Trainees take on business

Speech is golden

Published on 05 November 2018. By Ben Harris, Trainee Solicitor

With voice shopping projected to rise to £3.5 billion in UK sales by 2022, we consider how smart speakers are making waves and breaking barriers in the retail sector.

Meet your new loss adjustor: the drone

Published on 10 October 2018. By Leah Wood, Trainee Solicitor

Listed by Lloyd's in 2016 as an 'emerging risk', drones have caught insurers' attention in the last few years. However, the potential benefits for the industry go further than the new capital received from premiums.

The Retail empire strikes back

Published on 29 August 2018. By Alex Farrow, Associate

Like Rocky in Rocky I, II, III, IV, V and "Rocky Balboa" (yes, there were really that many) the retail sector has taken a bit of a battering of late. However, like any prize fighter, the industry could be on the verge of another evolution and fighting back. The general perception is that traditional bricks and mortar retailers have struggled, those with a strong online offering have fared better, but retailers that have fared best are those dominating the online retail space. With so many traditional stores and household names in trouble, why are businesses still investing in physical stores?

Has Instagram made it cool to be sensible?

Published on 15 August 2018. By Samantha Thompson, Associate

Recent studies suggest that teenage rebellion is a thing of the past. The post-millennial age group, a.k.a. 'Generation Sensible', is apparently more interested in studying and family-time than ever before. Social media has been cited as a contributing factor, as it reduces the need for face-to-face contact between friends. But has it had a more active role in this behavioural shift?

Micro-investing: from small acorns…

Published on 25 July 2018. By Katie Fry-Paul, Trainee Solicitor

With the number of card payments overtaking cash for the first time, spare a thought for the piggy-banks of the nation. Where once they were full to the brim with coppers, they now lie forgotten and unused. So what are people now doing with their spare change? Not investing, it would seem…

Bike sharing: running green or running riot?

Published on 13 July 2018. By Milo Qin, Registered Foreign Lawyer

The two largest Chinese bike sharing companies, Ofo and Mobike, both started operation in the UK last year. Unlike the local schemes, their users are able to park the bikes at any appropriate location, rather than a designated parking dock. Though these "dockless" schemes emerged in a bid to promote a greener life, they have attracted increasing concern because of the environmental and economical hazards they create.

Big Data in Insurance

11 June 2018

Big data is creating change in the insurance industry both by leveraging historic insurance data and by using new data sources to create exciting new opportunities.

A Royal comparison: who did it best?

Published on 24 May 2018. By Mafruhdha Miah, Trainee Solicitor

Now that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have returned to London to begin their new lives as a Royal couple, we take a look back at how their wedding compared to the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011.

The ‘Meghan effect’: its impact on retailers

Published on 18 May 2018. By Emily Rome, Associate

The right people endorsing a brand can have a significant impact on its popularity. For example, brands that have been associated with Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle have seen a huge surge in their profile.

The "I dos" and don'ts of Royal marketing and merchandise

Published on 17 May 2018. By Anna Greco, Associate

While most Royal subjects prepare the bunting and the sandwiches, many businesses will be looking for ways to capitalise on the hype and goodwill generated around the occasion. But how can brands ensure that they don't crash the wedding?

Raise a glass to Harry and Meghan

Published on 16 May 2018. By Matthew Plampton, Trainee Solicitor

Pub licensing hours across England and Wales will be extended on the weekend of the Royal wedding. This will undoubtedly provide a much needed boost to the British beer and pub sector. However, what has caused the traditional British pub's decline and how can the sector be turned around?

A royal impact on the economy?

15 May 2018

This week will see another Royal wedding when Prince Harry marries American actress Meghan Markle. These celebrations arguably raise the international opinion of the UK, lift the national mood and lead to an influx of tourists. But how do events such as a Royal wedding actually impact the economy?

Unlocking blockchain in the insurance industry

Published on 03 May 2018. By Harry Collins, Trainee Solicitor

While many tout blockchain networks as being the biggest technological breakthrough of a generation, we take a look at whether the technology is ready to take the insurance industry by storm.

A Virtual Reality Check

Published on 25 April 2018. By Daisy Fulton, Trainee Solicitor

Article exploring the growth of virtual reality (VR) and the legal issues which are emerging including product liability, data and privacy risks, and the 'laws' of the virtual world as a jurisdiction in itself.

Can the WTO assist British trade post-Brexit?

Published on 26 March 2018. By Max Rossiter, Trainee Solicitor

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has been in the press recently perhaps more than it would like, with concerns being raised about whether its rules would be sufficient to maintain British trade in the event of a "hard Brexit". But what is the WTO, and how does it deal with disputes?

Open Banking: a slow revolution?

Published on 05 March 2018. By Katie Fry-Paul, Trainee Solicitor

The European Commission's Revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2) was implemented on 13 January 2018, with little fanfare. However, the ideas that PSD2 seeks to promote look set to change the face of banking, both for service providers and for customers. Amongst other requirements, PSD2 obliges banks to allow authorised Account Information Service Providers (AISPs) and Payment Initiation Service Providers (PISPs) access to customer account data, where the customer has given both the bank and the AISP or PISP permission for them to do so.

The Gig Economy: a Pressure Cooker of Problems

Published on 20 February 2018. By Umut Bektas, Trainee Solicitor

What do companies such as Deliveroo, Uber and Handy all have in common? They have all become hugely successful in the era of the gig economy. But what is the gig economy and what problems does the market face in today's society?

ICOs in Hong Kong

Published on 13 February 2018. By Christopher To, Trainee Solicitor

We have all seen the rise in the price of Bitcoin in the last year, and may also be aware (at the very least) of the existence of ICOs. But what are ICOs? And what legal framework do they operate in? ICOs in Hong Kong.

Trainees Take on 2018: can we predict the unpredictable?

Published on 08 February 2018. By Daisy Fulton, Trainee Solicitor and Anna Greco, Associate and Leah Wood, Trainee Solicitor and Samantha Thompson, Associate and Matthew Plampton, Trainee Solicitor

Despite the rollercoaster that was 2017, our trainees did fairly well in predicting its twists and turns, including that Trump would continue without restraint on Twitter. In an attempt to continue our success, the trainees have submitted their predictions for 2018. Disclaimer: we failed to foresee the rise in Bitcoin last year (and therefore must continue to work), so please do not rely on the below for your investment advice! Read on to see our bets on Brexit, US Politics, the World Cup and 'automated bundling'!

Trainees took on 2017: were they right?

30 January 2018

Following RPC trainees' 2017 "predictions", our editors take a look back at the key trends and events over the last 12 months to determine whether the trainees were right!

Big Data, big problems?

Published on 18 January 2018. By Ella Shanks, Trainee Solicitor

Big Data is here to stay, whether we like it or not. It has transformed the way businesses operate and continues to streamline everyday life for individuals. However, Big Data has big implications for privacy; this blog considers the highs and lows of Big Data and what the law is doing to intervene.

Trial by Social Media

Published on 18 December 2017. By Matthew Plampton, Trainee Solicitor

In a society filled with instant news and where anyone with an internet connection can publish an opinion, is an objective unbiased jury still achievable?

Trump calls out Chinese IP practices

Published on 29 November 2017. By Lorcan Treacy, Trainee Solicitor

Although Donald Trump implicitly calling Kim-Jong Un 'short and fat' might have stolen the headlines, the President's first official visit to Asia has also indicated that he is serious about his 'America First' policy, and protecting intellectual property.

"Cash is king"? The rise of the "tap and go" cashless society

Published on 08 November 2017. By Heather Rimmer, Associate

Blink and you'll miss it. In the age of increasing cashless payments and "tap and go" transactions, what are the consequences for businesses, consumers and society?

Insurtech Jargon 101: What does it all mean?

01 October 2017

"Insurtech" is a nebulous concept broadly referring to innovative technology in the insurance industry. Comments on insurtech are often littered with references to specific computing concepts which individually are pretty straight-forward. However, when used in conjunction with one another with no further explanation, insurtech jargon can sound much more complex than it really is. I explain some of the key terms below.

Amazon and the $200billion Internet Economy in South East Asia

Published on 30 August 2017. By Sophie Tuson, Associate

Amazon's launch in Singapore last month marks the internet giant's official entry into South East Asia. Sophie Tuson explores why the region, and Singapore in particular, provides such fertile ground for e-commerce businesses in search of growth.

Lights, camera, legal action

Published on 07 August 2017. By Charlotte Thompson, Associate

The law has proven a popular subject of television programmes for decades. Charlotte Thompson explores whether the drama of real life trials may soon reach the small screen.

Food for thought

Published on 19 July 2017. By Emily Rome, Associate

With New Year's resolutions to eat better now long forgotten, we discuss some top tips to push that 4pm sugar slump and ensure ultimate concentration while at work.

From Giant Swans to English Gentlemen: naming conventions for English law firms in China

Published on 05 July 2017. By Milo Qin, Registered Foreign Lawyer

May 2017 marked an important moment for RPC – our London and Hong Kong offices now operate as a single entity, boosting the firm's promotion of its brand in the Greater China area.

Fitness and a Full Time Job

Published on 23 June 2017.

With sedentary and time-consuming jobs, it can be difficult to find the time to get the recommended level of exercise in each week. Rebecca May considers how to juggle fitness and a full time job.

Tackling the Problem of Fake News

08 June 2017

It is widely believed that fake news has had an impact on some of the most controversial recent political decisions.

Why the winner won't take it all in tomorrow's General Election

07 June 2017

William Kark, RPC Trainee, considers the other key players - such as backbenchers, House of Lords, Gina Miller - in the General Election on 8 June 2017.

Lightning in a Bot-tle – political conversation in the age of automation

Published on 06 June 2017. By Jonathan Greenway, Associate

Robots are responsible for one in eight tweets about the General Election.

Brexit means Brexit?

Published on 05 June 2017. By Emily Rome, Associate

The 21st Century Silk Road – China's Belt & Road Initiative

Published on 18 May 2017. By Rico Chan, Legal Manager

China's "One Belt, One Road" has attracted widespread attention in Asia since 2013. But what is it about? What are the opportunities ahead? And what should foreign investors be aware of?

Supporting a mentally healthy workforce

Published on 10 May 2017. By Heather Rimmer, Associate

In Mental Health Week Heather Rimmer considers how the workplace affects those struggling with their mental health and what businesses can do to help.

The rise and rise of e-sports

28 April 2017

With the announcement that e-sports will be included in the official programme for the 2022 Asian Games, competitive gaming is now a globally significant brand, and the once-derided pastime of playing video games is now a viable, and lucrative, career opportunity.

No more payouts for ticket touts?

19 April 2017

Ticket touts are exploiting sports and entertainment fans by artificially inflating ticket prices. Will the recent amendments to the Digital Economy Bill (DEB) be effective at preventing this unfair practice?

Easter and the Cocoa Calamity

Published on 13 April 2017. By Samantha Thompson, Associate

With the world in the midst of a cocoa crisis, this could be the last Easter as you know it.

China’s consumer credit rating culture is evolving fast - probably too fast?

Published on 10 April 2017. By Christopher To, Trainee Solicitor

Ratings are a big deal; school ratings, restaurant ratings and movie ratings to name but a few. There is now at least one more rating that matters to people in mainland China - online credit ratings.

Choppy waters ahead: the decline of North Sea oil

Published on 03 April 2017. By James Ablett, Associate

On 8 February 2017, Royal Dutch Shell unveiled its plans for decommissioning the Brent oilfield. Many other producers of North Sea oil are considering ceasing operation, or have already done so. However, the decline of this industry may herald the emergence of another: what opportunities does decommissioning present?

The role of executive pay in promoting responsible business

Published on 24 March 2017. By Holly Pownall, Associate

Executive pay is a thorny issue. Well-structured remuneration packages can help to ensure that companies are run responsibly for the benefit of shareholders, employees, customers, and wider society. However, when improperly designed, executive pay packages can encourage short-term and risky behaviour which dents public confidence in business.

Computer says...sell, sell, sell!

Published on 14 February 2017. By Alex Farrow, Associate

False news stories and the stock market - a toxic combination or a risk-taker's dream?

Trainees Take on 2017: another year of surprises?

Published on 01 February 2017. By Chloe Johnston, Associate

2016 was the year of news which no one could have guessed, so perhaps the RPC trainees have taken on the impossible with “predictions” for 2017! This year will see life-changing decisions made on both sides of the Atlantic come to a head: Trump was sworn in on 20 January and the UK will begin the process of untangling itself from the EU in March. These events, amongst others, will surely make for another rollercoaster of a year, so read on to see what else we think might happen over the next 12 months.

Sugar tax: a sweet deal?

Published on 10 January 2017. By George Barratt, Trainee Solicitor

The government is trying to curb the nation's sweet tooth this new year, with plans to introduce a new levy on sugary drinks.

Policing the internet - an age old problem

Published on 05 January 2017. By Joseph Byrne, Associate

Porn, violence, gambling – how we deal with these taboos of the digital age is a big question, and one which the UK government has started to tackle.

Trainees Take on 2016: A Year in Review

Published on 22 December 2016. By Sophie Tuson, Associate

Placing a £10 bet on Donald Trump, Brexit and Leicester City winning the Premier League this year would have made you a millionaire… 30 times over.

The Twelve "Laws" of Christmas

Published on 20 December 2016. By Harriet Evans, Associate

With the festive season upon us, we take a look at twelve "laws" and determine their legality with a festive twist.

Has Brexit cancelled Christmas?

Published on 25 November 2016. By Dani Barnes, Associate

The pressure is on for brands to compete for advertising success. But what is it about the festive period that encourages brands to spend increasingly eye-watering sums year on year? And has Brexit impacted brands' willingness to splash their cash on adverts this Christmas?

Smartphones, smartwatches... 'smart' offices?

Published on 18 November 2016. By Sophie Tuson, Associate

Robot security guards, coffee machines that remember how you like your cappuccino, and smartphone apps which enable employees to control heating and lighting at the touch of a button. Welcome to the brave new world of the ‘smart’ office.