Legal Research
Cases
Victoria University of Technology v Wilson

Victoria University of Technology v Wilson

Case [2004] VSC 33

No judgment structure available for this case.

Type to search within this case.

This content is currently unavailable.

Details

AGLC: Victoria University of Technology v Wilson [2004] VSC 33
Case: [2004] VSC 33
Decision Date: 18 February 2004

CaseChat Overview and Summary

AI summary not yet generated for this case.

Orders

Orders of the court

Full text does not contain this section.

Background

Background to the litigation

Full text does not contain this section.

Evidence

Evidence Before The Court

Full text does not contain this section.

Decision

Reasons for decision

Full text does not contain this section.

Ratio Decidendi

Legal Principle Established

Full text does not contain this section.

Actions

Citations

Victoria University of Technology v Wilson [2004] VSC 33

Most Recent Citation

McLean Delmo Pty Ltd v Geo Corporation Pty Ltd and Georgiou [2012] VCC 511

Cases Citing This Decision

In the matter of Mobius Distilling Pty Ltd (in liq) [2025] NSWSC 539
Citation 1

…ray (2009) 259 ALR 224; [2009] FCAFC 116 - Varma v Varma [2010] NSWSC 786 - Victoria University of Technology v Wilson (2004) 60 IPR 392; [2004] VSC 33 - Via Servis Ltd; Skala v Via Servis Ltd [2014] EWHC 3069 (Ch) - Watson v Foxman (1995) 49 NSWLR 315 - Wayde v New South Wales Rugby League Ltd (1985) 180 CLR 45…
Anderson v Canaccord Genuity Financial Ltd [2023] NSWCA 294
Citation 2

…Victoria [2023] HCA 30 Victoria University of Technology v Wilson [2004] VSC 33; 60 IPR 392 Warman International Ltd v Dwyer (1995) 182 CLR 544; [1995] HCA 18 Western Sydney University v Thiab (2023) 111 NSWLR 241; [2023] NSWCA 57 Woolworths Ltd v Olson [2004] NSWSC 849; 184 FLR 121 Texts Cited: M Gordon, Forewo…
In the matter of Carbon Copies Composites Pty Ltd [2023] NSWSC 911
Citation 3

…s Pty Ltd v Ale (2018) 125 ACSR 1; [2018] NSWSC 314 - Victoria University of Technology v Wilson (2004) 60 IPR 392; [2004] VSC 33 - Watson v Foxman (1995) 49 NSWLR 315 - Varma v Varma [2010] NSWSC 786 - Ventouris Enterprises Pty Ltd v Dib Group Pty Ltd [2010] NSWSC 963 - Yates v Whitlam (1999) 32 ACSR 595; [1999…
Metstech Pty Ltd v Park [2022] NSWSC 1667
Citation 4

…ty of Technology v Wilson [2004] VSC 33; (2004) 60 IPR 392 Wayde v New South Wales Rugby League Limited (1985) 180 CLR 459 Wilson v Basson [2020] NSWSC 512 Wright Prospecting Pty Ltd v Hamersley Iron Pty Ltd (No 3) [2013] NSWSC 1069 Zomojo Pty Ltd v Hurd (No 2) [2012] FCA 1458; (2012) 299 ALR 621 Texts Cited: Be…
Employsure Ltd v McMurchy [2021] NSWSC 1179
Citation 5 (Para 85)

…at 178; [1946] 1 All ER 350 at 356) or “could conflict with” the first employment ( Victoria University of Technology v Wilson (2004) 60 IPR 392; [2004] VSC 33 (Nettle J) at [14]).…
Plus One International Pty Ltd v Ching (No 3) [2020] NSWSC 1598
Citation 6

…13] 1 WLR 1556; [2013] UKSC 31 Victoria University of Technology v Wilson [2004] VSC 33 Warner v Hung, in the matter of Bellpac Pty Limited (Receivers and Managers Appointed) (In Liquidation) (No 2) (2011) 297 ALR 56; [2011] FCA 1123 Weldon & Co v Harbinson [2000] NSWSC 272 Woolworths Ltd v Olson (2004) 184 FLR…
Metal Manufactures Limited v Johnston [2020] QCA 42
Citation 7

…4) 156 CLR 41; [1984] HCA 64, applied Victoria University of Technology v Wilson (2004) 60 IPR 392; [2004] VSC 33, considered COUNSEL: G Coveney for the appellant The respondents each appeared on their own behalf SOLICITORS: Case Legal for the appellant The respondents each appeared on their own behalf…
Adventure Golf Systems Australia Pty Ltd v Belgravia Health & Leisure Group Pty Ltd [2017] VSCA 326
Citation 8 (Para 1)

…London (1862) 10 HLC 26; 11 ER 934. [73]See, eg, Canadian Aero Services Ltd v O’Malley (1983) 40 DLR 371, 391. However, as Nettle J observed in Victoria University of Technology v Wilson (2004) 60 IPR 392, ‘[t]he scope of an employee’s fiduciary duties to the employer depends as much as anything upon the nature and terms of the employment’: at 438…
Baird v Crowe Horwath (Aust) Pty Ltd [2016] FCCA 1379
Citation 9

…Marine Power International Pty Ltd (2001) 107 IR 117 Sanders v Parry [1967] 2 All ER 803 Timber Engineering Co Pty Ltd v Anderson [1980] 2 NSWLR 488 Victoria University of Technology v Wilson (2004) 60 IPR 392 WA Fork Truck Distributors Pty Ltd v Jones [2003] WASC 102 Warman International Ltd v Dwyer (1995) 182 CLR 544 Wessex Dairies Ltd v Smith…
Kenfrost (1987) Pty Ltd v Lyne [2014] QSC 322
Citation 10

…215 In Victoria University of Technology v Wilson and Ors [2004] VSC 33, Nettle J applied Nottingham University in the following passage:…
Rich v Westpac Banking Corporation [2014] NSWCA 136
Citation 11 (Para 1)

…ent at 555; Disctronics Ltd v Edmonds [2002] VSC 454 per Warren J, as her Honour then was, at [212]-[213]; Victoria University of Technology v Wilson [2004] VSC 33, per Nettle J at [216]; Sui Mei Huen v Official Receiver [2008] FCAFC 117 at [78]; (2008) 248 ALR 1 at 22 and Draper v Official Trustee in Bankruptcy…
Barescape Pty Ltd v Bacchus Holdings Pty Ltd (No 9) [2012] NSWSC 984
Citation 12

…cast Australia Pty Ltd [2012] NSWSC 4 - Tyco Australia Pty Ltd v Optus Networks Pty Ltd [2004] NSWCA 333 - Victoria University of Technology v Wilson [2004] VSC 33 - Visnic v Sywak [2009] NSWCA 173; (2009) 257 ALR 517 - Warman International Ltd v Dwyer [1995] HCA 18; (1995) 182 CLR 544 - Watson v Phipps (1985) 6…
Labelmakers Group Pty Ltd v LL Force Pty Ltd [2012] FCA 512
Citation 13 (Para 39)

…at an employee may do in pursuing that objective. The weight of restrictions will fall more heavily the more senior the standing of the employee: see Victoria University of Technology v Wilson (2004) 60 IPR 392 at 438. Another relevant variable will be the extent to which the time and effort of the existing employee is directed to the establishmen…
Saraceni v Mentha [2011] WASC 94
Citation 14 (Para 1)

…urt's decision in [ Verwayen ]', reference being made to Reseda v St Vincent's Hospital [1998] 2 VR 70 and Victoria University of Technology v Wilson [2004] VSC 33 (par 1, plaintiffs' supplementary submissions dated 21 March 2011). (d)The reasoning in JJ Leonard Properties also applied to the estoppel plea.…
Varma v Varma [2010] NSWSC 786
Citation 15

…e Will of Gaynor [1960] VR 640 Thorner v Major [2009] UKHL 18; [2009] 3 All ER 945; [2009] 1 WLR 776 Victoria University of Technology v Wilson [2004] VSC 33 Vukic v Luca Grbin and Ors; Estate of Zvonko Grbin [2006] NSWSC 41 Walton v Walton (1994, Cout of Appeal, Civ Div, unreported) Watson v Foxman (1995) NSWLR…
Tim Barr Pty Ltd v Narui Gold Coast Pty Ltd [2010] NSWSC 29
Citation 16

…008) 102 SASR 477 Waltons Stores (Interstate) Ltd v Maher [1988] HCA 7; (1988) 164 CLR 387 Wardley Australia Ltd v Western Australia [1992] HCA 55; (1992) 175 CLR 514 Warlam Pty Ltd v Marrickville Municipal Council [2009] NSWLEC 23; (2009) 165 LGERA 184 Warner v Sampson [1959] 1 QB 297 Waste Recycling & Processi…
Deckers Outdoor Corporation Inc v Farley (No 5) [2009] FCA 1298
Citation 17 (Para 12)

…yment. That evidence is sufficient, in my view, to render Deckers the owner of the copyright in those works pursuant to s 35(6) of the Act: see Victoria University of Technology v Wilson (2004) 60 IPR 392 at 422. Ms Rishwain’s inability to identify the particular employees is not an obstacle to the making of this finding.…
Chen v Marcolongo [2009] NSWCA 326
Citation 18

…z v Pioneer Concrete (SA) Pty Ltd [1995] HCA 14; 184 CLR 102 Victoria University of Technology v Wilson [2004] VSC 33; 60 IPR 392 Warman International Ltd v Dwyer [1995] HCA 18; 182 CLR 544 Wentworth v Rogers [2004] NSWCA 430 Wickham v Autingo Pty Ltd (1993) 8 WAR 376 Williams v Lloyd [1934] HCA 1; 50 CLR 341 Wi…
Michael Wilson and Partners Ltd v Nicholls [2009] NSWSC 1033
Citation 19

…national [1982] 2 NSWLR 766 Varawa v Howard Smith & Co Ltd (1911) 13 CLR 35 Victoria University of Technology v Wilson and Ors [2004] VSC 33 Visnic v Sywak [2008] NSWSC 427 Walker v W A Pickles Pty Ltd [1980] 2 NSWLR 281 Walton v Gardiner (1993) 177 CLR 387 Warman International Ltd & Anor v Dwyer (1995) 182 CLR…
Western Areas Exploration Pty Ltd v Streeter [No 3] [2009] WASC 213
Citation 20

…[2008] FCA 498; (2008) 246 ALR 603 Victoria University of Technology Inc v Wilson (2006) 68 IPR 597 Victoria University of Technology v Wilson [2004] VSC 33; (2004) 60 IPR 597 Warman International Ltd v Dwyer (1995) 182 CLR 544…
Oates v Consolidated Capital Services Ltd [2009] NSWCA 183
Citation 21

…sity of Technology v Wilson [2004] VSC 33; (2004) 60 IPR 392 Virgtel Ltd v Zabusky [2006] QSC 66; [2006] 2 Qd R 81 Waddington Ltd v Chan Chun Hoo [2006] HKCA 196; [2006] 2 HKLRD 896 Waddington Ltd v Chan Chun Hoo [2008] HKCFA 63; [2008] HKEC 1498 Wallersteiner v Moir (No 2) [1975] QB 373 Water Board v Moustakas…
Australian Building & Technical Solutions Pty Ltd v Boumelhem [2009] NSWSC 460
Citation 22

…er (1987) 16 FCR 536 Sui Mei Huen v Official Receiver (2008) 248 CLR 1 Victoria University of Technology v Wilson [2004] VSC 33 Watson v Foxman & Ors (2000) 49 NSWLR 315 Wentworth v Lloyd (1864) 33 LJ (Eq) NS 688 (HL) West v Mead, [2003] NSWSC 161 TEXTS CITED: A W Scott and W L Fratcher, The Law of Trusts (4th e…
University of Western Australia v Gray (No 20) [2008] FCA 498
Citation 23 (Para 1)

…v Wilson (2004) 60 IPR 392 Windsurfing International Inc v Tabur Marine (Great Britain) Ltd [1985] RPC 59 Worthington Pumping Engine Co v Moore (1903) 20 RPC 41 Yang v Owners-Strata Plan No 3529 (2001) 54 NSWLR 60 Yeda Research and Development Co Ltd v Rhone Poulenc International Holdings Inc [2008] 1 All ER 425 Viziballs’s Application [1988] RPC…
The University of Western Australia v Gray (No 16) [2007] FCA 843
Citation 24 (Para 6)

…The tender was supported by Sirtex Medical Limited (Sirtex) which referred to observations made by Nettle J in Victoria University of Technology v Wilson (2004) 60 IPR 392 that (at [210]): … a fiduciary’s position only inhibits him or her in respect of business opportunities that the principal is actively pursuing or in which the principal might r…
Woolworths Ltd v Olson [2004] NSWSC 849
Citation 25

…d v Anderson [1980] 2 NSWLR 488 Turner v Mason (1845) 14 M & W 112 Vardy v Cuthbert (1872) 3 AJR 25 Victoria University of Technology v Wilson & Ors [2004] VSC 33 Walker v Industrial Court of New South Wales & Anor (1994) 53 IR 121 Warman International Limited v Dwyer (1995) 182 CLR 544 Watson v Foxman (2000) 49…
Volunteer Eco Students Abroad Pty Limited v Reach Out Volunteers Pty Limited [2013] FCA 731
Citation 26

…cell [2008] NSWSC 852 University of Western Australia v Gray (2009) 179 FCR 346 Victoria University of Technology v Wilson (2004) 60 IPR 392 Yorke v Lucas (1985) 158 CLR 661 Date of hearing: 28-31 May 2012, 4-7 June 2012, 17-19 October 2012, 26 October 2012 Date of last submissions: 9 November 2012 Place: Sydney Division: GENERAL DIVISION Category…
EdSonic Pty Ltd v Cassidy [2010] FCA 1008
Citation 27 (Para 20)

…lationship alone does not give the employer ownership of inventions made by the employee during the period of employment. This issue was addressed in Victoria University of Technology v Wilson (2004) 60 IPR 392 which concerned the intellectual property rights to a patentable invention and two related computer programs. Two senior academic staff de…
iGas Operations Pty Ltd v Pipe Ex Pty Ltd [2025] APO 27
Citation 28 (Para 24)

…rm, it is unlikely that any invention made by the employee will be held to belong to the employer ” (emphasis added, citations omitted). [61] [2004] VSC 33; 60 IPR 392 ( Victoria University ).…
Naturo Pty Ltd v The Fruit Company Limited [2016] APO 89
Citation 29 (Para 21)

…the delegate stated that the law governing employer entitlement to employee inventions was summarised in Victoria University of Technology v Wilson , [2004] VSC 33. At [104]:- “The law is well settled upon the position of an officer or employee who makes an invention affecting the business of his or her employer…
The Royal Children's Hospital v Robert Alexander [2011] APO 94
Citation 30

…mployer as an implied term of contract . Nettle J summarised this principle in Victoria University of Technology v Wilson [2004] VSC 33 (18 February 2004) at [104]: “The law is well settled upon the position of an officer or employee who makes an invention affecting the business of his or her employer. It is an…
Austal Ships Pty Ltd v Damien Smith [2011] APO 4
Citation 31 (Para 7)

…perty created by Mr Smith. The law governing employer entitlement to employee inventions was summarised in Victoria University of Technology v Wilson [2004] VSC 33 at 104: “The law is well settled upon the position of an officer or employee who makes an invention affecting the business of his or her employer. It…
David Leigh Wake v Soniclean Pty Ltd [2010] APO 12
Citation 32 (Para 8)

…The law governing employer entitlement to employee inventions was conveniently summarised in Victoria University of Technology v Wilson [2004] VSC 33 at 104: “The law is well settled upon the position of an officer or employee who makes an invention affecting the business of his or her employer. It is an implied…
David Leigh Wake v Cavitus Pty Ltd [2010] APO 11
Citation 33 (Para 38)

…The law governing employer entitlement to employee inventions was conveniently summarised in Victoria University of Technology v Wilson [2004] VSC 33 at 104: “The law is well settled upon the position of an officer or employee who makes an invention affecting the business of his or her employer. It is an implied…
Chickabo Pty Ltd v Zphere Pty Ltd (No 2) [2019] VSC 580
Citation 34

…[18][2004] VSC 33.…
Countrywide Austral Pty Limited v Emergency Media Pty Ltd [2018] VSC 540
Citation 35 (Para 1)

…hat the mere existence of an employee/employer relationship does not give rise to a fiduciary duty.[3] [3] Victoria University of Technology v Wilson 60 IPR 392 [145] (Nettle J); cf Hospital Products Ltd v United States Surgical Corporation (1984) 156 CLR 41, 96 (Mason J); Concut Pty Ltd v Worrell (2000) 176…
ACN 079 638 501 Pty Ltd v Pattison [2012] VSC 445
Citation 36 (Para 1)

…Harbinson [2000] NSWSC 272 at [3], [13] which concerned a senior employee in a small accountancy company. [20]In respect of a senior employee: Victoria University of Technology v Wilson (2004) 60 IPR 392 at [149]. [21] Warman International Ltd v Dwyer (1995) 182 CLR 544 at 557-558.…
P & V Industies Pty Ltd v Porto & Ors (No 2) [2007] VSC 64
Citation 37 (Para 1)

…e of an employee’s fiduciary duties to the employer depends as much as anything upon the nature and terms of the employment.”[9] [8]60 IPR 392; [2004] VSC 33. [9]At [145].…
Victoria University of Technology v Wilson [2006] VSC 186
Citation 38 (Para 1)

…component of the concept was the provision of an on-line course in international trade. [1] Victoria University of Technology v Wilson & Ors [2004] VSC 33 at [10] per Nettle J; reported in 60 IPR 392. My summary of the background facts is based upon those set out in his Honour’s judgment.…
Youssef v Victoria University of Technology [2005] VSC 223
Citation 39 (Para 1)

…On 18 February 2004 Nettle J delivered reasons for judgment in the University’s proceeding.[20] [20][2004] VSC 33; (2004) 60 IPR 392.…
Maher v Millennium Markets Pty Ltd [2004] VSC 174
Citation 40

…[10][2004] VSC 33 at para.[181]…
Community Living Options Inc v McDougall [2016] SADC 80
Citation 41 (Para 12)

…ot use her position for financial advantage. [3] Woolworths Ltd v Olson (2004) 184 FLR 121 at 193, Victoria University of Technology v Wilson [2004] VSC 33.…
Care Legion Pty Ltd v Addo [2025] VCC 634
Citation 42

…Pty Ltd v Coppi (No 2) [2015] VSC 694; Weldon & Co v Harbinson [2000] NSWSC 272; Victoria University of Technology v Wilson [2004] VSC 33; Nottingham University v Fishel [2000] ICR 1462; Digital Pulse Pty Limited v Harris [2002] NSWSC 33; Forkserve Pty Ltd v Pachiaratta (2000) 40 IPR 74; Lifeplan Australia Frien…
McLean Delmo Pty Ltd v GEO Corporation Pty Ltd and Georgiou [2012] VCC 511
Citation 43 (Para 141)

…[47]Young, Croft and Smith, On Equity , p 517 and Victoria University of Technology v Wilson [2004] VSC 33 at [141]…

Cases Cited

Statutory Material Cited

Hospital Products Ltd v United States Surgical Corporation [1984] HCA 64
Citation 1 (Para 1)

…it may be inappropriate to impose a constructive trust of the whole of the business. [91] Hospital Products Ltd v United States Surgical Corporation, (1984) 156 CLR 41 at 110, per Mason J…
Legione v Hateley [1983] HCA 11
Citation 2

…d: Thompson v Palmer (1933) 49 CLR 507 at p 547; Grundt v Great Boulder Pty Gold Mines Ltd (1937) 59 CLR 641 at pp 657, 675-677 ; Legione v Hateley (1983) 152 CLR 406 at pp 430-431; Amalgamated Investment & Property Co Ltd (in liq.) v Texas Commerce International Bank Ltd (1982) QB 84, at pp 121, 126, 130-131; Spence…
Grundt v Great Boulder Pty Gold Mines Ltd [1937] HCA 58
Citation 3

…a convention between the parties has often been recognized: Thompson v Palmer (1933) 49 CLR 507 at p 547; Grundt v Great Boulder Pty Gold Mines Ltd (1937) 59 CLR 641 at pp 657, 675-677 ; Legione v Hateley (1983) 152 CLR 406 at pp 430-431; Amalgamated Investment & Property Co Ltd (in liq.) v Texas Commerce Internatio…
Thompson v Palmer [1933] HCA 61
Citation 4

…will be estopped from denying. The existence of an estoppel based on a convention between the parties has often been recognized: Thompson v Palmer (1933) 49 CLR 507 at p 547; Grundt v Great Boulder Pty Gold Mines Ltd (1937) 59 CLR 641 at pp 657, 675-677 ; Legione v Hateley (1983) 152 CLR 406 at pp 430-431; Amalgama…
Ravinder Rohini Pty Ltd v Krizaic [1991] FCA 430
Citation 5 (Para 1)

…rred.[96] [96] Cook v Deeks [1916] 1 AC 554 at 563; Consul Development Pty Ltd v IPC Estates Ltd, supra at 397; Ravinder Rohini Pty v Kriziac (1991) 30 FCR 300 at 312…
Disctronics Ltd v Edmonds [2002] VSC 454
Citation 6 (Para 1)

…third party investors. And as will be seen, I do not consider that it is necessary to make such an order in order to do equity to the university. [97][2002] VSC 454 at [213]…

AI Chat coming soon