McHutchison v Western Research and Development Ltd [2004] FCA 419

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

McHutchison v Western Research and Development Ltd [2004] FCA 419 ARBITRATION – application by respondent to stay court proceedings – whether respondent a party to the arbitration agreement – whether sufficient reason why the matter should not be referred to arbitration – whether dispute or difference in court proceedings touches on matter or thing arising from consultancy agreement – whether dispute or difference raises other issues – whether risk of multiplicity of proceedings – motion refused

Arbitration (Foreign Awards and Agreements) Act 1974 (Cth) s 7(4) Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) ss 50AA, 124, 125, 126 Patents Act 1990 (Cth) ss 15, 192 Trade Practices Act 1977 (Cth) ss 52, 87 Commercial Arbitration Act 1985 (WA) s 53(1), 53(1)(a), 53(2) Property Law Act 1969 (WA) s 11 Eaton v Eaton [1950] VLR 233 cited Ferris v Plaister (1994) 34 NSWLR 474 cited Tanning Research Laboratories Inc v O'Brien (1950) 169 CLR 332 applied Thomas (WC) & Sons Pty Ltd v Bunge (Australia) Pty Ltd [1975] VR 801 cited Thomas v Star Maid International Pty Ltd [1999] FCA 911 cited ROY NEIL McHUTCHISON v WESTERN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LTD W208 of 2003 RD NICHOLSON J 8 APRIL 2004 PERTH

IN THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

WESTERN AUSTRALIA DISTRICT REGISTRY W208 OF 2003

BETWEEN: ROY NEIL McHUTCHISON

APPLICANT

AND: WESTERN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LTD

RESPONDENT

JUDGE: RD NICHOLSON J

DATE OF ORDER: 8 APRIL 2004

WHERE MADE: PERTH

THE COURT ORDERS THAT: 1. The respondent's notice of motion for stay of proceedings dated 13 February 2004 be dismissed. 2. The respondent pay the applicant's costs of the motion. Note: Settlement and entry of orders is dealt with in Order 36 of the Federal Court Rules.

IN THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA