Clifford Chance

Protecting 'out of scope' documents in dawn raids - a mixed bag

26 June 2014

On 25 June 2014 the Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ) dismissed
an appeal seeking to limit the European Commission's (EC's) powers to seize
documents in dawn raids.

French cable manufacturer Nexans brought the appeal following raids on its
premises in 2009. It argued that the EC should not have been able to seize
documents relating to activities outside the EU. The ECJ essentially ruled that
this was acceptable if the EC believed the offending conduct had a global reach.

For a full analysis of the case please read the briefing.

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