Out-of-State Business Can Sue in NJ Despite Defunct License

Out-of-date paperwork filed with state authorities can’t doom an out-of-state flooring company’s lawsuit that’s ready for trial, a New Jersey appellate court ruled Tuesday.

Pennsylvania-based NG Flooring Inc. had its claims that it was stiffed nearly $100,000 by a contractor tossed by a lower court on the eve of trial because opposing counsel pointed out the plaintiff hadn’t registered to do business in New Jersey or filed corporate paperwork in recent years. That dismissal decision was off-base both on the statutory requirements and the equities that guide state court litigation, the New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division ruled.

“NG Flooring ...