Guessous

In this appeal from the denial of a motion to strike under Code of Civil Procedure section 425.16, the “anti-SLAPP statute,” the primary issue is whether the filing of a lawsuit in a foreign country is protected activity under the United States or California Constitutions so as to implicate the statute. We conclude that it is not and affirm the order denying the motion.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

Plaintiffs are Mohammed Amal Guessous, a United States citizen who lives in Los Angeles, California, and Five Bis, a French limited liability company with its principal place of business in Paris, France. Guessous created a line of jewelry and a collection of clothing and leather products. His collections were sold exclusively in the United States until April 2007 when he opened stores in Paris and Tokyo. He holds an ownership interest in Five Bis, which markets and sells his products.

Defendant Chrome Hearts, LLC, is a Delaware limited liability company with its principal place of business in Los Angeles. Chrome Hearts designs, manufactures and sells artistically styled leather goods, apparel, jewelry and accessories. It is the owner of the word mark “Chrome Hearts,”…