2561-2570 of 4452 results
Builders' duty of care for defective works continues to narrow
A recent UK decision1 continues the judicial trend of limiting the circumstances in which a builder will be liable in negligence for pure economic loss caused by its defective works. ...
Report: Australian Infrastructure Investment Report 2019
Investor appetite for Australian infrastructure remains strong. However, to maintain our status as a leading infrastructure investment destination, we must address systemic issues that are adversely impacting the market, including cost overruns on major projects. ...
When performance is personal – the hazards of subcontracting without consent
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. ...
Energy regulation – a big stick for electricity and a white paper for gas
The Federal Government's 'big stick' energy Bill, which will define and prohibit several new types of misconduct in electricity markets, is progressing through Parliament. Meanwhile, COAG has instigated a holistic review of gas pipeline regulation and is considering improvements to transparency meas ...
The intersection of data and ethics in AI
We are currently at a fascinating time in Australia, where the data space has seen an enormous amount of new regulation over the last few years and faces significant potential regulation on the horizon. The likely impact of these changes on the way in which we deal with data and, in turn, the way in which we might deal with ethics raises a number of compelling (and complicated) questions - particularly as they relate to AI. Technology, Media & Telecommunications Partner Michael Park sat down with Dr Maria Rosario Todao, Deputy Director of the Digital Ethics Lab at Oxford University, to discuss the intersection of these themes and the emerging trends around the world. ...
Monopolising foods using trade marks
Trade mark registration is intended to protect the brand of one trader's goods or services from that of another trader. Despite this, businesses in the food industry have increasingly sought trade mark registration for signs that inherently describe the food for which trade mark registration is sought. ...
The rise of plant-based 'meats' and emerging legal issues
The demand for plant-based 'meat' alternatives is predicted to grow. As with any new industry, there is a series of regulatory issues that businesses should carefully navigate at the early planning phase. This is to avoid encountering issues down the track that may affect the marketing and supply of such products in Australia. ...
IPONZ fee changes – how you can save on patent and trade mark fees
On 13 February 2020, official patent fees will significantly increase in New Zealand, while certain trade mark fees are set to decrease. Associate Claire Gregg outlines the new fee structure and potential ways to save. ...
Parmesan by any other name: geographical indications loom large for Australian businesses
Australian businesses may have to change the names of a range of food, drinks and agricultural products after the EU asked Australia to protect a list of hundreds of names under the proposed Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement (A-EU FTA). ...
IP rights and Indigenous Knowledge: the case of gumby gumby
A pending trade mark application concerning the Indigenous term 'gumby gumby' highlights the controversies that arise at the intersection of intellectual property rights and Indigenous culture. ...