[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":541},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$f8pET1LNZgVj6TBS_G4oQCQfP19qvFmFvmviucWSVpx4":3,"site-settings":9,"$fLUCfJNtkmxP-7n7X21Qo4nNzeObuspwuu9sTm2Zxg9s":32},{"title":4,"subtitle":5,"metaTitle":6,"metaDescription":7,"metaKeywords":8},"Insights","Insights are a medium through which our lawyers share information that is relevant to your business.","Insights | Muscat Mizzi Advocates","Get the latest in thought provoking insights from the Muscat Mizzi Advocates team. We share information that is relevant to your business.","Essays, Blog, Insights, Articles, Thought Leadership, Partners, Advocates, Lawyers, Legal Services, Law Firm, Malta, AI, AIFM, Acquisition, Agreements, Announcement, Apple, Arbiter, Article 13, Blockchain, Brexit, Budget, CJEU, Capital Markets Union, Citizenship, Companies Act, Competitiveness, Consent, Copyright, Crowdfunding, Cyber Security, DLT, Data Breach, Data Protection Law, Decentralization, Donations, Duty, EU, EUIPO, EUMTR, Employment, EuSEF, EuVECA, GDPR, Gig Economy, Hedge Fund, ICO, IT, Industrial Relations Act, Internet, Intra-Family, Investment, LLC, Leasing, Legislation, Licenses, Louboutin, MFSA, MMA, Malta, Multimedia Boxes, OECD, Partnership, Pregnancy, Privacy, Real-Estate, Retail, Right to be Forgotten, Robots, STO, Second Time Buyer, Security Token Offering, Share Options, Social Justice, Sole Trader, Startups, TV, Tax, Termination, Trademark, UFC, UK, Uber, VFA, Virtual Financial Assets, WIPO, Web",{"websiteName":10,"websiteTagline":11,"websiteKeywords":12,"copyrightText":13,"companyContactLine1":14,"companyContactLine2":15,"companyEmail":16,"address":17,"googleMaps":18,"headerLogo":19,"footerLogo":19,"socialLinks":20,"footerMenuTitles":24,"metaKeywords":27},"Muscat Mizzi Advocates",null,"advocates,lawyers,legal,malta","© MuscatMizzi 2025. All rights reserved.","+356 21241577","+356 21451880","info@muscatmizzi.com","Office 1, 4th Floor, Kingsway Palace, Republic Street, Valletta","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.google.com\u002Fmaps\u002Fembed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d201.99720263669857!2d14.511828675730815!3d35.89911184839075!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x130e452c6b22573b%3A0x1d1b3c88e4a972ed!2sMuscat+Mizzi+Advocates!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sin!4v153839","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin.muscatmizzi.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fmedia\u002Fi5pSZPUOtew6vlYzU3W6lc3gaiOTueXpYiMiigmq.webp",{"facebook":21,"twitter":22,"instagram":11,"youtube":11,"linkedin":23},"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.facebook.com\u002FMuscatMizziAdvocates","https:\u002F\u002Ftwitter.com\u002Fmuscatmizzi","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.linkedin.com\u002Fcompany\u002Fmuscat-mizzi-advocates",{"menu1":25,"menu2":26},"Site Links","Practices",{"home":28,"firm":29,"insights":8,"practices":30,"contact":31},"acquisitions, advocate, advocate chamber, advocates, advocates malta, Alain muscat, am law, attorney at law, attorneys near me, best law firms, boutique law firm, business law firm, business lawyers, citizenship malta, commercial dispute, commercial litigation attorney, commercial real estate lawyer, companies act malta, Compliance, consumer rights malta, corporate governance, corporate law firms, court malta, csb, cyber crime malta, Deborah Chappell, debt collection, dispute , Dispute Resolution, Elise Kik, employment attorneys, employment disputes, finance, financial services law, find a law firm, fintech, gvzh, gvzh advocates, igaming in malta, income tax act, insolvency, investment services act, ip, Joseph Mizzi, labor attorney, law firm, law firms malta, law firms near me, law in malta, law malta, laws of malta, lawyers, lawyers in malta, lawyers malta, lawyers near me, legal associates, legal firm, license malta, litigation attorney, m&a malta, malta citizenship, malta companies, malta companies act, malta company, malta company registry, malta finance, malta law firm, malta lawyers, malta vat act, malta visa application, mergers, mfsa, mfsa malta, mizzi, most prestigious law firms, muscat, muscat mizzi, patent lawyer near me, plaintiff attorney, property tax malta, real estate disputes, real estate law firm, register company malta, restructuring, tax identification number malta, taxes, technology law, the advocates law firm, Timothy Spiteri, top law firms, top law firms in the world, trademark, trademark attorney, trademark lawyer, trademark lawyer near me, Transactions, truck accident law firm, upright law firm, www csb, your law","The Firm, Team, Partners, Advocates, Lawyers, Legal Services, Law Firm, Malta, attorney & law, attorney and law, attorney at law, attorney best, attorney corporate law, attorney law firm, best attorney, best business law firms, best business lawyer, best commercial law firms, best commercial lawyers, best commercial litigation firms, best corporate attorney, best corporate law firms, best corporate lawyers, best employment attorney, best employment law firms, best employment lawyers, best law firms, best law firms for employment law, best lawyer in, best lawyers, best lawyers in my area, best legal firms, best litigation attorney, best litigation firms, best litigation law firms, best litigation lawyer, business law firm, business lawyers, business litigation law firm, business litigation lawyer, chambers best law firms, chambers law firm, chambers lawyers, chambers of lawyers, chambers top law firms, commercial attorney, commercial firm, commercial law attorney, commercial law firms, commercial lawyers, commercial litigation attorney, commercial litigation firm, commercial litigation law, commercial litigation law firm, commercial property law firm, company law firm, corporate and commercial law firm, corporate attorney, corporate business lawyer, corporate business lawyers, corporate commercial law firm, corporate law attorney, corporate law chambers, corporate law firms, corporate lawyers, corporate legal firm, corporate litigation attorney, employment attorneys, employment law firm, employment litigation attorney, employment litigation law firm, find a law firm, find a legal firm, firm in law, it law firm, law and attorney, law and firm, law attorney, law firm attorney, law firm business, law firm commercial, law firm company, law firm corporate, law firm employment, law firm lawyer, law firm legal, law firm of, law firm service, law firm top tier, law firms, law firms in, law firms in my area, law firms in the area, laws law firm, lawyer & law firm, lawyer and law firm, lawyer attorney at law, lawyer company, lawyer law firm, lawyers us, legal firm, legal law firm, litigation attorney, litigation firm, litigation law firm, property law firm, property litigation attorney, service law firm, the best law firm, the best lawyer, the firm law, the law firm, the law firm of, the lawyers firm, the legal firm, top attorney, top business law firms, top business lawyers, top commercial law firms, top corporate law firms, top corporate lawyers, top employment attorney, top employment law firms, top law firm us, top law firms, top law firms in, top lawyers, top legal firms, top litigation firms, top litigation law firms, top property lawyers, top shipping law firms, top tier firms, top tier law firms, top tier lawyers","Dispute Resolution, Compliance, Transactions, Practices, Advocates, Lawyers, Legal Services, Law Firm, Malta","Contact, Email, Information, Practices, Advocates, Lawyers, Legal Services, Law Firm, Malta",[33,41,48,54,61,68,75,82,89,97,103,111,118,125,133,140,146,153,160,167,174,181,188,193,199,206,213,219,226,233,238,244,252,258,264,269,275,282,288,295,302,308,314,319,325,331,338,344,350,356,362,368,374,379,385,391,396,401,407,413,419,424,430,436,441,447,453,459,465,470,475,480,486,491,498,503,508,514,519,525,530,535],{"id":34,"slug":35,"title":36,"excerpt":37,"date":38,"category":39,"image":40},200,"constitutional-references-architects-disciplinary-proceedings","Constitutional References and Architects’ Disciplinary Proceedings: Recent Guidance from the Constitutional Court","Constitutional references often provide some of the clearest guidance on the interpretation of constitutional and Convention law. The recent judgments delivered by the First Hall of the Civil Court in its Constitutional Jurisdiction (the “First Court”) and, on appeal, by the Constitutional Court on the 13th July 2026, in the parallel proceedings instituted by architects Anthony Mangion and Roderick Camilleri against the Chamber of Architects, provide a notable example. The judgments addressed a number of important questions concerning the nature and fairness of architects’ disciplinary proceedings and ultimately upheld the Chamber’s position that the disciplinary decisions should not be annulled.","July 2026","Dispute Resolution","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin.muscatmizzi.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fmedia\u002FIPVKZMPF14fAiNL54nsWrvrgmVVhy7pyBdB4nwAd.png",{"id":42,"slug":43,"title":44,"excerpt":45,"date":46,"category":39,"image":47},199,"joseph-mizzi-to-attend-iba-annual-litigation-forum-2026-in","Joseph Mizzi to Attend IBA Annual Litigation Forum 2026 in Madrid","Muscat Mizzi Advocates is pleased to announce that Joseph Mizzi, Partner, will be attending the International Bar Association (IBA) Annual Litigation Forum, taking place in Madrid from 15–17 April 2026.","April 2026","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin.muscatmizzi.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fmedia\u002Ftzn9f1C7cnwWck2MIMqXFTEMfHmxtYpKTLSalg7Q.jpg",{"id":49,"slug":50,"title":51,"excerpt":52,"date":46,"category":39,"image":53},198,"forced-sale-co-owned-property-malta-fair-price","Forced Sale of Co-Owned Property in Malta: Fair Price and Co-Owner Protection in a Recent Judgment","The case of Rita Sultana pro et nomine et vs Carmelo Caruana et , decided by the First Hall Civil Court constitutes a notable judgment concerning the limitations of an action for the sale of a property held in co-ownership under Article 495A of the Civil Code (Chapter 16 of the Laws of Malta). The judgment was not appealed and is therefore res judicata, meaning that it is final and binding between the parties. This legal mechanism is contemplated where co-owners are unable to reach an agreement on the sale of a property held in common. Its purpose seeks precisely to address situations where the majority of co-owners wish to sell the co-owned property, but the minority co-owners are otherwise not in agreement. A successful action under this provision enables the Court to order the sale to a prospective buyer despite objections from minority co-owners.","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin.muscatmizzi.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fmedia\u002F7cTMOjyDFvCX5uLlL2UlWFbEGuA6A3IEo7vI9cpU.png",{"id":55,"slug":56,"title":57,"excerpt":58,"date":59,"category":39,"image":60},197,"contractors-liability-for-defective-works-key-lessons-from-a-recent-judgment","Contractors’ Liability for Defective Works: Key Lessons from a Recent Judgment","On the 29th January 2026, the Court of Appeal confirmed the judgment of the First Hall of the Civil Court in Tennisline Malta Limited vs Intersteel & Fence Limited, a case concerning defective works carried out on tennis courts in Malta.","February 2026","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin.muscatmizzi.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fmedia\u002F7RaMSaHdHNTH4aiXoXdWByZplGjZQfJQu4V9JhjA.png",{"id":62,"slug":63,"title":64,"excerpt":65,"date":66,"category":39,"image":67},196,"maltese-court-refuses-recognition-of-austrian-gambling-judgment-and-affirms-applicability-of-article-56a","Maltese Court refuses recognition of Austrian gambling judgment and affirms applicability of Article 56A","The Maltese Civil Court (First Hall), presided over by Mr Justice Mark Simiana, has refused to recognise and enforce an Austrian court judgment against a Malta-licensed gaming operator, in a decision that provides important judicial clarification on the operation of Article 56A of the Gaming Act within the EU law framework and confirms the consistent approach of the Maltese courts in holding that Austrian gambling judgments are contrary to Maltese public policy within the meaning of Article 45 of the Brussels I Recast Regulation.","January 2026","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin.muscatmizzi.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fmedia\u002FYLv66rAiBTDJYc5ayVQOzoaaF7NikvVYkVq0lsPC.png",{"id":69,"slug":70,"title":71,"excerpt":72,"date":73,"category":39,"image":74},195,"legal-remedies-for-bad-workmanship-which-one-is-right-for-you","Legal Remedies for Bad Workmanship: Which One Is Right for You?","Bad workmanship by a contractor (‘appaltatur’) is a common issue that frequently lands before the Maltese courts. Despite its regular occurrence, the law does not offer a one-size-fits-all remedy. Instead, it provides a flexible framework based on general principles of contract and obligations law.","November 2025","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin.muscatmizzi.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fmedia\u002FZFcLQMBrTDNp7VEeb0c691ahs9pXGLCek4hgeWbi.jpg",{"id":76,"slug":77,"title":78,"excerpt":79,"date":80,"category":11,"image":81},194,"muscat-mizzi-advocates-to-attend-corporate-jet-investor-malta-2025","Muscat Mizzi Advocates to attend Corporate Jet Investor Malta 2025","Muscat Mizzi Advocates is pleased to announce its participation in the prestigious Corporate Jet Investor Malta 2025, to be held on the 11th of June in Malta. Representing the firm at this significant event will be Adv. Ylenia Busuttil, who will be available to discuss legal perspectives and insights tailored to the corporate aviation industry.","June 2025","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin.muscatmizzi.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fmedia\u002FE5BVeRVeAnOt75LXKs98FPk6wGCKUIBOAw7GB0ot.jpg",{"id":83,"slug":84,"title":85,"excerpt":86,"date":87,"category":39,"image":88},193,"ship-arrests-in-malta-a-comprehensive-guide-to-precautionary-and-executive-warrant-GQDLpKBC","Ship Arrests in Malta: A Comprehensive Guide to Precautionary and Executive Warrant","Introduction to Ship Arrest in Malta","May 2025","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin.muscatmizzi.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fmedia\u002FGpgGZsmpeYw03IHnOINqppblmdtKyi64Po8HQhhj.jpg",{"id":90,"slug":91,"title":92,"excerpt":93,"date":94,"category":95,"image":96},192,"muscat-mizzi-advocates-at-it-law-group-europe-spring-conference-2025","Muscat Mizzi Advocates at IT Law Group Europe Spring Conference 2025","Muscat Mizzi Advocates is pleased to announce that our partners, Dr. Joseph Mizzi and Dr. Alain Muscat, are representing the firm at the IT Law Group Europe Spring Conference 2025, held in Athens, Greece on the 25th and 26th of April.","April 2025","Data Protection & Privacy","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin.muscatmizzi.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fmedia\u002FrF18T8Zd5qarctl8OAQ1YozHCm0i8tTbmtYi93cQ.jpg",{"id":98,"slug":99,"title":100,"excerpt":101,"date":94,"category":39,"image":102},191,"meet-us-at-the-iba-annual-litigation-forum-in-singapore","Meet Us at the IBA Annual Litigation Forum in Singapore","We’re pleased to share that our Partner, Joseph Mizzi, will be attending the IBA Annual Litigation Forum 2025, taking place from 9–11 April in Singapore.","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin.muscatmizzi.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fmedia\u002Ft7SdXAKdTLX619nl6Hp7WNMVJ3jhMdCfv3XXm6Fn.jpg",{"id":104,"slug":105,"title":106,"excerpt":107,"date":108,"category":109,"image":110},189,"court-upholds-right-to-divide-roof-in-co-ownership-case","Court Upholds Right to Divide Roof in Co-ownership Case","In matters of co-ownership, individuals cannot be compelled to remain in such a state indefinitely and may request the partition of the property, provided this is easily divisible. This principle was underscored in the judgment delivered on the 30th January 2024 in the case William Gatt, Claire Gatt et al. vs George Mangion et al. , presided over by Honorable Judge Dr. Joanne Vella Cuschieri, which judgment was subsequently confirmed by the Court of Appeal on the 30th January 2025.","January 2025","Real Estate Disputes","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin.muscatmizzi.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fmedia\u002Fxj6txpOVCB6ZcBnWKAm74SlJ4MAC2DlgyUGDRQxW.webp",{"id":112,"slug":113,"title":114,"excerpt":115,"date":116,"category":39,"image":117},188,"navigating-charterer-responsibility-court-awards-damages-after-charterer-breaches-obligations-to-safeguard-the-vessel-and-protect-it-from-war-risks","Navigating Charterer Responsibility: Court Awards Damages after Charterer Breaches Obligations to Safeguard the Vessel and Protect it from War Risks","On the fifteenth (15th) of November 2024, the First Hall Civil Court presided over by Judge Ian Spiteri Bailey, delivered its judgement in the case Dr. Joseph Mizzi noe vs. M.V. Sea Patron . This decision, emerging from facts which the Court describes as complex and extraordinary, significantly contributes to local jurisprudence on the nature of charterparty agreements, the charterer’s duty of care and the War Risk Clause.","December 2024","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin.muscatmizzi.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fmedia\u002FIbJxa8LFI929exH2OOVwcL97xmC7JFt47ECIe7dB.jpg",{"id":119,"slug":120,"title":121,"excerpt":122,"date":123,"category":109,"image":124},187,"understanding-the-2024-amendments-to-maltas-private-residential-lease-laws-key-changes-and-compliance-guidelines","Understanding the 2024 Amendments to Malta’s Private Residential Lease Laws: Key Changes and Compliance Guidelines","In June 2024, Act XX introduced important amendments to the legal framework governing private residential leases. These changes aim to clarify existing provisions, enhance protections for both tenants and lessors, and establish higher standards for leased properties. This article provides an overview of the key updates, including registration requirements, lease termination rules, and habitability standards, as well as insights into the transitional period for implementing these amendments.","October 2024","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin.muscatmizzi.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fmedia\u002FbStTaTPYqZnYDR1lwho5BfFuYdxnH0ZQYbbxObFa.jpg",{"id":126,"slug":127,"title":128,"excerpt":129,"date":130,"category":131,"image":132},186,"court-of-appeal-overturns-arbiters-decision-in-favour-of-appellant","Court of Appeal Overturns Arbiter’s Decision in Favour of Appellant","In a judgment delivered on 18th September 2024, the Maltese Court of Appeal, presided by Hon. Judge Lawrence Mintoff, ruled in favour of the appellant, overturning a prior decision by the Arbiter for Financial Services (the \"Arbiter\"). This decision underscores the importance of procedural fairness in legal proceedings before the Arbiter and clarifies the limits of liability for trustees, especially during transitions between trusteeships.","September 2024","Financial And Investment Services Disputes","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin.muscatmizzi.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fmedia\u002FzrwZZeC2gf0pfqUJBVNeecDIWnPV7XVWC354LGGv.jpg",{"id":134,"slug":135,"title":136,"excerpt":137,"date":138,"category":39,"image":139},185,"malta-transposes-eu-anti-slapp-directive-into-national-law","Malta Transposes EU Anti-SLAPP Directive into National Law","Malta has officially transposed the EU's anti-SLAPP directive, becoming the first Member State to do so. The Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) Order, 2024, aims to prevent abusive lawsuits designed to silence public participation. The order, introduced by means of Legal Notice 177 of 2024, mirrors the EU directive by introducing key measures, including security for costs, early dismissal of unfounded claims, and penalties for abusive litigation, while also ensuring legal aid for defendants.","July 2024","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin.muscatmizzi.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fmedia\u002FtsKAtaBms9jrYSYaL8PKtltqsWN08W0vgvTqegub.jpg",{"id":141,"slug":142,"title":143,"excerpt":144,"date":145,"category":39,"image":11},183,"meet-us-at-the-iba-annual-litigation-forum-in-amsterdam","Meet Us at the IBA Annual Litigation Forum in Amsterdam!","We are thrilled to announce that Joseph Mizzi will be attending the prestigious International Bar Association’s Annual Litigation Forum in Amsterdam, from April 17th to 19th.","April 2024",{"id":147,"slug":148,"title":149,"excerpt":150,"date":151,"category":39,"image":152},182,"revolutionising-condominium-management-maltas-legislative-leap-forward-3ry2PIY3","Revolutionising Condominium Management: Malta’s Legislative Leap Forward","The concept of condominium living in Malta is facing potential legislative modernisation, with a white paper proposing significant reforms. These proposals aim to address the challenges in governance, maintenance, and management of shared spaces. This article delves into the proposed amendments, which, while not yet law, indicate the direction of future legal frameworks.","February 2024","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin.muscatmizzi.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fmedia\u002F0MV2QAF7A7pmbm7eT80mW4uiyPBUVtRY8cnScj1h.jpg",{"id":154,"slug":155,"title":156,"excerpt":157,"date":158,"category":39,"image":159},179,"reclaiming-company-assets-after-it-has-been-struck-off-the-registry-analyzing-the-carmel-cortis-et-vs-l-onor-prim-ministru-et-judgment","Reclaiming Company Assets After It Has Been Struck Off the Registry: Analysing the Carmel Cortis et vs L-Onor Prim Ministru et Judgment","A recent judgment from the First Hall Civil Court (Constitutional Jurisdiction) has significant implications for shareholders and interested parties seeking to recover a company's assets long after it has been struck off the Malta Business Registry. This article delves into the ramifications of this judgment and its potential to reshape the legal landscape in such cases.","December 2023","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin.muscatmizzi.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fmedia\u002FsboYXHvuYitnRvL10tQ4ZMVMmyGSxU72YXRysEio.jpg",{"id":161,"slug":162,"title":163,"excerpt":164,"date":165,"category":11,"image":166},178,"announcing-our-new-office-location","Announcing Our New Office Location!","We're excited to announce that we have moved to a new location to better serve our clients. Our new office is now located at Office 1, 4th Floor, Kingsway Palace, Republic Street, Valletta. We look forward to welcoming you to our new premises!","July 2023","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin.muscatmizzi.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fmedia\u002FRCcGoLN0gDvRZufbPesJ8Asb7uwiOtLjL5sWP3k1.jpg",{"id":168,"slug":169,"title":170,"excerpt":171,"date":172,"category":39,"image":173},177,"dispute-resolution-in-malta-choosing-between-arbitration-and-court-proceedings","Dispute Resolution in Malta: Choosing Between Arbitration and Court Proceedings","Beneath the framework of Malta's judicial system, a distinctive mix of civil law, common law traditions, and EU directives and regulations, there are several avenues for dispute resolution. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of the two primary routes: litigation in Malta and arbitration in Malta, offering a detailed comparative analysis beneficial for any individual holding property in Malta or businesses operating under Maltese jurisdiction.","June 2023","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin.muscatmizzi.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fmedia\u002FS5X54YLMBTKquXtoQN7z7xu9sJ8SaFOQyIrsijYF.jpg",{"id":175,"slug":176,"title":177,"excerpt":178,"date":179,"category":39,"image":180},173,"court-declares-arms-billing-practice-illegal","Court declares ARMS billing practices illegal","In what is considered to be a ground-breaking judgment, the First Hall Civil Court ordered Automated Revenue Management Services Limited (“ARMS”) to refund the sum it overcharged when issuing its electricity bills to the plaintiffs.","August 2022","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin.muscatmizzi.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fmedia\u002F5qpBCfRbQdwDDhWGTxAsuYhGY5dUnkTTFG8K9ttE.jpg",{"id":182,"slug":183,"title":184,"excerpt":185,"date":186,"category":187,"image":11},172,"muscat-mizzi-advocates-hosting-the-it-ip-law-group-europe-in-malta","Muscat Mizzi Advocates hosting the IT IP Law Group Europe in Malta","We are delighted to be hosting the IT IP Law Group Europe in Malta this weekend.","May 2022","Technology & IP Transactions",{"id":189,"slug":190,"title":191,"excerpt":192,"date":186,"category":11,"image":11},171,"freedom-of-information-law-challenged-in-the-constitutional-court","Freedom of Information Law Challenged in the Constitutional Court","We are proud to be assisting the Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation, together with our colleague Dr. Claire Bonello, in constitutional proceedings, in which we seek to challenge, in particular, certain provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.",{"id":194,"slug":195,"title":196,"excerpt":197,"date":198,"category":109,"image":11},170,"buying-real-estate-off-plan-be-aware-of-the-risks","Buying real estate off-plan? Be aware of the risks.","Real estate is the world’s most important and largest asset class, and is purchased both as a utility as well as an investment.","January 2022",{"id":200,"slug":201,"title":202,"excerpt":203,"date":204,"category":39,"image":205},169,"challenging-the-taxmans-executive-title","Challenging the taxman’s executive title","In recent months we have seen the Government of Malta bolster resources in order to intensify enforcement against money laundering and tax evasion.","November 2021","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin.muscatmizzi.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fmedia\u002FYQEaMPh1RyfvxQnV4iEVvgVfpolfhcA9zfX03ZtK.jpg",{"id":207,"slug":208,"title":209,"excerpt":210,"date":204,"category":211,"image":212},168,"brussels1recast","Debt Collection: Enforcing an EU Judgment in Malta","Persons seeking to retrieve a sum of money that is owed to them may run into difficulties collecting the debt if it transpires that their debtor’s assets are held in a country other than the one where a court has passed judgement in their favour. It takes time and money to start proceedings that lead to a foreign court recognising the original judgement and then enforcing it within their jurisdiction.","Debt Collection","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin.muscatmizzi.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fmedia\u002FU7RQ0tfqD03sBfYywPPdGs9q5lgKEF7vDR803Tin.jpg",{"id":214,"slug":215,"title":216,"excerpt":217,"date":218,"category":39,"image":11},167,"muscat-mizzi-advocates-joins-the-public-interest-litigation-network","Muscat Mizzi Advocates joins the 'Public Interest Litigation Network'","The practice of law is a privilege that carries with it the responsibility to serve our community whenever it is possible for us to do so.","September 2021",{"id":220,"slug":221,"title":222,"excerpt":223,"date":224,"category":225,"image":11},166,"zero-commission-trading-is-payment-for-order-flow-consistent-local-rules-transposing-mifid-ii","Zero-Commission Trading: Is Payment for Order Flow consistent with local rules transposing MiFID II?","The rise of zero-commission trading has brought about a revolution in the investment services industry; contributing in part to the unprecedented number of retail investors that are now actively participating in financial markets.","July 2021","Financial Services",{"id":227,"slug":228,"title":229,"excerpt":230,"date":231,"category":187,"image":232},165,"the-eus-plan-to-transform-the-internet-part-1","The EU's plan to transform the Internet - Part 1","On 15 December 2020, the European Commission proposed two new pieces of legislation as part of its digital strategy to update the rules governing internet services in the EU. These complementary initiatives are the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA), and their main goals are to (i) create a safer digital space that protects the fundamental rights of all users and (ii) provide a level playing field for small and large tech companies.","March 2021","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin.muscatmizzi.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fmedia\u002FgkDcOeKiv8URkNwTzYtKREA2yKfTc5QjswyFSO7k.jpg",{"id":234,"slug":235,"title":236,"excerpt":237,"date":231,"category":225,"image":11},164,"2021-online-trading-platforms-and-risks-to-investor-protection","2021: Online Trading Platforms and Risks to Investor Protection","Among several events that 2021 will be remembered for, this year will probably go down as the year in which financial markets saw unprecedented levels of trading volumes, ostensibly due to the increased participation of retail investors making use of a variety of online trading platforms offering investments with low or no transaction costs and, in some cases, with the possibility of fractional trading.",{"id":239,"slug":240,"title":241,"excerpt":242,"date":243,"category":187,"image":11},163,"a-missed-opportunity-for-the-gbejna","A missed opportunity for the Ġbejna","An online furore has erupted over the MCCAA’s decision to reject an application to have the beloved Maltese Ġbejna registered as a Protected Designation of Origin (“PDO”), ostensibly after opposition by local dairy giants, Benna.","February 2021",{"id":245,"slug":246,"title":247,"excerpt":248,"date":249,"category":250,"image":251},161,"an-employees-right-to-disconnect","An Employee’s right to disconnect","Covid-19 has brought about a change in the working environment with a number of businesses requiring or offering their employees to work remotely.","January 2021","Employment","https:\u002F\u002Fadmin.muscatmizzi.com\u002Fstorage\u002Fmedia\u002F6esSFwRzI3vrfjq6ZUTTHVLO8IVyRPwm9qHTHJ0g.jpg",{"id":253,"slug":254,"title":255,"excerpt":256,"date":257,"category":187,"image":11},157,"ag-weighs-in-on-the-legality-of-hyperlinks","AG weighs in on the legality of Hyperlinks","In his recent opinion in a case pending [1] before the Courts of Justice of the European Union (‘CJEU’), Advocate General Maciej Szpunar weighed in on the legality of embedded hyperlinking - also known as framing.","December 2020",{"id":259,"slug":260,"title":261,"excerpt":262,"date":263,"category":225,"image":11},156,"mfsa-launches-fintech-regulatory-sandbox","MFSA launches Fintech Regulatory Sandbox","The Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) has introduced its FinTech Regulatory Sandbox, which provides a controlled regulatory environment where FinTech operators may test their innovations within the financial services sector under prescribed conditions.","October 2020",{"id":265,"slug":266,"title":267,"excerpt":268,"date":263,"category":187,"image":11},155,"copyright-in-the-digital-age","Copyright in the Digital Age","Muscat Mizzi Advocates is proud to have assisted the National Book Council (Malta) in drafting a proposed bill to amend the Copyright Act. The draft intends to update the Copyright Act in order to bring it in line with modern realities of the cultural industry; by transposing the EU’s Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market and addressing other discrepancies within our national copyright framework. Click here to read our article featured on the Times of Malta regarding the salient features of the proposed amendments.",{"id":270,"slug":271,"title":272,"excerpt":273,"date":274,"category":211,"image":11},154,"debt-collection-in-malta","Debt Collection in Malta","The economic fallout of the recent pandemic has brought about a surge in debt collection claims. The sudden pressure on income for certain businesses necessitates the frugal management of cash flow, to the extent that directors may find themselves in the unenviable position of having to prioritise payments to certain creditors over others just to keep the business afloat. At the same time, however, the Covid-19 pandemic has also increased awareness of the importance of collecting receivables on time.","September 2020",{"id":276,"slug":277,"title":278,"excerpt":279,"date":280,"category":281,"image":11},153,"licence-required-to-provide-services-of-a-property-broker-or-a-real-estate-agent","Licence required to provide services of a property broker or a real estate agent","A new legal notice regulating the licensing of property brokers and real estate agents in Malta was enacted on the 3rd of July, 2020. The following article gives an overview of the most important provisions under this Act. PRECISELY DEFINES THE DIFFERENT ROLES INVOLVED The new Act defines the activity of a property broker or real estate agent as: “An intermediary in the process of negotiating and arranging transactions involving the acquiring or disposing or leasing of land, including when the said activity is carried out through the engagement or the employment of a branch manager or a property consultant or both.” Moreover, the Act gives clear definitions for the most common roles of people working as intermediaries in the real estate industry. These definitions finally clarify the duties and responsibilities of the various jobs, as well as set out the qualifications necessary to legally occupy a given role. The Act provides definitions for the following roles: Real Estate Agent A natural person who has a licence to act as an intermediary in the process of negotiating and arranging the sale or lease of immovable property or land; and who employs branch managers or property…","July 2020","Real Estate",{"id":283,"slug":284,"title":285,"excerpt":286,"date":280,"category":287,"image":11},152,"crowdfunding-on-the-blockchain","Crowdfunding on the Blockchain","Crowdfunding may easily represent the most accessible way for SMEs to raise financing. Blockchain is a highly effective and arguably revolutionary technology. Together, crowdfunding and blockchain, are an effective medium between the person launching an idea and those people who intend to participate in that idea. A crowdfunding structure is generally comprised of three elements: (a) the person launching an idea; (b) the investor who intends to participate in the idea; and (c) the platform where these are brought together. The regulator in Malta has recognized the potential of crowdfunding options in finance and in 2018 has enacted requirements that set specific criteria aimed at ensuring market integrity and investor protection (the “ Requirements ”). Instead of creating an entirely new regime, the regulator sought to interpose crowdfunding platforms within the ambit of existing legislation and rules which draw mainly from MiFID II. The Requirements set out the r the circumstances under which a crowdfunding platform that plans to provide investment-based crowdfunding services shall be operated. Here’s a run-through of the detail: Licensing requirements: In order to provide…","DLT & Fintech",{"id":289,"slug":290,"title":291,"excerpt":292,"date":293,"category":294,"image":11},151,"terminating-a-pregnant-employee-during-her-probation-period","Terminating a pregnant employee during her probation period","The plaintiff had filed an application claiming that her former employer, Union Print Company Limited, terminated her contract of employment immediately after informing them that she was pregnant. The company dismissed her allegations and claimed that her termination was strictly connected with her work performance.","April 2020","Employment Disputes",{"id":296,"slug":297,"title":298,"excerpt":299,"date":300,"category":301,"image":11},150,"future-of-security-token-offerings-in-malta","Future of Security Token Offerings in Malta","In the Consultation Document, the Authority proposed a categorization of different types of STOs, being:","March 2020","Compliance",{"id":303,"slug":304,"title":305,"excerpt":306,"date":307,"category":187,"image":11},149,"using-a-maltese-earlier-right-to-oppose-an-eutm-application","Using a Maltese “Earlier Right” to Oppose an EUTM Application","The EU Trademark Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2017\u002F1001) (the “EUTMR”) allows proprietors of “ non-registered trademarks or of another sign used in the course of trade” to oppose an EU trademark (“EUTM”) application, where “ that sign confers on its proprietor the right to prohibit the use of a subsequent trademark” . [1] An essential pre-condition to lodge one’s opposition on this basis is that the non-registered trademark must predate the application and priority date of the EUTM application they seek to oppose.","February 2020",{"id":309,"slug":310,"title":311,"excerpt":312,"date":313,"category":250,"image":11},148,"employee-share-options-in-malta","Employee Share Options in Malta","Employee share options are often used to align the interests of employees with those of the company by tying part of the remuneration package with performance, as reflected in the share price.","January 2020",{"id":315,"slug":316,"title":317,"excerpt":318,"date":313,"category":281,"image":11},147,"the-registration-of-private-residential-lease-agreements-and-formalities","The Registration of Private Residential Lease Agreements and Formalities","The legislation regulating the institute of the lease has seen a number of developments over the years. For instance, prior to the amendments introduced in 2010, there was no obligation imposed on the parties to a lease to draw up a written lease agreement. At the time, it was common practice for the lessor and the lessee to merely keep track of payments by recording them into a rent book.",{"id":320,"slug":321,"title":322,"excerpt":323,"date":324,"category":187,"image":11},146,"salient-features-of-the-new-copyright-directive-part-2","Salient features of the New Copyright Directive - Part 2","Beyond the hype, the controversy, talk of meme bans and impending doom for the internet, what will the new law really change? This article is a continuation of an earlier article which delved into the notorious article 13, now article 17.","June 2019",{"id":326,"slug":327,"title":328,"excerpt":329,"date":330,"category":287,"image":11},145,"muscat-mizzi-advocates-to-attend-and-speak-at-the-malta-ai-blockchain-summit","Muscat Mizzi Advocates to attend and speak at the Malta AI & Blockchain Summit","Muscat Mizzi Advocates will be attending the Malta AI & Blockchain Summit between the 23rd and 24th May.","May 2019",{"id":332,"slug":333,"title":334,"excerpt":335,"date":336,"category":337,"image":11},144,"muscat-mizzi-receives-in-principle-approval-to-act-as-vfa-agent","Muscat Mizzi receives 'in principle' approval to act as VFA Agent","Muscat Mizzi Advocates is pleased to announce that its virtual financial assets arm, MMC Consultancy Limited, is in receipt of an ‘in principle’ approval from the Malta Financial Services Authority to be registered as a Virtual Financial Assets Agent. We are thrilled to be amongst the first applicants to receive an ‘in principle’ approval from the Malta Financial Services Authority. We remain committed to partner with reputable businesses who can take this industry to the next level, and repay the trust that the regulator has placed in our firm. Above all, we thank our colleagues, partners, and clients, and we look forward to working together.","April 2019","Transactions",{"id":339,"slug":340,"title":341,"excerpt":342,"date":343,"category":187,"image":11},143,"salient-features-of-the-new-copyright-directive-part-1","Salient features of the new Copyright Directive - Part 1","The EU’s current legislative framework governing copyright and related rights dates all the way back to 2001 - to a pre-historic digital landscape incredibly different to the present day. This was a time which pre-dated the emergence of the content consumption modes currently in vogue. Back in 2001 Spotify, Youtube, Netflix, Apple Music and the like had yet to make an appearance on our technological devices. In fact, mobile devices with internet access capabilities were about as commonplace as DVD rental shops are in 2019. Truth be told the cultural consumption landscape is unrecognisable and the need for a radical overhaul in this respect was undeniable.","March 2019",{"id":345,"slug":346,"title":347,"excerpt":348,"date":349,"category":287,"image":11},142,"esmas-advice-on-icos-and-crypto-assets-an-endorsement-of-maltas-legal-framework","ESMA’s Advice on ICOs and Crypto-Assets: an endorsement of Malta’s legal framework?","On 9 January 2019, the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”) published its advice to regulators across the EU Member States in relation to initial coin offerings (“ICOs”) and crypto-assets in general.","February 2019",{"id":351,"slug":352,"title":353,"excerpt":354,"date":355,"category":287,"image":11},141,"blockchain-and-crypto-looking-beyond-the-hype","Blockchain and Crypto: Looking beyond the hype","The dialogue on the subject of blockchain has evolved since bitcoin achieved mainstream notoriety a few years ago.","January 2019",{"id":357,"slug":358,"title":359,"excerpt":360,"date":361,"category":187,"image":11},140,"should-robots-be-granted-citizenship","Should robots be granted citizenship?","As robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) become more prevalent in the world economy and modern society, timely legislative efforts could help smoothen the proliferation of this technology and prevent undesired consequences.","December 2018",{"id":363,"slug":364,"title":365,"excerpt":366,"date":367,"category":287,"image":11},139,"muscat-mizzi-advocates-to-attend-blockchain-live-2018-in-london","Muscat Mizzi Advocates to attend Blockchain Live 2018 in London","Muscat Mizzi Advocates will be attending the Blockchain Live! Conference on the 26th September 2018 at the Olympia, London. The conference represents an important gathering for participants of the blockchain industry and provides a good insight on the latest trends in the blockchain space.","September 2018",{"id":369,"slug":370,"title":371,"excerpt":372,"date":373,"category":287,"image":11},138,"blockchain-and-the-future-of-ip","Blockchain and the future of IP","Ten years from its genesis, blockchain is being touted as the greatest technological innovation since the emergence of the worldwide web back in 1991. 2017 was truly the year that blockchain made it to the mainstream, thanks to the meteoric price-hike of cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin and Ethereum, which are built upon blockchain technology.","August 2018",{"id":375,"slug":376,"title":377,"excerpt":378,"date":373,"category":287,"image":11},137,"summary-of-the-3-main-acts-related-to-blockchain-technology","Summary of the 3 main acts related to blockchain technology","Malta has established itself as the ‘first mover’ in the regulation of businesses utilizing distributed ledger technology (DLT), upon which blockchain is based.",{"id":380,"slug":381,"title":382,"excerpt":383,"date":384,"category":95,"image":11},136,"cjeu-announces-anonymisation-of-cases-involving-natural-persons","CJEU announces anonymisation of cases involving natural persons","In a recent press release and following the entry into force of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has announced that as from the 1st of July 2018, all publications concerning preliminary rulings will be completely devoid of any personal data, as construed within the GDPR and in line with the right to be forgotten.","July 2018",{"id":386,"slug":387,"title":388,"excerpt":389,"date":390,"category":187,"image":11},135,"a-comprehensive-analysis-of-the-cjeus-louboutin-ruling","A Comprehensive Analysis of the CJEU's Louboutin Ruling","French footwear designer, Christian Louboutin, initiated trade mark infringement proceedings against Dutch footwear retailer, Van Haren, after the latter’s decision to emulate the former’s signature red-soled high-heeled shoes, in a long-running legal battle which eventually ended up before the Grand Chamber of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).","June 2018",{"id":392,"slug":393,"title":394,"excerpt":395,"date":390,"category":287,"image":11},134,"an-appraisal-of-the-mfsas-proposed-financial-instrument-test","An appraisal of the MFSA’s proposed ‘Financial Instrument Test’","Pursuant to the ‘Discussion Paper on Initial Coin Offerings, Virtual Currencies and Related Service Providers’, the MFSA has released a consultation document in respect of the ‘financial instrument test’ (the “Test”).",{"id":397,"slug":398,"title":399,"excerpt":400,"date":390,"category":294,"image":11},133,"are-employers-restricted-when-applying-penalties-on-employees-for-termination","Are employers restricted when applying penalties on employees for termination?","When seeking employment, employees are normally presented with a contract that includes terms and conditions governing the termination of their employment relationship. In Malta, employment law is regulated by the Employment and Industrial Relations Act (the “Act”), which distinguishes between indefinite and definite contracts.",{"id":402,"slug":403,"title":404,"excerpt":405,"date":406,"category":95,"image":11},132,"everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-gdpr","Everything you need to know about the GDPR","The entry into force of the EU’s new legal framework is expected to transform the data protection landscape across the EU and beyond. This comes at a critical time for consumers, as recent revelations into the Cambridge Analytica debacle have unveiled the vast potential for abuse connected to vast mines of personal data, such as those held by Facebook and other global players in the Big Data industry. Local headlines report that over 6000 Facebook users in Malta alone, may have fallen prey to such practices.","April 2018",{"id":408,"slug":409,"title":410,"excerpt":411,"date":412,"category":187,"image":11},131,"extending-trademark-protection-overseas","Extending Trademark Protection Overseas","One of the by-products of an increasingly-globalised world is the rapid increase in cross-border trade. A phenomenon which was hitherto limited to a handful of multinationals, has become standard practice today for a multitude of businesses, including SMEs.","March 2018",{"id":414,"slug":415,"title":416,"excerpt":417,"date":418,"category":95,"image":11},130,"european-commission-launches-gdpr-portal","European Commission launches GDPR portal","The General Data Protection Regulation (the \"GDPR\") will enter into force on the 25th of May of this year, effectively replacing the Data Protection Directive (the \"DPD\"), which has been in force since 1995. In the past 23 years, the occurrence of significant technological advances, particularly in the online sphere, coupled with increased commercial exploitation of personal data, have necessitated updated and modernised data protection rules.","January 2018",{"id":420,"slug":421,"title":422,"excerpt":423,"date":418,"category":95,"image":11},129,"guidelines-issued-on-procurement-of-consent-under-gdpr","Guidelines issued on procurement of consent under GDPR","As businesses set out to implement operational changes to phase into the new regulatory environment brought about by the GDPR, many are those who are still struggling to understand the parameters in which data controllers are expected to obtain consent from data subjects as a basis for lawful processing.",{"id":425,"slug":426,"title":427,"excerpt":428,"date":418,"category":429,"image":11},128,"last-3-months-to-benefit-from-the-reduced-duty-rate-on-intra-family-donations","Last 3 months to benefit from the reduced duty rate on intra-family donations","Issued on 2nd May 2017, the Duty on Donations of Marketable Securities and Immovable Property Used for Business (Exemption) Order, 2017 (L.N. 131 OF 2017) had introduced a reduced rate of duty for intra-family donations of company shares and immovable property used within a family business.","Shareholder & Board Disputes",{"id":431,"slug":432,"title":433,"excerpt":434,"date":435,"category":95,"image":11},127,"the-right-to-be-forgotten-part-two","The Right to be Forgotten - Part Two","In May 2014, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled that search engines, such as Google, assumed the function of a controller and set out the right of data subjects to request the erasure of personal data that is ‘inadequate, irrelevant or no longer relevant’.","November 2017",{"id":437,"slug":438,"title":439,"excerpt":440,"date":435,"category":337,"image":11},126,"muscat-mizzi-advocates-to-attend-web-summit-2017-in-lisbon","Muscat Mizzi Advocates to attend Web Summit 2017 in Lisbon","Muscat Mizzi Advocates will be attending the Web Summit 2017 between the 6th – 9th November 2017 at the Altice Arena, Lisbon. The summit is the world’s largest gathering for online businesses and aspiring startups. It provides a unique insight on the latest technological trends and adaptations, with artificial intelligence, blockchain technology and big data being a central theme amongst the speaker line-up.",{"id":442,"slug":443,"title":444,"excerpt":445,"date":446,"category":301,"image":11},125,"2018-budget-highlights","2018 Budget Highlights","Malta has experienced continued economic growth, going from strength to strength; with real GDP rising from 5.5% in 2016 to 6.3% in June 2017. Additionally, employment figures remain positive, with a 3.1% increase in female participation in the workforce, unemployment reduced to a record low of just 4.1%, and the employment market registering a total increase of 9,500 jobs across the board, 8,500 of which are in the private sector. Moreover, public debt decreased to 57.6% of GDP for 2016, and is projected to decrease even further to 50.8% of GDP in 2018. Inflation has been contained and remains stable at around 1.2%.","October 2017",{"id":448,"slug":449,"title":450,"excerpt":451,"date":452,"category":301,"image":11},124,"use-and-sale-of-tv-multimedia-boxes-held-to-be-illegal","Use and sale of TV multimedia boxes held to be illegal","In a recent ruling, Stichtung Brein v Jack Frederik Wullems (known as Filmspeler), the Courts of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) held that the temporary reproduction of copyright-protected content on TV multimedia boxes, is considered as an infringement of the right-holders’ rights, particularly the right of communication to the public.","May 2017",{"id":454,"slug":455,"title":456,"excerpt":457,"date":458,"category":95,"image":11},123,"the-right-to-be-forgotten-part-one","The right to be forgotten – Part One","Negative search engine results can have undesired consequences such as loss of business or employment opportunities. This can be disproportionately unfair if the information is false, misleading or outdated.","April 2017",{"id":460,"slug":461,"title":462,"excerpt":463,"date":464,"category":301,"image":11},122,"proposed-amendments-to-euveca-and-eusef-regulations-to-face-european-parliamentary-process","Proposed amendments to EuVECA and EuSEF Regulations to face European Parliamentary process","On the 22nd July 2013, the European Parliament enacted Regulation 345\u002F2013 and 346\u002F2013 which laid down uniform requirements and conditions for managers of European Venture Capital Funds (EuVECAs) and European Social Entrepreneurship Funds (EuSEFs). EuVECAs and EuSEFs are essentially harmonised collective investment schemes intended to facilitate the supply of capital to innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and social undertakings across the European Union (EU).","November 2016",{"id":466,"slug":467,"title":468,"excerpt":469,"date":464,"category":301,"image":11},121,"does-maltese-employment-law-accommodate-businesses-like-uber","Does Maltese employment law accommodate businesses like Uber?","In a recent landmark ruling, a tribunal in London has ruled that self-employed contractors engaged by Uber are in effect to be treated as “workers”. This decision, which is subject to an appeal by Uber, carries with it implications that should be considered by all tech companies that connect independent contractors with customers – a business model referred to interchangeably as the “gig economy”, the “collaborative economy” or the “on-demand economy”.",{"id":471,"slug":472,"title":473,"excerpt":473,"date":474,"category":225,"image":11},120,"muscat-mizzi-advocates-to-attend-the-hedge-fund-emerging-and-startup-manager-forum-in-zurich-and-european-fund-finance-symposium-in-london","Muscat Mizzi Advocates to attend the Hedge Fund Emerging and Startup Manager Forum in Zurich and European Fund Finance Symposium in London","October 2016",{"id":476,"slug":477,"title":478,"excerpt":479,"date":474,"category":187,"image":11},119,"copyright-aspects-of-hyperlinking","Copyright aspects of hyperlinking","A hyperlink, or simply a link, is a reference to data found elsewhere on the internet. It is the most common tool used to share information online and is oftentimes considered to be a sine qua non to the smooth functioning of the internet as an avenue for freedom of expression and information. It is also a controversial subject in copyright law which, in recent times, had to adapt to the realities brought about by the digital revolution.",{"id":481,"slug":482,"title":483,"excerpt":484,"date":485,"category":337,"image":11},118,"malta-ranked-at-the-top-of-the-eu-scoreboard","Malta ranked at the top of the EU Scoreboard","The European Commission has once again ranked Malta among the top 5 European Union Member States, according to the latest Competitiveness scoreboard published on Thursday 29th September 2016. In particular, Commissioner for the Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs Ezbieta Bienkowska noted how Malta ranked with the top 5 Member States in:","September 2016",{"id":487,"slug":488,"title":489,"excerpt":490,"date":485,"category":225,"image":11},117,"the-apple-ruling-and-its-relevance-to-the-maltese-tax-regime","The Apple ruling and its relevance to the Maltese tax regime","In a recent State aid ruling delivered by the European Commission’s competition department, Apple Inc., a multinational consumer electronics company, was ordered to pay €13 billion (plus interest) to the Irish Government in the form of retroactive tax payments.",{"id":492,"slug":493,"title":494,"excerpt":495,"date":496,"category":497,"image":11},116,"hows-that-for-roi","How’s that for ROI…","In July 2016, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (“UFC”) was sold for a price tag of $4 billion, making it the most expensive transaction in history for a sports organization.","August 2016","Mergers & Acquisitions",{"id":499,"slug":500,"title":501,"excerpt":502,"date":496,"category":225,"image":11},115,"new-oecd-measures-an-opportunity-for-malta","New OECD measures: an opportunity for Malta?","Following recent media scandals, the OECD has intensified its recent work to lay down new international standards to tackle tax evasion and tax avoidance amongst others. The OECD has estimated that €90 to €210 billion Euros are being lost every year through tax avoidance. There are currently 15 base erosion and profit sharing (BEPS) actions that are looking to be implemented by the OECD\u002FG20.",{"id":504,"slug":505,"title":506,"excerpt":507,"date":496,"category":337,"image":11},114,"choosing-the-right-business-set-up","Choosing the right business set-up","When it comes to starting your own business, it is important to identify the right set-up to cater for your individual requirements and those of your business. In order to guide you in this journey, we have set out the three most common set-ups used to start a businesses: the sole trader, the partnership and the company.",{"id":509,"slug":510,"title":511,"excerpt":512,"date":513,"category":301,"image":11},113,"cyber-security-the-legal-perspective","Cyber Security: The Legal Perspective","Increasingly, cyber attacks have become more than just a matter of public concern but of private concern, as well, as private companies are more frequently targeted by hackers than ever before. Attacks now come from all sides, and attackers may include organized criminals, governments, competitors and even a company’s own employees. The scale of private company attacks has also increased. In the past few years, companies like Adobe, Sony, and Target have all become victims of publicized cyber attacks, which not only caused significant damage to the affected companies’ infrastructure in terms of sabotage and data pilfering but also led to related legal disputes and claims for liability.","July 2016",{"id":515,"slug":516,"title":517,"excerpt":518,"date":513,"category":301,"image":11},112,"brexit-part-two","Brexit: Part Two","The immediate impact of this upheaval aside, Brexit is one of the most significant social events in Europe of the post-war era – a wholesale rejection of the European project – which will present both challenges and opportunities, if indeed it happens at all.",{"id":520,"slug":521,"title":522,"excerpt":523,"date":524,"category":301,"image":11},111,"brexit-part-one","Brexit: Part One","The 23rd day of June of 2016 marked a historic moment for the European Union – after fifty years of continued expansion and consolidation, one of its largest and most influential member states, the United Kingdom, went to the polls on whether the people wanted to continue its relationship with the EU. By the time dawn broke the next morning, the ‘Brexit’ camp had garnered an unassailable lead of over one million votes and the pound sterling had slipped to thirty-year lows against the dollar. By lunch-time, sitting Premier David Cameron announced his resignation after his failure to convince the nation to stay the course, and voices within the Labour Party called for the same from Jeremy Corbyn. A very eventful day by any stretch of the imagination.","June 2016",{"id":526,"slug":527,"title":528,"excerpt":529,"date":524,"category":187,"image":11},108,"choosing-the-right-brand-name","Choosing the right brand name","A trademark is what makes one item or service distinguishable from another and in order for it to be effective, it usually has to be distinct from other marks and must have a quality which makes it stand apart. So true is the latter point, that a word, logo, or indeed symbol will only be considered for trademark purposes if it is distinct. The distinctiveness of a logo or trademark generally falls into one of five categories which range from the fanciful to the generic. Symbols or devices which fall under the first three of the five categories namely: fanciful, arbitrary, and suggestive are considered to have the ability to function as trademarks. However, if a logo or symbol is merely descriptive, it can only function as a trademark or service if it obtains a secondary meaning; generic logos can never be considered to be trademarkable thanks to the fact that they have nothing which is unique or specific to differentiate them from the whole.",{"id":531,"slug":532,"title":533,"excerpt":534,"date":524,"category":301,"image":11},110,"new-arbiter-for-financial-services","New Arbiter for Financial Services","Launched a little over a year ago the office of the Financial Services Arbiter is designed to be a space where consumers may lodge complaints in respect of the conduct of financial services providers.",{"id":536,"slug":537,"title":538,"excerpt":539,"date":540,"category":301,"image":11},109,"new-investment-fund-rules-set-out-to-solve-time-to-market-issues","New investment fund rules set out to solve time to market issues","Last February, the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) announced its intention to implement a new set of rules to govern the notification (as opposed to the licensing) of Alternative Investment Funds or ‘Notified AIFs’ or ‘NAIFs’, as they are commonly referred to.","May 2016",1794482866984]