Jemella Australia Pty Ltd v GHD Australia Direct Pty Ltd [2009] FCA 599

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA Jemella Australia Pty Ltd v GHD Australia Direct Pty Ltd [2009] FCA 599

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY – Trade Marks – Infringement of trade marks – Determining an account of profits – Default of appearance by Respondent – Imperfect evidentiary foundation as to profits – Court to take pragmatic approach in assessing profits – Trade Marks Act (Cth) ss 126, 127

PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – Costs – Whether costs should be fixed in a gross sum – Whether reasonable to fix costs without giving Applicant an opportunity to be heard or detailed rationale in advance of amount sought – Respondents not given notice by Applicant of intention to fix costs – Costs sought based on time costing – Held costs should be taxed not fixed – Federal Court Rules (Cth) O 62 r 4(2)

Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cth) ss 126, 127 Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) s 82 Federal Court Rules (Cth) O 62 r 4(2)

Liquideng Farm Supplies Pty Ltd v Liquid Engineering 2003 Pty Ltd (2009) 79 IPR 437 followed Colbeam Palmer Limited v Stock Affiliates Pty Ltd (1968) 122 CLR 25 followed JEMELLA AUSTRALIA PTY LTD v GHD AUSTRALIA DIRECT PTY LTD (ACN 127 457 443), JOHN GUBECKA, ANNE MARIE RACHAEL LA PORTA (AKA RACHEL LA PORTA), DAMON JAKIN and JEMELLA LIMITED

QUD84 of 2008

LOGAN J

29 MAY 2009

BRISBANE

IN THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

QUEENSLAND DISTRICT REGISTRY QUD84 of 2008

BETWEEN: JEMELLA AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

Applicant

AND: GHD AUSTRALIA DIRECT PTY LTD (ACN 127 457 443)

First Respondent

JOHN GUBECKA

Second Respondent

ANNE MARIE RACHAEL LA PORTA (AKA RACHEL LA PORTA)

Third Respondent

DAMON JAKIN

Fourth Respondent

JEMELLA LIMITED

Fifth Respondent

JUDGE: LOGAN J

DATE OF ORDER: 29 MAY 2009