Genuine Parts Co. v. Cepec
Delaware Supreme Court
137 A.3d 123 (2016)
- Written by Rose VanHofwegen, JD
Facts
Ralph and Sandra Cepec (plaintiffs) brought an asbestos-exposure lawsuit in Delaware court against seven companies associated with asbestos-containing products, including Genuine Parts Company (Genuine) (defendant), which operates NAPA auto-parts stores. Ralph Cepec worked for Genuine at a warehouse in Florida, but the Cepecs lived in Georgia, where Genuine was incorporated. But five of the other companies were incorporated in Delaware, where Genuine had registered to do business and appointed an agent for service of process. At the outset, Genuine challenged the court’s general jurisdiction over claims having nothing to do with Genuine’s activities in Delaware. Applying Delaware precedent, the court held that Genuine consented to suit in Delaware simply by registering to do business there. Genuine appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Strine, C.J.)
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