The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of ExxonMobil in its lawsuit against Cuban state-owned firm Corporación CIMEX, making it easier for U.S. companies to seek compensation for property seized by Cuba's government. In a 6-3 decision, the court held that foreign sovereign immunity is not available as a defense in cases brought under the Helms-Burton Act, reversing a lower court ruling that had blocked Exxon's 2019 suit. Exxon accuses CIMEX of unlawfully using a refinery and service stations once owned by Standard Oil, with the claim now valued at more than $1 billion. The case returns to a lower court for further proceedings on CIMEX's potential liability. The ruling comes amid heightened U.S.-Cuba tensions, including recent murder charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro.
Exxon Mobil CorpSupreme Court ruling favors Exxon in Cuba compensation case, removing sovereign immunity defense and allowing lawsuit to proceed.
Supreme Court ruling against CIMEX removes sovereign immunity defense, exposing it to potential liability in Exxon's $1B+ claim.