In our latest episode of the Watchdog series, Maddocks Partner and podcast host Shaun Temby provides a mid-year update on the ACCC's 2025 activities, highlighting increased enforcement in consumer protection, greenwashing, and merger reforms. Shaun also assesses how accurately our Maddocks Watchdog Recap 2024 predictions have aligned with the regulator’s actions and priorities, noting both accurate forecasts and unexpected developments - particularly in litigation frequency.
In this episode Maddocks Partner Shaun Temby discusses the ACCC proceedings in the Federal Court against Meta, accusing the company of allowing misleading “Fake Celebrity Endorsement Ads” to run on Facebook. These ads allegedly used the likeness of well-known Australians to promote dodgy financial schemes - many of which turned out to be scams.But Meta isn’t backing down. Tune in to hear why the company argues it shouldn’t be held liable.Shaun also breaks down the court’s perspective and what’s next for both the ACCC and Meta. Shaun also hypothesises the potential implications this case could have for tech giants and the future of digital advertising regulation.
In this episode Maddocks Partner Shaun Temby breaks down potential upcoming legislative changes to the Australian Consumer Law to introduce prohibitions on “unfair practices” – and whether they go too far, or not far enough.From online subscriptions and drip pricing to deceptive design and manipulative tactics, Shaun analyses what’s proposed and offers practical advice for organisations to start preparing from what’s to come.
Host Shaun Temby, discusses the ACCC initiated legal proceedings last year in the Federal Court against the online dating platform eHarmony Inc., alleging that the company engaged in misleading conduct concerning its membership pricing, renewal terms, and duration. Learn more from Shaun Temby about this action and how it highlights the ACCC's focus on advertising and marketing practices within the digital economy, which is one of its compliance and enforcement priorities.
Now in its fifth season, the Watchdog Podcast has returned, with Maddocks Partner and series host Shaun Temby providing an overview of the dismissal of a claim brought against General Motors Holden Australia NSC Pty Ltd by a number of its dealers (and franchisees) arising out of General Motors Company’s decision in 2020 to shut down the Holden brand.The episode explores the judgment in the much-publicised class action, and how it’s another example of automotive dealers (unsuccessfully) raising various allegations to try to get a court to look beyond the express terms of their Dealer Agreements.
Maddocks Partner and series host, Shaun Temby, provides an update on the ACCC’s ongoing case with large Australian fashion retailer, Mosaic Brands Pty Ltd. Shaun explores the regulator’s allegations that Mosaic provided consumers with information that was inconsistent with their rights under the Australian Consumer Law, along with revisiting some historical matters that could see the business face further investigation.
Join Maddocks Partner and series host, Shaun Temby, as he discusses the ACCC’s current dispute with large Australian fashion retailer, Mosaic Brands Pty Ltd, concerning allegations that it misled consumers about expected or likely delivery times for goods ordered on its various websites, failed to deliver goods within advertised times, wrongfully accepted payments for goods, and provided consumers with information that was inconsistent with their rights under the Australian Consumer Law. This ongoing matter highlights the importance for businesses in honestly, fairly and transparently managing consumer expectations, especially in circumstances where an unexpected event impacts usual business operations.
In our latest episode of Watchdog, join Partner and series host, Shaun Temby, and Special Counsel, Christopher Marsh, as they discuss the ACCC’s product safety priorities for the new financial year and how this will impact various industries, including online marketplaces. For those interested in the topic, we have also produced a Product Recall Guide, which covers key topics essential for businesses operating in Australia, including what constitutes a product recall, preparing for such an event and executing a recall, together with our essential checklists and top tips. Download your copy today.
In our latest episode of the Watchdog Podcast join Maddocks Partner and series host, Shaun Temby, together with, Elizabeth Ireland (Maddocks Head of Trade Marks) and Natasha Faigenbaum (Senior Associate), as they delve into the legal dispute between Invisalign and SmileDirectClub, focusing on issues of misleading and deceptive conduct in comparative advertising. In this episode, we discuss: 1. The implications of this case on advertising standards and consumer protection laws; 2. The risks and potential pitfalls associated with comparative advertising; and 3. Issues around the use of disclaimers and advertising on social media. Join us as we unravel the complexities of this landmark case and its broader implications for consumer rights and business practices. You can also read our article for more info.
In our latest episode of Watchdog, join Partner and series host, Shaun Temby, as he dives into the recent ACCC prosecution of Qantas, in what’s become known as the ‘Ghost flights’ litigation. In this episode, Shaun discusses the use of fine print disclaimers to qualify a strong primary message and the pitfalls businesses can face, whether the penalty negotiated between Qantas and the ACCC was adequate, and three key allegations made by the ACCC, including selling 8,000 tickets to cancelled flights and accepting payments for non-existent services. You can also read our article for more info on our website.
In our latest episode of the Watchdog Podcast, Partner and series host Shaun Temby and Special Counsel, Christopher Marsh discuss the product recall regime in Australia and the process surrounding both mandatory and voluntary recalls. Our Product Recall Guide covers key topics essential for businesses operating in Australia, including what constitutes a product recall, preparing for such an event and executing a recall, together with our essential checklists and top tips. https://www.maddocks.com.au/insights/product-recalls-a-practical-how-to-guide
Online floral and gift retailer, Bloomex, has recently been fined $1 million following an ACCC investigation. In this episode, regular Watchdog host, Shaun Temby shares key insights into Bloomex’s deceptive and misleading conduct. Want to know more? Read our latest article, where Maddocks Partner, Shaun Temby and Maddocks Graduate Lawyer, Grace Carroll, take a deep dive into these proceedings and the impact on retail businesses.
The Watchdog podcast is back for another year with series host and Maddocks Partner Shaun Temby. In this episode, Shaun recaps our Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) 2023 in Review publication, which provides highlights from key developments and major cases during 2023, and what is next in competition and consumer law. We unpack topics including consumer protection, mergers unfair contract terms, technology and data and more. Read the full Maddocks publication ACCC 2023 in Review here.
To close off an incredible season of the Day One podcast for 2023, our hosts and Maddocks lawyers Sam Ejtemai and Sophie Edgar answer burning questions from our listeners and lend their best advice to all students and prospective clerks commencing their careers in law. Our season hosts are also joined by Maddocks Partner Shaun Temby, Dispute Resolution & Litigation, to discuss his career spanning three decades and leading to his role as Partner in Charge for our Sydney office. Clerkship applications for Melbourne close on Sunday, 13 August 2023 so now is the time to listen!
Back by popular demand, a new Day One podcast episode is here. Lawyers and series hosts, Sam Ejtemai and Sophie Edgar talk about diversity & inclusion at Maddocks, employee resource groups, and flexible work policies - some topics our clerkship applicants have been curious to hear more about. In this episode, you'll also hear from Senior Associate Tamsin Webster who dives into Maddocks' pro bono work, how she has been developing and driving a pro bono strategy, and provides examples of meaningful matters we have been involved with. For more information on Maddocks, visit www.maddocks.com.au
With our Clerkship application process now underway in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne, our Maddocks on the Mic Day One podcast returns — this week, hosts Sam Ejtemai and Sophie Edgar break down the Melbourne clerkship program for eager students anticipating day one at Maddocks, to get them a better sense of what to expect during the process. Our hosts are also joined by guest speakers and Maddocks Partners Caroline Atkins and Gavan Mackenzie from our Canberra office. Both working within the Commonwealth Government advisory team, both partners reflect on their career journey and share what it's like to work as a clerk or junior lawyer in their practice teams. To learn more about the Maddocks Clerkship & Graduate program, visit maddocks.com.au
How do you network confidently, authentically and effectively as a law student or junior lawyer? Our Day One series hosts Sam Ejtemai and Sophie Edgar share their tips and personal experiences relating to networking during university clerkship events, the application process, and as a junior lawyer in the latest episode of the podcast. In this episode, listeners will also hear from Maddocks Partners Katie Oliver and James Smart from our Victorian Government Advisory and Not For Profit practice teams — our industry leaders share their career stories and lend some insights to their practice teams and professional development advice. To learn more about the Maddocks Clerkship & Graduate program, visit maddocks.com.au
In the latest instalment of the Day One Podcast series, we are joined by two pivotal people you will encounter during our Clerkship & Graduate program application process - Samuel Jurd and Monica Barrett run the Clerkship & Graduate programs across Melbourne and Sydney at Maddocks. In this episode, you'll hear our series hosts Sam and Sophie ask our insiders about what they really look for in a cover letter, the clerkship application and interview process and how applicants can set themselves apart to make their move to #Maddocks. Learn more about Maddocks on our website www.maddocks.com.au
This week, our Day One podcast series hosts Sophie Edgar and Sam Ejtemai sit down and get real with Maddocks CEO David Newman. In this episode, you'll hear Dave talk about his career journey leading up to becoming the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian modern law firm, be asked about his strategy for the firm during a global pandemic - and some key takeaways for anyone looking to make their next career move by joining Maddocks, whether it's through a Clerkship or Graduate program in Melbourne, Sydney or Canberra. For more information on the Maddocks Clerkship & Graduate program, visit our website.
The Day One podcast series is back for 2023! Lawyers Sam Ejtemai and Sophie Edgar have taken over as hosts this season — discussing all things clerkship and commercial law related, as well as asking all the questions they wish they had the answers to when going through the clerkship process. In their first episode for 2023, Sam and Sophie discuss how they ended up at Maddocks, their experiences as clerks and graduates, how they have settled into the modern Australian law firm, the work they get up to — and highlights of their first year as lawyers. They also get into the nitty gritty of Development and Property & Tax with Partners Adam Jaques and Michael Taylor-Sands. Learn about the Maddocks Clerkship & Graduate program here For more information on Maddocks, visit www.maddocks.com.au