Opportunity amidst the tariffs? 👀

Hey there,

On the list of things we’re excited about, two have risen to the top:

1. Spring is finally here.
2. Our template editor is live!

This is a feature you all have been asking about for a while, and we’re psyched to have better optimised SuLe to serve your business’s needs. 🫶

In your SuLe hub, you can now edit and format any of your contracts or documents, add clauses or sections, modify your previous information, preview your documents before sending and save custom templates for your future use.

Now let’s dive into…

1. 🙋‍♀️ The legal question we’ve been asked most this past month by founders and startups. 

2. 📰 Noteworthy news (and why it’s relevant to you). 

3. ✅ One legal reminder to check off your list.

4. 💸 Funding and award opportunities to grow your business.

5. 🎉 Events this month that could bring value to you and your business.

1. Our Most Asked Question in March:
What should businesses consider when using AI? 🤖

At this point, the UK doesn’t have a standalone AI law regulating the use of artificial intelligence. Which, admittedly, makes the rules more complex.

However, there are existing legal frameworks that can help guide you in the responsible use of AI in your business. These include:

1. 📊 Data Protection and Privacy: 

   • Make sure you are compliant with data protection laws (GDPR).

   • Identify a reasonable basis for processing any personal data.

   • Obtain explicit consent for processing that data.

   • Make sure your AI only processes data that is necessary for its very particular purpose.
     

2. 👩‍🏫 Intellectual Property:

   • Establish who owns the content that was created by AI and ensure that the data used to train or operate models does not infringe on third-party intellectual property rights. The legal framework around the ownership of AI-generated content is still developing – so be careful.

   • Consider whether your product has patentability if it uses AI.

   • Review your licence to use any AI-generated content; assess the risk, ensure compliance with relevant laws and train employees to be compliant.
     

3. ❌ Bias:

   • Have safeguards in place to prevent discriminatory behaviour. For example, when it comes to hiring or customer profiling. This is where the law comes into play and companies have been known to get caught.
     

4. 🔍 Transparency:

   • Make sure you are aware of legal and ethical expectations on when to disclose that AI has been utilised.

   • Be transparent about what your AI is used for.

5. 🛟 Consumer Protection:

   • Do not mislead customers; AI features should not deceive your users in any way.
     

6.  ⛑️ Liability:

   • If AI does cause harm (for example, wrong information is given to a customer), ensure you know who is accountable. Companies often fall into trouble when AI gives an incorrect price that they’re then forced to honour.

2. Noteworthy News:
Tariffs, tariffs, tariffs. 💷

If you’ve looked at the news in the last few weeks, you’ve heard about the recent tariffs from U.S.

Thankfully, the UK is better off compared to other nations. But still, the blanket 10% tariffs the UK now faces and additional steeper rates of 20%-25% for other sectors (e.g. automotive, steel, aluminium) both add significant costs for British exporters and complicate supply chains. 🥹

UK SMEs that rely on transatlantic sales or US-sourced materials now face tougher decisions about absorbing or passing on costs.

3. Legal Reminder Of The Month:
Always check the T&Cs (terms and conditions). ✅

When you skim documents or agreements before signing, it’s easy to miss important – and legally binding – clauses. 

Here are a few to look out for in particular: 

• 🙇‍♂️Hidden Liabilities & Risk: T&Cs often include liability disclaimers and limitations on damages. These can specify that you are to be held responsible if something goes wrong, even if it is not your fault. 

• 👩‍💻 Data Ownership & Usage: Some platforms will try to claim ownership rights over your or your customers’ data – which can land you in hot water if you are handling sensitive data. 

• 👷‍♀️ IP Rights: If you’re utilising tools to generate content, T&Cs may state that they own what you’ve created, and not you. This becomes a massive problem if you try to sell your business and your IP is a key component of the sale. 

• 👨‍⚖️ Legal Jurisdiction: T&C’s might say another country's laws apply where the legal disputes can be settled. 

• 🕵️‍♂️ Compliance: Specifically, when it comes to AI, you need to know how a platform handles privacy and data. This will ensure you are not in breach of the UK GDPR, etc.

4. Funding & Award Opportunities 💸

💰 Innovate UK Innovation Loans: Innovate UK is offering up to £25 million in loans to micro, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Innovate UK innovation loans are for highly innovative late stage research and development (R&D) projects with the best potential for the future.

5. Upcoming Entrepreneurial Events 🤓

April 24th: AdTech Unlocked at Google UK 2025 – Join industry leaders and experts sharing invaluable insights on future-proofing your marketing efforts. Expect an enriching experience filled with insightful presentations, engaging panel discussions, and valuable networking opportunities.

April 29th: Women Founders Breakfast Club – Hosted by the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, join a monthly business gathering for ambitious women business owners.

May 2nd: Founders' Stories – SuLe with SuLe’s Co-Founder, Trish, hosted by Buckinghamshire New University.

May 8th: The London AI Conference 2025 – 350 of The United Kingdom's AI Experts, Founders, Investors, and Enthusiasts, for an evening of content and networking.

May 20th: Navigating Ai – Law, Ethics and Business Integration Webinar Featuring SuLe’s Co-Founder, Trish – Join us for an engaging, easy-to-follow webinar covering everything you need to know about AI in business. Our last event sold out, so make sure to register for your spot to join us on May 20th! 

That’s all until next month. And as always, happy businessing!

– The SuLe Team