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BEDNARZ LAW advised minority shareholders of MISBHV
BEDNARZ LAW announced that it advised minority shareholders of MISBHV in a share sale transaction. The firm thanked all parties involved for their constructive cooperation and trust, and wished the new owners of MISBHV well going forward.
BEDNARZ LAW listed in the Rzeczpospolita Law Firm Ranking 2026BEDNARZ LAW announced its inclusion in the 24th edition of the Rzeczpospolita Law Firm Ranking, a recognised legal industry ranking in Poland featuring 313 law firms this year. The firm thanked its clients for their trust and continued cooperation, noting that client matters and transactions underpin its market position. The full ranking was made available on the Rzeczpospolita website.
Welcome to the Team, Ollie!
BEDNARZ LAW announced that Ollie Stacewicz has joined the firm as a paralegal, supporting the day-to-day work of the legal team. Ollie is a student at the Faculty of Law and Administration of the University of Warsaw and a graduate of the Diploma in English Law and Legal Skills programme run by the British Law Centre. He works in Polish, English and Spanish. The announcement reflects the firm's continued team growth.
Clairfort welcomes Bonne Mulder to its Property & Construction team
Clairfort's Property & Construction team grew to nine specialists with the addition of Bonne Mulder. Mulder trained at a law firm in Amsterdam specialising in litigation and previously worked at a large accountancy firm before entering the legal profession.
Ezenia Coleman is undertaking an internship at Clairfort as part of the Intellectual Property, IT & Privacy team
Ezenia Coleman, a law student from the University of San Francisco, describes her internship experience within Clairfort's IP team. She discusses her background in marketing and interest in intellectual property law, along with highlights from her time at the firm, including attending a court hearing. The article reflects on the educational and professional value of the internship.
Jan de Wrede and Pieter Verloop strengthen Clairfort's Corporate Law and M&A team
Clairfort announced the expansion of its Corporate Law and M&A team with the addition of two experienced attorneys, Pieter Verloop and Jan de Wrede. The move strengthens the firm's capacity in company law and M&A advisory work.
Puck Koster en Michelle van Dalen sworn in as attorneys-at-law
Michelle van Dalen and Puck Koster were sworn in as attorneys-at-law at the Utrecht District Court. Both work within Clairfort's Intellectual Property, IT & Privacy team. Elise Menkhorst served as Michelle's patron, while Evert van Gelderen served as Puck's patron during the swearing-in process.
AMLA Harmonises AML Enforcement Across the EU: Four Categories of BreachesThe article outlines how the EU's Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) is standardizing enforcement approaches across member states. It describes four categories of AML breaches and their associated regulatory consequences. The piece is relevant for financial institutions and crypto-asset service providers subject to AML obligations. It situates the changes within the broader EU AML/CFT reform agenda.
Corporate Secretarial Services in Poland: Legal Guide for Foreign Investors
This guide describes the scope of corporate secretarial services available to foreign investors operating branches, subsidiaries and holding structures in Poland. It covers post-incorporation administration, registered office and virtual office arrangements, and regulatory reporting obligations. The article also discusses reporting to the National Bank of Poland and the Central Statistical Office. It explains how ongoing secretarial support helps international clients maintain compliance and operational continuity.
Geographical Indications for Craft and Industrial Products: Key Date 2 December 2026
The article discusses the upcoming EU regime extending geographical indication protection to craft and industrial products, with a key implementation date in December 2026. It outlines which producers may benefit from registration and the procedural steps involved. The piece highlights implications for manufacturers seeking to protect regional or traditional product designations. It also touches on enforcement mechanisms available once protection is granted.
Hiring Foreign Nationals in Poland – New Obligations for Employers and Changes to Work Permits
The article covers new legal obligations for Polish employers hiring foreign nationals, along with recent changes to the work permit system. It explains procedural updates affecting both employers and foreign employees. The piece highlights compliance risks for companies that fail to meet the new requirements. It serves as guidance for businesses actively recruiting non-EU talent in Poland.
How to Obtain a Qualified Electronic Signature in Poland?
This article explains the concept of a qualified electronic signature under the EU eIDAS Regulation and its legal effect in Poland. It describes the process for obtaining a signature from a trust service provider, including required software installation. The piece highlights the benefits of qualified signatures for cross-border business transactions within the EU. It also discusses practical use cases for businesses operating in Poland.
How to Register Changes in a Polish Company?
This article explains the procedure for registering changes to company details in the Polish National Court Register (KRS). It distinguishes between declaratory and constitutive entries and their legal effects. The piece discusses the role of registry courts and the process for submitting applications for changes. It also covers potential fines and civil liability for management board members who fail to report required changes.
New EU Tariff Preferences for Goods from the US: Rules for Importers from 1 July 2026
This article details new EU tariff preference rules applicable to goods imported from the United States, effective from July 2026. It explains the compliance obligations importers must meet to benefit from preferential treatment. The piece also addresses documentation requirements and customs procedures affected by the change. It is directed at businesses engaged in transatlantic trade.
New FATF Guidelines for DeFi: Control Over the Protocol and AML ObligationsThis article reviews new FATF guidance addressing decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols and the associated AML obligations. It examines the criteria FATF uses to determine when a DeFi arrangement is considered sufficiently decentralized to fall outside traditional regulatory categories. The piece discusses implications for developers, operators and users of DeFi platforms. It also considers how the guidance may influence national implementations of AML rules for crypto markets.
Power of Attorney for Bank Accounts in PolandThis article explains how powers of attorney for bank accounts operate in Poland, including the process for granting authority at a bank branch. It discusses the requirement for both account holder and proxy to appear in person with valid identification. The piece also covers cross-border considerations, including notarization and apostille requirements for powers granted abroad. It touches on inheritance-related access restrictions to bank accounts after the account holder's death.
Power of Attorney in Poland
This article explains the legal concept of powers of attorney under Polish law, covering how they are granted, revoked and used in practice. It outlines the different types of powers of attorney recognised in Poland, including general, special and commercial proxy forms. The piece also discusses the formal requirements for validity, including notarial deed requirements for certain acts. It addresses the consequences of acting without proper authorization and the position of third parties dealing with an agent.
The ® and ™ Symbols Next to a Trademark – Rules for Use and Penalties
This article examines the legal significance of the ® and ™ symbols when used alongside trademarks in Poland and the EU. It explains the distinction between registered and unregistered marks and the conditions under which each symbol may lawfully be used. The piece outlines potential penalties for misuse, including consumer protection and unfair competition consequences. It is aimed at businesses seeking to properly signal trademark rights in their branding materials.
UBO / Ultimate Beneficial Owner in Poland
This article outlines the concept of Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) under Polish anti-money laundering law and its relevance to companies operating in Poland. It explains the process for identifying beneficial owners within corporate structures, including multi-tier ownership. The piece also discusses reporting obligations to the Central Register of Beneficial Owners and the penalties for non-compliance. It highlights particular challenges in complex ownership structures and trusts.
Lucio Ghia "International Business Law"
This piece announces the presentation of the second edition of Prof. Lucio Ghia's book "International Business Law" at the Italian Senate on 12 March 2023. The publication addresses topics relevant to cross-border commercial and business law practice. The event brought together legal professionals and institutional figures to discuss the book's content. It underscores the firm's engagement with academic and institutional legal discourse.
Notes on the Margins of the Ius Mercatorum
This article covers a conference organised by the Guglielmo Marconi University's Department of Economic and Business Sciences, held in connection with the presentation of Lucio Ghia's book "International Business Law." The event, titled "Notes on the Margins of the Ius Mercatorum," explored themes at the intersection of commercial law and legal theory. A video recording of the event was made available online. It highlights the firm's ties to academic institutions on commercial law topics.
Recover. Reconstruct. Reimagine. The Need for Change: ReindustrialisationThis piece reports on the annual TMA Europe conference held in Madrid, which Enrica Ghia attended on behalf of the firm. The conference, titled "Recover. Reconstruct. Reimagine. The Need for Change: Reindustrialisation," addressed topics related to industrial recovery and restructuring in the European context. It reflects the firm's ongoing participation in international restructuring and turnaround networks. The event served as a platform for discussing broader economic reindustrialisation trends.
SAVE THE DATE – Let's make room! Tomorrow's OrbitGHIA Studio Legale Associato organized an event dedicated to the Space ecosystem, a rapidly evolving sector that is redefining investment opportunities and regulatory challenges on a global scale. The event, held under the patronage of the Fondazione Bruno Kessler, brought together experts, legal professionals, and institutional representatives to discuss the regulatory framework of the Space Economy. The meeting took place ahead of the Senate discussion of the Space Bill (DDL Spazio), which has already been approved by the Chamber of Deputies.
The Chief Restructuring Officer (CRO) in Corporate Restructuring
This article discusses a conference organised by Convenia where Enrica Ghia participated as speaker and moderator. The panel addressed opportunities, risks and legal tools available to the Chief Restructuring Officer under Italy's business crisis code. The discussion brought together various professionals to explore practical aspects of corporate turnaround roles. It reflects the firm's active contribution to discourse on restructuring practice.
TMA NextGen ItalyThis article describes the creation of the NextGen section within the TMA Italia association, co-founded by the firm's associates Filippo Bosazzi and Eugenio Bignami. The initiative aims to provide networking and training opportunities for turnaround professionals under 40. It announces the section's first event in Milan, focused on career development perspectives among younger generations. The article reflects the firm's investment in professional development within the restructuring field.
TMA NextGen Leadership ConferenceThis article reports on the participation of associates Filippo Bosazzi and Eugenio Bignami at the TMA NextGen Leadership Conference in New York. The conference is dedicated to professionals under 40 and offers opportunities for exchange and professional growth in the turnaround field. Their attendance reflects the firm's continued engagement with international restructuring networks aimed at younger practitioners. The event forms part of a broader pattern of the firm's involvement in turnaround management associations.
World Law Congress 2025Ghia Studio Legale Associato took part in the World Law Congress 2025, a three-day event that brought together legal professionals from around the world to discuss the leading topics in current legal affairs. The event provided an opportunity for dialogue and the sharing of best practices at an international level. Partner Avv. Prof. Lucio Ghia took part in the opening ceremony and a panel dedicated to the challenges of sustainability.
A Dutch-Speaking Lawyer in Switzerland: What WVT Can Do for You
This article sets out how WVT supports Dutch-speaking clients establishing a presence in Switzerland, covering incorporation choices between the GmbH and AG, cantonal selection, work and residence permits, and cross-border tax treaty considerations. It also addresses Switzerland's evolving beneficial-ownership transparency regime under the LETA. The piece is aimed at Dutch founders, in-house counsel and finance leads planning a Swiss entity or relocation.
Enterprise Chamber Proceedings in the Netherlands: The Right of Inquiry Explained
This article explains the Dutch Enterprise Chamber's right-of-inquiry procedure, used when a minority shareholder in a Dutch BV suspects mismanagement. It outlines how such proceedings are initiated and what remedies the Enterprise Chamber can order. The piece is written for shareholders and corporate counsel evaluating governance disputes in the Netherlands.
Luxembourg SARL Without a Bank Account: 2026 Reform
This article examines a 2026 reform affecting Luxembourg's private limited liability company (SARL) that removes the traditional requirement for capital to be deposited in a bank account before incorporation. It outlines what the change means for founders seeking to set up entities more quickly and with less friction. The piece situates the reform within Luxembourg's broader effort to streamline company formation for international investors.
Virtual General Meetings in the Netherlands: What the New Act Means for Boards
This article explains a new Dutch legislative act permitting BVs and NVs to hold general meetings of shareholders virtually. It discusses the implications for corporate governance, board procedure and shareholder participation under the updated framework. The piece is aimed at boards and company secretaries needing to adapt meeting practices to the new rules.
What Is ATAD 3? The Unshell Directive and What Replaced It
This article discusses the EU's proposed ATAD 3 'Unshell' Directive aimed at curbing the misuse of shell entities for tax purposes, and what has replaced or superseded the original proposal. It explains the substance indicators the directive sought to introduce and their implications for holding structures. The piece is relevant to groups using EU holding entities that could face substance scrutiny.
THE CHIEF RESTRUCTURING OFFICER (CRO) IN CORPORATE RECOVERY
Enrica Ghia took part as speaker and moderator at the conference organised by Convenia, discussing together with other professionals the opportunities, risks, and legal tools offered to the Chief Restructuring Officer under the new Business Crisis Code. The event explored the role of the CRO in corporate recovery processes.
Turnaround Management Association BostonEnrica Ghia took part in the 34th annual conference organised by the Turnaround Management Association in Boston. The event provided an opportunity for professional development and dialogue in the turnaround and corporate restructuring sector.
International Tax Structuring Done Right: A Practical Guide for Cross-Border Groups
This guide addresses practical international tax structuring considerations for cross-border groups, illustrated by an example of a founder shifting intellectual property between jurisdictions. It covers key structuring principles for multinational groups. The piece is aimed at founders and finance leads managing cross-border operations.
Pitfalls in International M&A Tax Planning: What Acquirers Get Wrong
This article identifies common mistakes made by acquirers in structuring cross-border mergers and acquisitions from a tax perspective. It covers issues such as inadequate due diligence on target tax positions and missteps in post-acquisition integration. The piece is intended for corporate acquirers and deal teams operating across multiple jurisdictions.
Work and Residence Permits in Switzerland: A Practical Guide for Foreign Founders, Entrepreneurs and Their Teams
This guide addresses work and residence permit options in Switzerland for foreign founders, entrepreneurs and their teams, discussing Switzerland's political stability and its appeal to international business. It covers permit categories and practical considerations for relocating individuals. The piece is aimed at founders establishing a Swiss presence.
Work and Residence Permits in the Netherlands: A Practical Guide for Foreign Founders, Entrepreneurs and Their Teams
This guide covers work and residence permit routes in the Netherlands for foreign founders, entrepreneurs and their teams, describing the Netherlands as one of Europe's most accessible markets for international business. It addresses permit categories and practical steps for relocation. The piece is aimed at founders and entrepreneurs establishing a Dutch presence.
Work Visas and Green Cards in the United States: A Practical Guide for Foreign Founders, Entrepreneurs and Their Teams
This guide covers work visa and green card options in the United States for foreign founders, entrepreneurs and their teams. It addresses the practicalities of establishing a legal presence to work in the US market. The piece is aimed at international founders expanding into the United States.
Can you monopolize a colour? On colours and their protection under trademark law.
This article examines the legal proceedings initiated by 7-Eleven against Nike over alleged trademark infringement relating to colour use. It explores the broader question of whether and how a colour can be monopolised as a trademark. The piece discusses the criteria courts apply to assess distinctiveness of colour marks and the tension between protecting brand identity and preserving fair competition. It situates the dispute within existing EU and Benelux trademark case law on colour marks.
Case report for MARQUES: Dutch court rules that Birkenstock sandals are protected by copyright
This case report covers proceedings between Birkenstock and retail chain Scapino, in which Birkenstock claimed copyright protection for several of its iconic sandal models. The Dutch court's ruling addresses when a product design can meet the originality threshold required for copyright protection. The report discusses the reasoning behind extending copyright to footwear designs traditionally protected mainly by design rights. It highlights implications for brand owners seeking broader IP protection for product shapes.
Clairfort IP team again in World Trademark Review 1000 – The World's Leading Trademark Professionals
This article announces that Clairfort's IP team received two silver and two bronze rankings in the 2026 World Trademark Review 1000 list. It highlights recognition of the firm's trademark expertise on an international stage. The piece situates this achievement within the firm's ongoing investment in its Intellectual Property, IT & Privacy practice. It underscores the firm's continued visibility among leading trademark professionals worldwide.
Liability limitation periods for hidden defects in consumer contracts
This article discusses a ruling by the Amsterdam Court of Appeal of 17 December 2024 concerning liability expiry periods for hidden defects under the AVA 2013 general terms and conditions used in Dutch construction contracts. The court found these expiry periods unreasonably onerous and unfair towards consumers, and therefore unenforceable against them. The piece explains the underlying dispute involving a homeowner and contractor, and contrasts the AVA 2013 expiry regime with statutory limitation periods under the Civil Code. It also considers the wider implications for the Dutch construction industry, since similar expiry clauses appear in most standard construction terms.
M&A specialist Jan Willem Reesink joins Clairfort's Company Law and M&A team
This announcement reports that Jan Willem Reesink joined Clairfort on 1 May 2025 as a partner and department head in the Company Law and M&A team. It outlines his prior experience as a partner at Banning and nine years as an M&A lawyer at Van Doorne in Amsterdam. The piece describes his practice areas, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, private equity, joint ventures and shareholder agreements. It notes that his clients include Dutch and foreign companies across various sectors.
Publication MARQUES: CJEU rules on copyright protection for works of applied art in Mio and Konektra cases
This article reports on the 4 December 2025 ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union in the joined Mio and Konektra cases. The decision addresses the threshold for copyright protection of works of applied art, an area historically marked by fragmented national approaches. It clarifies how originality is assessed for functional/design objects across the EU. The piece situates the judgment's implications for designers and manufacturers seeking copyright protection alongside or instead of design rights.
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