Asia Pacific Telecommunications Ltd v Optus Networks Pty Ltd [2005] NSWSC 550

New South Wales Supreme Court

Asia Pacific Telecommunications Ltd v Optus Networks Pty Ltd [2005] NSWSC 550 CITATION : This decision has been amended. Please see the end of the judgment for a list of the amendments.

HEARING DATE(S) : 31 May 2005

JUDGMENT DATE : 20 June 2005

JURISDICTION : Commercial List

JUDGMENT OF : Bergin J

DECISION : Motion dismissed

CATCHWORDS : Motion to restrain solicitors acting against a former client - Whether confidential and relevant information - whether duty of loyalty - Whether solicitors should be restrained on public policy grounds

LEGISLATION CITED : Legal Profession Act 1987 (NSW)

Beach Petroleum NL v Kennedy and Ors (1999) 48 NSWLR 1 Belan v Casey [2002] NSWSC 58 Beer v Ward (1821) Jac 77; 37 ER 779 Black v Taylor [1993] 3 NZLR 403 Bricheno v Thorp (1821) Jac 300; 37 ER 864 British American Tobacco Australia Services Ltd v Blanch [2004] NSWSC 70 Cholmondeley v Lord Clinton (1815) 19 Ves 261; 34 ER 515 D & J Constructions Pty Ltd v Head (1987) 9 NSWLR 118 Griffiths v Griffiths (1843) 2 Hare 587; 67 ER 242 Grimwade v Meagher and Ors [1995] 1 VR 446 Holdsworth v MR Anderson & Associates Pty Ltd [1994] VSC (Unreported, Phillips J, 26 August 1994) CASES CITED : Hutchins v Hutchins (1825) 1 Hog 315 Johnson v Marriott (1833) 2 Cr & M 183; 149 ER 725 Kooky Garments Ltd v Charlton [1994] 1 NZLR 587 Macquarie Bank Ltd v Myer [1994] 1 VR 350 McVeigh v Linen House Pty Ltd [1999] 3 VR 394 Parratt v Parratt (1848) 2 De G & Sm 258; 64 ER 116 Prince Jefri Bolkiah v KPMG [1999] 2 AC 222 Rakusen v Ellis, Munday and Clarke [1912] 1 CH 831 Re Holmes; Re Electric Power Co Ltd (1877) 25 WR 603 Sent v John Fairfax Publications Pty Ltd and Hills [2002] VSC 429 Spincode Pty Ltd v Look Software Pty Ltd and Ors (2001) 4 VR 501