Ken Okuyama Design etc. v. R Motor Co. CA2/3

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

Plaintiff is an industrial design firm. It was an active California corporation in good standing when the alleged events underlying its lawsuit against defendant occurred.2 Defendant designs and builds “high-end electric automobiles.” It is a Nevada company, registered to do business in California, with its principal office in Texas. Defendant’s registration information with the Nevada Secretary of State lists CT Corporation System (CT) as its designated agent for service of process. On July 17, 2020, plaintiff filed a complaint against defendant for breach of contract. The complaint alleges defendant failed to pay a series of invoices for design work performed in September 2016, totaling approximately $400,000. On July 24, 2020, plaintiff personally served CT with the summons and complaint. As of August 27, 2020, defendant had not responded to the complaint, and plaintiff filed a request for entry of default. The default was entered the same day. On September 28, 2020, plaintiff filed its prove-up papers and request for judgment. On September 29, 2020, the trial court entered the default judgment against defendant. On February 5, 2021, defendant…