Understanding Exequatur: The Process of Recognizing Foreign Judgments

Exequatur is a legal term that refers to the process of obtaining confirmation or approval from a foreign court for a judgment or order obtained in one's own country. The purpose of exequatur is to ensure that judgments and orders issued by courts in one country are recognized and enforced in other countries.

In practice, when a person or company seeks to enforce a foreign judgment in their own country, they must typically file a petition with the court in which the judgment was obtained, asking the court to recognize and enforce the foreign judgment. The court will then review the foreign judgment to determine whether it is valid and enforceable under the laws of the country in which it is being sought to be enforced. If the court grants the petition, the foreign judgment will be recognized and enforced as if it were a domestic judgment.

Exequatur is a common legal practice in many countries around the world, particularly in the context of international business and commerce. It helps to ensure that judgments and orders obtained in one country can be effectively enforced in other countries, which facilitates the resolution of disputes and the protection of rights across national borders.