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The judge will have three options available to him: he can grant an injunction, throw the case out or, as expected, grant a full hearing in two weeks time.
The Royals boss last week tendered his resignation but had his departure blocked by the board who insisted that he honours his contract.
Pardew is said to be keen on joining West Ham, however, the club's lawyers are arguing that such a move would be in breach of his contract. The Upton Park side had two official approaches for the Royals boss rejected before he handed in his resignation.
It has been reported that the 42-year-olds contract states that Pards can leave Reading to join a Premiership club providing a £250,000 compensation package is paid.
However, it is alleged that the contract also states that Pardew must not leave to join a "rival club". The Division One Hammers are, in the eyes of many, a "rival club".
The judge is expected to postpone the case for two weeks so that a full hearing can be had.
Commenting on the news, a West Ham spokesman said to The London Evening Standard: "We understand Reading have issued proceedings against Alan Pardew for breach of contract. West Ham United are not party to the proceedings so are unable to comment further."
Kevin Dillon has been handed temporary charge of Reading and is expected to keep the job at least until the court case has been dealt with.
At West Ham, Trevor Brooking remains as caretaker manager. The Hammers had hoped to appoint a new man by now but the appointment process has been drawn out longer than had previously been expected.