Armstrong Watson LLP v Persons Unknown [2023] EWHC 1761 (KB) (11 July 2023)

Armstrong Watson LLP v Persons Unknown [2023] EWHC 1761 (KB) (11 July 2023)

The claimant was entitled to default judgment because the defendants failed to file a defence or engage with proceedings, the pleaded facts established a cause of action for breach of confidence, and the risk of further unlawful disclosure justified permanent injunctive relief and costs.

Citation
[2023] EWHC 1761 (KB)
Parties
Claimant: Armstrong Watson LLP; Defendant(s): Persons Unknown
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 July 2023
Procedural Posture
Civil Breach of Confidence / Cybersecurity / Default Judgment Application for Final Injunction and Costs
Outcome
Default judgment for the claimant; permanent injunction granted; costs awarded to claimant.
Legal Topics
Breach of Confidence, Interim and Final Injunctions, Default Judgment, Cyberattack, Ransomware, Open Justice, Costs
Civil Procedure Media and Communications Law Confidentiality Cybersecurity Breach of Confidence Interim and Final Injunctions Default Judgment Cyberattack +3 more

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 3 Authorities cited 13 Party arguments 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Armstrong Watson LLP

Claimant

Persons Unknown

Defendant(s)

Procedural Posture

Civil Breach of Confidence / Cybersecurity / Default Judgment Application for Final Injunction and Costs

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the claimant is entitled to default judgment for breach of confidence against persons unknown following a cyberattack and threats of disclosure of confidential information
  2. 2 Whether permanent injunctive relief and costs should be granted in the absence of a defence

Ratio Decidendi

The claimant was entitled to default judgment because the defendants failed to file a defence or engage with proceedings, the pleaded facts established a cause of action for breach of confidence, and the risk of further unlawful disclosure justified permanent injunctive relief and costs.

Court Disposition

Default judgment for the claimant; permanent injunction granted; costs awarded to claimant.

Orders

  • Judgment entered against the defendants under CPR Part 12
  • Permanent injunctive relief restraining use, disclosure, or dealing with the confidential information and requiring deletion or delivery up