Sovarex SA v Romero Alvarez SA [2011] EWHC 1661 (Comm) (29 June 2011)

Sovarex SA v Romero Alvarez SA [2011] EWHC 1661 (Comm) (29 June 2011)

Alvarez did not participate in the arbitration and retains the right to challenge jurisdiction under s.66(3); the English court has power to determine disputed issues of fact within s.66 proceedings; there is no basis for a stay or dismissal due to Spanish proceedings or discretionary grounds; directions for determination of jurisdictional challenge are to be given.

Citation
[2011] EWHC 1661 (Comm)
Parties
Claimant: Sovarex S. A; Defendant: Romero Alvarez S. A
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
29 June 2011
Procedural Posture
Arbitration Enforcement Application / Post Award Enforcement, Interlocutory Determination
Outcome
Application for dismissal or stay rejected; directions for determination of jurisdictional challenge to be given.
Legal Topics
Enforcement of Arbitration Awards, Jurisdictional Challenge, Lis Pendens, Forum Non Conveniens, Recognition of Foreign Judgments
Arbitration Commercial Law Conflict of Laws Enforcement of Arbitration Awards Jurisdictional Challenge Lis Pendens Forum Non Conveniens Recognition of Foreign Judgments

Case Brief

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Parties

Sovarex S. A

Claimant

Romero Alvarez S. A

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Arbitration Enforcement Application / Post Award Enforcement, Interlocutory Determination

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the respondent has lost the right to object to enforcement under s.66(3) Arbitration Act 1996
  2. 2 Whether disputed issues of fact can be determined under s.66 procedure
  3. 3 Whether English court should decline jurisdiction or stay proceedings due to Spanish proceedings

Ratio Decidendi

Alvarez did not participate in the arbitration and retains the right to challenge jurisdiction under s.66(3); the English court has power to determine disputed issues of fact within s.66 proceedings; there is no basis for a stay or dismissal due to Spanish proceedings or discretionary grounds; directions for determination of jurisdictional challenge are to be given.

Court Disposition

Application for dismissal or stay rejected; directions for determination of jurisdictional challenge to be given.

Orders

  • Proceedings to continue under s.66 with directions for determination of jurisdictional challenge.
  • No stay or dismissal granted.