FAA Does Not Preempt Illinois’ Time Limit for Recognition of Foreign Judgments, Judge Rules

CHICAGO — Illinois’ 15-year time limit for recognition of foreign judgments is not preempted by the Federal Arbitration Act's three-year limitations period, an Illinois federal judge has ruled in upholding an Indian court's confirmation of a $4 million arbitration award.

In a Sept. 23 order, Judge John Z. Lee of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois held that the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals would adopt other circuits’ holdings that the FAA does not preempt a state’s power to recognize a foreign judgment.

National Aluminum Co. Ltd. initiated arbitration proceedings in India against Peak Chemical …