Seddiq v Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation; Seddiq v Towers

In *Seddiq v Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation; Seddiq v Towers* [1995] NSWCA 421, the New South Wales Court of Appeal considered appeals from decisions of the Supreme Court of New South Wales. The appeals concerned a dispute between Mr Seddiq and both the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and a Mr Towers, relating to alleged breaches of contract and misrepresentation.

The primary legal issues before the Court of Appeal were whether the Supreme Court had erred in its findings regarding the existence and terms of a contract between Mr Seddiq and CSIRO, and whether there had been a misrepresentation by Mr Towers that induced Mr Seddiq to enter into certain agreements. The Court was required to examine the evidence presented to the trial judge and determine if the findings of fact and application of legal principles were correct.

The Court of Appeal analysed the evidence concerning the communications and conduct of the parties, applying principles of contract law and the law of misrepresentation. It considered whether the elements of a binding contract were established, particularly in relation to the alleged agreement with CSIRO, and whether the statements made by Mr Towers constituted actionable misrepresentation. The Court ultimately found that the trial judge had correctly applied the relevant legal principles to the facts as found.

The appeals were dismissed, with the Court of Appeal affirming the decisions of the Supreme Court of New South Wales.