Opinion ID: 2404850
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Policy Considerations (Factor Five)

Text: This last gestalt factor involves the substantive social policies of the affected governments. Id. New Hampshire has an interest in protecting its citizens from the contamination of State waters by MTBE gasoline, and in providing the State with a convenient forum to adjudicate its complaints. See id. We also consider that New Hampshire has a policy interest in providing foreign refineries, such as North Atlantic, the incentive of liability to ensure their reasonable care in producing and designing gasoline for distribution in the state. Id. Moreover, New Hampshire has an interest in preventing these same refineries from avoiding personal jurisdiction, limiting injured parties' recovery, and in essence blocking their own liability, by producing their products exclusively for one related corporate entity and distributing them through another related entity. Id. While Canada has a policy interest in protecting its businesses from liability, New Hampshire's interests are weightier. See id. Consequently, this factor tips in favor of personal jurisdiction in New Hampshire. See id. After considering the gestalt factors, we conclude that it is fair and reasonable to require North Atlantic to defend suit in New Hampshire. For all of the above reasons, therefore, we hold that North Atlantic is subject to specific personal jurisdiction in New Hampshire. Affirmed.