Al Jadeed TV v United Broadcasting International Pty Limited [2011] FCA 983

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Al Jadeed TV v United Broadcasting International Pty Limited [2011] FCA 983 Citation: Al Jadeed TV v United Broadcasting International Pty Limited [2011] FCA 983

Parties: AL JADEED TV v UNITED BROADCASTING INTERNATIONAL PTY LIMITED (ACN 110 092 049)

File number: NSD 389 of 2011

Judge: FLICK J

Date of judgment: 26 August 2011

Catchwords: CONTRACTS – breach of contract – exclusive agreement – material breach and material misrepresentation – validity of termination notices – need for unequivocal notice of termination – breach of "material terms" PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – indemnity costs sought on leave to discontinue a cross-claim – indemnity costs refused

Legislation: Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (Cth) Schedule 2, Part 7 Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) Schedule 2 ss 18, 29 Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth) s 43 Federal Court Rules O 22

Cases cited: Australian Securities Commission v Aust-Home Investments Ltd (1993) 44 FCR 194, cited Australian Securities and Investments Commission v Fortescue Metals Group Ltd [2011] FCAFC 19, 190 FCR 364, referred to Byrne v Australian Airlines Limited (1995) 185 CLR 410, cited Cargill v Harbour City Real Estate Pty Ltd [2010] FCAFC 7, cited Carter v Dennis Family Corporation [2010] VSC 406, cited Concut Pty Ltd v Worrell [2000] HCA 64, 176 ALR 693, referred to Dee-Tech Pty Ltd v Neddam Holdings Pty Ltd [2010] NSWCA 374, considered Fig Tree Developments Ltd v Australian Property Custodian Holdings Ltd [2009] FCA 390, referred to Franklins Pty Ltd v Metcash Trading Ltd [2009] NSWCA 407, 76 NSWLR 603, considered GEC Marconi Systems Pty Ltd v BHP Information Technology Pty Ltd [2003] FCA 50, 128 FCR 1, cited Immer (No 145) Pty Limited v Uniting Church in Australia Property Trust (NSW) (1993) 182 CLR 26, considered Kanes Hire Pty Ltd v Mitchell [2010] FCA 756, 203 IR 37, cited Koompahtoo Local Aboriginal Land Council v Sanpine Pty Ltd [2007] HCA 61, 233 CLR 115, cited Lion Nathan Australia Pty Ltd v Coopers Brewery Ltd [2006] FCAFC 144, 156 FCR 1, cited Luna Park (NSW) Limited v Tramways Advertising Pty Ltd (1938) 61 CLR 286, considered Mannai Investment Co Ltd v Eagle Star Life Assurance Co Ltd [1997] AC 749, considered Mineralogy Pty Ltd v National Native Title Tribunal (Full Court of the Federal Court, 23 December 1998, unreported), cited Ogle v Comboyuro Investments Pty Ltd (1976) 136 CLR 444, cited O'Neill v Mann [2000] FCA 1680, referred to Pacific Carriers Ltd v BNP Paribas [2004] HCA 35, 218 CLR 451, considered Primary RE Ltd v Great Southern Property Holdings Ltd [2011] VSC 242, cited QBE Insurance (Australia) Ltd v Cape York Airlines Pty Ltd [2011] QCA 60, cited Rooney v ABB Grain Ltd [2010] FCA 1392, cited Sargent v ASL Developments Ltd (1974) 131 CLR 634, considered Shepherd v Felt and Textiles of Australia Ltd (1931) 45 CLR 359, considered Shepparton Projects Pty Ltd v Cave Investments Pty Ltd [2010] VSC 504, cited Smith v Airservices Australia [2005] FCA 997, 146 FCR 37, cited Toll (FGCT) Pty Limited v Alphapharm Pty Ltd [2004] HCA 52, 219 CLR 165, considered Tramways Advertising Pty Ltd v Luna Park (NSW) Ltd (1938) 38 SR (NSW) 632, considered Vennard v Delorain Pty Ltd [2010] QCA 309, cited W & R Pty Ltd v Birdseye [2008] SASC 321, 102 SASR 477, cited Williams v Frayne (1937) 58 CLR 710, referred to Yarrabee Chicken Co Pty Ltd v Steggles Ltd [2010] FCA 394, cited Cabrelli D, 'Interpretation of Contracts, Objectivity and the Elision of the Significance of Consent Achieved Through Concession and Compromise' (2011) Juridical Review 121 Carter J W, Peden Elizabeth and Tolhurst G J, Contract Law in Australia (5th ed, 2007)