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Felix Dasser / Nicolas W. Reithner
The Liechtenstein Rules of Arbitration (Liechtenstein Rules)A Commentary including the French Version and Model Clauses
Felix Dasser / Nicolas W. Reithner
The Liechtenstein Rules of Arbitration (Liechtenstein Rules)A Commentary including the French Version and Model Clauses
Editions Weblaw, Bern 2015
Editions Weblaw
ISBN 978-3-906230-78-8 (Print)ISBN 978-3-906230-79-5 (Online)
© Editions Weblaw, Bern 2015All rights reserved, including any reproduction of parts or articles. Any utilisa-tion without the explicit approval of the publisher, Weblaw, is prohibited. This is especially given for duplication, translation, microfilming such as insertion and processing in electronical systems.
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TABLEOFCONTENTSForeword.......................................................................................................................................5Preamble........................................................................................................................................7Introduction..................................................................................................................................9
1. Significanceofarbitration.................................................................................92. ThearbitrationlawofthePrincipalityofLiechtenstein...................103. WhyseparatearbitrationrulesinthePrincipalityof
Liechtenstein?......................................................................................................134. SpecialfeaturesoftheLiechtensteinRules............................................134.1 Brevityandclarity..............................................................................................144.2 Efficiency................................................................................................................144.3 Minimalinfrastructure.....................................................................................154.4 Confidentiality.....................................................................................................164.5 Considerationoftheinterestsofindigentparties...............................17
CommentsonArbitralRules..............................................................................................19I. RulesofArbitration...........................................................................................19A. Generalprovisions.............................................................................................19
Scopeofapplication–Article1....................................................................19Seat–Article2.....................................................................................................20Noticeandcalculationofperiodsoftime–Article3..........................21Initiationofthearbitrationproceeding–Article4.............................23Article5 ...............................................................................................................25
B. CompositionoftheArbitralTribunal........................................................27Eligibilityconditions–Article6...................................................................27Numberofarbitrators–Article7................................................................28Appointmentofasolearbitrator–Article8..........................................29Appointmentofathree‐memberarbitraltribunal–Article9.......30Independenceandchallengeofarbitrators–Article10...................31
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Article11...............................................................................................................32Article12...............................................................................................................34Replacementofanarbitrator–Article13...............................................34Article14...............................................................................................................35
C. ArbitralProceedings.........................................................................................35Generalprovisions–Article15....................................................................35Jurisdictionofthearbitraltribunal–Article16...................................36Interimorprotectivemeasures–Article17..........................................38Takingofevidence–Article18....................................................................39Default–Article19............................................................................................46Closureofproceedings–Article20...........................................................47Waiverofassertingaviolationoftheproceduralrules–Article21...............................................................................................................47
D. TheArbitralAward............................................................................................48Decisions–Article22.......................................................................................48Formandeffectofthearbitralaward–Article23..............................48Applicablelaw–Article24............................................................................50
E. Costs.........................................................................................................................51Determinationofvosts–Article25...........................................................51Article26...............................................................................................................52Article27...............................................................................................................53Depositofadvanceoncosts–Article28..................................................54
F. Confidentiality.....................................................................................................56Article29...............................................................................................................56
G. ExclusionofLiability.........................................................................................59Article30...............................................................................................................59
H. SecretariatandCommissioner.....................................................................59Article31...............................................................................................................59Article32...............................................................................................................60
II. AppendixA–ScheduleoftheCostsofArbitration..............................63A. CostsoftheSecretariat....................................................................................63B. CostsoftheCommissioner.............................................................................63C. Arbitrators’Fees.................................................................................................64
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D. TaxesandDuties.................................................................................................65III. ModelArbitrationClauses..............................................................................66Forcontractualdisputes...............................................................................................66Fortrusts..............................................................................................................................66Forfoundations.................................................................................................................67Forcompanies...................................................................................................................67
Appendix1 Règlementd’ArbitrageduLiechtenstein..........................................69Appendix2 LiechtensteinArbitrationAct(SchVR)..............................................91Appendix3 Authors...........................................................................................................113Index...........................................................................................................................................115
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FOREWORDArbitration as a mean of private dispute resolution by way of experts chosen by the parties is gaining recognition and practical relevance with contracting parties as well as settlors of foundations, trusts and similar structures. This is demonstrated by the number of cases, but also by the revision of the provisions regarding arbitration in the Liechtenstein Code of Civil Procedure (Zivilprozessordnung, ZPO) in 2010. In 2011 the Liechtenstein Arbitration Association (Liechtensteinischer Schiedsverein, LIS) has been founded.
According to Article 611 ZPO the parties are largely free to determine the procedure of their dispute resolution, which allows the use of standardized rules. Up to recently that meant referring to foreign rules which, however, not always matched well with the particular needs of the Liechtenstein business location and financial center.
The gap is now closed with the new Rules of the Liechtenstein Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). The new Rules (the "Liechtenstein Rules") are the result of a private initiative of distinct Liechtenstein litigation attorneys who also founded the Liechtenstein Arbitration Association. The Rules were enacted under the auspices of the LIHK and therefore go beyond a private initiative and the persons behind. They gained a stable, remaining, institutional and international validity and standing.
The new set of rules consists of 32 Articles and shows roots in the Swiss Rules of Arbitration, but takes account of the Liechtenstein needs, in particular the wish for confidentiality and privacy and a cost and time efficient dispute resolution mechanism.
This Commentary provides an overview of the structure of the Liechtenstein Rules and links them to the legal background of the Liechtenstein arbitration law. The authors explain the relevant similarities to the Austrian arbitration law and the Swiss Rules and give references for further sources in the main legal literature.
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The book is a must‐have "vademecum" for any arbitration practitioner and will surely enhance the attractiveness of Liechtenstein as a place of arbitration. It is a further step towards the aim to improve Liechtenstein as a hub for cost and time efficient and discrete international arbitration conducted by international experts.
Vaduz, March 2013
Dr. Johannes Gasser, LL.M.
Attorney and Chairman of the Liechtenstein Arbitration Association
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PREAMBLEThe Liechtenstein Rules close a gap that had not existed until recently. But with the law reform of 1st November 2010 the Principality of Liechtenstein entered the market of arbitration venues. Key members of the Liechtenstein bar formed the Liechtenstein Arbitration Association (LIS) in order to give life to arbitration as a form of dispute resolution in this country. In cooperation with the Liechtenstein Chamber of Commerce they published a set of rules in May 2012, tailored to the particular needs but still based on the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules and the Swiss Rules which themselves root in the former. Nevertheless there are some intended deviations.
This brief Commentary shall be a guide to the user of the Liechtenstein Rules. The authors have contributed a large part to their making, but also received valuable input and ideas by the members of the LIS. We shall thank all of them herewith.
We naturally hope that the Rules will be mostly self‐explanatory, in particular because they are based on well‐known international standards. Consequently we remained intentionally brief in our explanations.
Both the English and the German version of this Commentary are freely available online as PDF and ebook (www.weblaw.ch).
We thank the Liechtenstein Arbitration Association for financing this book as well as the brainpowers made available to the project. The President's foreword underlines this. Further thanks go to the Liechtenstein Chamber of Commerce and Industry for their support for arbitration in general. Without them we neither had Liechtenstein Rules nor this book. Last but not least we thank the publishers Editions Weblaw in Bern for their professional and unbureaucratic implementation of our ever changing requirements and wishes (which should of course be granted immediately).
April 2015, Vaduz and Zürich
Felix Dasser and Nicolas Reithner
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INTRODUCTION1. SIGNIFICANCEOFARBITRATIONThe availability of private arbitration has become a given in many areas of international commerce. Many parties value the influence that they can exert on the composition of the panel, the confidentiality of the proceeding, and the neutrality and professionalism of the arbitral tribunals, attributes that they often refuse – rightly or wrongly – to afford state courts. With the increase in international trade, the number of arbitral proceedings has also increased. It is hard to say how many there are, because arbitral proceedings are generally confidential. The number of proceedings administered each year by the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris alone has more than doubled over the last 20 years, reaching some 800 cases in 2010, even though the same period has also seen a sharp rise in the number of competing arbitration institutions.
A great deal of the phenomenal boom in private arbitration is attributable to the 1958 New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (the New York Convention). This convention, which came into being under the aegis of the UN, was specifically intended to promote world trade that would span opposing blocs at a time when, for ideological reasons alone, no state court enjoyed the unlimited trust of all countries. Today, the New York Convention is in force in more than 146 countries and essentially permits the enforcement of arbitral awards worldwide – a degree of legal harmonization and trust that is still inconceivable for state court judgments outside a regional framework.
A key advantage of private arbitration is the parties’ ability to define the procedure on their own. In this way, they can independently set the relevant parameters for resolving the dispute: choice of arbitrators, length of the proceeding, language, venue, admissible evidence, etc. The choice of venue also indirectly determines the degree of state influence. Not all countries grant arbitral proceedings the same leeway, which is reflected especially in great differences in chances for challenging arbitral awards.
In the wake of advances in commercial arbitration, international sports arbitration has also flourished. Such arbitral tribunals are characterized by expertise and speed.
One new phenomenon is investment treaty arbitration, which is based on multilateral and bilateral investment protection treaties at the public international
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law level. Over the last 15 years, they have developed into an essential mechanism for resolving disputes in the global economy.
In contrast, disputes involving foundations and trusts are not a focus of arbitration and are thus still mostly fought before state courts, even though many of the good arguments in favor of arbitral proceedings apply to that area as well.
2. THEARBITRATIONLAWOFTHEPRINCIPALITYOFLIECHTENSTEIN
With its very well developed and proven public administration of justice, the Principality of Liechtenstein was previously not a participant in this development. As a matter of principle, foreign arbitral awards were not recognized and enforced any more than foreign state judgments were. Only with Switzerland and Austria does the Principality have longstanding treaties to that effect. With the ratification of the New York Convention on 7 July 2011 and the enactment of a modern law on arbitration on 1 November 2010, however, a new era of openness began.
The Liechtenstein law on arbitration essentially follows the Austrian model, because the country has generally based its Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) very heavily on the Austrian example. The provisions of relevance to the arbitral proceeding in secs. 594 to 635 of the ZPO correspond almost verbatim to secs. 577 to 618 of the Austrian ZPO. Differences other than textual changes adapted to Liechtenstein law are found only in secs. 599 (3) ZPO, 632 (3), and 633 (3) ZPO. Because Austrian law is itself based on the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration 1985 (UNCITRAL Model Law, amended in 2006), the Liechtenstein law on arbitration today is largely in keeping with the international standard.
The provisions concerning the arbitration procedure are generally optional, and thus privately agreed arbitration rules may be superimposed on them. One essential point is the ability of arbitral tribunals to issue provisional injunctive orders (sec. 610 ZPO; but not without granting the opposing party the right to be heard).
Also worth noting is Liechtenstein’s restriction for consumers in sec. 634 ZPO, which corresponds to sec. 617 of the Austrian ZPO. This provision is very restrictive by mere virtue of the fact that in principle an arbitral tribunal can be agreed to only for disputes that already exist.
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In effect, the grounds for challenge, which are a key test of a legal system’s friendliness to arbitration, also largely correspond to the standard set by the UNCITRAL Model Law. According to sec. 628 (1) ZPO, they are as follows:
(1) Recourse against an arbitral award may be made only by an application for setting aside by the court. This also applies to arbitral awards through which the arbitral tribunal has adjudicated on its jurisdiction.
(2) An arbitral award is to be set aside if
1. a valid arbitration agreement is not present, or if the arbitral tribunal has denied its jurisdiction but a valid arbitration agreement is indeed present, or if a party did not have the capacity to enter into an arbitration agreement under the law to which the party is personally subject;
2. a party was not given proper notice of the appointment of an arbitrator or of the arbitral proceeding or was otherwise unable to present his case;
3. the arbitral award concerns a dispute to which the arbitration agreement does not apply or contains decisions on matters beyond the scope of the arbitration agreement or of the parties’ prayers for relief; if the deficiency relates only to a separable part of the arbitral award, then that part shall be set aside;
4. the formation or composition of the arbitral tribunal is in conflict with a provision of this part or with a permissible agreement between the parties;
5. the arbitration proceeding was conducted in a manner in conflict with the fundamental values of the Liechtenstein legal system (public policy);
6. the requirements for contesting a court judgment through an application for a new trial [Wiederaufnahmsklage] pursuant to sec. 498 (1) no. 1 to 5 are satisfied;
7. the subject matter of the dispute is not arbitrable under domestic law;
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8. the arbitral award is in conflict with the fundamental values of the Liechtenstein legal system (public policy).
Par. 2 no. 6 refers to the extremely rare application for a new trial under sec. 498 ZPO. The grounds under sec. 498 no. 1 to 5 are serious misdemeanours in the proceeding that are subject to criminal law sanctions:
(1) A proceeding concluded by way of judgment can be reopened upon application by a party:
1. if a document on which the judgment is based was forged or falsified;
2. if a witness or expert has made a false statement or the adversary has sworn falsely in his examination, and the judgment is based on this statement;
3. if the judgment came about because of fraudulent action by the party’s representative, the adversary, or his representative that is to be prosecuted through criminal proceedings;
4. if the judge committed a violation of his official duties that is subject to criminal prosecution when handing down the judgment or reaching an earlier decision underlying the judgment in relation to the legal dispute to the detriment of the party;
5. if a finding under criminal law on which the judgment is founded has been set aside by another judgment with res judicata effect;
In deliberate deviation from the Austrian model as it then existed, Liechtenstein has only one ordinary instance for challenges of arbitral awards. Challenges of arbitral awards must be brought directly before the Court of Appeal [Obergericht] as the sole and last instance (sec. 632 ZPO). Theoretically, an appeal to the State Court [Staatsgerichtshof] under constitutional law is subsequently possible, but because of the existing case law on the extent to which arbitral awards are bound to constitutional norms (JN 2009, 233; State Court 25/10/2010, StGH 2010/74 (no review of an arbitral award on grounds of arbitrariness)), hardly any case will ever be successful. A period of half a year for proceedings before the Court of Appeal can be anticipated, plus another half a year for proceedings before the State Court. In this way, Liechtenstein differs favorably from most well‐known arbitration venues.
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3. WHYSEPARATEARBITRATIONRULESINTHEPRINCIPALITYOFLIECHTENSTEIN?
There are many sets of arbitration rules in existence today. Almost all of them provide for administration by an arbitration institution. An exception is the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules from 1976 (revised in 2010), which are intended for ad hoc arbitration proceedings. There is already fierce competition between the various arbitration rules (as well as arbitration institutions and venues). Why do we now need arbitration rules for the Principality of Liechtenstein too?
First of all, the increased competition has been very beneficial to arbitration as a whole and thus to the individual arbitration institutions as well. This is evidenced by the overall increase in the number of cases handled by the best‐known arbitration institutions. The Rules of Arbitration of the LCCI [Liechtenstein Chamber of Commerce and Industry] are thus intended to point trade in and with the Principality of Liechtenstein toward arbitration to a greater extent – clearly to the benefit of other arbitration rules as well.
In various regards, however, the Liechtenstein Rules go their own way and thus do not constitute classical competition with other sets of rules. Their field of application will primarily be those areas where such advantages are especially desirable – e.g., where the material is particularly confidential or only minimal (and thus favorable) administration by an institution is desired. Although the Liechtenstein Rules can be applied to all types of proceedings, they could prove to be particularly well‐suited to proceedings of an especially personal character – e.g., in the area of companies, foundations, and trusts, in the fiduciary sector, for family businesses, or in the small and medium business sector in general.
Finally, the Liechtenstein Rules are adapted to the Liechtenstein arbitration law and thus are especially suitable if parties decide to choose the Principality of Liechtenstein as a neutral or otherwise suitable venue for settling their dispute.
4. SPECIALFEATURESOFTHELIECHTENSTEINRULESThe Liechtenstein Rules are based on the established and internationally well‐known UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules. In addition, some further developments by the Swiss Rules have been incorporated, especially with regard to institutional administration, which is of course missing from the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules. Finally, the Liechtenstein Rules also take into account the established practices of international private arbitration.
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But the Liechtenstein Rules are also characterized by deviations from that international standard, some of them substantial:
4.1 BREVITYANDCLARITYRules of arbitration are increasingly becoming elaborate and complex. At this point it is scarcely possible to study them in advance. As a result, parties are increasingly experiencing them as a grab bag of rules. At the same time, they also include much self‐evident content.
For example, the International Chamber of Commerce Arbitration Rules (2012, ICC Rules) have 41 Articles with approximately 150 Paragraphs and 5 Appendices, some of them lengthy; the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules (2010) have 43 Articles with approximately 136 Paragraphs and one Appendix; the Swiss Rules (2012) have 45 Articles with approximately 160 Paragraphs and two Appendices; and the Vienna Rules (2006) have 37 Articles with some 125 Paragraphs and one appendix.
In contrast, the Liechtenstein Rules have only 32 Articles with approximately 110 Paragraphs and 1 Appendix. This is achieved by, in some cases, tighter wording and by omitting self‐evident content, but to a significant extent by omitting especially detailed provisions (contrast, for example, Article 26 of the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules concerning interim measures with Article 17 of the Liechtenstein Rules) or by omitting special proceedings, the practical need for which in the context of the Liechtenstein Rules is at least not apparent at present (e.g., the expedited procedure under Article 42 of the Swiss Rules or the emergency arbitrator under Article 29 and Appendix V of the ICC Rules or Article 43 of the Swiss Rules).
4.2 EFFICIENCYThe objective of the Liechtenstein Rules is proceedings that are as short and efficient as possible, involving a correspondingly minor expenditure of time and money by the parties involved. This is promoted by various measures, including the following:
– Omission of a separate introductory proceeding: the proceeding is initiated
through the submission of a comprehensive statement of claim (Article 4) so
that, at best, a second exchange of pleadings is avoided, or at least the otherwise
usual third exchange of pleadings is avoided.
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– The proceeding itself is initiated through direct service on the opposing party,
and thus not by taking a detour via an institution.
– There are no special reviews or confirmations by an arbitration institution,
except at the special request of a party (to the commissioner).
– Relatively short deadlines for appointment.
– Restricted production of documents.
4.3 MINIMALINFRASTRUCTUREWhat is particularly remarkable about the Liechtenstein Rules is the absence of an actual administration, of the kind that is typical of institutional arbitration.
The LCCI simply appoints a secretary for arbitration (Article 31). This secretary has only marginal duties. In particular, upon application by a party – and thus only if truly needed – he must appoint a commissioner who for his/her part makes necessary decisions over the course of the proceeding.
This commissioner is one of the most striking peculiarities of the Liechtenstein Rules. His function corresponds to that of the arbitration commissions or secretary generals with typical institutional arbitration. In particular, he decides if it is necessary to appoint an arbitrator, whether an arbitrator is to be recalled, or if a party wishes a review of the costs of the arbitral tribunal.
In this way, the Liechtenstein Rules combine a major advantage of institutional arbitration – support for the proceeding when problems arise, but without recourse to the state courts – with the flexibility, cost effectiveness, and confidentiality of ad hoc proceedings. In most cases, the LCCI will not find out about the arbitral proceeding. Only if a party or an arbitrator requests a commissioner is the secretary officially informed of the existence of a proceeding. Even then, little information is provided about the case itself and thus becomes known beyond the small group comprising the parties and the arbitrators.
This means that there are also none of the usual flat‐rate registration fees and administrative fees. Fees – apart from the costs of the arbitral tribunal – are incurred only if a party actually makes use of corresponding services by the secretariat and the commissioner (see appendix).
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4.4 CONFIDENTIALITYVarious rules are intended to ensure that the proceeding itself – and in particular, the documents and information introduced in the proceeding – remain confidential, in the interest of protecting business secrets as well as privacy, specifically in the case of private individuals.
Generally speaking, all participants in the proceeding are subject to strict confidentiality obligations (Article 29). This obligation is even secured by a contractual penalty, because in practice it is often impossible to sanction a breach owing to the difficulty of proving the damages. It appears that this very strict provision is not found in any other arbitration rules.
There are also special provisions that serve at least to some extent to protect confidentiality:
– This protection even begins with the eligibility conditions for the arbitrators:
under Article 6.1 (subject to an agreement between the parties to the contrary),
only arbitrators that are subject to a legal confidentiality obligation are eligible.
– Furthermore, there is no option of joining proceedings or the institution adding
third parties, as provided, for example, by the Swiss Rules or, to a limited extent,
by the ICC Rules; this serves to keep third parties from gaining access to the
relationship between the original parties to the proceeding. Of course, the
parties are free to agree to a custom solution in the specific case regarding the
involvement of third parties, or to consolidate parallel proceedings in
consultation with the arbitral tribunals, at least in practical terms. But without
such an agreement, there is no room for the involvement of third parties, nor for
combining parallel proceedings by the same parties, because such parallel
proceedings could involve different secrecy interests and thus cannot be
consolidated without the possible endangerment of a party.
– Finally, the production of documents is sharply limited compared to the
increasingly commonplace standard inspired by the common law traditions. For
all practical purposes, there is no “document discovery.” In addition, a party that
can make a prima facie case for a special confidentiality interest can demand
that its documentary evidence be made available for inspection by the opposing
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party only at the seat of the arbitral tribunal or another suitable location, but
that such documents not be handed over (Article 18.2).
4.5 CONSIDERATIONOFTHEINTERESTSOFINDIGENTPARTIESArbitration institutions generally assume that parties possess the necessary (considerable) resources to conduct arbitral proceedings. In principle, no facilities are provided for financially weak parties. As a result, private individuals in particular who have little money and are receiving no support from litigation funders are simply unable to afford an arbitral proceeding. In some legal systems (and under Article 6 of the European Human Rights Convention), this can constitute a violation of the right to access to justice, which then entitles a party to institute a state court proceeding, where the financial hurdles might be lower. Under the Liechtenstein case law, this also holds true for the Principality of Liechtenstein.
This problem tends to arise only rarely in international commercial arbitration. However, the Liechtenstein Rules are intended to be specifically attractive to beneficiaries of foundations or trusts. But such (possible) beneficiaries are often not strong financially enough and dependent on support.
Through the procedural rules and schedule of costs, the Liechtenstein Rules attempt to offer efficient and reasonable proceedings that are significantly less of a burden on the parties’ resources than typical commercial arbitral proceedings. In addition, the arbitral tribunal can exempt indigent parties from advances on costs. Still, each party must contribute what it is capable of paying, and thus in some cases there will only be a partial exemption (Article 28.6)
In the case of foundations and trusts, the model arbitration clause – with due regard for the indicated case law – provides that the foundation or the trustee as party to the proceeding can, if another party is indigent, assume not only the advances on costs, but also the costs of adequate legal representation. This is intended especially for cases in which an indigent person is suing or wishes to sue the foundation or trust for payment of a benefit. In such a case, the sued foundation or sued trustee can decide at its own discretion to assume the costs provisionally – i.e., until an arbitral award is handed down – in order to preserve the confidentiality of the dispute, for example, or else accept that the claimant might instead institute a state court proceeding, invoking the nonbinding nature of the arbitration clause in the case of indigence.
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COMMENTSONARBITRALRULES
I. RULESOFARBITRATIONA. GENERALPROVISIONSScope of application
Article 1
1.1 These Rules shall govern national and international arbitrations if the parties agree that an arbitral tribunal has jurisdiction under these Rules. It shall not be necessary for the arbitration agreement to designate these Rules precisely; it shall suffice if it can be concluded with sufficient certainty from the designation used that the parties are likely to have meant these Rules rather than others.
1.2 The parties may agree on different arrangements.
1.3 Unless the parties' agreement provides otherwise, the version of the Rules shall apply that is valid at the time the arbitration proceedings are initiated (receipt of notice of arbitration by the responding party served first).
1.4 To the extent these Rules contain no relevant provision and unless the applicable law of the state provides otherwise, the arbitral tribunal shall appropriately consider the legitimate interests of the parties, taking appropriate account of established arbitral practice.
1.5 These Rules shall be published in several languages by the Liechtenstein Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Secretariat for Arbitration. If a publication exists in the language of the proceedings of the arbitration in question, the version in that language shall be used as the basis for the proceedings, otherwise in all other cases the English version shall be used.
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Not having separate provisions for national and international arbitral proceedings avoids problems of demarcation and creates legal certainty.
Because there are presently no other general rules of arbitration in the Principality of Liechtenstein, all terms used in an arbitration clause that suggest an application of specific rules of arbitration in the Principality of Liechtenstein can be considered to be referring to these Rules of Arbitration. Examples would be: “Vaduz rules of arbitration”, “Liechtenstein arbitration rules”, or “rules of arbitration of Liechtenstein”.
The rules set forth here are fundamentally optional. It is recommended that there be no deviations from the essential provisions, because otherwise important functions could be impaired. What is mandatory, however, is the schedule of costs pursuant to Appendix A, except that the arbitrators or the commissioner – if he/she is affected – also agree to it. The secretariat, commissioner, or arbitral tribunal does not have to comply with a different stipulation by the parties; in other words, the respective body might turn down the assignment as a result.
The relevant language version pursuant to para. 5 is determined at the time that the arbitral proceeding is instituted (see para. 3). Versions published later are of no relevance.
Seat
Article 2
2.1 The parties may determine any place as the seat. The Rules shall also be applicable if the parties choose a seat outside Liechtenstein, subject to the mandatory laws in the state of the seat.
2.2 Unless arranged otherwise by the parties, the seat of the arbitral tribunal shall be Vaduz, Principality of Liechtenstein. Where the parties have agreed only the state of the seat or a territory, the capital thereof shall be deemed the seat of the arbitration.
2.3 When deemed by the arbitral tribunal to be conducive to the proceedings, hearings may also be held in a place other than the seat of the arbitral proceedings.
1
2
3
4
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The official seat of the arbitral tribunal determines the applicable arbitration law (lex arbitri). The lex arbitri governs the legal framework, from the arbitrability of the case, the formal requirements for an arbitration agreement, and the competence of a juge d’appui to provide necessary support in the arbitral proceeding to any recourse against an arbitral award.
In principle, the Liechtenstein Rules are set out in such a way that the elected seat can be anywhere. Of course, they cannot take into account all special circumstances in other countries, which is why they are primarily oriented to the legal situation in the Principality of Liechtenstein. If the parties stipulate a seat in another country, any special circumstances of the respective legal system must be observed. But since the Liechtenstein Rules are based on the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules (2010), and the legal situation in the Principality of Liechtenstein since the 2010 reform of arbitration law is based upon the UNCITRAL Model Law 1985 (amended in 2006), there should be no reason in principle not to conduct an arbitral proceeding in other countries according to these Rules.
For lack of a different stipulation by the parties, the seat is in Vaduz. This fall‐back rule is intended on the one hand to meet the parties’ legitimate expectations and on the other hand to avoid litigation over specifying the seat whenever possible.
The hearing venue need not be the same as the seat. It may be desirable to hold hearings, in whole or in part, in a location other than the seat for reasons of cost, practicability, or the availability and protection of evidence. In the case of especially confidential proceedings, however, the hearing venue should always be the same as the seat in cases of doubt, because if the parties to the proceeding elect a foreign venue, they subject themselves to the judicial system of another country, and thus to its potential intervention.
Notice and calculation of periods of time
Article 3
3.1 A communication is deemed to have been received if it is physically delivered to the addressee or if it is delivered to its habitual residence, place of business or mailing address, or, if none of these can be found after making reasonable inquiry, then at the addressee’s last‐known residence or place of business. The communication shall be deemed to have been received on the day it is so delivered.
1
2
3
4
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3.2 For the purposes of calculating a period of time under these Rules, such period shall begin to run on the day following the day when the communication is received. If the last day of such period is an official holiday or a generally non‐business day at the residence or place of business of the addressee of the communication, the period is extended until the first business day which follows. This provision is subject to special orders of the arbitral tribunal.
3.3 To meet a time‐limit, delivery by fax shall suffice if the submission has also been handed over within the time‐limit to a governmental postal service or recognised courier service for delivery. This provision is subject to special orders of the arbitral tribunal.
Unless the arbitral tribunal specifies otherwise, submissions must be received by the recipient within a time limit. However, this requirement is satisfied by an advance fax copy, which means that a time limit can be met on the last day. Extensive appendices do not need to be faxed as well. The sending of an advance fax copy gives the recipient certainty about whether a submission was even made, without having to wait several more days. Sending on the last day of the time limit but after the close of business constitutes compliance with the time limit because the time limit does not expire at a specific time of day.
If there are different time zones, the time zone at the seat applies in cases of doubt. A time limit can also expire if there is an official holiday at the residence of the sender but not of the recipient. In the case of strongly divergent time zones and very different holidays, it is recommended that the arbitral tribunal address and clarify these issues with the parties at the beginning of the arbitral proceeding.
Unlike in other modern rules of arbitration, there is no mention of electronic communication, such as e‐mail. Because e‐mail communication is not regarded as secure by all parties and confidentiality is an essential characteristic of the Liechtenstein Rules, the arbitral tribunal can decide whether e‐mails are permissible, thus taking into account the concrete needs of the parties.
In delivering the claim, particular care must be given to protecting the respondent’s right to a fair hearing. Inadequate notice can constitute grounds for a challenge. In particular, delivery to the “last known residence or business address” can be a problem in instituting proceedings. Once a party is aware of the proceeding, however, he cannot evade the rest of the proceeding by thwarting delivery. He is free to provide a new mailing address (see Articles 4.5.b and 5.2.a).
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Initiation of the arbitration proceeding
Article 4
4.1 Proceedings shall be initiated when the claimant delivers the statement of claim to the respondent in writing.
4.2 Arbitral proceedings shall be deemed to commence on the day on which the statement of claim is received by the respondent. In multi‐party proceedings, arbitral proceedings shall be deemed to commence on the first day on which the statement of claim is received by a respondent.
4.3 The statement of claim shall be written in the language agreed by the parties for the proceedings, and where no such agreement exists at the claimant's discretion in English or German.
4.4 The claimant shall communicate one copy of the statement of claim to each of the other parties.
4.5 The statement of claim shall include the following:
(a) a demand that the dispute be referred to arbitration, including a copy of the arbitration agreement, if any;
(b) the names and contact information (addresses, telephone and fax numbers) of the other parties and their counsel, to the extent known;
(c) the statement of claim, with complete reasons;
(d) a proposal as to the number of arbitrators (i.e. one or three) and the language of the proceedings, if the parties have not previously agreed thereon;
(e) if three arbitrators have been proposed or agreed, the name and contact details of the arbitrator to be appointed by the claimant.
4.6 The statement of claim may also include:
(a) the claimant's proposal for the appointment of a sole arbitrator referred to in Article 8;
(b) procedural requests to be decided by the arbitral tribunal after its appointment.
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4.7 If the statement of claim does not meet these requirements, the arbitral tribunal may, at the request of the respondent, request the claimant to remedy the defect within an appropriate period of time. If the claimant complies with such directions within the applicable time‐limit, the statement of claim shall be deemed to have been validly filed on the date when the initial version was received. Otherwise the proceedings shall be discontinued.
The initiation of the arbitral proceeding is in line with international standard. However, it is expected that the statement of claim – unlike with a mere “Notice of Arbitration,” which is often sufficient under other rules of arbitration – essentially be fully substantiated, but of course only to the extent that the claimant possesses the necessary information. This is intended, in the interest of promoting efficiency in the arbitral proceeding, to avoid a situation in which the first exchange of pleadings is a mere preliminary skirmish that must be followed by at least one comprehensive exchange, if not the usual two or even three. Thus, the matter in dispute is established immediately, and not after months have gone by. The question of completeness must be answered by applying common sense. The legal consequence of an incomplete claim is addressed in Article 4.7.
The claimant, of course, enjoys the full right to be heard concerning all of the respondent’s submissions and thus is not required to anticipate those arguments in the statement of claim. However, the statement of claim must present the facts of the case and the legal arguments on which the claim is founded in adequate detail so that evidence relating to them can be taken and an award can be rendered.
Re Article 4.5(a): As usual, a copy of the arbitration agreement must be attached to the statement of claim. In principle, the claimant bears the burden of allegation and proof with respect to the existence of the arbitration agreement. But with foundations or trusts in particular, situations are conceivable in which the claimant is not in possession of a copy. If, for example, a beneficiary brings action against a foundation before an arbitral tribunal under these Rules of Arbitration, it is up to the sued foundation to submit the arbitration agreement or demonstrate the absence thereof (see Article 18.2: Submission of documentary evidence by the adversary). However, the absence of an arbitration agreement can be remedied by a subsequent agreement or unconditional appearance (Articles 5.2.(b) and 16.1).
Re Article 4.2: In a proceeding involving multiple parties, the proceeding can begin before the date on which the claim was delivered to a specific respondent. Referring
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only to the first respondent is necessary in order to avert coordinated action by the respondents to delay the formal beginning (lis pendens, statutes of limitations).
Re Article 4.3: English has become the standard language in international arbitration, which means that in the absence of a special stipulation by the parties, one can expect to deal with English‐language submissions and documents as well. The parties always have the choice of deviating from this rule by stipulating an arbitration language.
Re Article 4.7: The legal consequences of an incomplete claim are moderate. The arbitral tribunal asks that the claim be remedied. If the claim was incomplete on essential points, that must usually be considered by the arbitral tribunal when it decides on costs. The claimant also cannot count on being given generous time limits by the arbitral tribunal for remedying, because making up for insufficient preparation of the claim is not the fundamental purpose of the remedying. On the other hand, allowances must be made for lack of experience, specifically on the part of private claimants bringing action against foundations or trusts. In such cases, the arbitral tribunal will want to give the claimant adequate instructions on how to complete the claim.
Article 5
5.1 Within thirty days from receipt of the statement of claim, the respondent shall transmit to the claimant a statement of defence. The respondent shall also submit a statement of defence to every other party.
5.2 The statement of defence shall, to the extent possible, include the following:
(a) the name and contact information (addresses, telephone and fax numbers) of the respondent and of its counsel (if different from the description contained in the statement of claim);
(b) any plea that an arbitral tribunal constituted under these Rules lacks jurisdiction;
(c) complete comments by the respondent on the statement of claim and the reasons thereof, or partial comments with a reasoned request
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to the arbitral tribunal for temporary restriction of the issue under arbitration;
(d) the respondent's proposal as to the number of arbitrators (i.e. one or three) and the language of the proceedings, if the parties have not previously agreed thereon;
(e) the respondent's proposal for the appointment of a sole arbitrator referred to in Article 8 or the respondent's designation of an arbitrator for the purpose of constituting a three‐member arbitral tribunal referred to in Article 9.
5.3 Any counterclaim or set‐off defence shall in principle be raised with the respondent's statement of defence. The provisions of Article 4.5 are applicable mutatis mutandis.
5.4 In the case of a counterclaim, the claimant shall within thirty days from receipt of the counterclaim transmit a statement of defence in reply to the counterclaim. The provisions of Article 5.1 and 5.2 are applicable mutatis mutandis.
Like the claimant, the respondent too must express his full position on the matter in the very first submission. However, the respondent may present only a partial opinion if that is appropriate because he is pleading lack of jurisdiction, because he obviously does not have standing to be sued, or for other obvious reasons.
If the statement of defense does not satisfy the requirements, the arbitral tribunal decides on further action, in particular the setting of a grace period subject to consequences for failure to comply (see Article 4.7). If the respondent has not cooperated in the appointment of the arbitral tribunal as required by the parties’ agreement, the claimant can invoke the commissioner (Articles 8.2 and 9.2) or first ask the secretariat to appoint a commissioner (Article 32). If no statement of defense has been received within the time limit, the arbitral tribunal can find the defendant in default (Article 19.1).
Re Article 5.3: After the statement of defense has been filed, counterclaims and set‐off defenses are permissible only in exceptional cases (Article 4.5 and, also by analogy, 15.5).
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B. COMPOSITIONOFTHEARBITRALTRIBUNALEligibility conditions
Article 6
6.1 Unless otherwise provided in the arbitration agreement or all parties or the commissioner consent, only persons may be appointed who are subject to a legal confidentiality obligation that at least includes criminal liability for violation of that confidentiality obligation and a right to refuse testimony in civil matters (specifically lawyers, auditors, patent lawyers and professional trustees subject to Liechtenstein law). Merely disciplinary liability shall suffice only if the penalty is on the whole at least equivalent to the penalty for lawyers under Liechtenstein law. If an arbitrator is nominated, he shall confirm this eligibility condition in writing and refer to the applicable legal provisions. In the case of dispute, the commissioner shall make the final decision. The proceedings shall be governed by Article 11.
6.2 The secretariat shall publish a list with countries and professions that meet the conditions set out in this Article in any case.
In order to protect the parties’ confidence in the confidentiality of the arbitral proceeding, Article 6 provides, contrary to international practices, that only persons who are subject to a legal confidentiality obligation – and thus, typically lawyers – are eligible as arbitrators. Because lawyers (or other persons subject to a confidentiality obligation) are predominantly appointed already, this is a reasonable restriction of the parties’ freedom. The parties can renounce this eligibility condition in the arbitration agreement or later, or in justified cases they can ask the commissioner for an official waiver (“or all parties or the commissioner consent”).
If a party appoints an arbitrator who does not satisfy the conditions of Article 6.1, the other parties must protest this in order to prevent the appointment from becoming valid. No ex officio review is conducted.
The time limits and the rest of the procedure are based on Article 11. If a party contests satisfaction of the conditions and the affected arbitrator refuses to withdraw, the contesting party can invoke the commissioner (Articles 11.3 and 32).
In the case of persons not from Liechtenstein, there may be doubts about whether they satisfy the condition. For that reason, the secretariat prepares a positive list of countries and professions that satisfy Article 6.1. Countries and professions that are
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not listed must be examined on a case‐by‐case basis. It must be considered that the appointment of foreign arbitrators always entails the at least theoretical possibility of intervention in the proceeding (or in the arbitrator’s files) by the respective jurisdiction.
Number of arbitrators
Article 7
7.1 If the arbitration agreement does not specify the number of arbitrators and if the parties do not agree on the number of arbitrators, then, if the relief or remedy sought concerns money, requests reaching or exceeding CHF 1,000,000 (or the equivalent) shall be decided by a three‐member arbitral tribunal, taking account of any counterclaims and set‐off defences referred to in Article 5.3. If the sum at issue for a relief or remedy sought is less than CHF 1,000,000, the case shall fall within the jurisdiction of a sole arbitrator.
7.2 If the relief or remedy sought does not concern money, then the claimant shall assess the amount in dispute. If the respondent contests the sum determined pursuant to Article 7.2 and it is at issue whether the contested amount is less than CHF 1,000,000 then a three‐member arbitral tribunal shall have jurisdiction.
7.3 The assessment shall be made as of the date on which the request in question was delivered to the other party, and in the case of several other parties as of the date the first of these parties was served.
7.4 Where the arbitration agreement provides for an even number of arbitrators, the commissioner shall, upon request of an arbitrator, appoint a presiding arbitrator with the casting vote. This request may be made at any time during the proceedings. The arbitral tribunal shall decide itself whether and to what extent any procedural steps made prior to appointment of the presiding arbitrator must be repeated.
Tribunals made up of three arbitrators are inefficient when the amount in dispute is small. As in other rules of arbitration, Article 7.1 specifies a sole arbitrator for amounts in dispute of less than CHF 1 million, unless the parties have agreed otherwise. Because counterclaims and set‐off defenses are added to the amount in
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dispute, the statement of defense can result in a change in the number of arbitrators. In that case, the claimant will not have named an arbitrator in the statement of claim or will have only proposed a sole arbitrator. In such a situation, the respondent must be the first to designate an arbitrator pursuant to Article 5.2(e), whereupon the claimant designates the second arbitrator in his statement of defense in reply to the counterclaim (Article 5.4).
Re Article 7.4: The parties may agree to an even number of arbitrators by way of exception. This leads to obvious problems if such arbitrators are unable to reach consensus. Therefore, if the parties have not expressly ruled out Article 7.4, it constitutes a solution mechanism for the arbitrators, because they (and only they, not the parties as well) are entitled to request from the commissioner the appointment of a presiding and thus additional arbitrator. This is only seemingly in conflict with the parties’ agreement; by submitting to these Rules of Arbitration, the parties have acknowledged this right of the arbitrators. It is recommended that this mechanism be deployed sooner rather than later, because that gives the presiding arbitrator a stronger basis for reaching a decision in the matter itself.
Appointment of a sole arbitrator
Article 8
8.1 Where two or more parties have agreed that the dispute shall be referred to a sole arbitrator, they shall jointly designate the sole arbitrator within 21 days from the date when the statement of defence was received, unless agreed otherwise. The same shall apply if the referral of the dispute to a sole arbitrator arises from Article 7. The period of time shall also commence if one or more respondents are in default in transmitting the statement of defence.
8.2 If the parties fail to reach agreement on appointment of the sole arbitrator, the commissioner shall appoint the sole arbitrator on the request of a party.
Articles 8 and 9 are based on the usual and established one‐ or three‐member arbitral tribunals. If the parties have, by way of exception, provided for two or more than three arbitrators, which is usually not recommended, then the rules of Article 9 apply by analogy.
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It must be considered that the time limits for appointment in Articles 8 and 9 are 21 days (except in Article 9.3) instead of the usual 30 days. Practice has shown that often a great deal of time is spent on the appointment of arbitrators. The effort to speed the process up by setting shorter time limits runs into practical limits, however, specifically in the case of appointments over holidays or during vacation periods. Thus, it is recommended that the 21‐day time limit not be shortened considerably through a party agreement, because this can be counterproductive: If the deadline is missed and the parties do not reach a subsequent agreement, the appointment will have to be done by a commissioner (who often has not yet been appointed) with what could prove to be a substantial delay.
Appointment of a three‐member arbitral tribunal
Article 9
9.1 Where a dispute between two adverse parties is referred to a three‐member arbitral tribunal, each party shall designate one arbitrator. The two arbitrators so appointed shall designate, within 21 days, a third arbitrator who shall act as the presiding arbitrator of the arbitral tribunal. Failing such designation or agreement, the commissioner shall appoint the presiding arbitrator on the request of a party. This provision is subject to a different arrangement in the arbitration agreement.
9.2 If a party fails to designate an arbitrator within the time‐limit resulting from the arbitration agreement or, if no time‐limit was agreed, within 21 days from the date applicable to that party (statement of claim; statement of defence), the commissioner shall appoint the arbitrator on request of a party. The party in default may make up its selection until the time the commissioner makes his decision, but the arbitral tribunal shall, at the request of another party, impose all costs arising from the delay (partial award) on the party in default immediately after the arbitral tribunal is constituted.
9.3 If the parties have not agreed upon a procedure for the constitution of the arbitral tribunal in multi‐party proceedings, several claimants shall appoint a joint arbitrator in the statement of claim. Several respondents have a thirty‐day time‐limit to appoint a joint arbitrator from the delivery of the statement of claim to the last
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respondent. If the group or groups of parties have each designated an arbitrator, Article 9.1 shall apply by analogy to the designation of the presiding arbitrator.
9.4 If, in multi‐party proceedings, one side has chosen an arbitrator, but the other side is unable to agree on an arbitrator, the right to determine both arbitrators shall be transferred to the commissioner. The commissioner shall select both arbitrators, taking the best possible account of the parties' interests. The commissioner may also determine one of the arbitrators that one or more parties on the respective side have selected for themselves or have proposed to the parties on that side.
If the parties have, by way of exception, provided for two or more than three arbitrators, which is usually not recommended, then the rules of Article 9 apply by analogy.
Regarding the time limits, see the commentary on Article 8, (margin no. 2). The time limit of 30 days under Article 9.3 applies by analogy to multiple claimants in cases in which the respondent was the first to appoint an arbitrator with a counterclaim or set‐off defense that exceeds the CHF 1 million limit (see commentary on Article 7, margin no. 1).
Independence and challenge of arbitrators
Article 10
10.1 All arbitrators conducting an arbitration under these Rules shall be and remain at all times impartial and independent of the parties.
10.2 An arbitrator requested to accept appointment shall disclose in writing any circumstances likely to give rise to justifiable doubts as to his impartiality or independence. It shall be the responsibility of the appointing party to provide the requested arbitrator with the necessary information for this purpose concerning the parties and the matter in dispute. An arbitrator, once appointed, shall immediately disclose such circumstances to the parties and the other members of the arbitral tribunal unless they have already been informed by him of these circumstances. An arbitrator shall confirm his independence and impartiality in writing upon his appointment. He shall likewise
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confirm that he is submitting to these Rules in his capacity as arbitrator, especially the confidentiality provisions.
The independence and impartiality of the arbitrators are essential for the parties’ confidence in the arbitration. The IBA Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest in International Arbitration (2004) can be taken into consideration when examining independence. They constitute by and large an internationally recognized standard, but they do not replace a careful analysis of the individual case.
Whereas independence can be measured on the basis of objective criteria, impartiality is an internal condition that cannot be readily judged from outside. Nevertheless, an arbitrator’s subjective attitude toward the parties can be deduced from recognizable actions. An arbitrator can be rejected if there are clear signs of partiality.
Article 11
11.1 Any arbitrator may be challenged if circumstances exist that give rise to justifiable doubts as to the arbitrator's impartiality or independence. The challenge must be made to the arbitrator concerned, with an indication of the reasons, within 15 days from receipt of the communication of the appointment or after that party becomes aware of the relevant circumstances.
11.2 A party may challenge the arbitrator appointed by it only for reasons of which it becomes aware after the appointment has been made.
11.3 Within 15 days from receipt of the challenge, the challenged arbitrator must withdraw or communicate to all parties and the other arbitrators in writing that he is not withdrawing. A copy of the challenge letter must accompany this communication to the extent other parties have not yet received it. If the challenged arbitrator does not withdraw, the challenging party may, within 7 days from receipt of the respective communication or after the time‐limit has expired without action, demand a decision by the commissioner on the challenge. The commissioner shall decide on the challenge within 30 days from when it is received.
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A party who has knowledge of grounds for rejection must react quickly or else lose the right to challenge once and for all. This is intended to prevent situations in which a party first waits to see whether the proceeding is developing in its favor and then later challenges the composition of the arbitral tribunal.
However, the time limits for the rejected arbitrator and, if contested, for the commissioner have also deliberately been kept short so as not to delay the arbitral proceeding unnecessarily. In any event, however, the time limit for the commissioner does not begin before his appointment (Article 32.4). Thus, if it is the request for rejection itself that causes the appointment of a commissioner, the time limit for his decision is extended by the length of the appointment procedure.
In case of a challenge an arbitrator can resign in accordance with the rules, even if the grounds for challenge have not been adequately proved. The arbitrator can also resign if he personally rejects the presence of grounds for challenge. The other parties cannot prevent such a resignation. In contrast, no provision is made for simple resignation not requested by a party and without a compelling reason (such as serious illness, Article 13), because the arbitrator’s contract must be performed as a matter of principle.
The question of whether the arbitrator loses all or part of his fee entitlement if he resigns or is recalled is judged on the basis of the law governing the arbitration agreement, i.e., the substantive law of the jurisdiction according to whose law the proceeding is conducted (seat of the arbitral tribunal).
The legal situation in Liechtenstein is the same as in Austria. The arbitrator’s contract is considered a contract for services and contains the obligation to hand down the arbitral award. The fee entitlement arises at the end of the arbitral proceeding (through an arbitral award, settlement, declaration of the arbitral tribunal’s incompetence, or any other permissible end of the proceeding) and is payable at that time (Hausmaninger in Fasching, Zivilprozessgesetze [Civil Procedure Laws], Vienna 2007, Vol. 4, 2nd edition, sec. 587 ZPO, margin no. 220). Because the contractor under a contract for services owes performance under Liechtenstein and Austrian law, resignation generally results in a loss of the fee entitlement.
The commissioner can be invoked to decide on the question of the fee, and his decision is considered an arbitral award (Article 26.4). Thus, an application to dismiss the arbitrator can be associated with an application for determination (or annulment) of the fee.
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Article 12
If an arbitrator fails to perform his functions despite a written warning and reasonable deadline imposed by the other arbitrators or a party, the commissioner may, after duly hearing the matter, remove the arbitrator from office at the request of a party or arbitrator. The decision is final.
If an arbitrator refuses to perform his duties within a reasonable period, it must be possible to recall him. It is up to the parties or to the other arbitrators to decide whether recall and replacement serves the parties’ interests or would at best merely result in further delays.
Replacement of an arbitrator
Article 13
If an arbitrator appointed by a party deceases or becomes unable to perform his functions due to any reasons beyond his control, the party that appointed the arbitrator is required to appoint a replacement arbitrator within a time‐limit of 21 days from certain knowledge of this circumstance. If the party fails to honour this obligation even after being warned by another party or an arbitrator with a grace period of 14 days, the commissioner shall on request of a party or an arbitrator appoint a replacement arbitrator. This rule also applies if an arbitrator has been successfully challenged, has been otherwise removed or has resigned, or if several parties appointed the arbitrator but failed to agree on a successor.
Article 13 addresses cases in which an arbitrator is unable to act, necessitating his replacement. In case of doubt, the time limit of 21 days for a party to appoint a replacement can be initiated through corresponding notice with adequate supporting documentation, specifically by another party or an arbitrator (and especially by the ill arbitrator himself). If the notice is from the affected arbitrator himself owing to illness, no supporting documentation is generally required. If the party is in default upon expiry of the time limit, the other party can ask the commissioner to appoint the replacement. There is no time limit for this request; i.g., the other party can also wait in anticipation of possible recovery by an ill arbitrator.
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Article 14
If an arbitrator is replaced, the proceedings shall as a rule resume at the stage where the arbitrator who was replaced ceased to perform his functions, unless the arbitral tribunal decides otherwise.
In keeping with current standards and in the interest of efficiency, previously conducted hearings do not have to be repeated unless the arbitral tribunal in its new composition decides otherwise by way of exception. In the individual case, it may be useful to re‐examine a critical witness or expert; in deciding whether to do so, however, adequate consideration must be given to the costs and expenses incurred thereby as well as the time lost.
C. ARBITRALPROCEEDINGSGeneral provisions
Article 15
15.1 Subject to these Rules, the provisions of the arbitration clause or arbitration agreement and the parties' agreements, the arbitral tribunal may conduct the arbitration in such manner as it considers appropriate, provided that it ensures equal treatment of the parties and their right to be heard. Within its discretion, it shall endeavour to conduct fair, efficient and cost‐effective proceedings. The parties are required to participate in good faith.
15.2 At an early stage of the arbitral proceedings and in consultation with the parties, the arbitral tribunal shall prepare a provisional time‐table for the arbitral proceedings up until delivery of the award.
15.3 In consultation with the parties, the arbitral tribunal shall determine the language of the proceedings, unless already agreed by the parties.
15.4 Unless otherwise agreed or determined by the arbitral tribunal, at least one exchange of submissions shall take place in the form of the statement of claim, the statement of defence, and where applicable the statement of defence in reply to the counterclaim. The arbitral tribunal shall decide on the admissibility of additional submissions and shall determine the time‐limits. Thereby the arbitral tribunal shall honour the parties' right to be heard.
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15.5 New or amended claims after submission of the statement of claim or the statement of defence require admission by the arbitral tribunal. The arbitral tribunal shall in this regard take account of the closeness of the substantive connection, the interests of the parties and the consequences for the conduct of the proceedings.
Unless the parties have provided otherwise, the procedure is determined by the arbitral tribunal. Fairness and efficiency are the guiding principles.
The parties are obligated to support the arbitral tribunal in this in good faith. It is notoriously difficult to ascertain conduct in bad faith. Specifically, because of the right to be heard, a decision must be made on a prayer even if it is presumably intended primarily to delay the proceeding. Nevertheless, an arbitral tribunal can make adequate allowance for delaying tactics and other conduct possibly in bad faith when determining the costs under Article 25 and when allocating the costs under Article 27.
Re Article 15.4: In some cases, it is sufficient to have a single exchange of pleadings (statement of claim and statement of defense) and, if necessary, comments concerning new submissions. This allows a fast and cost‐effective decision. However, the parties’ right to be heard may require a second exchange of pleadings and further submissions.
Re Article 15.5: Subsequent changes in claims or counterclaims are permissible only with the approval of the arbitral tribunal. The arbitral tribunal must base such a decision on the concrete circumstances, taking into account the guiding principles of fairness and efficiency; small changes in the prayers for relief will usually be unproblematic. It is often that the claimant obtains important information for specifying the claim, e.g., concerning the quantum only after the statement of defense has been received. In that case, the respondent reasonably has to expect that the claims are specified accordingly. Analogously, subsequent set‐off defenses are similarly permissible only if the strict requirements of Article 15.5 are satisfied (see Article 5.3).
Jurisdiction of the arbitral tribunal
Article 16
16.1 Objections to the jurisdiction of the arbitral tribunal must be raised at the latest in the statement of defence or, in the case of a
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counterclaim, set‐off defence or amendment of the requests for legal remedy or relief (in accordance with Article 15.5) or of the legal bases of the claim, in the first comments thereto. The arbitral tribunal may permit a later objection if it deems the delay excusable in that specific case. Subject to the admission of a later objection by the arbitral tribunal, consent to consideration of the matter by the arbitral tribunal shall be deemed given if an objection to the arbitral tribunal's jurisdiction has not been raised on time.
16.2 The arbitral tribunal shall have the power to rule in an interim or in the final decision on jurisdictional objections, including any objections with respect to the existence or validity of the arbitration clause or of the separate arbitration agreement. The arbitral tribunal may continue the proceedings in its discretion and make an award, even if a decision on jurisdiction is being contested in court.
16.3 The arbitral tribunal shall have jurisdiction in principle to hear a set‐off defence. It may refuse to hear a set‐off defence if the relationship out of which this defence is said to arise as such would not fall within the jurisdiction of the arbitral tribunal and either the consideration of the set‐off defence would delay or complicate the proceedings such that the justifiable interests of the other party would be significantly affected or other justifiable interests of the other party so require.
16.4 The arbitral tribunal shall have jurisdiction to hear a counterclaim only if the counterclaim is subject to the same arbitration agreement of the parties.
Even in the absence of a valid arbitration agreement, the arbitral tribunal becomes competent unless the respondent enters a plea to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction at the latest with the first submission on the merits, and thus usually with the statement of defense. An analogous provision applies to the claimant with regard to a counterclaim or set‐off defense. This is mostly standard practice internationally.
Re Article 16.3: The question of jurisdiction for set‐off defenses is controversial. Whereas the Swiss Rules permit set‐off defenses without restriction (Article 21.5 of the Swiss Rules), the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules leave the question open (Article 23.2 of the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules). The Vienna Rules do not address the issue. The Liechtenstein Rules choose a middle course.
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The general jurisdiction for set‐off defenses is based on the substantive law nature of the set‐off, which is especially widespread in civil law jurisdictions. On the other hand, set‐off defenses can significantly delay an arbitral proceeding and thus be misused for tactical reasons. If the set‐off claim is subject to the same arbitration agreement, then the jurisdiction for the defense is deemed present without further ado. Other set‐off defenses are subject to case‐by‐case review: the arbitral tribunal is not obligated to hear a set‐off defense that, on the one hand, is not subject to the same arbitration agreement and that, on the other hand, causes excessive delays in or impediments to the proceeding. In exercising this discretion, the arbitral tribunal must consider, firstly, the parties’ interest in a comprehensive assessment of the matter in dispute and, secondly, the need for efficient conduct of the proceeding (Article 15.1). It is also necessary to consider any confidentiality interests that might justify separate proceedings. In cases of doubt, however, even a set‐off defense with a different or missing dispute resolution clause will be taken into account.
Re Article 16.4: For counterclaims, there must be an arbitration agreement of identical content – in particular, the same rules of arbitration, the same seat, and the same number of arbitrators. Thus, the requirements are stricter than with mere set‐off defenses.
Interim or protective measures
Article 17
17.1 At the request of a party, the arbitral tribunal may take any interim measures it deems necessary or appropriate.
17.2 Such interim measures may be established in the form of an interim award. The arbitral tribunal shall be entitled and expected to order the provision of appropriate security and to adjust that security if needed.
17.3 If the arbitral tribunal has already been constituted and the parties have not agreed otherwise, no party may address requests to a state court concerning interim or provisional measures without consent by the arbitral tribunal. In the case of an arbitral tribunal with three arbitrators, the presiding arbitrator shall decide alone on consent to requests by parties for provisional measures addressed to state courts. It shall be in his discretion whether or not to hear the
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other side first. No reasons need be given for a consent, and a consent should not be delivered to opposing parties or other parties to the arbitration proceedings before the state court has decided.
17.4 If a party breaches this rule, the arbitral tribunal may at the request of an opposing party make appropriate arrangements as a remedy. Moreover, the breach may constitute a violation of the confidentiality provisions, and the opposing parties may demand compensation and payment in accordance with Article 29.7.
Unlike most rules of arbitration, as a matter of principale, Article 17 provides for the exclusive jurisdiction of the arbitral tribunal for interim measures from the moment that it is constituted. A party that desires provisional legal protection from a state court after that time must first seek the consent of the arbitral tribunal (or the presiding arbitrator). Such consent can be granted ex parte, i.e. without hearing the opposing party and with delayed notification of the opposing party so that any necessary surprise effect is preserved. This tailor‐made approach is intended to adequately take into account the parties’ interests in both effective legal protection and confidentiality. The granting of such ex parte consent is covered by the arbitration agreement and thus cannot be asserted as grounds for bias.
If a party seeks legal protection from a state court in violation of Article 17, this can result in a contractual penalty pursuant to Article 29.7. However, the arbitral tribunal can also take other action – e.g., grant contrary legal redress, and if necessary even issue an anti‐suit or anti‐enforcement injunction.
The arbitral tribunal can decide on the costs of such interim measures separately or else together with the final award.
Taking of evidence
Article 18
18.1 The arbitral tribunal shall decide independently on matters of evidence. A party shall not have a claim to a hearing unless it is mandatory by law.
18.2 The production (disclosure) of documents by the other party shall in principle be governed by §§ 303 ff. of the Liechtenstein Code of Civil Procedure. If the requesting party can show an interest in the
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confidentiality of the materials, the arbitral tribunal shall, at the request of the producing party, order that documents and evidence shall not be handed over to the other party, but rather be presented for inspection only either at the seat of the arbitral tribunal or at another suitable location. The arbitral tribunal shall furthermore make all appropriate arrangements to protect justifiable confidentiality interests of the parties and third parties. In particular, it may order that an expert who in turn is subject to professional secrecy reviews the documents and reports on any relevant content to the arbitral tribunal without the need to produce the documents for inspection by the arbitral tribunal or the other side.
18.3 Failure to produce documents that a party is not required to produce pursuant to §§ 303 ff. of the Liechtenstein Code of Civil Procedure or the substantive law applicable to this question may not be considered to the detriment of that party.
18.4 If a person has a right to refuse to give evidence and is not discharged from a confidentiality obligation by a party, this may not be considered to the detriment of that party.
18.5 Anyone may be a witness, even a party itself. The parties shall in principle be responsible themselves for the appearance of their witnesses. If a witness does not appear or refuses to participate, the arbitral tribunal shall at the request of a party and at its discretion decide whether to set a new date for the hearing, to examine the witness by judicial process or to continue without the testimony. In this regard, the arbitral tribunal shall in particular take account of the interests of the parties. Witnesses may on an exceptional basis and to the extent appropriate also be examined by video conference or telephone.
18.6 The arbitral tribunal, after consulting with the parties, may appoint one or more experts. The parties shall give the expert any relevant information and produce for his inspection any relevant materials or goods. The expert shall be required to maintain the strictest secrecy in relation to third parties regarding the facts of which he gains knowledge as part of the arbitration proceedings or
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pursuant to his position as an expert. After conclusion of his task, the expert shall return all materials and goods and destroy all copies.
18.7 The arbitral tribunal shall assess the evidence freely.
Article 18.1 contains the standard principle that the arbitral tribunal decides on the taking of evidence at its own discretion (with due consideration for the principles of equal treatment of the parties and the right to be heard pursuant to Article 15.1). Regarding proceedings with their seat in Liechtenstein, it bears noting that an oral hearing is required if requested by a party (sec. 615 sentence 2 ZPO; regarding the corresponding provision in sec. 598 Austrian Code of Civil Procedure [öZPO], see Austrian Supreme Court of Justice [öOGH] 30/6/2010, 7 Ob 111/10i, EvBl 2010/148). A violation could result in annulment in Liechtenstein.
In contrast, Articles 18.2 and 18.3 contain provisions that take a special approach to protecting confidentiality and that, to that end, refer in wholly exceptional manner to the principles of Liechtenstein law on civil procedure relating to the submission of documents. These rules are identical to those in the Austrian Code of Civil Procedure. The reference to the Liechtenstein Code of Civil Procedure remains even if a foreign location of arbitration is chosen. The restrictive submission of documents compared to the Anglo‐Saxon procedural tradition is in keeping with the tradition in many continental European countries and should be known internationally in principle. The provisions are deliberate deviations from other international models that are often applied (see specifically the more liberal provisions in the IBA Rules on the Taking of Evidence in International Arbitration 2010).
The provisions on the right to refuse testimony or to refuse to produce evidence also differ from international practices. Finally, experts are especially reminded of their duties in the interest of confidentiality.
Re Article 18.2 in particular: These deliberately restrictive provisions are specifically intended to prevent situations in which confidential documents can be made accessible to unauthorized parties. The arbitral tribunal has no discretion in the core area: if a party can make a prima facie case for an interest in confidentiality (which need not be its own, but can also be that of third parties, e.g., other beneficiaries of a trust), it does not have to surrender the respective documents to the opposing party, but can merely make them available for inspection at a suitable location. This can also apply by analogy to inspection by the arbitrators, specifically
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if an arbitrator has his place of business in a country in which the confidentiality of the documents is jeopardized.
The arbitral tribunal can decide in the specific case what the “suitable location” is, based on practical concerns. Consideration must be given to the legitimate interests of the opposing party, since the provision must not simply serve to impede the opposing party’s (or the arbitrator’s) access to documentation.
Sec. 303 et seq. of the Liechtenstein ZPO reads as follows:
Submission of documents by the adversary
Sec. 303
1) If a party alleges that a document of considerable importance to his case is in the possession of the adversary, the court, upon application by that party, can order the adversary to submit the document.
2) The applicant party shall produce a copy of the document to be submitted by the adversary or, if he is unable to do so, shall describe the content of the document as precisely and completely as possible and also note the facts that are to be proved by the document to be submitted. In addition, a description shall be provided of the circumstances that make it likely that the document is in the adversary’s possession.
3) If the application is made outside the oral hearing, the decision on it shall be preceded by an opportunity of the adversary to comment orally or in writing.
Sec. 304
1) Submission of the document cannot be refused:
1. if the adversary itself has referred to the document for the purposes of presenting its case in the proceeding;
2. if the adversary is obliged by substantive law to surrender or submit the document;
3. if the document is joint to both parties in terms of content.
2) A document is considered joint in particular to the persons in whose interest it was created or whose mutual legal relationships are expressed therein. Also considered joint are the written negotiations pertaining to a
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legal transaction between the parties concerned or between one of them and the joint mediator of the transaction.
Sec. 305
The submission of other documents can be refused:
1. if the content concerns matters of family life;
2. if the adversary would violate a bounden duty by submitting the document;
3. if disclosure of the document would dishonor the party or third parties or expose them to the danger of criminal prosecution;
4. if the party, by submitting the document, would violate an officially recognized duty of confidentiality from which he has not been validly exempted or a trade or business secret;
5. if other equally important reasons are present that justify the refusal to submit.
Sec. 306
If one of the reasons noted in sec. 305 relates to only part of the content, a certified extract of the document shall be submitted.
Sec. 307
1) If the adversary denies having possession of the document and the court considers the facts to be proved through the document relevant and also believes that there is an obligation to submit the document, then the examination and sworn questioning of the adversary can be ordered by the court in order to determine whether the adversary is in possession of the document or else knows its whereabouts, or whether the document has been destroyed or made unusable by the adversary or on its instructions in order to evade the party adducing evidence.
2) The question of what the impact on evaluating the case is if the adversary fails to comply with the order to submit the document that he has admitted to possessing or if he refuses examination or sworn testimony concerning a document that he denies possessing, or if his testimony shows that he deliberately destroyed the document or made it unusable, and in such cases whether in particular the information provided by the party adducing
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evidence concerning the content of the document must be regarded as proven, is left up to the court’s discretion as guided by a careful consideration of all circumstances.
Submission of documents by a third party
Sec. 308
1) If a document needed for evidence is in the possession of a third party who is obligated to surrender and submit the document under the provisions of substantive law or because said document is joint to the party adducing evidence and the third party in terms of its content (sec. 304), then the third party can be ordered by the trial court, upon application by the party adducing evidence, to lodge the document with the trial court for the purpose of use in the oral hearing within a time limit to be established for him at the same time, at the expense of the party adducing evidence.
2) The trial court shall decide on such an application after hearing the adversary and the alleged third‐party possessor of the document; if the latter denies having possession of the document, the application can be granted only if the applicant party makes a prima facie case for the document being in the possession of the third party. The trial court can order a special hearing for the purpose of examining the parties concerned. The decision is enforceable after it acquires res judicata effect and after expiry of the ordered time limit for submission.
3) If the application is dismissed, the alleged possessor of the document shall, upon demand, be reimbursed for the necessary costs that he has incurred because of the proceeding.
Sec. 309
1) If it is necessary to oblige the alleged possessor of the document to surrender and submit the document by bringing action because it is not possible to make a prima facie case for his/her possession of the document or because the decision about whether he/she is obliged to surrender and submit the document requires the prior determination and ascertainment of contentious circumstances, then the trial court can, if it considers the facts to be proved by the document relevant, order upon application that the oral hearing be stayed until the expiry of the time limit to be set simultaneously for the party adducing evidence to submit the document (sec. 279).
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2) Even before the expiry of that time limit, however, the adversary of the party adducing evidence can apply for the resumption of the hearing if the action brought by the party adducing evidence against the third party has been resolved or the party adducing evidence delays the bringing of the action or the prosecution of the trial or of execution.
3) The submission of the document is done at the expense of the party adducing evidence.
The essential point here is that under sec. 303 par. 2 ZPO, the party adducing evidence must either submit a copy of the document or describe its content as precisely as possible. This means that applications intended merely to determine the content are impermissible. An application for submission of “all correspondence” or “responsive documents” is thus not specific enough. (The intention of the provisions on document submission by the adversary is to disallow mere exploration of the facts of the case.) But if a duty to submit does exist under the applicable substantive law (e.g., in connection with a right to information or rendering of accounts), the document shall be submitted in the proceeding upon application (sec. 304 par. 1 no. 2 ZPO). The extent to which, e.g., involved parties from a company, foundation, or trust have the right to obtain certain documents from the adversary is judged in accordance with the applicable substantive law.
A document is considered “joint” if it was created to serve as evidence for both parties or to influence or secure their legal relations. Examples of joint documents are articles of association, service contracts, arbitration agreements, arbitral awards, or the minutes from a meeting between employer and employee concerning the employee’s responsibility regarding accusations of breaches of official duties (Walter H. Rechberger (editor), Zivilprozessordnung [Code of Civil Procedure], 3rd edition, Springer Verlag 2006, sec. 304 ZPO, margin no. 3, with citations and examples).
Re Article 18.3 and 18.4: These provisions require that the arbitral tribunal imposes no sanctions – neither procedural disadvantages nor adverse inferences during the evaluation of evidence – on the basis of the fact that a party does not waive the confidentiality protection to which it is entitled. Theoretically, this provision should be the norm, because anything else serves to undermine the right to confidentiality. Nevertheless, this explicit norm was included because it is not unusual for de facto pressure to be exerted on a party to the proceeding that undermines the right to refuse testimony or the right not to submit certain documents.
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Re Article 18.5: The fact that a party can also be a witness indicates only that in procedural terms there is no need to treat a party’s testimony differently from that of a witness. This does not signify a mandatory requirement for the evaluation of evidence, where the arbitral tribunal enjoys freedom (see Article 18.7), or for the decision on costs (Article 25.1.(c)). The Rules of Arbitration do not address the question of whether written witness statements can or even must be submitted. This decision is up to the arbitral tribunal if the parties reach no agreement on this.
Default
Article 19
19.1 If, within the period of time set out in Article 5.1, the respondent has failed to communicate its statement of defence without showing sufficient cause for such failure, the arbitral tribunal shall order that the proceedings continue, without taking this failure as recognition of the actual assertions of the claimant. The same shall apply to a failure of the claimant to answer a counterclaim.
19.2 The additional costs associated with late submissions due to a delay of the proceedings may at the request of a party be imposed immediately on the party responsible for the delay (partial award).
19.3 If one of the parties, duly notified under these Rules, fails to appear at a hearing, without showing sufficient cause for such failure, the arbitral tribunal may proceed with the arbitration.
19.4 If a party, duly invited by the arbitral tribunal to produce documentary evidence or other evidence it is required to produce, fails to do so within the established period of time, without showing sufficient cause for such failure, the arbitral tribunal may make the award on the evidence before it.
Arbitral tribunals should avoid default proceedings wherever possible, since they raise questions of the right to be heard and are often the cause of resistance to enforcement. Conversely, arbitral tribunals need concise rules that bind the parties. Article 19 is in keeping with the international standard in this regard.
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Closure of proceedings
Article 20
20.1 After the evidence procedure is completed, the arbitral tribunal may declare the proceedings closed. The parties shall then be precluded from further submissions.
20.2 The arbitral tribunal may, if it considers it necessary owing to exceptional circumstances, decide, on its own motion or upon application of a party, to reopen the proceedings at any time before the award is made.
The arbitral tribunal can officially “close” the proceeding (“closure”) if it has become convinced that the parties have had adequate opportunity to present their positions. This is generally the case after completion of the evidence procedure, including a final (oral or written) opinion on the results of taking evidence and any submissions concerning costs. From that point on, the parties may make no further submissions concerning the case, unless they have been granted prior permission by the arbitral tribunal by way of exception.
Waiver of asserting a violation of the procedural rules
Article 21
A party who knows or should know that any provision of, or requirement under, these Rules, the applicable procedural law at the seat of the arbitral tribunal, or the arbitration agreement or any order of the arbitral tribunal has not been complied with and yet proceeds with the arbitration without stating its objection to such non‐compliance without unnecessary delay or within any time‐limit provided for that purpose, shall be deemed to have approved the violation and waived its right to object for that reason.
This provision corresponds to the provisions of the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules, but makes it clear that, on the one hand, it is not only violations of the Liechtenstein Rules or the arbitration agreement that must be protested without delay, but also violations of any procedural rules, and, on the other hand, there is no need to prove actual knowledge of the violation. It is sufficient if owing to the circumstances the party should have known that there was a violation. Article 21 is a
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product of the principle of good faith in litigation and prevents tactical waiting, like Article 11.1.
D. THEARBITRALAWARDDecisions
Article 22
22.1 When the arbitral tribunal is composed of more than one arbitrator, any award or other decision of the arbitral tribunal shall be made by a majority of the arbitrators. In the event of a tie vote, the presiding arbitrator's vote shall decide. No arbitrator may abstain.
22.2 In the case of questions of procedure, when the parties or the arbitral tribunal so authorise, the presiding arbitrator may decide on his own, subject to later revision, if any, by the arbitral tribunal. Subject to any other arrangements by the parties or the arbitral tribunal, the presiding arbitrator may decide on the imposition and extension of time‐limits on his own.
This provision corresponds to the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules, but includes two additional special rules. On the one hand, the presiding arbitrator is given the deciding vote in the event of a tie – a situation that really should not arise, but that could occur in exceptional cases. On the other hand, the presiding arbitrator is authorized to set and extend time limits on his or her own, since such decisions often have to be made on such short notice that holding a vote within the arbitral tribunal is unreasonable or even illusory. It also simplifies the course of the proceeding if the presiding arbitrator takes simple procedural steps on his own.
Form and effect of the arbitral award
Article 23
23.1 In addition to making a final award, the arbitral tribunal shall be entitled to make interim, interlocutory, or partial awards.
23.2 The award shall be made in writing and shall be delivered to the parties. It shall be final and binding on the parties. The parties undertake to carry out the award without delay. The parties shall
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waive the right to appeal the award in any way to judicial authorities, to the extent such a waiver is legally permissible.
23.3 The arbitral tribunal shall state the reasons upon which the award is based, unless the parties have agreed that no reasons are to be given.
23.4 An award shall be signed by the arbitrators and it shall contain the date on which the award was made and the place of arbitration. Where there are several arbitrators and one or more of them fail to sign, the award shall state the reason for the absence of the signature(s).
23.5 Any correction, explanation, or completion of the award shall be governed by § 627 of the Liechtenstein Code of Civil Procedure.
Article 23 also largely corresponds to the international standard. It additionally contains the waiver of any appeal against the award before a state court to the extent permissible under the applicable national law (e.g., under Article 192 of the Swiss Private International Law Act, but not under Liechtenstein law (regarding the corresponding Austrian law, see Hausmaninger in Fasching, Zivilprozessgesetze [Civil Procedure Laws], Vienna 2007, Vol. 4, 2nd edition, sec. 611 ZPO, margin no. 25)).
Re Article 23.5: This reference to sec. 627 of the Liechtenstein ZPO is retained even if the parties choose an arbitration venue outside Liechtenstein. That provision is based on Article 33 of the UNCITRAL Model Law and reads as follows:
Sec. 627
Correction, explanation, or completion of the arbitral award
1) Unless another period of time has been agreed upon by the parties, each party can apply to the arbitral tribunal within four weeks of receipt of the arbitral award:
1. to correct in the award any errors in computation, any clerical or typographical errors, or any errors of similar nature;
2. to explain specific parts of the award, if so agreed by the parties;
3. to make an additional award as to claims presented in the arbitral proceeding but omitted from the award.
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2) The application pursuant to par. 1 shall be transmitted to the other party. The other party shall be heard before a decision is made on such an application.
3) The arbitral tribunal shall decide on the correction or explanation of the award within four weeks and on the additional award within eight weeks.
4) The arbitral tribunal can perform a correction of the award pursuant to par. 1 no. 1 within four weeks of the date of the award even in the absence of an application.
5) Sec. 623 applies to the correction, explanation, or completion of the award. The explanation or correction is part of the award.
The reference in sec. 627 par. 5 to sec. 623 of the Liechtenstein ZPO concerns the rendering of the award and must be understood here as a reference to the derogating Article 23.1‐4 of the Liechtenstein Rules.
Applicable law
Article 24
24.1 The arbitral tribunal shall decide the case in accordance with the rules of law agreed upon by the parties or, in the absence of a choice of law, by applying the rules of law with which the dispute has the closest connection.
24.2 The arbitral tribunal shall decide as amiable compositeur or ex aequo et bono only if the parties have expressly authorised the arbitral tribunal to do so.
24.3 In all cases, the arbitral tribunal shall decide in accordance with the terms of the applicable contracts, trust settlements or articles of association and shall take into account the usage of the trade applicable to the transaction.
The parties may freely choose the applicable substantive law. If they make no choice of law, the arbitral tribunal shall decide in accordance with the closest connection. In either case, it need not be a national law (contrary to Article 35.1 of the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules concerning closest connection). Also conceivable are
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the UNIDROIT Principles or relevant usages and general principles of law (lex mercatoria).
In individual cases, legal rules of a different law can also be applicable, e.g., questions of the legal capacity of one of the parties or of persons acting for it (to be decided, as a matter of principle, according to the law to which that party is subject as an individual or legal entity), or, in exceptional cases, public policy provisions ("lois d'application immédiate") with due regard for the objective interests of the parties.
E. COSTSDetermination of costs
Article 25
25.1 The arbitral tribunal shall determine the costs of arbitration in its award. The term "costs" includes only:
(a) the fees of the arbitral tribunal to be stated separately as to each arbitrator and to be determined by the tribunal itself in accordance with Appendix A, as well as appropriate fees of the experts called to the arbitral tribunal;
(b) appropriate travel and other expenses incurred by the arbitrators, experts and witnesses, to the extent their costs have been approved by the arbitral tribunal;
(c) the costs for legal representation and assistance of the parties, as well as for their experts and witnesses, if such costs were claimed during the arbitral proceedings, and only to the extent that the arbitral tribunal determines that the amount of such costs is reasonable;
(d) the costs for obtaining and securing evidence;
(e) any costs incurred by the LCCI or a commissioner for administration of the arbitration in accordance with Appendix A (Schedule of the costs of arbitration).
25.2 No additional fees may be charged by an arbitral tribunal for any interpretation or correction or completion of its award.
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The arbitral tribunal determines the costs in the arbitral award. If there is a subsequent interpretation, correction, or completion of the award, that does not justify an additional fee pursuant to Article 25.1(a). However, costs pursuant to Article 25.1(b)‐(e) are to be addressed in such an additional award and the allocation of costs among the parties may require adjustments (Article 27).
The expenses incurred by a party must be reviewed by the arbitral tribunal for reasonableness. The arbitral tribunal should limit itself to a rough examination and, in cases of doubt, recognize the effective expenses as reasonable.
The costs are generally awarded against the parties based on which party prevails and to what extent.
Article 26
26.1 The fees of the arbitral tribunal shall be determined in conformity with Appendix A (Schedule of the costs of arbitration).
26.2 The arbitral tribunal shall decide on the allocation of the fees among its members. As a rule, the Chairman shall receive between 40% and 50% and each co‐arbitrator between 25% and 30% of the total fees, in view of the time and efforts spent by each arbitrator.
26.3 If a party or an arbitrator believes the schedule of the costs set out in Article 25.1(a) and (b) is obviously unreasonable in the specific case, if a party believes the determination by the arbitral tribunal of the amount in dispute used to calculate their fees is obviously excessive, or if the arbitrators do not agree on the allocation of the fees (Article 26.2), then the party or any arbitrator may request that the commissioner determine their fees accordingly. Such a request shall not hinder continuation of the proceedings or the enforceability of other decisions of the arbitral tribunal or of other operative parts of the award.
26.4 Pursuant to a request in accordance with Article 26.3, the commissioner shall deviate from the schedule of the costs set out in Appendix A only if, in the individual case, the schedule of the costs is obviously unreasonable in light of the complexity of the subject‐matter, the time reasonably spent by the arbitrators, and any other
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relevant circumstances. The commissioner's decision shall be deemed an arbitral award with respect to the question of the arbitrators' fees.
In the interest of predictability and simplicity in the proceeding, there is no discretionary power in setting the arbitrators’ fees. The scale is determined strictly on the basis of the amount in dispute, using a graduated table. Paying fees based on hourly rates is also a conceivable solution, but is applicable only by mutual agreement.
It is thus important to determine the amount in dispute. If a prayer for relief is not quantified, the economic value must be ascertained. The arbitral tribunal will first attempt to find an amicable solution with the parties. If a party does not agree with the decision, he can contest it with the commissioner (Article 26.3).
If, by way of exception, the graduated table is completely unreasonable, both the arbitrators and the parties can invoke the commissioner (Article 26.3). The commissioner can adapt the fee to the specific circumstances, but only to the extent that the scale proves to be obviously unreasonable. This should be the case only rarely. It is inherent to the graduated scale that the fee will be low if the amounts in dispute are low, and this must be accepted by the arbitrators.
Also contestable are obviously unreasonable cash expenditures by the arbitrators under Article 25.1(b).
Finally, an arbitrator can also invoke the commissioner if he considers the determination of fees by the majority of the arbitral tribunal to be obviously unreasonable or if no agreement exists concerning the allocation of the fees among the arbitrators.
Nevertheless, all challenges of this kind give rise to costs pursuant to Appendix A, and thus any such challenges should be considered carefully.
It bears noting that the commissioner’s decision on costs is considered a separate arbitral award (Article 26.4) and is thus also independently enforceable.
Article 27
27.1 The costs of arbitration shall in principle be borne by the unsuccessful party, to the extent it was unsuccessful. However, the arbitral tribunal may provide a different apportionment of costs if it
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determines that such apportionment is reasonable and correct, taking into account the circumstances of the case.
In accordance with the standard “loser pays” principle, the parties must bear the costs in accordance with their defeat. What can be considered here is not only the extent to which the claims or counterclaims were granted, but also to what extent the parties subjected the proceeding to extensive procedural applications or unnecessarily impeded the taking of evidence. The arbitral tribunal’s broad discretion makes it possible in principle to also consider other criteria in the specific case, including any economic imbalance between the parties or the rejection of reasonable settlement offers.
Deposit of advance on costs
Article 28
28.1 The arbitral tribunal, on its establishment, shall request each side to deposit an equal amount as an advance for the costs referred to in Article 25.1, letters (a), (b) and (d), unless the parties have arranged otherwise with respect to allocation of the costs. The arbitral tribunal shall hear the parties before determining the relevant amount in dispute, unless that amount follows from the parties' quantified requests for legal remedy.
28.2 If, after being requested to do so by the arbitral tribunal, a party fails to meet its obligation within 30 days to make deposits as referred to in Article 28.1, the other party shall be free to deposit the advance on costs for the non‐paying party. If no payment is made, the arbitral tribunal may order the suspension or termination of the arbitral proceedings. The arbitral tribunal may refuse to take evidence associated with costs and offered only by the party in default. Moreover, the party making payments for another party in default shall be granted at its request appropriate interim measures against the party in default to safeguard its claim to repayment.
28.3 When requested by the respondent, the claimant shall provide appropriate security to the respondent for the legal costs, unless the parties have arranged otherwise. The arbitral tribunal shall decide on the admissibility and amount of a deposit.
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28.4 Where a respondent submits a counterclaim, or it otherwise appears appropriate in the circumstances, the arbitral tribunal may in its discretion order separate deposits.
28.5 During the course of the arbitral proceedings the arbitral tribunal may request supplementary deposits from the parties.
28.6 If a party asserts and adequately proves insufficient funds for the proceedings, the arbitral tribunal shall call upon the other parties to deposit the advance on costs in lieu of the party lacking funds, or the share corresponding to the lack of funds, within a reasonable period of time. If this payment is not made, the arbitral tribunal may discontinue the proceedings in respect of the party lacking funds without a decision on the merits. The arbitral tribunal may, however, demand that the party with insufficient funds pays or secures the amounts it is able to.
28.7 In its final award, the arbitral tribunal shall render an accounting to the parties of the deposits received. Any unexpended balance shall be returned to the parties.
The arbitral tribunal not only can, but must demand from the parties an advance on the costs of the arbitral tribunal. Without an advance, it will be difficult or impossible to enforce payment of the fees and reimbursement of expenses. Such advances are the international standard.
The parties can agree to differences in distribution of the advance among the parties. However, if they dispense with the joint duty to pay the advance as such, they must expect that they will not find an arbitrator or that after learning of this dispensation the arbitrator will turn down the mandate for cause or for lack of a meeting of the minds.
If the advances on costs are not paid, the arbitral tribunal can suspend the proceeding pending payment or discontinue it entirely. Such a termination of the proceeding is effected by a mere procedural decision, not by a substantive arbitral award. A party can take the matter in dispute before another arbitral tribunal or, if the applicable law permits, before a state court owing to lapse of the arbitration clause.
If another party pays the advance, the arbitral tribunal can, upon application by such party, order interim relief against the party in default.
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In the case of prayers for relief that are not quantified, the arbitral tribunal must determine the respective value in dispute for the application of the graduated table in Appendix A. If the claimant does not quantify his or her prayers, the arbitral tribunal must estimate the economic value of the claim based on the circumstances. If this estimate proves to be obviously unreasonable over the further course of the proceeding, the arbitral tribunal can adjust the advance on costs (see Article 28.5). An affected party can have the commissioner reviewing the decision, subject to restrictions (Article 26.3).
Re Article 28.3: In principle, the claimant shall provide the respondent with an appropriate deposit for legal costs. In setting this amount, however, the arbitral tribunal must take into account the parties’ financial situations (see also Article 28.6). This provision is intended to deter possibly vexatious claims without impeding access to justice for indigent persons.
Re Article 28.4: The broad wording, which corresponds to Article 41.2 of the Swiss Rules, allows for many conceivable situations in which a deposit can be demanded. Examples might be the cost of experts, witnesses, or especially costly taking of evidence.
Re Article 28.6: This provision provides for certain forms of relief for a party with insufficient financial means. In this regard, the last paragraph of the standard arbitration clauses for foundations and trusts must be taken into account. Those provisions specify that the foundation or the trustee can assume the costs of the proceeding, including an advance on costs, for an indigent party. This prevents a situation in which the arbitration agreement relating to those parties becomes invalid. Simply asserting indigence is not sufficient. It must be shown what resources are available, in part because the arbitral tribunal can also demand partial payments.
F. CONFIDENTIALITYArticle 29
29.1 Unless the parties expressly agree in writing to the contrary, the parties, their representatives, experts, the arbitrators, any commissioner, the secretariat and their auxiliary persons shall as a general principle keep confidential all awards and orders as well as all materials submitted and facts made available by other participants in the proceedings in the framework of the arbitral proceedings, unless a
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right to them exists in other ways, save and to the extent that a disclosure by a party may be imperative to fulfil a legal duty, to protect or pursue a legal right or to enforce or challenge an award.
29.2 The deliberations of the arbitral tribunal are confidential. The parties shall recognise this confidentiality and undertake to protect it.
29.3 The arbitral tribunal shall take any additional measures called for to protect a party's needs for confidentiality. In particular, it may require the parties to keep strict confidentiality regarding facts of which they attain knowledge in their respective capacity and it may exhaustively determine the circle of persons entitled to know such facts, and it may, in special circumstances, hand documents over to an expert for review, who is subject to a secrecy obligation, without granting the other parties access to the documents.
29.4 Parties, their representatives, experts, the arbitrators and any commissioner shall take appropriate organisational measures to safeguard the confidentiality of the arbitral proceedings. At the request of a party, the arbitral tribunal may order that communication by e‐mail is impermissible or must be protected by appropriate encryption. At all times, materials must be kept with such care that third parties are unable to gain knowledge of their existence or content.
29.5 To the extent a possibility of refusing to testify on the arbitral proceedings and the confidential information received within the framework of such proceedings exists, it shall be used. The parties undertake not to call persons subject to confidentiality pursuant to Article 29.1 as witnesses with respect to the information subject to confidentiality in any judicial or other proceedings connected with the arbitral proceedings.
29.6 The obligation to maintain confidentiality shall persist even after conclusion of the arbitral proceedings.
29.7 If a party, its representative, an expert, an arbitrator, any commissioner or one of their auxiliary persons breaches the confidentiality obligation set out in Article 29.1, that person or those persons shall pay a contractual penalty in the amount of CHF 50,000 to the injured parties, unless the parties have agreed otherwise.
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Parties shall also be liable for the conduct of their counsel. The liability of auxiliary persons shall be governed by law. Several persons breaching the confidentiality obligation shall be held jointly and severally liable. A court or arbitral tribunal may mitigate the contractual penalty if the breach was without serious fault, material and immaterial damage is ruled out and no confidential fact was widely disseminated. This shall be without prejudice to claims of more far‐reaching damage if the breach was deliberate.
29.8 With respect to a claim for a contractual penalty or compensation under Article 29.7, the competence of an arbitral tribunal under these rules shall be deemed as agreed. If the breach concerns a party, the entitled party may until closure of the proceedings submit the request to the arbitral tribunal with jurisdiction for the original proceedings. Otherwise, the entitled party shall have the choice between initiating new proceedings at the place selected in the original arbitration agreement or at the domicile or residence of the respondent in the new proceedings.
The provisions on protecting confidentiality go much further than what is usual. All involved parties are subject to a strict confidentiality obligation. As usual, provisos are made for legal obligations pursuant to national law (e.g., ad hoc reporting obligations, witness testimony obligations) and disclosures to protect legal rights or for the purpose of enforcement. The confidentiality obligation covers all information that the persons concerned have received in the course of the proceeding from other parties due to their function in the proceeding. Thus, the obligation does not cover information that was already known to the recipient before, that is publicly available, or that is adduced by a third party outside of the proceeding.
This obligation in Article 29.1 is protected in Article 29.7 by a contractual penalty of CHF 50,000. Further damage can be asserted in the event of a deliberate violation.
The arbitral tribunal can additionally take special measures to protect confidentiality (Article 29.3).
Re Article 29.2: The parties are obligated to maintain confidentiality concerning the deliberations and thus, in particular, not to incite an arbitrator to violate such confidentiality.
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Re Article 29.3: Restrictions to access to the file may only be ordered to the extent necessary. The arbitral tribunal may, e.g., take guidance from Article 9(4) of the IBA Rules on the Taking of Evidence in International Arbitration (2010) or Article 52 of the WIPO Arbitration Rules and respective arbitration practice.
Re Article 29.4: Although the encryption of e‐mail is not a standard practice, it is routinely recommended by security experts. Extensive encryption systems do not have to be used for this. If the need for confidentiality or the risk is low, functions built into standard programs may be used. The parties can simply agree to a joint password and encryption is administratively easy to manage. If the parties do not want encryption in the specific case, they can depart from this clause on an ad hoc basis.
Re Article 29.5: Many legal systems allow a witness to refuse to testify but do not compel him. Anyone, however, who is obligated to maintain confidentiality under Article 29.1 must uphold the possibility pursuant to this provision or violates the obligations (Article 29.7).
G. EXCLUSIONOFLIABILITYArticle 30
None of the LCCI or its employees, the arbitrators, the commissioner, the secretariat, the tribunal‐appointed experts or any secretary of the arbitral tribunal shall be liable for any act or omission in connection with an arbitration conducted under these Rules, save where such liability is mandatory by law. This provision is subject to Article 29.7.
The bodies and persons entrusted with conducting the arbitral proceeding are fully protected against liability. Such protection is subject to mandatory provisions of law and the duty to pay a contractual penalty and damages upon violation of the confidentiality obligation (Article 29.7). See also Article 32.8.
H. SECRETARIATANDCOMMISSIONERArticle 31
31.1 The LCCI shall appoint a secretary for arbitration (the "secretary") and two deputies who together form the secretariat. The secretariat shall be staffed by the LCCI with independent, legally trained or otherwise suitable persons who preferably are not
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professional representatives of parties (lawyers, professional trustees, patent lawyers, tax advisors, etc.).
31.2 The secretariat shall adopt its own rules of procedure and shall make its contact information available in suitable form.
31.3 Requests for appointment of a commissioner shall be made directly to the secretariat.
31.4 Decisions of the secretariat are final and need not include reasons.
The LCCI appoints a secretary and two deputies serving in a secondary function. Their activity is limited to the appointment and recall of a commissioner in the event of an application to that effect. They are fundamentally free to choose whomever they want, which allows them to consider the concrete needs of the proceeding (e.g., language skills). Following his or her appointment, the commissioner takes all decisions on his or her own, without involving the secretariat. The secretariat is only informed of the end of the proceeding (Article 32.7).
Article 32
32.1 On request, the secretariat shall appoint an independent commissioner for specific arbitral proceedings. The appointment shall apply to the entire proceedings. The request must only designate the parties, their representatives, any directly affected third parties (especially such as companies, foundations, trusts, etc.) and, if already appointed, the arbitrators. If several arbitral proceedings have been initiated between the parties, such additional information shall be provided to designate the specific arbitral proceedings unambiguously.
32.2 Article 6 and Article 10 apply to the commissioner mutatis mutandis. A commissioner may be challenged under the provisions of Article 11 mutatis mutandis or on other important grounds and be removed by the secretariat.
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32.3 If a time‐limit exists to call for a commissioner and if no commissioner has been appointed yet, the request pursuant to Article 32.1must be made within that time‐limit.
32.4 If a time‐limit exists for the decision of the commissioner, that time‐limit shall in any event not commence before the appointment of the commissioner.
32.5 The commissioner shall independently make decisions that are assigned to the commissioner under these Rules. The decisions of the commissioner are final and not subject to legal remedy. He shall decide independently on any preliminary questions, such as whether a party allegedly in default is in fact in default. The adjudication of preliminary questions by the commissioner shall not bind the arbitral tribunal.
32.6 Parties and arbitrators directing requests to the commissioner shall make the necessary submission and transmit a copy each to the commissioner and the other parties and arbitrators. The commissioner shall grant all parties the right to be heard, to the extent their rights may be affected.
32.7 The commissioner shall not participate in the rest of the arbitral proceedings. The presiding arbitrator shall merely notify the commissioner and the secretariat of the end of the proceedings in writing. If no commissioner has been appointed, no notification need be made to the secretariat.
32.8 The LCCI shall not be liable for decisions, acts or omissions of the arbitral tribunal, the commissioner or the secretariat. The secretariat shall not be liable for decisions, acts or omissions of the arbitral tribunal or the commissioner. The commissioner shall not be liable for decisions, acts or omissions of the secretariat or the arbitral tribunal.
It should be possible to conduct most arbitral proceedings without invoking the secretariat and appointing a commissioner. In such cases, the arbitral proceeding corresponds to an ad hoc proceeding, as provided in the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules. In contrast, if outside support is necessary (e.g., for the appointment or recall of an arbitrator), this should not have to be done by a state court, but instead by an independent third party, who is in turn subject to a legal confidentiality obligation
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(Article 6). In this way, the proceeding becomes institutional, but without needing an extensive administrative apparatus.
In principle, only one commissioner is appointed for a proceeding, so that the appointment procedure is not repeated for a further application by a party to the proceeding. Accordingly, he or she must be informed when the arbitral proceeding ends and his or her activity is formally completed.
The commissioner has duties of an arbitrator and is subject to the same requirements as an arbitrator (Articles 6 and 10). The body before which challenges against him or her are brought is the secretariat (Article 32.2).
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II. APPENDIXA–SCHEDULEOFTHECOSTSOFARBITRATIONA. COSTSOFTHESECRETARIATA.1 Anyone requesting decisions or appointments by the secretariat shall be liable for the administrative costs of the secretariat and shall immediately pay those costs at the request of the secretariat and, if demanded by the secretariat, in advance. However, amounts paid can be claimed as costs in the arbitral proceedings. Several applicants shall be held jointly and severally liable.
A.2 The administrative costs of the secretariat shall be:
– for the appointment of a commissioner CHF 1,000
– for the removal of a commissioner CHF 10,000
B. COSTSOFTHECOMMISSIONERB.1 Anyone requesting a decision by the commissioner shall be liable for the administrative costs of the commissioner and shall pay these costs immediately upon receiving the invoice. However, amounts paid can be claimed as costs in the arbitral proceedings. Several applicants shall be held jointly and severally liable.
B.2 The commissioner may demand advance payment of his administrative costs. If these costs are not paid, he shall inform the parties and discontinue the proceedings.
The administrative costs of the commissioner shall be:
– for the appointment of an arbitrator for a party or consent
under Article I.B.6.1
CHF 2,000
– for the appointment of an arbitrator for several parties CHF 3,000
– for the decision on removal of an arbitrator CHF 10,000
– for the decision on the fee of the arbitral tribunal or the
expenses of the arbitral tribunal
CHF 8,000
– for the decision on allocation of the fee among the arbitrators CHF 3,000
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C. ARBITRATORS’FEESC.1 The arbitrator's fee shall cover the activities of the arbitral tribunal from the moment the file is transmitted until the final award. The fees shall be reduced appropriately in case of termination of the proceedings without consideration of the claim on the merits by the arbitral tribunal by way of dismissal without prejudice, acknowledgement, withdrawal of the claim, settlement, etc.
C.2 Deposits by the parties must be made to a separate bank account that is used only for the arbitral proceedings in question and is identified accordingly.
Sole arbitrator
Amount in dispute
Arbitrator's fee from to
0 250,000 14,000
250,000 500,000 28,000
500,000 1,000,000 42,000
1,000,000 2,000,000 60,000
2,000,000 3,000,000 80,000
3,000,000 5,000,000 90,000
5,000,000 7,500,000 105,000
7,500,000 10,000,000 125,000
10,000,000 15,000,000 160,000
15,000,000 20,000,000 185,000
20,000,000 25,000,000 200,000
25,000,000 50,000,000 225,000
50,000,000 100,000,000 275,000
100,000,000 ‐ 350,000
(amounts in CHF)
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Three‐member arbitral tribunal
Amount in dispute
Arbitrator's fee from to
0 250,000 29,000
250,000 500,000 68,000
500,000 1,000,000 105,000
1,000,000 2,000,000 140,000
2,000,000 3,000,000 180,000
3,000,000 5,000,000 210,000
5,000,000 7,500,000 255,000
7,500,000 10,000,000 300,000
10,000,000 15,000,000 370,000
15,000,000 20,000,000 420,000
20,000,000 25,000,000 455,000
25,000,000 50,000,000 510,000
50,000,000 100,000,000 620,000
100,000,000 ‐ 850,000
(amounts in CHF)
D. TAXESANDDUTIESD.1 The parties are required to pay additionally any value added tax or other taxes and duties on the charges and fees referred to above. Collecting such taxes and duties from the parties shall be the responsibility of the person entitled to the charge or fee in question.
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III. MODELARBITRATIONCLAUSESForcontractualdisputes
Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or in relation to this contract, including the validity, invalidity, breach or termination thereof as well as non‐contractual claims, shall be resolved by arbitration in accordance with the Rules of Arbitration of the Liechtenstein Chamber of Commerce and Industry to the exclusion of the judicial authorities.
The number of arbitrators shall be ___ (one or three).
The seat of the arbitral tribunal shall be _____ (insert desired place of arbitration).
The arbitral proceedings shall be conducted in ______ (insert desired language).
Fortrusts
Any dispute, controversy or claim of any kind arising from or in relation to this trust – including the existence and scope of any beneficial interest, the designation of beneficiaries, the validity, invalidity, amendment or dissolution of the trust, the appeal of decisions, and supervisory measures – shall be resolved by arbitration in accordance with the Rules of Arbitration of the Liechtenstein Chamber of Commerce and Industry to the exclusion of the judicial authorities. In any event by accepting a beneficial interest, the beneficiary shall submit to this arbitration agreement. The trustee may call upon the beneficiary to confirm this by signature. Refusal of this confirmation shall be deemed a waiver of the beneficial interest.
The number of arbitrators shall be ___ (one or three).
The seat of the arbitral tribunal shall be _____ (insert desired place of arbitration).
The arbitral proceedings shall be conducted in ______ (insert desired language).
If a party is indigent, the trustee may in its discretion for the duration of the proceedings provisionally assume the costs of the proceedings, including advances on costs and reasonable representation of that party, at the expense of the trust, subject to a decision of the arbitral tribunal in the award on the final obligation to bear the costs.
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Forfoundations
Any dispute, controversy or claim arising between the foundation, its executive bodies, the founder or beneficiaries in relation to the foundation, its formation, activity or liquidation, including the existence or scope of a beneficial interest, the designation of beneficiaries, the validity, invalidity, amendment or dissolution of the foundation, appeal of decisions, and supervisory measures, shall be resolved by arbitration in accordance with the Rules of Arbitration of the Liechtenstein Chamber of Commerce and Industry to the exclusion of the judicial authorities. In any event by accepting a beneficial interest, the beneficiary shall submit to this arbitration agreement. The foundation may call upon the beneficiary to confirm this by signature. Refusal of this confirmation shall be deemed a waiver of the beneficial interest.
The number of arbitrators shall be ___ (one or three).
The seat of the arbitral tribunal shall be _____ (insert desired place of arbitration). On request, the arbitral tribunal may transfer the seat of the arbitral tribunal to the domicile of the foundation if this is necessary for the award to be valid for the foundation under company law.
The language of the arbitral tribunal shall be ______ (insert desired language).
If a party is indigent, the foundation may in its discretion for the duration of the proceedings provisionally assume the costs of the proceedings, including advances on costs and reasonable representation of that party, reserving the right to reclaim these costs after a decision of the arbitral tribunal on the final obligation to bear the costs.
Forcompanies
Any dispute, controversy or claim arising between the company, its executive bodies, its shareholders or partners in relation to the company, its formation, activity or liquidation, including the existence or scope of a shareholding or partnership, the validity, invalidity, amendment or dissolution of the company, appeal of decisions, and supervisory measures, shall be resolved by arbitration in accordance with the Rules of Arbitration of the Liechtenstein Chamber of Commerce and Industry to the exclusion of the judicial authorities. In any event by acquiring shares or partnership rights, the shareholder or partner shall submit to this arbitration agreement. On request, the arbitral tribunal may transfer the seat of
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the arbitral tribunal to the domicile of the company if this is necessary for the award to be valid for the company under company law.
The number of arbitrators shall be ___ (one or three).
The seat of the arbitral tribunal shall be _____ (insert desired place of arbitration).
The arbitral proceedings shall be conducted in ______ (insert desired language).
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APPENDIX1 RÈGLEMENTD’ARBITRAGEDULIECHTENSTEIN
I. RÈGLESD’ARBITRAGEA. DISPOSITIONSGÉNÉRALESCHAMPD’APPLICATIONChamp d’application
Article 1
1.1 Si des parties sont convenues que leurs litiges seront soumis à l’arbitrage conformément au présent Règlement d’arbitrage, ce Règlement est applicable aux procédures d’arbitrage nationales et internationales. Une désignation exacte du présent Règlement d’arbitrage dans la convention d’arbitrage n’est pas requise ; il suffit que la désignation employée permette de conclure avec une certitude suffisante que les parties ont voulu se référer au présent Règlement d’arbitrage et pas à un autre règlement.
1.2 Les parties peuvent prévoir des dispositions dérogatoires.
1.3 Les parties sont présumées s’être référées au Règlement d’arbitrage en vigueur à la date de l’ouverture de la procédure arbitrale (réception du mémoire en demande par la partie défenderesse qui a été la première à en recevoir notification), à moins qu’elles ne soient convenues d’appliquer une version différente du Règlement.
1.4 Dans le silence du présent Règlement d’arbitrage et sous réserve d’une disposition de la loi étatique applicable, le tribunal arbitral agit en tenant compte des intérêts légitimes des parties et en prenant dûment en considération la pratique arbitrale établie.
1.5 Le présent Règlement d’arbitrage est publié dans plusieurs langues par la
Chambre d’industrie et de commerce du Liechtenstein (CICL) respectivement par le Secrétariat de l’arbitrage. S'il existe une version du Règlement publié dans la langue utilisée par les parties à la procédure arbitrale, la procédure est régie par ladite version du Règlement; dans tous les autres cas, elle est régie par la version anglaise.
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Siège du tribunal arbitral
Article 2
2.1 Les parties peuvent fixer le siège au lieu de leur choix. Le présent Règlement d’arbitrage est aussi applicable dans le cas où le siège choisi par les parties est situé hors de la Principauté de Liechtenstein, toutefois sous réserve des dispositions légales impératives applicables dans le pays où se trouve le siège.
2.2 Sauf convention contraire des parties, le siège du tribunal arbitral est à Vaduz, dans la Principauté de Liechtenstein. Si les parties n’ont déterminé que le pays où se trouve le siège ou un territoire, la capitale de celui‐ci est réputée lieu de l’arbitrage.
2.3 Le tribunal arbitral peut tenir audience dans un lieu autre que le lieu de l’arbitrage, s’il le juge utile à la procédure.
Notification et calcul des délais
Article 3
3.1 Une communication est réputée être arrivée à destination si elle a été remise soit en mains propres au destinataire, soit à sa résidence habituelle, à son établissement ou à son adresse postale, soit encore – lorsqu'aucune de ces adresses n’a pu être déterminée après une enquête raisonnable – à la dernière résidence ou au dernier établissement connu du destinataire. Une notification est réputée être arrivée à destination le jour de sa remise effective au destinataire.
3.2 Aux fins du calcul d’un délai aux termes du présent Règlement d’arbitrage, ledit délai commence à courir le lendemain du jour où la communication est arrivée à destination. Si le dernier jour du délai est un jour férié ou un jour chômé au lieu de la résidence ou de l’établissement du destinataire, le délai est prorogé au premier jour ouvrable suivant. Demeurent réservées les injonctions particulières du tribunal arbitral.
3.3 Pour que le délai soit respecté, il suffit de transmettre le mémoire par télécopie, à condition de le remettre aussi, dans le délai imparti, à la poste étatique ou à un service de coursier agréé pour notification. Demeurent réservées les injonctions particulières du tribunal arbitral.
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Ouverture de la procédure arbitrale
Article 4
4.1 La procédure est introduite par un mémoire en demande que le demandeur communique par écrit au défendeur.
4.2 La procédure arbitrale est réputée commencer à la date à laquelle le mémoire en demande est reçu par le défendeur. Dans une procédure multipartite, la procédure arbitrale est réputée commencer à la première date à laquelle le mémoire en demande est reçu par un défendeur.
4.3 Le mémoire en demande doit être rédigé dans la langue de la procédure qui a été convenue entre les parties ou, à défaut de convention, au choix du demandeur, en anglais ou en allemand.
4.4 Le demandeur communique à chaque partie adverse un exemplaire du mémoire en demande.
4.5 Le mémoire en demande doit contenir les indications ci‐après:
(a) La demande tendant à ce que le litige soit soumis à l’arbitrage et, si disponible, une copie de la convention d’arbitrage;
(b) Les noms et coordonnées (adresses, numéros de téléphone et de fax) des autres parties adverses et de leurs représentants, pour autant qu’ils soient connus;
(c) Les motifs de la demande et un exposé complet des moyens et arguments invoqués à l’appui de la demande;
(d) Une proposition quant au nombre d’arbitres (c’est‐à‐dire un ou trois arbitres) et à la langue de l’arbitrage, à défaut d’accord sur ces points conclu précédemment entre les parties;
(e) S’il est proposé ou a été convenu de nommer trois arbitres, le nom et les coordonnées de l’arbitre à désigner par le demandeur.
4.6 Le mémoire en demande peut aussi contenir les indications suivantes:
(a) Les propositions du demandeur pour la nomination d’un arbitre unique telle que prévue à l’article 8;
(b) Des requêtes procédurales sur lesquelles statuera le tribunal arbitral une fois nommé.
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4.7 Si le mémoire en demande ne satisfait pas à ces exigences, le tribunal arbitral peut, à la demande du défendeur, inviter le demandeur à corriger le manquement dans un délai approprié. Si le demandeur se conforme à ces directives dans le délai applicable, la demande est réputée déposée à la date où la version initiale a été remise. À défaut, il est mis fin à la procédure.
Article 5
5.1 Dans les trente jours suivant la réception du mémoire en demande, le défendeur communique son mémoire en réponse au demandeur. Le défendeur communique également son mémoire en réponse à toute autre partie.
5.2 Le mémoire en réponse doit contenir, dans la mesure du possible, les indications suivantes:
(a) Les noms et coordonnées (adresses, numéros de téléphone et de fax) du défendeur et de son représentant (si ceux‐ci ne sont pas identiques à ceux mentionnés dans le mémoire en demande);
(b) Toute exception d’incompétence d’un tribunal arbitral devant être constitué en vertu du présent Règlement d’arbitrage;
(c) Une prise de position complète du défendeur sur les motifs de la demande et sur les arguments invoqués à son appui, respectivement une prise de position partielle assortie d’une requête motivée tendant à ce que le tribunal arbitral procède à une limitation provisoire de l’objet du litige;
(d) Une proposition du défendeur quant au nombre d’arbitres (un ou trois) et à la langue de l’arbitrage, à défaut d’accord sur ces points conclu précédemment entre les parties;
(e) Les propositions du défendeur pour la nomination d’un arbitre unique telle que prévue à l’article 8, respectivement la désignation par le défendeur d’un arbitre pour constituer un tribunal arbitral de trois membres tel que prévu à l’article 9.
5.3 Toute demande reconventionnelle et tout moyen de compensation sont en principe soulevés dans le mémoire en réponse. Les dispositions de l’article 4.5 s’appliquent par analogie.
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5.4 Dans les trente jours suivant la réception de la demande reconventionnelle, le demandeur communique sa réponse sur demande reconventionnelle au défendeur. Les dispositions des articles 5.1 et 5.2 s’appliquent par analogie.
B. COMPOSITIONDUTRIBUNALARBITRALCONDITIOND’ÉLIGIBILITÉ
Condition d’éligibilité
Article 6
6.1 Sauf disposition contraire de la convention d’arbitrage ou si toutes les parties ou le commissaire y consentent, seules sont éligibles en qualité d'arbitre des personnes soumises à une obligation légale de discrétion comportant au moins le caractère répréhensible de la violation de ce devoir de discrétion et le droit de refuser de témoigner en matière civile (notamment les avocats, auditeurs, conseils en brevets et fiduciaires professionnels soumis au droit liechtensteinois). Un caractère répréhensible de nature exclusivement disciplinaire ne suffit que si la sanction pénale est, dans son ensemble, au moins équivalente à la sanction pénale prévue par la loi liechtensteinoise pour les avocats. Un arbitre nommé doit attester par écrit qu’il remplit cette condition d’éligibilité en indiquant les dispositions légales correspondantes. En cas de contestation, le commissaire statue définitivement. La procédure est régie par l’article 11.
6.2 Le secrétariat publie une liste des pays et professions qui remplissent en tout cas les conditions du présent article.
Nombre d’arbitres
Article 7
7.1 Si la convention d’arbitrage ne règle pas le nombre d’arbitres et si les parties ne se sont pas mises d’accord sur ce point, l’affaire est soumise à un tribunal arbitral de trois membres, lorsque l’action porte sur le paiement d’une somme d’argent égale ou supérieure à CHF 1'000'000 (ou contre‐valeur), compte tenu de toute demande reconventionnelle et de tout moyen de compensation visés à l’article 5.3. Lorsque l’action porte sur le paiement d’une somme d’argent inférieure à CHF 1'000'000, l’affaire est soumise à un arbitre unique.
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7.2 Lorsque l’action ne porte pas sur le paiement d’une somme d’argent, la valeur litigieuse est déterminée par le demandeur. En cas de contestation par le défendeur d’une somme d’argent déterminée conformément à l’article 7.2 et si la question de savoir si la valeur litigieuse est inférieure à CHF 1'000'000 est litigieuse, l’affaire est soumise à un tribunal arbitral de trois membres.
7.3 L’évaluation se fait à la date à laquelle la demande correspondante a été notifiée à la partie adverse, en cas de pluralité de parties adverses à la date de la première notification faite à l’une d’elles.
7.4 Si la convention d’arbitrage prévoit un nombre pair d’arbitres, le commissaire nomme, à la demande d’un arbitre, un arbitre‐président avec voix prépondérante. Cette demande peut être présentée à tout stade de la procédure. Le tribunal arbitral décide lui‐même si et dans quelle mesure les actes antérieurs à la nomination de l’arbitre‐président sont réitérés.
Nomination d’un arbitre unique
Article 8
8.1 Lorsque deux ou plusieurs parties ont convenu que le litige serait soumis à un arbitre unique, sous réserve d’une convention contraire, elles désignent ensemble l’arbitre unique dans les vingt et un jours suivant la réception du mémoire en réponse. Cela vaut également pour le cas où il découle de l’article 7 que le litige est soumis à un arbitre unique. Le délai commence à courir même si un ou plusieurs défendeurs n’ont pas présenté le mémoire en réponse dans le délai fixé.
8.2 Si les parties ne se sont pas entendues sur la nomination de l’arbitre unique, un arbitre unique est nommé par le commissaire, à la demande d’une partie.
Nomination d’un tribunal arbitral de trois membres
Article 9
9.1 Lorsqu’un litige entre deux parties opposées est soumis à un tribunal arbitral de trois membres, chaque partie désigne un arbitre. Les deux arbitres ainsi nommés choisissent dans les vingt et un jours le troisième qui exerce les fonctions d’arbitre‐président du tribunal arbitral. À défaut de nomination ou d’accord,
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l’arbitre‐président est nommé par le commissaire, à la demande d’une partie. Une disposition contraire de la convention d’arbitrage demeure réservée.
9.2 Si, dans le délai prévu dans la convention d’arbitrage ou, à défaut, dans un délai de vingt et un jours à compter de la date applicable (mémoire en demande ; mémoire en réponse), une partie n’a pas désigné son arbitre, l’arbitre est nommé par le commissaire, à la demande d’une partie. La partie défaillante peut encore choisir un arbitre jusqu’à ce que le commissaire décide, mais, dès sa constitution, le tribunal arbitral mettra à la charge de la partie défaillante, à la demande d’une autre partie, tous les frais résultant du défaut (sentence partielle).
9.3 Si les parties n’ont pas convenu d’une procédure de constitution du tribunal arbitral dans une procédure multipartite, en cas de pluralité de demandeurs, ceux‐ci nomment conjointement un arbitre dans le mémoire en demande. En cas de pluralité de défendeurs, ceux‐ci disposent d’un délai de trente jours à compter de la notification du mémoire en demande faite au dernier défendeur afin de nommer conjointement un arbitre. Si les parties ou groupes de parties ont chacun désigné un arbitre, les dispositions de l’article 9.1 relatives à la nomination de l’arbitre‐président s’appliquent par analogie.
9.4 Si, dans une procédure multipartite, les demandeurs ou les défendeurs ont choisi un arbitre, tandis que les parties adverses ne se sont pas entendues sur la personne de l’arbitre, le droit de nommer les deux arbitres passe au commissaire. Celui‐ci choisit les deux arbitres en tenant compte au mieux des intérêts des parties. Le commissaire peut aussi désigner un des arbitres qui a été choisi par un ou plusieurs demandeurs ou défendeurs ou qui a été proposé par des demandeurs ou défendeurs.
Indépendance et récusation d’arbitres
Article 10
10.1 Tous les arbitres siégeant sous les auspices du présent Règlement d’arbitrage doivent être et demeurer en tout temps impartiaux et indépendants des parties.
10.2 Lorsqu’une personne est pressentie pour être nommée en qualité d’arbitre, elle signale par écrit toutes les circonstances de nature à soulever des doutes légitimes sur son impartialité ou son indépendance. Il incombe à la partie qui nomme l’arbitre de mettre à la disposition de la personne pressentie pour être
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nommée en cette qualité toutes les informations requises sur les parties et l’objet du litige. À partir de sa nomination, un arbitre signale sans tarder lesdites circonstances aux parties et aux autres arbitres, s’il ne l’a déjà fait. Lors de sa nomination, chaque arbitre déclare par écrit être indépendant et impartial. De même, il déclare se soumettre, en qualité d’arbitre, au présent Règlement d’arbitrage, notamment aux dispositions relatives à la confidentialité.
Article 11
11.1 Tout arbitre peut être récusé s’il existe des circonstances de nature à soulever des doutes légitimes sur son impartialité ou son indépendance. Une partie qui souhaite récuser un arbitre notifie sa décision à l’arbitre concerné dans les quinze jours suivant la date à laquelle la nomination de cet arbitre lui a été notifiée ou dans les quinze jours suivant la date à laquelle elle a eu connaissance des circonstances déterminantes. La notification de la récusation expose les motifs de la récusation.
11.2 Une partie ne peut récuser l’arbitre qu’elle a nommé que pour une cause dont elle a eu connaissance après cette nomination.
11.3 Dans les quinze jours suivant la date à laquelle la demande de récusation lui a été notifiée, l’arbitre récusé renonce à sa nomination ou communique par écrit à toutes les parties et aux autres arbitres sa décision de ne pas y renoncer. Il joint à cette communication une copie de la demande de récusation si les autres parties n’en ont pas encore reçu. Si l’arbitre récusé ne se retire pas, la partie récusante peut, dans les sept jours suivant la réception de la communication correspondante, respectivement après l’expiration infructueuse du délai, prier le commissaire de prendre une décision sur la récusation. Le commissaire statue sur la demande de récusation dans les trente jours suivant sa réception.
Article 12
Si un arbitre n’exerce pas ses fonctions malgré un avertissement écrit des autres arbitres ou d’une partie lui impartissant un délai approprié, le commissaire peut, à la demande d’une partie ou d’un arbitre, révoquer cet arbitre qui aura la possibilité d’exposer sa position. La décision est définitive.
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Remplacement d’un arbitre
Article 13
Si un arbitre désigné par une partie décède ou devient incapable d’exercer ses fonctions pour une raison qu’il ne contrôle pas, la partie qui a désigné cet arbitre désigne un arbitre de remplacement dans les vingt et un jours suivant la date où elle a eu une connaissance certaine de cette circonstance. Si la partie ne remplit pas cette obligation malgré un avertissement d’une partie adverse ou d’un arbitre lui accordant un délai supplémentaire de quatorze jours, le commissaire nomme un arbitre de remplacement, à la demande d’une partie ou d’un arbitre. Cette règle s’applique aussi si un arbitre a été récusé avec succès, a été destitué d’une autre façon ou a démissionné ou si plusieurs parties ont désigné cet arbitre, mais ne se sont pas entendues sur le choix de son successeur.
Article 14
En cas de remplacement d’un arbitre, la procédure reprend en règle générale au stade où l’arbitre remplacé a cessé d’exercer ses fonctions, sauf si le tribunal arbitral en décide autrement.
C. PROCÉDUREARBITRALEDispositions générales
Article 15
15.1 Sous réserve des dispositions du présent Règlement d’arbitrage, de la clause compromissoire ou du contrat d’arbitrage et des conventions entre les parties, le tribunal arbitral peut conduire la procédure comme il le juge approprié, pourvu qu’il assure l’égalité de traitement des parties et leur droit d’être entendu. Le tribunal arbitral, dans l’exercice de son pouvoir d’appréciation, conduit la procédure de manière à éviter les retards et les dépenses inutiles et à assurer un règlement équitable et efficace du litige entre les parties. Les parties ont l’obligation de collaborer, selon le principe de la bonne foi.
15.2 Au début de la procédure et après consultation des parties, le tribunal arbitral prépare un calendrier prévisionnel de l’arbitrage jusqu’à la notification de la sentence.
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15.3 Après consultation des parties, le tribunal arbitral fixe la langue de la procédure, sauf si celle‐ci a été convenue entre les parties.
15.4 À moins qu’il n’en ait été convenu autrement ou que le tribunal arbitral n’en ait décidé autrement, il y a au moins un échange d’écritures, à savoir du mémoire en demande, du mémoire en réponse et, le cas échéant, de la réponse à la demande reconventionnelle. Le tribunal arbitral décide de la recevabilité d’autres mémoires et fixe les délais. Le tribunal arbitral le fait dans le respect du droit d’être entendu des parties.
15.5 Le tribunal arbitral décide de la recevabilité des conclusions nouvelles ou modifiées formulées après le dépôt du mémoire en demande, respectivement du mémoire en réponse en tenant compte de l’étroitesse du lien intrinsèque, des intérêts des parties et des répercussions sur le déroulement de la procédure.
Compétence du tribunal arbitral
Article 16
16.1 L’exception d’incompétence du tribunal arbitral est soulevée au plus tard dans le mémoire en réponse ou, en cas de demande reconventionnelle, d'une exception de compensation ou de modification des conclusions (conformément à l’article 15.5) ou des fondements juridiques, dans la première prise de position y relative. Le tribunal arbitral peut, dans le cas d’espèce, déclarer recevable une exception soulevée après le délai prévu, s’il estime que le retard est excusable. Sous réserve de la recevabilité – déclarée par le tribunal arbitral – d’une exception d’incompétence soulevée après le délai prévu, le consentement au règlement de l’affaire par le tribunal arbitral est réputé donné, si une exception d’incompétence n’a pas été soulevée dans le délai prévu.
16.2 Le tribunal arbitral peut statuer sur les exceptions prises de son incompétence, y compris toute exception relative à l’existence ou à la validité de la convention d’arbitrage, par une décision incidente ou dans la décision sur le fond. Le tribunal arbitral peut à discrétion poursuivre la procédure arbitrale et rendre une sentence, nonobstant toute action pendante devant une juridiction étatique visant à contester sa compétence.
16.3 Le tribunal arbitral est en principe compétent pour connaître d’une exception de compensation. Il peut refuser de connaître d’une exception de compensation si la créance invoquée en compensation ne relève pas, en tant que
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telle, de la compétence du tribunal arbitral et si l’appréciation de celle‐ci retarde ou entrave la procédure au point de porter gravement atteinte aux intérêts légitimes de la partie adverse ou si d’autres intérêts légitimes de la partie adverse l’exigent.
16.4 Le tribunal arbitral n’est compétent pour connaître d’une demande reconventionnelle que si celle‐ci est soumise à la même convention d’arbitrage entre les parties.
Mesures provisoires ou conservatoires
Article 17
17.1 À la demande d’une partie, le tribunal arbitral peut prendre toutes mesures provisoires ou conservatoires qu’il juge nécessaires ou appropriées.
17.2 Ces mesures provisoires ou conservatoires peuvent être prises sous la forme d’une sentence provisoire. Le tribunal arbitral peut et doit exiger la constitution d’une garantie appropriée et adapter celle‐ci, si nécessaire.
17.3 Une fois le tribunal arbitral constitué, sauf convention contraire des parties, aucune des parties ne peut adresser une demande de mesures provisoires ou provisionnelles à une juridiction étatique sans l’autorisation du tribunal arbitral. Dans le cas d’un tribunal arbitral de trois membres, l’arbitre‐président décide seul d’autoriser une partie à adresser une demande de mesures provisionnelles à une juridiction étatique. La décision de consulter ou non au préalable la partie adverse est laissée à son appréciation. Une décision faisant droit n’a pas à être motivée. Elle n’est pas notifiée aux parties adverses ou autres parties à l’arbitrage avant que la juridiction étatique ne statue.
17.4 Si une partie transgresse ce principe, le tribunal arbitral peut, à la demande d’une partie adverse, prendre les mesures appropriées pour y remédier. Par ailleurs, cette transgression peut constituer une violation des dispositions relatives à la confidentialité et les parties adverses peuvent demander les dommages et intérêts et le paiement visés à l’article 29.7.
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Administration des preuves
Article 18
18.1 Le tribunal arbitral décide de façon autonome de l’administration des preuves. Une partie n’a pas droit à la tenue de débats oraux, sauf si la loi le prévoit impérativement.
18.2 La production de documents par la partie adverse est en principe régie par les §§ 303 et suivants du code de procédure civile du Liechtenstein. Le tribunal arbitral ordonne, à la demande de la partie qui produit les documents et moyens de preuve, que ceux‐ci ne soient pas remis à la partie adverse, mais uniquement mis à sa disposition au siège du tribunal arbitral ou à un autre lieu approprié, si la partie qui en fait la demande justifie d’un intérêt à la confidentialité des documents. En outre, il prend toutes les mesures appropriées pour sauvegarder les intérêts légitimes des parties et des tiers à ce que le secret soit gardé. Il peut notamment charger un expert soumis au secret professionnel d’examiner des documents et de faire rapport sur leur contenu essentiel au tribunal arbitral, sans que le tribunal arbitral ou la partie adverse ne puisse consulter ces documents.
18.3 Le fait pour une partie de ne pas produire des documents, qui ne font pas l’objet d’une obligation de production en vertu des §§ 303 et suivants du code de procédure civile du Liechtenstein ou en vertu du droit matériel applicable à cette question, ne doit pas porter préjudice à cette partie.
18.4 Le fait qu’une personne ayant le droit de refuser de témoigner ne soit pas déliée du secret par une partie ne doit pas porter préjudice à cette partie.
18.5 Toute personne peut être témoin, même si elle est partie. Les parties sont en principe elles‐mêmes responsables de la comparution de leurs témoins. Si un témoin ne comparaît pas ou refuse de participer, le tribunal arbitral décide selon sa libre appréciation, à la demande d’une partie, soit de fixer la date d’une nouvelle audience, soit de faire entendre le témoin par un juge, soit de renoncer au témoignage. Il prend sa décision en tenant compte en particulier des intérêts des parties. Exceptionnellement et pour autant que cela soit approprié, des témoins peuvent aussi être interrogés par visioconférence ou par téléphone.
18.6 Après consultation des parties, le tribunal arbitral peut nommer un ou plusieurs experts. Les parties fournissent à l’expert tous renseignements appropriés et soumettent à son inspection toutes pièces ou toutes choses pertinentes. L’expert est tenu au strict secret et ne doit pas révéler aux tiers les faits dont il a eu
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connaissance dans le cadre de la procédure arbitrale ou en sa qualité d’expert. Après avoir terminé sa mission, l’expert restitue toutes les pièces et choses et détruit toutes les copies.
18.7 Le tribunal arbitral apprécie librement les preuves.
Défaut
Article 19
19.1 Si, dans le délai fixé par l’article 5.1, le défendeur n’a pas communiqué son mémoire en réponse et n’a pu invoquer un empêchement légitime, le tribunal arbitral ordonne la poursuite de la procédure, sans considérer ce défaut en soi comme une acceptation des allégations de faits du demandeur. Les dispositions du présent alinéa s’appliquent également lorsque le demandeur n’a pas présenté de réponse à une demande reconventionnelle.
19.2 Le tribunal arbitral peut, à la demande d’une partie, mettre immédiatement les frais supplémentaires en rapport avec les allégations présentées après le délai prévu et retardant la procédure à la charge de la partie qui est responsable de ce retard (sentence partielle).
19.3 Si une partie, régulièrement convoquée conformément au présent Règlement d’arbitrage, ne comparaît pas à une audience sans invoquer d’empêchement légitime, le tribunal arbitral peut poursuivre l’arbitrage.
19.4 Si une partie, régulièrement invitée par le tribunal arbitral à produire des documents ou d’autres moyens de preuve qu’elle est obligée de produire, ne les présente pas dans les délais fixés sans invoquer d’empêchement légitime, le tribunal arbitral peut statuer sur la base des éléments de preuve dont il dispose.
Clôture des débats
Article 20
20.1 Après la fin de la procédure probatoire, le tribunal arbitral peut déclarer la clôture des débats. Les parties n’ont plus la possibilité de présenter d’autres allégations.
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20.2 Le tribunal arbitral peut, s’il l’estime nécessaire en raison de circonstances exceptionnelles, ordonner, de sa propre initiative ou à la demande d’une partie, la réouverture des débats à tout moment avant le prononcé de la sentence.
Renonciation au droit de faire objection
Article 21
Une partie qui, bien qu’elle sache ou doive savoir que l’une des dispositions ou des conditions énoncées dans le présent Règlement d’arbitrage, dans le droit de procédure applicable au siège du tribunal arbitral ou dans la convention d’arbitrage ou bien une ordonnance du tribunal arbitral, n’a pas été respectée, et qui poursuit néanmoins l’arbitrage sans formuler, dans un délai raisonnable ou prévu à cet effet, d’objection au non‐respect est réputée avoir approuvé ce non‐respect et renoncé à son droit de faire objection.
D. SENTENCEARBITRALEDécisions
Article 22
22.1 En cas de pluralité d’arbitres, toute sentence ou autre décision du tribunal arbitral est rendue à la majorité. En cas de partage des voix, la voix de l’arbitre‐président est prépondérante. Aucun arbitre ne peut s’abstenir de voter.
22.2 En ce qui concerne les questions de procédure, lorsque les parties ou le tribunal arbitral l’autorisent, l’arbitre‐président peut décider seul, sous réserve d’une éventuelle révision par le tribunal arbitral. En ce qui concerne la fixation et la prolongation de délais, l’arbitre‐président peut décider seul, sous réserve d’une réglementation contraire des parties ou du tribunal arbitral.
Forme et effet de la sentence
Article 23
23.1 Le tribunal arbitral peut rendre non seulement des sentences définitives, mais également des sentences provisoires, incidentes ou partielles.
23.2 La sentence est rendue par écrit et communiquée aux parties. Elle est définitive et s’impose aux parties. Les parties s’engagent à exécuter sans délai la
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sentence. Les parties renoncent à tout recours devant une juridiction étatique, pour autant que la loi autorise une telle renonciation.
23.3 Le tribunal arbitral motive sa sentence, à moins que les parties ne soient convenues que tel ne doit pas être le cas.
23.4 La sentence est signée par les arbitres, porte mention de la date à laquelle elle a été rendue et indique le lieu de l’arbitrage. En cas de pluralité d’arbitres et lorsque la signature de l’un ou de plusieurs d’eux manque, le motif de cette (ces) absence(s) de signature est mentionné dans la sentence.
23.5 La rectification, l’interprétation et le complément de la sentence sont régis par le § 627 du code de procédure civile du Liechtenstein.
Loi applicable
Article 24
24.1 Le tribunal arbitral statue selon les règles de droit choisies par les parties ou, à défaut de choix, selon les règles de droit avec lesquelles la cause présente les liens les plus étroits.
24.2 Le tribunal arbitral ne statue en qualité d’amiable compositeur ou ex aequo et bono que s’il y a été expressément autorisé par les parties.
24.3 Dans tous les cas, le tribunal arbitral statue conformément aux stipulations des contrats, des trust settlements ou des statuts applicables et tient compte de tout usage du commerce applicable à l’opération.
E. FRAISFIXATIONDESFRAISArticle 25
25.1 Le tribunal arbitral fixe les frais d’arbitrage dans sa sentence. Les « frais » comprennent uniquement:
(a) Les honoraires des membres du tribunal arbitral, indiqués séparément pour chaque arbitre et fixés par le tribunal arbitral lui‐même conformément à l’annexe A ainsi que les honoraires raisonnables des experts nommés par le tribunal arbitral;
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(b) Les frais de déplacement et autres dépenses raisonnables des arbitres, des experts, ainsi que des témoins, dans la mesure où les dépenses de ceux‐ci ont été approuvées par le tribunal arbitral;
(c) Les frais de représentation et d’assistance juridique ainsi que les frais d’experts et de témoins exposés par les parties, si le remboursement de ces frais a été demandé au cours de la procédure arbitrale, dans la mesure où le tribunal arbitral en juge le montant raisonnable;
(d) Les frais d’obtention et de sauvegarde des preuves;
(e) Le cas échéant, les frais relatifs à l’administration de l’arbitrage payables à la CICL, respectivement à un commissaire conformément à l’annexe A (barème des frais d’arbitrage).
25.2 Le cas échéant, le tribunal arbitral ne peut percevoir d’honoraires supplémentaires pour interpréter, rectifier ou compléter sa sentence.
Article 26
26.1 Les honoraires des membres du tribunal arbitral sont déterminés conformément à l’annexe A (barème des frais d’arbitrage).
26.2 Le tribunal arbitral décide de la répartition des honoraires parmi ses membres. En règle générale, l’arbitre‐président reçoit entre 40% et 50% et chaque coarbitre entre 25% et 30% des honoraires totaux, au vu du temps passé et des efforts fournis par chaque arbitre.
26.3 Si, dans le cas concret, une partie ou un arbitre considère comme manifestement inappropriée la fixation des honoraires et dépenses conformément à l’article 25.1 lettres a et b, si une partie considère comme manifestement excessive la valeur litigieuse déterminante pour la fixation des honoraires des arbitres, fixée par le tribunal arbitral, ou si les arbitres ne se sont pas entendus sur la répartition des honoraires (article 26.2), la partie ou chaque arbitre peut demander au commissaire de fixer le montant des honoraires. Une telle demande ne fait pas obstacle à la poursuite de la procédure ni à l’exécution des autres décisions du tribunal arbitral, respectivement des autres parties du dispositif de la sentence.
26.4 Le commissaire, saisi d’une demande visée à l’art. 26.3, ne déroge au barème des frais d’arbitrage figurant à l’annexe A que si, dans le cas d’espèce, compte tenu de la complexité de l’affaire, du temps que les arbitres lui ont consacré
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raisonnablement et de toutes autres circonstances pertinentes, celui‐ci est manifestement inapproprié. La décision du commissaire vaut sentence tranchant la question des honoraires des arbitres.
Article 27
27.1 Les frais d’arbitrage sont en principe à la charge de la partie qui succombe, dans la mesure où celle‐ci succombe. Toutefois, le tribunal arbitral peut, eu égard aux circonstances de l’espèce, prévoir une répartition différente des frais, dans la mesure où il le juge approprié et juste.
Consignation du montant des frais
Article 28
28.1 Dès qu’il est constitué, le tribunal arbitral peut demander aux parties de consigner une même somme à titre d’avance à valoir sur les frais visés à l’article 25. 1, lettres a, b et d, sauf convention contraire relative à la répartition des frais conclue entre les parties. Il consulte les parties avant de fixer la valeur litigieuse déterminante, si celle‐ci ne résulte pas des conclusions chiffrées des parties.
28.2 Si les sommes dont la consignation est demandée conformément à l’article 28.1 ne sont pas versées par une partie dans les trente jours suivant la réception de la demande, l’autre partie est libre d’effectuer le versement demandé. Si ce versement n’est pas effectué, le tribunal arbitral peut ordonner la suspension ou la clôture de la procédure arbitrale. Le tribunal arbitral peut refuser l’administration de preuves qui n’ont été offertes que par la partie défaillante et occasionnant des frais. En outre, à la demande de la partie qui effectue le versement pour une autre partie défaillante, le tribunal arbitral lui accorde les mesures provisoires appropriées pour garantir son droit au remboursement envers la partie défaillante.
28.3 À la demande du défendeur, le demandeur fournit une caution judicatum solvi appropriée, sauf stipulation contraire des parties. Le tribunal arbitral décide de l’admission de la caution quant à son fondement et à son montant.
28.4 Lorsqu’un défendeur soumet une demande reconventionnelle, ou si cela apparaît d’une autre manière indiqué au vu des circonstances, le tribunal arbitral peut à sa discrétion établir des dépôts séparés.
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28.5 Au cours de la procédure arbitrale, le tribunal arbitral peut demander aux parties de consigner des sommes supplémentaires.
28.6 Si une partie fait valoir et démontre de manière suffisante qu’elle n’a pas suffisamment de ressources pour mener le procès, le tribunal arbitral invite les autres parties à effectuer, dans un délai approprié, un versement à concurrence de la somme demandée à titre d’avance à la partie indigente ou à concurrence de la part non couverte par les ressources. Si ce paiement n’est pas effectué, le tribunal arbitral peut clôturer la procédure, sans décision au fond, en faisant référence à la partie indigente. Cependant, le tribunal arbitral peut exiger d’une partie qui n’a pas suffisamment de ressources le versement ou la garantie des sommes qu’elle est capable de fournir.
28.7 Dans sa sentence définitive, le tribunal arbitral rend compte aux parties de l’utilisation des sommes reçues en dépôt. Tout solde non dépensé est restitué aux parties.
F. CONFIDENTIALITÉArticle 29
29.1 Sauf convention expresse contraire et écrite des parties, les parties, leurs représentants, les experts, les arbitres, le commissaire, le secrétariat ainsi que leurs auxiliaires sont en règle générale tenus de maintenir la confidentialité de toutes sentences et ordonnances, de même que de tous documents soumis ou faits révélés par un autre participant dans le cadre de la procédure arbitrale, qui ne peuvent pas être obtenus en vertu d’un autre droit, sauf et dans la mesure où une divulgation par une partie est indispensable, pour s’acquitter d’une obligation légale, afin de préserver ou faire valoir un droit ou pour exécuter ou recourir contre une sentence.
29.2 Les délibérations du tribunal arbitral sont confidentielles. Les parties reconnaissent cette confidentialité et s’engagent à protéger celle‐ci.
29.3 Le tribunal arbitral prend éventuellement les mesures supplémentaires qui s’imposent pour sauvegarder l’intérêt d’une partie à garder le secret. Il peut notamment obliger les parties à maintenir la stricte confidentialité des faits dont elles ont eu connaissance en leur qualité et définir limitativement le cercle des personnes qui ont droit à connaître les faits ainsi que, dans des cas particuliers, charger un expert soumis au secret d’examiner des documents, sans que les autres parties ne puissent consulter ces documents.
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29.4 Les parties, leurs représentants, les experts, les arbitres et le commissaire prennent les mesures organisationnelles appropriées pour maintenir la confidentialité de la procédure arbitrale. À la demande d’une partie, le tribunal arbitral peut décider de ne pas admettre une communication par courrier électronique ou d’exiger un cryptage approprié pour protéger celle‐ci. Les documents doivent être conservés à tout moment avec soin de façon à éviter que des tiers ne prennent connaissance de leur existence et de leur contenu.
29.5 Pour autant qu’une personne ait la possibilité de refuser de témoigner sur la procédure arbitrale et les informations confidentielles dont elle a eu connaissance dans le cadre de cette procédure, elle fait usage de cette possibilité. Les parties s’engagent à ne pas présenter les personnes tenues de maintenir la confidentialité visées à l’article 29.1 comme témoins dans une procédure judiciaire ou une autre procédure en rapport avec la procédure arbitrale afin de déposer sur les informations confidentielles.
29.6 Le devoir de confidentialité subsiste après la fin de la procédure arbitrale.
29.7 Si une partie, son représentant, un expert, un arbitre, un commissaire ou un de leurs auxiliaires manque à son devoir de confidentialité visé à l’article 29.1, elle/il doit payer une peine conventionnelle d’un montant de CHF 50'000 aux parties lésées, sauf convention contraire des parties. Les parties sont aussi responsables du comportement de leurs représentants. La responsabilité pour des auxiliaires est régie par la loi. Si plusieurs personnes violent le secret, cellesci sont tenues solidairement. Une réduction de la peine conventionnelle par une juridiction étatique ou un tribunal arbitral est possible, s’il n’y a pas eu faute grave, si un dommage matériel ou moral est exclu et si aucun fait confidentiel n’a été rendu public. D’autres prétentions en matière de dommages et intérêts en cas de violation volontaire demeurent réservées.
29.8 En ce qui concerne les prétentions en matière de peine conventionnelle ou de dommages et intérêts visés à l’article 29.7, est réputée convenue la soumission à un tribunal arbitral selon les présentes dispositions. Lorsque la violation concerne une partie, la partie ayant droit peut, jusqu’à la clôture de la procédure, adresser la demande au tribunal arbitral qui a été compétent pour la procédure initiale. Dans les autres cas, la partie ayant droit a le choix d’engager une nouvelle procédure au lieu choisi dans la convention d’arbitrage initiale ou au siège ou au domicile du défendeur dans la nouvelle procédure.
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G. EXCLUSIONDERESPONSABILITÉArticle 30
La CICL ou ses employés, les arbitres, le commissaire, le secrétariat, les experts nommés par le tribunal arbitral ou, le cas échéant, le secrétaire du tribunal arbitral ne sont pas responsables des actes ou omissions en rapport avec un arbitrage mené sur la base du présent Règlement d’arbitrage, à moins qu’une telle responsabilité ne soit impérativement prévue par la loi. L’article 29.7 demeure réservé.
H. SECRÉTARIATETCOMMISSAIREArticle 31
31.1 La CICL nomme un secrétaire de l’arbitrage (le « secrétaire ») et deux adjoints, qui forment ensemble le secrétariat. La CICL choisit des personnes indépendantes, qui connaissent la loi ou sont autrement qualifiées, de préférence, des personnes autres que des représentants professionnels de parties (avocats, fiduciaires, conseils en brevets, conseillers fiscaux, etc.).
31.2 Le secrétariat se dote d'un règlement intérieur et publie ses coordonnées sous une forme appropriée.
31.3 La demande de nomination d’un commissaire doit être déposée directement au secrétariat.
31.4 Les décisions du secrétariat sont définitives et n’ont pas à être motivées.
Article 32
32.1 Sur demande, le secrétariat nomme un commissaire indépendant pour une procédure arbitrale déterminée. La nomination vaut pour toute la procédure arbitrale. La demande mentionne uniquement les parties, leurs représentants, les tiers directement concernés (notamment les sociétés, fondations, trusts, etc.), le cas échéant, et les arbitres, s’ils ont déjà été nommés. Si plusieurs procédures arbitrales ont été engagées entre les parties, des précisions sont nécessaires pour désigner clairement la procédure arbitrale visée.
32.2 Les articles 6 et 10 s’appliquent par analogie au commissaire. En application par analogie de l’article 11 ou pour d’autres motifs valables, un commissaire peut être récusé et révoqué par le secrétariat.
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32.3 S’il est prévu un délai pour la saisine du commissaire et s’il n’a pas été désigné de commissaire, la demande visée à l’article 32.1 doit être faite dans ledit délai.
32.4 S’il est prévu un délai pour la décision du commissaire, le délai ne commence en aucun cas à courir avant la nomination du commissaire.
32.5 Le commissaire prend de façon autonome les décisions relevant de la compétence du commissaire conformément au présent Règlement d’arbitrage. Les décisions du commissaire sont définitives et ne peuvent faire l’objet d’aucun recours. Le commissaire tranche de façon autonome les questions préalables qui pourraient se poser, à titre d’exemple, celle de savoir si une partie soi‐disant défaillante est effectivement défaillante. Le tribunal arbitral n’est pas lié par l’appréciation du commissaire quant aux questions préalables.
32.6 Les parties et les arbitres, qui adressent des demandes au commissaire, présentent l’exposé nécessaire des moyens et communiquent une copie au commissaire et à chacun des autres parties et arbitres. Le commissaire accorde le droit d’être entendu à toutes les parties, pour autant que leurs droits puissent être concernés.
32.7 À part cela, le commissaire n’intervient pas dans la procédure arbitrale. L’arbitreprésident se contente d’informer le commissaire et le secrétariat par écrit de la fin de la procédure. S’il n’a pas été désigné de commissaire, il n’est pas nécessaire d’informer le secrétariat.
32.8 La CICL n’est pas responsable des décisions, actes ou omissions du tribunal arbitral, du commissaire ou du secrétariat. Le secrétariat n’est pas responsable des décisions, actes ou omissions du tribunal arbitral ou du commissaire. Le commissaire n’est pas responsable des décisions, actes ou omissions du secrétariat ou du tribunal arbitral.
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APPENDIX2 LIECHTENSTEINARBITRATIONACT(SCHVR)1Appendix 2 is published with the kind permission of the Dr. Heinz Josef Stotter and Ritter Verlagsanstalt, Meierhofstrasse 110, 9495 Triesen, Liechtenstein.
(§§ 594 to 635 of the Liechtenstein Code of Civil Procedure, ZPO, LGBl 2010 No 182)
The relevant arbitration provisions of the Liechtenstein Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) are given in this chapter in English. The provisions largely correspond to § 577 to 618 of the Austrian Code of Civil Procedure. Where provisions differ, the text has been underlined in order to capture the differences rapidly. The different numbering of the individual sections and thus also the references were not marked.
EIGHTHCHAPTER
ARBITRATIONPROCEDURE
FirstTitle GeneralProvisions
§594 ScopeofApplication
(1) The provisions of this Chapter shall apply if the seat of the arbitral tribunal is within Liechtenstein.
(2) §§ 595, 597, 600, 601, 602, 610 paragraphs (3) to (6), §§ 619, 629 and 630 shall also apply if the seat of the arbitral tribunal is not within Liechtenstein or has not yet been determined.
(3) As long as the seat of the arbitral tribunal has not yet been determined the Liechtenstein courts shall have jurisdiction over those judicial matters stipulated in the Third Title hereof if one of the parties has its seat, domicile or habitual residence within Liechtenstein.
(4) [Paragraph 4 of the Austrian Code of Civil Procedure is missing in Liechtenstein]
1 Appendix2 ispublishedwiththekindpermissionof theDr.HeinzJosefStotterandRitter
Verlagsanstalt,Meierhofstrasse110,9495Triesen,Liechtenstein.TheEnglishversionoftheCivil Procedure Code in this book is an extract of their publication SchVR, The newLiechtensteinArbitrationAct(Schiedsverfahrensrecht).
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§595 CourtIntervention
In matters governed by this Chapter, the courts shall not intervene except as provided in this Chapter.
§596 DutytoObject
If the arbitral tribunal has not complied with a procedural provision of this Chapter from which the parties may derogate, or with an agreed procedural requirement of the arbitral proceedings, a party who proceeds with the arbitral proceedings without stating its objection immediately it becomes aware thereof, or within the time period provided, may not raise that objection later.
§597 ReceiptofWrittenCommunications
(1) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, any written communication is deemed to have been served on the day upon which it is delivered personally to the addressee or to an authorized recipient or, if this was not possible, on the day upon which it is delivered to the seat, domicile or habitual residence of the addressee.
(2) Where the addressee has knowledge of the arbitral proceedings and where his or the authorized recipient's whereabouts remain unknown despite reasonable inquiries, any written communication is deemed to have been served on the day upon which orderly delivery was demonstrably attempted at a place indicated by the addressee on the conclusion of the arbitration agreement, or subsequently indicated to the other party or to the arbitral tribunal, and which has not hitherto been revoked upon indication of a new address.
(3) Paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not apply to communications in court proceedings.
SecondTitle ArbitrationAgreement
§598 Definition
(1) An arbitration agreement is an agreement by the parties to submit to arbitration all or certain disputes which have arisen to which may arise between them in respect of a defined legal relationship, whether contractual or not. The arbitration agreement may be concluded in the form of a separate agreement or as a clause within a contract.
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(2) The provisions of this Chapter shall also apply mutatis mutandis to arbitral tribunals that are, in legally valid manner, prescribed through testamentary disposition or other legal transactions that are not based on agreements by the parties or through articles of association.
§599 Arbitrability
(1) Any claim involving an economic interest that lies within the jurisdiction of the courts of law may be the subject of an arbitration agreement. An arbitration agreement concerning claims not involving an economic interest shall have legal effect to the extent that the parties are entitled to conclude a settlement on the subject‐matter in dispute.
(2) Claims in family law matters and claims under apprenticeship agreements under the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Education Act) may not be made the subject of an arbitration agreement. Statutory provisions outside this chapter by virtue of which certain disputes may not, or may only under certain conditions, be made subject to arbitral proceedings, remain unaffected.
(3) In proceedings brought by order of the authorities based on mandatory legislation or at the instigation of the Land and Public Register Office or Prosecution Authority the Landgericht2 may not be denied jurisdiction by an arbitration clause contained in company articles of association or similar documentation for legal or trust entities.
§600 Formofarbitrationagreement
(1) An arbitration agreement must be contained either in a written document signed by the parties or in letters, faxes, emails or other means of transmitting messages exchanged between the parties which provide a record of the agreement.
(2) The reference in a contract complying with the form requirements of paragraph (1) to a document containing an arbitration agreement constitutes an arbitration agreement provided that the reference is such as to make that arbitration agreement part of the contract.
(3) A defect in the form of an arbitration agreement is remedied in arbitral proceedings by entering into argument on the substance of the dispute unless an
2 OrdinaryCourtofLiechtenstein,1stinstance.
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objection is raised, at the latest, when entering into argument on the substance of the dispute.
§601 ArbitrationAgreementandActionbeforeCourt
(1) A court before which an action is brought in a matter which is the subject of an arbitration agreement shall reject the claim unless the defendant makes submissions on the substance of the dispute or orally pleads before the court without making an objection accordingly. This shall not apply if the court establishes that an arbitration agreement does not exist or is incapable of being performed. Arbitral proceedings may nevertheless be commenced or continued and an award may be made while such proceedings are pending before a court.
(2) If an arbitral tribunal declines jurisdiction over a matter in dispute because there is no arbitration agreement in existence relating to the matter or because the arbitration agreement is incapable of being performed the court may not reject an action in that matter on the grounds that an arbitral tribunal has jurisdiction over it. The right of a claimant to open an action under § 628 to reverse the decision by which the arbitral tribunal declined jurisdiction ceases when court action is brought.
(3) While arbitral proceedings are pending no further action may be brought before a court or an arbitral tribunal concerning the asserted claim; an action based on the same claim shall be rejected. This shall not apply if an objection to the jurisdiction of the arbitral tribunal is raised with the arbitral tribunal on or before entering into argument on the substance of the dispute and a decision of the arbitral tribunal thereon cannot be obtained within a reasonable period of time.
(4) If an action is rejected by a court due to the jurisdiction of an arbitral tribunal, or by an arbitral tribunal due to the jurisdiction of a court or of another arbitral tribunal, or if an arbitral award is reversed in reversal proceedings due to lack of jurisdiction on the part of the arbitral tribunal the proceedings due to lack of jurisdiction on the part of the arbitral tribunal the proceedings are deemed to have been properly continued if an action is brought before a court or arbitral tribunal without delay.
(5) A party that has invoked the existence of an arbitration agreement at an earlier stage in the proceedings may not, at a later stage, claim that such agreement does not exist unless the relevant circumstances have since changed.
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§602 ArbitrationAgreementanInterimCourtMeasures
It is not incompatible with an arbitration agreement for a party to request an interim or protective measure from a court before or during arbitral proceedings and for a court to grant such measure.
ThirdTitle ConstitutionoftheArbitralTribunal
§603 CompositionoftheArbitralTribunal
(1) The parties are free to agree on the number of arbitrators. However, if the parties have agreed on an even number of arbitrators then these shall appoint a further person as chairman.
(2) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the number of arbitrators shall be three.
§604 AppointmentofArbitrators
(1) The parties are free to agree on the procedure for appointing the arbitrator or arbitrators.
(2) Failing such agreement on the appointment procedure, the following shall apply:
1. In arbitral proceedings with a sole arbitrator, if the parties are unable to agree on the arbitrator within four weeks of receipt of a written request to do so from the other party, the arbitrator shall be appointed by the court at the request of either party.
2. In arbitral proceedings with three arbitrators each party shall appoint one arbitrator. These two arbitrators shall appoint a third arbitrator who shall act as chairman of the arbitral tribunal.
3. If more than three arbitrators have been provided for, each party shall appoint the same number of arbitrators. These arbitrators shall appoint a further arbitrator who shall act as chairman of the arbitral tribunal.
4. If a party fails to appoint an arbitrator within four weeks of receipt of a written request to do so from the other party, or if the parties do not receive notification by the arbitrators regarding the arbitrator to be appointed by them within four weeks of their appointment, the arbitrator shall be appointed by the court at the request of either party.
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5. A party is bound by its appointment of an arbitrator once the other party has received written notice of the appointment.
(3) Where the parties have agreed on an appointment procedure and
1. a party fails to act as required under such procedure, or
2. the parties or the arbitrators are unable to reach an agreement in accordance with such procedure, or
3. a third party fails to perform any function entrusted to it under such procedure within three months of receipt of a written notice to that effect, either party may request the court to make the necessary appointment of arbitrators unless the agreed appointment procedure provides for a different means of securing such appointment.
(4) The written request for appointment of an arbitrator shall also state the claim that is being asserted and the arbitration agreement on which the party is relying.
(5) Where several parties that are under an obligation to jointly appoint one or more arbitrators have not been able to agree upon such appointment within four weeks of receipt of a written notice to do so, the arbitrator or the arbitrators shall be appointed by the court at the request of either party unless the agreed appointment procedure for securing such appointment provides otherwise.
(6) The arbitrator or the arbitrators shall also be appointed by the court at the request of either party if, within four weeks of receipt of a written notice from one party tot he other party, an appointment cannot be made for reasons which are not regulated in the preceding paragraphs or if the appointment procedure for securing an appointment does not result in an appointment within a reasonable period of time.
(7) The request shall be dismissed if an appointment is made prior to a decision pronounced at first instance and a party provides evidence thereof.
(8) The court, in appointing an arbitrator, shall have due regard to any qualifications required of the arbitrator by the agreement of the parties and to such considerations as are likely to secure the appointment of an independent and impartial arbitrator.
(9) A decision by which an arbitrator is appointed shall not be subject to appeal.
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§605 GroundsforRejectionandExclusion
(1) When a person intends to assume the office of an arbitrator he shall disclose any circumstances likely to give rise to doubts as to his impartiality or independence or which are in conflict with the agreement of the parties. An arbitrator, from the time of his appointment and throughout the arbitral proceedings, shall promptly disclose any such circumstances to the parties unless they have already been informed of them by him.
(2) An arbitrator may be rejected only if circumstances exist that give rise to justifiable doubts as to his impartiality or independence or if he does not possess the qualifications agreed upon by the parties. A party may reject an arbitrator appointed by it, or in whose appointment it has participated, only for reasons of which it becomes aware after the appointment has been made or after its participation in the appointment.
(3) Full‐time judges in the ordinary courts may not accept appointments as arbitrators whilst they hold office.
§606RejectionProcedure
(1) The parties are free to agree on a procedure for rejecting an arbitrator, subject to the provisions of paragraph (3).
(2) Failing such agreement, a party who rejections an arbitrator shall, within four weeks of becoming aware of the composition of the arbitral tribunal or of becoming aware of any circumstances referred to in section 605 (2), submit a written statement of the grounds of the rejection to the arbitral tribunal. Unless the rejected arbitrator withdraws from his office or the other party agrees to the rejection the arbitral tribunal, including the rejected arbitrator, shall decide on the rejection.
(3) If a rejection under a procedure agreed upon by the parties or under the procedure set forth in paragraph (2) is not successful the rejecting party may, within four weeks of having received the decision rejecting the rejection, request the court to decide on the rejection. The court’s decision shall not be open to appeal. While such request is pending the arbitral tribunal, including the rejected arbitrator, may continue the arbitral proceedings and make an award.
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§607EarlyTerminationofanArbitrator’sMandate
(1) The mandate of an arbitrator terminates when the parties so agree or when he withdraws. The parties may also agree on a procedure for the termination of an arbitrator’s mandate subject to the provisions of paragraph (2).
(2) Either party may request the court to decide on termination of a mandate if an arbitrator either becomes unable to perform his duties or fails to act within a reasonable time period and
1. the arbitrator does not withdraw,
2. the parties cannot agree on termination of the mandate, or
3. the procedure agreed upon by the parties does not lead to termination of the arbitrator’s mandate.
Such decision shall not be open to appeal.
(3) If an arbitrator withdraws in accordance with paragraph (1) or section 606 (2) or if a party agrees to termination of an arbitrator’s mandate this does not imply acceptance of the validity of grounds stated in paragraph (2) or § 605 (2).
§608AppointmentofaSubstituteArbitrator
(1) Where an arbitrator’s mandate terminates early a substitute arbitrator shall be appointed. Such appointment shall be made in accordance with the rules that were applicable to the appointment of the arbitrator who is being replaced.
(2) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the arbitral tribunal may continue the proceedings using the results of the proceedings up to that point, especially the minutes of proceedings and any other records.
FourthTitle JurisdictionoftheArbitralTribunal
§609 CompetenceoftheArbitralTribunaltoRuleonItsOwnJurisdiction
(1) An arbitral tribunal shall rule on its own jurisdiction. The decision may be made together with the decision on the merits or by separate arbitral award.
(2) A plea that an arbitral tribunal does not have jurisdiction shall be raised no later than the first pleading on the substance of the dispute. A party is not precluded
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from raising such plea by the fact that it has appointed, or participated in the appointment of, an arbitrator. A plea that the arbitral tribunal is exceeding the scope of its authority shall be raised as soon as the matter alleged to be beyond the scope of its authority is made the subject of a request for relief. A later plea is barred in both cases; if the arbitral tribunal considers the delay sufficiently excused, however, the plea may subsequently be raised.
(3) Even while an action fort he reversal of an arbitral award by which the arbitral tribunal accepted its jurisdiction is still pending before a court the arbitral tribunal may continue the arbitral proceedings for the time being and also make an award.
§610 OrderinganInterimorProtectiveMeasures
(1) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties the arbitral tribunal may, at the request of a party and after hearing the other party, order such interim or protective measures against another party as it deems necessary in respect of the subject matter in dispute if enforcement of the claim would otherwise be frustrated or significantly impeded or it there would be a risk of irreparable damage. The arbitral tribunal may request any party to provide reasonable security in connection with such measure.
(2) Measures referred to in paragraph (1) shall be ordered in writing; a signed version of the order shall be served upon each party. In arbitral proceedings with more than one arbitrator the signature of the chairman or, if he is prevented from signing, the signature of another arbitrator shall suffice provided that the chairman or other arbitrator records on the order the reason for any omitted signature. § 623(2), (3), (5) and (6) shall apply mutatis mutandis.
(3) At the request of a party the courts shall enforce such measure. Where a measure provides for a means of protection unknown to Liechtenstein law the courts may, upon request and after hearing the other party, enforce such measure of protection under Liechtenstein law as comes closest to the measure ordered by the arbitral tribunal. In this case the courts my also, upon request, reformulate the measure ordered by the arbitral tribunal in order to safeguard the realization of its purpose.
(4) The courts shall refuse to enforce a measure under paragraph (1) if
1. the seat of the arbitral tribunal is within Liechtenstein and the measure suffers from a defect which would constitute grounds for reversing an arbitral award made in Liechtenstein pursuant to § 628(2), § 634(6) and (7) or § 635;
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2. the seat of the arbitral tribunal is not within Liechtenstein and the measure suffers from a defect which would constitute grounds for refusal of recognition or enforcement of a foreign arbitral award;
3. enforcement of the measure would be incompatible with a Liechtenstein court measure which was either requested or issued previously or with a foreign court measure which was issued previously and has to be recognized;
4. the measure provides for a means of protection unknown to Liechtenstein law and no appropriate means of protection provided for under Liechtenstein law has been requested.
(5) A court may hear the respondent prior to ruling on the enforcement of a measure under paragraph (1). If the respondent has not been heard prior to the ruling it may file an objection to the granting of an enforcement order within the meaning of section 290 of the Enforcement Act ('Exekutionsordnung'). In both cases the respondent may only rely on grounds for refusing enforcement that are set out in paragraph (4). In there proceedings the courts have no jurisdiction to rule on claims for damages pursuant to § 287 of the Enforcement Act.
(6) The courts shall, upon request, reverse enforcement if
1. the term of the measure set by the arbitral tribunal has expired;
2. the arbitral tribunal has limited the scope of or reversed the measure;
3. one of the cases set out in § 291(1) (a) to (e) of the Enforcement Act exists unless such a circumstance was unsuccessfully raised with the arbitral tribunal and no obstacles to recognizing the decision of the arbitral tribunal (paragraph 4) exist in this regard;
4. security has been provided pursuant to paragraph (1) so that enforcement is superfluous.
FifthTitle ConductoftheArbitralProceedings
§611 GeneralProvisions
(1) Subject to the mandatory provisions of this Chapter, the parties are free to agree on course of procedure. In doing so they may also refer to the course of procedure. Failing such agreement, the arbitral tribunal shall proceed in accordance with the
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provisions of this Title and in other respects in such manner as it considers appropriate.
(2) The parties shall be treated fairly. Each party shall be granted the right to be heard.
(3) The parties may be represented or advised by persons of their own choosing. This right cannot be excluded or limited.
(4) Where obligations resulting from acceptance of an arbitrator's appointment are not fulfilled by that arbitrator at all or in a timely manner he shall be liable to the parties for all damage caused by his wrongful refusal or delay.
§612 SeatoftheArbitralTribunal
(1) The parties are fee to agree on the seat of the arbitral tribunal. They may also leave determination of the seat of the arbitral tribunal to an arbitral institution. Failing such agreement, the seat shall be determined by the arbitral tribunal having due regard to the circumstances of the case, including the convenience of such place for the parties.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1), the arbitral tribunal may, unless otherwise agreed by the parties, convene at any place it considers appropriate for conducting proceedings, especially for deliberation among its members, making decisions, conducting oral hearings and taking evidence.
§613 LanguageofProceedings
The parties are free to agree on the language or languages to be used in arbitral proceedings. Failing such agreement, the arbitral tribunal shall determine the language or languages to be used in the proceedings.
§614 StatementofClaimandDefence
(1) Within the time period agreed by the parties or determined by the arbitral tribunal the claimant shall state the relief sought and the facts supporting his claim and the respondent shall respond thereto. The parties may submit with their statements all pieces of evidence they consider to be relevant or may indicate the other evidence they intend to submit.
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(2) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, either party may amend or supplement its claim or pleadings during the course of the arbitral proceedings unless the arbitral tribunal considers it inappropriate to allow such amendment due to delay.
§615 OralHearingandWritingProceedings
Unless the parties have agreed otherwise, the arbitral tribunal shall decide whether to hold oral hearings or whether the proceedings shall be conducted in writing. Where the parties have not excluded an oral hearing the arbitral tribunal shall hold such hearing at an appropriate stage of the proceedings if so requested by a party.
§616 ProceedingsandTakingofEvidence
(1) The arbitral tribunal is authorised to rule upon the admissibility of taking evidence, to take such evidence and to freely evaluate the result thereof.
(2) The parties shall be given sufficient advance notice of every hearing and of every session of the arbitral tribunal by one party shall be communicated to the other party. Expert opinions and other evidence on which the arbitral tribunal may rely in its decision shall be communicated to both parties.
§617 FailuretoUndertakeaProceduralAct
(1) If the claimant fails to submit his statement of claim in accordance with § 614(1), the arbitral tribunal shall terminate the proceedings.
(2) If the respondent fails to respond in accordance with § 614(1) within the agreed or stipulated time period the arbitral tribunal shall, unless otherwise agreed by the parties, continue the proceedings without treating such failure in itself as an admission of the claimant's allegations. The same shall apply if a party is in default with any other procedural act. The arbitral tribunal may continue the proceedings and render a decision based on the evidence before it. If, in the arbitral tribunal's opinion, the default is sufficiently excused the omitted procedural act may be subsequently carried out.
§618 ExpertAppointmentbyArbitralTribunal
(1) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the arbitral tribunal may
1. appoint one or more experts to submit opinions on specific questions to be determined by the arbitral tribunal;
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2. require the parties to provide the expert with any relevant information or to produce, or to provide access to, any relevant documents or objects for his findings.
(2) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, if a party so requests or if the arbitral tribunal considers it necessary the expert shall, after submission of his opinion, attend an oral hearing. At this hearing the parties may put questions to him and may present their own expert witness in order to testify on the points at issue.
(3) §§ 605 and 606(1) and (2) shall apply mutatis mutandis to an expert appointed by the arbitral tribunal.
(4) Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, each party has the right to submit opinions from its own experts. Paragraph (2) shall apply mutatis mutandis.
§619 JudicialAssistance
The arbitral tribunal, arbitrators who have been authorised accordingly by the arbitral tribunal, or one of the parties with the approval of the arbitral tribunal may request a court to undertake judicial acts for which the arbitral tribunal has no authority. Judicial assistance may also consist of a court requesting a foreign court or an administrative authority to undertake such acts. §§ 27, 28 and 29 JN shall apply mutatis mutandis subject to the proviso that the arbitral tribunal and the parties to the arbitral proceedings have a right of appeal pursuant to § 29 JN.3 The arbitral tribunal, or an arbitrator who has been authorised by the arbitral tribunal, and the parties may participate in the taking of evidence by the court and may put questions. § 289 shall apply mutatis mutandis.
SixthTitle ArbitrationAwardandTerminationof Proceedings
§620 LawApplicable
(1) The arbitral tribunal shall decide disputes in accordance with the statutory provisions or rules of law agreed upon by the parties. Any agreement as to the law or the legal system of a given state shall be construed, unless the parties have expressly agreed otherwise, as directly referring to the substantive law of that state and not to its conflict of law rules.
3 JN:JurisdiktionsnormLGBl1912/9/IIi.d.g.F.
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(2) Failing any designation by the parties as to the statutory provisions or rules of law applicable, the arbitral tribunal shall apply the statutory provisions it considers appropriate.
(3) The arbitral tribunal shall decide ex aequo et bono only if the parties have expressly authorized it to do so.
§621 DecisionbyaPanelofArbitrators
Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the following shall apply:
(1) In arbitral proceedings with more than one arbitrator, any decision of the arbitral tribunal shall be made by a majority of all its members. Questions of procedure may be decided by the chairman alone if so authorized by the parties or by all members of the arbitral tribunal.
(2) Where one or more arbitrators do not participate in a vote without a justified reason the other arbitrators may decide without them. In this case too, the necessary majority of votes shall be calculated from the total of all participating and non‐participating arbitrators. Where a vote is taken on an arbitral award the parties shall be given advance notice of the intention to proceed in this manner. In the case of other decisions the parties shall be informed of any failure to participate in the vote after such vote has taken place.
§622 Settlement
If, during arbitral proceedings, the parties settle the dispute and if the parties are capable of concluding a settlement on the subject matter in dispute, they may request
1. the arbitral tribunal to record the settlement provided that the contents of the settlement do not violate the fundamental values of the Liechtenstein legal system (ordre public); it shall be sufficient if the record of the settlement is signed by the parties and the chairman;
2. the arbitral tribunal to record the settlement in the form of an arbitral award on agreed terms provided that the contents of the settlement do not violate the fundamental values of the Liechtenstein legal system (ordre public). Such award shall be made in accordance with § 623. It shall have the same effect as any other award on the merits.
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§623 ArbitralAward
(1) The award shall be made in writing and shall be signed by the arbitrator or arbitrators. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, in arbitral proceedings with more than one arbitrator the signatures of the majority of all members of the arbitral tribunal shall suffice provided that the chairman or another arbitrator notes on the arbitral award the reason for any omitted signature.
(2) Unless the parties have agreed otherwise, the award shall state the reasons upon which it is based.
(3) The award shall state the date on which it was made and the seat of the arbitral tribunal determined in accordance with § 612(1). The award shall be deemed to have been made on that day and at that place.
(4) A version of the award signed by the arbitrators in accordance with paragraph (1) shall be delivered to each party.
(5) The award and documentation regarding its service are the parties' and arbitrators' joint documents. The arbitral tribunal shall discuss any safekeeping of the award and documentation regarding its service with the parties.
(6) The chairman or, if he should be prevented from doing so, another arbitrator shall, upon request of a party, confirm the finality and enforceability of the award on a copy of the award.
(7) The underlying arbitration agreement is not made inoperative by the award.
§624 EffectsoftheArbitralAward
The award has, between the parties, the effect of a final and binding court judgement.
§625 TerminationofArbitralProceedings
(1) The arbitral proceedings are terminated by an award on the merits, by an arbitral settlement, or by an order of the arbitral tribunal in accordance with paragraph (2).
(2) An arbitral tribunal shall terminate arbitral proceedings if:
1. the claimant fails to submit his statement of claim in accordance with § 614(1);
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2. the claimant withdraws his statement of claim unless the respondent objects thereto and the arbitral tribunal recognizes that the respondent has a legitimate interest in obtaining final resolution of the dispute;
3. the parties agree on termination of the proceedings and give notice of this to the arbitral tribunal;
4. it has become impossible for the arbitral tribunal to continue the proceedings, particularly where the parties hitherto acting in the arbitral proceedings fail to continue the proceedings despite written notification by the arbitral tribunal referring to the possibility of termination of the proceedings.
(3) Subject to § 623(4) to (6), § 626(5) and § 627; as well as to the obligation to reverser an interim or protective measure, the mandate of the arbitral tribunal terminates upon termination of the arbitral proceedings.
§626 DecisiononCosts
(1) Where arbitral proceedings are terminated the arbitral tribunal shall decide upon the costs of the proceedings unless the parties have agreed otherwise. The arbitral tribunal shall, in exercising its discretion, take into account the circumstances of the case and, in particular, the outcome of the proceedings. Liability to pay costs may include all and any reasonable costs appropriate to the pursuit or defence of the action. In the case referred to in § 625(2) point 3 such an order shall only be made if a party requests such an order when notice is given of agreement to terminate the proceedings.
(2) At the request of the respondent an arbitral tribunal may also rule on the claimant's obligation to pay costs if it has found that it lacks jurisdiction on the grounds that there is no arbitration agreement.
(3) At the same time as it rules upon the costs of the proceedings the arbitral tribunal shall, if possible, determine the costs to be reimbursed if the costs are not split so that each side pays their own costs.
(4) A ruling upon the costs of proceedings and a determination of the amount to be paid shall be made in the form of an arbitral award under § 623 in every case.
(5) If no order is made on costs or on the amount to be paid, or if this should only be possible after termination of the arbitral proceedings, such an order shall be made in a separate arbitral award.
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§627 Correction,ExplanationandSupplementofArbitralAward
(1) Unless another deadline has been agreed by the parties, each party may request the arbitral tribunal, within four weeks of receipt of an award,
1. to correct in the award any errors in computation, any clerical or typographical errors or any errors of a similar nature;
2. if so agreed by the parties, to explain certain parts of the award;
3. to adopt a supplement to the award on claims asserted in the arbitral proceedings but not disposed of in the award.
(2) A request under paragraph (1) shall be delivered to the other party. The other party shall be heard prior to making a decision upon such a request.
(3) The arbitral tribunal shall decide upon the correction or explanation of the award within four weeks and upon a supplement of award within eight weeks.
(4) The arbitral tribunal may also correct the award in accordance with paragraph (1) point 1 on its own initiative within four weeks of the date of the award.
(5) § 623 shall apply to the correction, explanation and supplementation of the award. The explanation or correction shall from part of the arbitral award.
SeventhTitleRemedyagainsttheArbitralAward
§628 RequestforReversalofanArbitralAward
(1) Recourse to a court against an arbitral award may be made only by means of a judicial reversal action. This shall also apply to arbitral awards by which the arbitral tribunal has ruled on its own jurisdiction.
(2) An arbitral award shall be reversed if:
1. a valid arbitration agreement does not exist, or the arbitral tribunal has declined jurisdiction despite the existence of a valid arbitration agreement, or a party was under an incapacity to conclude a valid arbitration agreement under the law governing its personal status;
2. a party was not given proper notice of the appointment of an arbitrator or of the arbitral proceedings or was for other reasons unable to present its pleas in law and arguments;
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3. the award deals with a dispute not covered by the arbitration agreement, or contains decisions on matters beyond the scope of the arbitration agreement or the plea of the parties for legal protection; if the default concerns only a part of the award capable of separation, only that part of the award shall be reversed;
4. the composition or constitution of the arbitral tribunal was not in accordance with a provision of this Chapter or with an admissible agreement of the parties;
5. the arbitral proceedings were conducted in a manner that conflicts with the fundamental values of the Liechtenstein legal system (ordre public);
6. the requirements according to which a court judgement can be contested by an action to reopen the case under § 498(1) points 1 to 5 have been met;
7. the subject‐matter of the dispute is not arbitrable under Liechtenstein law;
8. the arbitral award conflicts with the fundamental values of the Liechtenstein legal system (ordre public).
(3) The grounds for reversal stipulated in paragraph (2) points 7 and 8 shall also be considered ex proprio motu.
(4) The reversal action shall be brought within four weeks. This period shall begin to run on the date on which the claimant receives the award or additional award. A request made in accordance with § 627(1) points 1 or 2 does not extend this period. In cases under § 628(2) point 6, the period within which the reversal action must be brought shall be determined in accordance with the provisions on actions to reopen the case.
(5) The reversal of an arbitral award does not affect the validity of the underlying arbitration agreement. Where an arbitral award on the same subject‐matter has twice been finally reversed and if a further arbitral award regarding that subject‐matter is to be reversed the court shall, at there request of one of the parties, concurrently declare the arbitration agreement to be invalid with respect to that subject‐matter.
§629 DeclarationofExistenceorNon‐ExistenceofanArbitralAward
Where the applicant has a legal interest therein, it may request a declaration on the existence or non‐existence of an arbitral award.
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§630 ConsiderationofGroundsforReversalinOtherProceedings
Should a court or an administrative authority find in another proceeding, such as an enforcement proceeding, that there is a ground for reversal under § 628(2) points 7 and 8, then the arbitral award shall not be relevant in those proceedings.
EighthTitle
§631 RecognitionandDeclarationofEnforceabilityofForeignArbitralAwards
(1) The recognition and declaration of enforceability of foreign arbitral awards shall be governed by the provisions of the Enforcement Act ('Exekutionsordnung' or 'EO') unless otherwise provided for by state treaties or declarations of reciprocity. The formal requirements for an arbitration agreement shall also be deemed satisfied if the arbitration agreement complies with the formal requirements both under § 600 and under the law applicable to the arbitration agreement.
(2) The production of the original text or a certified copy of the arbitration agreement in accordance with Article IV(1)(b) of the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards shall only be required at the request of the court.
NinthTitle CourtProceedings
§632 Jurisdiction
In actions for reversal of an arbitral award and actions for declaration of the existence or non‐existence of an arbitral award the Obergericht shall have jurisdiction as the first and final instance. The Landesgericht shall have jurisdiction over proceedings in matters under the Third Title.
§633 Proceedings
(1) Procedure in actions for reversal of an arbitral award and actions for a declaration of the existence or non‐existence of an arbitral award shall be governed by the general provisions of this law, whilst procedure in matters under the Third Title shall be governed by the provisions of the Act on Non‐Contentious Jurisdiction.
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(2) At the request of a party the public may also be excluded if a legitimate interest can be shown.
(3) Third parties may be permitted to have access to procedural records and take copies with the consent of all of the persons involved in the action.
(4) Documents made available to the court by a party shall be returned to that party once they no longer need to be kept.
TenthTitle SpecialProvisions
§634 Consumers
(1) Arbitration agreements between an entrepreneur and a consumer may only be validly concluded for disputes that have already arisen.
(2) Arbitration agreements to which a consumer is a party must be contained in a document signed personally by him. This document must not contain any agreements other than those relating to the arbitral proceedings.
(3) In arbitration agreements between an entrepreneur and a consumer, the consumer shall receive written legal advice on the essential differences between arbitral and court proceedings prior to concluding the arbitration agreement.
(4) In arbitration agreements between entrepreneurs and consumers, the seat of the arbitral tribunal must be stipulated. The arbitral tribunal may only convene elsewhere for an oral hearing or for the taking of evidence if the consumer has approved thereof or if major difficulties impede the taking of evidence at the seat of the arbitral tribunal.
(5) Where an arbitration agreement has been concluded between an entrepreneur and a consumer and neither on the conclusion of the arbitration agreement nor at the time that an action becomes pending does the consumer have his domiciles, habitual residence or place of work in the country where the arbitral tribunal has its seat, the arbitration agreement shall only be binding if the consumer invokes it.
(6) An arbitral award shall also be reversed if, in arbitral proceedings in which a consumer is involved,
1. there has been a violation of mandatory provisions of law the application of which could not have been waived by choice of law by the parties, even in a case with an international element, or
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2. the prerequisites are met under which a court judgement may be appealed under § 498(1) points 6 and 7 by means of an action for reopen the case.
(7) Where the arbitral proceedings were conducted between an entrepreneur and a consumer the arbitral award shall also be reversed if the consumer did not receive written legal advice as stipulated in paragraph (3).
§635 EmploymentLawCases
§ 634 applies mutatis mutandis to arbitral proceedings in claims under employment contracts.
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APPENDIX3 AUTHORSFELIXDASSERProf. Dr. iur. LL.M., Rechtsanwalt
Felix Dasser is a partner at Homburger, Zürich. He is head of the firm's litigation and arbitration practice group and a member of the working groups on insurance and white collar | investigations. His practice focuses on international commercial disputes, litigation and arbitration in general, corporate and commercial law, and investigations. He acted as counsel and arbitrator in several dozen international commercial arbitration cases under various rules. He also advises Swiss companies on international litigation strategies, regulatory proceedings and white collar crime and is regularly called as expert witness on Swiss law. Felix Dasser teaches and publishes regularly in the fields of international commercial dispute resolution and contract law.
Career
– 2005 Titularprofessor, University of Zurich
– 2000 Partner at Homburger
– 1999 Privatdozent, University of Zurich
– 1991 Bar admission, Canton of Zurich; associate with Homburger
– 1990 LL.M., Harvard Law School
– 1989 Dr. iur. (s.c.l.), University of Zurich
– 1985 Lic. iur., University of Zurich
Languages
German, English, French
Bar registrations
At all Swiss courts
Homburger AG Prime Tower Hardstrasse 201 | CH‐8005 Zürich Postfach 314 | CH‐8037 Zürich T +41 43 222 10 00 | F +41 43 222 15 00 [email protected]
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NICOLASW.REITHNERMag. iur., Mag. rer. soc. oec.
Nicolas Reithner is a partner at Seeger, Frick & Partner in Liechtenstein. His focus is on litigation, arbitration as well as company and business law. He started his career in 1999 and joined his current firm in 2013. Nicolas Reithner publishes and speaks regularly on topics of Liechtenstein law.
Education
– University of Innsbruck, Austria, Master of Laws (Mag.iur., 1998) and Master of
Business Administration (Mag.rer.soc.oec., 2000)
– University of Wales, Cardiff (Diploma in Legal Studies, 1998)
– University Liechtenstein (Liechtenstein Trust Expert, 2004)
Languages
German, English
Areas of Practice
Litigation, arbitration, business and company law, European law, financial and tax law, white collar crime, asset protection and tracing
Admissions and other
Liechtenstein (admitted 2001), Austria (qualified 2005), England and Wales (qualified 2011), Liechtenstein Professional Trustee (including Accountant and Tax Advisor, 2004)
Nicolas Reithner Feldkircherstrasse 2 9494 Schaan Liechtenstein T +423 230 40 90 / F +423 230 40 91 / [email protected]
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INDEXThis index refers to the arbitration rules, including commenting on the Articles of the arbitration rules of the form "Art. 1". The reference to Chapters of the text is done through the introductory Chapter of the same in the form of "Chap. 1". The Appendix A of the Rules of Arbitration (Schedule of the costs of Arbitration) is referenced in the form "AnnexArbR".
Ad‐hoc‐process (Art. 31)
Amendment of claim (Art. 15.5)
Amount in dispute (Art. 7.2)
– Determination by the arbitral tribunal or commissioner (Art. 26.3)
Appeal (Chap.2, Art. 23.2)
Applicable law (Art. 24)
Anti‐enforcement injunction (Art. 17)
Anti‐suit injunction (Art. 17)
Arbitral award (Chap. 2, Art. 22 – 24)
– Grounds for setting aside (Chap. 2)
– Correction (Art. 23)
– Decision (Art. 22)
– Completion (Art. 23)
– Explanation (Art. 23)
– Form (Art. 23)
– Effect (Art. 23)
Arbitral tribunal
– Discretion (Art. 15)
– Costs (Art. 26, 27, AnnexArbR C)
– Constitution (Art. 6 – 9)
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Jurisdiction (Art. 1.1, 7, 16)
– Arbitration law (Chap. 2)
– Applicable law (Art. 2)
– Restrictions (Chap. 2)
Arbitration (Liechtenstein) Rules (Chap. 3)
– special features (Chap. 4)
– Designation / terms used (Art. 1)
– Dispositive / deviating provision (Art. 1)
– Valid (latest) version (Art. 1)
– Violation (Art. 21)
– Language (Art. 1.5)
Arbitrator
– Challenge / rejection (Art. 10, 11)
– Removal / dismissal (Art. 12)
– Number (Art. 7)
– Appointment (Art. 8, 9)
– Replacement (Art. 13)
– Fee see arbitrators’ fee
– Knowing/being aware of the reason for rejection/refusal (Art. 10)
– Resignation (Art. 11)
– Independence (Art. 10)
– Election (Art. 6)
Arbitrators’ fee (AnnexArbR C, Art. 26)
– Determination (Art. 26)
– Arbitrator
– Bearing of costs (Art. 28)
– Advance (Art. 28)
Austria see Chapter Arbitration, Austrian model
Capacity to act, missing for arbitrators (Art. 13)
Challenge, arbitrator see arbitrator, challenge
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Charges (Chap. 4.c, AnnexArbR)
Choice of law (Art. 24)
Claim
– Pending procedure, lis pendens (Art. 4.2)
– Claim (Art. 4)
– Incomplete (Art. 4.7)
– Remedying of claim (Art. 4.7)
– Counterclaim (Art. 5.3, 5.4, 16.1, 16.4)
– Delivery (Art. 3)
Commissioner (Chap. 4.c, Art. 32)
– Withdrawl (Art. 32.2)
– Requirements (Art. 32.2)
– Appointment (Art. 32.1)
– Costs (AnnexArbR B)
– Compensation for damages (Art. 29)
Complaint, Constitutional Court (Chap. 2)
Confidentiality (Chap. 4.d, Art. 6, 18, 29)
Consideration of evidence see Evidence, consideration of evidence
Contract penalty (Chap. 4.d, Art 29.7)
Costs (Chap. 4.d, Art. 25 ff, AnnexArbR)
– For delay (Art. 19.2)
– Arbitrator see arbitrators’ fee
– Compensation by counterparty (Art. 25, 27)
– Advance (Chap. 4.d, Art 28)
Counter claim (Art. 5.3, 7, 16)
Delay (Art. 19)
Deposit (Art. 28)
Disclosure of documents see surrender, documents
Documents, surrender see Surrender, documents
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Document
– Presentation (Art. 18)
– Joint (Art. 18)
E‐Mail, encryption (Art. 29.4)
Evidence, consideration of evidence (Art. 18)
Evidence procedure, closure of proceedings (Art. 20)
Evidence, taking evidence (Chap. 4.d, Art. 18)
Examination
– Witness (Art. 14)
– Expert (Art. 14)
– Experts (Art 18.6)
Foundations (Chap. 1, 4d, III.)
Grounds of appeal (Chap. 2, Art. 3, 23.2)
Hearing, oral (Art. 18)
Indigent party (Chap. 4.d, Art. 28.6, Model arbitration clauses trusts or foundation)
Inspection of documents (Chap. 4.d, Art 18.2, 18.3)
Interim measures see measures
Language (Art. 1.5, 4.3, 4.5d, 5.2d, 15.3)
Legal aid see indigent party
Lex arbitri (Art. 2)
Liability (Art. 29.7, 30, 32.4)
Liechtenstein (Chap. 2, Art. 2.2)
Measures, interim or protective (Chap. 2, Art. 17)
Model (Standard) arbitration clauses (III.)
New York Convention (Chap. 1, 2)
Obligation of secrecy (Art. 6, 29)
Participation of parties (Art. 15.1)
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Periods of time
– Challenge of arbitrator (Art. 11)
– Calculation (Art. 3)
– Default with statement of defence (Art. 19)
– Default with submission of evidence (Art. 19.4)
Protective measures see measures
Publication
– Rules of Arbitration (Art. 1)
– Award (Art. 29)
Release of documents see surrender documents
Repetition of a hearing after replacement of an arbitrator (Art. 14)
Respondent, participation (Art. 5, 15.1)
Right to be heard before a court (Art. 3, 4, 15, 18 – 20)
Right to refuse testimony (Art. 6, 18, 29)
Right to refuse to produce evidence (Art. 18.3)
Scope of application (Art. 1)
Seat (Art. 2)
Secretary (Art. 6, 29)
– Tasks / activity (Chap. 4c, Art. 31)
Secrecy see confidentiality
Set‐off defence (Art. 5.3, 7)
– Subsequent (Art. 15.5)
Sole arbitrator
– Appointment (Art. 8)
– Costs (AnnexArbR C2)
– Jurisdiction (Art. 7)
Statement of claim (Art. 4.5)
Statement of defence (Art. 5)
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Statute of limitations (Art. 4.2)
Surrender, documents (Chap. 4.d, Art 18.2, 18.3)
Swiss Rules (Chap. 4, 4a, Art. 16, 28)
Three‐member arbitral tribunal
– Appointment (Art. 9)
– Costs (AnnexArbR C2)
– Jurisdiction (Art. 7)
Trusts (Chap. 1, 4d, III.)
UNICITRAL Arbitration Model Law (Chap. 2, Art. 2)
Unidroit Principles (Art. 24)
Venue (Art. 2)
Vienna Rules (Chap. 4a)
Witness (Art. 18, 29)