7CI Technologies Limited v Liberty Steel Group Holdings (E M E A) Ltd [2025] DIFC CFI 003 (11 July 2025)

7CI Technologies Limited v Liberty Steel Group Holdings (E M E A) Ltd [2025] DIFC CFI 003 (11 July 2025)

The Claimant was entitled to immediate judgment for the unpaid invoices and damages as the Defendant failed to dispute the invoices in accordance with the contract, anti-set off provisions applied, and the Defendant's proposed counterclaim was based on unsubstantiated allegations with no realistic prospect of success. The Defendant's application to amend its Defence and file a counterclaim was refused due to lateness and lack of merit. The Claimant was awarded interest and indemnity costs.

Citation
[2025] DIFC CFI 003
Parties
Claimant: 7CI Technologies Limited; Defendant: Liberty Steel Group Holdings (E M E A) Ltd
Jurisdiction
United Arab Emirates
Judgment Date
11 July 2025
Procedural Posture
Commercial Contract Dispute / Immediate Judgment Application and Interlocutory Applications at First Instance
Outcome
Immediate judgment for the Claimant; Defendant's application to amend Defence and file counterclaim refused.
Legal Topics
Immediate Judgment, Summary Judgment, Set Off, Counterclaim, Damages for Non Payment, Interest on Judgment, Costs, Amendment of Pleadings
Contract Law Commercial Law Civil Procedure Immediate Judgment Summary Judgment Set Off Counterclaim Damages for Non Payment +3 more

Case Brief

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Parties

7CI Technologies Limited

Claimant

Liberty Steel Group Holdings (E M E A) Ltd

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Commercial Contract Dispute / Immediate Judgment Application and Interlocutory Applications at First Instance

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the Claimant is entitled to immediate judgment for unpaid invoices and damages under three agreements
  2. 2 Whether the Defendant is entitled to amend its Defence and file a counterclaim based on alleged mismanagement and breach by the Claimant
  3. 3 Whether the Defendant can set off or withhold payment under the agreements

Ratio Decidendi

The Claimant was entitled to immediate judgment for the unpaid invoices and damages as the Defendant failed to dispute the invoices in accordance with the contract, anti-set off provisions applied, and the Defendant's proposed counterclaim was based on unsubstantiated allegations with no realistic prospect of success. The Defendant's application to amend its Defence and file a counterclaim was refused due to lateness and lack of merit. The Claimant was awarded interest and indemnity costs.

Court Disposition

Immediate judgment for the Claimant; Defendant's application to amend Defence and file counterclaim refused.

Orders

  • 30 June Application (to include Third Witness Statement) granted.
  • Permission Application (to amend Defence and file counterclaim) denied.