High Court Victory: Adam Benedict Secures Major Win in £30 Million International Litigation Case
In a high-stakes legal battle before the High Court in London, Head of Litigation at Adam Benedict, Ian Coupland, has successfully struck out a multi-million-pound claim brought against his client, a high-profile individual affiliated with a major Middle Eastern oil company. This case not only underscores Adam Benedict’s litigation department’s expertise but also highlights a growing trend in the misuse of digital communication in serious legal proceedings.
Representing the Defendant, Ian, was instrumental in persuading the court to dismiss the claim—valued at £30 million—on the grounds that the Claimant had failed to validly serve the court proceedings within the required four-month period following issue. In a desperate move, the Claimant had attempted to serve the claim form via WhatsApp, an unconventional and procedurally non-compliant method, on the very last permissible day.
This case centred around an intriguing legal question: Does a WhatsApp blue tick constitute valid service? Ultimately, Master Dagnall determined that it did not. Despite spirited arguments from the Claimant, the Court ruled that the WhatsApp message did not meet the procedural requirements set out under CPR 6.3, which mandates that originating court documents must be served either in person or by first-class post—unless the Defendant has expressly agreed to service by alternative means such as email.
To compound matters for the Claimant, the events underlying the litigation were over six years old. Adam Benedict also successfully opposed the Claimant’s application to extend the limitation period, thereby ensuring the entire claim was struck out.
This case serves as a powerful reminder that meticulous procedural compliance is essential in high-value commercial litigation. Adam Benedict’s strategic insight and command of complex litigation rules proved pivotal in neutralising a major legal threat.
If you or your business is facing a serious High Court dispute, particularly in cases involving international elements or procedural complexity, get in touch today. Ian’s proven track record in securing favourable outcomes in high-profile cases speaks for itself.
