Introduction The European Union has initiated the world’s first carbon border tax, known as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), in a strategic move to tackle the mounting concerns of climate change. The CBAM is designed to level the competitive landscape, ensuring that EU companies, which are already bearing the cost of their carbon emissions, remain on equal footing with enterprises originating from nations with minimal or no carbon emission charges. While the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) stands as a significant development in the realm of climate policy, its ramifications extend beyond environmental considerations, reshaping the contours of international […]
Details
Since the release of the Barbie movie, there’s been an unmistakable global buzz. Beyond film, it has driven sales across Barbie merchandise, from costumes and makeup to beverages and even a rentable Barbie dreamhouse. The success of the Barbie movie, dolls, and brand hinges on Mattel’s prudent approach to protecting their intellectual property rights. Origins The story begins in 1956 when Ruth Handler, a co-founder of Mattel Inc, came across a German doll named Bild Lilli during a vacation in Switzerland. Mattel took the Lilli doll and made some slight cosmetic alterations, changing the doll’s hairline and eyebrows. Thus, the […]
Details
As we previously reported, the pivotal Energy Community Ministerial Meeting held in Tepelenë, Albania, in June signaled potential developments in green energy and decarbonization in the Western Balkans (WB). High-ranking officials, including Energy Community Contracting Parties ministers, European Commission representatives, and Energy Community Secretariat members, converged at the Informal Ministerial Council Meeting to deliberate on salient energy issues, with the centerpiece being the Energy Community Decarbonisation Roadmap, which aims to establish a regional emissions trading system (“ETS“) and set ambitious decarbonization targets. These talks hold immense importance in implementing the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism Regulation (“CBAM“), specifically in the electricity […]
Details
We are proud to announce that, in a significant acknowledgment of our legal prowess, the recently released 2023 edition of “Who’s Who Legal: M&A and Governance” has recognized as many as two of our partners as leading lawyers in the field. Our partners Bogdan Gecić and Ognjen Colić were both distinguished in the select few to represent the market among leading figures in the international legal community and eminent global firms, including White & Case, Hogan Lovells, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, and Latham Watkins, to name a few. The coveted publication has showcased the unparalleled expertise of our esteemed professionals. […]
Details
On July 10, 2023, the European Commission (“Commission“) adopted its adequacy decision for the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (“DPF”). The decision concludes that the United States (“US”) ensures an adequate level of data protection – comparable to that of the European Union (“EU“). What does this mean for EU Individuals and Businesses? The much-anticipated decision brings a conclusive resolution to the legal uncertainties surrounding the export of EU users’ data by US companies, an issue that has troubled thousands of businesses in recent years. The General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR“) empowers the Commission to determine, through an implementing act, whether […]
Details
Serbia is opening its doors wider to foreign workers due to several factors. The qualified labor shortages, technological and economic growth, and the effects of globalization have made it essential to simplify and facilitate the residence and work procedures for foreigners in Serbia. Recognizing this need, last winter Serbia began drafting amendments to three foundational immigration laws: the Foreigners Act, the Foreigners’ Employment Act, and the Citizenship Act. Two of these, he amendments to the Foreigners Act and the Foreigners’ Employment Act, have been adopted by the National Assembly. These changes aim to provide a more streamlined and appealing environment […]
Details
Winner of the UNESCO-L’Oreal scholarship for the best young scientists in 2012, Polina Blagojević, as a chemist, has a mission to discover new bioactive substances. The results of her research apply in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. Polina worked at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in Niš as part of Serbia’s youngest scientific research team and later at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. She is currently part of the development team at Acuitas Therapeutics, whose lipid nanotechnology, among other things, enabled the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Polina joined our Women in Science: Breaking Barriers and […]
Details
“Agriculture is man’s most healthful, useful, and noble employment.” – George Washington The world’s population is on the rise, increasing the demand for food. The United Nations estimates that the world population will reach 9 billion people in approximately 15 years; by 2050, it is expected to reach 10 billion people. This means there will be an additional two billion people to feed, necessitating farming and food production to become more efficient. Traditional farming methods may fall short of meeting these escalating needs. Artificial intelligence (“AI“) is emerging as part of the solution and a trailblazer in the agricultural […]
Details
Part I On July 4, the United States celebrated Independence Day, which reminded us of the Declaration of Independence from 1776 that marked the establishment of the United States. This prompted us to reflect on the numerous distinctive legal achievements of the United States, inspiring us to explore the phenomenon of class action. Originating from across the Atlantic, this legal institution has found its place in continental European jurisdictions, sparking discussions within the professional community about its potential incorporation into Serbia’s legal framework. This article kicks off a series of articles on class action. In the first installment, we delve […]
Details
As we previously announced, the Court of Justice of the European Union (“CJEU”) issued a ruling in the CK Telecoms case last week, annulling the CK Telecoms judgment and referring the case back to the General Court (“Court”). This appeal was in response to the Court’s decision on May 28, 2020, invalidating the European Commission’s (“EC“) ban on the acquisition of Telefónica Europe Plc by Hutchison 3G UK Investments Ltd. In this article, we delve deeper into the background of this important case and the reasoning behind the CJEU ruling. The roots of the case trace back to 2016, when […]
Details