Art Meets Law: CJEU takes a stand on copyright for DSW Chairs across borders
Court cases brought between 2019-2023 before the Court of Justice of the European Union (“CJEU”) having intellectual property as the subject matter ranked second in terms of their total number (after those involving freedom, security and justice). Navigating the vast IP ocean, one recent case stood out in particular (Case C-227/23 – Kwantum Nederland and …
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The regulation of crypto-assets in Romania. The European legal framework – MiCA Regulation
The regulation of crypto-asset markets at the level of the European Union is no longer a legislative promise, but a legal reality. With the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 on Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA), the Union establishes, for the first time, a unified and directly applicable legal framework specifically designed for digital assets not covered …
Vertical Integration in Franchise Systems: Steering Clear of Legal Risks
I. INTRODUCTION Vertical integration can become a powerful strategy for businesses aiming to enhance innovation, streamline operations, and expand their market reach.
WRC Finds Employer Used Redundancy as “Cloak” to Exit Senior Employee in Ireland
In Mark Langham v JMK Group (ADJ-00047192) the Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”) awarded €125,000 in compensation under the Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977-2015 (the “Acts”) after finding that the Complainant was unfairly dismissed under the “cloak” of redundancy.
Proposed Changes under the General Scheme of the Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024
In 2021, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth announced a comprehensive review of the equality legislation with a view to the promotion of equality and the elimination of discrimination.
WRC Deems Contractor to be an Employee Despite A Contract Existing Between Two Limited Companies
In Paul Lingard v Randridge International Ltd (In Examinership) (ADJ-00053934), the Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”) found that a contractor satisfied the test for an employee set out by the Supreme Court in Revenue Commissioners v Karshan Midlands (Ltd t/a Domino’s Pizza) [2023] IESC 24. Although the contractual relationship was between two limited companies, the WRC …
Government Publishes New Bill on Contractual Retirement Ages
The Government has published the new Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025 (hereinafter referred to as the “Bill”). This Bill is still making its way through Dail Eireann and is yet to be enacted, however it is prudent for employers to familiarise themselves with the proposed changes.
WRC Awards Two Years’ Compensation to Employee Who Was Dismissed Without Cause
In the recent decision of Maria Inmaculada De La Torre Ruiz v Hamilton UK Services Limited (ADJ-00049851), the Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”) found that the dismissal of the Complainant without cause was unfair. She was awarded maximum compensation in the amount of €145,122, equivalent to two years’ remuneration.
High Court overturns Labour Court Decision in High Profile Debenhams Case
Background: In Debenhams Retail Ireland Limited (In Liquidation) v Jane Crowe [2025] IEHC 141, Barr J. reversed a decision of the Labour Court which found that Debenhams Retail Ireland (“the Appellant”) owed their former employee, Jane Crowe, (“the Respondent”) €1,140 for a breach of its obligations under section 9 the Protection of Employment Act, 1977 …
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WRC Find it is Not Unlawful for Employer to Enforce Mandatory Retirement Age, Despite Shortcomings in Following Code of Practice
Eugene McEnery v Partners in Logistics Ltd (ADJ-00052442) concerned an employee who alleged he was subjected to discriminatory treatment by his employer on the grounds of his age, when he was forced to retire six months after reaching the age of 65. This case was brought before the Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”) under the Employment …