Lebara Mobile Ltd & Ors v Lycamobile UK Ltd & Ors [2015] EWHC 3318 (Ch) (17 November 2015)

Lebara Mobile Ltd & Ors v Lycamobile UK Ltd & Ors [2015] EWHC 3318 (Ch) (17 November 2015)

There are serious issues to be tried regarding breach of contract, breach of E-Privacy Directive, and competition law in relevant jurisdictions. Damages may not be adequate due to quantification difficulties and reputational harm. The balance of convenience does not favour granting the mandatory interim injunction sought, especially given the impending change in EU law and agreed modification of the Block.

Citation
[2015] EWHC 3318 (Ch)
Parties
Claimant: Lebara Mobile Limited; Claimant: Lebara Limited; Claimant: Lebara France Limited; Claimant: Lebara Media Services Limited; Claimant: Lebara Group B. V.; Claimant: Yokara Trademarks S. AR. L; Claimant: Yokara Global Trademarks S. AR. L; Defendant: Lycamobile UK Limited; Defendant: Lycamobile Germany GmbH; Defendant: Lycamobile S. AR. L; Defendant: Lycamobile S. R. L.; Defendant: Lycamobile Distribution Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
17 November 2015
Procedural Posture
Interim Injunction Application / Post Hearing, Judgment on Interim Relief
Outcome
Interim injunction refused
Legal Topics
Interim Injunctions, MVNO Competition, Breach of Contract, E Privacy Directive, Unfair Commercial Practices, Breach of Confidence, Conspiracy to Injure, Unlawful Means Torts
Competition Law Contract Law Telecommunications Law EU Law Consumer Protection Interim Injunctions MVNO Competition Breach of Contract +5 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 5 Authorities cited 23 Party arguments 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Lebara Mobile Limited

Claimant

Lebara Limited

Claimant

Lebara France Limited

Claimant

Lebara Media Services Limited

Claimant

Lebara Group B. V.

Claimant

Yokara Trademarks S. AR. L

Claimant

Yokara Global Trademarks S. AR. L

Claimant

Lycamobile UK Limited

Defendant

Lycamobile Germany GmbH

Defendant

Lycamobile S. AR. L

Defendant

Lycamobile S. R. L.

Defendant

Lycamobile Distribution Limited

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Interim Injunction Application / Post Hearing, Judgment on Interim Relief

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether Lyca's 'Block' constitutes actionable breach of contract in EU states
  2. 2 Whether the Block violates E-Privacy Directive and implementing laws
  3. 3 Whether the Block amounts to unlawful means torts or conspiracy to injure

Ratio Decidendi

There are serious issues to be tried regarding breach of contract, breach of E-Privacy Directive, and competition law in relevant jurisdictions. Damages may not be adequate due to quantification difficulties and reputational harm. The balance of convenience does not favour granting the mandatory interim injunction sought, especially given the impending change in EU law and agreed modification of the Block.

Court Disposition

Interim injunction refused

Orders

  • No mandatory interim injunction granted against Lyca.
  • Parties to proceed to trial if desired.