Oct 2006

Email, as a primary tool of communication, is convenient, easily accessible and has become an integral part of the way we conduct business. Businesses need to be aware however that a quick email fired off without qualification in response to what appears to be a simple question could have unintended consequences. Our first article this month looks at a recent case that highlights the need for commercial awareness.

Most would agree that regulation of spam would undoubtedly be a good thing. The growth of unsolicited electronic messages, or "spam", has been a major problem worldwide for both individuals and organisations. The Commerce Select Committee has now reported back on the draft Spam Bill and has recommended a number of reasonably significant amendments which we look at in this month's second article. The Bill is likely to be enacted late 2006 / early 2007 and businesses should be aware of the possible implications of the new legislation on their business marketing activities.

Finally, we provide an overview of the background and key aspects of the Telecommunications Amendment Bill 2006, which is likely to be remembered not only for the potentially significant changes it proposes for the telecommunications industry, not least of which is local loop unbundling, but also the controversy surrounding its introduction due to the leaking of a confidential cabinet paper to Telecom.

Also included in this edition is detail of an upcoming webinar hosted by an associate firm of Simpson Grierson's in the U.S. This very-early-morning online seminar looks to provide a step-by-step guide to attracting institutional investors to venture capital and private equity funds.