Versace v Monte [2002] FCA 190

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Versace v Monte [2002] FCA 190 TRADE PRACTICES – whether representations in connection with supply or promotion of supply of services – misleading and deceptive conduct – false and misleading representations – alleged conversations with deceased fashion designer – whether book, newspaper article and website are in "trade or commerce" – whether applicant is an "information provider" – whether documents fabricated – whether damage has been shown – nature of the damage – whether injunctive relief should be granted – whether publications are promotional in character – whether respondents falsely representing that applicants agreed to acquire services – context of conduct complained of DEFAMATION – libel –whether judgment entered in first proceedings – whether material relied on was speculative – whether proceedings were an abuse of process – effect of defamation claim on Trade Practices claims – whether imputations conveyed – whether question is capable of conveying an imputation – whether defamation defences available – comment – qualified privilege – public interest – cause of action – honest belief in imputations – malice EVIDENCE – statements attributed to person since deceased – approach taken by court

WORDS & PHRASES – "trade or commerce", "information provider", "imputation" Defamation Act 1974 (NSW) ss 9, 14, 15, 16, 22, 31, 32, & 33 Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) ss 4, 52, 53, & 65A Fair Trading Act 1987 (NSW) ss 4, 42, 44, & 60 Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act (No 2) 1984 (Cth) Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1946 (NSW) s 5 Clune v Collins Angus & Robertson Publishers Pty Ltd (1992) 25 IPR 246 referred to Jones v Dunkel (1959) 101 CLR 298 referred to FAI General Insurance Co Ltd v RAIA Insurance Brokers Ltd (1992) 108 ALR 479 followed Farquhar v Bottom [1980] 2 NSWLR 380 cited Typing Centre of NSW Pty Ltd v Northern Business College Ltd (1989) ATPR 40-943 cited RAIA Insurance Brokers Ltd v FAI General Insurance Co Ltd (1993) 41 FCR 164 followed Brown v Jam Factory Pty Ltd (1981) 53 FLR 340 referred to Concrete Constructions (NSW) Pty Ltd v Nelson (1990) 169 CLR 594 applied Tobacco Institute of Australia Ltd v Woodward (1993) 32 NSWLR 559 cited Prestia v Aknar (1996) 40 NSWLR 165 cited Fasold v Roberts (1997) 70 FCR 489 cited Plimer v Roberts (1997) 80 FCR 303 cited Fasold v Roberts (1997) 70 FCR 489 at 531 cited Dataflow Computer Services Pty Ltd v Goodman (1999) 46 IPR 393 cited Firewatch Australia Pty Ltd v Country Fire Authority (1999) 93 FCR 520 cited Global Sportsman Pty Ltd v Mirror Newspapers Ltd (1984) 55 ALR 25 referred to Glorie v WA Chip & Pulp Co Pty Ltd (1981) 55 FLR 310 cited Australian Ocean Line Pty Ltd v West Australian Newspapers Ltd (1983) 47 ALR 497cited Lovatt v Consolidated Magazines Pty Ltd (1988) 12 IPR 261 discussed Horwitz Grahame Books Pty Ltd v Performance Publications Pty Ltd (1987) ATPR 40-764 cited Advanced Hair Studio Pty Ltd v TVW Enterprises Ltd (1988) 77 ALR 615 discussed Sykes v Reserve Bank of Australia (1997) 151 ALR 579 followed Krahe v Freeman (1988) ATPR 40-871 distinguished Amalgamated Television Services Pty Ltd v Marsden (1998) 43 NSWLR 158 followed John Fairfax & Sons Ltd v Hook (1983) 72 FLR 190 cited David Syme & Co v Canavan (1918) 25 CLR 234 referred to Knupffer v London Express Newspaper Ltd [1944] AC 116 distinguished Truth (NZ) Ltd v Bowles [1966] NZLR 303 cited Lewis v Daily Telegraph Ltd [1964] AC 234 cited Gardiner v John Fairfax & Sons Pty Ltd (1942) 42 SR (NSW) 171 followed Mirror Newspapers Ltd v World Hosts Pty Ltd (1979) 141 CLR 632 followed Morosi v Mirror Newspapers Ltd (1977) 2 NSWLR 749 cited Morgan v John Fairfax & Sons Ltd (No 2) (1991) 23 NSWLR 374 followed Horrocks v Lowe [1975] AC 135 referred to Green v Schneller [2000] NSWSC 548 followed Bellino v Australian Broadcasting Corporation (1996) 185 CLR 183 referred to Harris v Perkins [2001] NSWSC 258 distinguished Port of Melbourne Authority v Anshun Pty Ltd (1981) 147 CLR 589 discussed Browne v Dunn (1893) 6 R 67 discussed