Aim Global Holdings Ltd and Others v. Chien Kun Allen and Another

HCA 2217/2014 and

HCA 2495/2014
(Consolidated)

[2025] HKCFI 6119

HCA 2217/2014

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE

HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE

ACTION NO 2217 OF 2014

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(By Original Action)

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(By Counterclaim)

ACTION NO 2495 OF 2014

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(Consolidated pursuant to the Order of

Master Leong dated 3 February 2015)

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D E C I S I O N
O N    C O S T S

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1.I refer to the Decision handed down on 24 October 2025 allowing Mr Chien’s application for interim payment. I refer to the costs order nisi made at §30 therein. Upon Mr Chien’s subsequent application and in the absence of any objection from AIM and Madam Liu, I varied the basis of assessment to one on an indemnity basis.

2.I have read Mr Chien’s 2 Statements of Costs (“SC#1” and “SC#2”) and his reply. I have also read AIM and Madam Liu’s List of Objections.

3.In respect of SC#1:

(a)  SC#1 relates to those costs incurred on the Summons for interim payment that I allowed;

(b)  In respect of Part C (Communications Including Conferences, Telephone Calls and Letters), the total claimed time and costs of 28.1 hours and HK$112,540 are excessive and unreasonable even on an indemnity basis. I allow only HK$70,000;

(c)  In respect of Part D (Professional Work), the total claimed time and costs of 24.9 hours and HK$98,400 are excessive and unreasonable even on an indemnity basis. This is particularly so when counsel had been instructed for drafting. I allow only HK$60,000;

(d)  In respect of E3 to E5 (drafting fees of counsel called in 2021), the total fee of HK$145,000 is excessive and unreasonable even on an indemnity basis. This is particularly so when the drafting of affirmations and submissions would have involved some duplication of work. I allow only HK$100,000;

(e)  Overall, I allow on a broad-bush basis HK$265,000.

4.In respect of SC#2:

(a)  SC#2 relates to those costs incurred in reply to AIM and Madam Liu’s List of Objections;

(b)  The total claimed time and costs of 9.6 hours and HK$39,790 are excessive and unreasonable even on an indemnity basis. I allow only HK$20,000.

5.Overall, I summarily assess the costs at HK$285,000.

List of Objections by Ronald Tong & Co,
    for the 1^st to 2^nd Plaintiffs (by original action) and
    the 1^st to 2^nd Defendants (by counterclaim) in HCA 2217/2014
    and the Defendant in HCA 2495/2014

Statements of Costs and Reply by Zhong Lun Law Firm LLP,
    for the 1^st Defendant (by original action) and
    the 1^st Plaintiff (by counterclaim) in HCA 2217/2014
    and the Plaintiff in HCA 2495/2014