- Related capabilities
Commercial disputes are time-consuming and distract from core business. Addisons’ Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution team support clients to achieve a resolution that protects their business interests and wherever possible preserves their business relationships.
Our lawyers have deep experience and expertise in conducting large, complex and high-stakes commercial litigation for listed corporates, co-operatives, SMEs, high net worth individuals and financial institutions. As an independent practice, Addisons is not constrained by the commercial and legal conflict issues that exist in many of the larger law firms, and we regularly accept conflict referrals from leading national and international firms.
When clients face a dispute, we draw expertise from across our capabilities to prepare an effective litigation strategy. That may include, for example, drawing on M&A and corporate expertise to ensure our strategy addresses the commercial risks and drivers facing directors, boards, shareholders and management. We are also experienced in guiding clients through investigations and examinations by regulators including ASIC and the ACCC, and representing clients in commissions and inquiries.
Where appropriate, we use our skills and experience in alternative dispute resolution processes to drive a negotiated outcome. If it is necessary to go to court, we are robust litigators who fight hard for our clients to win.
acted in proceedings commenced in the Federal Court of Australia by Kraft Heinz against Bega Cheese. The dispute relates to the ownership and right to use the iconic packaging of peanut butter formerly branded “Kraft” and purchased by Bega Cheese from Mondelēz in 2017. The case involves a consideration of the nature and assignability of goodwill, copyright rights and misleading and deceptive advertising.
advised a large group of franchisees in a potential representative action against one of Australia’s major pharmacy outlets and for individual franchisees in Victorian County Court proceedings.
acted on a Family Provision Act claim in respect of a deceased estate with an estimated value of more than $40 million.
acted for a subsidiary of a major mining group in a Supreme Court of NSW leasing dispute.
appeared for and advised two witnesses in the Independent Commission Against Corruption in the course of the Commission’s investigations and hearings in “Operation Spicer”. This was the high profile matter in which political fund-raising activities and donations to the Liberal Party in New South Wales were investigated by the Commission.
acted for the litigation funder of multiple airbag class actions against various international motor vehicle manufacturers, including applications regarding the Court’s powers to make common fund orders and, ultimately, settlement approval of a $52 million resolution of six of those class actions.
Recognition & Awards
Best Law Firms™ Australia – Sydney
2025 | Litigation
Doyles Guide Leading Firms – NSW
2022-2024 | Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution