COVID-19 Weekly Report
25 – 31 May 2020
Table of contents
1. Executive summary. 4
2. Weekly snapshot 5
2.1. Chart 1: top 10 Lexology work areas with most COVID-19-related content 5
2.2. Chart 2: cumulative total of COVID-19-related articles published in key Lexology work areas. 6
2.3. Chart 3: total COVID-19-related articles published in key jurisdictions. 7
3. Key legal issues this week. 8
4. Recent developments. 9
5. Expert commentary. 12
5.1. Africa & the Middle East 12
5.1.1. Employment & Immigration. 12
5.2. Asia-Pacific. 12
5.2.1. Employment & Immigration. 12
5.2.2. Litigation. 13
5.2.3. Private Client & Offshore Services. 13
5.2.4. Tech, Data, Telecoms & Media. 14
5.3. Europe. 14
5.3.1. Corporate Tax. 14
5.3.2. Competition & Antitrust 14
5.3.3. Employment & Immigration. 15
5.3.4. Private Client & Offshore Services. 16
5.3.5. Real Estate. 17
5.4. Latin America & the Caribbean. 17
5.4.1. Aviation. 17
5.4.2. Insolvency & Restructuring. 17
5.4.3. Real Estate. 18
5.5. North America. 18
5.5.1. Aviation. 18
5.5.2. Employment & Immigration. 18
5.6. United Kingdom & the Channel Islands. 19
5.6.1. Employment & Immigration. 19
5.6.2. Private Client & Offshore Services. 19
5.6.3. Real Estate. 20
6. Learn. 21
6.1. Upcoming webinars. 21
6.2. On demand webinars. 22
6.3. Curated videos. 25
7. Want to learn more?. 26
8. About Lexology. 27
8.1. Contact us. 27
Executive summary
With most jurisdictions beginning to ease lockdown restrictions to some extent and various types of business receiving the green light to recommence operations – albeit in a socially distanced way – focus appears to be turning to long-term survival. Although many employers have implemented temporary measures such as reduced working hours and pay, furloughs and short-term closures, workforce reorganisations and reductions may still be on the horizon. Downsizing in the current climate – when many governments have issued emergency legislation and measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on businesses – presents additional challenges both in terms of the process (eg, consulting with employees working remotely) and the legal analysis (eg, whether the termination is permissible under any new emergency rules).
As we begin to look forward, many commentators have observed that the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic are far from unique. As such, it is imperative that businesses reflect on the lessons learned from this crisis and implement proactive management plans to avoid potential disputes and costly clean-up projects in future.
The next section summarises some of the most pressing legal issues faced by our in-house counsel audience over the past week.
We endeavour to develop and refine the content of these weekly reports over time to ensure utmost relevance and usefulness to readers' daily practice.
Weekly snapshot
Below is a weekly summary of the latest trends regarding COVID-19, as identified by Lexology readers and contributors.
Chart 1: top 10 Lexology work areas with most COVID-19-related content
Chart 1 provides a summary of the top 10 most popular Lexology work areas between 25 May and 1 June, as compared to the previous week. As reflected in Chart 3, we have seen a general decline in COVID-19-related content across the board, with the biggest drops seen in Capital Markets, Real Estate and IT & Data Protection. This decline is expected to continue, as many countries begin easing lockdown requirements and broader conversations about the impact that COVID-19 is having on day-to-day business become clearer.
Chart 2: cumulative total of COVID-19-related articles published in key Lexology work areas
Chart 2 sets out the cumulative total of COVID content within key Lexology work areas. As shown here, the three work areas with the most COVID-19 content are Employment, Company & Commercial and Banking.
Chart 3: total COVID-19-related articles published in key jurisdictions
Chart 3 tracks the week-by-week amount of COVID-19-related content being published in the jurisdictions most affected by the COVID-19 virus, as well as those with significant amounts of legislation and/or content. As can be seen here, while content about the United States continues to decline, the jurisdiction still dominates.
Key legal issues this week
[Text Box: 1] [Text Box: DIRECTORS’ DUTIES: When a company is on the verge of insolvency, directors and CEOs often become subject to more enhanced scrutiny. Some jurisdictions impose personal liability on directors and CEOs who knew or should have known that their company was insolvent and failed to take reasonable measures to reduce its impact. As such, directors and management should be aware of these obligations and take necessary steps to ensure that they are free from liability should their company become insolvent due to the pandemic.]
[Text Box: 2] [Text Box: UNFAIR BUSINESS PRACTICES: Consumer complaints around business practices have increased significantly during the COVID-19 crisis. In addition to complaints of price gouging, billing and cancellation complaints are on the rise – particularly where consumers have paid for a service which they can no longer use due to lockdown restrictions. Businesses should take care not to expose themselves to consumer complaints and should be prepared to back up any price increases with evidence of supply cost increases or other explanations.]
[Text Box: 3] [Text Box: PROCEDURAL TIME LIMITS: In the early stages of the pandemic, most jurisdictions suspended procedural time limits and statute of limitation expiration periods. As countries ease lockdown restrictions, many have lifted these suspensions, with the courts resuming operations through the use of electronic filing systems and videoconferencing software. Parties must ensure that they pay close attention to developments in this respect to avoid being caught out for missing a deadline.]
Recent developments
The 25 most-read articles by in-house counsel across Lexology provide a holistic view of how the legal industry is being shaped by COVID-19. All new litigation, recent FAQs, checklists and noteworthy legislation/regulation are highlighted to enable better navigation of this ever-changing landscape.
For further information, please see the Lexology Coronavirus hub.
Key
[Contract RTL] New legislation
[Help] FAQs
[Gavel] Litigation
[Checkmark] Regulatory
[Checklist] Checklist
Remote Notarization as States Reopen
Duane Morris LLP | 2020-05-27 Relevant work areas: Company & Commercial, Public Relevant jurisdictions: USA
COVID-19: does employers' duty of care extend to commuting to work? [Help]
Lewis Silkin | 2020-05-27 Relevant work areas: Employment & Labor, Litigation Relevant jurisdictions: GBR
SBA Releases New Rules on PPP Loan Forgiveness and SBA Review Process [Checkmark]
Thompson Hine LLP | 2020-05-27 Relevant work areas: Banking, Company & Commercial Relevant jurisdictions: USA
Refunds for events and services affected by public health measures: where does the law stand? [Help]
TLT LLP | 2020-05-27 Relevant work areas: Company & Commercial, Competition & Antitrust, Healthcare & Life Sciences Relevant jurisdictions: GBR
Can Employees Refuse to Return to Work Because of COVID-19? [Help]
Ogletree Deakins | 2020-05-26 Relevant work areas: Employment & Labor, Litigation Relevant jurisdictions: USA
A Reopening Checklist to Help Defend Against Litigation [Checklist]
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP | 2020-05-26 Relevant work areas: Employment & Labor, Litigation Relevant jurisdictions: USA
Employees can carry over holiday for the next two leave years under amended UK Working Time Regulations [Checkmark]
Ius Laboris | 2020-05-25 Relevant work areas: Employment & Labor Relevant jurisdictions: GBR
United Kingdom: COVID-19 and consumer law issues - refunds and cancellations
Baker McKenzie | 2020-05-25 Relevant work areas: Company & Commercial, Competition & Antitrust Relevant jurisdictions: GBR
Updated Country Guide: Government Measures in Response to COVID-19
Thompson Hine LLP | 2020-05-22 Relevant work areas: Banking, Company & Commercial, Employment & Labor, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Public, Trade & Customs Relevant jurisdictions: AUS, BEL, BRA, CAN, CHL, CHN, DEU, ESP, EU, Eurasia, FRA, GBR, GTM, HND, IDN, IND, ISR, ITA, JPN, KOR, MEX, NLD, PAN, PHL, POL, RUS, SLV, THA, TUR, USA, VNM, ZAF
“I Am Not Wearing That!” - What Can An Employer Do When An Employee Refuses To Comply With COVID-19 Workplace Requirements? (US) [Help]
Squire Patton Boggs | 2020-05-22 Relevant work areas: Employment & Labor Relevant jurisdictions: USA
This Won’t Hurt a Bit: Employee Temperature and Health Screenings - A List of Statewide Orders, as of May 22, 2020 [Checkmark]
Littler Mendelson PC | 2020-05-22 Relevant work areas: Employment & Labor Relevant jurisdictions: USA
Seven Things to Consider When an Employee Refuses to Return to Work [Checklist]
Fox Rothschild LLP | 2020-05-22 Relevant work areas: Employment & Labor Relevant jurisdictions: USA
Wage and Hour Division Issues Two Employer-Friendly Rules
Baker & Hostetler LLP | 2020-05-22 Relevant work areas: Employment & Labor Relevant jurisdictions: USA
Covid-19: people: update for employers II: data protection restrictions on collecting and retaining employee health data & best practice: Asia-Pacific
Herbert Smith Freehills LLP | 2020-05-22 Relevant work areas: Employment & Labor, IT & Data Protection Relevant jurisdictions: AUS, HKG, SGP, THA, VNM
Paycheck Protection Program: Loan forgiveness guidance [Checkmark]
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP | 2020-05-21 Relevant work areas: Banking, Company & Commercial Relevant jurisdictions: USA
Responding to Employees Refusing to Return to Work
Ice Miller LLP | 2020-05-21 Relevant work areas: Employment & Labor Relevant jurisdictions: USA
Account for ‘COVID-Brain’
Holland & Hart LLP | 2020-05-21 Relevant work areas: Legal Practice Relevant jurisdictions: USA
Global Payments Newsletter, May 2020
Hogan Lovells | 2020-05-20 Relevant work areas: Banking, Competition & Antitrust, Corporate Finance/M&A, IT & Data Protection, Litigation, White Collar Crime Relevant jurisdictions: ARE, CAN, CHN, EU, GBR, GLOB, HKG, PAK, SGP, THA, USA, VNM
OSHA requires all employers to investigate whether COVID-19 infections are “work-related” [Checkmark]
Hogan Lovells | 2020-05-20 Relevant work areas: Employment & Labor, Healthcare & Life Sciences Relevant jurisdictions: USA
PPP Loan Forgiveness: How to Apply and How it Works [Checkmark]
Holland & Hart LLP | 2020-05-19 Relevant work areas: Banking, Company & Commercial, Employee Benefits & Pensions, Public Relevant jurisdictions: USA
Avoid Spinning Your Wheels: Peloton as a Case Study in the Protection of Customer Goodwill
Seyfarth Shaw LLP | 2020-05-19 Relevant work areas: Designs and trade secrets, Employment & Labor Relevant jurisdictions: USA
House Passes HEROES Act [Contract RTL]
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP | 2020-05-15 Relevant work areas: Banking, Employment & Labor, Public, Tax Relevant jurisdictions: USA
COVID-19: Check your PPS position
Macpherson Kelley | 2020-05-12 Relevant work areas: Banking, Company & Commercial, Real Estate Relevant jurisdictions: AUS
Face Coverings: Q&A for US Employers [Help]
Baker McKenzie | 2020-05-11 Relevant work areas: Company & Commercial, Employment & Labor, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Public Relevant jurisdictions: USA
The Next Normal: A Littler Insight on Returning to Work - EEO Compliance
Littler Mendelson PC | 2020-05-11 Relevant work areas: Employment & Labor Relevant jurisdictions: USA
Expert commentary
Over the past seven days the International Law Office’s (ILO’s) panel of expert international legal commentators have written about recent legislative and regulatory guidance. Produced in partnership with a team of specialised editors, ILO content provides readers with easy-to-digest insight into how COVID-19 is affecting a specific work area and jurisdiction from a single thought leader in each jurisdiction.
If you would like to submit a question to the ILO panel, please email [email protected]
Africa & the Middle East
5.1.1.Employment & Immigration
[Charlotte Holden]
COVID-19: DIFC emergency employment law introduced
United Arab Emirates - Pinsent Masons
Employers have been given scope to restructure contracts with their employees to adapt to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic under a temporary new emergency law introduced in the Dubai International Financial Centre. Under the new legislation, employers can unilaterally decide to reduce employee working hours and remuneration on a temporary basis and make further changes to work practices and employee benefits.
Authors: Charlotte Holden, Luke Tapp, Ruth Stephen
Read more
Asia-Pacific
5.2.1.Employment & Immigration
[Eriko Ogata]
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on employment
Japan - Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu
In April 2020 the government declared a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, prefectural governors have requested certain industries to suspend their business operations. This article provides information for employers on how to handle employment matters during the COVID-19 crisis, including employment adjustment subsidies, salary reductions and dismissals.
Author: Eriko Ogata
Read more
[Jeremiah Ch’ng]
COVID-19: legal position of migrant workers in Malaysian construction sector
Malaysia - SKRINE
This article sets out the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the legal position of migrant workers in Malaysia, particularly in the construction sector, including the risk of deportation of undocumented workers and the current local stigma. This article covers possible restrictions, procedures and challenges faced by documented migrant workers, documented migrant workers with a permit or pass that expired during the Movement Control Order period and undocumented migrant workers in Malaysia.
Author: Jeremiah Ch’ng
Read more
5.2.2.Litigation
[Chris Browne]
First judicial consideration of COVID-19 decisions
New Zealand - Wilson Harle
The High Court recently issued a decision on a judicial review application which challenged the lawfulness of exemption decisions made pursuant to an order under the Health Act and sought urgent interim relief. The decision was the first consideration by the court of the lawfulness of actions taken during the exercise of the sweeping powers assumed by the government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Authors: Chris Browne, Victoria Rea
Read more
5.2.3.Private Client & Offshore Services
[Radhika Gaggar]
Wills in the time of COVID-19: challenges and solutions
India - Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased interest in succession planning, including through wills. However, there are considerable practical and legal challenges to consider when making a will while social distancing, isolation or quarantine measures are in place. Although no solution is foolproof, there are some measures that may help testators to overcome the various complications associated with creating a will.
Authors: Radhika Gaggar, Shaishavi Kadakia
Read more
5.2.4.Tech, Data, Telecoms & Media
[Samuel Yang]
Special governance of illegal collection of personal information by COVID-19-prevention and control apps
China - AnJie Law Firm
The Tianjin Cyberspace Administration recently issued a circular which requires the operators of apps (including mini-programs and website tools) for the prevention and control of COVID-19 to fulfil personal information obligations in accordance with the law, provide relevant information on personal information protection online and carry out security-based self-assessments and rectification processes, where required.
Authors: Samuel Yang, Yang Chen
Read more
Europe
5.3.1.Corporate Tax
[Maurus Winzap]
Tax treatment of debt waivers and other debt-to-equity swaps
Switzerland - Walder Wyss
In economic life, debt waivers involving associated companies take on central significance in the context of a restructuring. It can be assumed that restructuring will greatly increase in the near future due to the financial difficulties of many companies resulting from the current COVID-19 crisis. Although the tax treatment of a debt waiver granted by an independent third party is essentially well defined (ie, it is recognised in income), many questions will arise if debt is waived by a related party – namely, a shareholder.
Authors: Maurus Winzap, Fabienne Limacher
Read more
5.3.2.Competition & Antitrust
[Srdjana Petronijević]
COVID-19: CCA remains fully operational
Croatia - Moravčević Vojnović and Partners in cooperation with Schoenherr
The government recently announced a phased plan to lift restrictions that were imposed in Croatia as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While many sectors prepare to resume operations, the Croatian Competition Authority has been fully operational since 11 May 2020.
Authors: Srdjana Petronijević, Ana Marjančić
Read more
5.3.3.Employment & Immigration
[Søren Skjerbek]
COVID-19: political agreements on expansion and extension of economic stimulus packages and new measures
Denmark - Norrbom Vinding
The government and Parliament recently made a series of political agreements to expand and extend the current economic stimulus packages regarding COVID-19, including the compensation schemes regarding wages and fixed costs, and to implement various new measures. This article outlines the impact of these agreements on employers and employees during the COVID-19 crisis.
Author: Søren Skjerbek
Read more
[Hagen Köckeritz]
COVID-19: works council consultation, quarantine and social distancing
Germany - Mayer Brown
The COVID-19 crisis poses many challenges for employers and employees alike. It also raises new questions about the cooperation process between employers and works councils and the latter's co-determination. Employers are wondering how best to consult works councils when regular operations are suspended. After all, business needs to continue, which can also mean that personnel measures and other changes need to be carried out – all of which are subject to works council consultation.
Authors: Hagen Köckeritz, Svenja Fries
Read more
[Annamaria Pedroni]
COVID-19: workplace health and safety
Italy - Stanchi Studio Legale
As Italy is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the national institutions responsible for occupational safety (mainly the National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work and the Labour Inspectorate) have issued rules concerning health and safety in the workplace. Italian companies which have been authorised to reopen must enforce a strict set of regulations in order to safeguard the health and safety of their employees and anyone who enters their workplace during this transitional Phase 2 period.
Authors: Annamaria Pedroni, Matteo Schiavone
Read more
[Guy Castegnaro]
COVID-19: new support for self-employed workers
Luxembourg - Castegnaro
A new Grand Ducal Regulation has introduced a certified emergency allowance for self-employed workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new allowance is available for merchants, artisans and intellectual workers who work as self-employed persons, including insurance agents and brokers, and may be granted regardless of the number of employees.
Authors: Guy Castegnaro, Ariane Claverie
Read more
[Agnieszka Fedor]
COVID-19: anti-crisis shield updates
Poland - Sołtysiński Kawecki & Szlęzak
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government introduced a package of measures – the so-called 'anti-crisis shield'. This article summarises the employment-related measures offered under the different versions of the anti-crisis shield relief packages covering topics such as exemptions from social security contributions, downtime relief payment and reduced working time.
Author: Agnieszka Fedor
Read more
5.3.4.Private Client & Offshore Services
[Werner Jahnel]
Preventive approach to incapacity issues
Switzerland - LALIVE
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed issues of life and death at the forefront of people's minds, with many people requiring intensive medical care which may deprive them of their capacity of judgement and require others to take decisions for them. This time of significant change is an opportune moment to consider the importance of taking preventive steps before a state of incapacity arises to ensure that individuals' wishes are respected, as well as the various means available to do so.
Authors: Werner Jahnel, Sandrine Giroud, Sébastien Zulian
Read more
5.3.5.Real Estate
[Michael Lips]
Legal uncertainty over rent reductions due to COVID-19 remains
Switzerland - Pestalozzi Attorneys at Law
Numerous shops, restaurants and other facilities throughout Switzerland have had to close their businesses due to emergency regulations issued to combat COVID-19. This has led to the question of whether the tenants of such premises are still obliged to pay rent or whether they are entitled to a full or partial rent reduction. Despite many opinions having been expressed in the legal community and by politicians, this question remains as unanswered as it was at the beginning of the lockdown.
Authors: Michael Lips, Paola Wullschleger
Read more
Latin America & the Caribbean
5.4.1.Aviation
[Juan Manuel Llobera Bevilaqua]
Aviation industry trends – Argentina
Argentina - Freidenberg Freidenberg & Lifsic
The introduction of a 30% tax on international flight tickets for Argentine residents looks set to be a major challenge for the country's already struggling aviation industry. In addition, the future of Argentina's low-cost airline market is in doubt due to its inability to capitalise on the fall in fuel prices due to high inflation and devaluation of the Argentine peso. This video discusses these issues as well as the potential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on airport business in Argentina.
Author: Juan Manuel Llobera Bevilaqua
Read more
5.4.2.Insolvency & Restructuring
[James Heinicke]
COVID-19 restructuring and corporate recovery measures
Cayman Islands - Ogier
The government recently held a virtual meeting with the heads and delegates of financial services industry associations in Cayman to allow it to engage with them directly on various COVID-19-related business continuity plans relating to the financial services industry. It is hoped that any chosen actions will be taken swiftly, consistent with the government's stated desire of assisting users of the financial products that the jurisdiction offers.
Authors: James Heinicke, Marc Kish
Read more
5.4.3.Real Estate
[Nateisha L Anderson-Bain]
Has COVID-19 affected real estate transactions?
Bahamas - Lennox Paton
Restrictions on both domestic and international travel, lockdowns and curfews have been imposed in The Bahamas to restrict movement in an attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19. While law firms have had to close their physical doors to the general public, real estate and resort development attorneys have embraced new and efficient procedures for closing transactions.
Authors: Nateisha L Anderson-Bain, Kharin Sears
Read more
North America
5.5.1.Aviation
[Rachel Welford]
DOT issues new guidance regarding airlines' obligation to provide passenger refunds
USA - Cozen O'Connor
Passengers who no longer wish to travel due to COVID-19 concerns or who have had their flights cancelled are demanding refunds from airlines. Airlines, on the other hand, are grappling with a difficult truth: if they refund all tickets, including those purchased under the condition of being non-refundable or those cancelled by a passenger, this will result in negative cash balances that will lead to bankruptcy.
Author: Rachel Welford
Read more
5.5.2.Employment & Immigration
[Diane M Morgenthaler]
COVID-19 ate my homework – recent extensions and relief for retirement plans
USA - McDermott Will & Emery
In recognition of the difficulties faced by retirement plan sponsors, participants and beneficiaries due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Labour, in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of the Treasury, recently issued guidance extending a number of retirement plan deadlines, including deadlines for many participant notices and benefit plan claims.
Authors: Diane M Morgenthaler, Allison Wilkerson
Read more
United Kingdom & the Channel Islands
5.6.1.Employment & Immigration
[Andrew Osborne]
MAC launches six-week call for evidence on shortage occupations
United Kingdom - Lewis Silkin
Employers have until 24 June 2020 to provide their views to the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) on what occupations should be on the shortage occupation lists for UK sponsored skilled migration from 1 January 2021. Employers can complete an online form outlining details of what occupations they have difficulty recruiting for and why. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the MAC would also like to hear from employers that are unable to respond before the deadline, but can provide details for future research.
Authors: Andrew Osborne, Joanna Hunt
Read more
[Shalina Crossley]
COVID-19: does employers' duty of care extend to commuting to work?
United Kingdom - Lewis Silkin
Following the government's publication of its post-COVID-19 recovery strategy, employers are beginning to consider how they may safely reopen their workplace for those who cannot work from home. Employers have statutory duties to provide a safe workplace, but what of risks faced by employees during their commute to work? For many employees, the key concern is not what happens in the workplace, but rather the risks of using public transport to get there.
Authors: Shalina Crossley, Lucy Lewis
Read more
5.6.2.Private Client & Offshore Services
[Martyn Baudains]
Executing wills during lockdown
Guernsey - Ogier
The legal formalities for executing a will in Guernsey aim to prevent fraud and undue influence. A will must be in writing and it must be signed, or the signature must be acknowledged, by the testator in the presence of two or more witnesses who are present at the same time. The witnesses must then sign the will in the testator's presence. These requirements do not normally cause much of a problem but can become quite challenging in the context of COVID-19.
Author: Martyn Baudains
Read more
5.6.3.Real Estate
[Jonathan Hughes]
COVID-19: implications for planning appeals
Jersey - Ogier
The Law Society of Jersey issued guidance regarding the courts' COVID-19 contingency plans, noting that planning appeal hearings have been suspended due to independent inspectors being unable to travel to the island. New appeals will continue to be processed without the final hearing dates being fixed at this stage. Therefore, parties that wish to appeal a planning decision must meet the usual timeframes.
Authors: Jonathan Hughes, Laura Shirreffs
Read more
Learn
Lexology Webinars are covering the COVID-19 pandemic from a variety of angles, allowing attendees to hear directly from legal experts how they should be tackling the ever-changing situation.
Upcoming webinars
COVID-19 impact on damages – looking for reasonable certainty in uncertain times
HKA
13:00-13:55 UTC, 27 May 2020
COVID-19 could have far-reaching effects on future claims for damages, be that through business interruption insurance claims, litigation, arbitration or even preparing claims for negotiated settlements. In this live webinar, a panel of HKA forensic accounting and commercial damages partners will discuss some of the issues that will need to be considered.
Register now
COVID-19: proposed UK insolvency law reforms
Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP
13:00-13:55 UTC, 4 June 2020
In response to COVID-19, the British government has announced a series of reforms to existing insolvency legislation, and has introduced new measures to temper the financial implications for businesses. This webinar will address the legal and commercial implications for businesses in light of the government’s proposals.
Register now
COVID-19: insolvency in Hong Kong
Gall 9:00-9:55 UTC, 11 June 2020
Governments have swiftly enacted relief measures but the financial consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses is unprecedented. Some common law jurisdictions have created new insolvency law measures to tackle the uphill struggle businesses face, but what rescue options are available in Hong Kong?
Register now
Global merger control and competition enforcement updates amid the COVID-19 pandemic – ‘on the ground’ perspectives
Global Competition Review
13:00-13:55 UTC, 11 June 2020
During this webinar, a panel of competition lawyers from the United States, South Korea, China and Europe will discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the enforcement regimes in their respective jurisdictions. This webinar provides a unique opportunity to hear from leading antitrust practitioners across the globe and presents global companies or companies doing business in any of these jurisdictions with an overview of the key issues they need to be aware of in the new challenging pandemic environment.
Register now
How COVID-19 is impacting reasonable notice
Blue J Legal 17:00-17:55 UTC, 11 June 2020
Recent circumstances have forced many companies to lay off employees without cause. Canadian employers are grappling with difficult decisions around the appropriate amount of reasonable notice they must provide workers. During this webinar, employment lawyers from leading Canadian employment & labour law firms will discuss how the current economic environment may impact reasonable notice periods awarded by the courts.
Register now
State aid throughout and post COVID-19
Linklaters LLP
13:00-13:55 UTC, 30 June 2020
In this webinar, experts will discuss how state aid has been deployed as a tool for tackling economic turmoil in the COVID-19 outbreak, what we can learn from state aid policy in past crises and what the future may hold. This is the second in a webinar series that has been developed by Linklaters to help companies tackle the live issues relating to competition law enforcement in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Register now
On demand webinars
COVID-19 outbreak – legal and commercial risks for your global business to consider
Squire Patton Boggs
The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), commonly known as ‘coronavirus’, is now being felt across the globe. This webinar will highlight the key legal and commercial risks for global businesses to consider, together with the practical steps they should be taking to mitigate the impact of the virus on their business, staff and supply chains.
Watch now
COVID-19 – managing employment costs during the economic slowdown
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
At a time when global employers are facing significant business disruption, it is likely that attention will turn to ways to reduce costs. Redundancies are one potential option, but alternatives are available and may produce better outcomes overall. During this webinar a group of Freshfields lawyers from around Europe and Asia will discuss redundancies and alternative measures.
Watch now
Force majeure - litigation in the wake of COVID-19
Stewarts
COVID-19 has impacted almost every area of our daily lives. This webinar will highlight the impact this will have on contracts, and whether force majeure and frustration principles can be applied. Chinese importers have already declared force majeure regarding LNG imports – will the world follow suit?
Watch now
Antiviral patents – how prepared are we to combat novel viral diseases?
PatentSight GmbH
With the novel coronavirus spreading both fear and illness across the world, it is a worthwhile exercise to look at the patent landscape of antiviral vaccines. By analysing both the quality and quantity of the patent portfolios of the world's leading manufacturers and researchers, it is possible to evaluate the companies and research institutes that are at the forefront of finding vaccines and cures for potentially deadly viral diseases.
Watch now
Lessons from the first virtual trial in the Commercial Court
Stewarts
Stewarts will share practical advice following their recent experience of running the first virtual trial in the Commercial Court. On 19 March 2020, the court directed that the trial of National Bank of Kazakhstan v The Bank of New York Mellon would proceed the following week. As a result of the social distancing measures following the outbreak of Covid-19, Mr Justice Teare directed that the parties implement a solution to ensure that the trial could proceed as a fully virtual one. This webinar will put you in direct contact with the team representing the claimants in this case, counsel and the IT support provider. You will hear their first-hand experience in running the first remote hearing in the Commercial Court. Watch now
Pandemics to recession: finding AML and ABC synergies in tough times
K2 Intelligence/Financial Integrity Network
During times of economic upheaval and uncertainty it is natural for businesses to focus their strategic efforts on continuity planning and shoring up resources to weather the storm. Though increased focus on AML and ABC measures may not seem critical at this time, loosening this oversight could cause major issues down the line. This webinar will discuss how organisations can leverage compliance resources in order to maintain a robust programme even in times of turmoil. Watch now
COVID-19 and the impact on consumer brands, retail and hospitality industry: your questions answered Squire Patton Boggs
The spread of COVID-19 is having a ripple effect across all industries worldwide. Organisations are having to adapt to a rapidly changing situation.
Shaped by the questions that you want answered, this webinar will address the legal implications, commercial risks and best practices for businesses in the brands, retail and hospitality industries in the UK.
Watch now
Open market purchases and liability management in the COVID-19 era Shearman & Sterling LLP
The current state of the markets may lead to a heightened interest by companies to repurchase their debt and/or equity securities, though the reasons for doing so will differ from one Issuer to another.
During this webinar, we will discuss certain key aspects that companies and market players should consider as they evaluate the legal implications and strategic considerations of security repurchases in the open market.
Watch now
COVID-19: How to facilitate a safe return to the workplace? Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP
During this webinar a group of Freshfields lawyers from around Europe and Asia will discuss how to facilitate a safe return to the workplace, looking at when the return will take place (gradual reopening), how it will happen (eg, team splits, social distancing, protective gear), who will return (eg, employee and visitor screening, dealing with employees’ refusal to return to the workplace) and on what terms (eg, business travel and annual leave policies, extended probation periods).
Watch now
The coming wave of COVID-19 arbitration – looking ahead
Alston & Bird LLP
Focusing on investment treaty arbitration, construction and intellectual property, this webinar will look at the likely wave of disputes that will arise in response to the COVID-19 crisis and suggest avenues for corporations to minimise risk in the context of such disputes.
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IPBC Talking Heads - How in-house IP leaders are managing during the covid-19 pandemic
IAM
While governments scramble to contain and control the covid-19 crisis, corporate IP leaders have to deal with its impact on the work they do. In this webinar we will explore the solutions they are coming up with, how these may affect the way in which their teams work in the future and how they see the wider IP environment in these turbulent times.
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COVID-19 puts spotlight on domain strategy, making IP role essential to revenue and customer loyalty
.sucks
The existence of confusing domain names has always made managing a portfolio a defensive, risk management job. Deploying unique digital assets to inform, admit mistakes, encourage connection and showcase responsive actions can go a long way in building customer loyalty leading to increased revenue. IP professionals are in a key position to identify the right assets and in doing so demonstrate value in building customer loyalty and revenue.
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Post-pandemic employee benefits considerations – a closer look at the ‘new normal’ for employers Hall Benefits Law
Now that the COVID-19 pandemic has peaked in the United States, what do employers need to do to maintain their employee benefits legal compliance paradigm under this ‘new normal’? Attorneys Anne Tyler Hall, Scott Santerre and Eric Schillinger of Hall Benefits Law will take a closer look at the new benefits landscape, with a spotlight on the fallout to health and welfare plans, retirement plans and executive compensation arrangements.
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There is always somebody ready to take unfair advantage of a crisis situation
Alvarez & Marsal Holdings
COVID-19 has plunged many companies into uncharted territory and, as we have seen in previous global crises, there will always be people who look to take unfair advantage of this unknown. This webinar will explore the key external fraud and economic crime risks and challenges impacting three essential areas: sales and distribution; cost and supply chain; and funding and investment.
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Cooperation throughout and post COVID-19
Linklaters LLP
This webinar, titled ‘Cooperation throughout and post COVID-19’, is the first in a series of three that have been developed by Linklaters to help companies tackle the live issues relating to competition law enforcement in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. This session focuses on analysing from a multijurisdictional and practical point of view how the regulators, the commission and other NCSs have issued guidelines to help companies navigate the unchartered territory that the pandemic has created.
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Curated videos
Lexology Learn videos featuring global legal experts are designed to be watched in minutes. The latest COVID-19 videos provide focused summaries and practical guidance for businesses in response to the pandemic. View all uploads here.
Want to learn more?
In response to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19, Latin Lawyer and LACCA have launched a free-to-view and regularly updated information hub. Read about legislation and official communications issued by governments across Latin America in response to the evolving crisis here.
Further, see our sister publications IAM and World Trademark Review for more information on how COVID-19 is affecting the world of patents and trademarks.
www.iam-media.com/coronavirus www.worldtrademarkreview.com/coronavirus
About Lexology
Lexology is a leading provider of legal intelligence, designed to help legal and other professionals keep on top of the latest legal intelligence and meet specific corporate goals. Lexology delivers timely, insightful and tailored updates, research and analysis covering over 50 work areas worldwide. Lexology’s intelligence archive now contains more than 850,000 articles. This extensive content is supported by our intuitive, innovative technology to provide an unrivalled user experience. Lexology PRO enables quicker research and deeper collaboration through legal analysis tools and an AI-powered, conceptual search that leverage the depth and breadth of content on the Lexology platform. Lexology PRO also includes curated sets of articles and premium, in-depth content; while succinct videos on key topics help lawyers with just-in-time learning.
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