Trainees take on business
A Royal comparison: who did it best?
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.
Read moreThe ‘Meghan effect’: its impact on retailers
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.
Read moreThe "I dos" and don'ts of Royal marketing and merchandise
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?
Read moreRaise a glass to Harry and Meghan
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?
Read moreA royal impact on the economy?
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?
Read moreUnlocking blockchain in the insurance industry
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.
Read moreA Virtual Reality Check
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.
Read moreCan the WTO assist British trade post-Brexit?
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?
Read moreOpen Banking: a slow revolution?
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.
Read moreThe Gig Economy: a Pressure Cooker of Problems
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?
Read moreICOs in Hong Kong
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.
Read moreTrainees Take on 2018: can we predict the unpredictable?
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'!
Read moreTrainees took on 2017: were they right?
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!
Read moreBig Data, big problems?
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.
Read moreTrial by Social Media
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?
Read moreTrump calls out Chinese IP practices
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.
Read more"Cash is king"? The rise of the "tap and go" cashless society
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?
Read moreInsurtech Jargon 101: What does it all mean?
"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.
Read moreAmazon and the $200billion Internet Economy in South East Asia
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.
Read moreLights, camera, legal action
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.
Read moreFood for thought
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.
Read moreFrom Giant Swans to English Gentlemen: naming conventions for English law firms in China
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.
Read moreFitness and a Full Time Job
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.
Read moreTackling the Problem of Fake News
It is widely believed that fake news has had an impact on some of the most controversial recent political decisions.
Read moreWhy the winner won't take it all in tomorrow's General Election
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.
Read moreLightning in a Bot-tle – political conversation in the age of automation
Robots are responsible for one in eight tweets about the General Election.
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The 21st Century Silk Road – China's Belt & Road Initiative
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?
Read moreSupporting a mentally healthy workforce
In Mental Health Week Heather Rimmer considers how the workplace affects those struggling with their mental health and what businesses can do to help.
Read moreThe rise and rise of e-sports
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.
Read moreNo more payouts for ticket touts?
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?
Read moreEaster and the Cocoa Calamity
With the world in the midst of a cocoa crisis, this could be the last Easter as you know it.
Read moreChina’s consumer credit rating culture is evolving fast - probably too fast?
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.
Read moreChoppy waters ahead: the decline of North Sea oil
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?
Read moreThe role of executive pay in promoting responsible business
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.
Read moreComputer says...sell, sell, sell!
False news stories and the stock market - a toxic combination or a risk-taker's dream?
Read moreTrainees Take on 2017: another year of surprises?
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.
Read moreSugar tax: a sweet deal?
The government is trying to curb the nation's sweet tooth this new year, with plans to introduce a new levy on sugary drinks.
Read morePolicing the internet - an age old problem
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.
Read moreTrainees Take on 2016: A Year in Review
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.
Read moreThe Twelve "Laws" of Christmas
With the festive season upon us, we take a look at twelve "laws" and determine their legality with a festive twist.
Read moreHas Brexit cancelled Christmas?
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?
Read moreSmartphones, smartwatches... 'smart' offices?
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.
Read moreThe Olympic party that nobody wants to host
Rio de Janeiro knows how to throw a party. But now that the dust has settled after the carnival celebration of hosting the Olympic Games, what state has the city been left in?
Read moreThe Future of America
The presidential candidates offer opposing visions for America. This article takes a brief trip into the two possible futures that await the US on 8 November 2016.
Read moreThe cost of power in the US election
Electioneering in the US is big business.
Read moreA Presidential Personality
As much on this side of the pond as on the other, success on the political stage today seems to be determined by candidates’ personalities over their policies.
Read moreChinese 'netizens' and the US Presidential Election
What do grassroots Chinese people think about the US election? Weibo and WeChat, the two dominant online social platforms in China, have provided a mixed answer.
Read moreClinton v Trump: Battle of Policies
Summer 2012: the build up to the election was one of disillusionment, widespread poverty, pervasive economic trouble, and exacerbated inequality. The battle was Obama v Romney. Fast forward four years and here we go again… This time, the battle is Clinton v Trump. The main differential in any political election comes down to policies. So how do the candidates differ?
Read moreThe keys to the White House in six easy steps
Many of us will find the choice between this year's clashing candidates simple, but the system that put these two hopefuls in the frame is slightly less straightforward.
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