Ted,

In my view, the claims against the two Canadian affiliates are wholly derivative of the claim on the judgment against Chevron itself. The issue is whether the Ecuador judgment is final and conclusive vis-a-vis the named defendants, in order for res judicata and cause of action and issue estoppel to operate. In order for the plaintiffs to recover against the two affiliates as liable for the debts of Chevron (e.g., on a reverse veil-piercing theory), the plaintiffs must establish that the two affiliates were under the complete control of Chevron Corp and/or that the two affiliates were set up to fraudulently avoid the debts and obligations of Chevron Corp.

Antonin