Protect your Trade Secrets – Infringing acts, exempt acts, and exceptions
In the first episode of our Trade Secrets Series we gave an introduction to the legal framework governing trade secrets in Belgium. In this second episode we will explain in more detail the acts against which a trade secret holder can and cannot take action. The acts against which no action can be taken: the […]
Empowering the European retail investor: unveiling the EU Commission’s new proposal for financial trust and transparency
The EU Commission recently published a draft proposal for a new omnibus directive, aiming at reinforcing and harmonising retail investor protection across the entire spectrum of financial services. Scope of application – Who’s affected? As an “omnibus directive”, the proposal is intended to affect several key pieces of EU legislation such as MiFID II, IDD, […]
Pan-EU injunctive relief against multiple infringers domiciled in different EU Member States
PAN-EU INJUNCTIVE RELIEF AGAINST MULTIPLE INFRINGERS DOMICILED IN DIFFERENT EU MEMBER STATES In brief In its judgment of September 7, 2023 (Beverage City Polska, C-832/21), the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) held that multiple defendants domiciled in different EU Member States, who are each accused of having committed the same infringement of […]
Protect your Trade Secrets – General Introduction
Protect your Trade Secrets – General Introduction The legal framework governing trade secrets in Belgium has changed significantly with the adoption of EU Directive 2016/943 of 8 June 2016 on the protection of undisclosed know-how and business information (trade secrets) against their unlawful acquisition, use and disclosure (“Trade Secrets Directive”). The Trade Secrets Directive was […]
Research and Development (R&D) agreements – New rules and transitional period
| Research and Development (R&D) agreements – New rules and transitional period Since 1 July 2023, a new regulation concerning the block exemption for research and development (R&D) agreements is in force (Commission Regulation 2023/1066 of 1 June 2023 on the application of Article 101, §3 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European […]
New rules on consumer debt collection in Belgium – Time to change your T&Cs
| New rules on consumer debt collection in Belgium – Time to change your T&Cs. Are you a company facing unpaid consumer invoices? What are you allowed to do in light of the new Belgian consumer debt collection rules? As of when do these rules enter into force and should you amend your existing T&Cs? […]
The Rise of (new) Savings Products on the Market
SAVE NOW BUY LATER, APPLE CARD’S SAVING ACCOUNT, HIGH-YIELD SAVINGS PRODUCTS With the current rise of interest rates, savings products are gaining traction again on the market across the globe, including in Belgium and Europe. We observe the return of some very traditional savings products as well as the rise of certain innovative FinTech-oriented features. […]
UPC Agreement | Proceedings and costs
UPC AGREEMENT | PROCEEDINGS AND COST This article can be downloaded here. The introduction of the European patent with unitary effect is accompanied by the creation of a Unified Patent Court (abbreviated “UPC”) with exclusive jurisdiction to hear certain claims concerning this new type of patent and some other similar titles. We have already published […]
New marketing rules for gambling operators in Belgium: a whole new dimension
On 1 July 2023, the Royal Decree of 27 February 2023 determining the conditions for advertising games of chance entered into force (“Royal Decree”). WHAT IS IT? Until now, only advertising by C licence holders (operators of gaming machines in a bar) and F2 licence holders (bookshops) was regulated (respectively by the Royal Decree of […]
A new screening mechanism of foreign investments in Belgium starts on 1 July 2023!
As from 1 July 2023, foreign (i.e. non-EU) investors will have to notify the Interfederal Screening Commission (‘ISC’) about their investment plans in certain sectors in Belgium. Targeted are investments in sectors considered to be highly sensitive, or that could impact national security, public order, or the strategic interests. For these investments, prior approval of […]
Belgian law transposing the European Mobility Directive regarding cross-border mergers, demergers and conversions has now been published in the Belgian State Gazette
The Belgian law of 25 May 2023 implementing the EU Directive 2019/2121 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2019 amending Directive 2017/1132 regarding cross-border conversions, mergers and divisions, also called the “Mobility Directive”, has been published on 6 June 2023. The Mobility Directive updates the rules governing cross-border mergers and […]
The Law transposing the Directive 2019/1023 on Restructuring and Insolvency finally out!
This is it ! The Directive 2019/1023 on Restructuring and Insolvency has finally been transposed into Belgian Law! On 25 May 2023, almost three years behind schedule, the long-awaited law amending book XX of the Code of Economic Law (“CEL”) was finally voted in plenary session. Below, we review the main novelties of the Law […]