Malone says that the comments are "very confusing", and appear to be revenge for dropping out of the trials for the Government's mandatory filtering system. "I think it's all extraordinary…and we have sought legal advice and we're waiting on the outcome of that." Opposition Communications Spokesman Nick Minchin and Shadow Attorney General George Brandis have also hit out against Conroy, saying that the comments were "grossly improper". "[iiNet is] well within its rights to seek legal advice about their potential impact on its defense," Brandis said. "Senator Conroy's comments were both reckless and irresponsible; particularly considering iiNet was yet to even file that aspect of its defence and has every right to a fair hearing," Minchin said. "The only purpose his comments served were to get back at iiNet for highlighting serious short-comings in his planned internet filtering trials and withdrawing its offer to participate." The trial in the Federal Court is a groundbreaking one, as it will determine whether iiNet is responsible for the actions of its users in illegally downloading copyrighted material such as music and films. That decision could then apply to other Australian ISPs.