Sponsored briefing: Artificial intelligence generated content and copyright, creativity and authorship issues

Sponsored briefing: Artificial intelligence generated content and copyright, creativity and authorship issues

Gökçe Ergün, Çağla Yargıç and Yaren Türe of Kılınç Law & Consulting report on how Turkish law views AI-generated content in the context of authorship and copyright

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools that, in simple terms, bring algorithm-based machine learning to mind, have started generating unpredictable outputs, especially with the advancement of cutting-edge systems like generative AI contributing to technological advancement. AI can generate content across a wide spectrum, ranging from texts to images, music to videos. Continue reading “Sponsored briefing: Artificial intelligence generated content and copyright, creativity and authorship issues”

Sponsored briefing: Binding corporate rules for transfer of personal data abroad

Sponsored briefing: Binding corporate rules for transfer of personal data abroad

Eren Can Ersoy of Kılınç Law & Consulting looks at the regulations associated with data protection

The irrepressible rapid development of technology and digitalisation around the world necessitates the processing and transfer of personal data. This evolution has a direct impact not just on individuals but also on the business world. The processing and transfer of personal data abroad necessitates the effective protection of data. Personal data processing and transfers overseas demand robust data protection. The transmission of personal data abroad is regulated by Law No. 6698 on the Protection of Personal Data (the Law), and the primary rule for data transfer abroad is to get the data subjects’ explicit consent. With the existence of one of the data processing conditions specified in the Law, and the recipient being located in one of the countries on the list of safe countries to be published by the Personal Data Protection Authority (the Authority), the data controllers in Türkiye and abroad can undertake adequate protection in writing and the Personal Data Protection Board (the Board) can gain permission as an exception to the rule of obtaining explicit consent.
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Sponsored briefing: The fate of employment contracts in M&A transactions under Turkish law

Sponsored briefing: The fate of employment contracts in M&A transactions under Turkish law

M. Efser Karayel-Keßler of Matur & Ökten & Karayel Keßler explores the legislation affecting employment relationships when a company’s legal structure changes and where this means employees face unequal treatment

Changes to the legal structure of companies regularly have an impact on employment relationships. These usually lead to changes in employment conditions, dismissals or early retirements , or cause a change in the identity or form of the employer. This particularly applies to asset deals, mergers, demergers and company-type changes. Continue reading “Sponsored briefing: The fate of employment contracts in M&A transactions under Turkish law”

Sponsored briefing: Criminal liability of company directors

Sponsored briefing: Criminal liability of company directors

Mustafa Tırtır and Muharrem Kazak of Mustafa Tırtır Law Firm set out recent Supreme Court case law on liability for crimes committed during company activity

In the event of a criminal offence during the activities of a company, legal entities are not subject to criminal sanctions. Natural persons authorised to represent and bind the company are held criminally liable.
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Sponsored briefing: Looking to the future

Sponsored briefing: Looking to the future

Mehmet Selim Yavuz and Murat Uyanık of Yavuz Uyanık Attorney Partnership discuss how the legal market has been affected by the country’s economic climate and their expectations for areas of growth

Given Türkiye’s current economic problems including the devaluation of the currency and high inflation, how has this been affecting your firm throughout 2023 and into 2024?

Our attorney partnership has managed to grow in a delicate manner during 2023 which could be defined as one of the most economically devastating years. The exchange rate and inflation crises caused by the interest cuts of the Central Bank of Türkiye had significantly damaged Turkish Lira which deeply affected the purchasing power of our employees. We unfortunately needed to revise our rates and we adjusted our ongoing arrangements with our clients. New business opportunities have also emerged as economic problems have affected contractual relationships, which later turned into legal proceedings. Therefore, it could be stated that even with macroeconomic conditions we managed to grow our business. Unfortunately, the year 2023 did not start very well for the Turkish people and economy. Continue reading “Sponsored briefing: Looking to the future”

Sponsored briefing: Ink to code: analysing electronic signature legitimacy in the EU and Turkish legislation

Sponsored briefing: Ink to code: analysing electronic signature legitimacy in the EU and Turkish legislation

Turhan Mergen, Lalin Elkatip and Zehra Kıryolcu of Diri Sevi Mergen report on electronic signature legislation in Türkiye and its connections with the EU

Economic globalisation has fostered an interdependence among national economies worldwide. This phenomenon, brought about by the swift cross-border movement of goods, services, technology and capital, has developed and increased international trade. In relation to this economic surge, the pace of life across various aspects, encompassing communication, logistics and access to information, has accelerated. This accelerated pace, both a catalyst and a consequence of economic globalisation, has increased the demand for rapid processes in both daily and corporate life. Consequently, the adoption of digital methods has surged, a transition further accelerated by the urgency imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
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The Electronic Transactions and Data Protection Law in Lebanon: Empowering Lebanese companies in the digital age

The Electronic Transactions and Data Protection Law in Lebanon: Empowering Lebanese companies in the digital age

In an era marked by rapid advancements in technology and an ever-expanding digital landscape, the significance of robust legal frameworks governing electronic transactions and data protection cannot be overstated. For Lebanese companies, the enactment of the Lebanese Law No. 81 of 2018 related to electronic transactions and personal data (Law No. 81/2018 or ‘Law’) represents a pivotal moment in their journey towards adapting to the demands and opportunities of the digital age. This legislation not only addresses the critical need for legal clarity in electronic transactions but also establishes essential safeguards for data protection in an environment characterised by evolving cyber security threats and heightened concerns about privacy.

Lebanon, like many nations worldwide, has been experiencing a digital transformation that has reshaped the way businesses operate, communicate, and engage with their customers. E-commerce, online banking, and digital marketing have become integral components of the Lebanese business landscape, offering companies new avenues for growth and innovation. However, the absence of comprehensive electronic transactions regulations had left many enterprises navigating this digital terrain without clear guidelines, resulting in uncertainty and potential legal risks. Continue reading “The Electronic Transactions and Data Protection Law in Lebanon: Empowering Lebanese companies in the digital age”

Switzerland focus: Testing the mettle

Switzerland focus: Testing the mettle

In the words of Patrik Peyer, managing partner of Niederer Kraft Frey (NKF): ‘As the Swiss legal market confronts these multifaceted challenges, the resilience and adaptability of legal practitioners become crucial in shaping a forward-looking legal landscape.’

‘The legal market is always developing in parallel to the general economic situation,’ says Bär & Karrer’s Susanne Schreiber, who co-heads the firm’s tax team. In Q1, Switzerland’s annual inflation rate rose to a high of 3.4% in February, 0.6% up on December 2022. In Q2, things started to look up with rates decreasing to 2.6% in April. Since then, rates have been on a steady decline, remaining at 1.7% for both September and October 2023. Interest rates, too have stabilised. Since July 2023, the Swiss National Bank has kept its policy rate at 1.8%, providing a sense of stability to the Swiss economy. Following these economic trends, there are several trends practitioners have seen regarding the work that’s been done. For example, practice areas such as litigation and tax were extremely busy this year while areas like M&A and capital markets saw a decrease in deal volume compared to previous years. Banking and finance and real estate and construction remained stable throughout 2023. Continue reading “Switzerland focus: Testing the mettle”

Sponsored briefing: Overview of ESG law in Switzerland

Sponsored briefing: Overview of ESG law in Switzerland

What amendments or additions to Swiss ESG laws have been introduced in the past year, and how are these expected to influence businesses in the coming year?

In January 2022, the Swiss rules on due diligence and reporting regarding non-financial matters in the Swiss Code of Obligations (Swiss CO), which were adopted as a counterproposal to the ‘Responsible Business Initiative’ that was rejected by Swiss voters in November 2020, came into force (art. 964a ff. Swiss CO). These rules have started to apply as of the current financial year 2023 and the first reports according to the rules will have to be published next year (covering the financial year 2023). In a nutshell, large, listed companies and large companies supervised by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) will be required to publish a report on non-financial matters covering environmental matters, in particular CO2 goals, social issues, employee-related issues, respect for human rights and combating corruption. The companies in scope will have to let their shareholders vote on the report on non-financial matters at the general meeting. Additionally, certain Swiss companies will have to publish a report on due diligence regarding child labour and/or conflict minerals and metals. Continue reading “Sponsored briefing: Overview of ESG law in Switzerland”

The Ireland debate: Don’t fear the robots

The Ireland debate: Don’t fear the robots

Nathalie Tidman, Legal Business: Welcome everyone. We have a fantastic panel of extremely talented and insightful people here this evening.

As a starter for ten, what do you see as the real opportunities and benefits for in-house lawyers using generative AI in your day-to-day dealings? Continue reading “The Ireland debate: Don’t fear the robots”