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Restrictive covenant dispute — Brabners secures successful judgment for Docutech Office Solutions Ltd
AuthorsJeff LewisSuzi Gardener
Our award-winning litigation team has achieved a successful outcome for Docutech Office Solutions Ltd in a significant claim against former employee Tristram Lee and his new employer Euro Digital Systems Ltd. The case centred on breaches of restrictive covenants and the inducement of breach of contract following Mr Lee’s departure from Docutech to Euro Digital.
Here, Jeff Lewis and Suzi Gardener provide a brief overview of the case and what it means for the enforceability of restrictive covenants.
A reminder of the enforceability of restrictive covenants
Docutech had brought claims against Mr Lee and Euro Digital, alleging that Mr Lee breached both express and implied terms of his employment contract. The breaches included soliciting business from a prospective client and diverting a mature business opportunity to his new employer following his departure. Docutech further alleged that Euro Digital had procured or induced these breaches, relying on its knowledge of the former employee’s contractual obligations.
After a trial that lasted four days, His Honour Judge Ranson found in favour of Docutech on all contested points. The judgment provides a clear reminder of the importance and enforceability of restrictive covenants in employment contracts, particularly in competitive sectors.
Jeff and Suzi acted on behalf of Docutech in securing this victory. The Court awarded damages and costs in favour of Docutech.
Statement from Docutech’s CEO
Jason Dixon, CEO of Docutech, said: “We were delighted with the help we received from Brabners in this case. It was a real ‘stab in the back’ when we discovered that Mr Lee, whom we had treated extremely well, had stolen business from us and that Euro Digital had conspired in this process.
Although they made some very serious allegations in order to defend themselves, with Brabners’ assistance we were able to establish to the satisfaction of the Court that we had acted perfectly properly and that we had lost out because of the unlawful activities of Mr Lee and Euro Digital.
We are a respectable business and sometimes you just have to stand up and be counted when people treat you badly.”
Experts in enforcing restrictive covenants
With a large, dedicated team of award-winning commercial litigators, we offer the commercially focused solutions you need to prevent disputes from damaging your business. We regularly advise businesses and individuals on the enforceability of restrictive covenants, including non-compete clauses, non-solicitation clauses, non-dealing clauses and non-poaching clauses.
If your business faces issues in relation to restrictive covenants, employee competition or the protection of confidential information and business opportunities, our experts are here to guide you through the potential legal remedies.
We have a proven track record of success — often acting in high-profile disputes including cases that involve sums in excess of £40m and attract worldwide press coverage — and provide clear, strategic advice that’s tailored to your commercial objectives.
We’re recognised in The Times Best Law Firms 2025 for commercial dispute resolution as well as the top tier of The Legal 500 2025 for commercial litigation.
Talk to us by giving us a call on 0333 004 4488, sending us an email at hello@brabners.com or completing the contact form below.
Jeff Lewis
Jeff is a Partner in our litigation team and a highly experienced commercial litigator, classed as ‘Hall of Fame’ lawyer by The Legal 500.
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