Intellectual Property Lawyers l Digital Media Solicitors
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Blog For Empowering Creatives: IP and Digital Media Lawyers Insights

PAIL Solicitors IP and Digital Media Blog

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When I think of Frank Sinatra's "My Way," I see a connection to the main ideas behind intellectual property law. "My Way" embodies personal expression and an individual's journey through life, which parallels the concept of the ideas-expressions dichotomy in copyright law. It echoes the principle that music, literature, or art can be copyrighted while allowing others to explore the same ideas without infringing upon that particular expression. Sinatra's anthem also celebrates uniqueness, which is reflected in the definitions of all of the varying types of intellectual property.

The Purpose of This Blog

The articles on this blog are all written, reviewed, and edited by me, Mr Peter Adediran, the Digital Media and Intellectual Property Solicitor at PAIL Solicitors. They are intended to empower the new generation of business executives, professionals, business owners and creatives who want to keep up with intellectual property, digital media and entertainment law in the digital age. Most importantly, empower the community of creatives who want to create works "their way". In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, staying informed and increasing knowledge in specialised legal services is crucial for e-commerce and digital technology businesses. At PAIL® Solicitors, we understand the unique challenges start-ups, business owners, professionals, business executives, creatives, writers and talent face in protecting their intellectual property and navigating legal complexities. By reading this blog and engaging us as your legal representatives you can safeguard yours and your company's reputations, make informed financial decisions, and confidently expand into new markets by focusing on continuous learning and expertise in these areas.

This blog contains articles on the following themes:

  • Advice on Protecting Digital Content

Encouragement to Stay Informed and Protected

For creatives and businesses alike, staying informed about legal issues surrounding intellectual property is critical. Knowledge is a powerful tool for safeguarding one’s work from infringement or misuse. We encourage individuals to engage with our resources, participate in discussions, and keep abreast of developments in IP law. 

Narrow Your Focus

Discover Insights :

Is taking time off to watch the World Cup part of "flexible working"? - Dealing with employee absenteeism during the World Cup football fever.

 

As from last night, the nation, indeed the world, is in the grip of football fever. The FIFA World Cup 2014 kicked off with a game between the host nation and Croatia. The World Cup, which will last for approximately one month, might mean increased employee absenteeism, possibly leading to decreased productivity and back logs of work that could potentially have a negative impact the bottom line of businesses.

Employers can probably expect more employees calling in sick particularly in the early-mornings and evening shifts. No doubt the excuses will be varied and entertaining such as “my cat had a nervous breakdown” or “my eight year old stole the car”.

There is no such thing as an employee’s right to request flexible working arrangements to watch sports. The right to flexible working arrangements relate to serious matters like looking after children, or caring for vulnerable adults. The relevant laws include: the Work and Families Act 2006, s.47 of the Employments Act 2002, the Flexible Working (Procedural Requirements) Regulations 2002, the Flexible Working (Eligibility, Complaints and Remedies) Regulations 2002, and the Flexible Working (Eligibility, Complaints and Remedies) (Amendment) Regulations 2009. Employees have the right to request changes to their working hours, the time and the places that they are required to work.

But whilst an employer can potentially get away with firing an employee for consistent unauthorised absenteeism on misconduct or under performance grounds, it is not necessarily the best way to deal with absenteeism to catch up with the World Cup. After all the World Cup comes only every four years, and the UK is mad about football.

Another suggested way of dealing with World Cup absenteeism might be to have a World Cup policy which could turn around a likely negative impact on your bottom line to a positive one. Many businesses already have a policy for major sporting events.

Employers could allow some authorised flexible working hours and unpaid leave during the World Cup. Employers might introduce half working days on Friday’s during the World Cup. Further employers’ social media policies could address the increased use of social media to catch up with World Cup results. ACAS, who have a Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures (2009), have issued guidance for employers regarding the World Cup on their website.

Let’s face it we love football in the UK, and might have a weakness for bunking work to catch up on the big games, but employers can turn a potential problem into an opportunity to reduce work stress, boost general morale and improve employee productivity.

The Importance Of Fair Play 

To obtain a quotation, please contact us at (020) 7305-7491 or at peter@pailsolicitors.co.uk. We would be delighted to assist you. Mr Peter Adediran is the owner and principal solicitor at PAIL® Solicitors.  Subscribe to our newsletter to get blog post updates and other information about the firm straight to your inbox.

Meet The Team: Peter Adediran; Maya El Husseini; Gabrielle Felix; Poppy Harston

 
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