A judge has questioned an $11 million settlement in a class action against retirement village provider Aveo, resolving to appoint a contradictor and a costs referee amid a dispute between the plaintiff law firm and its litigation funder, which the court heard has “grave concerns” about the costs incurred in the case.
A judge overseeing class actions against car makers Hyundai and Kia over alleged engine defects has dismissed the carmakers’ bid to inspect the lead applicants’ vehicles before defences are filed in the proceedings.
ANZ has rubbished arguments from a competitor and the ACCC that its merger with Suncorp’s banking arm will reduce competition and hurt consumers, saying the watchdog had been asked to believe a “distorted and selective view” of the proposal.
Commonwealth Bank of Australia has copped a record $3.55 million penalty for breaching spam laws after it sent more than 65 million emails without an easy way for individuals to unsubscribe.
Clifford Chance has added former Clayton Utz competition and consumer law partner Elizabeth Richmond to the firm’s global antitrust team in Sydney.
Restaurant chain Fogo Brazilia is facing a class action alleging it misled franchisees about the profitability of its businesses, with business owners also making claims against an employment law practice that drafted the franchise agreements.
Dell Australia has apologised to consumers and admitted misleading those who purchased add-on computer monitors by inflating the pre-discount price, sometimes to more than the product’s normal retail value.
Dental aligner maker Invisalign has appealed its loss in suit accusing competitor SmileDirectClub of misleading consumers about the cost and efficacy of its direct-to-consumer teeth alignment kits.
Big three energy supplier AGL is facing a class action alleging it misused its market power in breach of Australia’s competition laws.
Westpac, Macquarie and ANZ are seeking class closure orders ahead of mediation in three class actions over flexible commissions schemes, telling a court hearing they will be “completely at sea” without a better idea of the class size.