Skip to main content

No. 18-1048October Term 2019Decided Jun 1, 2020

Docket 18-1048October Term 2019 (2019–2020)

GE Energy Power Conversion France SAS v. Outokumpu Stainless USA, LLC

The case asked whether a company that did not sign an international arbitration agreement could still force arbitration under ordinary state-law contract rules like equitable estoppel.

Case status

Current stage
Decided
Latest event
Decision released Jun 1, 2020
Case Accepted
Arguments
Decision ReleasedJun 1, 2020
What it's about

The case asked whether a company that did not sign an international arbitration agreement could still force arbitration under ordinary state-law contract rules like equitable estoppel. The Supreme Court held that the New York Convention does not bar that result, so nonsignatories may rely on those domestic doctrines when appropriate.

Question presented

Whether the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (the "New York Convention") permits a non-signatory to an arbitration agreement to compel arbitration based on the doctrine of equitable estoppel.

Case path

United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit / Decision released Jun 1, 2020

Area

Decided Supreme Court case

Timing

Decided June 1, 2020

The Court released its decision on June 1, 2020 without hearing oral argument.