Licensing

Legal Experts Warn: Vietnam’s New Licensing Regulations May Stifle Advocacy and Dissent

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HANOI, Vietnam — A new licensing rule in Vietnam is raising concerns among legal practitioners about its potential implications on the profession. Lawyers worry that the regulation could inhibit their ability to represent clients effectively and may discourage new entrants into the legal field. The licensing rule, which requires all practicing lawyers to obtain a government-issued license, has been met with skepticism from legal experts. They contend that the regulation could create a chilling effect, discouraging the independence of legal representation. Critics argue that the rule may serve to control the legal sector more tightly, … Read more

Chinese Antitrust Expert Calls for Stricter Scrutiny of Patent Licensing in Tech Innovations

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Shenzhen, China – Amid the complexity of patent laws and antitrust scrutiny, industry experts grapple with evaluating what constitutes fair use of patents that are critical to establishing industrial standards. At an intellectual property conference held in Shenzhen today, Huang Wei, an experienced antitrust lawyer and partner at Tian Yuan Law Firm, emphasized the need for a meticulous approach to scrutinize licensing practices of standard-essential patent holders. Huang pointed out the dual challenges of determining whether the royalty rates imposed by patent holders are justified, and if the refusal to license these patents to certain … Read more

Revamping Northern Ireland’s Alcohol Licensing: New Recommendations Seek to Boost Pub Sector and Curb Anti-Competitive Practices

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Belfast, Northern Ireland – A comprehensive independent study undertaken by the University of Stirling has discovered significant challenges with Northern Ireland’s current alcohol licensing framework, suggesting it favors existing businesses and hinders competition. Commissioned by tStormont’s Department for Communities, the report highlights several “deep-seated problems” in the current system, affecting its design, operation, and enforcement. The review proposes sweeping changes aimed at liberalizing the licensing process. One of the more pivotal recommendations includes preventing existing businesses, such as pubs, from objecting to new license applications, a practice that has been criticized for stifling new entrants … Read more

Johns Hopkins Report Urges States to Adopt Stricter Gun Licensing to Curb Violence

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BALTIMORE — A recent study from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions advocates for the broader implementation of firearm purchaser licensing laws, highlighting evidence that these regulations can significantly reduce gun violence. The report, developed in collaboration with the Consortium for Risk-Based Firearm Policy, introduces a set of strategic recommendations designed to optimize the effectiveness of such legislation in safeguarding public health. Released on February 18 and titled “Firearm Purchaser Licensing: Research Evidence to Inform State Policy,” the study suggests that gun licensing laws should incorporate several critical features. These include mandatory firearms … Read more