Multiple Contracts in an Arbitration Case

In the case of multiple contracts or agreements in the same arbitration case, they can be arbitrated in the same case by the same arbitral tribunal if the arbitral tribunal deems it necessary and appropriate or at the request of the disputing parties. Provided, however, that such contracts or agreements must satisfy certain conditions.

For example, according to CIETAC Arbitration Rules, a claimant may initiate a single arbitration concerning disputes arising out of or in connection with multiple contracts, provided that:

(a)    such contracts consist of a principal contract and its ancillary contract(s), or such contracts involve the same parties as well as legal relationships of the same nature;

(b)    the disputes arise out of the same transaction or the same series of transactions; and

(c)    the arbitration agreements in such contracts are identical or compatible.