Latest Legal Blogs & News | Melbourne Law Firm | HOCW Lawyers

The Corner Hotel versus the Jazz Corner Hotel - Trade Marks
19 April 2021
The Corner Hotel in Richmond is a well known Melbourne licensed live music venue. The operators of the venue took legal action against The Jazz Corner Hotel which operates in William Street, Melbourne. Bird's Basement is a music venue which operates in the basement of The Jazz Corner Hotel building. In a recent Federal Court decision (Swancom Pty Ltd v The Jazz Corner Hotel Pty Ltd (No. 2) [2021] FCA 328 (9 April 2021)) Justice O'Bryan decided that various trade marks used by The Jazz Corner Hotel were not deceptively similar to the trade marks used by The Corner Hotel. Accordingly, he dismissed the claim by the Applicant. Read More
"But I want to keep working from home!" – returning to the office after COVID-19
18 March 2021
A common query at the moment is whether employers can insist employees return to the office after an extended period of working from home, due to COVID-19 restrictions. Many employees (especially office workers) have established their ability to work quite productively from home and are now putting it to their employers that they should be able to continue to work from home. Undoubtedly, there have been many benefits to employees in working from home, and having become accustomed to those benefits, employees may be reluctant to come back in. Read More
Sexual harassment policies, procedures and investigations – a guide for employers
17 March 2021
Unfortunately, workplace sexual harassment is again in the spotlight. As a result, many employers may be wondering whether their sexual harassment policies, systems and procedures are up to standard. Employers that do not maintain up-to-date policies, fail to provide the appropriate training and support, and bungle the management of complaints, risk not complying with their duty to provide a safe workplace for their employees. The effects of sexual harassment can be devastating on individuals and these effects can be exacerbated by a sub-standard, poorly handled or unnecessarily drawn out investigation following a complaint. Read More
Owners Corporation Act changes – additional protections for lot owners
16 March 2021
The Owners Corporations and Other Acts Amendment Act 2021 (the Act) was passed last month. The Act amends the Owners Corporations Act 2006, Retirement Villages Act 1987 and part 5 of the Subdivision Act 1998. The Act will come into operation by default on 1 December 2021, if not proclaimed earlier. In essence, the Act not only includes additional protections for lot owners but imposes more stringent obligations and restrictions on owners corporation managers and developers. Ultimately, the amendments seek to give additional protections to owners corporations and lot owners. Read More
Deceased estates don't always go to plan
12 March 2021
For most deceased estates, the executor (when the deceased person leaves a will) or administrator (when there is no will) is able to carry out their role without difficulty. But for some, even getting past the first point of obtaining a grant of representation can be a difficult and drawn-out affair. Sometimes, court proceedings are brought to challenge the validity of a will or to challenge the standing of a person to obtain the grant of representation. Read More
EP Johnson & Davies - Welcome to Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams
01 February 2021
The principals and team of Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams are pleased to announce that our firm has recently acquired the law firm of EP Johnson & Davies (EPJD). EPJD, one of Melbourne's oldest law firms, has origins dating back to the late 1800's. We are delighted that John Davies and Garry Philpott, partners of EPJD, will be working with us as consultant lawyers and we are also pleased to welcome Ian Davies, lawyer, to our team. We are delighted that Kim McIntyre, Kylie Beer and Rose Field are coming across as well. All will be based in our Melbourne office and practice predominately in our property and wills and estates departments. Wills and other deeds that were held by EPJD are now held by HOCW. Read More

«
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
»