It is entirely possible that the first effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is developed in Australia, with an Australian firm securing patent rights to the vaccine. If that occurs, it is important to remember that a patent is not an impenetrable fortress. Patent laws already contain mechanisms to enable “special access” to patented pharmaceuticals and other technologies, including (perhaps especially) in times like this, say James Neil and Richard Hoad of Clayton Utz.
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia has refused to provide sought-after documents to the lead applicants of a joint class action against it until AUSTRAC grants permission, citing concerns over possible criminal breaches if it hands over the material without the agency’s approval.
Insurance giant Allianz is facing a class action over allegedly “poor value” or worthless car and motorcycle insurance products.
The liquidators of Clive Palmer’s Queensland Nickel are appealing a win for the billionaire in their case over the collapse of the refinery in 2016, which centred on $102 million in loans allegedly paid by Queensland Nickel to Palmer’s Mineralogy.
Global law firm White & Case LLP has lured the former general counsel of Lendlease Construction Australia to join the firm’s Sydney office.
A judge has appointed special purpose liquidators to investigate the affairs of failed VET provider Phoenix Institute and its directors after the Commonwealth complained of “a difficult working relationship” with the training company’s current liquidators.
LG Electronics has lost its opposition to Samsung Electronic’s registration for its ‘Samsung QLED’ trade mark despite IP Australia acknowledging that Samsung’s phones did not contain QLED technology.
A transgender woman has won a preliminary legal fight with the Australia Press Council over claims the organisation discriminated against her in dismissing her complaint about a news article naming her as the accused behind a “terrifying 7/11 axe attack”.
The parents of an Australian national who was killed aboard Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 have successfully appealed a decision blocking them from participating in the settlement of a class action, with an appeals court judge describing as “disturbing” the conduct of their legal team in the group proceeding.
Personal care giant Procter & Gamble has filed a lawsuit alleging competitor Colgate-Palmolive has violated the consumer law by falsely claiming that its whitening toothpaste can remove 10 years of stains.