Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Our retail team, led by partners Matthew Martin and Gavin Stenton, look at the top stories from across the sector in their latest fashion, luxury and lifestyle round-up, for March. There has been a frenzy of recent activity in the world of footwear, with Steve Madden set to acquire Kurt Geiger, Birkenstock to open a new London store, and the sale of Stuart Weitzman by Tapestry. Meanwhile, Prada is nearing an acquisition of Versace from Capri Holdings Ltd for a price of nearly €1.5 billion, in a deal that would unite two of Italy's best known luxury fashion brands. From luxury to the high street – retailer Topshop, which disappeared from the high street four years ago following the administration of Arcadia Group, has been teasing a return, fuelling hints of a major comeback. Lastly, the team takes a look at what the impact of luxury brands has been on this year's Hollywood awards season. Read the round-up in full here: https://lnkd.in/dV3VMUf3 #fashion #luxury #lifestyle

Companies House has announced key details regarding its introduction of identity verification measures from 8 April 2025. Touted as one of the major reforms under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, identity verification will affect all UK companies and legal entities, applying to all directors, LLP members and those with significant control (among others). In this latest article from the corporate team, global head of corporate Matthew Martin, and senior knowledge lawyer Marina Ehrlich, outline the new identity verification routes, anticipated timings to comply and how businesses can prepare for the new requirements. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/eurkS_E6 #corporate #corporatelaw #corporatetransparency #CompaniesHouse

We are delighted to have been ranked in the WIPR - World IP Review UK Trademark Rankings 2025! WIPR's UK Trademark Rankings offer a comprehensive overview of the UK's trademark landscape, highlighting the leading law firms and practitioners in this area. Not only was the firm recognised as notable in the non-contentious rankings, but partner Gavin Stenton was additionally recognised individually, as a notable practitioner in the non-contentious rankings. Congratulations to all involved! To see the rankings in full, click here: https://lnkd.in/erd_YT3S #IP #intellectualproperty #trademark

Once an early-stage company reaches a certain size, looking for a dedicated space in which to do business will become a priority. However, depending on the current needs of the business, different types of commercial spaces may be more or less appropriate. In this latest article taken from our ‘Navigating the journey of growth’ guide, commercial real estate partner Laura Gorman highlights the popular models for commercial premises, as well as the key issues that start-ups or spinouts need to consider when agreeing lease terms for a commercial property. Read in full here: https://lnkd.in/eeXu-BCz #startup #spinout #commercialproperty #offices

We are delighted to have been shortlisted in The Digital Commonwealth Awards 2025, for 'Best Digital Asset Law Firm'! The category recognises legal teams that handle digital asset matters 'with utter diligence and total care', and the winner will be decided by a panel of independent judges comprised of industry leaders from across the digital and financial industries. Celebrating innovation and excellence across the digital transformation space, including blockchain, crypto, fintech, and Web3, the awards ceremony will be taking place on Monday 28 April at Mansion House, London. For more information about the awards, and to see the shortlists in full, click here: https://lnkd.in/gGamGj6u #digitalassets #crypto #tech #digital 

The recent 'Digital shifts and legal turns' event at our London Wood Street office explored the complexities of digital transformation projects, in partnership with award-winning global consulting firm Elixirr. A big thank you to those who joined us for this illuminating session, including our external speakers, Portia Thornhill, partner and group general counsel at Elixirr, and Oskar Becker, and Tarek Khalil, of German law firm and Multilaw member Schalast. For those who missed the event, or who wish to dive deeper into the legal side of digital transformation, you can listen to our podcast series here: https://lnkd.in/eJygQdDv #digitaltransformation #digital #digitalprojects 

In recent years, the emergence of AI technology has had a huge effect on industries across Europe, with many companies now adopting AI processes to lower costs and increase efficiency. This rise in activity has had an impact on EU legislation, in particular in relation to how both the new technology, and the protection of data, are regulated. At our inaugural life sciences conference held at the end of last year, Cécile Théard-Jallu, partner at De Gaulle Fleurance, spoke on what the current legislative landscape in the EU looks like for AI and data protection. Click the link to watch her session and access the full, on demand series of talks on AI in clinical trials from our conference: https://lnkd.in/eNwA9_Uz #lifesciences #AI #clinicaltrials #data

Our ‘respected shipping practice’ receives high praise in the newly published Chambers and Partners Europe Guide 2025 which highlights the expertise of our teams in both Spain and Greece. Madrid based partners Bernardo Ruiz Lima, Victor Mata Garrido and Gonzalo Alvar are ranked as experts in their field while shipping finance specialist Javier Herreros has been listed as an associate to watch. In Piraeus, Evelyn Komaki and Richard Johnson-Brown are named as key contacts. Particular reference is made to our ‘prompt responses’ and ‘determination to produce good results’ as well as the fact that members of our team are ‘always available’. Read the full details here: https://lnkd.in/eGQrEG92 Well done to all our colleagues who have been recognised this year! #ChambersEurope2025 #legaldirectories #shippinglaw

There is one week left to apply to our 2027 training contract programme – applications close on Friday 28 March. Our training contracts offer extensive exposure to our business and clients, providing trainees with a wide range of experiences as they progress through their seats. Opportunities are available across our London, Basingstoke, Reading, Birmingham, Cambridge, Guildford and Oxford offices. For more information on our 2027 trainee solicitor programme, including what we are looking for, what successful applicants can expect, and how to apply, click here: https://lnkd.in/eq-cK_-C #earlycareers #trainingcontract #traineelawyers #lawcareers

As an early-stage company begins to expand and workloads increase, hiring staff is a natural next step. When doing so, companies must be aware of UK employment law in order to help manage any HR risks. In this latest article taken from our ‘Navigating the journey of growth’ guide, employment managing associate Hester Jewitt explores the differences between employees, workers, and self-employed contractors, how to document the relationship with your workforce, and the forms that disputes with employees can take. Read in full here: https://lnkd.in/ei-zU9vc #corporate #startup #spinout #HR #employees