New computer technology is being used for the first time in a High Court battle between Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky and Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich.
The technology revolutionises the management of highly complex cases
Creators say magnumcloud gives participants secure access to evidence, research and case law at any time from any computer anywhere – and saves paper.
London-based specialist firm Opus 2 International, which provides court transcription services, says the system is “groundbreaking”.
“Magnumcloud offers participants the ability to access all case materials and then collaborate from anywhere in the world, inside or outside the courtroom,” said a spokesman.
“Even if members of legal teams are not logged on to the hearing or the central repository of the 12,000 documents in the Abramovich-Berezovsky case, a lawyer can keep tabs on what is happening via his Blackberry or iPad.
“They can then instantly provide assistance to other members of the legal team either inside or outside the courtroom.
“Magnumcloud technology carries a huge green dividend with its ability to do away with any need for the mass replication of copious paper trial bundles.
“Lawyers at the Berezovsky-Abramovich hearing calculate that so far in this one trial alone the technology has saved a minimum of five million sheets of paper.”
Magnumcloud designer Graham Smith said: “We have been delighted by the reception given to magnumcloud by judges, barristers and leading law firms.
“The technology revolutionises the management of highly complex cases and, by doing so, enables the legal process to work more speedily and efficiently.”
He added: “We believe it will add value to London as a global litigation centre and will provide real opportunity in export markets.”
Mr Berezovsky, 65, is suing Mr Abramovich, 45, for billions in a trial at the High Court in London, which started in October and is due to end later this month.
He says Mr Abramovich betrayed him and intimidated him into selling shares in Russian oil company Sibneft for a “mere $1.3 billion” – a fraction of their true worth.
He alleges breach of trust and breach of contract, and is claiming more than £3 billion in damages.
Mr Abramovich denies the allegations and denies that Mr Berezovsky is entitled to damages.
He says Mr Berezovsky was paid millions of pounds for his services as a “political godfather” but was not a business partner.
The court has heard that Mr Berezovsky fled Russia, never to return in late 2000, following a fall-out with then President Vladimir Putin – travelling initially to France, then settling in England.