Pan

INTRODUCTION

In this appeal, we affirm orders granting special motions to strike a complaint for malicious prosecution pursuant to the anti-SLAPP statute, Code of Civil Procedure section 425.16.1 As we explain, we conclude defendants2 had probable cause to pursue their underlying collection action and therefore plaintiffs failed to demonstrate there was a probability they would prevail in the present malicious prosecution action.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

I. The Underlying Collection Action

A. The Parties Dunhua City Jisen Wood Industry Co., Ltd. (Dunhua Jisen) is a Chinese-based manufacturer of hardwood products. Jianyo Li (Li) is Dunhua Jisen’s largest shareholder and chief executive. Li Liu (Liu) is an employee and managing agent of Dinhua Jisen. Shaul Dina (Dina) is a hardwood vendor operating under the corporate name Old Master Products, Inc. (Old Master), which sells Dunhua Jisen’s hardwood flooring products. Tony Pan is the owner of several companies based in California that import and distribute hardwood flooring, including United Wood Floor Corporation (UWFC). Alice

“SLAPP” is an acronym for “strategic lawsuit against public participation.”…