In Technological Resources Pty Ltd v Tettman [2019] FCA 1889, the Federal Court decisively reversed yet another Australian Patent Office (the APO) decision to reject a patent application on the basis that it was not a 'manner of manufacture'. ...

Now in its 9th year, Linklaters' popular series brings together analysis, thinking and highlights from its lawyers around the world in the form of topic-specific and jurisdictional guides. These guides summarise a selection of the major developments you should be aware of from 2019, and those you should expect in 2020. They aim to give you a comprehensive overview, with links to more information where applicable. ...

Legislation focusing on imposing new obligations on design consultants and builders was recently introduced to the NSW Parliament. Importantly, the Design and Building Practitioners Bill creates a statutory duty of care owed by builders, and others, for economic loss for defects in construction serv ...

The Australian Government has tabled the Crimes Amendment (Combatting Corporate Crime) Bill 2019 (the 2019 Bill) in the Senate, and the Attorney-General's Department has released Draft Guidance on the steps a body corporate can take to prevent an associate from bribing foreign public officials for public consultation (the Draft Guidance). Like the 2017 version of the Bill that lapsed earlier this year (the 2017 Bill), if passed, the 2019 Bill will strengthen Australia's foreign bribery laws, including by introducing a new corporate offence of failure to prevent bribery by an associate, and will introduce a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) scheme for resolving serious corporate criminal matters. Partner Rachel Nicolson, Senior Associate Andrew Wilcock and Associate Lewis Winter report on the key differences between the 2017 and 2019 Bills, and the content of the Draft Guidance. ...

This Insight considers the regulatory effect of the grandfathering of the conflicted remuneration clause, 6½ years after it came into effect. ...

The Queensland Supreme Court has refused an application by a class action plaintiff seeking to compel the defendant to disclose its insurance policy and documents relating to its insurance position. In doing so, the court commented on the recent Federal Court decision in the Radio Rentals class action but came to a different result on the facts. This decision shows that when determining whether or not to make an order for disclosure, the court is likely to take into account the defendant's financial capacity, and may be less likely to make such an order where the defendant's solvency is not a concern. ...

Just over six months after the release of the Exposure Draft for the new Franchising Code of Conduct the new-look Code has been finalised and enacted Partners Tim Golder and Andrew Wiseman and Lawyer Julia Kovarsky report on the practical implications for franchisors ...

Vietnams new Law on Bankruptcy will take effect from 1 January 2015 bringing in a number of changes including a new definition of bankruptcy Partner Robert Fish and Junior Associates Giang Quang Nguyen and Linh Nguyen look at the most significant features of the new law and note what will differ ...

With the new Franchising Code of Conduct and civil pecuniary penalties set to commence in 2015 a recent Full Federal Court decision is a timely warning to franchising parties to ensure their practices comply with the Code ...

The Federal Government has announced new regulatory measures that it hopes will create a more competition-friendly telecommunications environment and ensure that the National Broadband Network NBN is rolled out across the nation as quickly as possible Two new Government policy papers released last ...