Playtech Software Ltd v Realtime SIA & Anor [2025] EWCA Civ 1472 (21 November 2025)

The claim for misuse of trade secrets does not satisfy Gateway 21 because the only direct damage was sustained in Latvia, not the UK; therefore, Latvian law applies and England is not the appropriate forum. The copyright claim also has its centre of gravity in Latvia, making Latvia the appropriate forum.

Citation: [2025] EWCA Civ 1472
Parties: Claimant/respondent: Playtech Software Limited; Defendant/appellant: Realtime SIA; Defendant/appellant: Igors Veliks
Jurisdiction: England and Wales
Judgment Date: 21 November 2025
Procedural Posture: Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment
Outcome: Appeal allowed; permission to serve claim form outside jurisdiction set aside.
Legal Topics: Trade Secrets, Copyright Infringement, Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Forum Non Conveniens

Intellectual Property Conflict of Laws Civil Procedure Trade Secrets Copyright Infringement Jurisdiction Applicable Law Forum Non Conveniens

Case Brief

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Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 4 Authorities cited 12 Party arguments 2

Parties

Playtech Software Limited

Claimant/respondent

Realtime SIA

Defendant/appellant

Igors Veliks

Defendant/appellant

Procedural Posture

Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment

Legal Issues

1 Which law applies to the claim for misuse of trade secrets?
2 Does the claim for misuse of trade secrets satisfy jurisdictional Gateway 21?
3 Is England and Wales the appropriate forum for the claims?

Ratio Decidendi

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed; permission to serve claim form outside jurisdiction set aside.

Orders

Permission to serve claim form on Realtime SIA and Igors Veliks outside the jurisdiction is set aside.