Author: Aston Bond Law Firm

Courts Across the UK Fall Silent as Barristers & Solicitors Protest Against Legal Aid Cuts

Posted on by Aston Bond Law Firm

Courts across England and Wales fell silent this past Monday as criminal barristers and solicitors walked out in protest against recent plans unveiled by the government to cut legal aid.

Courts across the country, in cities such as London, Liverpool, Cardiff, Preston, Birmingham, Bristol and Manchester were closed and hearings were postponed or cancelled as both solicitors and barristers gathered at the entrances in protest against the upcoming legal aid cuts.

However, the Ministry of Justice were quick to claim that the protest caused minimal disruption to the court system across England and Wales. The hardest hit was the Old Bailey court in the heart of London which, on Monday, had only one of its eighteen courts open as hearings were abandoned by barristers and solicitors.

The legal aid cuts were first announced last year after months of speculations and many solicitors and barristers believe they will leave the innocent unprotected as fewer individuals will be able to afford the costs involved in criminal matters.

While our solicitors in Slough do not handle criminal matters we do specialise in POCA law. To find out more about our POCA law matters please visit our specialist POCA law website or call us on 01753 486 777.

Ashton Hudson, Online Marketing Executive 

ahudson@astonbond.co.uk

Our Solicitors in Slough can be contacted by calling 01753 486 777 or emailing info@astonbond.co.uk. Alternatively, you can visit our offices at 135 High Street, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 1DN.

Intellectual Property Law: Can You Copyright an Idea?

Posted on by Aston Bond Law Firm

Millions of Brits watch TV every night, and millions will also visit the Theatre or cinema in the coming weeks. However, when tucking into our popcorn or sinking into our sofas few of us consider the individual who thought up the idea for the show or performance we are watching.

However, the idea behind a TV show, movie or theatre show may be worth millions – but it still lacks the same intellectual property protection that a book, art piece or a piece of music may have.

So, can you copyright an idea?

The answer is not simple as it is dependent on what idea you are trying to protect. For example, a TV show or film may be protected by literary protection or the broadcast of the programme may and likely will be protected by law. However, this may differ with a theatre production.

But there is one area in which all ideas lack protection – the format itself.

Over the past decade a number of high profiled shows have been outsourced to other countries. This includes The X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent and MasterChef. However, many more have appeared around the world with no connection to the original broadcaster or Production Company.

This is, in-fact, because TV shows, movies and other similar products lack format protection – meaning that the format of a show can be copied without any legal protection.

Moreover, while a shows format may be recognizable to its viewers it would be difficult to prove that it has been copied in court.

On the other hand, in the past evidence including catchphrases and set designs have been used to prove or disprove format stealing – highlighting the fact that some aspects of an idea can be used to prove or disprove that it has been stolen.

But one thing is for sure. Your rights can vary dramatically dependent on the idea, its overall value and its overall originality; and it is for this reason that legal consultation should always be taken.

If you believe your design, idea or creation has been illegally copied please do not hesitate to contact our specialist intellectual property solicitors by calling 01753 486 777 or emailing info@astonbond.co.uk. Our specialist intellectual property solicitors can assist with patents, trademarks, and copyright law.

Ashton Hudson, Online Marketing Executive 

ahudson@astonbond.co.uk

Our Solicitors in Slough can be contacted by calling 01753 486 777 or emailing info@astonbond.co.uk. Alternatively, you can visit our offices at 135 High Street, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 1DN.

Employment Tribunal Claims Drop by More than 50% after Tribunal Fee Introduction

Posted on by Aston Bond Law Firm

The number of employment claims being accepted by the Employment Tribunal Service between July and August of 2013 dropped by over 50%, according to Hugh James Solicitors.

The sharp drop in the number of claims being accepted is thought to be a result of the recent introduction of tribunal fees earlier in the year; which introduced a minimum fee of £250 to lodge a claim and £950 for a hearing.

According to Hugh James Solicitors the number of claims accepted by the Employment Tribunal Service fell from 17,153 in July to 7,448 in August, highlighting a dramatic drop in the number of claims being accepted and filled.

If you require further information about the recent changes made to the employment tribunal process please contact our specialist employment solicitors on 01753 486 777 or email Dion McCarthy.

Ashton Hudson, Online Marketing Executive 

ahudson@astonbond.co.uk

Our Solicitors in Slough can be contacted by calling 01753 486 777 or emailing info@astonbond.co.uk. Alternatively, you can visit our offices at 135 High Street, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 1DN.

Number of Students on LPCs Drops by Over 8%

Posted on by Aston Bond Law Firm

The number of students enrolled on full-tine legal practice courses has dropped by over 8% this year, highlighting a significant drop in the number of training contracts on offer to students.

In a recent article published by The Law Society Gazette it was revealed that only 5,198 students enrolled with the 27 LPC providers for 2013 and 2014; seeing a decline of 475 from the previous year.

Furthermore, according to The Law Society Gazette courses are only 44% full on average, highlighting the 37.5% decline in LPC student applications since 2008 and 2009.

While fewer training contracts are being provided Aston Bond is proud to lead the way in introducing the next-generation to the legal sector and we are currently accepting applications for a trainee solicitor and conveyancing assistant.

To read The Law Society Gazette’s original publication click here. Alternatively, you can take a look at our current career opportunities by clicking here.

Ashton Hudson, Online Marketing Executive

ahudson@astonbond.co.uk

Our Solicitors in Slough can be contacted by calling 01753 486 777 or emailing info@astonbond.co.uk. Alternatively, you can visit our offices at 135 High Street, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 1DN.

Why You Need a Solicitor in a Compromised Agreement Case

Posted on by Aston Bond Law Firm

A compromised agreement is a legally binding agreement between you and your employee and will often be used when your employer makes you resign. The reason your employer has forcibly made you resign may vary, it may be due to restructuring of the business, financial restraints upon the business, or a change in company directors mean some employees will be forced into resignation.

However, many employees often resign without taking any further action against their employer; however, you, the employee, may have the right to claim financial payment for your resignation if it has been forced upon you.

While some individuals do represent themselves in a compromised agreement case, or settle out of court with their employer it is likely that you will not gain the highest amount of financial reward by doing this. Furthermore, without any legal representation from a compromised agreement or employment solicitor the agreement may, in-fact, not stand up in court if you need it to at a later date.

At Aston Bond solicitors in Slough our specialist employment law solicitor and compromised agreement solicitor Dion McCarthy handles a wide array of compromised agreement matters.

If you believe you may be entitled to financial payment from you current or previous employer after a forced resignation or wrongful unemployment please contact our compromised agreement  solicitor by calling 01753 486 777 or emailing dmccarthy@astonbond.co.uk.

Ashton Hudson, Online Marketing Executive

ahudson@astonbond.co.uk

Our Solicitors in Slough can be contacted by calling 01753 486 777 or emailing info@astonbond.co.uk. Alternatively, you can visit our offices at 135 High Street, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 1DN.

Social Media Comes Under Fire as Leaks Threaten Court Cases

Posted on by Aston Bond Law Firm

With social media now being as much of a communication tool as the telephone once was many individuals are turning to websites such as Twitter, Facebook and Google+ to air their opinions on the big stories hitting the headlines that day.

However, the attorney general, Dominic Grieve QC, has said today that he will publish guidance on Twitter to help prevent social media users from committing contempt of court when commenting on current and past legal cases.

This comes after many popular celebrities, including Peaches Geldof, have received backlash from the courts after releasing classified information over social media sites during trials. In the case of Peaches Geldof, who shared the names of two mothers who had allowed their children to be abused by rock singer Ian Watkins, she later apologised for her tweets. However, many other individuals continue to share highly sensitive and classified information throughout social media which puts both others’ lives and court cases in danger.

However, while many air their opinions throughout social media it is, in-fact, the release of private or classified information relating to current and pass court cases which is considered to be contempt of court; which individuals can be prosecuted for.

Moreover, as social media becomes a prominent part of our lives further laws will be put in place to protect past criminals identities and protect the information spoken about in court and avoid further leaks of information.

If you would like to learn more about your rights and responsibilities when using social media sites please read our blog post. Furthermore, follow us on Twitter for updates from the team.

Ashton Hudson, Online Marketing Executive

ahudson@astonbond.co.uk

Our Solicitors in Slough can be contacted by calling 01753 486 777 or emailing info@astonbond.co.uk. Alternatively, you can visit our offices at 135 High Street, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 1DN.

Conveyancing assistant/secretary role

Posted on by Aston Bond Law Firm

Aston Bond are now accepting applications for a new position at our Slough based law firm. The new position, conveyancing assistant/secretary, is open to individuals with experience within the industry. Look below for more information on the position.

We are a growing full service law firm in Slough. We are currently recruiting a conveyancing assistant in our rapidly expanding conveyancing department.

Day to day responsibilities will be to assist fee earners. Experience is needed in the following areas:

  • Dealing with post exchange work i.e. dealing with mortgage companies and clients
  • Preparing draft completion statements
  • Pre-completion searches
  • Attending to completions
  • Dealing with stamp duty and registering at the Land Registry
  • Dealing with clients and third parties by telephone and e-mail

Role is suitable for a legal executive, part qualified legal executive or an experienced legal secretary.

Job type: permanent, full-time
Date posted: 28 November 2012
Salary: competitive
Start date: immediate

To apply or enquire about this role, please send a CV and cover letter to Stephen Puri by e-mail to spuri@astonbond.co.uk.

Dion McCarthy, Litigation & Employment Solicitor Advocate

dmccarthy@astonbond.co.uk

Our Solicitors in Slough can be contacted by calling 01753 486 777 or emailinginfo@astonbond.co.uk. Alternatively, you can visit our offices at 135 High Street, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 1DN.

Internal appeal process continuing past 3 month deadline

Posted on by Aston Bond Law Firm

The statutory test that must be satisfied in order to bring an employment tribunal claim after 3 months from the effective date of termination (EDT) is that it was “not reasonably practicable” to do so.

The fact that an employee is pursuing an internal appeal does not, of itself, mean that it is not reasonably practicable for the employee to submit an employment tribunal claim within 3 months of the EDT, even if this means submitting the employment tribunal claim before the appeal has been concluded.

An application to extend the time limit for bringing an employment tribunal claim cannot be made preemptively i.e. before the 3 month deadline expires. Therefore, it would be advisable to file an employment claim at tribunal within the deadline, as opposed to making an after-the-event application – with no guarantee of success.

If an employee’s internal process is pending, it is advisable to request a stay of proceedings i.e. the claim be frozen, until completion of the internal appeal procedure.

Dion McCarthy, Litigation & Employment Solicitor Advocate

dmccarthy@astonbond.co.uk

Our Solicitors in Slough can be contacted by calling 01753 486 777 or emailinginfo@astonbond.co.uk. Alternatively, you can visit our offices at 135 High Street, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 1DN.

Red Tape Challenge: How The Government Is Loosening Business Name Restrictions

Posted on by Aston Bond Law Firm

The Government is loosening its restriction on sensitive words in company names. From 2014, businesses may no longer require the approval of relevant authorities to use words such as ‘regulation’, ‘national’, ‘international’, ‘authority’ and ‘European’ in the names of their companies.

In the past the Companies House have been able to reject names that contain these sensitive words, and them which are offensive or suggest affiliation with a government authority. Approximately 30% of applications containing prescribed words are rejected by Companies House each month.

In order to cut the amount of red tape surrounding the incorporation of companies, the Government is proposing to remove the words ‘abortion’, ‘authority’, ‘banknote’, ‘board’, ‘data protection’, ‘disciplinary’, ‘discipline’, ‘European’, ‘Giro’, ‘group’, ‘holding’, ‘human rights’, ‘international’, ‘national’, ‘oversight’, ‘pregnancy termination’, ‘register’, ‘registered’, ‘registration’, ‘registry’, ‘regulation’, ‘rule committee’, ‘United Kingdom’ and ‘watchdog’ from this list of sensitive words.

At present, businesses need to obtain approval from relevant bodies or Companies House in order to use these sensitive words in their company names. This prevents businesses from misleading customers about their business’ activities or from using racially or religiously offensive words. This change, along with others proposed by the Government as part of their red tape challenge, will reduce the amount of administrative tasks for start-up businesses. However, businesses must still remain careful as to not mislead customers through their company names and obtain approval for names suggesting a connection with a Government authority.

For further assistance on trademark, copyright or intellectual property matters please contact our intellectual property solicitors by calling 01753 486 777 or emailing info@astonbond.co.uk. Alternatively, you can find out more about our IP solutions by clicking here.

Dion McCarthy, Litigation & Employment Solicitor Advocate

dmccarthy@astonbond.co.uk

Our Solicitors in Slough can be contacted by calling 01753 486 777 or emailing info@astonbond.co.uk. Alternatively, you can visit our offices at 135 High Street, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 1DN.

The Worlds Most Valuable Trademarks

Posted on by Aston Bond Law Firm

A trademark is a name, or image that has been protected by its owner. For example, Apple’s logo is trademarked by Apple Inc. as is the name “Apple” within five nice classes. By trademarking the Apple logo and name Apple have prohibited any use of its logo or name in certain circumstances (e.g. computer terminals).

However, to some of the worlds biggest brands a trademark is much more than simple a piece of paper protecting its logo but its a document which stops potential competitors using its name without permission; and in order to protect their brand identity many brands are willing to pay big bucks to secure its brands name around the world.

Within this blog post I will run through the top 5 most valuable trademarks registered around the world.

Google

The “Google” trademark is valued at an amazing $44.3 billion, making it the most valuable trademark in the world. And since it was originally registered in 1999 the trademark has seen a boom in value as Google becomes one of the worlds most recognizable brands and most valuable companies.

Microsoft 

Much like Google Microsoft is one of the worlds most recognizable brands, and with a revenue of over $77 billion in 2013 alone they have worked hard to protect its valuable name. The “Microsoft” trademark is valued at $42.8 billion worldwide.

Walmart 

While Walmart is a less recognizable brand for individuals living in Britain its certainly both recognisable and highly respected across the pond with its trademark being valued at $36.2 billion. However, with over 2 million employees and a revenue running into the hundreds of billions the Walmart brand is considered one of the most valuable in the world.

IBM

IBM’s trademark is valued at an amazing $36.2 billion; making its trademark more valuable than the companies entire operating income in 2012. However, the world famous consultancy and computer hardware company has grown dramatically since its founding and continues to see growth today.

Vodafone 

With Vodafone’s trademark being valued at $30.7 billion its the highest value trademark for a British based business; and with a worldwide consumer based the company is considered one of the most recognizable telecommunication brands in the world.

So, while a trademark may appear to most as a simple “TM” after a logo, the worlds biggest brands see trademarks as much more. And with an in-house intellectual property solicitor Aston Bond has assisted many small and large businesses over the years with their trademark applications; and as more are registered more are likely to increase in value.

Vinesh Patel, Paralegal 

vpatel@astonbond.co.uk

Our Solicitors in Slough can be contacted by calling 01753 486 777 or emailing info@astonbond.co.uk. Alternatively, you can visit our offices at 135 High Street, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 1DN.