4.  The applicant was born in 1948 and lives in Świnoujście. 5.  On 1 December 1992 the applicant brought an action against his former employer before the Szczecin Regional Court for payment of 88,674 zlotys in compensation for refraining from undertaking any professional activity in competition to that of his former employer. His contract of employment provided for such compensation for a period of six months after the termination of his contract of employment (“the competition clause”). 6.  Hearings were held on 3 March 1993, 27 August 1993 and 26 October 1993. On 26 October 1993 the Szczecin Regional Court dismissed the applicant’s action. The applicant appealed to the Poznań Court of Appeal. 7.  On 24 March 1994 an appeal hearing was held. 8.  On 5 May 1994 the Poznań Court of Appeal quashed the judgment and remitted the case. 9.  On 20 December 1994 a hearing was held during which the court examined witnesses. 10.  On 7 February 1995, 4 April 1995 and 16 May 1995 further hearings were held. On 16 May 1995 the court decided to have witnesses examined by other courts for reasons of economy of proceedings. It sent its request to these courts on 27 July 1995. On 12 October 1995 and 10 December 1995 the requested courts examined witnesses. 11.  On 6 February 1996, 18 March 1996 and 19 November 1996 further hearings were held. 12.  On 29 January 1997 the Szczecin Regional Court gave a judgment in which it allowed the applicant’s claim in part – it awarded him 44,621 zlotys. Both parties appealed. 13.  On 31 July 1997 the Poznań Court of Appeal dismissed the applicant’s action in its entirety. The applicant lodged a cassation appeal. 14.  On 24 February 1998 the Supreme Court of Appeal quashed the judgment and remitted the case. 15.  On 22 October 1998 a hearing was held before the Poznań Court of Appeal during which the parties agreed to enter into negotiations. 16.  On 28 January 1999 a judicial settlement was concluded and the proceedings were discontinued. According to the settlement, the applicant obtained 61,000 zlotys.