Product Law bulletin – August 2020

Welcome to the latest edition of our Product Law update, a varied and interesting read covering autonomous vehicles, guidance on non-disclosure clauses in product liability settlements, a pragmatic approach from governments to the development of a Covid-19 vaccine and a change in the landscape for fake goods and online marketplaces.

The Law and Autonomous Vehicles
On 18 August 2020, the UK government took another step towards allowing automated vehicles on the UK’s roads, with the Department for Transport requesting industry’s views on the use of Automated Lane Keeping Systems technology. But what impact are such technologies likely to have on the law and insurance market? Read more.

OPSS provides guidance on the use of non-disclosure clauses in settlement agreements
Manufacturers are understandably keen to avoid any negative publicity in relation to their products, especially if their product is linked to the injury of a consumer. Read more.

AstraZeneca to receive an indemnity from liability claims for Covid-19 vaccine
AstraZeneca has been granted protection from future product liability claims related to its COVID-19 vaccine by most of the countries with which it has struck supply agreements, a senior executive told Reuters. Read more.

Fake goods and online marketplaces
Since May this year 35 people have been prosecuted and convicted in China for producing and selling counterfeit Dyson hair dryers with prison sentences ranging between 18 months and 6 years. This follows a raid at factory premises said to have produced more than 19,000 counterfeit hair dryers. Read more.