Defenses based on alleged corruption-related activities by investors have become popular by States in investment arbitration. Given the seriousness of such accusations, one of the most important tasks for arbitral tribunals is undoubtedly to sort out legitimate defenses based on well-established facts of corruption from unfounded insinuations. Therefore, the approach undertaken by arbitral tribunals regarding […]
Interest in International Investment Arbitration
In international investment arbitration interest may represent a significant portion of a final award and it is not uncommon for interest to exceed actual damages.[1] While not being an independent remedy, interest represents an important element of compensation.[2] The main purpose of an award of interest is “to compensate the damage resulting from the fact that, […]
Confidentiality in International Arbitration: Obligations Under English, French and U.S. Laws
Confidentiality is often regarded as one of the core advantages of international arbitration. For instance, confidentiality reduces disclosure of sensitive information and the influence of public opinion.[1] Confidentiality is to be distinguished from privacy, which concerns the fact that only parties to the arbitration agreement may attend hearings and participate in arbitral proceedings.[2] Privacy prevents interference from […]
Procedural Timetable and Late Submission of Evidence in ICC Arbitration
In ICC arbitration, upon its constitution, the first task the arbitral tribunal must undertake is to establish the Terms of Reference (Article 23 of the ICC Arbitration Rules) and convene a case management conference with the parties (Article 24 of the ICC Arbitration Rules) during, or following, which a procedural timetable for the whole arbitration must be […]
International Arbitration Agreements and Kompetenz-Kompetenz: A Comparative Perspective Between USA and France
The Kompetenz-Kompetenz doctrine presumes that an international arbitral tribunal has jurisdiction to assess and decide its own jurisdiction. Legal systems adopt different approaches to the Kompetenz-Kompetenz principle. National arbitration legislation varies regarding the versions of the Kompetenz-Kompetenz principle adopted.[1] The principle involves two types of effects. The positive effect of Kompetenz-Kompetenz is that the arbitral […]