Class Actions
Banksia class action silk pleads not guilty, committed to stand trial
Former senior barrister Norman O’Bryan has pleaded not guilty to two criminal charges in connection with his role as counsel for the Banksia Securities class action.
White Collar
Barrister in Banksia class action can’t keep committal hearing under wraps
Former barrister Norman O’Bryan has lost his bid to suppress reporting on the hearing where he was committed to stand trial for criminal offences related to his role in the Banksia class action, with a magistrate finding the orders would be “futile”.
Constitutional law
NSW anti-protest rule unconstitutional, judge says
A judge has struck down controversial new anti-protest laws in New South Wales which gave police powers to shut down protests “in or near a place of worship”, finding they were contrary to the freedom of political communication.
Competition & Consumer Protection
ACCC wants in on developer’s High Court case over NSW Ports
Having lost a challenge to privatisation agreements by NSW Ports, the competition regulator wants to intervene in a High Court appeal by Mayfield Developments, which failed in its own case against the port authority.
Business of Law
Corrs litigation trio jumps ship to Jones Day
Three Corrs Chambers Westgarth litigation partners are planning to make the jump to US firm Jones Day.
Cryptocurrency
Crypto ATMs in AUSTRAC’s sights
AUSTRAC would get new powers to restrict or ban certain high-risk products, services or delivery channels, such as crypto ATMs, under legislation being proposed by home affairs minister.
Class Actions
Plastic surgeon too ill to comply with class action timetable, court told
The Victorian Supreme Court has granted plastic surgeon Daniel Lanzer an extension to provide discovery in a class action against him and his clinic after hearing he was facing medical issues.
Healthcare
Blooms the Chemist loses appeal in dispute with Pharmacy Council
Blooms the Chemist can't overturn a decision from the Pharmacy Council of NSW blocking the registration of a chemist, with a judge finding there was no evidence Blooms would not have a financial interest in the business.
M&A
Mayne Pharma wins suit over Cosette’s termination of $672M takeover
Mayne Pharma has won a dispute with US drug maker Cosette over the termination of a $672 million merger agreement, with a judge finding Mayne did not breach its continuous disclosure obligations by failing to disclose a letter from the US FDA sooner.
Intellectual Property
High Court called on to overturn Aristocrat’s gaming patent win
The High Court has been asked to clarify the extent to which computer-implemented ideas are eligible for patent protection, with IP Australia appealing a win for gaming giant Aristocrat.
