Clarkson Plc v Person Or Persons Unknown [2018] EWHC 417 (QB) (06 March 2018)

Clarkson Plc v Person Or Persons Unknown [2018] EWHC 417 (QB) (06 March 2018)

The claimant is entitled to default judgment and a final non-disclosure injunction against persons unknown, as all procedural requirements have been met, the facts justify relief, and derogations from open justice are warranted to protect confidential information obtained through blackmail.

Citation
[2018] EWHC 417
Parties
Claimant: Clarkson Plc; Defendant(s): Person or Persons Unknown who has or have appropriated, obtained and/or may publish information unlawfully obtained from the Claimant's IT systems
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
06 March 2018
Procedural Posture
Civil (media and Communications) / Default Judgment and Final Injunction Application
Outcome
Default judgment for the claimant; final injunction granted; costs order against defendant(s).
Legal Topics
Non Disclosure Injunction, Open Justice Derogations, Default Judgment, Blackmail, Service on Persons Unknown
Media Law Privacy Law Civil Procedure Non Disclosure Injunction Open Justice Derogations Default Judgment Blackmail Service on Persons Unknown

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 4 Authorities cited 9 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Clarkson Plc

Claimant

Person or Persons Unknown who has or have appropriated, obtained and/or may publish information unlawfully obtained from the Claimant's IT systems

Defendant(s)

Procedural Posture

Civil (media and Communications) / Default Judgment and Final Injunction Application

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether a final non-disclosure injunction can be granted against persons unknown via default judgment
  2. 2 Whether derogations from open justice are justified
  3. 3 Whether service by alternative means is valid in this context

Ratio Decidendi

The claimant is entitled to default judgment and a final non-disclosure injunction against persons unknown, as all procedural requirements have been met, the facts justify relief, and derogations from open justice are warranted to protect confidential information obtained through blackmail.

Court Disposition

Default judgment for the claimant; final injunction granted; costs order against defendant(s).

Orders

  • Final injunction prohibiting the defendant(s) from communicating, disclosing, or using the confidential information unlawfully obtained from the claimant's IT systems.
  • Continuation of derogations from open justice, including restrictions on access to confidential documents and hearing papers.