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Banksia class action funder can’t keep details of misconduct claims under wraps
A judge has rejected calls to keep confidential the details of professional misconduct claims against the funder and lawyers behind the Banksia Securities class action, in a ruling that revealed that investors of the collapsed lender could recover $30 million more if allegations against the legal team are established at trial.
Virgin bidder shortlist down to Bain, Cyrus
Virgin Australia's administrators have whittled down the list of eligible bidders for the struggling airline to two, with investment firm Bain Capital and private equity investor Cyrus Capital Partners the only potential purchasers allowed to make final offers.
Independent views to get less airtime in new inquiry as class actions plunged into uncertainty
While companies and organisations have been given wide latitude to present their views to the new class action inquiry, submissions by independent professors are on a page-limit, further fueling speculation about the motives behind the Morrison government's latest review.
Rokt shows innovation in computer tech needed to cross patentability threshold
In its recent decision, the Federal Court has confirmed that schemes are not patentable merely because they are "new and ingenious" and are implemented using a computer. While the door is not completely closed on computer implemented schemes, the patentability threshold will never be passed unless there is some innovation in the computer technology, says Jane Owen and Rebecca Currey of Bird & Bird.
Government’s $721M Robodebt refund ignores damages claims, class action lawyer says
The Morrison Government will refund Centrelink recipients $721 million in debts paid as part of the controversial Robodebt scheme at the centre of a class action, a move lawyers for the class called an "unprecedented admission".
Boral faces second class action over US windows biz
Construction giant Boral faces another shareholder class action accused of failing to disclose the financial irregularities of its US windows business.
Criminal charges ‘on the cards’ for WA businessman Chris Marco, court told
Accepting that criminal proceedings were "on the cards" for accused Ponzi schemer Chris Marco, a judge has ordered the appointment of receivers to his assets and those of his company, AMS Holdings, saying there was a strong need for an independent assessment of the investment activities of the WA businessman.
AFP won’t lay charges against News Corp journalist Annika Smethurst
The Australian Federal Police has dropped its investigation of journalist Annika Smethurst over a series of News Corp articles that allegedly disclosed national security information, a decision applauded by the Law Council of Australia.
Patents system could get shake up in federal government review
The Morrison government has launched a review of Australia's patents system aimed at promoting innovation by smaller businesses.
Fuchs appeals ruling for Quaker over patents used at BHP mine
Fuchs Lubricants is contesting a finding that it infringed patents owned by Quaker Chemicals in supplying hydraulic fluid to a BHP Billiton-owned mine.