Commerzbank has failed to have a bonus-related legal dispute in the New York courts dismissed, just months after claimants in a similar case in London won the right to go to a full trial.

The case relates to the first half of 2008, when German insurer Allianz started discussing a merger between its banking arm, Dresdner Bank, and Commerzbank. In February, Commerzbank filed in the New York State Supreme Court seeking summary judgement against eight former Dresdner employees and to dismiss their claims for unpaid bonuses.