Chapter News

The Treaties of Rome at 60: Commission recalls Europe’s achievements and leads discussion on the future at 27

On 25 March, EU leaders will come together in Rome to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, which were signed on this day in 1957.Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker, will participate in the Rome Summit, where a number of events are being organised to mark the occasion and to reflect on Europe's common future. The Treaties of Rome – signed by the six founding Member States – paved the way for the European Union that we know today:...

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Member News

Supreme Court Rules on New Separability Test for Copyrights on Designs

Summary: On March 22, 2017, the Supreme Court issued its opinion in Star Athletica, LLC v. Varsity Brands, Inc., No. 15-866.  In a 6-2 decision, the Court held that decorative elements of a cheerleader’s outfit were separable from the functionality of the underlying garment and thus eligible for protection under copyright law.  Justice Thomas wrote the majority opinion, with Justice Ginsburg concurring in the outcome, and Justices Breyer and Kennedy dissenting.  Specifically, the Supreme Court held that “a feature incorporated...

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Chapter News

Fintech—A Brave New World for the Financial Sector?

From smartphones to cloud computing, technology is rapidly changing virtually every facet of society, including communications, business and government. The financial world is no exception. As a result, the financial world stands at a critical juncture. Yes, the widespread adoption of new technologies, such as blockchain-based systems, offers many potential benefits. But it also gives rise to new risks, including risks to financial stability. That causes challenges for financial regulators, a subject I addressed at the 2017 World Government Summit...

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Chapter News

Better products and more choice for European consumers

The Commission presented an Action Plan setting out ways to provide consumers with greater choice and better access to financial services across the EU. President Juncker's Commission has committed to developing a deeper and fairer Single Market, including through digital means. In terms of financial services, this means enhancing competition and improving choice so that consumers can enjoy lower prices and better quality, regardless of whether or not they shop abroad for financial services such as bank accounts, car...

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Chapter News, New York Related News

Four big updates from NYC

I write with four great updates from New York City.  If any of these catch your interest, feel free to follow up with me, and I will be happy to connect you with the right people! Adding to the eighteen existing City-supported incubators, New York City announced a number of new spaces that will come online in the near future: A $136 million “Made in New York” campus at Bush Terminal in Brooklyn that will be a modern hub...

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Member News

U.S. Supreme Court Diminishes Laches Defense in Patent Infringement Cases

On March 21, 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court confirmed that "laches" is not a defense to infringement during a statutory damages period set by Congress in SCA Hygiene Products Aktiebolag v. First Quality Baby Products, LLC.1 Laches is an equitable defense to an infringement claim that bars recovery by the plaintiff when the plaintiff unreasonably delays in seeking relief. The Supreme Court addressed similar laches arguments in Petrella v. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc.,2 where it decided that a claim filed within...

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Member News

ING publishes proxy materials for 2017 AGM

ING Groep N.V. ("ING") today published the proxy materials for its annual General Meeting (AGM), to be held on Monday, 8 May 2017, in Amsterdam. The proxy materials, including the agenda for the AGM, are available on the ING website (www.ing.com/agm). As announced on 14 March 2017, the agenda for the AGM includes the proposal to appoint Koos Timmermans and Steven van Rijswijk as members of the Executive Board. Upon appointment they will also be members of the Management Board...

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Chapter News

Celebrating 70 Years of Friendship

  This year we're celebrating three important anniversaries in EU-U.S. history: the 70th anniversary of the Marshall Plan, the 65th anniversary of EU-US diplomatic relations, and the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. In this video address, EU Ambassador David O'Sullivan states, "In honoring these three anniversaries, we are truly celebrating the American and European visionaries who dared to dream what Europe could become." Watch the video. Compliments of the Delegation of the EU to the US  

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Chapter News

Clearer energy labelling: improved energy efficiency

The Council reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on a regulation setting a framework for energy efficiency labelling. This agreement will have to be confirmed by the member states Permanent Representatives (Coreper) tomorrow. The proposed regulation will replace the current legislation (Directive 2010/30/EU) retaining its main principles but further clarifying, strengthening and extending its scope. The Energy labelling framework allows customers to be more aware of the energy efficiency and energy consumption of household appliances (such as dishwashers, televisions,...

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Chapter News, New York Related News

Statement on United Technologies Corporation Plans for Innovation Center in Brooklyn

“We are proud to have helped United Technologies Corporation find a home in the five boroughs for its new innovation center," said NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett. "Leveraging $4 million in support through the City’s Relocation and Employment Assistance Program, UTC will create over 200 quality tech and engineering jobs in Brooklyn. This 50,000 square foot innovation center will build upon the City’s strategic efforts to grow emerging sectors and connect homegrown talent with quality jobs, including through the...

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