Questions & Answers
The contracts do not define where disputes could be handled. What to do?
Dear sir/madam,
We are a U.K-based company. We signed a contract with a U.K-based company and a Dubai-based company. Both of the latter companies are owned by the same owner - who moved to Dubai for tax reasons.
We handled sales for his company. At some point, he breached the contract by making sales behind our back and so we terminated the contract citing breaches, and sent a pre-sue letter.
Stupidly, our contract didn’t have a country clause for where disputes could be handled even though all contracted work happened in the U.K. In an attempt to beat us to the punch, the owner of the Dubai (and U.K.) company filed a lawsuit against us in Dubai.
Here is my question:
Would I not attend my first instance hearing and sue them from the U.K? Or do I risk it and defend in Dubai and counter sue there?
I’m absolutely petrified to make the wrong move. Also what would happen to me personally if there is a judgment against me given I may ignore their proceedings?
Hello,
As per your query please note that the other party has filed the case since you terminated the contract.
However, the case will not stand since probably you were not the sole sales agent for them!
Also, as per our advice, you must defend the case with all your defense in Dubai and also file a counter case on the basis of legal notice in the UK.
