JP Morgan Europe Ltd. v Primacom Ag & Anor [2005] EWHC 508 (Comm) (05 April 2005)

JP Morgan Europe Ltd. v Primacom Ag & Anor [2005] EWHC 508 (Comm) (05 April 2005)

The Declaratory Proceedings and the German Mainz and Frankfurt proceedings involve the same cause of action under Article 27, requiring a stay of the English Declaratory Proceedings until the German courts decide jurisdiction. The Injunction Proceedings and PwC Proceedings do not involve the same cause of action or are not sufficiently connected to warrant a stay under Article 27 or 28. Interim injunctions in the Injunction Proceedings continue, and protective measures would be granted under Article 31 if necessary.

Citation
[2005] EWHC 508 (Comm)
Parties
Claimant: J P Morgan Europe Limited; First Defendant: Primacom AG; Second Defendant: Primacom Management GmbH
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
05 April 2005
Procedural Posture
Application for Stay of Proceedings / Post Hearing Judgment
Outcome
Stay granted for Declaratory Proceedings; stay refused for Injunction Proceedings and PwC Proceedings; interim injunctions continue.
Legal Topics
Jurisdiction, Exclusive Jurisdiction Clauses, Brussels Regulation, Stay of Proceedings, Interim Injunctions, Forum Conveniens, Public Policy
Civil Procedure International Commercial Law Contract Law Jurisdiction Exclusive Jurisdiction Clauses Brussels Regulation Stay of Proceedings Interim Injunctions +2 more

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Parties

J P Morgan Europe Limited

Claimant

Primacom AG

First Defendant

Primacom Management GmbH

Second Defendant

Procedural Posture

Application for Stay of Proceedings / Post Hearing Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether English and German proceedings involve the same cause of action under Article 27 of Brussels Regulation
  2. 2 Whether a stay should be granted under Article 27 or Article 28 of Brussels Regulation
  3. 3 Whether interim injunctions should continue under Article 31 of Brussels Regulation

Ratio Decidendi

The Declaratory Proceedings and the German Mainz and Frankfurt proceedings involve the same cause of action under Article 27, requiring a stay of the English Declaratory Proceedings until the German courts decide jurisdiction. The Injunction Proceedings and PwC Proceedings do not involve the same cause of action or are not sufficiently connected to warrant a stay under Article 27 or 28. Interim injunctions in the Injunction Proceedings continue, and protective measures would be granted under Article 31 if necessary.

Court Disposition

Stay granted for Declaratory Proceedings; stay refused for Injunction Proceedings and PwC Proceedings; interim injunctions continue.

Orders

  • Declaratory Proceedings against PAG and PMG stayed until Mainz Court decides jurisdiction; PwC Proceedings and Injunction Proceedings to proceed; interim injunctions in Injunction Proceedings to continue until trial or further order.