The Draft South East Queensland Koala Conservation Strategy 2019-2024 has been released for public consultation. The Strategy is supported by new koala habitat mapping. The Strategy and mapping have serious implications for landowners in koala habitat areas within a Koala Priority Area, who will be prevented from clearing their land except in very limited circumstances. We discuss these implications below and suggest that, at a minimum, landowners should review the mapping to ascertain whether their land is within a Koala Priority Area. ...

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'. ...

For a celebrity, your name is your business. It is no surprise then that celebrities will go to great lengths to protect their brand. This is clear from a recent flurry of A-list trade mark activity including by the likes of Kim Kardashian West, Kylie Jenner and Beyoncé. ...

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 ...

ASIC Report 639 Financial advice by superannuation funds was published on 3 December. It examines the ways in which superannuation funds provide financial advice to members and the overall quality of personal financial advice obtained through funds. ...

A recent NSW Court of Appeal decision emphasises the importance of contractors complying with contractual requirements to obtain the principal's approval before subcontracting services or works. Failure to do so may disentitle the contractor from claiming payment for services that the unauthorised subcontractors have provided. However, the case leaves open whether it may be possible for a contractor to recover the cost of unauthorised subcontracted services in restitution based on a quantum meruit claim, or on the basis of an unenforceable penalty. ...

Data remains one of the most undervalued assets, with most companies still failing to even include it as an asset on their balance sheet. Buyers and sellers who can recognise data assets and properly demonstrate how value can be extracted from them will be best placed for future M&A transactions. ...

The Federal Circuit Court of Australia awarded a professor more than $1.2 million after his employer, a university, used 'cherry-picked' parts of his writings to justify his dismissal. ...

From 1 January 2020, individuals who have more than one job may be able to opt out of receiving super contributions from all of their employers. ...