Cummins Generator Technologies Germany GmbH v Johnson Controls Australia Pty Limited [2015] NSWCA 264

Court of Appeal Supreme Court New South Wales Medium Neutral Citation: Cummins Generator Technologies Germany GmbH v Johnson Controls Australia Pty Limited [2015] NSWCA 264 Hearing dates: 14 and 15 October 2014 Decision date: 03 September 2015 Before: Beazley P at [1]; Gleeson JA at [176]; Leeming JA at [177] Decision: Appeal dismissed with costs. Catchwords: TRADE PRACTICES – misleading and deceptive conduct under Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) – whether misrepresentations made in quotation for supply of an alternator as to compatibility with existing equipment – where quotation not accepted – technical information provided in respect of machinery subject of quotation – misrepresentations to be assessed in context of dealings between parties

TRADE PRACTICES – misleading and deceptive conduct under Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) – causation – whether legal causation established – dependent on purpose of statute as related to the circumstances of the particular case

DAMAGE – misleading and deceptive conduct – no strict requirement to prove a "no transaction" or "different transaction" case

EVIDENCE – expert evidence – UCPR, r 31.28 – party seeking to rely on another party's expert report – report must be "served back" – exceptional circumstances required for the grant of leave if party has not "served back" – UCPR, r 31.28(4)(a) Legislation Cited: Civil Procedure Act 2005 (NSW) Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005 (NSW) Cases Cited: Abigroup Contractors Pty Ltd v Sydney Catchment Authority (No 3) [2006] NSWCA 282; 67 NSWLR 341 Allianz Australia Insurance Ltd v GSF Australia Pty Ltd [2005] HCA 26; 221 CLR 568 Azzi v Volvo Car Australia Pty Ltd [2007] NSWSC 319 Campbell v Backoffice Investments Pty Ltd [2009] HCA 25; 238 CLR 304 Downs v Chappell [1997] 1 WLR 426 Gates v City Mutual Life Assurance Society Ltd [1986] HCA 3; 160 CLR 1 Henville v Walker [2001] HCA 52; 206 CLR 459 Hicks v Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Commission [2001] FCA 586; 110 FCR 582 House v The King [1936] HCA 40; 55 CLR 499 Ingot Capital Investments Pty Ltd v Macquarie Equity Capital Markets Ltd [2008] NSWCA 206; (2009) 73 NSWLR 653 Leadenhall Australia Limited v Peptech Ltd [2001] NSWCA 272 Marks v GIO Australia Holdings Ltd [1998] HCA 69; 196 CLR 494 Nikac v Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs [1988] FCA 400; 20 FCR 65 Port Stephens Council v Samson [2007] NSWCA 299 Community Association DP270253 v Woollahra Municipal Council (No 2) [2014] NSWLEC 8 PT Ltd v Spuds Surf Chatswood Pty Ltd [2013] NSWCA 446 Singer v Berghouse [1994] HCA 40; 181 CLR 201 Street v Luna Park Sydney Pty Ltd [2009] NSWSC 1; 223 FLR 245 Travel Compensation Fund v Robert Tambree [2005] HCA 69; 224 CLR 627 Warren v Coombes [1979] HCA 9; 142 CLR 531 Westpac Banking Corporation v Jamieson [2015] QCA 50 Williams v Pisano [2015] NSWCA 177 Yacoub v Pilkington (Australia) Ltd [2007] NSWCA 290 Texts Cited: Heydon, Trade Practices Law: Competition and Consumer Law Lockhart, The Law of Misleading and Deceptive Conduct (3rd ed, 2011) Category: Principal judgment Parties: Cummins Generator Technologies Germany GmbH (Appellant) Johnson Controls Australia Pty Limited (First Respondent) Energy Power Systems Australia Pty Limited (Second Respondent) Representation: Counsel: M Christie SC; H Pintos-Lopez (Appellant) A J McInerney SC; O Jones (First Respondent) D T Miller SC; J A Hogan-Doran (Second Respondent)