Jurisdiction over Foreign Consumers: Commentary on Judgment No. 15364 of 2024

Judgment No. 15364 of June 3, 2024, issued by the Court of Cassation, provides an important clarification regarding international jurisdiction, particularly concerning legal actions involving foreign consumers. This issue is particularly relevant in light of the increasing globalization of commercial transactions and the resulting rise in legal disputes between professionals and consumers from different Member States of the European Union.

The Regulatory Context

Jurisdiction in consumer matters is governed by EU Regulation No. 1215/2012, which sets out precise rules for determining which court has jurisdiction to resolve disputes between professionals and consumers. In particular, Article 18, paragraph 2 of the Regulation establishes the non-derogability of the consumer's forum, thus ensuring adequate protection for those purchasing goods or services outside their State of residence.

JURISDICTION ON FOREIGNERS - IN GENERAL Jurisdiction over foreigners - Action by the professional against a foreign consumer - Non-derogability of the consumer's forum under Article 18, paragraph 2, EU Regulation No. 1215/2012 - Conditions - Necessity for the professional's activities to be directed, by any means, towards the Member State where the consumer is domiciled (Articles 17 and 18 EU Regulation No. 1215/2012) - Burden of immediate and specific allegation and proof - Exclusion. In matters of jurisdiction over foreigners, a consumer who timely contests the lack of jurisdiction of the court seized, invoking their status and domicile in another Member State, is not required to expressly and immediately state in their defenses, for the purposes of Article 17, paragraph 1, letter c), EU Regulation No. 1215 of 2012, that the plaintiff's activities are directed, by any means, at the State of their domicile, with the judge required to verify the presence of the elements underpinning their international jurisdiction based on the evidence objectively resulting from the file, including the constitutive evidence.

Analysis of the Judgment

The Court of Cassation emphasized that the consumer is not obligated to prove, in their defenses, that the professional's activities were directed towards their State of residence. This aspect is crucial as it reaffirms the importance of consumer protection in jurisdictional matters, preventing excessive evidentiary burdens from compromising the right of access to justice.

Furthermore, the judgment clarifies that it is the judge's duty to ex officio verify the evidence justifying their international jurisdiction. Therefore, the lack of specific allegations from the consumer should not prejudice their position, which represents an important step forward for the protection of consumer rights at the European level.

Conclusions

Judgment No. 15364 of 2024 represents an important milestone in international jurisdiction, highlighting the necessity to protect the foreign consumer in a complex legal context. This decision not only strengthens consumer rights but also contributes to greater legal certainty in international transactions. It is essential that professionals are aware of these rules and the implications they may have on their business activities to ensure proper management of legal disputes.

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