Think You Are Too Young For a Will? Think Again
For many, the word Will still brings to mind something reserved for the elderly, the wealthy, or those facing serious illness. In reality, a Will is a powerful document that allows you to take control of how your assets, property, and personal affairs are managed [...]
A spread stoush in Kraft v Bega: Lessons on the assignment of unregistered trade marks and underlying goodwill
In Australian law, unregistered trade marks and their associated goodwill are treated as one in the same. Goodwill can have many shapes and sources, but it is understood generally to refer to the commercial aspects of a business other than tangible assets that have attracted [...]
Fashion designer wins: What the Katy Perry v Katie Perry decision means for Australian trade mark owners
The long-running dispute between Australian fashion designer Katie Perry and international pop star Katy Perry has now been resolved with the High Court of Australia handing down a landmark trademark decision. The case concerned whether the Australian designer’s registered trade mark “Katie Perry” for clothing [...]
To Scan or Not to Scan – Administrative Review Tribunal decision on Bunnings’ use of facial recognition tech
The Administrative Review Tribunal (Tribunal) recently set aside the Privacy Commissioner’s (Commissioner) 2024 determination[1] that Bunnings Group Limited’s (Bunnings) had acted unlawfully in its use of facial recognition technology (FRT) in stores, finding that Bunnings conduct in scanning customer faces fell within a statutory exception of [...]
Private Ancillary Funds
As we near the end of the financial year we are commonly asked to establish private ancillary funds (PAF) for clients. A PAF is a private philanthropic vehicle typically established and operated by a high net worth individual or family. PAF do not carry out [...]
From Stamp Duty to Tax: Major reform to stamp duty following the 2023-24 Victorian State Budget
On Tuesday 23 May 2023 the Victorian Treasurer, Tim Pallas, delivered the 2023-24 State Budget announcing a landmark reform to abolish stamp duty for commercial and industrial properties and introduce a new annual property tax. These changes are expected to take effect from 1 July [...]
Private Ancillary Funds
In May or June as we near the end of the financial year we are commonly asked to establish private ancillary funds for clients. A private ancillary fund is a private philanthropic vehicle typically established and operated by a high net worth individual or family. [...]
Pointon Partners Seminar: Discretionary trusts now not so discretionary Landmark Victoria Court of Appeal case
Please join us where our Partner Michael Bishop and Senior Lawyer Jess Tomlinson discuss the case Owies v JJ Nominees Pty ltd [2022] VSCA 142 which dealt with: obligations on a trustee to inform itself as to the needs of beneficiaries; and consider those needs even If [...]
Buying or Selling a Business – Here are the top 5 things you should consider
Buying or selling a business is a major decision for both the seller and the buyer and can be a daunting and exciting process. Regardless of whether you are a seller or buyer, it is important you take into account a number of [...]
Director Identification Numbers – Now in Force
Australian company directors are now required by law to apply for a director identification number (“director ID”). A director ID is a unique identifier given to an eligible officer who has verified their identified their identity with the Australian Business Registry Services (“ABRS”). The Corporations [...]