Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited (ACN 001 660715) v D.A.P. Services (Kempsey) Pty Limited (in liquidation)(ACN 055 803 542) (No. 2)
[2007] FCAFC 90
•12 June 2007
FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA
Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited (ACN 001 660 715) v D.A.P. Services (Kempsey) Pty Limited (in liquidation) (ACN 055 803 542) (No. 2)
[2007] FCAFC 90
ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED (ACN 001 660 715) AND ANOR v D.A.P. SERVICES (KEMPSEY) PTY LIMITED (IN LIQUIDATION) (ACN 055 803 542) AND ORS
NSD 712 OF 2006
BLACK CJ, JACOBSON AND RARES JJ
12 JUNE 2007
SYDNEY
IN THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA
NEW SOUTH WALES DISTRICT REGISTRY
NSD 712 of 2006
ON APPEAL FROM A SINGLE JUDGE OF THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA
BETWEEN:
ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED (ACN 001 660 715)
First Appellant/First Cross-respondentARISTOCRAT INTERNATIONAL PTY LIMITED
(ACN 000 148 58)
Second Appellant/Second Cross-respondentAND:
D.A.P SERVICES (KEMPSEY) PTY LIMITED (IN LIQUIDATION) (ACN 055 803 542)
First RespondentDAVID ALLAN PARRY
Second Respondent/First Cross-appellantRHONDA DENISE PARRY
Third Respondent/Second Cross-appellant
JUDGES:
BLACK CJ, JACOBSON AND RARES JJ
DATE OF ORDER:
12 JUNE 2007
WHERE MADE:
SYDNEY
THE COURT ORDERS THAT:
The second and third respondents pay 70% of the appellants’ costs of the appeal.
The cross-appeal is dismissed.
The costs of the cross-appeal to be costs in the appeal.
Note: Settlement and entry of orders is dealt with in Order 36 of the Federal Court Rules.
IN THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA
NEW SOUTH WALES DISTRICT REGISTRY
NSD 712 of 2006
ON APPEAL FROM A SINGLE JUDGE OF THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA
BETWEEN:
ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED (ACN 001 660 715)
First Appellant/First Cross-respondentARISTOCRAT INTERNATIONAL PTY LIMITED
(ACN 000 148 58)
Second Appellant/Second Cross-respondentAND:
D.A.P SERVICES (KEMPSEY) PTY LIMITED (IN LIQUIDATION) (ACN 055 803 542)
First RespondentDAVID ALLAN PARRY
Second Respondent/First Cross-appellantRHONDA DENISE PARRY
Third Respondent/Second Cross-appellant
JUDGES:
BLACK CJ, JACOBSON AND RARES JJ
DATE:
12 JUNE 2007
PLACE:
SYDNEY
REASONS FOR JUDGMENT
THE COURT
We have considered the parties’ written submissions on costs. We do not consider that it is appropriate to disturb the costs orders made at first instance because, in substance, Aristocrat had a sufficient measure of success on the appeal to maintain the costs ordered below.
As to the appeal, Aristocrat does not seek the usual costs order made against a company in liquidation. Accordingly, we do not propose to make any order in respect of the costs of the appeal against the corporate respondent.
Although Aristocrat obtained an increased amount of damages against Mr Parry, the level of its success was somewhat less than it had sought. On the other hand, whilst Mrs Parry’s damages were reduced to a nominal sum, she and Mr Parry were jointly represented and each joined in the cross-appeal on which they were unsuccessful.
In our view, it is therefore appropriate to determine the costs to be borne by Mr and Mrs Parry together without seeking to make artificial distinctions between their successes and failures on particular issues. Nevertheless, it is necessary to balance against their overall loss the fact that Aristocrat was not entirely successful.
Taking an overall view of the result of the appeal, it seems to us that a proper exercise of our discretion is to order Mr and Mrs Parry to pay 70% of the costs.
In our view therefore, the appropriate costs orders are:
(1)The second and third respondents pay 70% of the appellants’ costs of the appeal.
(2)The cross-appeal is dismissed.
(3)The costs of the cross-appeal to be costs in the appeal.
I certify that the preceding six (6) numbered paragraphs are a true copy of the Reasons for Judgment herein of the Honourable Chief Justice Black, Justices Jacobson and Rares.
Associate:
Dated: 12 June 2007
Counsel for the Appellant: Mr R Cobden SC and Mr N R Murray Solicitor for the Appellant: Baker & McKenzie Counsel for the Respondent: Mr J Ireland QC and Mr D Accoto Solicitor for the Respondent: Gollottas Solicitors Date of Submissions: 10 April 2007 Date of Judgment: 12 June 2007
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