Techlaw News Round-Up

June 13, 2019
The Wireless Telegraphy (Licence Charges for the 3.4 GHz Frequency Band and the 3.6 GHz Frequency Band) Regulations 2019 SI 2019/1004 made
These Regulations set the level of charges payable to OFCOM in respect of the licences of the Spectrum Access 3.5 GHz licence class granted under section 8 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 for the use of the frequencies in the bands 3480.0-3500.0 MHz and 3580.0-3600.0 MHz.  The Regulations also increase the level of charges payable to OFCOM in respect of the licences of the Spectrum Access 3.6 GHz licence class granted under section 8 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 for the use of the frequencies in the band 3600.0-3680.0 MHz.
Former customer services officer fined after unlawfully accessing personal data
A former customer services officer has been found guilty of unlawfully accessing personal data without a legitimate reason to do so.  She spent time looking at anti social behaviour cases on a case management system when she was not authorised to do so. She accessed the system a total of 67 times between January and December 2017.  The offences came to light following an audit of her access to the case management system, after concerns were raised regarding her performance, which resulted in her suspension and her subsequent resignation.  She pleaded guilty to unlawfully accessing personal data in breach of section 55 of the Data Protection Act 1998 at Stockport Magistrates Court on 6 June 2019. She was ordered to pay a £300 fine, £364.08 costs and a victim surcharge of £30.

Council of the EU reveals conclusions for a future digitised Europe
The Council of the EU has adopted conclusions on the future of a highly digitised Europe beyond 2020. The conclusions highlight the main priorities and challenges for a strong, competitive, innovative and highly digitised Europe. They refer to the importance of supporting innovation and encouraging European key digital technologies, respecting ethical principles and values in artificial intelligence, strengthening Europe’s cybersecurity capacity, improving e-skills, and developing the gigabit society, including 5G. They also underline the need to increase the number of women in the sector and to enable all vulnerable groups to reap the benefits of digitalisation so that no one is left behind. The conclusions will assist in the development of the EU’s future digital policy.

IPO guidance for IP rightsholders on reporting infringing listings on various e-commerce sites
The UK Intellectual Property Office published guidance on how to protect intellectual property rights on various e-commerce websites.  The guidance states that the rapid growth in e-commerce over the past decade has increased consumers’ choice and access to goods online, and led to consumers turning to major e-commerce stores to buy everyday goods.  The guidance sets out the specific tools available on various websites to allow IP rightsholders to report and remove infringing listings to protect their brands.

EU legislation published in Official Journal
Regulation (EU) 2019/947 on the rules and procedures for the operation of unmanned aircraft, and Regulation (EU) 2019/945 on unmanned aircraft systems and on third-country operators of unmanned aircraft systems, have been published in the Official Journal.  Both come into force on 1 July 2019. Regulation 2019/947 will apply from 1 July 2020. Regulation 2019/945 sets out requirements for the design and manufacture of unmanned aircraft systems, establishes rules for their use and provides rules for third-country operators when they operate within the single European airspace.  In addition, Regulation (EU) 2019/881 on ENISA and on information and communications technology certification was published in the Official Journal on 7 June 2019.