Seven vs TEN: ready for round 2

The legal case between Seven and TEN over veteran programmer John Stephens looks set to continue with reports today that Seven will apply for costs, estimated at around $500,000.

Last week TEN failed to prevent Stephens from working for Seven, despite the court ruling his contract with TEN remained “on foot.” Costs were not awarded.

But The Australian reports Seven will claim in a confidential applic­ation that “Mr Stephens and Seven have been put to considerable expense.”

“We would not be surprised if Seven continued its campaign of overreaching and bullying,” a TEN spokesman said. “The court hearing produced many revelations that were highly embarrassing for Seven. Further legal action will not change the fact that the court upheld TEN’s contract with John Stephens and found Seven pressured him. TEN will continue to vigorously defend its rights.”

Meanwhile in the Australian Financial Review today, Stephens says Seven Network did not induce him to breach his contract with TEN, but says the reason for his change of heart was primarily due to the enormity of the task that lay ahead.

Last week Supreme Court judge Judge Stevenson said  whether Stephens contract with TEN is enforceable is a question best considered “if and when TEN seeks to take further action under it.”