If I had not long since despaired of my ‘predictions are like a box of chocolates’ theme, these would be the tasty treats found under the wrappers just as you were about to dispose of the box. Or you could just think of them as late extras.
{b}From Beverley Flynn, Head of Data Protection and member of the Life Sciences team at Stevens & Bolton LLP.{/b}
The proliferation of health apps and wearable technologies will bring with it more scrutiny by the regulators and possibly a more joined-up approach across the ICO and MHRA (Medical and Healthcare Products Recognition Agency). At present the potential for apps to constitute medical devices means that it is likely some may slip through the net and not become registered with the MHRA or obtain CE mark recognition. Whilst those in the life sciences industry may recognise the issues –app developers IT companies and entrepreneurs in the space of IT may not be so aware.
In addition the Article 29 Working Party’s Opinion on the data protection aspect of apps and the MHRA guidance on apps and wearable technologies both suggest this is coming higher up on the agenda as the world of IT and life sciences meet. We watch the space with interest.
{b}From Graham Smith, Partner in Bird & Bird LLP and specialist in IT, internet and intellectual property law. His Cyberleagle blog is at www.cyberleagle.com.{/b}
1. 2015 sees the emergence of a counter-narrative to War on the Internet sloganeering (Social Responsibility, Must Do More, Wild West, Ungoverned/Lawless Space). We can hope.
2. Extra-territoriality of laws on the internet becomes a bigger issue than ever. Will states start to learn the virtues of modest self-restraint? Or will every state continue to assert the superiority of its local laws over those of the rest of the world?
3. Copyright. Obviously
