EU Law
Latest business news about EU law, legal issues and the European Court of Justice
Whistleblowers to be protected by EU law
In the wake of the Dieselgate, Luxleaks, Panama Papers and recently the Cambridge Analytica revelations, the EU Commission proposed Monday a new law strengthen whistleblower protection across the EU.
Kitkat protected status in doubt in EU Court's opinion
The future of the three-dimensional shape of Nestle's ‘Kit Kat 4 fingers’ chocolate as an EU trade mark is in doubt following Thursday's opinion of the Advocate-General of the European Court of Justice.
Brussels wants fingerprints added to ID cards
The EU Commission put forward a package of security measures Tuesday, including more secure ID cards, stricter rules on explosives and firearms, and better data sharing to help fight crime and terrorism.
6 hours for tech firms to hand over key evidence under EU security proposal
Police and judicial authorities would gain easier and faster access to e-evidence such as e-mails or documents under new EU proposals to help them investigate, prosecute and convict criminals and terrorists.
Logging in Bialowieza Forest broke law: EU Court
Increasing logging operations in Poland's Białowieza Forest nature reserve infringed EU law, the European Court of Justice ruled Tuesday in a final judgement.
Uber France hit by new EU Court blow
EU Member States can prohibit illegal exercise of transport activities in the context of the UberPop service without alerting the Commission in advance of draft criminal legislation, the EU Court ruled Tuesday.
EU financial interests can limit double jeopardy principle
The 'double jeopardy' principle may be limited to protect the financial interests of the EU and financial markets, but only in so far as necessary to meet their objectives, the EU court ruled Wednesday.
Crocs shoes design loses EU patent: Court
The General Court of the European Court of Justice confirmed Wednesday the cancellation of registration of Crocs' design, because it was made available to the public before its registration.
Airlines can be sued for compensation at destination: EU Court
An airline operating only the first leg of a connecting flight in one EU Member State can be sued in the courts of the state of final destination for compensation for delays, the EU's top court ruled on Wednesday.
Firefighter's standby time is working time: EU Court
Stand-by time of a firefighter on call at home, who is obliged to respond to calls from an employer within a short period, must be regarded as ‘working time’, the EU's top Court ruled on Thursday.
Poland's Bialowieza Forest logging 'infringes EU law'
It is unlawful to increase logging in Poland's Bialowieza Forest, the Advocate General of the European Court of Justice confirmed in an opinion issued Tuesday. The Court's final judgement is due in March.
Louboutin loses 'red sole' case in EU's top Court
A trade mark combining colour and shape may be refused or declared invalid on the grounds set out under EU trade mark law, the advocate-general of the EU's top Court declared Wednesday.
EU Court upholds air freight forwarding cartel fines
The European Court of Justice upheld Thursday fines imposed by the Commission on a number of companies for their participation in cartels in the international air freight forwarding services sector.
EU plans first 'Counterfeit and Piracy' watch list
As part of EU plans for an intellectual property enforcement system, the European Commission launched Wednesday a public consultation to establish a first worldwide 'Counterfeit and Piracy' watch list.
January 2018 infringements package: key decisions
In its January 2018 monthly package of infringement decisions, the European Commission is pursuing legal action against EU Member States for failing to comply with their obligations under EU law.
Roche and Novartis lose Avastin case at EU Court
An agreement between pharma giants Roche and Novartis to reduce use of Avastin in ophthalmology and increase use of Lucentis could constitute restriction of competition, the EU Court ruled Tuesday.
EDF must repay EUR 1.37 bn state aid: EU Court
The EU Court of Justice upheld Tuesday a decision by the European Commission which ordered France to recover EUR 1.37 billion in the context of state aid granted to French energy giant EDF.
EU begins action against Poland over independence of judiciary
Despite repeated efforts to engage with Polish authorities over judicial independence, the European Commission concluded Wednesday that there is a clear risk of a serious breach of the rule of law in Poland.
Rule of Law in Poland - background guide
Despite repeated efforts, for almost two years, to engage the Polish authorities in a constructive dialogue in the context of the Rule of Law Framework, the Commission has today concluded that there is a clear risk of a serious breach of the rule of law in Poland.
Uber is a transport company, rules EU's top Court
Uber's taxi service to connect customers with non-professional drivers is covered by services in the field of transport, and is liable to national regulation, the European Court of Justice ruled on Wednesday.