Myles Tehan

Directed Electronics has slammed a decision by one of its former managers to switch lawyers in the middle of a trial over alleged corporate theft, saying the move had a “tactical flavour”.

A judge is expected to issue a temporary injunction Thursday barring Facebook and Instagram from blocking users who are customers of a Melbourne-based social media startup that has accused the companies of trying to quash competition.

A court has thrown out a breach of contract claim brought by two subsidiaries of property developer Minster Group against National Australia Bank, but found the bank must face a $1.2 million unconscionability claim over allegedly excessive fees.