Label Manufacturers Australia Pty Ltd v Chatzopoulos [2022] NSWSC 1059

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Label Manufacturers Australia Pty Ltd v Chatzopoulos [2022] NSWSC 1059 Hearing dates: 26, 29 July 2022 Date of orders: 29 July 2022 Decision date: 06 September 2022 Jurisdiction: Equity - Expedition List Before: Parker J Decision: See [155] Catchwords: RESTRAINT OF TRADE – executive employee – restraint against being "involved" with any business competing with or similar to the defendant – restraint against solicitation of customers or potential customers and suppliers and potential suppliers of the defendant – reasonableness – restraint sought against Victorian defendant working in Victoria – application of Restraints of Trade Act 1976 (NSW) EMPLOYMENT LAW – contract – employment transferred to different entity – whether employment restraints also transferred Legislation Cited: Corporations Act 2001, s 9 Restraints of Trade Act 1976, s 2 Cases Cited: Adamson v New South Wales Rugby League Ltd (1991) 31 FCR 242 Aussie Home Loans v X Inc Services [2005] NSWSC 285 Belflora Pty Ltd v Vinflora Pty Ltd (2021) 106 NSWLR 67 Cactus Imaging Pty Ltd v Peters (2006) 71 NSWLR 9 Emeco International Pty Ltd v O'Shea (No 2) (2012) 225 IR 423 General Billposting v Atkinson [1909] AC 118 Haynes v Doman [1899] 2 Ch 13 Isaac v Dargan Financial Pty Ltd (2018) 98 NSWLR 343 John Fairfax Publications Pty Limited v Birt [2006] NSWSC 995 KA & C Smith Pty Ltd v Ward (1998) 45 NSWLR 702 Kay's Leasing Corporation Pty Ltd v Fletcher (1964) 116 CLR 124 Lindner v Murdock's Garage (1950) 83 CLR 628 Pearson v HRX Holdings Pty Ltd (2012) 205 FCR 187 Putsman v Taylor [1927] 1 KB 637 Re Rinehart (2020) 104 NSWLR 274 S W Strange Ltd v Mann [1965] 1 WLR 629 Sidameneo (No 456) Pty Ltd v Alexander [2011] NSWCA 418 Tullett Prebon (Aust) Pty Ltd v Purcell [2008] NSWSC 852 Wanganui-Rangitikei Electric Power Board v Australian Mutual Provident Society (1934) 50 CLR 581 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Label Manufacturers Australia Pty Limited (Plaintiff) Jim Chatzopoulos (Defendant) Representation: Counsel: A Guy (Plaintiff) CP O'Neill (Defendant)