Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited (ACN 001 660 715) v D.A.P. Services

Federal Court of Australia (Full Court)|2007-06-12|Before: Mr J, Black J, Black CJ, Rares JJ

1 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.

2 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.

3 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.

4 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.

5 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.

6 In our view therefore, the appropriate costs orders are:

(1) The second and third respondents pay 70% of the appellants' costs of the appeal.

(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

Counsel for the Respondent: Mr J Ireland QC and Mr D Accoto

Solicitor for the Respondent: Gollottas Solicitors

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