Court Decisions

The court decisions available on this website interpret and apply the New York Convention. These court decisions are in most cases published in the Yearbook Commercial Arbitration since its Volume I (1976). 

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The court decisions available on this website interpret and apply the New York Convention.

  1. Most decisions are reported in the Yearbook Commercial Arbitration, published by ICCA since 1976, and are numbered as in the Yearbook (e.g., US no. 954).

  2. Other decisions are indicated by country, date, and a short name (e.g., UK 18 June 2020 Alexander Brothers).

Court decisions can be searched by country and by topic.

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  • Excerpt Topics
    UNITED KINGDOM 24 July 2025 Star Hydro

    ● Court of Appeal (Civil Division), 24 July 2025, Case No: CA-2025-000131

    (Star Hydro Power Limited v. National Transmission and Despatch Company Limited)

     

    512A Partial enforcement (ultra petita)
    516

    Award not binding, suspended or set aside: The court discusses the difference between the exclusive jurisdiction to set aside an award (primary jurisdiction), which belongs to the courts of the country of origin of the award, and the jurisdiction of all other courts to recognize and enforce the award (secondary jurisdiction); issues relating to the determination of the “competent authority”; and whether an award that has been set aside in the country of origin can be enforced in another State under the Convention.

     "Set aside"
    UNITED KINGDOM 17 April 2025 Devas

    High Court of Justice, Commercial Court, 17 April 2025, CL-2021-000253

    (CC/Devas (Mauritius) Ltd. et al. v. The Republic of India)

     

    105

    The court discusses issues relating to the quality of the parties, as physical or legal persons against whom enforcement of an arbitral award is sought, including the incapacity of a State to enter into an arbitration agreement, and questions relating to sovereign immunity. For the related defenses to enforcement, see Art. V(1)(a).

     "Persons, whether physical or legal" (paragraph 1) (including sovereign immunity)
    UNITED KINGDOM 2025-3

    Court of Appeal, Civil Division, 19 February 2025, Case No. CA-2024-000810

    (General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited v. State of Libya)

    105

    The court discusses issues relating to the quality of the parties, as physical or legal persons against whom enforcement of an arbitral award is sought, including the incapacity of a State to enter into an arbitration agreement, and questions relating to sovereign immunity. For the related defenses to enforcement, see Art. V(1)(a).

     "Persons, whether physical or legal" (paragraph 1) (including sovereign immunity)
    301

    The court discusses the principle that the procedure for the enforcement of awards under the Convention is governed by the lex fori, as well as procedural issues (such as the competent enforcement court) not falling under the specific cases of ¶¶ 302-307.

    Procedure for enforcement in general
    UNITED KINGDOM 12 February 2025 Hulley

    Court of Appeal (Civil Division), 12 February 2025, Case No: CA-2023-002278

    (Hulley Enterprises Limited, Yukos Universal Limited, and Veteran Petroleum Limited v. The Russian Federation)

     

    105

    The court discusses issues relating to the quality of the parties, as physical or legal persons against whom enforcement of an arbitral award is sought, including the incapacity of a State to enter into an arbitration agreement, and questions relating to sovereign immunity. For the related defenses to enforcement, see Art. V(1)(a).

     "Persons, whether physical or legal" (paragraph 1) (including sovereign immunity)
  • Excerpt Topics
    UNITED KINGDOM 2025-2

    Court of Appeal, 22 October 2024

    (Infrastructure Services Luxembourg S.A.R.L. et al. v. Kingdom of Spain)

    AND

    (Border Timbers Limited et al. v. Republic of Zimbabwe)

    105

    The court discusses issues relating to the quality of the parties, as physical or legal persons against whom enforcement of an arbitral award is sought, including the incapacity of a State to enter into an arbitration agreement, and questions relating to sovereign immunity. For the related defenses to enforcement, see Art. V(1)(a).

     "Persons, whether physical or legal" (paragraph 1) (including sovereign immunity)
    301

    The court discusses the principle that the procedure for the enforcement of awards under the Convention is governed by the lex fori, as well as procedural issues (such as the competent enforcement court) not falling under the specific cases of ¶¶ 302-307.

    Procedure for enforcement in general
    UNITED KINGDOM 18 September 2024 UniCredit

    Court of Appeal, 18 September 2024

    (UniCredit Bank GmbH v, RusChemAlliance LLC)

    221

    The court discusses which law – lex fori, lex contractus, law of the State where the award will be made – applies specifically to determining whether an agreement to arbitrate is “null and void etc.“, and, by extension, which law applies to determining the validity of arbitration agreements.

     Law applicable to "Null and void", etc. (for formal validity and applicable law, see Art. II, ¶204)
    UNITED KINGDOM 2025-1

    United Kingdom Supreme Court, 18 September 2024, Case No. [2024] UKSC 30

    (RusChem Alliance LLC v. UniCredit Bank GmbH)

     

    218

    The court discusses whether referral of the resolution of disputes to arbitration is mandatory under the Convention and whether mandatory referral is an internationally uniform rule which supersedes municipal law.

     Referral is mandatory
    221

    The court discusses which law – lex fori, lex contractus, law of the State where the award will be made – applies specifically to determining whether an agreement to arbitrate is “null and void etc.“, and, by extension, which law applies to determining the validity of arbitration agreements.

     Law applicable to "Null and void", etc. (for formal validity and applicable law, see Art. II, ¶204)
    229

    Related court proceedings: The court discusses measures in aid of arbitration (e.g., anti-suit injunction). This topic also includes the issue of the relationship between the Convention and the recognition of a foreign judgment on the validity of the arbitration agreement.

     Measures in aid of arbitration anti-suit injunction
  • Excerpt Topics
    UNITED KINGDOM 2024-2

    High Court of Justice, Business and Property Courts Commercial Court (KBD), 1 November 2023, CL-2015-000396(Hulley Enterprises Limited, Yukos Universal Limited, and Veteran Petroleum Limited v. Russian Federation)

    105

    The court discusses issues relating to the quality of the parties, as physical or legal persons against whom enforcement of an arbitral award is sought, including the incapacity of a State to enter into an arbitration agreement, and questions relating to sovereign immunity. For the related defenses to enforcement, see Art. V(1)(a).

     "Persons, whether physical or legal" (paragraph 1) (including sovereign immunity)
    UNITED KINGDOM 127

    High Court of Justice, Business and Property Courts Commercial Court (KBD), 1 November 2023, no. CL-2015-000396

    (Hulley Enterprises Limited et al v. Russian Federation)

    105

    The court discusses issues relating to the quality of the parties, as physical or legal persons against whom enforcement of an arbitral award is sought, including the incapacity of a State to enter into an arbitration agreement, and questions relating to sovereign immunity. For the related defenses to enforcement, see Art. V(1)(a).

     "Persons, whether physical or legal" (paragraph 1) (including sovereign immunity)
    UNITED KINGDOM 126

    Supreme Court, 20 September 2023

    (Republic of Mozambique v. Privinvest Shipbuilding SAL (Holding))

     

    201

    The court discusses whether the dispute falls within the wording of the arbitration agreement; and whether claims in tort fall within the scope of the agreement.

     Scope of arbitration agreement
    217

    The court discusses the meaning and effect of the referral of the resolution of disputes to arbitration, including: who can ask for referral and when, whether a party has waived its right to request arbitration, the defense that there was no contract at all; whether there was a condition precedent to the commencement of arbitration (e.g. mediation), stay of proceedings v. compelling arbitration, and national procedural specificities such as remand and removal (US), effect of class action. etc.

     Referral to arbitration in general
    UNITED KINGDOM 2024-1

    Supreme Court, 20 September 2023

    (Republic of Mozambique v. Privinvest Shipbuilding SAL (Holding))

    201

    The court discusses whether the dispute falls within the wording of the arbitration agreement; and whether claims in tort fall within the scope of the agreement.

     Scope of arbitration agreement
    217

    The court discusses the meaning and effect of the referral of the resolution of disputes to arbitration, including: who can ask for referral and when, whether a party has waived its right to request arbitration, the defense that there was no contract at all; whether there was a condition precedent to the commencement of arbitration (e.g. mediation), stay of proceedings v. compelling arbitration, and national procedural specificities such as remand and removal (US), effect of class action. etc.

     Referral to arbitration in general
  • Excerpt Topics
    UNITED KINGDOM 125

    High Court of Justice, Business and Property Courts of England and Wales, Commercial Court, 26 October 2022, Case No: CL-2015-000396

    (Hulley Enterprises Limited et al. v. The Russian Federation)

    601

    The court discusses the conditions for granting adjournment of a proceeding relating to the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award, and the court’s discretionary power to do so, as well the determination of “suitable security” and the power to request it.

     Adjournment of decision on enforcement
    UNITED KINGDOM 124

    High Court of Justice, Queen’s Bench Division, Commercial Court, 1 August 2022, Case No: CL-2022-000322

    (QBE Europe SA/NV et al. v. Generali España de Seguros y Reaseguros)

    221

    The court discusses which law – lex fori, lex contractus, law of the State where the award will be made – applies specifically to determining whether an agreement to arbitrate is “null and void etc.“, and, by extension, which law applies to determining the validity of arbitration agreements.

     Law applicable to "Null and void", etc. (for formal validity and applicable law, see Art. II, ¶204)
    223

    The court discusses whether a certain dispute could be settled by arbitration, and the law applicable to that determination.

     Arbitrability (see also Art. V(2) sub ground a. "arbitrability", ¶519)
  • Excerpt Topics
    UNITED KINGDOM 120

    Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, 26 October 2021
    (Kabab-Ji SAL (Lebanon) v. Kout Food Group (Kuwait))


     

    506

    Invalidity of the arbitration agreement: The court discusses the law applicable to the validity of the arbitration agreement at the enforcement stage.

     Law applicable to the arbitration agreement
    507

    Invalidity of the arbitration agreement: The court discusses other cases of invalidity of the arbitration agreement, including that there was no agreement at all or that the party was not a signatory thereto, that the incorrect arbitral institution was chosen, etc.

    Miscellaneous cases regarding the arbitration agreement
    601

    The court discusses the conditions for granting adjournment of a proceeding relating to the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award, and the court’s discretionary power to do so, as well the determination of “suitable security” and the power to request it.

     Adjournment of decision on enforcement
    UNITED KINGDOM 26 April 2021 Chenco Chemical

    High Court of Justice, Queen’s Bench Division, Commercial Court, 26 April 2021, Case No: CL-2018-000809

    (Chenco Chemical Engineering and Consulting GmbH v. Do Fluoride Chemicals Co Ltd)

     

    301

    The court discusses the principle that the procedure for the enforcement of awards under the Convention is governed by the lex fori, as well as procedural issues (such as the competent enforcement court) not falling under the specific cases of ¶¶ 302-307.

    Procedure for enforcement in general
    UNITED KINGDOM 118

    High Court of Justice, 14 April 2021

    (Hulley Enterprises Limited et al. v. The Russian Federation)

     

    601

    The court discusses the conditions for granting adjournment of a proceeding relating to the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award, and the court’s discretionary power to do so, as well the determination of “suitable security” and the power to request it.

     Adjournment of decision on enforcement
  • Excerpt Topics
    UNITED KINGDOM 117

    High Court of Justice, Business and Property Courts of England and Wales, Queen's Bench Division, Commercial Court, 23 November 2020

    (PAO Tatneft v. Ukraine)

     

    303

    The court discusses the conditions under which a party may be estopped from raising a ground for refusal of enforcement under the Convention or has waived the right to raise it.

    Estoppel/waiver
    500A Residual power to enforce notwithstanding existence of ground for refusal
    512 Ground c: Excess by arbitrator of his authority - Excess of authority
    UNITED KINGDOM 116

    Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, 9 October 2020

    (Enka Insaat Ve Sanayi AS v. OOO Insurance Company Chubb)

    221

    The court discusses which law – lex fori, lex contractus, law of the State where the award will be made – applies specifically to determining whether an agreement to arbitrate is “null and void etc.“, and, by extension, which law applies to determining the validity of arbitration agreements.

     Law applicable to "Null and void", etc. (for formal validity and applicable law, see Art. II, ¶204)
    229

    Related court proceedings: The court discusses measures in aid of arbitration (e.g., anti-suit injunction). This topic also includes the issue of the relationship between the Convention and the recognition of a foreign judgment on the validity of the arbitration agreement.

     Measures in aid of arbitration anti-suit injunction
    UNITED KINGDOM 18 June 2020 Alexander Brothers

    High Court of Justice, Commercial Court, Queen’s Bench Division, 18 June 2020

    (Alexander Brothers Limited (Hong KongS.A.R.) v. Alstom Transport SA and Alstom Network UK Limited)

    524

    Public policy: The court discusses the effect of other alleged violations of public policy on the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award, such as contradictory reasons, manifest disregard of the law (US), etc.

     Other cases
    UNITED KINGDOM 115

    High Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division, Commercial Court, 31 March 2020
    (Carpatsky Petroleum Corporation v. PJSC Ukrnafta)

    500

    The court discusses the overall scheme and/or pro-enforcement bias of the Convention.

     Grounds for refusal of enforcement in general
    501

    The court discusses questions relating to the general approach taken by the Convention to the grounds for refusal of recognition and enforcement, including its pro-enforcement bias, as well as the system of the Convention, under which recognition and enforcement may only be denied on seven listed grounds and the petitioner has only the obligations set out in Art. IV.

    Grounds are exhaustive
    506

    Invalidity of the arbitration agreement: The court discusses the law applicable to the validity of the arbitration agreement at the enforcement stage.

     Law applicable to the arbitration agreement
    507

    Invalidity of the arbitration agreement: The court discusses other cases of invalidity of the arbitration agreement, including that there was no agreement at all or that the party was not a signatory thereto, that the incorrect arbitral institution was chosen, etc.

    Miscellaneous cases regarding the arbitration agreement
    511

    Due process: The court discusses various irregularities affecting due process, including letters not sent, names of arbitrators or experts not communicated, language of proceedings and communications, etc.

    "Otherwise unable to present his case"
    UNITED KINGDOM 114

    Court of Appeal (Civil Division), 20 January 2020
    Kabab-Ji S.A.L. v. Kout Food Group

    506

    Invalidity of the arbitration agreement: The court discusses the law applicable to the validity of the arbitration agreement at the enforcement stage.

     Law applicable to the arbitration agreement
    507

    Invalidity of the arbitration agreement: The court discusses other cases of invalidity of the arbitration agreement, including that there was no agreement at all or that the party was not a signatory thereto, that the incorrect arbitral institution was chosen, etc.

    Miscellaneous cases regarding the arbitration agreement
  • Excerpt Topics
    UNITED KINGDOM 113

    High Court of Justice, Business and Property Courts of 
England and Wales, Technology and Construction Court (QBD), 
13 August 2019
    AIC Limited v. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria

    601

    The court discusses the conditions for granting adjournment of a proceeding relating to the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award, and the court’s discretionary power to do so, as well the determination of “suitable security” and the power to request it.

     Adjournment of decision on enforcement
  • Excerpt Topics
    UNITED KINGDOM 112

    High Court of Justice, 11 October 2018, Case No. CL-2015-000613

    (Eastern European Engineering Ltd v. Vijay Construction (Proprietary) Ltd.)

    303

    The court discusses the conditions under which a party may be estopped from raising a ground for refusal of enforcement under the Convention or has waived the right to raise it.

    Estoppel/waiver
    500

    The court discusses the overall scheme and/or pro-enforcement bias of the Convention.

     Grounds for refusal of enforcement in general
    511

    Due process: The court discusses various irregularities affecting due process, including letters not sent, names of arbitrators or experts not communicated, language of proceedings and communications, etc.

    "Otherwise unable to present his case"
    513 Ground d: Irregularity in the composition of the arbitral tribunal or arbitral procedure
    524

    Public policy: The court discusses the effect of other alleged violations of public policy on the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award, such as contradictory reasons, manifest disregard of the law (US), etc.

     Other cases
    UNITED KINGDOM 111

    Court of Appeal, 10 August 2018, Case No. A4/2018/1309

    (Anatolie Stati v. The Republic of Kazakhstan)

    516

    Award not binding, suspended or set aside: The court discusses the difference between the exclusive jurisdiction to set aside an award (primary jurisdiction), which belongs to the courts of the country of origin of the award, and the jurisdiction of all other courts to recognize and enforce the award (secondary jurisdiction); issues relating to the determination of the “competent authority”; and whether an award that has been set aside in the country of origin can be enforced in another State under the Convention.

     "Set aside"
  • Excerpt Topics
    UNITED KINGDOM 110

    High Court of Justice, Queen’s Bench Division, Commercial Court, 1 September 2017, Case No. CL-2016-000720

    (Zavod Ekran OAO v. Magneco Metrel UK Ltd)

    503

    The court discusses the burden of proof of the grounds for refusing enforcement under the Convention.

     Burden of proof on respondent
    509

    Due process: The court discusses what constitutes “proper notice” of the appointment of the arbitrators or of the arbitration proceedings.

    "Proper notice"
    UNITED KINGDOM 109

    High Court of Justice, 27 July 2017

    (Nikolay Viktorovich Maximov v. Open .Joint Stock Company “Novolipetsky Metallurgichesky Kombinat”)

    516

    Award not binding, suspended or set aside: The court discusses the difference between the exclusive jurisdiction to set aside an award (primary jurisdiction), which belongs to the courts of the country of origin of the award, and the jurisdiction of all other courts to recognize and enforce the award (secondary jurisdiction); issues relating to the determination of the “competent authority”; and whether an award that has been set aside in the country of origin can be enforced in another State under the Convention.

     "Set aside"
    UNITED KINGDOM 108

    High Court of Justice, Queen’s Bench Division, Commercial Court, 6 June 2017

    (Anatolie Stati v. The Republic of Kazakhstan)

    518

    Public policy: The court discusses the meaning of (international as compared to domestic) public policy, generally defined as the basic notions of morality and justice of the enforcement State.

    Paragraph 2 - Distinction domestic-international public policy
    524

    Public policy: The court discusses the effect of other alleged violations of public policy on the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award, such as contradictory reasons, manifest disregard of the law (US), etc.

     Other cases
    UNITED KINGDOM 107

    High Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division, Commercial Court, 11 April 2017

    ((Eastern European Engineering Ltd v. Vijay Construction (Proprietary) Ltd)

     

    601

    The court discusses the conditions for granting adjournment of a proceeding relating to the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award, and the court’s discretionary power to do so, as well the determination of “suitable security” and the power to request it.

     Adjournment of decision on enforcement
    UNITED KINGDOM 106

    Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, 1 March 2017

    (Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation v. IPCO (Nigeria) Limited)

    301

    The court discusses the principle that the procedure for the enforcement of awards under the Convention is governed by the lex fori, as well as procedural issues (such as the competent enforcement court) not falling under the specific cases of ¶¶ 302-307.

    Procedure for enforcement in general
    601

    The court discusses the conditions for granting adjournment of a proceeding relating to the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award, and the court’s discretionary power to do so, as well the determination of “suitable security” and the power to request it.

     Adjournment of decision on enforcement
    UNITED KINGDOM 105

    Hight Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division, 17 February 2017

    (Sinocore International Co Ltd v. RBRG Trading (UK) Ltd)

    500

    The court discusses the overall scheme and/or pro-enforcement bias of the Convention.

     Grounds for refusal of enforcement in general
    500A Residual power to enforce notwithstanding existence of ground for refusal
    524

    Public policy: The court discusses the effect of other alleged violations of public policy on the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award, such as contradictory reasons, manifest disregard of the law (US), etc.

     Other cases
  • Excerpt Topics
    UNITED KINGDOM 104

    Hight Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division, 19 January 2016, Case No: BA40MA109

    (Pencil Hill Limited v. US Citta Di Palermo S.p.A)

    500

    The court discusses the overall scheme and/or pro-enforcement bias of the Convention.

     Grounds for refusal of enforcement in general
    518

    Public policy: The court discusses the meaning of (international as compared to domestic) public policy, generally defined as the basic notions of morality and justice of the enforcement State.

    Paragraph 2 - Distinction domestic-international public policy
    524

    Public policy: The court discusses the effect of other alleged violations of public policy on the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award, such as contradictory reasons, manifest disregard of the law (US), etc.

     Other cases
  • Excerpt Topics
    UNITED KINGDOM 102

    Court of Appeal, Civil Division, 10 November 2015

    (IPCO (Nigeria) Limited v. Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation)

    601

    The court discusses the conditions for granting adjournment of a proceeding relating to the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award, and the court’s discretionary power to do so, as well the determination of “suitable security” and the power to request it.

     Adjournment of decision on enforcement
    UNITED KINGDOM 100

    High Court of Justice, Northern Ireland, Queen's Bench Division, Commercial Court, 1 July 2015

    (Tesco (Ireland) Ltd v. William Moffett et al.)

    303

    The court discusses the conditions under which a party may be estopped from raising a ground for refusal of enforcement under the Convention or has waived the right to raise it.

    Estoppel/waiver
    500A Residual power to enforce notwithstanding existence of ground for refusal
    509

    Due process: The court discusses what constitutes “proper notice” of the appointment of the arbitrators or of the arbitration proceedings.

    "Proper notice"
    511

    Due process: The court discusses various irregularities affecting due process, including letters not sent, names of arbitrators or experts not communicated, language of proceedings and communications, etc.

    "Otherwise unable to present his case"
    UNITED KINGDOM 103

    Jersey Court of Appeal, 27 March 2015

    (Consolidated Resources Armenia v. Global Gold Consolidated Resources Limited et al.)

    201

    The court discusses whether the dispute falls within the wording of the arbitration agreement; and whether claims in tort fall within the scope of the agreement.

     Scope of arbitration agreement
    218

    The court discusses whether referral of the resolution of disputes to arbitration is mandatory under the Convention and whether mandatory referral is an internationally uniform rule which supersedes municipal law.

     Referral is mandatory
    UNITED KINGDOM 101

    High Court of Justice, Queen’s Bench Division (Commercial Court), 19 February 2015

    (Malicorp Limited v. Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt et al.)

    500A Residual power to enforce notwithstanding existence of ground for refusal
    511

    Due process: The court discusses various irregularities affecting due process, including letters not sent, names of arbitrators or experts not communicated, language of proceedings and communications, etc.

    "Otherwise unable to present his case"
    516

    Award not binding, suspended or set aside: The court discusses the difference between the exclusive jurisdiction to set aside an award (primary jurisdiction), which belongs to the courts of the country of origin of the award, and the jurisdiction of all other courts to recognize and enforce the award (secondary jurisdiction); issues relating to the determination of the “competent authority”; and whether an award that has been set aside in the country of origin can be enforced in another State under the Convention.

     "Set aside"
    601

    The court discusses the conditions for granting adjournment of a proceeding relating to the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award, and the court’s discretionary power to do so, as well the determination of “suitable security” and the power to request it.

     Adjournment of decision on enforcement
  • Excerpt Topics
    UNITED KINGDOM 99

    High Court of Justice, Queen’s Bench Division, Commercial Court, 3 July 2014

    516

    Award not binding, suspended or set aside: The court discusses the difference between the exclusive jurisdiction to set aside an award (primary jurisdiction), which belongs to the courts of the country of origin of the award, and the jurisdiction of all other courts to recognize and enforce the award (secondary jurisdiction); issues relating to the determination of the “competent authority”; and whether an award that has been set aside in the country of origin can be enforced in another State under the Convention.

     "Set aside"
    UNITED KINGDOM 98

    High Court of Justice, Queen’s Bench Division, Commercial Court, 22 May 2014

    113

    The court discusses aspects relating to the implementation of the Convention in a Contracting State: the self-executing nature of the Convention v. the requirement of implementing legislation; the lack of implementing legislation; legislation that diverges from the text of the Convention or is defective under national law. Also, the domestic requirement that a State be included in an official list (“gazetted”) to ascertain reciprocity.

     Implementing legislation
    501

    The court discusses questions relating to the general approach taken by the Convention to the grounds for refusal of recognition and enforcement, including its pro-enforcement bias, as well as the system of the Convention, under which recognition and enforcement may only be denied on seven listed grounds and the petitioner has only the obligations set out in Art. IV.

    Grounds are exhaustive
    503

    The court discusses the burden of proof of the grounds for refusing enforcement under the Convention.

     Burden of proof on respondent
    514 Ground e: Award not binding, suspended or set aside - "Binding"
    UNITED KINGDOM 97

    Privy Council, 13 May 2014

    501

    The court discusses questions relating to the general approach taken by the Convention to the grounds for refusal of recognition and enforcement, including its pro-enforcement bias, as well as the system of the Convention, under which recognition and enforcement may only be denied on seven listed grounds and the petitioner has only the obligations set out in Art. IV.

    Grounds are exhaustive
    511

    Due process: The court discusses various irregularities affecting due process, including letters not sent, names of arbitrators or experts not communicated, language of proceedings and communications, etc.

    "Otherwise unable to present his case"
    512 Ground c: Excess by arbitrator of his authority - Excess of authority
    UNITED KINGDOM 96

    Court of Appeal, Civil Division, 27 March 2014

    404

    The court discusses issues relating to the manner of authentication and certification of the award and/or arbitration agreement.

    Authentication and certification
    509

    Due process: The court discusses what constitutes “proper notice” of the appointment of the arbitrators or of the arbitration proceedings.

    "Proper notice"
    601

    The court discusses the conditions for granting adjournment of a proceeding relating to the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award, and the court’s discretionary power to do so, as well the determination of “suitable security” and the power to request it.

     Adjournment of decision on enforcement
    UNITED KINGDOM 95

    High Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division, Commercial Court, 14 March 2014

    601

    The court discusses the conditions for granting adjournment of a proceeding relating to the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award, and the court’s discretionary power to do so, as well the determination of “suitable security” and the power to request it.

     Adjournment of decision on enforcement
  • Excerpt Topics
    UNITED KINGDOM 94

    Court of Appeal, Civil Division, 27 June 2012

    516

    Award not binding, suspended or set aside: The court discusses the difference between the exclusive jurisdiction to set aside an award (primary jurisdiction), which belongs to the courts of the country of origin of the award, and the jurisdiction of all other courts to recognize and enforce the award (secondary jurisdiction); issues relating to the determination of the “competent authority”; and whether an award that has been set aside in the country of origin can be enforced in another State under the Convention.

     "Set aside"
  • Excerpt Topics
    UNITED KINGDOM 93

    High Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division, Commercial Court, 27 July 2011

    500A Residual power to enforce notwithstanding existence of ground for refusal
    514 Ground e: Award not binding, suspended or set aside - "Binding"
    601

    The court discusses the conditions for granting adjournment of a proceeding relating to the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award, and the court’s discretionary power to do so, as well the determination of “suitable security” and the power to request it.

     Adjournment of decision on enforcement
  • Excerpt Topics
    UNITED KINGDOM 92

    Supreme Court, 3 November 2010

    001

    The court discusses general questions relating to the interpretation of the Convention as an international treaty, also in respect of the methods of interpretation laid down in the 1969 Vienna Convention; the relationship between the New York Convention and the UNCITRAL Model Law and Recommendation 2006. 

     Interpretation of the Convention
    500A Residual power to enforce notwithstanding existence of ground for refusal
    506

    Invalidity of the arbitration agreement: The court discusses the law applicable to the validity of the arbitration agreement at the enforcement stage.

     Law applicable to the arbitration agreement
    507

    Invalidity of the arbitration agreement: The court discusses other cases of invalidity of the arbitration agreement, including that there was no agreement at all or that the party was not a signatory thereto, that the incorrect arbitral institution was chosen, etc.

    Miscellaneous cases regarding the arbitration agreement
    UNITED KINGDOM 91

    High Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division, Commercial Court, 30 March 2010

    516

    Award not binding, suspended or set aside: The court discusses the difference between the exclusive jurisdiction to set aside an award (primary jurisdiction), which belongs to the courts of the country of origin of the award, and the jurisdiction of all other courts to recognize and enforce the award (secondary jurisdiction); issues relating to the determination of the “competent authority”; and whether an award that has been set aside in the country of origin can be enforced in another State under the Convention.

     "Set aside"
    517

    Award not binding, suspended or set aside: The court discusses the meaning of an award having been “suspended” in the country of origin, including when the award has been suspended by operation of law rather than by a court decision.

     "Suspended"
    601

    The court discusses the conditions for granting adjournment of a proceeding relating to the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award, and the court’s discretionary power to do so, as well the determination of “suitable security” and the power to request it.

     Adjournment of decision on enforcement
    UNITED KINGDOM 90

    Court of Appeal, Civil Division, 10 February 2010

    206

    The court discusses the second alternative requirement of Art. II(2) that the arbitration agreement is “contained in an exchange of letters or telegrams”.

    Exchange of letters or telegrams
    222

    The court discusses the principle of competence-competence, including whether the parties “intended to have arbitrability decided by an arbitrator”, and the separability of the arbitration agreement from the main contract.

     Arbitrator's competence and separability of the arbitration clause
    229

    Related court proceedings: The court discusses measures in aid of arbitration (e.g., anti-suit injunction). This topic also includes the issue of the relationship between the Convention and the recognition of a foreign judgment on the validity of the arbitration agreement.

     Measures in aid of arbitration anti-suit injunction
  • Excerpt Topics
    UNITED KINGDOM 89

    Court of Appeal, Civil Division, 17 December 2009

    229

    Related court proceedings: The court discusses measures in aid of arbitration (e.g., anti-suit injunction). This topic also includes the issue of the relationship between the Convention and the recognition of a foreign judgment on the validity of the arbitration agreement.

     Measures in aid of arbitration anti-suit injunction
    704(C) Art. VII(1): European Union (Treaties and Legislation)
    UNITED KINGDOM 88

    High Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division, 30 October 2009

    217

    The court discusses the meaning and effect of the referral of the resolution of disputes to arbitration, including: who can ask for referral and when, whether a party has waived its right to request arbitration, the defense that there was no contract at all; whether there was a condition precedent to the commencement of arbitration (e.g. mediation), stay of proceedings v. compelling arbitration, and national procedural specificities such as remand and removal (US), effect of class action. etc.

     Referral to arbitration in general
    220

    The court discusses how to interpret the Convention’s requirement that the agreement is not null and void etc., as well as specific cases of invalidity: e.g., lack of consent (misrepresentation, duress, or fraud), vague wording of the arbitral clause; other terms of the contract contradict the intention to arbitrate, etc.

     "Null and void", etc.
    222

    The court discusses the principle of competence-competence, including whether the parties “intended to have arbitrability decided by an arbitrator”, and the separability of the arbitration agreement from the main contract.

     Arbitrator's competence and separability of the arbitration clause
    704(C) Art. VII(1): European Union (Treaties and Legislation)
    UNITED KINGDOM 87

    Court of Appeal, Civil Division, 20 July 2009

    001

    The court discusses general questions relating to the interpretation of the Convention as an international treaty, also in respect of the methods of interpretation laid down in the 1969 Vienna Convention; the relationship between the New York Convention and the UNCITRAL Model Law and Recommendation 2006. 

     Interpretation of the Convention
    301

    The court discusses the principle that the procedure for the enforcement of awards under the Convention is governed by the lex fori, as well as procedural issues (such as the competent enforcement court) not falling under the specific cases of ¶¶ 302-307.

    Procedure for enforcement in general
    303

    The court discusses the conditions under which a party may be estopped from raising a ground for refusal of enforcement under the Convention or has waived the right to raise it.

    Estoppel/waiver
    500

    The court discusses the overall scheme and/or pro-enforcement bias of the Convention.

     Grounds for refusal of enforcement in general
    506

    Invalidity of the arbitration agreement: The court discusses the law applicable to the validity of the arbitration agreement at the enforcement stage.

     Law applicable to the arbitration agreement
    507

    Invalidity of the arbitration agreement: The court discusses other cases of invalidity of the arbitration agreement, including that there was no agreement at all or that the party was not a signatory thereto, that the incorrect arbitral institution was chosen, etc.

    Miscellaneous cases regarding the arbitration agreement
    UNITED KINGDOM 86

    High Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division, Commercial Court, 21 May 2009

    220

    The court discusses how to interpret the Convention’s requirement that the agreement is not null and void etc., as well as specific cases of invalidity: e.g., lack of consent (misrepresentation, duress, or fraud), vague wording of the arbitral clause; other terms of the contract contradict the intention to arbitrate, etc.

     "Null and void", etc.
    227

    Multi-party disputes: The court discusses whether related court proceedings may absorb (by vis atractiva) arbitration proceedings.

    Concurrent court proceedings ("indivisibility")
    UNITED KINGDOM 85

    High Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division, Commercial Court, 7 May 2009

    221

    The court discusses which law – lex fori, lex contractus, law of the State where the award will be made – applies specifically to determining whether an agreement to arbitrate is “null and void etc.“, and, by extension, which law applies to determining the validity of arbitration agreements.

     Law applicable to "Null and void", etc. (for formal validity and applicable law, see Art. II, ¶204)
    229

    Related court proceedings: The court discusses measures in aid of arbitration (e.g., anti-suit injunction). This topic also includes the issue of the relationship between the Convention and the recognition of a foreign judgment on the validity of the arbitration agreement.

     Measures in aid of arbitration anti-suit injunction
    UNITED KINGDOM 84

    High Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division, Commercial Court, 1 April 2009

    211

    The court discusses issues specific to bills of lading and charterparties, such as whether the subsequent holder of the bill of lading is bound by the arbitration agreement therein and whether the arbitration clause in the charterparty is incorporated into the bill of lading.

    Bill of lading and charter party
    220

    The court discusses how to interpret the Convention’s requirement that the agreement is not null and void etc., as well as specific cases of invalidity: e.g., lack of consent (misrepresentation, duress, or fraud), vague wording of the arbitral clause; other terms of the contract contradict the intention to arbitrate, etc.

     "Null and void", etc.
    221

    The court discusses which law – lex fori, lex contractus, law of the State where the award will be made – applies specifically to determining whether an agreement to arbitrate is “null and void etc.“, and, by extension, which law applies to determining the validity of arbitration agreements.

     Law applicable to "Null and void", etc. (for formal validity and applicable law, see Art. II, ¶204)
    224

    The court discusses whether a declaratory judgment on the validity of the arbitration agreement is available under the Convention.

    Declaratory judgment on validity arbitration agreement
    229

    Related court proceedings: The court discusses measures in aid of arbitration (e.g., anti-suit injunction). This topic also includes the issue of the relationship between the Convention and the recognition of a foreign judgment on the validity of the arbitration agreement.

     Measures in aid of arbitration anti-suit injunction
  • Excerpt Topics
    UNITED KINGDOM 82 B

    Court of Appeal (Civil Division), 21 October 2008

    (Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation v. IPCO (Nigeria) Limited)

    001

    The court discusses general questions relating to the interpretation of the Convention as an international treaty, also in respect of the methods of interpretation laid down in the 1969 Vienna Convention; the relationship between the New York Convention and the UNCITRAL Model Law and Recommendation 2006. 

     Interpretation of the Convention
    101

    The court discusses the determination and relevance of the place where the award was made (in a foreign State or another contracting State.

     Award made in the territory of another (Contracting) State (paragraphs 1 and 3 - first or "reciprocity" reservation)
    110

    The court discusses the definition of “arbitral award”, and the application of the Convention to the various types of award, including awards on specific performance, awards enjoining a party from certain conduct, declaratory awards, etc. Also, whether preliminary, partial, interim, interlocutory awards, and awards by consent can be enforced under the Convention.

     Arbitral award: types
    512 Ground c: Excess by arbitrator of his authority - Excess of authority
    601

    The court discusses the conditions for granting adjournment of a proceeding relating to the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award, and the court’s discretionary power to do so, as well the determination of “suitable security” and the power to request it.

     Adjournment of decision on enforcement
    UNITED KINGDOM 83

    High Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division, Commercial Court, 30 July 2008

    229

    Related court proceedings: The court discusses measures in aid of arbitration (e.g., anti-suit injunction). This topic also includes the issue of the relationship between the Convention and the recognition of a foreign judgment on the validity of the arbitration agreement.

     Measures in aid of arbitration anti-suit injunction
    UNITED KINGDOM 82 A

    High Court of Justice, Queen’s Bench Division, Commercial Court, 17 April 2008 

    (Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation v. IPCO (Nigeria) Limited)

    001

    The court discusses general questions relating to the interpretation of the Convention as an international treaty, also in respect of the methods of interpretation laid down in the 1969 Vienna Convention; the relationship between the New York Convention and the UNCITRAL Model Law and Recommendation 2006. 

     Interpretation of the Convention
    101

    The court discusses the determination and relevance of the place where the award was made (in a foreign State or another contracting State.

     Award made in the territory of another (Contracting) State (paragraphs 1 and 3 - first or "reciprocity" reservation)
    110

    The court discusses the definition of “arbitral award”, and the application of the Convention to the various types of award, including awards on specific performance, awards enjoining a party from certain conduct, declaratory awards, etc. Also, whether preliminary, partial, interim, interlocutory awards, and awards by consent can be enforced under the Convention.

     Arbitral award: types
    512 Ground c: Excess by arbitrator of his authority - Excess of authority
    601

    The court discusses the conditions for granting adjournment of a proceeding relating to the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award, and the court’s discretionary power to do so, as well the determination of “suitable security” and the power to request it.

     Adjournment of decision on enforcement
    UNITED KINGDOM 79 C

    High Court of Justice, Queen’s Bench Division, Commercial Court, 15 February 2008

    (Gater Assets Limited v. NAK Naftogaz Ukrainiy)

    301

    The court discusses the principle that the procedure for the enforcement of awards under the Convention is governed by the lex fori, as well as procedural issues (such as the competent enforcement court) not falling under the specific cases of ¶¶ 302-307.

    Procedure for enforcement in general
    503

    The court discusses the burden of proof of the grounds for refusing enforcement under the Convention.

     Burden of proof on respondent
    524

    Public policy: The court discusses the effect of other alleged violations of public policy on the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award, such as contradictory reasons, manifest disregard of the law (US), etc.

     Other cases
  • Excerpt Topics
    UNITED KINGDOM 80 B

    Court of Appeal (Civil Division), 5 December 2007

    (C v. D)

    229

    Related court proceedings: The court discusses measures in aid of arbitration (e.g., anti-suit injunction). This topic also includes the issue of the relationship between the Convention and the recognition of a foreign judgment on the validity of the arbitration agreement.

     Measures in aid of arbitration anti-suit injunction
    UNITED KINGDOM 77 B

    House of Lords, 17 October 2007

    (Fili Shipping Company Limited (14th Claimant) and others v. Premium Nafta Products Limited (20th Defendant) and others; before the Court of Appeal, see UK 77 A: Yuri Privalov and others v. Fiona Trust Holding Corporation and others)

    201

    The court discusses whether the dispute falls within the wording of the arbitration agreement; and whether claims in tort fall within the scope of the agreement.

     Scope of arbitration agreement
    217

    The court discusses the meaning and effect of the referral of the resolution of disputes to arbitration, including: who can ask for referral and when, whether a party has waived its right to request arbitration, the defense that there was no contract at all; whether there was a condition precedent to the commencement of arbitration (e.g. mediation), stay of proceedings v. compelling arbitration, and national procedural specificities such as remand and removal (US), effect of class action. etc.

     Referral to arbitration in general
    218

    The court discusses whether referral of the resolution of disputes to arbitration is mandatory under the Convention and whether mandatory referral is an internationally uniform rule which supersedes municipal law.

     Referral is mandatory
    220

    The court discusses how to interpret the Convention’s requirement that the agreement is not null and void etc., as well as specific cases of invalidity: e.g., lack of consent (misrepresentation, duress, or fraud), vague wording of the arbitral clause; other terms of the contract contradict the intention to arbitrate, etc.

     "Null and void", etc.
    222

    The court discusses the principle of competence-competence, including whether the parties “intended to have arbitrability decided by an arbitrator”, and the separability of the arbitration agreement from the main contract.

     Arbitrator's competence and separability of the arbitration clause
    703(A) Multilateral treaties
    UNITED KINGDOM 79 B

    Court of Appeal (Civil Division), 17 October 2007

    (Gater Assets Limited v. NAK Naftogaz Ukrainiy)

    301

    The court discusses the principle that the procedure for the enforcement of awards under the Convention is governed by the lex fori, as well as procedural issues (such as the competent enforcement court) not falling under the specific cases of ¶¶ 302-307.

    Procedure for enforcement in general
    503

    The court discusses the burden of proof of the grounds for refusing enforcement under the Convention.

     Burden of proof on respondent
    524

    Public policy: The court discusses the effect of other alleged violations of public policy on the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award, such as contradictory reasons, manifest disregard of the law (US), etc.

     Other cases
    UNITED KINGDOM 81

    High Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division, Commercial Court, 16 July 2007

    201

    The court discusses whether the dispute falls within the wording of the arbitration agreement; and whether claims in tort fall within the scope of the agreement.

     Scope of arbitration agreement
    220

    The court discusses how to interpret the Convention’s requirement that the agreement is not null and void etc., as well as specific cases of invalidity: e.g., lack of consent (misrepresentation, duress, or fraud), vague wording of the arbitral clause; other terms of the contract contradict the intention to arbitrate, etc.

     "Null and void", etc.
    221

    The court discusses which law – lex fori, lex contractus, law of the State where the award will be made – applies specifically to determining whether an agreement to arbitrate is “null and void etc.“, and, by extension, which law applies to determining the validity of arbitration agreements.

     Law applicable to "Null and void", etc. (for formal validity and applicable law, see Art. II, ¶204)
    UNITED KINGDOM 80 A

    High Court of Justice, Queen’s Bench Division, Commercial Court, 28 June 2007 

    (C v. D)

    229

    Related court proceedings: The court discusses measures in aid of arbitration (e.g., anti-suit injunction). This topic also includes the issue of the relationship between the Convention and the recognition of a foreign judgment on the validity of the arbitration agreement.

     Measures in aid of arbitration anti-suit injunction
    UNITED KINGDOM 79 A

    High Court of Justice, Queen’s Bench Division, Commercial Court, 22 March 2007

    (Gater Assets Limited v. NAK Naftogaz Ukrainiy)

    301

    The court discusses the principle that the procedure for the enforcement of awards under the Convention is governed by the lex fori, as well as procedural issues (such as the competent enforcement court) not falling under the specific cases of ¶¶ 302-307.

    Procedure for enforcement in general
    503

    The court discusses the burden of proof of the grounds for refusing enforcement under the Convention.

     Burden of proof on respondent
    524

    Public policy: The court discusses the effect of other alleged violations of public policy on the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award, such as contradictory reasons, manifest disregard of the law (US), etc.

     Other cases
    UNITED KINGDOM 78

    House of Lords, 21 February 2007

    229

    Related court proceedings: The court discusses measures in aid of arbitration (e.g., anti-suit injunction). This topic also includes the issue of the relationship between the Convention and the recognition of a foreign judgment on the validity of the arbitration agreement.

     Measures in aid of arbitration anti-suit injunction
    UNITED KINGDOM 77 A

    Court of Appeal (Civil Division), 24 January 2007 

    (Yuri Privalov and others v. Fiona Trust Holding Corporation and others; on appeal to the House of Lords, see UK 77 B: Fili Shipping Company Limited (14th Claimant) and others v. Premium Nafta Products Limited (20th Defendant) and others)

    201

    The court discusses whether the dispute falls within the wording of the arbitration agreement; and whether claims in tort fall within the scope of the agreement.

     Scope of arbitration agreement
    217

    The court discusses the meaning and effect of the referral of the resolution of disputes to arbitration, including: who can ask for referral and when, whether a party has waived its right to request arbitration, the defense that there was no contract at all; whether there was a condition precedent to the commencement of arbitration (e.g. mediation), stay of proceedings v. compelling arbitration, and national procedural specificities such as remand and removal (US), effect of class action. etc.

     Referral to arbitration in general
    218

    The court discusses whether referral of the resolution of disputes to arbitration is mandatory under the Convention and whether mandatory referral is an internationally uniform rule which supersedes municipal law.

     Referral is mandatory
    220

    The court discusses how to interpret the Convention’s requirement that the agreement is not null and void etc., as well as specific cases of invalidity: e.g., lack of consent (misrepresentation, duress, or fraud), vague wording of the arbitral clause; other terms of the contract contradict the intention to arbitrate, etc.

     "Null and void", etc.
    222

    The court discusses the principle of competence-competence, including whether the parties “intended to have arbitrability decided by an arbitrator”, and the separability of the arbitration agreement from the main contract.

     Arbitrator's competence and separability of the arbitration clause
    703(A) Multilateral treaties
  • Excerpt Topics
    UNITED KINGDOM 76

    Court of Appeal, Civil Division, 13 November 2006

    105

    The court discusses issues relating to the quality of the parties, as physical or legal persons against whom enforcement of an arbitral award is sought, including the incapacity of a State to enter into an arbitration agreement, and questions relating to sovereign immunity. For the related defenses to enforcement, see Art. V(1)(a).

     "Persons, whether physical or legal" (paragraph 1) (including sovereign immunity)
    303

    The court discusses the conditions under which a party may be estopped from raising a ground for refusal of enforcement under the Convention or has waived the right to raise it.

    Estoppel/waiver
    500

    The court discusses the overall scheme and/or pro-enforcement bias of the Convention.

     Grounds for refusal of enforcement in general
    507

    Invalidity of the arbitration agreement: The court discusses other cases of invalidity of the arbitration agreement, including that there was no agreement at all or that the party was not a signatory thereto, that the incorrect arbitral institution was chosen, etc.

    Miscellaneous cases regarding the arbitration agreement
    519

    Public policy: The court discusses cases in which the subject matter of the award was not arbitrable in the enforcement State on public policy grounds.

    Ground a: Arbitrability
    UNITED KINGDOM 75

    High Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division, Commercial Court, 24 March 2006

    504 Paragraph 1 - Ground a: Invalidity of the arbitration agreement - Agreement referred to in Art. II
    506

    Invalidity of the arbitration agreement: The court discusses the law applicable to the validity of the arbitration agreement at the enforcement stage.

     Law applicable to the arbitration agreement
    507

    Invalidity of the arbitration agreement: The court discusses other cases of invalidity of the arbitration agreement, including that there was no agreement at all or that the party was not a signatory thereto, that the incorrect arbitral institution was chosen, etc.

    Miscellaneous cases regarding the arbitration agreement
    703(A) Multilateral treaties
    UNITED KINGDOM 74

    Court of Appeal, Civil Division, 8 March 2006

    222

    The court discusses the principle of competence-competence, including whether the parties “intended to have arbitrability decided by an arbitrator”, and the separability of the arbitration agreement from the main contract.

     Arbitrator's competence and separability of the arbitration clause
    229

    Related court proceedings: The court discusses measures in aid of arbitration (e.g., anti-suit injunction). This topic also includes the issue of the relationship between the Convention and the recognition of a foreign judgment on the validity of the arbitration agreement.

     Measures in aid of arbitration anti-suit injunction
    UNITED KINGDOM 73 B

    Court of Appeal (Civil Division), 8 March 2006

    (Ajay Kanoria, et al. v. Tony Francis Guinness)

    500

    The court discusses the overall scheme and/or pro-enforcement bias of the Convention.

     Grounds for refusal of enforcement in general
    501

    The court discusses questions relating to the general approach taken by the Convention to the grounds for refusal of recognition and enforcement, including its pro-enforcement bias, as well as the system of the Convention, under which recognition and enforcement may only be denied on seven listed grounds and the petitioner has only the obligations set out in Art. IV.

    Grounds are exhaustive
    502

    The court discusses the principle that the merits of the award may not be reviewed and that the court may only carry out a limited review of the award to ascertain grounds for refusal.

    No re-examination of the merits of the arbitral award
    509

    Due process: The court discusses what constitutes “proper notice” of the appointment of the arbitrators or of the arbitration proceedings.

    "Proper notice"
    511

    Due process: The court discusses various irregularities affecting due process, including letters not sent, names of arbitrators or experts not communicated, language of proceedings and communications, etc.

    "Otherwise unable to present his case"
    UNITED KINGDOM 73 A

    Court of Appeal (Civil Division), 21 February 2006 

    (Ajay Kanoria, et al. v. Tony Francis Guinness)

    500

    The court discusses the overall scheme and/or pro-enforcement bias of the Convention.

     Grounds for refusal of enforcement in general
    501

    The court discusses questions relating to the general approach taken by the Convention to the grounds for refusal of recognition and enforcement, including its pro-enforcement bias, as well as the system of the Convention, under which recognition and enforcement may only be denied on seven listed grounds and the petitioner has only the obligations set out in Art. IV.

    Grounds are exhaustive
    502

    The court discusses the principle that the merits of the award may not be reviewed and that the court may only carry out a limited review of the award to ascertain grounds for refusal.

    No re-examination of the merits of the arbitral award
    509

    Due process: The court discusses what constitutes “proper notice” of the appointment of the arbitrators or of the arbitration proceedings.

    "Proper notice"
    511

    Due process: The court discusses various irregularities affecting due process, including letters not sent, names of arbitrators or experts not communicated, language of proceedings and communications, etc.

    "Otherwise unable to present his case"
  • Excerpt Topics
    UNITED KINGDOM 72

    High Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division, Commercial Court, 4 November 2005

    105

    The court discusses issues relating to the quality of the parties, as physical or legal persons against whom enforcement of an arbitral award is sought, including the incapacity of a State to enter into an arbitration agreement, and questions relating to sovereign immunity. For the related defenses to enforcement, see Art. V(1)(a).

     "Persons, whether physical or legal" (paragraph 1) (including sovereign immunity)
    107

    The court discusses the relevance and determination of the commercial nature of the relationship underlying the award, including in the context of contractual and non-contractual relations.

     Second reservation ("commercial reservation") (paragraph 3)
    303

    The court discusses the conditions under which a party may be estopped from raising a ground for refusal of enforcement under the Convention or has waived the right to raise it.

    Estoppel/waiver
    504 Paragraph 1 - Ground a: Invalidity of the arbitration agreement - Agreement referred to in Art. II
    506

    Invalidity of the arbitration agreement: The court discusses the law applicable to the validity of the arbitration agreement at the enforcement stage.

     Law applicable to the arbitration agreement
    519

    Public policy: The court discusses cases in which the subject matter of the award was not arbitrable in the enforcement State on public policy grounds.

    Ground a: Arbitrability
    UNITED KINGDOM 71

    High Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division, Commercial Court, 29 April 2005 and Court of Appeal, Civil Division, 9 September 2005

    203-204 Formal validity, uniform law and municipal law
    512 Ground c: Excess by arbitrator of his authority - Excess of authority
    704(B) Bilateral Treaties
    UNITED KINGDOM 70

    High Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division, Commercial Court, 27 April 2005

    101

    The court discusses the determination and relevance of the place where the award was made (in a foreign State or another contracting State.

     Award made in the territory of another (Contracting) State (paragraphs 1 and 3 - first or "reciprocity" reservation)
    103

    The court discusses the impact of the nationality of the parties on the application of the Convention. 

     Nationality of the parties no criterion
    301

    The court discusses the principle that the procedure for the enforcement of awards under the Convention is governed by the lex fori, as well as procedural issues (such as the competent enforcement court) not falling under the specific cases of ¶¶ 302-307.

    Procedure for enforcement in general
    500

    The court discusses the overall scheme and/or pro-enforcement bias of the Convention.

     Grounds for refusal of enforcement in general
    517

    Award not binding, suspended or set aside: The court discusses the meaning of an award having been “suspended” in the country of origin, including when the award has been suspended by operation of law rather than by a court decision.

     "Suspended"
    518

    Public policy: The court discusses the meaning of (international as compared to domestic) public policy, generally defined as the basic notions of morality and justice of the enforcement State.

    Paragraph 2 - Distinction domestic-international public policy
    601

    The court discusses the conditions for granting adjournment of a proceeding relating to the recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award, and the court’s discretionary power to do so, as well the determination of “suitable security” and the power to request it.

     Adjournment of decision on enforcement
    UNITED KINGDOM 69

    High Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division, Commercial Court, 21 March 2005

    201

    The court discusses whether the dispute falls within the wording of the arbitration agreement; and whether claims in tort fall within the scope of the agreement.

     Scope of arbitration agreement
    217

    The court discusses the meaning and effect of the referral of the resolution of disputes to arbitration, including: who can ask for referral and when, whether a party has waived its right to request arbitration, the defense that there was no contract at all; whether there was a condition precedent to the commencement of arbitration (e.g. mediation), stay of proceedings v. compelling arbitration, and national procedural specificities such as remand and removal (US), effect of class action. etc.

     Referral to arbitration in general
    UNITED KINGDOM 68

    High Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division, Commercial Court, 11 January 2005

    301

    The court discusses the principle that the procedure for the enforcement of awards under the Convention is governed by the lex fori, as well as procedural issues (such as the competent enforcement court) not falling under the specific cases of ¶¶ 302-307.

    Procedure for enforcement in general
    303

    The court discusses the conditions under which a party may be estopped from raising a ground for refusal of enforcement under the Convention or has waived the right to raise it.

    Estoppel/waiver
    401

    The court discusses the general conditions the Convention imposes on a petitioner for seeking recognition and enforcement of an arbitral award – namely, the submission of the original arbitration agreement or arbitral award or a certified copy thereof – and examines in general whether these conditions were complied in the case at issue.

     Conditions to be fulfilled by petitioner in general
    500

    The court discusses the overall scheme and/or pro-enforcement bias of the Convention.

     Grounds for refusal of enforcement in general
    507

    Invalidity of the arbitration agreement: The court discusses other cases of invalidity of the arbitration agreement, including that there was no agreement at all or that the party was not a signatory thereto, that the incorrect arbitral institution was chosen, etc.

    Miscellaneous cases regarding the arbitration agreement
  • Excerpt Topics
    UNITED KINGDOM 67

    Court of Appeal, Civil Division, 2 December 2004

    001

    The court discusses general questions relating to the interpretation of the Convention as an international treaty, also in respect of the methods of interpretation laid down in the 1969 Vienna Convention; the relationship between the New York Convention and the UNCITRAL Model Law and Recommendation 2006. 

     Interpretation of the Convention
    217

    The court discusses the meaning and effect of the referral of the resolution of disputes to arbitration, including: who can ask for referral and when, whether a party has waived its right to request arbitration, the defense that there was no contract at all; whether there was a condition precedent to the commencement of arbitration (e.g. mediation), stay of proceedings v. compelling arbitration, and national procedural specificities such as remand and removal (US), effect of class action. etc.

     Referral to arbitration in general
    224

    The court discusses whether a declaratory judgment on the validity of the arbitration agreement is available under the Convention.

    Declaratory judgment on validity arbitration agreement
    704(C) Art. VII(1): European Union (Treaties and Legislation)
    UNITED KINGDOM 66

    High Court of Justice, Queen's Bench Division, Commercial Court and Admiralty Court, 27 May 2004

    217

    The court discusses the meaning and effect of the referral of the resolution of disputes to arbitration, including: who can ask for referral and when, whether a party has waived its right to request arbitration, the defense that there was no contract at all; whether there was a condition precedent to the commencement of arbitration (e.g. mediation), stay of proceedings v. compelling arbitration, and national procedural specificities such as remand and removal (US), effect of class action. etc.

     Referral to arbitration in general