State of Washington v. LG Electronics, Inc.

Case Updates

The Washington Supreme Court affirmed the court of appeals decision, holding that the State of Washington alleged sufficient minimum contacts to satisfy both the long arm statute and due process.

In its brief to the Washington Supreme Court, the U.S. Chamber argued that federal due process requirements prevent a state from asserting personal jurisdiction over component manufacturers based simply on the fact that finished products incorporating the components are carried into the state through the stream of commerce.

The Chamber’s brief explained that, in addition to conflicting with U.S. Supreme Court precedent, such a broad theory of personal jurisdiction would result in unpredictable jurisdictional rules and impose costly and unfair burdens on businesses.

Kristina S. Bennard of Yarmuth Wilsdon PLLC served as counsel to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the U.S. Chamber Litigation Center.