UPC Agreement | Internal Competences
UPC AGREEMENT | WHAT ARE THE COMPETENCES OF THE UNITED PATENT COURT? Part 2 | INTERNAL COMPETENCES (BETWEEN UPC MEMBER STATES) Full article can be downloaded here. The introduction of the European patent with unitary effect is accompanied by the creation of a unified patent court with exclusive competences to hear certain actions concerning this […]
We are celebrating our 20 Years!
| 20 YEARS AGO… a group of highly skilled and motivated specialists founded an independent Belgian business law firm. The start of an exciting journey built on high quality expertise and always aiming for the best, practical and comprehensive legal assistance for a wide range of domestic and international clients. A fully integrated and multidisciplinary […]
PropTechs | Comment se faire une place dans les marchés publics ?
Pouvez-vous nous présenter brièvement votre angle de services, et les possibilités d’aide que peut fournir votre cabinet, afin de soutenir l’implémentation de la proptech en Belgique? Simont Braun est un cabinet d’avocats belge indépendant offrant des services spécialisés dans tous les domaines du droit des affaires. Simont Braun a toujours été pionnier en Belgique en […]
Does Brussels I Regulation now bind arbitrators?
The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Justice (“ECJ”) decided that a judgement entered by a court of a Member State in the terms of an arbitral award can in principle be the basis for a refusal to recognize a later irreconcilable judgment of another Member State. However, this rule does not apply when […]
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 […]
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 […]
Gaming & Law | Mapping the regulatory landscape (Episode 1)
Gaming: what’s law got to do with it? The online leisure and social gaming sectors are amongst the fastest growing and changing sectors. Simont Braun makes sure you stay on top of your game. This article is part of a series intending to guide you through the regulatory landscape applicable to video games. This series […]
Simont Braun highly ranked in Chambers Europe 2021
Simont Braun achieves again superior results in Chambers & Partners Europe and confirms its position as a key business law firm on the Belgian market. We are extremely grateful to our clients and peers for their feedback and trust throughout the years. Thank you to our teams for their hard work and dedication! Intellectual Property: […]
Compulsory insurance in the construction sector: perfectly imperfect
On 1 July 2019, it became compulsory for construction service providers other than architects to have their civil liability and professional indemnity covered. This law of 25 April 2019 aims at complementing the law 11 May 2017 concerning the ten-year structural warranty in housing construction. However, the scope of application and the consequences of the […]
New regulatory framework for patent attorneys
Version française disponible ici – Nederlandse versie beschikbaar hier. On 1 December 2020, the first part of the law of 8 July 2018 reforming the profession of patent attorney and creating a Belgian Institute for Patent Attorneys, entered into force. This law is an addition to the existing regulations on the profession of patent attorney. […]
Should health and life insurers use the data collected by health-related apps?
With the generalisation of health-related apps, health and life insurers are keen to use the collected data to improve the accuracy of their insureds’ profiles. This trend raises important questions in terms of privacy but also in terms of risks mutualisation in society. A bit of context With the increase of technology and the ability […]