The New Europe
On 1st May the European Union grew to 25 countries and lots of important legal changes came into force. If your business buys or sells in Europe you could be affected.
Tony Forster, head of our Company Commercial Department, says “You can buy and sell goods freely around the EU and the introduction of ten new EU member states gives British businesses many more opportunities to buy and sell freely. Laws are harmonised in the EU so you should find it easier to trade in the new states. If you import goods from abroad you could for example buy goods in Poland and resell them in the UK without trade mark and other restrictions which previously existed.
Also competition laws have changed with effect from 1st May as well. A new regulation on what restrictions can be placed in patent, know-how and computer software copyright licensing agreements came into force at the same time as a new regulation regulating large merges in the EU. Finally there is a new “get out” for some beneficial anti-competitive agreements - instead of having to send them to the European Commission for clearance, a process which is now abolished, if the agreement is beneficial to consumers it may be automatically exempt. Finally it will be easier to trade abroad and move your business or workers around the EU.
We can advise you on how the new rules apply to your business.
For further information, contact Tony Forster on (0117) 929 0451 or e-mail tforster@metcalfes.co.uk
This press release summarises the law on issues which we believe may be of interest to your business. It is not a comprehensive review of the subjects and accordingly is published without responsibility for loss occasioned to any person(s) acting or refraining from action as a result of information published