MiCA Update: Consultation Process on the Proposed Updates to Chapter 3 of the VFA Rulebook
The new Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), which will establish the first harmonised regime for crypto-assets across the EU, entered into force in June 2023.
Implementation of SFDR – European Commission launches consultation
On 14 September 2023, the European Commission launched a public consultation as well as a targeted consultation to seek feedback on the implementation of the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (“SFDR”).
Trade Marks and Historical Symbols: Registering the Maltese Cross as a European Union Trade Mark
In Case R0405/2022-1, decided on the 20 March 2023, the European Union Intellectual Property Office’s (the “EUIPO”) First Board of Appeal (the “Board of Appeal”) annulled the EUIPO’s refusal of the Bailiwick of Brandenburg of the Chivalric Order of Saint John of the Hospital at Jerusalem’s (the “Applicant”) application to register a mark containing the …
Malta M&A Watch: European Commission continues to examine below turnover threshold transactions using Article 22 EUMR
Article 22 of the EU Merger Regulation (‘‘Article 22 EUMR’’) continues to make headlines with the European Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’) claiming jurisdiction over two new transactions only last month.
MFSA Circular regarding various amendments to the Investment Services Rulebooks
On 4th September 2023, the Malta Financial Services Authority (the “MFSA”) issued a Circular outlining various amendments made to the Investment Services Rulebooks, ensuring inter alia that they are aligned with European legislation.
The General Court sheds light on the notion of ‘Detriment to a Trademark’s Reputation’
Article 8(5) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 on the European Union Trademark (the “EU Trademark Regulation”) provides that claims based on a trademark with a reputation can in principle be made irrespective of whether the goods or services covered by the contested trademark application are dissimilar to those for which the earlier,
Let’s stop taking the maritime industry for granted
The facts and figures relating to how much the maritime industry contributes to the Maltese economy have been referenced countless times and they are substantial.
DORA: the MFSA’s expectations in terms of minimum preparations
The target date of 17 January 2025 has by now become synonymous with compliance by financial firms with Regulation (EU) 2022/2554 and Amending Directive (EU) 2022/2556 on Digital Operational Resilience for the Financial Sector (“DORA” and the “Amending Directive”).
Proposed amendments to the Exclusive Economic Zone Act and ancillary laws
The Exclusive Economic Zone Act (the “EEZ Act”), as enacted in 2021, catered for the establishment of an Exclusive Economic Zone (“EEZ”) adjacent to Malta’s territorial waters.
Consumers’ right to withdraw from off-premises contracts already performed
The Court of Justice of the European Union (the “CJEU”) assessed the right of withdrawal from a contract concluded off-premises available to consumers in its preliminary ruling delivered on 17 May 2023 in the case of DC v. HJ (C-97/22).