Callaway Golf Corp. v. Royal Canadian Golf Ass'n

ORDER GRANTING DEFENDANT’S MOTION TO DISMISS FOR LACK OF PERSONAL JURISDICTION

I.

INTRODUCTION

The Royal Canadian Golf Association made public its decision to preclude use of named golf clubs in its regulation golf tournaments. Plaintiffs golf club was mentioned in the Canadian association’s announcement by its Callaway name, after which plaintiff filed this lawsuit against defendant alleging claims for, inter alia, trade libel, defamation, interference with contract, interference with prospective economic advantage, and violation of California’s Unfair Competition Act. After due examination of the parties’ papers and independent research, the Court concludes that it lacks jurisdiction over the Canadian defendant whose mode of public announcement did not subject it to personal jurisdiction in this forum. For reasons discussed below, the Court grants defendant Royal Canadian Golf Association’s Motion to Dismiss For Lack of Personal Jurisdiction pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(2).

II.

PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

On June 20, 2000, plaintiff Callaway Golf Corporation (Callaway) filed a First Amended Complaint (“Complaint”) against defendant Royal Canadian Golf…