Jonathan Lea Network

A Comprehensive Guide to Articles of Association and Shareholders’ Agreements

May 25

If you are thinking of starting a company (or are a shareholder), it is important that you know the difference between a company’s Articles of Association (“Articles”) and a Shareholders’ Agreement. Every company registered in England and Wales must have Articles; a company simply cannot be formed without them. The Articles set out the company’s governance structure and basically operate as a rule book. If you are a shareholder, it is within your interests to ensure that the Articles are appropriate to the company and how it operates.

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Compliance with EMI Share Option Scheme Annual Reporting

April 1

Once a company has set up and is operating an EMI share scheme, more often than not, those at the company managing the scheme only diarise for the dates on which certain employees’ options will vest and be capable of exercise. Unfortunately, there is an additional date which needs to be added to the diary – this is the EMI Annual Reporting Deadline.

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Generic Discrimination on the Basis of Vaccination Status Letter

March 15

This is an easily-adaptable letter to a venue which you can use to refuse Covid-19 vaccinations as a condition of entry to venues in the United Kingdom. It is well-established at both common law and statute that no-one can be forced to take medical treatment in the UK and anyone doing so, or attempting to do so, exposes themselves to criminal and / or civil liability.

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The National Security and Investment Act 2021

March 2

On 4 January 2022, the National Security and Investment Act 2021 (“NSIA”) came into force. The NSIA replaces the existing provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002, provisions that previously dealt with possible public interest issues arising from mergers. The rules of the NSIA apply to any qualifying acquisition (detailed below) of an entity (e.g., a company) or any qualifying acquisition of assets (e.g., intellectual property or land). The NSIA may also capture transactions beyond that of standard mergers and acquisitions such as minority investments, where qualifying interests or rights are acquired. 

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Digital Copyright In The Modern-Day

February 8

The territory of the internet is far from being a lawless land. Earlier, the regulations were perplexing and were in their infancy. In today’s fast-paced world, the rights and duties in such a virtual environment are transparent and incredibly well defined. As it is a universe in which the exchange of information is constant and very rich, ranging from Former US President Barack Obama’s Hope Poster to the famous Indian music director Ilayaraja, one of the most sensitive and controversial issues in this regard is copyright infringement. But what is copyright?

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Generic Vaccination Exemption Letter

January 31

This is an easily-adaptable letter to an employer (e.g., the NHS) which you can use to refuse Covid-19 vaccinations as a condition of employment, studentship or placement. It is well-established at both common law and statute that no-one can be forced to take medical treatment in the UK and anyone doing so, or attempting to do so, exposes themselves to criminal and / or civil liability.

Detailed guidance notes also clearly guide you through adapting the letter to suit your needs. It includes potential space for appendices in case you have supporting documents you would like to include. These could be a statutory declaration, a letter of exemption from Covid-19 vaccination from a doctor, your medical history or any other relevant medical information.

An in-depth analysis of the relevant laws and legal principles has been conducted, as well as detailed exploration of UK Government regulations.

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