Although class actions have been common in the United States for decades, they have not been as widely used in the rest of the world. The situation and risks remain in flux, however, as more countries have renewed momentum to enact class actions or class action-like procedures. Those procedures vary greatly among jurisdictions. Differences include how developed the procedures are; the types of claims parties can bring; the parties that can represent classes; whether classes are structured as opt-in or opt-out; and the rules governing settlement, remedies, and financing. Many countries have enacted more restrictive class procedures than the United States. There are notable exceptions, however, that present risks to defendants sued abroad.
In Part IV, we examine class actions activities in China, Japan, Belgium, The Netherlands, and England and Wales.
Previously in series: Part I: The United States and the European Union; Part II: Italy and Spain; Part III: Australia, Germany, and France
Read the Guide here.
Attachments Class Actions Worldview: Part IV—China, Japan, Belgium, The Netherlands, and England and Wales.pdf
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
