Opinion ID: 1867006
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The quantity of contacts with the forum state

Text: In Rostad v. On-Deck, Inc., 372 N.W.2d 717, 722 (Minn.1985), we held that even though a foreign corporation did not have any direct contacts with Minnesota, it could be subject to jurisdiction in Minnesota courts. Further, we held in Rostad that jurisdiction in Minnesota was appropriate when the defendant made calculated attempts to create a national market for [its] product, a market which specifically includes Minnesota. Id. at 721; accord A. Uberti and C v. Leonardo, 181 Ariz. 565, 892 P.2d 1354, 1362 (Ariz.1995) (noting that an intent to sell across America is enough to establish contacts for jurisdiction in a state). The record reflects that as of May 2001, there were 122 Meikikou lift tables in use throughout the United States, including 17 in Minnesota. Evidence from a meeting between YMO representatives and Meikikou representatives indicates that Meikikou was aware that its lift tables were destined for use by customers in the United States. Furthermore, evidence indicates Meikikou's desire to sell its products internationally. Meikikou is a member of two international business groups and maintains an English language website that discusses its world-specification-standardized hardware in the scissor lifts area. It advertises its lift tables in English language brochures. It markets itself as being certified by an international standardization organization, which establishes and certifies a company's quality and environmental standards. Moreover, Meikikou has an insurance policy that covers U.S. products liability claims, which can evidence an awareness of the possibility of being haled into U.S. courts. Based on these facts, I would conclude that Meikikou has sufficient contacts to be subject to personal jurisdiction in Minnesota.