FWD Thinking

Regulated firms: get ready for the FCA's new non-financial misconduct rules. In this episode, financial services partner Sebastian Sayer and employment associate Connie Shaw discuss: what NFM means; why the FCA is increasing scrutiny in this area; how workplace conduct can have regulatory consequences; and the practical steps firms should take before 1 September 2026. With the implementation deadline approaching, firms should be considering how best to prepare for the new requirements. Visit our website: www.foxwilliams.com

Searchers: think carefully before agreeing to share a solicitor with your investor. In this episode, corporate partner Bryan Shaw breaks down: why early legal engagement matters; where investor and searcher interests begin to diverge; how conflicts can derail a transaction; and why independent representation can actually reduce friction. A practical discussion for anyone navigating the search fund acquisition process. Visit our website: www.foxwilliams.com Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-shaw-23a2a210/

In the first episode of our new series, The Edit - Fashion and the Law, partner Steve Sidkin and associate Ashkon Camyab dive into how fashion brands are being targeted online through domain squatting and highly convincing imitation websites. They unpack the scale of the problem, the tactics used by bad actors, from typosquatting to AI-driven replica sites, and the real impact on brand reputation and consumer trust. The episode also covers practical steps brands can take to fight back, including monitoring, takedowns, and legal remedies such as UDRPs.

To celebrate World IP Day 2026 on 26 April, the Fox Williams IP team have launched a special series of episodes on our Forward Thinking podcast, exploring a range of topics. In our final episode, Lucy Marlow is joined by Rachel Williams from Women in Sport to discuss the evolving landscape of women's sport, highlighting both the progress being made and the challenges that remain. They cover topics including: Emerging innovation in sports products, health tech, and growing trends in sponsorship and visibility. The role of Women in Sport and the key barriers still facing women and girls. The impact of research gaps on participation, performance and product development. The importance of male allyship and what the future of women's sport could look like. Thank you for following our World IP Day series this week, we hope the episodes have provided valuable insights.

As part of our World IP Day series, we share some the most asked questions and misconceptions. This short episode covers commonly misunderstood points around IP terminology and everyday brand use, including the difference between TM and ®, what copyright notices do (and do not do), and how these concepts are often applied in real business scenarios. While these issues may seem straightforward, they can create uncertainty in how brands are presented and managed, particularly in fast-moving businesses where decisions are made quickly across teams. This episode is designed as a practical reset on the basics that underpin day-to-day IP use. This podcast is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.