Capital Webworks Pty Ltd v Adultshop.com Limited [2005] FCA 438

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Capital Webworks Pty Ltd v Adultshop.com Limited [2005] FCA 438 PROCEDURE – application to stay or dismiss action – five years since action instituted – whether action an abuse of process due to maintenance and champerty – need for direction to establish relevant circumstances – whether action a failure to prosecute the proceeding with due diligence – motion held over pending direction to obtain further evidence Federal Court Rules O 20 r 2(b), O 20 r 2(c), O 35A r 3, O 35A r 2(1)(f)

Abraham v Thompson [1997] 4 All ER 362 referred to Bandwill Pty Ltd v Spencer-Laitt (2000) 23 WAR 390 considered Carob Industries Pty Ltd (in liq) v Simto Pty Ltd (1997) 18 WAR 1 cited Carob Industries Pty Ltd (in liq) v Simto Pty Ltd (unreported, Supreme Court of Western Australia, Anderson J, 11 December 1997) cited Clairs Keeley (a firm) v Treacy (2003) 28 WAR 139 cited Condliffe v Hislop [1996] 1 All ER 431 referred to Elfic Ltd v Macks [2003] 2 Qd R 125 considered Faryab v Smyth [1998] EWCA Civ 1416 cited Gore v Justice Corporation Pty Ltd (2002) 119 FCR 429 cited Grovewood Holdings PLC v James Capel and Co Ltd [1995] Ch 80 cited Idoport Pty Ltd v National Australia Bank Ltd [2004] NSWSC 695 considered Magic Menu Systems Pty Ltd v AFA Facilitation Pty Ltd (1996) 72 FCR 261 considered Marston v Statewide Independent Wholesalers Ltd (2003) 54 ATR 75 cited Oasis Merchandising Services Ltd, Re [1998] Ch 170 cited Stocznia Gdanska Sa v Latreefers Inc [2000] EWCA Civ 36 referred to Tim Barr Pty Ltd v Narui Gold Coast Pty Ltd (2004) 51 ACSR 129 cited CAPITAL WEBWORKS PTY LTD v ADULTSHOP.COM LIMITED, MALCOLM DAY and MELBOURNE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY LTD WAD 49 of 2000 NICHOLSON J 15 APRIL 2005 PERTH

IN THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

WESTERN AUSTRALIA DISTRICT REGISTRY WAD 49 OF 2000