Commercial Agents (Council Directive) Regulations 1993: Key legislation governing relationships with commercial agents, defining rights and obligations of parties in distribution arrangements. Essential if dealing with commercial agents rather than pure distributors.
Competition Act 1998: Ensures compliance with competition law, prevents anti-competitive agreements, and regulates vertical agreements and territorial restrictions in distribution arrangements.
Sale of Goods Act 1979: Primary legislation governing the sale of goods, including implied terms about quality and fitness, and transfer of title provisions.
Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982: Covers quality of service provisions and reasonable care and skill requirements in supply arrangements.
Consumer Rights Act 2015: Essential legislation when distribution involves consumer goods, containing key consumer protection provisions.
EU Retained Law (including VABER): Post-Brexit retained EU law, including Vertical Agreements Block Exemption Regulation, affecting distribution agreements in the UK.
Common Law Principles: Fundamental legal principles covering contract formation, breach of contract, and available remedies under English law.
International Trade Laws: Regulations governing international distribution, including export/import regulations and trade sanctions compliance.
Trade Marks Act 1994: Legislation protecting trademarks and intellectual property rights in distribution relationships.
Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988: Protects intellectual property rights including copyright, designs, and patents relevant to distribution agreements.
UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018: Data protection legislation governing the handling of personal data in business relationships and distribution arrangements.
