EU patent fight goes to court

4th of July 2011

Italy and Spain have lodged a complaint with the European Court of Justice against attempts by other member states to introduce an EU patent without them.

The EU patent scheme is backed by 25 member states but viewed as discriminatory by Rome and Madrid. In a statement the Italian Foreign Ministry said it had lodged the complaint with the court

» read more

Retirement laws subject to change

1st of July 2011
Retirement laws subject to change

The question of how to deal with older members of staff, particularly those who have worked for a business for a long time, is a difficult one for managers.  At present, employers must follow a fairly strict retirement process which penalises them for failing to comply, but which does allow them to choose to retire an employee without the

» read more

Why buy original?

1st of July 2011
Why buy original?

In January of this year, ECJ hosted a round table discussion in Amsterdam - attended by cleaning industry manufacturers and exhibition organisers - which highlighted the growing problem of intellectual property infringement. As the sector's producers seek to protect themselves from the issues surrounding 'copycat' products, we explore the reasons

» read more

Use technology for efficiency

1st of July 2011
Use technology for efficiency

In his third article for ECJ, Diversey's Pedro Chidichimo explains the benefits for facility management companies of implementing and running IT systems and procedures to improve their front and back office operations. He says internet based applications can differentiate a business from its competitors through improved service quality, and

» read more

Don't fall foul of discrimination laws

30th of June 2011
Don't fall foul of discrimination laws

The law on workplace discrimination is a minefield for the unwary, with employers who fail to watch their step risking becoming embroiled in costly and time-consuming disputes that can be as damaging to their reputation as their bottom line. Hartley Milner reports on the pitfalls of the legislation for businesses.

A notice of claim from an

» read more

Open borders advantages

30th of June 2011

Leading economists agree that Germany will profit from openings its borders to workers from the newest EU member states. Restrictions were lifted on May 1 to allow people from the eight central European countries to enter the country.

The opening of the German labour market comes at the right time, according to Michael Hüther, president of

» read more

All Articles

Our Partners

  • ISSA Interclean
  • EFCI
  • EU-nited