Home or away?
13 September 2012
Disputes with foreign suppliers will not be heard abroad if the domestic courts are the most appropriate forum. Alan Ma explains the doctrine of forum non conveniens
When purchasers search the globe to find competitive suppliers, the resulting deals inevitably have an international dimension. Whose jurisdiction applies in any disputes that may arise needs careful consideration at the outset. If none is specified in the purchase order, the purchaser’s home court may not be able to hear the case.
Consider a UK purchaser...