Ningbo Intermediate People’s Court Adjudicates First Asymmetrical Jurisdiction Case, Enhancing Legal Education

On December 13, students and faculty from Ningbotech University attended a court hearing at the Intermediate People’s Court of Ningbo to observe a trial involving an extraterritorial contract. Through direct exposure to courtroom proceedings, students not only deepened their understanding of extraterritorial commercial cases but also enhanced their ability to integrate theory with practice.

This case marks the first instance in which an extraterritorial commercial entity invoked an “asymmetrical jurisdiction clause” by voluntarily choosing to file its lawsuit in Ningbo Court. By consolidating the main claim and the counterclaim, the court efficiently resolved several interrelated disputes between the parties. Notably, the approach taken to address losses from returned exported products showcased the court’s innovative measures under its “single-issue” reform—a move that left a lasting impression. In addressing foreign-related commercial disputes, the court recommended that enterprises  adopt a perspective-shifting approach in order to achieve optimal resolution with minimal cost.

The rule of law is a critical element of a business-friendly environment. In this case, the counterparty’s decision to file a lawsuit in Ningbo Court clearly demonstrates their trust in the court’s judicial credibility and highlights Ningbo Court’s proactive efforts to foster a fair and business-friendly legal environment.

This activity further deepens the communication and cooperation between Intermediate People's Court of Ningbo and Ningbotech University, fully leverages the strengths of both the court and the university, promotes the complementarity and resource sharing between judicial practice and university teaching, and provides strong support for the coordinated cultivation of foreign-related legal talent and the development of Ningbotech University's innovation base.