Armstrong Watson LLP v Persons Unknown [2023] EWHC 921 (KB) (24 April 2023)

Armstrong Watson LLP v Persons Unknown [2023] EWHC 921 (KB) (24 April 2023)

The injunctions and orders are continued because they are just and convenient to restrain the use or dissemination of confidential information stolen for blackmail, the Defendants have acted on threats, and no circumstances have changed to undermine the original order. Proceeding in the Defendants' absence is justified as they have been served and deliberately not engaged.

Citation
[2023] EWHC 921 (KB)
Parties
Claimant: Armstrong Watson LLP; Defendant: Persons Unknown
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
24 April 2023
Procedural Posture
Injunction (interim Non Disclosure Order) / Return Date Hearing Following Without Notice Order
Outcome
Order granted as sought by Claimant; injunctions and directions continued until trial or further order.
Legal Topics
Interim Injunctions, Non Disclosure Orders, Cyber Hacking, Confidential Information, Service of Proceedings, Open Justice
Media Law Privacy Law Civil Procedure Interim Injunctions Non Disclosure Orders Cyber Hacking Confidential Information Service of Proceedings +1 more

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Parties

Armstrong Watson LLP

Claimant

Persons Unknown

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Injunction (interim Non Disclosure Order) / Return Date Hearing Following Without Notice Order

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether to continue interim injunction restraining use or dissemination of confidential information obtained by cyber hacking
  2. 2 Whether to proceed in the absence of the Defendants
  3. 3 Whether derogations from open justice and alternative service are justified

Ratio Decidendi

The injunctions and orders are continued because they are just and convenient to restrain the use or dissemination of confidential information stolen for blackmail, the Defendants have acted on threats, and no circumstances have changed to undermine the original order. Proceeding in the Defendants' absence is justified as they have been served and deliberately not engaged.

Court Disposition

Order granted as sought by Claimant; injunctions and directions continued until trial or further order.

Orders

  • Continuation of injunctions restraining use or dissemination of confidential information obtained by cyber hacking
  • Continuation of derogations from open justice and alternative service