Wright v Ver

Wright v Ver

England and Wales is not clearly the most appropriate jurisdiction to hear the claim because the majority of publication occurred in the US, the claimant has a global reputation, and there is no evidence of specific reputational harm in England and Wales as distinct from other jurisdictions. The US is the most...

Source-derived case information.

Parties
Appellant: Craig Wright; Respondent: Roger Ver
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
29 May 2020
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Appeal From High Court Judgment on Jurisdiction Under Defamation Act 2013, Section 9
Outcome
Appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Jurisdiction in Defamation Claims, Section 9 Defamation Act 2013, Libel Tourism, Appropriate Forum, Harm to Reputation
Defamation Private International Law Civil Procedure Jurisdiction in Defamation Claims Section 9 Defamation Act 2013 Libel Tourism Appropriate Forum Harm to Reputation

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Parties

Craig Wright

Appellant

Roger Ver

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Appeal From High Court Judgment on Jurisdiction Under Defamation Act 2013, Section 9

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What is the proper approach to section 9 of the Defamation Act 2013 regarding jurisdiction in defamation claims against non-UK domiciled defendants?
  2. 2 Was England and Wales clearly the most appropriate jurisdiction to hear the libel claim?

Ratio Decidendi

England and Wales is not clearly the most appropriate jurisdiction to hear the claim because the majority of publication occurred in the US, the claimant has a global reputation, and there is no evidence of specific reputational harm in England and Wales as distinct from other jurisdictions. The US is the most appropriate jurisdiction for the claim.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Declaration that the court has no jurisdiction to hear the claim is upheld
  • No order for a retrial or reconsideration