Class Actions
Judge OKs $13.5M Quintis settlement, denies competing funder a cut
A judge has approved a $13.5 million settlement in a class action against the director of collapsed sandalwood producer Quintis, but has reduced deductions sought by the plaintiff's lawyers and funder, and denied a payout to the funder of a competing case.
Class Actions
Class action says ‘obvious problems’ with Sportsbet’s bid to claw back winnings
A class action alleging Sportsbet provided unlawful in-play betting services says the bookmaker’s counterclaim seeking restitution of winnings faces "obvious problems", pointing to difficulties in binding group members.
Employment
Judge scolds parties in sexual harassment case against barrister
A Federal Circuit Court judge who has been in the spotlight for his decisions has scolded a Perth law firm and barrister facing a sexual harassment case, after they sought to vacate the trial date due to counsel availability.
Intellectual Property
Director triumphs in ‘acrimonious dispute’ over documentary credits
The director of a documentary about a US narcotics officer during the 1990s 'war on drugs' has won his copyright suit against the film's producers, with a judge finding his moral rights under the Copyright Act were infringed by their failure to credit him as the director.
ASIC
ASIC accuses Budget Direct of misleading customers on discounts
ASIC has filed proceedings against Auto & General, alleging tens of thousands of Budget Direct customers lost discounts they were promised and were overcharged premiums for several years.
Healthcare
Bupa can’t appeal failed bid for class action knockout
Aged care provider Bupa can't challenge the dismissal of its bid for a quick win in a class action over the standard of care at its facilities, despite a court noting the case has "some curiosities".
Business of Law
MinterEllison expands private capital team with Gilbert + Tobin hires
MinterEllison has expanded its private capital team, hiring two leveraged finance specialists from Gilbert + Tobin.
Competition & Consumer Protection
Coles says discount policies justified at time of ‘dramatic’ inflation
Coles has told a court that its decision to change its discount policies was unsurprising during a period of significant inflation, denying claims by the ACCC that its ‘Down Down’ promotions were misleading.
Class Actions
Quinn Emanuel ducks $24M security in hotel quarantine class action
A judge has ordered the firm behind a class action over Victoria's COVID-19 hotel quarantine program to pay another $3.6 million in security for costs, a far cry from the $24 million sought by the state to cover its outlay.
Class Actions
AMP super members get half of $120M class action settlement
AMP super members are set to receive $60 million in a class action stemming from the banking royal commission, with the average payout being under $100, a judge has heard.
