SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT AND ANOTHER v. GERMANY SIEMENS GROUP LTD AND OTHERS

                 HCA400/2009

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE

HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE

ACTION NO. 400 OF 2009

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SUMMARY ASSESSMENT OF COSTS

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1. This is the summary assessment of the costs order that I made on 25 June 2009 when I gave judgment to the plaintiffs against the 1^st defendant in default of defence.  I made a costs order in their favour such costs to be summarily assessed. 

2. I have today made a summary assessment of costs in another action taken out by the same plaintiffs in action no. HCA 399/2009.

3. Having perused the plaintiffs’ statement of costs and the submissions, I am satisfied that there is a certain amount of overlap in the work done on behalf of the plaintiffs in this action.  I am also satisfied that there are certain items in the plaintiffs’ statement of costs which, in my view, are excessive.       As regards items C1, D1 to D3 I am of the view that some of the time spent was excessive.

4. Without conducting a mini-taxation of costs and applying a broad-brush approach, in my view, the proper sum to be assessed is the sum of $36,000.  That is my assessment of costs that the 1^st defendant has to pay to the plaintiffs.  Such costs are to be paid within 14 days from today.