Marleef Pty Ltd v Metcash Trading Ltd [2001] FCA 1316

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Marleef Pty Ltd v Metcash Trading Ltd [2001] FCA 1316

TRADE PRACTICES – misleading or deceptive conduct – use of similar marks – whether respondents used name or mark of "Chef's Pantry" on food products in a way which would make them distinguishable to customers – sufficiency of evidence to establish distinctiveness and reputation with class of members of public – whether a misrepresentation – whether conduct misled or likely to mislead public - whether confusion or uncertainty - whether representation that goods associated with applicant - scope of injunctive relief

TORT – passing off – elements of cause of action – whether reputation established – whether a misrepresentation – scope of injunctive relief

Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) ss 52, 53(c) and 80

Federal Court Rules O 38, r 1

Jones v Dunkel (1959) 101 CLR 298 applied Marks v GIO Australia Holdings Ltd (1998) 196 CLR 494 referred to Parkdale Custom Built Furniture Pty Ltd v Puxu Pty Ltd (1982) 149 CLR 191 at 197 and 205 referred to Red Bull Australia Pty Ltd v Sydneywide Distributors Pty Ltd [2001] FCA 1228 at [73] referred to Taco Co of Australia Inc v Taco Bell Pty Ltd (1982) 42 ALR 177 applied Equity Access Pty Ltd v Westpac Banking Corporation (1990) ATPR 40-994 at 50, 950 referred to George Weston Foods Ltd v Goodman Fielder Ltd [2000] FCA 1632 referred to Crago v Multiquip Pty Ltd (1998) ATPR 41-620 referred to ACI Australia Ltd v Glamour Glaze Pty Ltd (1988) 11 IPR 269 referred to Mark Foy's Pty Ltd v TVSN (Pacific) Ltd (2000) 104 FCR 61 referred to Campomar Sociedad, Limitada v Nike International Ltd (2000) 169 ALR 677 at 707 applied Fletcher Challenge Ltd v Fletcher Challenge Pty Ltd [1981] 1 NSWLR 196 referred to Conagra Inc v McCain Foods (Aust) Pty Ltd (1992) 33 FCR 302 referred to Betta Foods Australia Pty Ltd v Betta Fruit Bars Pty Ltd (1998) ATPR 41-624 at 40, 839 referred to Office Cleaning Services Ltd v Westminster Office Cleaning Association [1944] 2 All ER 269 referred to AG Spalding & Bros v AW Gamage Ltd (1915) 32 RPC 273 referred to Vieright Pty Ltd v Myer Stores Limited (1995) ATPR 41-405 at 40, 493 referred to Gordon M Jenkins v Coleman (1989) 23 FCR 38 referred to MARLEEF PTY LTD (ACN 081 561 435) v METCASH TRADING LIMITED (ACN 000 031 569, METCASH HOLDINGS PTY LTD (formerly known as JOHN LEWIS FOODSERVICE PTY LTD) (ACN 004 380 152) and CAMPBELLS CASH & CARRY PTY LTD (ACN 000 226 399) V599 of 2001 MARLEEF PTY LTD (ACN 081 561 435) v BIDVEST AUSTRALIA PTY LTD (ACN 000 228 231 and BIDVEST (VICTORIA) PTY LTD (ACN 053 695 855) V679 of 2001 WEINBERG J 14 SEPTEMBER 2001 MELBOURNE