New crime in the Penal Code
Stalkers may no longer go unpunished. Under a proposal by the Polish Ministry of Justice, persons guilty of persistent harassment may be sentenced to as much as 12 years in prison.
A DNA sequence alone does not merit patent protection
The holder of a patent may not prohibit trade in products containing a patented DNA sequence if the sequence does not perform the function for which it was patented.
Heavy fines for blogging
The Polish Financial Supervision Authority is investigating a blog that has featured information about the operations of a capital group since May of this year.
Environmental decisions assignable from 20 July 2010
Transferability of environmental decisions, which was possible under Polish law prior to November 2008, has now been restored. The gap caused major difficulties for investors carrying out projects that could have a significant environmental impact.
New rules for sale of electricity
The requirement to sell electricity on the commodities exchange, on an online trading platform and in the form of an open tender is about to go into effect.
Someone else's trademark in a domain name?
Internet domain names should be registered in a way that respects prior rights.
Insider trading can be a risky game
Use or disclosure of confidential securities-related information is a crime punishable by prison or millions of zlotys in fines.
Another gambling case
An EU member state may prohibit promotion and advertising of gambling services provided by enterprises from other member states, but may not apply discriminatory sanctions for violating the ban.
Union officials protected under fixed-term contracts
A member of the management board of a workplace trade union or a union member appointed to represent workers in dealings with the employer may demand reinstatement if their employment under a contract for a definite period is terminated.
Under the spreading Euroleaf
The long-awaited new EU logo for ecological products has now appeared. From 1 July 2010, producers are required to use the logo on all products marketed as “organic.”
New tool to fight digital exclusion
The Act on Support for Development of Telecommunications Services and Networks should help bring low-cost, high-speed Internet to rural areas of eastern Poland.
Stronger position of creditors
It may be possible to obtain quicker, cheaper payment of debts secured by a bank guarantee, insurance guarantee, bank letter of credit or bank surety.
