Limited Use of California-Based Web Services Insufficient to Find ‘Express-Aiming’ at State

Claims that a Florida software reseller regularly used a handful of California-based internet services like PayPal and Facebook in conducting its business were not sufficient to demonstrate the “express aiming” needed to establish personal jurisdiction over the reseller for allegedly infringing a California company’s trademark and copyright, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California ruled Aug. 29 (Adobe Systems Inc. v. Trinity Software Distribution Inc., N.D. Cal., 3:12-cv-01614-SI, 8/29/12).

“[L]imited uses of highly popular internet services—services used by most modern retail businesses—do not establish specific jurisdiction in California,” the court said in an order ...