International Arbitration

This month, Arbitrium contains a host of articles from Hong Kong, Singapore and England, including an important decision from the English Court of Appeal clarifying an issue that has vexed courts for some time – the relative weight to be given to the law of the seat and the law of the main contract, where they differ, in determining the proper law of the arbitration agreement.

临时措施安排的持续成功
The HKIAC publishes an update on the Arrangement concerning Mutual Assistance for interim measures between Hong Kong and the Mainland, highlighting its continued success.

英国法院对严重不规则原则的审查
The English High Court dismissed a serious irregularity challenge under s.68 of the Act, reviewing the applicable legal principles, emphasising that s.68 should not be used to attack an arbitrator’s findings of fact and evaluation of evidence.

更新的LCIA仲裁与调解规则
The LCIA has updated its rules, designed to “make the arbitral and mediation processes even more streamlined and clear for arbitrators, mediators and parties alike.” The Rules take effect on 1st October 2020.

新加坡法院拒绝申请撤销裁决
The High Court of Singapore refuses to set aside an award on the basis that the Tribunal lacked jurisdiction or by reason of a breach of natural justice and reviews the applicable legal principles under Article 34 of the Model Law.

新加坡法院审查自然正义与公共政策原则
In considering a challenge to a domestic international award arising out of the sale and purchase of vessels, the Singapore High Court reviews the applicable principles of breach of natural justice and public policy.

英格兰法院维持法律上诉点
Appeals under s.69 of the English Arbitration Act rarely succeed, but in a recent case, the English Court allowed an appeal, helpfully setting out the “guiding principles of fundamental importance” when considering s.69 applications.

英国法院仲裁协议法律指导
In an important decision the English Court of Appeal clarifies an issue that has vexed courts for some time – the relative weight to be given to the law of the seat and the law of the main contract, where they differ, in determining the proper law of the arbitration agreement.

香港法院批给令及暂缓执行
The HK High Court grants a Hadkinsons order and stays proceedings to set aside orders enforcing CIETAC awards (pending set aside proceedings in the PRC) on condition that the respondents pay 40% of the award sums into court.

英格兰法院授予反诉讼禁令
The English Court finds that an arbitration agreement was effectively incorporated by reference and grants and anti-suit injunction to cease court proceedings in Bangladesh.

扩大对违反忠实义务的临时禁令
The English High Court continues an interim injunction to restrain the defendants from acting as experts by reason of the defendants having acted for the claimant in a separate arbitration relating to the same project.

新加坡审议仲裁和破产程序
The interplay between arbitration and winding up proceedings continues to attract judicial attention, with a recent decision from Singapore’s highest court affirming the prima facie test, meaning that a debtor need only show that there is a dispute subject to an arbitration agreement.