Beijing Financial Court upholds validity of asymmetric arbitration clause

The Beijing Financial Court has recently upheld the validity of an asymmetric (or “unilateral option”) arbitration clause, determining that it did not constitute an impermissible “either arbitration or litigation” clause under the law of the People’s Republic of China (“PRC“). ((2022) Jing 74 Min Te No.4) Read more

AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL COURT OF APPEAL ALLOWS PARTIES TO CONTRACT OUT OF MANDATORY JURISDICTION IMPOSED BY THE CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY SEA ACT 1991 (CTH)

In a recent decision, the Australian Federal Court of Appeal refused an anti-suit injunction which sought to prevent the commencement of arbitral proceedings in England, in relation to a dispute arising out of a bill of lading for cargo transported between South Australia and Queensland. The Court determined that the ‘mandatory jurisdiction’ provision of the … Read more

Delhi High Court sets aside billion dollar ICC award on grounds of “patent illegality and fraud”

The Delhi High Court (the “Court“) in a recent decision, has set aside a 2015 arbitral award of the International Chamber of Commerce (“ICC“) which had directed Antrix Corporation Limited (“Antrix“) to pay damages of over US$ 560 million plus interest to Devas Multimedia Private Limited (“Devas“) (the “ICC Award“). This is the latest development … Read more

Hong Kong Court of Appeal rules on landmark case regarding escalation clauses

Herbert Smith Freehills has secured an important judgment from the Hong Kong Court of Appeal, C v D [2022] HKCA 729, regarding escalation clauses – contractual provisions which require negotiation or mediation before either party can begin formal proceedings. These clauses are intended to promote the efficient resolution of disputes, but often lead to costly litigation. … Read more

HERBERT SMITH FREEHILLS PARTNER CHRIS PARKER APPOINTED QUEEN’S COUNSEL

We are very proud to announce that London-based arbitration partner Chris Parker has been appointed Queen’s Counsel (QC) in England and Wales. Chris will be the third QC currently practising at Herbert Smith Freehills. He joins a prestigious line of QC talent from Herbert Smith Freehills over the years, including The Right Honourable The Lord … Read more

ICSID RELEASES 2021 ANNUAL REPORT FOR RECORD FINANCIAL YEAR

The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (“ICSID“) recently published its Annual Report for FY2021 (available here), concluding a financial year with multiple record achievements amid the Covid-19 pandemic, including a record number of cases registered and the largest number of cases ever administered at ICSID in a single fiscal year. As ICSID optimises … Read more