August 25, 2023, marks a monumental shift as the Digital Services Act (“DSA“) takes center stage, impacting industry giants like Amazon, Google, Apple, and TikTok. With 19 platforms and search engines, each having a minimum of 45 million users, the DSA takes action to uphold data privacy, combat disinformation, and eliminate online hate speech. This dynamic legislation aims to give users, including minors, enhanced rights and control over their online presence, fostering a high level of privacy and security.

The new Rulebook on the Content of the Business Entities Register and Documents Required for Registration (RS Official Gazette No. 63/23) (hereinafter: "New Rulebook") has entered into force on August 5, 2023, thereby ceasing to be valid Rulebook on the Content of the Business Entities Register and Documents Required for Registration (RS Official Gazette, No. 42/2016) (hereinafter: "Previous Rulebook").

In the ever-evolving world of technology, the boundaries of law are constantly being tested. With the most recent developments in generative AI (artificial intelligence – language and diffusion models), the boundaries of IP law are being tested to their absolute limits. A recent ruling by the United States District Court has brought to light a significant issue that could have implications everywhere in the world, across the spectrum of creative and knowledge industries.

NKO Partners has advised the Belgrade-based PGM Live TV production and distribution company on its acquisition of the remaining 50% stake in VPK Balkan from Slovenian production company VPK PRO, thus gaining full ownership of the target. Sole practitioner Nenad Davidovic advised the seller.

Petar Orlic and Branko Jankovic of NKO Partners sat down with CEE Legal Matters to talk about their unique paths to Partnership at the firm and share insights. Petar, who recently made the transition from London to Serbia in pursuit of new opportunities, shares his excitement about the vibrant and energetic business climate in the CEE region, while Branko, who rapidly ascended to the position of Partner at NKO, offers valuable tips on professional growth and the importance of staying open-minded and continuously learning. 

The European Union has initiated the world’s first carbon border tax, known as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), in a strategic move to tackle the mounting concerns of climate change.

On 03 August 2023, the Government of the Republic of Serbia passed on a new Proposal of the Law on the Management of Companies Owned by the Republic of Serbia (hereinafter referred to as: "Proposal"). 

Amendments to the Law on Foreigners (Official Gazette of RS no. 24/2018, 31/2019 and 62/2023) and the Law on Employment of Foreigners (Official Gazette of RS no. 128/2014, 113/2017, 50/2018, 31/2019 and 62/2023) (“the Laws”) were published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia no. 62/2023 of July 27, 2023, and entered into force on August 4, 2023.

The Serbian National Assembly adopted amendments to two key laws regulating the immigration status of foreigners in the Republic of Serbia – the Law on Foreigners and the Law on Employment of Foreigners.

Since the release of the Barbie movie, there’s been an unmistakable global buzz.  Beyond film, it has driven sales across a spectrum of Barbie merchandise, from costumes and makeup to beverages and even a rentable Barbie dreamhouse.  The success of the Barbie movie, dolls, and brand hinges on Mattel’s very prudent approach to protecting their intellectual property rights.

In May 2023 the Government of the Republic of Serbia submitted the official Proposal of the Law on Amendments of the Law on Citizenship of the Republic of Serbia (the Proposal), which is currently in the process of deliberation within the National Assembly.

The National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia adopted several proposed laws related to construction during its session on 26 July 2023.

The new amendments to the law on foreigners and the law on the employment of foreigners, which will apply from 1 February 2024 ("Amendments"), significantly simplify and shorten the procedure for employment of foreign citizens in the Republic of Serbia and contribute to increased efficiency of the procedure, which will allow foreigners to be employed in the Republic of Serbia in a very short period of time.

The new Law on Electronic Communications, published on April 29, 2023, in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia no. 35/23, went into force on May 7, 2023. With the entry into force of the new law, the previous Law on Electronic Communications ceases to be valid (“Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia”, nos. 44/2010, 60/2013, 62/2014 and 95/2018) except for certain provisions related to the secrecy of electronic communications, legal interception, and retention of data, as well as other specific provisions that will be valid until the adoption of by-laws prescribed by the new Law on Electronic Communications.

As we previously reported, the pivotal Energy Community Ministerial Meeting held in Tepelenë, Albania, in June signaled potential developments in green energy and decarbonisation in the Western Balkans (WB).

Schoenherr, working with Sullivan & Cromwell, has advised the Emirates Telecommunications Group Company – operating as E& – on its acquisition of a 50%-plus-one-share stake in PPF Telecom Group's assets in Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia, and Slovakia. White & Case and Karanovic & Partners advised the PPF Group on the up to EUR 2.5 billion sale and the setup of a joint venture with E&.

On April 28, 2023, symbolically on the International Day for Safety and Health at Work, the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia adopted the New Law on Safety and Health at Work (“Official Gazette of the RS”, No. 35/2023 – hereinafter: the New Law), which entered into force on May 7, 2023. The New Law brings a large number of novelties in the field of safety and health at work (hereinafter: OSH), and its main goal is the complete alignment of OSH regulation with European standards, and consequently, a significant reduction in the number of injuries at work and occupational diseases of employees.

Karanovic & Partners has advised DS Smith on its acquisition of Serbian offset cardboard packaging and blister packaging company Bosis.