Legalities..

From: David V. Corbin <dvcorbin_at_optonline.net>
Date: Mon Jun 14 06:32:13 2004

 
>>> So if I buy a GM car and GM has cause to sue me over it, they'll file in
Michigan rather than Quebec? (Or wherever their head office is - I'm
assuming Detroit.)

First, I am NOT a lawyer, my brother-in-law IS, and specializes in corporate
litigation.

There are circumstances where GM (or any other company) would file suit
locally, and compel you to appear (or declare you in default of the case).
As a non-US citizen, they can not do this [except for some VERY rare
circumstances], but thay can (and likely would) petition you local court to
hear the case, UNDER THE LEGAL STATUTES OF WHERE THE SUIT ORIGINATED! Canada
and most of the EU countries follow this policy (with reciprocity).

A case the might trigger this type of action, would be if you purchased a
car, to a patented component, and began to manufacturer (and sell) a
replacement THAT WAS IN VIOLATION OF THE PATENT.


So be careful over generalizations.......

David.
Received on Mon Jun 14 2004 - 06:32:13 BST