Justices Add International Arbitration in Aircraft Engine Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday agreed to consider whether federal courts can order a person to give testimony or produce documents in international arbitration.

Federal law allows courts to assist in collecting evidence for foreign proceedings. The question for the justices is whether that includes private commercial arbitration.

Here, Rolls-Royce wants to recoup a $12 million settlement for a 2016 engine aircraft tailpipe fire that occurred at a Boeing Co. facility during testing.

The circuits are split on whether U.S. courts can compel evidence in international arbitration.

The case is Servotronics, Inc. v. Rolls-Royce PLC, U.S., No. 20-794, granted 3/22/21.