Elecon Australia Pty Ltd v Brevini Australia Pty Ltd [2009] FCA 1327

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Elecon Australia Pty Ltd v Brevini Australia Pty Ltd [2009] FCA 1327

EVIDENCE – expert evidence about foreign law – tests to be applied.

CONTRACTS – whether termination of a contract might be attributed to a legal cause in existence at the time of termination but not relied upon – anticipatory breach – need to show that a party is wholly and finally disabled from performance on the date when performance is required.

EQUITY – breach of confidence – whether confidential information is property – whether confidential information may be protected if not property – whether an entity entitled to the benefit of an express covenant of confidence must be joined to proceedings commenced by a party to whom the confidential information was assigned.

TORT – passing off – need to plead damage as an element of the cause of action.

TRADE MARKS – consideration of prior use by a predecessor in title – prior use includes use by a person under the control of the predecessor in title. TRADE PRACTICES – misleading and deceptive conduct – evidence of consumers and retailers as to the likelihood of deception critical if a special market is involved – accessorial liability under s 75B of the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) – need to show intentional participation – failure to plead necessary mental elements.

Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) ss 10, 31(1), 36, 115, 116, 196(3) Evidence Act 1995 (Cth) s 136 Trade Marks Act 1995 (Cth) ss 6, 7, 8, 120(2), 122(1)(c), 122(1)(f), 122(1)(e), 123, 124 Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) ss 52(1), 53(A), 53(C), 53(D), 75B

Indian Contract Act 1872 ss 3, 39, 66 Indian Evidence Act 1872 ss 91, 92

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