Armstrong Watson LLP v Persons Unknown

Armstrong Watson LLP v Persons Unknown

The injunctions and orders are continued as just and convenient to restrain the use or dissemination of confidential information stolen by cyber hacking, to prevent blackmail, and to protect confidentiality. The Defendants' non-engagement justifies proceeding in their absence and dealing with the application on paper. Directions for future conduct are appropriate given the circumstances.

Parties
Claimant: Armstrong Watson LLP; Defendant: Persons Unknown
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 September 2024
Procedural Posture
Injunction Application / Return Date Hearing Following Without Notice Interim Injunction
Outcome
Order granted; interim injunctions and directions continued until trial or further order.
Legal Topics
Interim Injunctions, Non Disclosure Orders, Cyber Hacking, Confidential Information, Service of Process
Civil Procedure Media Law Information Technology Law Interim Injunctions Non Disclosure Orders Cyber Hacking Confidential Information Service of Process

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Parties

Armstrong Watson LLP

Claimant

Persons Unknown

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Injunction Application / Return Date Hearing Following Without Notice Interim Injunction

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether to continue interim injunctions 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 to deal with the application on paper

Ratio Decidendi

The injunctions and orders are continued as just and convenient to restrain the use or dissemination of confidential information stolen by cyber hacking, to prevent blackmail, and to protect confidentiality. The Defendants' non-engagement justifies proceeding in their absence and dealing with the application on paper. Directions for future conduct are appropriate given the circumstances.

Court Disposition

Order granted; interim injunctions and directions continued until trial or further order.

Orders

  • Continuation of injunctions restraining use or dissemination of confidential information obtained from Claimant's IT systems
  • Directions for future conduct of proceedings, including provision for application for default or summary judgment if Defendants do not engage