Zherebko v. Reutskyy
3:13-cv-00843
N.D. Cal.Aug 12, 2013Background
- Zherebko, a Ukraine resident, sues Reutskyy, Galifianakis, Otizito for copyright infringement, contributory infringement, and breach of oral contract.
- Defendants reside in Europe or New York; Otizito operates in New York.
- Move the Box and This Side Up apps allegedly copied Zherebko’s copyrighted material.
- Move the Box was distributed via Apple App Store; Otizito registered Move the Box and formed in March 2012.
- Zherebko seeks to assert personal jurisdiction over Defendants in California; California long-arm statute aligns with due process.
- Court grants Defendants’ Rule 12(b)(2) motion, dismissing all claims for lack of personal jurisdiction.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copyright infringement jurisdiction | Zherebko argues California to be proper forum due to IP misuse | Defendants contend no express aiming at California; plaintiff not California resident | No jurisdiction for copyright claims; not expressly aimed at California |
| Breach of contract jurisdiction | Move the Box distributed via Apple constitutes business directed at forum | Interactivity via app stores not sufficient; forum unreasonableness | Court dismisses breach claim for lack of reasonable jurisdiction |
| Reasonableness of jurisdiction | Defendants’ contacts render California reasonable forum | Seven-factor test shows forum is unreasonable | Overall, jurisdiction not reasonable; dismissal granted |
Key Cases Cited
- Schwarzenegger v. FredMartin Co., 374 F.3d 797 (9th Cir. 2004) (proximate analysis of minimum contacts; purposeful availment/direction)
- Cybersell, Inc. v. Cybersell, Inc., 130 F.3d 414 (9th Cir. 1997) (sliding scale for internet activity and jurisdiction)
- Zippo Mfg. Co. v. Zippo Dot Com, Inc., 952 F. Supp. 1119 (W.D. Pa. 1997) (test for internet interactivity in jurisdictional analysis)
- Calder v. Jones, 465 U.S. 783 (1984) (purposeful direction; effects on forum state)
- Burger King Corp. v. Rudzewicz, 471 U.S. 462 (1985) (reasonableness of territorial presence; long-arm analysis)
- World-Wide Volkswagen Corp. v. Woodson, 444 U.S. 286 (1980) (jurisdictional due process in relation to forum state interest)