In today’s article, we discuss how courts interpret arbitration clauses in contracts by focusing on Perle Tech. Inc. v. United Apollo Intl. Inc., a case recently decided in Supreme Court, Kings County. Despite the use of the word “may” in the arbitration clause, the court held that arbitration was mandatory, not permissive, due to other contract provisions indicating clear intent to arbitrate.

In Marinos v. Brahaj, the New York Appellate Division, Second Department, ruled that a wrongful death claim brought by a decedent’s administrators was not subject to an arbitration clause the decedent had agreed to.