JPM & Partners has recently embarked on a transformative journey of both rebranding its operations and integrating with the law offices of Lana Vukmirovic Misic in Montenegro – a “long-time JPM friend and partner.” JPM & Partners Senior Partners Nenad Popovic and Lana Vukmirovic Misic discuss the firm's recent rebranding, strategic expansion, and the motivations behind these as well as what comes next for the firm.
Amendments to the Regulation on Conditions of Delivery and Supply of Natural Gas
The government of the Republic of Serbia in its session held on 03 November 2023 adopted Regulation on amendments to the Regulation on conditions of delivery and supply of natural gas, published in the Official Gazette of the RS no. 97/2023.
Mandatory Branch Incorporation
Although a seemingly simple question, the obligation to incorporate a branch does not have a simple answer. Branch incorporation of business companies is foreseen by the Company Law (hereinafter: "Company Law").
“Golden Parachutes”
A golden parachute is a compensation agreement guaranteeing significant financial benefits to a top executive who loses their job, namely chief executive officers and other high-ranking employees who depart because of a merger or acquisition. They are often applied through clauses in employee contracts, specific contracts, or acts of incorporation.
Impact of the EU Directive on Ensuring a Global Minimum Level of Taxation for MNE Groups on Corporate Income Tax in Serbia and Montenegro
Starting from 1 January 2024, the Council Directive (EU) 2022/2523 of 14 December 2022 on ensuring a global minimum level of taxation for multinational enterprise groups and large-scale domestic groups in the Union (hereinafter: Directive) will start to apply.
New Rules for Connection to the Electric Energy Grid
The adoption of the Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources in 2021 created a very favorable environment for investments in green energy. Recognizing the opportunities and incentives, investors in a short period of time submitted a large number of requests to Elektromreža Srbije as a transmission system operator ("TSO") for the connection of future power plants using renewable energy sources. More precisely, requests for the connection of 22,000 MW have been submitted so far, while the total capacity of the power plants connected to the system is about 8,500 MW.
BDK Advokati and JPM & Partners Advise on Waberer’s Acquisition of MDI
BDK Advokati has advised Waberer’s International on its acquisition of a 55% stake in the MD International distribution company in Serbia, with an option for the remaining 45%. JPM & Partners advised MDI shareholder Dragoslav Micic. Marjanovic Law reportedly advised the other sellers.
Non-Compete – Limitations and Practical Issues
Everyone is free to choose their work, time, or place of engagement and the profession they will commit to. The Serbian Constitution grants these basic human rights while also envisaging that all jobs are available to everyone under equal conditions. A similar principle is founded under the Law on Protection of Competition - that the protection of competition on the market of RS is regulated with the aim of economic progress and the well-being of society as a whole, especially to the consumer’s benefit. However, these are only the general principles that are subject to numerous constraints with the purpose of either protecting basic human rights, preventing unfair competition, or harboring the whole economic system with the consumers and companies as its vital participants.
Montenegro Regulates the Real Estate Brokerage
The Ministry of Economic Development and Tourism adopted the Draft Law on Real Estate Brokerage. The adoption of this law is motivated primarily by the need to suppress the grey economy that is flourishing in the field of real estate brokerage. The second, equally important motive is the protection of participants and the prevention of abuses and fraud in real estate sales.
Probate Proceedings With a Foreign Element in Serbia – Jurisdiction of the Serbian Courts
In the probate proceedings, the court determines who the heirs of the decedent are, which property makes up his estate, and which rights from the estate belong to heirs, legatees, and other persons.
To Know What the Future Holds – A Closer Look into Duration of Court and Arbitral Proceedings
It is well established in today's world that the resolution of civil disputes is a crucial aspect of any legal system both by ensuring justice effectively and enabling continual business relationships to thrive unhindered by excessively long-lasting court proceedings.
Chapter 2 – Keeping a Promise – The First-Instance Commercial Offence Proceeding
As we promised a few weeks ago when we discussed all the interesting aspects of commercial offences as an integral part of Serbian penal law, we shall now take a closer look at the first-instance proceeding and some of the most important segments of domestic and foreign legal entities, as well as their responsible persons, should keep in mind in case they are subjected to a commercial offence proceeding.
Tax Incentives on Reimbursement of Engaged Individuals
The Republic of Serbia applies different taxes to reimbursement payable to engaged individuals depending on their engagement type. Those engaged via employment agreement, are subject to salary tax and those engaged via service agreement are subject to tax on other income. Those engaged via temporary and periodical employment agreements are subject to either salary tax or tax on other income while those engaged on the basis of supplementary work are only subject to tax on other income.
JPM & Partners Advises on Big Bang Acquisition of BC Group
JPM & Partners has advised Slovenia's Big Bang on its acquisition of Serbian online retailer BC Group. The Andric Law Office reportedly advised the sellers.
New Rulebook on the Content of the Business Entities Register and Documents Required for Registration
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").
New Proposal of the Law on the Management of Enterprises Owned by the Republic of Serbia
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 of the Set of Laws Related to Construction
The National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia adopted several proposed laws related to construction during its session on 26 July 2023.
Amendments to the Law on Foreigners and Law on Employment of Foreigners
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.