Welcome to the latest edition of our Commercial Newsletter, bringing you essential legal updates and practical insights to help your business thrive in a fast-changing world.
From navigating global trade tensions around intellectual property and managing crypto collateral risks, to key considerations before entering business partnerships and the critical role of commercial agreements, this issue covers the foundations you need to protect and grow your business.
We also delve into the evolving landscape of sports sponsorship contracts, the high-stakes lessons from a headline-grabbing F1 contract dispute, and timely guidance on renegotiating commercial leases in 2025. Plus, our Business Immigration teams shares timely updates on the latest immigration reforms.
As always, our expert teams are here to help you turn these challenges into opportunities. Thank you for reading, and we look forward to supporting your success in the months ahead.
The Commercial Team at Wright Hassall
Navigating IP tariffs, export controls and global trade
Tariffs, export controls, and IP restrictions are now key tools in global trade battles. Ann Critchell-Ward, Partner and Head of Commercial explains why your IP strategy must go beyond legal protection and be ready for sudden policy shifts. Read the article to protect your business from IP-related trade risks.
Who really owns your crypto collateral?
As crypto assets enter mainstream collateral arrangements, legal uncertainty is growing. What happens if your digital collateral disappears with a failed exchange? Christopher Gelber, Partner unpacks the risks and the protections you need. Read the article to safeguard your crypto-backed transactions.
Thinking of starting a business partnership?
Before you launch the website or sign the lease, make sure your business partnership is built on solid legal ground. Robyn Hey, Senior Contracts Manager shares the key issues from financial risk to exit planning that every co-founder should agree on before things get complicated. Read the article to protect your partnership and plan for long-term success.
Why your commercial agreements could make or break your business
One poorly drafted contract can bring down an entire business. Robyn Hey cuts through the legal jargon to explain why tailored terms and agreements, from T&Cs to leases, are essential protection, not paperwork. Read the article to make sure your contracts are working for you, not against you.
Sponsorship in sport: More than just logos on shirts
Modern sports sponsorship is about strategic partnerships - not just visibility, but value. Rajbir Grewal, Paralegal shares the key contract clauses every brand and rights-holder should get right to protect their interests and maximise returns. Read the article to make sure your next sponsorship deal is watertight.
Lights out in F1: What the Palou–McLaren dispute teaches us
The high-speed clash between Álex Palou and McLaren Racing reveals why precision in sports contracts is non-negotiable. Christopher Gelber breaks down how exclusivity, exit rights, and compensation clauses can make or break multi-million-pound deals. Read the full story and learn how to keep your contracts on track.
Navigating commercial lease negotiations in 2025
With shifting work habits and economic pressures reshaping UK commercial leases, renegotiation is on the rise. Andrew Jones, Partner in our Commercial Real Estate team outlines key legal considerations from break clauses to rent reviews to help businesses secure more flexible, fairer lease terms. Read the article to prepare for successful lease negotiations.
Order and control? Another immigration reset unsettles business
The UK Government is tightening skills and salary requirements for sponsored migrant workers - with changes coming fast and a challenging three-week window to adapt following the announcement. Matthew Davies, Partner and Head of Business Immigration breaks down what employers need to know now and how to prepare for the shifting immigration landscape. Read the full article to stay ahead of the latest immigration rules.
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The information provided in this article is provided for general information purposes only, and does not provide definitive advice. It does not amount to legal or other professional advice and so you should not rely on any information contained here as if it were such advice.
Wright Hassall does not accept any responsibility for any loss which may arise from reliance on any information published here. Definitive advice can only be given with full knowledge of all relevant facts. If you need such advice please contact a member of our professional staff.
The information published across our Knowledge Base is correct at the time of going to press.
