Calif. Federal Judge Confirms Arbitration Award, Finds Arbitrator Did Not Exceed Powers

SAN FRANCISCO — A California federal judge has confirmed an arbitration award, finding the arbitrator did not exceed his powers in interpreting provisions of a joint venture agreement because the arbitration clause gave the arbitrator the right to resolve “any issues” relating to the interpretation of the agreement.

In a March 6 order, Judge Edward M. Chen of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California found the party opposing confirmation of the award wrongly criticized the arbitrator for simply interpreting and enforcing the terms of the agreement.

BU8 Sdn. Bhd. is a Malaysian corporation that markets and …