Trials
McDonald’s knew workers weren’t taking 10-minute breaks, trial hears
McDonald’s knew that employees across its stores were not being given continuous 10-minute rest breaks and that its time-keeping systems were deficient, a judge heard on the first day of trial in an underpayments class action that could include 370,000 workers.
Financial Services
Westpac hit with $26M penalty for ignoring hardship applications
Westpac has been hit with a $26 million penalty -- just shy of the $30 million sought by ASIC -- for failing to respond to online hardship applications on time on 277 occasions, in conduct described as “grossly negligent”.
AI
‘Our needs are far more profound’: AI no replacement for judges, mentors
In a heartfelt speech, a judge has warned that AI cannot replace compassionate judges and mentors, saying that while the new technology delivers impressive outcomes, "as humans, our needs are far more profound".
Class Actions
Judge scolds Cudeco class action for security default when it ‘knew it was coming’
After pocketing a partial settlement in the case, the funder behind a class action over the collapse of mining company CuDeco has copped criticism by a judge for defaulting on orders for security for defence costs.
Intellectual Property
‘A complete shot in the dark’: AstraZeneca pans Pharmacor defence in Forxiga patent spat
AstraZeneca has slammed Pharmacor's defence to claims it infringed a patent for blockbuster diabetes drug Forxiga as a "complete shot in the dark", as the drug maker unsuccessfully fought orders to produce documents from a UK case.
Sports
Trial date in AFL racism class action not before 2028, court hears
A judge has put off scheduling a trial in a class action against the AFL over its alleged failures to protect First Nations players from racist treatment, with a 2028 date now looking likely.
Intellectual Property
Shopify sued by designer alleging copyright infringement by ‘ghost stores’
An Australian designer has sued e-commerce giant Shopify, alleging it failed to act when he complained about so-called 'ghost stores' that allegedly copied his designs on almost 4,000 occasions.
Business of Law
In $36.5M row over alleged secret deal, LK Law founder files new appeal
Lawyer Jason Karas wants to challenge a judge's decision to issue a temporary stay of a ruling that he pay $36.5 million to his former business partner and law firm LK Law on the condition that he preserve his assets.
Competition & Consumer Protection
ACCC opens review into Zurich’s $15.4B bid for speciality insurer Beazley
The ACCC has opened a review into Swiss insurer Zurich's bid to acquire UK-based specialty insurer Beazley, one of the largest deals to face scrutiny under the country's new merger review framework.
Business of Law
Hamilton Locke adds 4 new partners in high-demand areas
Hamilton Locke has brought on four new partners to boost its expertise in areas in high-demand among its clients.
