The federal Attorney-General has unveiled a new system for the allocation of more than $1 billion in external legal services to the Commonwealth government over the next five years, with just two Australian law firms approved in every practice area.
A judge has rejected a proposed common fund order in the settled KPMG class action, saying the funder’s commission was “arguably excessive” and could result in a “stratospheric” return to the firm.
Accounting firm Grant Thornton has thrown off prior concerns and agreed to take on the dual role of scheme administrator of a confidential settlement by KPMG in the Discovery Metals shareholder class action and costs contradictor of Piper Alderman’s $3.5 million legal bill.
Group members in the Fitch Ratings class action have recovered almost 95 per cent of their losses in a $27 million settlement, which was narrowly approved after a judge scolded the parties for a lack of clarity around the mediation and opt-out process.
Mylan and Cipla have reached a speedy resolution of a consumer lawsuit accusing Cipla of copying the get-up of Mylan’s blockbuster cholesterol drug Lipidil.
Fitch Ratings has agreed to settle the last of the investor class actions in Australia flowing from the global financial crisis, a court heard Friday.
Novartis has applied to amend its proposed patent for an oral form of multiple sclerosis drug Gilenya, as it appeals an invalidity ruling by IP Australia for lack of inventive step.
Veterinary pharmaceutical companies Norbrook Laboratories and Merial have launched twin appeals of two IP Australia decisions allowing Bayer to amend a proposed patent for a treatment for mammary gland infections.
The High Court will not review an appeals court’s decision to approve a $64 million settlement in litigation over the failure of Banksia Securities while rejecting the funder’s commission and legal fees.
Parties in an ongoing four-and-a-half year long investor class action against Fitch Ratings have agreed to a second round of mediation after a prior attempt was adjourned without success.