Insights

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Regulators get tough on claims of Legal Professional Privilege

Following a number of recent cases in which parties have incorrectly claimed legal professional privilege (LPP) over documents to be produced for regulatory proceedings or investigations, and...

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Anything you say (to the ACCC) can be used against you (many years later) in court

The Federal Court recently held that submissions and internal documents provided by a party to the ACCC to support or oppose a transaction pursuant to the ACCC’s informal clearance process could be...

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It’s not worth the Moola – a cartel agreement on the use of keyword search terms

The New Zealand High Court recently held that competitors who agreed on keyword search terms for online search advertising engaged in cartel conduct in breach of competition law.

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Trends in complex ACCC merger review cases for 2021

We are pleased to share with you the 6th edition of our report on recent trends in complex informal merger clearance decisions made by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC).

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Higher penalties for breaches of the Franchising Code

We detail the higher penalties for breaches of the Franchising Code

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More of the same: ACCC priorities for 2022

Yesterday, the ACCC announced its compliance and enforcement priorities for 2022.

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Proposed reforms give the unfair contract terms regime much sharper teeth

What is happening? A 2018 federal review of the current unfair contract terms (or UCT) protections concluded that the regime was ‘ineffective in both operation and effect’, including in terms of...

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Gas Industry – Voluntary Code of Conduct

On 1 December 2021, the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) announced the finalisation of the Voluntary Code of Conduct for the negotiation and development of Gas...

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Global trends in competition law regulation of mergers and acquisitions

There is no doubt that the international competition law landscape is changing. While calls for increased regulation of ‘big tech’ frequently make headlines, there is a broader shift in competition...

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Dealing with Australian regulators: Consider building a relationship
Dealing with Australian regulators: Consider building a relationship

Regulators and investigative bodies have extensive powers that can be brought to bear upon your corporation. Your corporation might come in contact with a regulator in the course of a voluntary...

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Dealing with regulators in Australia: warrants
Dealing with regulators in Australia: warrants

If a regulator issues a warrant it is a serious matter. Typically, a warrant will only be sought after approval at senior levels within a regulator and can only be issued by a Magistrate or Justice...

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Dealing with regulators in Australia: compulsory processes and examinations

Australian regulators have a range of compulsory information gathering powers. If your organisation is the subject of an investigation under surveillance for compliance with the law or facing an...

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ACCC wants significant merger reform: what does this mean for your upcoming deal?

Still concerned about its recent losses in the Federal Court in TPG/Vodafone and Pacific National/Aurizon and in light of growing fears about the anti-competitive effects of acquisitions in highly...

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The price to pay for excessive surcharging

It has been over 5 years since the excessive payment surcharge laws were introduced but the ACCC’s recent action against Nine Entertainment Co (Nine) demonstrates that the ACCC will continue to...

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The class exemption for small business collective bargaining is now in play

On 3 June 2021, the much-anticipated class exemption for small businesses, franchisees and fuel retailers came into effect.

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ACL unfair contract terms vs NSW disclosure obligations for substantially prejudicial terms

On 1 January 2021 NSW Fair Trading began enforcing a new law requiring businesses in NSW to make disclosures regarding terms that substantially prejudice the interests of consumers .

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Recent trends in complex ACCC merger review cases

We are pleased to share with you the fifth edition of our report on recent trends in complex merger review cases by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC).

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ACCC compliance and enforcement priorities 2021

Yesterday, the ACCC released its Compliance and Enforcement Priorities for 2021.

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Restraints of trade and dominance in Australia

Partners Sar Katdare and Andrew Willekes share insights on restraints of trade and dominance in Australia as part of Thompson Reuters’ Practical Law Competition Global Guide

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New disclosure requirements in NSW for suppliers of goods or services

Terms that may substantially prejudice the interests of the consumer.

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Competition law issues arising from the acquisition of minority shareholdings

Lessons from Amazon’s proposed acquisition of a minority interest in Deliveroo and the acquisition by Qantas of a 19.9% interest in Alliance Airlines.

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Regional hospital wards off misuse of market power claim

Ramsay Health Care Australia Pty Limited successfully defended Federal Court proceedings brought by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for misuse of market power (under the old...

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ACL redefines “consumer” up to $100k: how will your business be impacted?

From 1 July 2021, the Australian Consumer Law's definition of “consumer” will change with the monetary threshold of $40,000 increasing to $100,000.

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Which RPM notifications have been successful and why?

Resale price maintenance (RPM) has traditionally been regarded as anti-competitive because it can mute price competition between retailers, resulting in higher prices for consumers who wish to...

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