Product Risk Insights

22 July 2008

Welcome to the July edition of Product Risk Insights. The recent months have been busy for anyone interested in product risks, with proposed reforms to product liability laws and the thresholds for class actions. We'll look at both proposals in this edition.

We'll also look at when (and how) you can make green representations about your products, why a strong compliance program is crucial, and whether there's much future for plaintiffs arguing "fear of the future" claims.

Finally, in honour of the season, we pull on some stretchy sportswear, do some gentle stretches, and look at when you can associate yourself with the Olympics or other major events.

Warning: may cause reform! Federalising Australia's product safety system

By Andrew Morrison and Sara Dennis.

Andrew Morrison and Sara Dennis look at the latest moves to bring about a uniform product safety system in Australia.

Be alarmed be very alarmed: class action reforms mooted

By Jocelyn Kellam and Stuart Clark.

Victoria is looking at relaxing its laws on class actions - but is that needed? And would it tip the balance too far in plaintiffs' favour? Jocelyn Kellam and Stuart Clark examine the proposals.

On your marks, get set, advertise! The Olympics and ambush marketing

By Mary Still and Andrew Clarke.

Mary Still and Andrew Clarke explain the laws around using Olympic insignia, and how to prevent others from cashing in on your sponsorship of major events.

ACCC comes down hard on "greenwashers"

By Peter Briggs.

Are you carbon-friendly, low-carbon, or just plain green? The ACCC has recently warned you need to be careful when making these sorts of claims to ensure you don't breach the Trade Practices Act, as Peter Briggs explains.

Compliance and product standards

By Randal Dennings and Graeme Howatson.

What good is a compliance program? Quite a lot, as Randal Dennings and Graeme Howatson show.

Who's afraid of the plaque? Did "fear for the future" claims in Australia just get harder?

By Gary Berson.

How far does liability go? Does it cover a plaintiff's fear of future harm? Dr Michael Maxwell and Gary Berson investigate.

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