Social Media
eSafety probes platforms over compliance with kids social media ban
The sSafety Commissioner is investigating five major social media companies over their compliance with a new ban on kids under 16 accessing their platforms, saying they have not implemented appropriate systems to keep kids off.
Competition & Consumer Protection
ACCC seeks $36M penalty against Emma Sleep for misleading discounts
The consumer watchdog is pushing for a $36 million penalty against Emma Sleep after it admitted to repeatedly misleading consumers about discounts, but the online mattress retailer says a $2 million fine is adequate.
Intellectual Property
Shein, Kmart accused of copying designs of Qld clothing company
Queensland-based online clothing shop Sabo Skirt has taken 20 companies to court -- including fast fashion giant Shein and retailer Kmart -- for allegedly selling cheap knockoff versions of its designs.
Class Actions
10-year-old Ford class action to go another round
A defects class action against Ford that's been on foot since 2016 is headed to the Full Court again, after a judge recently ruled on two remaining issues in dispute following a High Court ruling on on how reduction in value damages should be calculated.
Intellectual Property
IP Australia says f*ck yeah to vulgar trade mark
Saying swear words are now part of the common vernacular, IP Australia has cleared a vitamin company's foul- mouthed trademark for registration, on the proviso that the branding is restricted to goods aimed at adults.
Employment
FWC bumps pay rates for 18-20 year old retail, fast food workers
In a ruling that will have a significant impact on retailers with a young workforce, like Woolworths and Coles, the Fair Work Commission has done away with discounted rates for 18-20 year olds that work in the retail, fast food and pharmacy sectors.
High Court
Marist Brothers student shouldn’t be ‘shut out’ of High Court ruling: judge
A judge has applied a recent High Court decision, which had a significant effect on survivor claims in Australia, in a historic sexual abuse case against the Marist Brothers, despite no explicit pleading of the necessary claim.
Transportation & Infrastructure
Council wins fight with TfNSW over land acquired for light rail
Parramatta City Council has prevailed in a fight with Transport for NSW over land compulsorily acquired for the state's light rail system, with a judge finding it held a registered interest in the land.
Construction
Development objector has no say after Land Court conciliation: appeals court
A NSW appeals court has found objectors have no right to weigh in on development applications once they reach conciliation in the Land and Environment Court, and that judges don't have to consider all material before the court.
Real Estate
Bankruptcy trustee for developer Sam Fayad worries $8M loan a ‘sham’
The bankruptcy trustee for Dyldam Developments director Sam Fayad has raised concerns about upcoming sales of property in western Sydney, saying an $8 million loan secured against the real estate may be a "sham".
