Branch Austin McCormick LLP acted for AI Pathfinder Inc Limited (“AIP”) in Hughes v Bellamy & Ors [2026] EWHC 1871 (Ch), a High Court decision concerning an application by Patrick Hughes for permission to continue a double derivative claim on AIP’s behalf.
In a judgment handed down on 23 July 2026, Mr Justice Trower dismissed Mr Hughes’ application for permission to continue the claim. The Court also declined to make the indemnity order sought by Mr Hughes, who had asked that AIP fund the costs of the application and the proposed proceedings, which AIP opposed.
The decision provides guidance on the principles governing common law double derivative claims and the circumstances in which a claimant may seek an indemnity from the company on whose behalf the claim is proposed to be brought.
AIP was represented by Tatyana Talyanskaya, Joseph McCormick and Elena Matlak from Branch Austin McCormick LLP, and by David Head KC (3VB) and Adrian Pay (New Square Chambers).
