraft Company Limited [2026] EWHC 1027 (Pat)).
The first website blocking order in relation to four websites offering counterfeit and unlicensed medicinal products was granted by Mellor J in Novo Nordisk A/S & Anor v British Telecommunications PLC & Ors [2026] EWHC 1094 (Ch).
In the latest, and possibly final, ruling in the litigation over the use of the word Merck, Master McQuail has substantially granted an order sought by Merck that documents disclosed in the proceedings should remain confidential and/or be destroyed (Merck KGaA v Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC & Ors [2026] EWHC 1113 (Ch)).
Following the decision to order Suinno to provide security for costs to Microsoft in the amount of €600,000, the Court of Appeal of the Unified Patent Court has given a decision by default against the Finnish company (Suinno Mobile & AI Technologies Licensing Oy v Microsoft Corporation UPC_CoA_21/2026).
Finally, the UPC has published its Annual Report and the Patent Mediation and Arbitration Centre has opened.
The Peaceful Settlement of Inter-State Cyber Disputes is now available for subscribers to the Cyber Law service.
With cyberspace becoming a domain of inter-state conflict and confrontation, this book is one of the first studies of the ways in which international law can facilitate the peaceful settlement of inter-state cyber disputes.
By employing theoretical and practical inquiries and analysis, the book examines the legal parameters of cyber dispute settlement; explores critical questions about the role of dispute settlement institutions and methods; and identifies and addresses related challenges.
The book begins by considering the legal definition of a cyber dispute and the scope of the good faith obligation of states in settling their cyber disputes peacefully. It then examines the role of certain institutions (International Court of Justice, national courts, the EU, the Security Council) and methods (judicial, diplomatic, countermeasures, arbitration, conciliation, fact-finding) in the settlement of cyber disputes. It also discusses how data disputes can be settled and whether new and specialised mechanisms are needed.
The book provides scholars, practitioners and law students with immediate knowledge and understanding of the role of international law in the peaceful settlement of cyber disputes, as well as how international dispute settlement as a discipline and practice can apply to this new field.
Family Court Reports [2026] Vol 2 Pt 2 is now available for subscribers.
The following cases have been reported in [2026] 2 FCR 2:
Awolowo v Awolowo [2026] EWFC 31; 2 FCR 99
Awolowo v Awolowo and Linkserve Ventures Transnational Ltd [2025] EWHC 3346 (Fam); 2 FCR 117
R v R [2025] EWHC 3180 (Fam); 2 FCR 138
S (A Child) (Disclosure to SSHD), Re [2025] EWFC 453; 2 FCR 156
Spencer v Spencer [2025] EWFC 431; 2 FCR 169
Family Court Reports [2026] Vol 2 Pt 3 is now available for subscribers.
The following cases have been reported in [2026] 2 FCR 3:
F v M [2026] EWHC 44 (Fam); 2 FCR 183
LM (A Child) (Interim Welfare Arrangements) [2025] EWHC 3243 (Fam); 2 FCR 200
MK v SK [2026] EWFC 28; 2 FCR 214
R (Children: Setting aside Hague return order) (No. 2) Re [2026] EWCA Civ 18; 2 FCR 242
Y (Experts and Alienating Behaviour: The Modern Approach), Re [2026] EWFC 38; 2 FCR 245
Vol 31, No 2 of Communications Law is now available for subscribers.
Vol 42, No 2 of Journal of Professional Negligence is now available for subscribers.
Vol 40, No 2 of Journal of Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Law is now available for subscribers.
The latest set of Tax Case Summaries are now live for subscribers. This includes the decision in Wilders v Revenue and Customs [2026] UKFTT 517 (TC) where the share loss relief claim following the company’s failed shipwreck recovery attempt was unsuccessful. Also included is The Personal Representatives of Mukesh Sehgal & Anor v Revenue and Customs [2026] UKFTT 516 (TC) where loan notes were not registered in Jersey on their redemption, such that a capital gains tax liability arose for the taxpayers.
The latest update to the International Tax and Investment Service is now live for subscribers. This update contains revisions to the following sections:
The latest update to Group Accounts under UK GAAP is now live for subscribers.
This update includes the following:
The UK Tax Legislation content set has now been updated in line with the provisions of Finance Act 2026.
The June update of Planning and Administration of Offshore and Onshore Trusts is now live for subscribers. Issue 92 contains a general update of the following chapters - A6: Global Information Exchange and Transparency, AA1: Taking on a Trust – The Trustee’s Perspective, AA2: Administrative Responsibilities of Trustees, AA3: Practical Administration, AA7: Protectors, B4: France, B9: Malaysia, B11: New Zealand, B13: South Africa, D5: Cyprus, and D10: Isle of Man.
The title Arthur Cox Employment Law Yearbook 2025 is now available for subscribers of Irish Employment Law [please hyperlink]. This is the fifteenth in a series of publications written by various subject matter experts at Arthur Cox LLP. Set out in alphabetical format for ease of use, the Yearbook covers developments during 2025 in employment law, equality, industrial relations, pensions, taxation relating to employment and data protection law.
The book contains case notes, commentary and discussion on:
This is an essential book for lawyers specialising in employment law and other relevant areas, as well as HR professionals, in-house counsel, managers and trade union officials. Students studying employment law will also benefit from this invaluable, up-to-date resource.
A previous edition of this book was the 2015 winner of the Practical Law Book of the Year at the Dublin Solicitors' Bar Association Awards.
This title is included in Bloomsbury Professional's Irish Employment Law online service.
The May edition of Irish Criminal Law Update is now available. In this month’s edition, Laura Byrne BL provides a case analysis of DPP v GH. The appellant pleaded guilty to 15 sample counts of indecent assault committed against his younger siblings about 40 years after the offences were committed. The sentencing judge imposed a sentence of eight years’ imprisonment. This sentence was appealed on several grounds, including the headlines imposed, the failure to afford sufficient weight to the mitigating factors and the failure to take account of the principles of proportionality and totality. The Court of Appeal focused on the principles of totality and proportionality in circumstances where the court was imposing consecutive sentences. The detailed and particular approach of the Court of Appeal in structuring the sentence should assist practitioners when preparing pleas in mitigation that address the aggravating and mitigating factors and the principles of totality and proportionality in structuring such sentences.
In the June issue of Irish Criminal Law Update, Laura Byrne BL provides an insightful analysis of DPP v BM . The Court of Appeal considered whether expressions of opinion on evidence by prosecuting counsel in their closing submission to the jury were appropriate, and whether the judge erred in refusing to the discharge the jury on that basis. The Court of Appeal also questioned the impact of a number of interruptions made by prosecuting counsel during the course of defence cross-examination. The Court of Appeal’s comments on the interruptions made by prosecuting counsel are also helpful in considering the appropriateness of such interruptions and the different reasons for the interruptions.
The May edition of Irish Property Law Update is now available for subscribers of Irish Property Law. This month features updates on the following areas:
The Irish Property Law Update is updated monthly and is a comprehensive service for those practitioners practising in property law overseeing the latest developments in the area.
The June edition of Irish Property Law Update> is now available for subscribers of Irish Property Law. This month features updates on the following areas:
The Irish Property Law Update is updated monthly and is a comprehensive service for those practitioners practising in property law overseeing the latest developments in the area.
The June issue of Irish Employment Law Update is now available for subscribers of Irish Employment Law. This month Colleen Brownlee BL provides an interesting case analysis of John Grennan v Capita Customer Solutions. The complainant, a Customer Service Advisor, commenced employment with the respondent in February 2023. The complainant was provided with a basic contract and job description in line with >s 3 (1A) (h)(i) & (ii) of the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994, which included a flexibility clause allowing for changes to his duties. The complainant initially performed standard customer service tasks such as handling calls and emails, meeting performance targets, and resolving customer issues. In or about April 2025, the complainant was assigned to the respondent’s ‘Escalation Unit’ where his role changed. This involved the complainant dealing with a larger range of ad-hoc projects which included training colleagues, training third-party specialists who were not employees and preparing reviews of third-party contractors. Whilst the complainant considered that this was part of the flexibility expected of him, he submitted that the additional duties were not encompassed within his original job description and that the respondent did not provide him with an updated job description reflecting these changes when he was assigned a new position. The case will be of use to practitioners where job titles change and there is a subsequent employment law claim. The adjudication in this case provides helpful guidance on the interpretation of the provisions of the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994 relating to an employer’s obligations to notify their employees of any change to the terms of their employment, particularly where such terms fundamentally differ to those contained in the original terms.
The Irish Civil Litigation Update for June is now available. This month Hugh Good BL provides a case analysis of Bank of Ireland Mortgage Bank U.C. -V- Murray & Anor. There the court considered an application by the defendants to set aside a judgment of the Court of Appeal in circumstances where, immediately prior to the hearing of the appeal in the Supreme Court, the plaintiff had agreed to transfer its interest in a judgment obtained in the High Court against the defendants. The fact of this agreement was not disclosed to the defendants or the court prior to the hearing in the Supreme Court.
The June issue of Irish Child and Family Law Update is now available for subscribers of Irish Child and Family Law is now available for subscribers. This month, Aengus Ó Maoláin BL writes about the developments in the law surrounding Guardian Ad Litems. He writes that The Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022 represents a major overhaul of the system by which Guardians ad litem are appointed, trained, and how their work is overseen. The Executive Office of the Guardian ad litem National Service (GALNS) was established in 2025, and it is anticipated that other operative provisions of the 2022 Act will be commenced this summer. While there have been calls for the simplification and regularisation of the appointment of GALs in private family law proceedings, the 2022 Act and the GALNS is focused on public childcare proceedings. While GALs face a profound change to their day-to-day work by virtue of the new Office going live, fears have arisen as to their status in the proceedings in which they are appointed. A recent judgment of Simons J in an application for cost protection, however, sets out a significant account of the role, function and purpose of a guardian ad litem in childcare litigation. The article will be of immense use to practitioners dealing with childcare cases involving GALs.
