Imperial Pacific International has failed in an attempt to quash a lawsuit from three local businesses who accuse the operator of interfering with their operations.
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 tortious - or deliberate - interference with prospective business advantage, according to local media reports.
The three companies lease premises across from IPI’s resort and claim that the operator in December 2018 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.
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 disruption due to typhoons. At present the casino is closed due to the coronavirus.
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