Helpful Blogs

Introduction Universities face growing pressure to collaborate with industry more efficiently but with fewer resources, while still managing risk, compliance, IP, and reputation. Add in publication rights, commercial confidentiality, public sector duties, and funder requirements and it’s clear why AI is often pitched as a magic wand, but does it genuinely help or just disguise risk as efficiency.   How AI could help in practice Initial review and comparison   Quickly pinpoin

Introduction When was the last time you clicked “Accept All” for cookies without a second thought? Most of us have done it, especially when we’re in a hurry. The fact is that many websites use cookie consent pop-ups or templates that don’t reflect the reality behind the scenes. They can be vague about why cookies are used, how long data is stored, and often fail to disclose that third-party companies are tracking users.   Giving Consent to Cookies Whether a business is a smal

Why Liability Limits Matter When businesses enter contracts, they often include clauses to limit or exclude liability if things go wrong....

⚖️Forewarned is Forearmed For many people, buying or selling a business is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Legal terms alone can feel overwhelming and worries about fairness or “getting it wrong” can create real stress. Being well-prepared is just as important as understanding the legalities. When both sides know what to expect, transactions are smoother, quicker, and far less stressful especially when a single legal advisor is guiding both parties.   📊Preparing as a Buyer Clari

Exploring the Pros & Cons of Overlapping Two Key Research Functions   Introduction In several universities, research contracts teams and procurement teams are now working side by side in a single department. The idea is that this could simplify processes, cut duplication, and help researchers get what they need faster. But is it the right move?   Current Roles of Procurement and Research Contracts   Procurement When universities collaborate with external organisations on rese

Introduction Whether browsing a website, installing an app, or engaging with a social media plug-in, it’s second nature to click “Accept all.” Yet in doing so, we may be contributing data to systems designed to study and influence our behaviour and effectively become participants in the research process without our informed consent.   💻From Cookies to Consent These days, most people are aware that cookies track browsing behaviour. They allow website owners to identify popula

✨Introduction In Part One of this series, we explored the appeal and hidden pitfalls of off-the-shelf contracts. In Part Two, we consider...

This is the first in a two-part series exploring the risks of taking shortcuts with business contracts. In Part One, we’ll look at the appeal but hidden dangers of off-the-shelf templates. In Part Two, we’ll turn to the newer trend: AI-generated contracts.   The Risks Behind Ready-Made Contracts   Running a business often means juggling time and budget, so it’s no surprise that off-the-shelf contracts can look attractive. They’re quick, inexpensive, and promise to cover the e

Introduction   For UK universities conducting research involving personal data, data protection is more than just compliance it’s a...

Workloads, retention issues, and complexity are stretching teams to breaking point. Introduction Research drives innovation,...

Introduction If, as a small business owner, you are considering working with another business to take on a large project, share costs, or...

Introduction Are you thinking about restructuring your company’s shares? Whether you want to raise capital, offer better incentives to employees, or refine shareholder rights, reclassifying shares could be the key. But what does it actually involve, and why do businesses choose to do it? In this blog, we’ll explain share reclassification, its strategic reasons, and its impact on both the company and shareholders. Whether you're preparing for a merger, attracting investors, or

The Selfie That Went Bananas in Court! Taking a Step Back: A Lighter Look at Copyright Law Let’s face it the legal world can be a serious...

Introduction In Part 1 of this blog, we highlighted the immense potential of university-industry partnerships in driving innovation,...

Introduction One of the most high-profile recent collaborations between academia and industry was the partnership between Oxford...

Introduction Electronic signatures are commonly used in both business and personal settings, but what exactly are they? An electronic...

Introduction When it comes to legal contracts, clearly defining the quality of goods or services is not just important—it’s essential. It...

Starting a business is an exciting venture, but it comes with a range of legal requirements that you must adhere to. Here's a brief...

In the busy world of business, the backbone of your operations lies in your commercial contracts. From formal agreements to everyday...

Introduction Using the same Legal Advisor to act on behalf of the buyer and seller of a company/business is a proven method that fosters...