With Victoria set to pass legislation permitting law firms to charge contingency fees, experts have raised fears of an exodus of class actions from other states and the federal system. But the Federal Court, which hears about two-thirds of Australia’s representative proceedings, is not likely to surrender easily.
The lead applicant in a shareholder class action against laser technology company Arasor will walk away with a fraction of the approximately $508,000 in legal and other bills it has racked up in disputes with the ATO and funder International Litigation Partners following the approval of a $19.25 million class action settlement more than two years ago.
Women’s clothing retailer Sussan is facing a lawsuit from an employee who claims he suffered psychological injury after being forced to don gold hotpants, a bikini top and a pink cowboy hat and perform with a Kylie Minogue impersonator at a company event.
A landmark ruling granting fintech Rokt’s application for a software patent has come under attack before the Full Federal Court, with the judges expressing skepticism about the invention’s patentability.
A key officer from the ACCC involved in interviewing JPMorgan bankers during a cartel investigation that led to criminal charges against ANZ and two investment banks has denied allegations that he acted improperly during the investigation.
Computer processing giant Intel cannot register ‘Intel Falcon’ as a trade mark for drones, with an IP Australia officer finding the mark is deceptively similar to three existing marks.
Two shareholder class actions against failed electronics retailer Dick Smith will head to trial in March, after a failed attempt to resolve the long-running dispute in mediation.
Clyde & Co has snagged three insurance partners from Norton Rose Fulbright, as the global firm continues to expand in Australia.
A Melbourne-based craft brewery has had its ‘Urban Ale’ trade mark cancelled, with a judge finding other beer makers might want to use the words to describe their products and that cancelling the mark would be in the public interest.
A lawyer for Tasmanian state government owned ports company TasPorts has criticised the ACCC’s first-of-its kind case that alleges it is misusing its market power to stymie competition, saying it isn’t clear what the regulator wants the court to do.