Shirodkar v. Coinbase Global, Inc. et al.
Shantanu Shirodkar
Coinbase Global, Inc.
Coinbase Europe Limited
Coinbase Canada Inc.

Facts: Shantanu Shirodkar filed a class action against Coinbase Global Inc. and related entities, alleging that the crypto assets sold on the Coinbase platform were securities under Ontario law, and the defendants failed to comply with the disclosure and prospectus requirements.

Issues:

  • Jurisdiction: Whether the Ontario court has jurisdiction over the foreign defendants based on their business activities in Ontario.
  • Forum non conveniens: Whether the case should be stayed because another forum (Ireland) is more appropriate for hearing the case.

Court's Ruling:

  • The court found it did not have jurisdiction over Coinbase Europe, Coinbase Inc., and Coinbase Global, but it did have jurisdiction over Coinbase Canada based on its business activities in Ontario.
  • The court stayed the action against Coinbase Canada, concluding that Ireland is a more appropriate forum for the dispute.

Costs/Damages:

  • The plaintiff was ordered to pay $250,000 in costs to the defendants for the jurisdiction and forum non conveniens motion.
Superior Court of Justice - Ontario
CV-22-00690257-00CP
Class actions
$ 250,000
Defendant