Litigation Notes

How far can UK courts depart from EU case law?

On 31 December 2020, when the transition period provided for in the Withdrawal Agreement between the EU and the UK comes to an end, EU law will cease to …

Court of Appeal finds no binding settlement reached, emphasising importance of "subject to contract" label

In a recent decision, the Court of Appeal has overturned a deputy judge's decision that a binding settlement agreement had been reached in …

Commercial litigation podcast series – Episode 5: General update

Court of Appeal construes Farm-Out Agreement and Joint Operating Agreement together as a cohesive whole

The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal against a decision interpreting the provisions of a Farm-Out Agreement for the sale of an interest in two oil …

High Court strikes out claims against BHP as an abuse of process in light of parallel claims in Brazil

The English High Court has struck out the claims of over 200,000 claimants against two companies in the BHP Group (domiciled in England and Australia …

Class action reform in France: Necessary, but debatable

Proposals for a new, general regime for class actions in France were recently presented to the French National Assembly. If accepted, the new regime will …

Article published - Jurisdiction clauses and service out post-Brexit: a welcome rule change

Supreme Court applies Patel v Mirza to reject illegality defence to solicitors' negligence claim where claimant had engaged in mortgage fraud

The Supreme Court has held that a claimant who had engaged in mortgage fraud was not barred from bringing a claim against her solicitors for negligently …

Court of Appeal gives guidance on proper approach to enhanced awards where claimant beats its own Part 36 offer to settle

The Court of Appeal has held that a claimant who beat its own Part 36 offers was entitled to the full range of enhanced awards under CPR 36.17, rather …

Lord Chief Justice's Report 2020: courts in strong position despite pandemic

Commercial Court finds buyer entitled to repayment of advance payment where delivery prevented by force majeure

Beyond Brexit: Countdown to 1 January 2021 – new video briefings and podcasts available, including on jurisdiction and enforcement of judgments

In the run up to the end of the Brexit transition period, we have produced a series of webinar videos which cover some of the key issues businesses face …