Civil Procedure

Brief

International Shoe Co. v. Washington

Procedural History:

• Superior Court of Washington rules in favor of the State.
  • International Shoe Co. appeals to US Supreme Court
• Supreme Court of the US
  • Affirmed in favor of State of Washington

Facts:

• International Shoe Co. does business in several States.
• The corporation is based in Delaware.
• International Shoe Co. has about 12 agents in Washington that display their merchandise and also accept orders.
• They technically have no contracts in Washington and no business offices that are permanent in Washington.
• The Unemployment compensation fund brought suit against International Shoe Co. in Washington.
• The suit was served on one of the agents of International Shoe Co. and also had a copy sent to the International Shoe Co.

Issue:

• Can the International Shoe Co. be subject to personal jurisdiction in Washington?

Holding:

• Yes. Affirmed

Reasoning:

• International Shoe Co. conducted systematic and continuous business in Washington.
• The agents in Washington accounted for a large number of commerce while in Washington.
• The agents would at times rent offices to conduct meetings and put their products on display.