Seminar | Commerce & Technology

Are you trading fairly? UK Implementation of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive
Thursday 15th May 2008
at at 10 Queen Street Place London, EC4R 1BE

This seminar will be looking at the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, which are expected to come into force on 26 May 2008. The Regulations will implement the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive into UK law and will, among other things, impose criminal liability for certain unfair commercial practices.

Background:
The Directive seeks to harmonise the laws across Europe on unfair business practices. The Directive will be implemented in the UK by the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. The Regulations are expected to come into force on 26 May 2008. Businesses should review their existing trading practices not least because the Regulations introduce criminal sanctions for failure to comply.

The Regulations will prohibit commercial practices that are unfair to consumers. Broadly, these practices are split into three key categories:

(a) 31 commercial practices that are deemed unfair in all circumstances;
(b) misleading acts and omissions, and aggressive commercial practices; and
(c) a general prohibition of unfair commercial practices.

In addition, the seminar will deal with the impact of the Business Protection from Misleading Marketing Regulations 2008, which are also expected to come into force on 26 May 2008. These Regulations implement the consolidated Directive on Misleading and Comparative Advertising (and replace the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988). The new Regulations prohibit advertising by businesses that mislead other businesses, and largely reproduce existing criteria for comparative  advertising. These Regulations also introduce criminal sanctions for failure to comply. Both sets of Regulations will become the backbone of the UK's fair trading legislation. Many  commercial practices may not be considered unfair under the new regimes. However, it is important that businesses review  their commercial trading and advertising  practices in light of the new concepts, particularly due to the introduction of criminal sanctions for directors, company secretaries and managers.

Timetable:
08.30 Introduction
09.00 Workshop and Breakfast
10.00 Summing Up / Questions & Answers

Training:
SJ Berwin is accredited as a provider of continuing professional development by the Law Society and other professional bodies. Attendance at each seminar qualifies as 1CPD hour, quoting reference 012/SJBE.

RSVP:
RSVP by email to martin.punt@sjberwin.com including in the message your name and organisation or alternatively by phoning direct on 020 7111 5453. Colleagues are welcome to come in your place, or with you; please reply with their name, job title and email address to confirm registration.

If you do not receive our Commercial Update newsletter but would like to, please send your details to martin.punt@sjberwin.com.

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