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O’Connor v Sivacoe Estate

Background:

  • Company: D.D. Technology, Inc. (DDT US), incorporated in Washington.
  • Shares: Orlande Sivacoe issued 500 shares; Terry O'Connor received 500 shares but did not pay for them.
  • Rescission Agreement (2015): Terry agreed to rescind his shares; disputes resolved in Skagit County, Washington.
  • Florida Action: Lawsuit involving DDT US properties in Florida, settled by Sivacoe's estate representatives.

Claims:

  • Plaintiff: Ownership of 50% of DDT US shares despite the Rescission Agreement; alleges negligence by Patrick in the Florida Action settlement.
  • Defendant: Argues Alberta court lacks jurisdiction; seeks to strike claims under Alberta Rules of Court, rule 3.68.

Court's Decision:

  1. Florida Action Claims:
    • Not "plain and obvious" the claim fails; thus, not struck.
    • Terry should reconsider based on admitted facts.
  2. Ownership of DDT US Shares:
    • Jurisdiction: Accepted, but court questions exercising it.
    • Forum Selection Clause: Enforceable, favoring Washington jurisdiction.
    • Plaintiff's Burden: Terry failed to show strong reasons against the clause.

Conclusion:

  • Florida Action Claims: Application to strike dismissed.
  • Ownership Claims: Struck due to enforceable forum selection clause.
  • Costs: Each party bears its own costs due to divided success. There was no specific monetary award or damages granted in this decision.
Terry O'Connor
Law Firm / Organization
Whitelaw Twining (WT BCA LLP)
Lawyer(s)

Cory Ryan

Patrick V. Cherak, Personal Representative of the Estate of Orlande Wayne Sivacoe, Deceased
Law Firm / Organization
Carscallen LLP
Lawyer(s)

Paul E. Reid

Court of King's Bench of Alberta
2310 00189
Corporate & commercial law
Not specified/Unspecified
Defendant