A Norwich Pharmacal Order (NPO) is a type of court order that requires a third party to disclose information they hold about another person or organisation involved in wrongdoing. It is typically used when you cannot identify the wrongdoer yourself, but you know that someone else, such as a bank, online platform, or service provider, holds the information that could reveal their identity.

 

The principle comes from the landmark case Norwich Pharmacal Co v Customs and Excise Commissioners [1974] AC 133, where the court decided that a party who becomes “mixed up” in the wrongdoing of others, even innocently, may be required to assist the victim by providing relevant information.

 

In practice, Norwich Pharmacal Orders are powerful tools for individuals and businesses who need disclosure before they can start formal legal proceedings or even thereafter.

 

When might you need a Norwich Pharmacal Order?

 

You may need an NPO if you have been the victim of wrongdoing but cannot identify who is behind it. Common examples include:

• Fraud or financial scams, where funds have been transferred through bank accounts that need to be traced;
• Online defamation or harassment, where the person responsible is hiding behind anonymity;
• Data breaches or misuse of confidential information; or
• Intellectual property infringements, where the infringer’s identity is unknown.

In these situations, an NPO can compel a third party to disclose key details like names, IP addresses, or account information, enabling you to take further legal action.

 

These orders are especially useful in urgent cases, such as where money needs to be traced before it is moved or assets dissipated. The court balances the applicant’s right to know with the third party’s duty of confidentiality, meaning applications must be carefully prepared and supported by clear evidence.

 

Failure to comply with an NPO can amount to contempt of court, so recipients must take them seriously.

 

How we can help

 

Our experienced litigation team understand how critical it can be to obtain the right information quickly, whether you are seeking to recover funds, protect your reputation, or identify those responsible for wrongdoing.

We can:

• Advise whether a Norwich Pharmacal Order is suitable for your case;
• Prepare and present your application to the court;
• Liaise with banks, websites, and service providers to obtain disclosure; and
• Assist with the next legal steps once the information has been obtained.

Our team combines legal expertise with a practical, results-driven approach to help clients uncover the facts and act swiftly.

 

Contact us

 

If you believe a Norwich Pharmacal Order may be needed in your situation, our experienced solicitors can advise and guide you through the process.