Arbitration in the Caribbean: clearing for take off
For decades, various arguments have been made for an increased uptake in international arbitration as an alternative mechanism for resolving disputes in the English-speaking Caribbean.
Topical issues in oil and gas production sharing contract disputes
Oil and gas production sharing contracts (PSCs or PSAs) are high-value, high-stakes agreements which often give rise to disputes between contractors and state-owned entities such as national oil companies (NOCs). Many of these disputes are resolved by means of international arbitration and the resulting arbitral awards often enter the public domain, for example as a … Continue reading Topical issues in oil and gas production sharing contract disputes
“Deepfakes”: a rising threat in international arbitration?
In recent years, “deepfakes” have on numerous occasions captured public attention by creating viral videos of public figures or celebrities sometimes acting out of character. When utilised by specialists, “deepfake” technology can render it nearly impossible with the naked eye to detect whether an image or a video is fake.
Halliburton v Chubb: UK Supreme Court clarifies position on arbitrators’ duties of impartiality and disclosure in London-seated arbitrations
In Halliburton Company v Chubb Bermuda Insurance Ltd, the UK Supreme Court dismissed Halliburton’s appeal concerning its application to remove an arbitrator for apparent bias on the facts. However, it also emphasised the importance of arbitrator impartiality in London-seated arbitrations. The judgment addresses the circumstances in which an arbitrator may appear to be biased and … Continue reading Halliburton v Chubb: UK Supreme Court clarifies position on arbitrators’ duties of impartiality and disclosure in London-seated arbitrations
Enka v Chubb: Supreme Court decision promotes certainty and enforceability
The Supreme Court’s much-anticipated judgment in Enka Insaat Ve Sanayi AS v OOO Insurance Company Chubb addresses the correct approach under English law to determining the governing law of an arbitration agreement. The judgment seeks to promote certainty and enforceability of arbitration agreements, by providing that: The parties’ choice of law in the governing law clause … Continue reading Enka v Chubb: Supreme Court decision promotes certainty and enforceability
COVID-19 related delay in international commercial arbitrations seated in England and Wales
Generally speaking, commercial arbitrations which are seated in England and Wales must be conducted as expeditiously as possible. However, as well-intentioned as the tribunal and parties may be, COVID-19 continues to cause much delay in the conduct of international arbitration. Since the pandemic began, legal counsel have been fielding and responding to requests for delay … Continue reading COVID-19 related delay in international commercial arbitrations seated in England and Wales
The proposed amendment of Nigeria’s Federal Arbitration Law could see the arbitration landscape in Nigeria improve significantly
The past decade witnessed remarkable developments in the law and practice of arbitration in Africa (jurisdictions like Ghana and South Africa enacted new arbitration laws in 2010 and 2017 respectively; courts across the African continent have increasingly shown willingness to enforce validly made arbitration agreements and awards; various arbitration initiatives have sprung up and have … Continue reading The proposed amendment of Nigeria’s Federal Arbitration Law could see the arbitration landscape in Nigeria improve significantly
STC v Betamax and the impact of public policy considerations on the enforceability of international arbitral awards
On 31 May 2019, the Supreme Court of Mauritius set aside an arbitral award in State Trading Corporation v Betamax on grounds of public policy.
Addressing emerging cyber risks: reflections on the ICCA Cybersecurity Protocol for International Arbitration
Cyber criminals, such as hackers, pose an increasing threat to the security of our virtual world and have claimed a long list of victims from celebrities to governments. In a post-WikiLeaks world, participants in international arbitration have not been spared. In 2015, in the course of an arbitration between China and the Philippines over disputed … Continue reading Addressing emerging cyber risks: reflections on the ICCA Cybersecurity Protocol for International Arbitration
Perspectives from the SOAS Arbitration in Africa Survey 2018
The SOAS Arbitration in Africa Survey report published earlier this year has sought to compile data to test the perception, based on some anecdotal evidence, that African arbitration practitioners are under-represented in arbitrations relating to the Africa region. The survey gathered data from 191 African arbitration practitioners on their participation in domestic and international arbitration … Continue reading Perspectives from the SOAS Arbitration in Africa Survey 2018
The long reach of US discovery: English Commercial Court allows enforcement of 28 USC §1782 discovery order
In recent years, US federal procedural law has emerged as a powerful weapon in cross-border disputes. In particular, section 1782 of Title 28 of the United States Code (28 USC §1782) allows district courts in the US to order the discovery of evidence for use in foreign and international proceedings, including, according to several courts, … Continue reading The long reach of US discovery: English Commercial Court allows enforcement of 28 USC §1782 discovery order
Arbitrating business and human rights disputes: uncharted territory
Last October, we wrote about the proposal by a working group of international law specialists to use arbitration to resolve disputes that arise out of human rights abuses involving businesses. Since then, the proposal has evolved into a project led by The Hague Institute for Global Justice to draft a set of international arbitration rules … Continue reading Arbitrating business and human rights disputes: uncharted territory
Reform of the Arbitration Act 1996 and confidentiality: it’s not all about an opt-in
In December 2017, the Law Commission launched its Thirteenth Programme of Law Reform. In it, the Law Commission suggests that it might be time to reform the English Arbitration Act 1996 (AA 1996).
Late twist to the Commisimpex saga as French Supreme Court reverses its position on state immunity from execution
On 10 January 2018, the French Supreme Court issued a second decision in the Commisimpex v Democratic Republic of Congo case, shifting its position on state immunity from execution. In the light of the new Sapin II law, the court held that a waiver of immunity from execution has to be both specific and express … Continue reading Late twist to the Commisimpex saga as French Supreme Court reverses its position on state immunity from execution
Petrotrin v Samsung: lessons learned from a challenge under section 67 Arbitration Act 1996
As the UK continues to enjoy some of the coldest weather of its winter so far, why not visit the Caribbean? Or, more precisely, the English High Court’s decision last November in Petroleum Company of Trinidad & Tobago Limited v Samsung Engineering Trinidad Co. Ltd, which dealt with a challenge to a tribunal’s partial award … Continue reading Petrotrin v Samsung: lessons learned from a challenge under section 67 Arbitration Act 1996
Surveys show appetite for TMT arbitration… but cheaper, faster, better
Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) disputes have been attracting a growing level of interest in the last few years. Welcome to the global digital age: technology is everywhere, and this ubiquity is expected to give rise to a commensurate number of disputes.
The Morocco-Nigeria BIT: a new breed of investment treaty?
On 30 August 2017, the Moroccan Parliament ratified the Morocco-Nigeria bilateral investment treaty (BIT), which now awaits ratification by Nigeria. This treaty, part of a suite of agreements signed between Morocco and Nigeria at a ceremony in Casablanca in December 2016, is intended to herald a “strategic partnership” at a time when the two countries … Continue reading The Morocco-Nigeria BIT: a new breed of investment treaty?
Arbitration: a new forum for business and human rights disputes?
On 27-29 November 2017, the United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights will convene in Geneva. Its central theme: Access to Effective Remedy. In line with this shifting focus by the international community on the third pillar of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), a working group of international law specialists published … Continue reading Arbitration: a new forum for business and human rights disputes?
Will life sciences provide a growth injection for international arbitration?
The use of international arbitration has expanded over the years to encompass a wide array of sectors. For example, while the majority of financial services disputes still end up in court, many of them are submitted to arbitration. Of the London Court of International Arbitration’s (LCIA’s) caseload in 2016, 20% comprised of such disputes. This … Continue reading Will life sciences provide a growth injection for international arbitration?
Applying for summary procedures in international arbitration: striking the balance
The scope of arbitrators’ powers to order summary procedures is open to debate. Any application for summary measures requires careful consideration of the possible benefits to be gained from a successful application on the one hand, and the uncertainty associated with doing so on the other.
Arbitrator bias: should we judge a book by its cover?
Tribunals have a fundamental duty to act fairly and impartially under section 33(1)(a) of the English Arbitration Act (AA 1996).
Legal advice privilege in England and the “closest connection” test
English-seated arbitral tribunals have a great degree of flexibility in determining the applicable rules of privilege.
Arbitral Women: Winning Communication
“You’re the voice, try and understand it, Make a noise and make it clear.” John Farnham On 2 February 2017, Hogan Lovells hosted a joint event with ArbitralWomen entitled “Winning Communication” in which a panel, including Julianne Hughes-Jennett, partner at Hogan Lovells, Tessa Wood, Senior Voice & Communication Coach at City Academy, Wendy Miles QC, global head … Continue reading Arbitral Women: Winning Communication
