Federal Court hangs up on ACCC over TPG pre-payments; ACCC calls for more claret-y between winemakers and growers; and Viva/Liberty deal gets green light ...

In a highly anticipated decision, the Full Bench of the Australian Federal Court recently dismissed the appeal in Encompass Corporation v InfoTrack. Despite the opportunity to clarify the scope of patentability of computer-implemented inventions, the question of what encompasses patentable subject matter remains open. ...

There is more M&A activity in data across all sectors, and data opportunities and risks are impacting headline price, post-completion deal value and risk-allocation profile of investments and M&A transactions. For both buyers and sellers, this playbook helps in-house counsel and dealmakers navigate the data issues that arise in the context of mergers, acquisitions, demergers and investments to maximise the value in these transactions. ...

In a trail-blazing and world-leading move, the ACCC has commenced proceedings against Google, alleging that it engaged in misleading conduct, and made false or misleading representations to consumers about how and when it collects, keeps and uses their personal information in relation to location data. It is the first case brought globally to probe Google's approach to location data collection, and is likely to increase the focus on consumer awareness of data use in digital markets. ...

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 ...

Those involved in property development arrangements or business acquisitions should be aware of the tax implications of the recent High Court decision in Lend Lease Development that has broadened the scope of what forms the consideration for the transfer of dutiable property The High Court found ...

With a 55 billion Jobs and Small Business Package Treasurer Joe Hockey placed start-ups and small businesses front-and-centre of the Australian Federal Governmentrsquos 2015-16 BudgetnbspPartner Gavin Smith Senior Associates Valeska Bloch and Shaun Cartoon and Associate Tom Griffin look at the key ...

GST is to be applied to the supply of services and other intangibles by non-residents to Australian consumers under legislation proposed to apply from 1 July 2017 This will include the supply of digital products and the supply of other services The liability for GST on such supplies made through an ...