Belvino L.L.C. v. Empson (USA) Inc.
2012 Ohio 3074
Ohio Ct. App.2012Background
- BelVino sued il Molino and Empson after il Molino terminated BelVino’s importer/franchise in Ohio and appointed Empson as exclusive U.S. importer.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether BelVino had standing to sue as real party in interest | BelVino due to assignment had standing to sue on Euro USA/BelVino’s rights | Defendants contend BelVino lacked standing despite assignment | BelVino had standing (real party in interest) |
Key Cases Cited
- Sprint Communications Co. v. APCC Servs., Inc., 554 U.S. 269 (U.S. Supreme Court 2008) (Civ.R. 17 and real-party-in-interest justification)
- Horton v. Harwick Chem. Corp., 73 Ohio St.3d 679, 653 N.E.2d 1196 (Ohio 1995) (summary judgment standards and burden on movant)
- Shealy v. Campbell, 20 Ohio St.3d 23, 485 N.E.2d 701 (Ohio 1985) (real-party-in-interest concept and Civ.R. 17 interpretation)
- Dresher v. Burt, 75 Ohio St.3d 280, 662 N.E.2d 264 (Ohio 1996) (summary judgment burden shifting)
- Kenty v. Transamerica Premium Ins. Co., 72 Ohio St.3d 415, 650 N.E.2d 863 (Ohio 1995) (elements of tortious interference claim)
- Castle Hill Holdings, LLC v. Al Hut, Inc., 8th Dist. No. 86442, 2006-Ohio-1353 (Ohio App. 8th Dist. 2006) (interference with business relations standard)
- Vintners Int'l. Co. v. The Wine Group, Inc., 2009 WL (SD Ohio 2010) (discussion of just cause under OABFA)