The CCPA Regulations Have Been Approved and are Effective Immediately
19/08/2020 Technology & Regulation in the Spotlight Two months after their submission, on August 14, 2020, the California Office of Administrative Law has approved the final regulations (“Regulations“) for the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA“). The Regulations are effective immediately while the enforcement under the CCPA itself already began on 1 July 2020. Several updates […]
Google’s Recent Privacy Updates: Replacements to 3rd Party Cookies and Enhanced Ads Transparency
05/08/2020 Technology & Regulation in the Spotlight Google has recently published several updates in the context of the company’s efforts to enhance privacy in digital advertising. These changes are a part of Google’s initiative to develop a set of open standards to increase privacy on the web, which is referred to as “Privacy Sandbox“. In […]
New Regulatory Guidance in the UK on AI and Data Protection
02/08/2020 Technology & Regulation in the Spotlight Following two years of research and consultation, the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (“ICO“) has published regulatory guidance on artificial intelligence (“AI”) and data protection. This document complements other ICO resources, including its report on Big Data, AI, and Machine Learning (“ML“) and the recently published guidelines on explaining […]
Zoom is Obligated to Improve its Security Practices as Part of a Settlement
10/11/2020 Technology & eCommerce Regulation in the Spotlight On 9 November 2020, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC“) has announced a settlement with Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (“Zoom“), over allegations of deceptive and unfair security practices, as well as undermining a browser security feature. As part of the settlement, Zoom is required to implement a comprehensive […]
Our client, investment firm KKR, has acquired 1-800 Contacts, the largest ecommerce retailer of contact lenses in the U.S.
The company is the leading direct-to-consumer brand, and part of its mission is to develop technology to allow consumers to do more from home. Our partners, Yair Geva and Michal Herzfeld, were dedicated to assisting our US partners in making this major E-commerce and Telemedicine deal happen, and we are proud to participate in such a meaningful move […]
Public companies will be allowed to Publish Reports in English
The Israel Securities Authority recently announced that its proposal to allow public companies to report in English was approved by the Knesset’s Finance Committee. Dear Friends and Clients, The Israel Securities Authority (the “ISA”) recently announced the approval of the Knesset’s Finance Committee of the ISA’s proposal to allow public companies in Israel to […]
Extension of the Regulations regarding Exemption From Licensing requirements for the Provision of Credit and Financial Asset Services
Financial Services Regulation| Extension of the Regulations regarding Exemption From Licensing requirements for the Provision of Credit and Financial Asset Services Approval of an amendment to the Supervision on Financial Services (regulated financial services) (exemption from licensing obligation), pursuant to which the regulations will remain in force until the end of December 2021 Dear Clients […]
Draft Law for Regulation of Broker Dealer Activity in Israel
Dear Friends and Clients, On November 5, 2020, the Ministry of Finance published for public comments a Memorandum of Law: The Securities Law (Regulating the Activities of Broker Dealers), 5720-2020 (the “Memorandum of Law”). Currently, the activities of members of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (the “TASE”) are regulated in the TASE regulations and are […]
Dramatic Change in the Taxation of Share Redemptions – a New Israeli District Court Ruling
Dear Clients, Colleagues and Friends, Last week (1.11.2020), Judge Orit Weinstein of the Haifa District Court rendered its decision in the tax appeal of Beit Hossen Ltd. and its shareholders.[1] The main legal question in the ruling related to the taxation of a non-pro-rata redemption of shares. Specifically, the court was required to determine whether […]
Payment Services Law – Draft Exemption Regulations
Issuance of draft exemption from the application of the Payment Services Law to payment instruments such as gift cards and low value payment cards The Israeli Ministry of Justice has published for the public’s comment the Draft Regulations for Payment Services (Exemption From the Application of the Law), 2020, which exclude means of payment such […]
Our clients, Meshek Energy, have completed a public bonds offering through a unique device to fund future solar power projects
This is the first time an Israeli company has raised senior debt on a project by project basis through a public bonds offering. The company will get access to the funds as its green energy initiatives progress. The offering was very successful and met high demand and low-interest rates. Our team, led by our partners Nir […]
Glad to assist the new partnership between our clients, the shareholders of Manor Medical, and Danel Group
Glad to assist the new partnership between our clients, the shareholders of Manor Medical, and Danel Group קבוצת דנאל – an Israeli market leader in nursing, HR services, private health care, etc. Danel Group has purchased the control in Manor Medical in a complex deal. Our team, led by our partners Ran Hai and Asaf Nahum, and associate Shai Ashri loved […]
Our Client TOKA GROUP successfully completed a $25M funding round
Glad to take part in, yet another, milestone for our client, TOKA GROUP, who successfully completed a $25M funding round. This will allow Toka to further its efforts to develop cutting-edge and lawful intelligence-gathering platforms and products, and advise governments on building an integrated cyber defense. Kudos to our partner Yair Geva and associate Helena Malinowski who led this Series […]
California Approved a New Privacy Act
05/11/2020 Technology & eCommerce Regulation in the Spotlight On 3 November, Californian voters have approved the California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA“). The CPRA will considerably revamp California’s data protection legislation, changing the current California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA“), both materially and procedurally (consequently being commonly referred to as “CCPA 2.0”). The CPRA was the subject […]
Client Update – Appointment of a Data Protection Officer
Dear Clients and Friends, We would like to draw your attention that on October 29, 2020, the Israeli Privacy Protection Authority (the “PPA“) has published a document calling on organizations to appoint a Database Protection Officer (“DPO“), who will be responsible for implementing the applicable laws for protection of personal data within the organization. The […]
UAE – ISRAEL FINTECH WEBINAR
A New Fintech Region Enabling Synergies Between the Two Leading Fintech Hubs The Abraham Accords between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, have great economic potential for both sides. The financial market is one of the most interesting arenas for economic cooperation between the two countries, and there is potential for joint action in the […]
Bank of Israel Circular on banking transactions with the UAE
Dear Clients and Colleagues, Following the execution of the Abraham Accords Peace agreement between the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”) and the State of Israel in September, which also made reference to the Protocol for understandings on cooperation in banking and financial services executed by the UAE and the State of Israel on September 1st, the Bank […]
UK Data Regulator Enforces in the Data Broking Sector
28/10/2020 Technology & eCommerce Regulation in the Spotlight On 27 October 2020, the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (“ICO“) has published an investigation report on data protection compliance in the direct marketing data broking sector. While the investigation mainly focused on the compliance of credit reference agencies (“CRA“), the investigation report contains important findings for […]
Partner Gilad Majerowicz Exclusive Interview to ISRAERU
Patrner Gilad Majerowicz was featured in the online magazine, ISRAERU, where he discussed Herzog’s Japan practice and the future of Japan-Israel relations. “We helped large Japanese clients to open offices in Israel. We helped many companies to make investments in high-tech companies. We helped one of Japan’s largest trading houses to set up an investment fund […]
We are proud to take part in writing the Israeli Tax Law chapter for the prestigious The Legal 500 (Legalease) guide.
We are proud to take part in writing the Israeli Tax Law chapter for the prestigious The Legal 500 (Legalease) guide. The chapter is in the form of a Q&A, to supply thousands of readers from around the world, looking to establish partnerships in Israel, with the most up to date and relevant information. Taking part in […]
New Israeli District Court Ruling on Intercompany Financing (Capital Note, Intercompany Loan)
Dear Clients, Colleagues and Friends, Last week, the Jerusalem District Court rendered its decision in the Barazani case, which dealt with the distinction (and the different tax treatment) between a “capital note” and an intercompany loan, which was provided by an Israeli parent company to its foreign subsidiaries. The District Court ruled in favor of […]
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones): Applications and Investment and Collaboration Opportunities between Canada and Israel
On November 10 we held the Maple & Honey Forum special presentation on drones, focusing on commercial and non-commercial applications and investment and collaboration opportunities between Canada and Israel. This webinar was hosted by our partner Aviram Hazak and two of the heads of Bennett Jones’ Canada-Israel initiative Ted Shoub with Elad Travis. On the […]
FCA Prohibits Cryptoasset Derivatives and Exchange Traded Notes
21/10/2020 Technology & eCommerce Regulation in the Spotlight The UK Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) recently announced that it would prohibit the marketing, distribution and sale of cryptoasset derivatives and cryptoasset exchange traded notes (“ETNs“) to retail clients, in or from the UK. The prohibition will enter into force on 6 January 2021. The FCA clarified, […]
Our Client Coralogix recently completed its Series B financing round raising $25 million.
Our Client, Coralogix, recently completed its Series B financing round raising $25 million. Coralogix develops management and analytics tools for log files and security data of information systems. Recently, it has announced a new product that provides its consumers with data management flexibility and pricing model that allows them to set priorities for the level […]
Our client, Glassbox, has acquired its British competitor SessionCam.
We are glad to announce that our client, Glassbox, has acquired its British competitor SessionCam. Both companies provide user experience analysis, to allow their clients improve their digital assets and increase their revenue as a result. Glassbox will now be able to offer its tools to more companies in a wider variety of sectors. Thank you to […]
Update on green countries and new procedure for business visitors from green countries
Dear Clients and Colleagues, On October 15, 2020, the Israeli government amended its Public Health Order (New Coronavirus) (Home Isolation and Various Instructions) (Temporary Instruction), Amendment No. 3 – 2020 (the “Order”), updating the list of “green countries,” from which individuals can enter Israel without mandatory self-isolation. Under the current version of the Order, a […]
Going Public in the US by Merging into a SPAC: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) continue to grow in popularity and insignificance in the United States. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the US capital markets remain active for SPAC IPOs. Many emerging companies are receiving indications of interest from SPACs that are seeking acquisition candidates. Our session focuses on helping management teams and boards of directors […]
Webinar | Trends in U.S Privacy Law
Join us for a webinar that will walk you through the expected changes in U.S law. Tuesday, 20.10, at 15:00-16:00. For information and registration >> click here
Proposed Amendments to Petroleum Partnership Regulations
Dear Clients, Colleagues and Friends, The Income Tax Regulations (Rules for Calculation of Tax in connection with the Holding and Sale of Participation Units in an Oil Exploration Partnership) of 1988 (the “Petroleum Partnership Regulations“) establish and clarify the rules for calculating the tax due to the holding and sale of participation units in an […]
Easing of Restrictions
Dear Clients and Colleagues, Following the restrictions that were imposed as of September 25, 2020, which prevented the opening and operation of certain workplaces, the government has enacted regulations whereby as of today, October 18, 2020, workplaces are permitted to re-open. In this update, we will summarize the main elements of the government’s decision, in […]