The Therapeutics Goods Administration is proposing amendments to the Poisons Standard to permit pharmacists to sell low-dose cannabidiol (CBD) products without a prescription. Businesses intending to import, manufacture and supply cannabis products in the Australian market should monitor these developments closely. ...

Build-to-Rent (BTR) helps drive economic productivity, and with the right government intervention, could not only play a key role in Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19, but also ensure the future liveability and resilience of our cities. ...

A heightened risk of foreign interference and a shift towards enforcement of the new foreign influence and interference legislation means it is now critical to consider any compliance risks your business may face. ...

We consider the key implications arising from the Attorney-General's long-awaited review of the Privacy Act - a key part of the Government's response to the ACCC's Digital Platforms Inquiry. The review seeks to strengthen privacy protections for individuals and streamline compliance for businesses working across international borders. ...

ASIC concludes position on use of stub equity in control transactions; ASX extends emergency class waivers and clarifies ability to ratify use of additional placement capacity; FIRB amending legislation introduced to Parliament; FIRB updates guidance on tax conditions; ACCC to examine competition in mobile apps; Fair Work Commission extends temporary COVID-19 flexibilities in 99 modern awards; Federal Government proposes to make electronic signing and virtual meetings permanent. ...

A Senate Select Committee established to look into the flag's copyright and licensing arrangements recently rejected an approach that would that would see the Government compulsorily acquire the copyright of an Aboriginal artist. ...

Banksy has lost his trade mark rights to his notorious Flower Thrower artwork in the EU. The EUIPO's decision reflects on bad faith registrations in the EU and offers other important food for thought in the context of trade mark and copyright law. ...

McDonald's has sued Hungry Jack's in an effort to have the latter's trade mark, Big Jack, cancelled based on various grounds. Regardless of the outcome, the case is a timely reminder to use caution when employing comparative advertising against competitors. ...

The Federal Court of Australia has granted an interlocutory injunction preventing Ripple from advertising in Australia under 'PayID' branding until the determination of its ongoing dispute with NPP Australia Limited. It reinforces the need to ensure your trade marks are not being infringed by international businesses advertising or offering online services to Australian customers under deceptively similar branding. ...

Funds and institutional investors are uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in this recovery and to respond to the disruption and opportunities that have been presented in infrastructure. ...