Synnovis Services LLP v Persons Unknown

Synnovis Services LLP v Persons Unknown

The court granted the interim injunction because the claimant established a prima facie case of breach of confidence, the information remained confidential, damages would not be an adequate remedy, and there was a real risk of further unauthorised disclosure if notice was given. The exceptional circumstances justified a private hearing and without notice application. Alternative service was permitted as the only realistic method to reach the defendants, and the court had jurisdiction to grant relief against unknown persons, including those possibly outside the jurisdiction.

Parties
Claimant: SYNNOVIS SERVICES LLP; Defendant: Person(s) Unknown
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
26 August 2024
Procedural Posture
Civil Interim Injunction (cybersecurity/breach of Confidence) / Interim Application for Urgent, Without Notice Injunction
Outcome
Interim injunction granted
Legal Topics
Interim Injunctions, Breach of Confidence, Alternative Service, Derogation From Open Justice, Anti Hacking Orders
Civil Procedure Confidentiality Cybersecurity Injunctions Interim Injunctions Breach of Confidence Alternative Service Derogation From Open Justice +1 more

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Parties

SYNNOVIS SERVICES LLP

Claimant

Person(s) Unknown

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil Interim Injunction (cybersecurity/breach of Confidence) / Interim Application for Urgent, Without Notice Injunction

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether an interim injunction should be granted against unknown persons responsible for a cyberattack and data theft
  2. 2 Whether the hearing should be held in private and without notice
  3. 3 Whether alternative service is appropriate

Ratio Decidendi

The court granted the interim injunction because the claimant established a prima facie case of breach of confidence, the information remained confidential, damages would not be an adequate remedy, and there was a real risk of further unauthorised disclosure if notice was given. The exceptional circumstances justified a private hearing and without notice application. Alternative service was permitted as the only realistic method to reach the defendants, and the court had jurisdiction to grant relief against unknown persons, including those possibly outside the jurisdiction.

Court Disposition

Interim injunction granted

Orders

  • Interim injunction restraining use, publication, or disclosure of confidential information obtained in the cyberattack
  • Order for delivery up, deletion, and/or destruction of confidential information, with witness statement required