Legal Network International’s update on global IP and trade mark news from the member firms of the Legal Network International (LNI).
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Month: October 2025
JP Karsenty & Associés IP Newsletter, October 2025
The JP Karsenty & Associés Intellectual Property Newsletter, October 2025 written by Pierre Trusson, with assistance from Béryl Boyer, reviews the following news.
DISPARAGEMENT: Sanction of the letter of formal notice sent by the IP right holder to resellers to inform them of a “possible infringement”.
In this judgment, the Cour de cassation held that information sent by a copyright holder to third parties on the existence of a “possible infringement of its own products and acts likely to fall within the scope of unfair and parasitic competition” constitutes an act of disparagement when it is not based on a prior court decision.
Therefore, the Court of Cassation sanctioned the sending of a letter of formal notice containing the indication that the marketing of the disputed products was “likely to constitute an act of copyright infringement” or that such acts of sale are “at the very least, likely to be qualified as an act of unfair and parasitic competition”.
FOCUS IP goes into detail about this shutdown and the need to be particularly careful.
Read the full newsletter:
English: Newsletter, October 2025, Intellectual Property
Français: Newsletter, Octobre 2025, Propriete Intellectuelle
See more information on French member firm JP Karsenty.
Boyanov & Co Insights into the EU Data Act: What Businesses in Bulgaria Need to Know
The EU Data Act (Regulation (EU) 2023/2854) became fully applicable on 12 September 2025, introducing far-reaching rules on data access and use across the EU. Its impact extends well beyond technology companies and will affect many businesses operating in Bulgaria: from manufacturers of connected products to service providers and users of cloud solutions.
The latest article of BOYANOV & Co. provides a practical overview of the Data Act, highlighting its most significant obligations and their implications for Bulgarian businesses. It also outlines steps companies should take now to ensure compliance.
Access the full article – What Businesses in Bulgaria Need to Know
See more about Boyanov & Co.
PBW Law Promotes One of Scotland’s Youngest Partners
Scottish legal practice PBW Law has announced the promotion of Michael McKitrick to Partner, recognising his outstanding contributions to the practice. At the time of his promotion, Michael, who is 30 years old, is one of the youngest solicitors in Scotland to achieve partnership status.
Michael began his professional journey with PBW Law in 2019, working part-time while completing his diploma at the University of Strathclyde. Prior to this, he studied for his LLB at the University of Stirling. He joined the firm full-time as a trainee solicitor in October 2020, qualified in 2022, and was promoted to senior solicitor in 2024.
Since qualifying, Michael has built a diverse litigation practice split equally between civil and criminal matters. He has particular expertise in cases involving police officers and high-profile public inquiries, and he regularly appears in courts across Scotland. His recent highlights include:
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Leading major Fatal Accident Inquiries, including the Sheku Bayoh Inquiry, the Scottish Covid Inquiry, and the M9 Inquiry.
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Managing the landmark “Allard” case on behalf of the Scottish Police Federation, successfully recovering approximately £5 million in unpaid wages and interest for 177 members.
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Handling complex civil claims, including police misconduct cases, judicial reviews of Police Scotland decisions, and personal injury and damages actions.
Michael McKitrick, Partner at PBW Law, said: “I am proud to join the partnership team at PBW Law. It has been an honour to work alongside such talented colleagues and to contribute to cases that make a real difference. I am especially grateful for the trust Peter has placed in me and the time he has invested in developing me as a lawyer. Very few are fortunate to have a mentor who has had a career like Peter’s. His guidance has shaped my career in ways I can never fully put into words.”
PBW Law’s Senior Partner, Professor Peter Watson, added: “Michael’s promotion reflects his exceptional legal expertise, commitment to excellence, and dedication to clients. From his early days working part-time with the firm to becoming a key member of our litigation team, Michael has consistently demonstrated professionalism and attention to detail. It is a pleasure to work alongside him and watch his career continue to develop.”
Michael joins PBW Law’s partnership team alongside existing partner Pamela Rodgers, further strengthening the firm’s leadership and commitment to excellence across all areas of practice.
PBW Law is one of Scotland’s leading boutique legal firms, known for its work in both civil and criminal law. Since 2015, Professor Peter Watson has led the firm, based in Glasgow, which has become one of Scotland’s most successful boutique legal practices. Professor Watson was among the first lawyers in Scotland to qualify as a Solicitor Advocate and currently serves as President of the British Academy of Forensic Sciences (BAFS).
PBW Law is recognised by Chambers and Partners for its expertise in Police Law (Mainly Defendant), and the firm’s Senior Partner, Professor Peter Watson, holds an individual lawyer ranking. PBW Law is also a member of Legal Network International (LNI) and was the first Scottish firm to join the alliance.
See more articles from our member firm in Scotland, PBW Law.