XACCT Technologies Ltd v Orient Telecommunication Networks: Discovery of Internal Documents

XACCT Technologies Ltd commenced an action against Orient Telecommunication Networks Pte Ltd in the High Court of Singapore, before Choo Han Teck J, on 1 July 2004, for US$427,300, alleging breach of contract for failure to pay for software and related services. Orient Telecommunication Networks counterclaimed, asserting that XACCT Technologies Ltd was in breach. XACCT Technologies Ltd sought discovery of internal documents related to Orient Telecommunication Networks' acquisition of TMI Telemedia International Hong Kong, suspecting the acquisition negated the need for XACCT's product. The court set aside the order for discovery, finding it a fishing expedition and suggesting interrogatories as a more appropriate means of obtaining the information. The defendant's appeal was allowed.

1. Case Overview

1.1 Court

High Court

1.2 Outcome

Defendant's appeal allowed.

1.3 Case Type

Civil

1.4 Judgment Type

Grounds of Decision

1.5 Jurisdiction

Singapore

1.6 Description

XACCT Technologies Ltd sued Orient Telecommunication Networks for breach of contract. The court set aside the plaintiff's request for discovery of internal documents.

1.7 Decision Date

2. Parties and Outcomes

Party NameRoleTypeOutcomeOutcome TypeCounsels
XACCT Technologies LtdPlaintiffCorporationAppeal DismissedLostSamuel Chacko
Orient Telecommunication Networks Pte LtdDefendantCorporationAppeal AllowedWonAlvin Chang

3. Judges

Judge NameTitleDelivered Judgment
Choo Han TeckJudgeYes

4. Counsels

Counsel NameOrganization
Samuel ChackoColin Ng and Partners
Alvin ChangM and A Law Corporation

4. Facts

  1. XACCT Technologies Ltd sued Orient Telecommunication Networks for US$427,300.
  2. The amount was for payment for software and services provided by XACCT to Orient.
  3. Orient Telecommunication Networks counterclaimed for expenses incurred due to XACCT's alleged breach.
  4. XACCT sought discovery of internal documents related to Orient's acquisition of TMI Telemedia International Hong Kong.
  5. XACCT suspected the acquisition negated the need for their product.
  6. The court found the request for discovery to be a fishing expedition.

5. Formal Citations

  1. XACCT Technologies Ltd v Orient Telecommunication Networks Pte Ltd formerly known as Orient Telecommunication Networks (Singapore) Pte Ltd and formerly known as XA Alliance Pte Ltd, Suit 667/2003, RA 128/2004, [2004] SGHC 144

6. Timeline

DateEvent
Suit filed (Suit 667/2003)
Judgment delivered

7. Legal Issues

  1. Discovery of Documents
    • Outcome: The court set aside the order for specific discovery, finding it to be a fishing expedition.
    • Category: Procedural
    • Sub-Issues:
      • Specific discovery
      • Relevance of documents
      • Fishing expedition

8. Remedies Sought

  1. Monetary Damages
  2. Discovery of Documents

9. Cause of Actions

  • Breach of Contract

10. Practice Areas

  • Litigation

11. Industries

  • Telecommunications
  • Technology

12. Cited Cases

Case NameCourtAffirmedCitationJurisdictionSignificance
No cited cases

13. Applicable Rules

Rule Name
No applicable rules

14. Applicable Statutes

Statute NameJurisdiction
No applicable statutes

15. Key Terms and Keywords

15.1 Key Terms

  • Discovery
  • Interrogatory
  • Breach of Contract
  • Fishing Expedition
  • Specific Discovery
  • Internal Documents
  • N2B Platform
  • TMI Telemedia International Hong Kong

15.2 Keywords

  • Discovery
  • Breach of Contract
  • Civil Procedure
  • Singapore
  • High Court
  • Software
  • Telecommunications

16. Subjects

  • Civil Procedure
  • Contract Law

17. Areas of Law

  • Civil Procedure
  • Discovery of Documents