Illegal uploads | Copyright filters and freedom of expression
On 26 April 2022, the Grand Chamber of the Court of Justice of the European Union (“CJEU”) judged that Article 17 of Directive (EU) 2019/790 (“Digital Single Market” or “DSM”) is compatible with the right to freedom of expression and information. In this much-awaited decision (available here), the CJEU issued useful guidance on filtering tools […]
Belgium about to implement foreign direct investment screening mechanism
On 1 June 2022, the various governments of Belgium reached a cooperation agreement on developing a foreign direct investment screening mechanism. With the adoption of a screening mechanism, Belgium gives effect to Regulation (EU) 2019/452 establishing a framework for the screening of foreign direct investments into the European Union. Scope of application of the screening […]
Ambiguity in insurance contracts may favour policyholders and insureds
It is common to complain about how puzzling insurance contracts can be. These are often long, complex, and use concepts known only to specialists. However, it is about as common to sign a difficult to read insurance contract as it is to click on “Accept all cookies” while visiting a website. Most of the time, […]
Supply and distribution agreements | Adapted competition rules as from 1 June!
The European Commission has adopted a new Vertical Block Exemption Regulation (‘VBER’) accompanied by new Vertical Guidelines. This Regulation (EU/2022/720) enters into force on 1 June 2022. This revised VBER is accompanied by revised Vertical Guidelines, which provide guidance on the application of the rules and also help for self-assessment of the individual exemption of […]
BNPL solutions soon impacted by a new consumer credit directive?
BNPL providers, beware! A new consumer credit directive is on its way and could impact your business. For a few years, ‘buy now, pay later’ solutions (‘BNPL’) have been mushrooming, especially online. The concept is simple: consumers purchase a good or a service but pay for it later (in one or several instalments). Most BNPL […]
Insolvency | Back to the future with the Heiploeg ruling?
After having almost killed the Belgian judicial restructuring procedure by transfer under judicial supervision (see our previous news on the topic), the European Court of Justice (“ECJ”) may have brought it back to life with the long-awaited Heiploeg ruling. Below, we explain the milestones and key takeaways of this evolving procedure. We have also summarised […]
Hague System | International design protection is now available in China
Since 5 May 2022, companies and designers are able to obtain international design protection also in China. In parallel, Chinese residents are now able to seek international protection of their designs in all countries covered by the Hague System, and in particular the European Union as a whole. Upon its accession, China made a series […]
The latest Corporate and M&A trends in Belgium
What are the latest Corporate and M&A trends in Belgium? Simont Braun provides insight on the most notable developments in Chambers and Partners Overview 2022. Our overview focuses on the increased activity of VC/PE firms, the augmentation of seller-initiated deals, the use of deferred payment elements, W&I insurance, the fast-growing tech start- and scale-ups, and ESG […]
Simont Braun promotes Charles-Edouard Lambert to Counsel in Dispute Resolution
Simont Braun is delighted to announce the promotion of Charles-Edouard Lambert to Counsel, recognising his in-depth expertise in dispute resolution. Charles-Edouard started his career as a lawyer at Simont Braun in 2013. He has gathered extensive experience in litigation and arbitration. He provides thoughtful and comprehensive guidance to domestic and international clients in complex disputes […]
New registration obligation for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) in Belgium
As of 1 May 2022, certain crypto-related activities in Belgium will become regulated. The providers of these services will have to register with the Financial Services and Market Authority (‘FSMA’). On 8 February 2022, the Belgian government finally adopted its much-awaited Royal Decree on the status and supervision of providers of exchange services between virtual […]
Simont Braun assists the shareholders of BE-Consult in its acquisition by Accent
Simont Braun is delighted to have assisted the family shareholders of the Belgian company BE-Consult in the context of its acquisition by Accent. BE-Consult, based in Geel (Belgium), is a specialist provider of professional training, certification and other services in the field of health, safety and environment. Accent is a talent placement company, part of […]
Simont Braun highly ranked in The Legal 500
We are delighted to share that Simont Braun has again achieved excellent rankings in The Legal 500 ed. 2022, with 7 departments ranked and 19 lawyers recognised. FinTech maintains its Tier 1 position. Dispute Resolution goes up to Tier 2 to join our Financial Services Regulatory, Real Estate and Intellectual Property practices. Our Insurance expertise […]