L’introduction d’un pourvoi en cassation complémentaire pour violation d’une disposition légale rétroactive
La loi du 19 décembre 2023 portant dispositions diverses en matière civile et judiciaire a introduit un nouvel article 1094/2 dans le Code judiciaire (M.B., 27 décembre 2023). Cette disposition, entrée en vigueur le 6 janvier 2024, apporte une nouveauté intéressante à la procédure applicable devant la Cour de cassation. En effet, cette disposition permet […]
Central Register of Director Bans
With the law of 4 May 2023, which entered into force on 1 August 2023 (the “Law”), the Belgian legislator provided a legal framework for the creation of a central register of director bans (“Centraal Register van Bestuursverboden” / “Registre central des interdictions de gérer”). The Law transposes the European Directive 2019/1151 amending Directive (EU) […]
L’instauration des chambres de règlement amiable dans les juridictions civiles et commerciales
Le coût d’une procédure et l’arriéré judiciaire particulièrement important devant de nombreuses juridictions en Belgique, ont amené le législateur, depuis plusieurs années, à encourager et favoriser le recours aux modes alternatifs de règlement des litiges. Ainsi, la loi du 18 juin 2018 a notamment autorisé le juge à imposer une médiation aux parties (sauf si […]
Updated guidelines on Belgian FDI Screening
The Cooperation Agreement of 30 November 2022 establishing a foreign direct investment screening mechanism (‘FDI Regulation’) entered into force on 1 July 2023. Prior to its effective date, on 30 June 2023, the Interfederal Screening Commission (‘ISC’) published initial guidelines in the form of a Q&A on the application of the FDI Regulation. After gaining […]
Instant payments in euro soon to be free throughout Europe!
On 19 March 2024, the Regulation (EU) 2024/886 of 13 March 2024 as regards instant credit transfers in euro (the “Instant Payment Regulation”) was published in the Official Journal. This Regulation will allow anyone to make instant credit transfers in euros from one payment account to another payment account within the European Union (“EU”). Some […]
The Mc Donald’s Case | Even major brands must prove trade mark use
McDonald’s loses its EU trade mark ‘Big Mac’ for chicken products – an important reminder for owners of (famous) brands McDonald’s has lost its EU trade mark ‘Big Mac’ for chicken sandwiches and poultry products in classes 29 and 30 and related restaurant services in class 42 after five years of non-use, following a judgment […]
Large-Scale Online Copyright Infringement | New Judicial Procedure
On 6 May 2024, the Royal Decree of 18 April 2024 concerning the establishment of the service for the fight against copyright and related rights infringements on the Internet and the illegal operation of online gambling games was published in the Belgian Official Gazette. This Royal Decree provides for the entry into force of a […]
Prop trading | Just playing with data or actual investment services?
Over the past decade, online trading has become increasingly accessible for regular consumers. The European market is now full of platforms offering a wide array of products and investment options. While these platforms initially positioned themselves as gateways between clients (consumers) and the traditional financial markets, new technologies have paved the road for different (innovative) […]
Compton Cases | Geographical Names as Fashion Trademarks
In two judgements of 28 February 2024 in related cases T-746/22 and T-747/22, the General Court of the EU (GCEU) upheld the validity of two EU trademark registrations containing the geographical name ‘Compton’, which it considers distinctive and not descriptive for fashion items like clothing and bags. These judgments provide a good opportunity to refresh […]
INSURANCE LAW | New Rules on Time Limits and Penalties
On 14 March 2024, the Belgian Federal Parliament adopted a draft law setting up new rules on time limits and penalties for the payment of insurance covers and benefits (the “Law”). The Law will enter into force on the first day of the 6th month following its publication in the Official Gazette – which should […]
RGPD et Amendes Administratives | Importantes précisions apportées par la CJEU
Le 5 décembre 2023, la Cour de justice de l’Union européenne a rendu deux arrêts importants1 précisant les conditions pour imposer une amende administrative à un responsable de traitement en raison d’une violation du Règlement général sur la protection des données (règlement 2016/679 du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 27 avril 2016 relatif à […]
Video Games Series | The Use of Personal Data in the Industry
The video game industry’s increasing reliance on personal data presents a complex legal landscape that game developers must carefully navigate. As the gaming landscape evolves, the role of personal data becomes more pronounced. This article delves into two key aspects: the utilisation of personal data in game analytics and the recurrent theme of data breaches […]
