Originally from International Arbitration Court Decisions - 3rd Edition

JUDGMENT OF THE COURT OF APPEAL OF QUÉBEC RENDERED ON MAY 30, 2005 IN CASE [2005] R.J.Q. 1448

(Reversed by Supreme Court of Canada∗)

Subject Matter:
Whether an arbitration clause found in a consumer contract concluded on the internet can affect the jurisdiction of Québec courts over a class action.

Finding:
While consumer disputes are arbitrable under Québec law, an arbitration clause forming part of standard terms of sale set out on a web page that consumers are not obliged to consult before placing an order constitutes an external clause that cannot be invoked against the consumer, unless the evidence establishes that the clause was brought to the attention of the consumer when the contract was concluded or that the consumer otherwise knew of the clause.

Parties:
Appellant: Dell Computer Corporation
Respondents: 1. Union des consommateurs
2. Olivier Dumoulin
Place of Court Proceedings:
Québec, Canada

Applicable Law:
Québec law

Place of Arbitral Proceedings:
Undetermined

Dell Computer Corporation c. Union des consommateurs 2005 QCCA 570