Imperial Pacific motion to dismiss lawsuit, denied

Three companies are suing IPI for private nuisance and deliberate – interference with prospective business advantage. 

Saipan.- Imperial Pacific International (IPI) has failed in an attempt to dismiss a lawsuit from three local businesses that have accused the casino operator of interfering with their operations.

Hong Kong-listed IPI was granted the only license to operate a casino on the island of Saipan in 2014, though the property is still not complete. The project has faced numerous delays due to workforce shortages and disruptions due to typhoons.

At present, the casino is closed due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

According to the local press, Superior Court Associate Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio has said the case, brought by American Herbal Essence Group, American Create Beauty Corp. and American Dongsheng Corp., can proceed.

The three companies are suing IPI for private nuisance and deliberate – interference with prospective business advantage. 

The three companies claim that in December 2018 the operator dug a deep trench and posted detour signs redirecting traffic away. 

The judge also denied IPI’s motion to dismiss the plaintiffs’ demand for payment of punitive damages.