Admar Computers Pty Ltd v Ezy Systems Pty Ltd & Ors [1997] FCA 853

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

EVIDENCE - admissibility on grounds of relevance - computer software - allegation of copyright infringement in relation to source code - allegation of mis-use of confidential information - whether expert evidence utilising a pseudocode analysis of the relevant software is admissible in relation to either allegation. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY - Copyright - computer software - allegation of copyright infringement in relation to source code - admissibility of expert evidence utilising a pseudocode analysis of the relevant software - whether pseudocode analysis is a means by which one may determine whether one source code is a substantial reproduction, publication or adaptation of another source code. Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) s 10(1)(a), s 29(1)(a), s 31(1)(a), s 36 Evidence Act 1995 (Cth) s 55 Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (UK) Powerflex Services Pty Ltd v Data Access Corporation (1997) 37 IPR 436 Autodesk Inc v Dyason (1992) 173 CLR 331 Autodesk Inc v Dyason (No 2) (1993) 176 CLR 300 Ibcos Computers Ltd v Barclays Mercantile Highland Finance Ltd (1994) 29 IPR 25 ADMAR COMPUTERS PTY LTD v EZY SYSTEMS PTY LTD & ORS No VG 90 of 1995 GOLDBERG J MELBOURNE 29 AUGUST 1997

IN THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA ) ) VICTORIA DISTRICT REGISTRY ) No VG 90 of 1995 ) GENERAL DIVISION )

BETWEEN: ADMAR COMPUTERS PTY LTD

(ACN 006 212 068)

Applicant

AND: EZY SYSTEMS PTY LTD

(ACN 060 028 284)

First Respondent

EASYCOMP PTY LTD

(ACN 007 376 141)

Second Respondent

NICHOLAS THOMAS CUGURA

Third Respondent

PETER ELLIS

Fourth Respondent

JUDGE: GOLDBERG J PLACE: MELBOURNE DATE: 29 AUGUST 1997