Chris, Matt, and Ian, who live in California, have decided to start a business selling an aftershave lotion called Funny Face over the internet.They contract with Novelty Now Inc., a company based in Florida, to manufacture and distribute the product. Chris frequently meets with a representative fromNovelty Now to design the product and to plan marketing and distribution strategies. In fact, to increase the profit margin, Chris directs Novelty Now tosubstitute PYR (a low-cost chemical emulsifier) for the compound in Novelty Now's original formula. PYR is not FDA approved. Funny Face is marketed nationallyon the radio and in newspapers, as well as on the web and Facebook. Donald Margolin, a successful CEO and public speaker, buys one bottle of Funny Face overthe internet. After he uses it once, his face turns a permanent shade of blue. Donald Margolin and his company, Donald Margolin Empire Inc., file suit in thestate of New York against Novelty Now Inc. and Chris, Matt, and Ian, alleging negligence and seeking medical costs and compensation for the damage to his faceand business reputation. It is discovered that PYR caused Margolin's skin discoloration. The website for Funny Face states that anyone buying their productcannot take Chris, Matt, and Ian to court. Novelty Now's contract with the three men states that all disputes must be brought in the state of Florida.
The appropriate court for this lawsuit depends upon several factors. Three important considerations include the following:Personal jurisdiction. Define personal jurisdiction and explain how it applies to the facts of this case.Subject matter jurisdiction. Define subject matter jurisdiction and explain how it applies to the facts of this case.Minimum contacts. Define minimum contacts and explain how it applies to the facts of case.Apply the rules of jurisdiction to the facts of this case and determine what jurisdiction(s) would be appropriate for Margolin's lawsuit against Funny Faceand Novelty Now, respectively. Consider federal court, state court, and long arm principles in your analysis.