Category: Latest News

New Acas Guidance for Breastfeeding in the Workplace

Posted on by Aston Bond Law Firm

Acas has published a guide, Accommodating breastfeeding employees in the workplace, to assist employers and employees with managing requests to breastfeed in the workplace. The guidance identifies employers’ legal requirements in relation to employees’ requests for facilities to express and store breast milk and time away from work to do so. It also provides examples of good practice for employers to support employees who are still breastfeeding by facilitating their return to work.

Our solicitors in Slough assist clients across England and Wales with employment law matters. This includes the law surrounding breastfeeding in the workplace. Furthermore, due to the fact that we act for and support the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers our team of solicitors are compassionate and experienced in representing individuals who believe they have been wrongfully denied breastfeeding rights in the workplace. Moreover, we also assist employers in relation to breastfeeding in the workplace.

Dion McCarthy, Litigation & Employment Solicitor Advocate

dmccarthy@astonbond.co.uk

If your currently undergoing a dispute at work with your employer or employee in relation to breastfeeding in the workplace please contact our specialist employment law solicitors in Slough. Call us on 01753 486 777 or email info@astonbond.co.uk. Alternatively, you can visit our offices at 135 High Street, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 1DN.

Intellectual Property Law: How to Protect Your Personal Image

Posted on by Aston Bond Law Firm

David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand and Usain Bolt are just a handful of big names whose images are highly valuable along with big name groups such as Take That and One Direction. It is for this reason that English intellectual property law now allows individuals and groups to protect themselves from being wrongfully connected to product or service endorsements or sponsorships.

The new law is interesting. Not only does it allow you to protect the name of an individual or group but also protect the silhouette, features, mannerisms, photographs, illustrations and signature. Furthermore, by registering such intellectual property law protection you will gain full commercial control of yourself and you will be able to, in the eyes of the law, stop others from infringing upon it.

The new intellectual property law protection is formally called ‘image rights’ and can be registered through the Guernsey Registry. And while the new ‘image rights’ law is certain to cause many disputes across England and Wales it is also certain to provide valuable individuals with further ways to protect their personal brands.

Ashton Hudson, Online Marketing Executive 

ahudson@astonbond.co.uk

Our solicitors in Slough assist clients across England and Wales with intellectual property law and 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Aston Bond Celebrates Halloween

Posted on by Aston Bond Law Firm

At Aston Bond Halloween is one of our favourite events of the year and the entire team love to dress up (some more than others); and this year was no different. The entire team of solicitors at Aston Bond came together this Halloween with a day of fancy dress and a march around Slough’s High Street.

Furthermore, our in-house conveyancing solicitor Vicky Graham won the competition for “best dressed”! Below we have compiled a selection of pictures from this years celebration.

 

Halloween Costumes on Solicitors in Slough Scary

 

Halloween Costumes on Solicitors Scary

 

Commercial Law Solicitor Pirate Halloween Costume

 

Halloween Costumes on Solicitors in Slough Scary

 

If you would like to see more pictures form our Halloween celebrations please visit out Facebook page.

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.

Chelsea Football Club to Hire its First In-House Legal Advisor

Posted on by Aston Bond Law Firm

As a full service law firm with a large array of solicitors handling a large array of legal matters Aston Bond has assisted clients in many different situations. However, we are yet to assist an internationally renowned football club such as Chelsea Football Club; who are looking to employ their first in-house legal advisor in the coming months.

This comes after a handful of international clubs including Manchester United and Liverpool have begun to hire their own in-house legal advisor to review contracts and also handle any legal matters within the club.

However, Chelsea’s in-house legal advisor will handle much more than contracts; their role will also include handling intellectual property, employment law, sports law, as well as commercial matters.

With the role yet to be filled many legal professionals are sure to jump at the opportunity. However, Chelsea FC does have one pre-set requirement: a minimum of three years’ experience within a major City practice.

Moreover, Chelsea Football Club have also noted that being able to speak multiple European languages would also be a plus; primarily Russian.

However, even if you are not Chelsea Football Club and require assistance with commercial law, intellectual property or employment law give us a call on 01753 486 777.

But who will get the ball in the back of the net as Chelsea’s legal advisor?

Ashton Hudson, Online Marketing Executive

ahudson@astonbond.co.uk