Instead of waiting for a disagreement to turn into litigation, one of the parties could file for a declaratory judgment. The court would then interpret the contract and define the rights of both parties, offering a legal resolution without the need for a traditional lawsuit.
Although the declaratory judgment is generally a statutory remedy, it resembles remedies historically associated with equity. 1 As a result, the declaratory judgment has sometimes been described as a form of equitable relief.
The benefit of a declaratory judgment is that it prevents lawsuits that are likely to be unsuccessful, which saves the courts, and ultimately taxpayers, resources and time. A policyholder that receives an unfavorable declaratory judgment is unlikely to file a lawsuit, as the suit is much more likely to be dismissed.
Declaratory judgments have the same effect and force as final judgments and are legally binding.
To bring a claim for declaratory judgment in a situation where a patent dispute may exist or develop, the claimant must establish that an actual controversy exists. If there is a substantial controversy of sufficient immediacy and reality, the court will generally proceed with the declaratory-judgment action.
Declaratory judgments are conclusive and legally binding, but do not have preclusive effect if: A later lawsuit involves issues other than those specifically litigated and ruled on in the declaratory judgment action.