Figi Graphics, Inc. v. Dollar General Corp.

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

This matter comes before the Court on Defendant’s motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction. Defendant argues that Plaintiffs copyright infringement action should be dismissed because Defendant does not have the requisite “minimum contacts” with the State of California to allow the Court to exercise personal jurisdiction. For the reasons set forth below, Defendant’s motion to dismiss is GRANTED.

I. Background

Defendant Dollar General Corporation (“Dollar”) is a Tennessee corporation with its principal place of business in Nashville. Dollar’s subsidiaries own and operate a chain of value-priced retail stores under the name of Dollar General in the midwestern and southeastern United States.

Plaintiff Figi Graphics, Inc. (“Figi”) is a San Diego based company that creates distinctive artwork for placement on giftware such as picture frames or candle holders. Figi recently discovered that Dollar was selling low-priced gifts with artwork identical to the designs Figi created and copyrighted. Consequently, Figi filed suit seeking damages and injunctive relief for copyright infringement.

In…