The case of the day is Rice v. Electrolux Home Products, Inc. (M.D. Pa. 2018). The case is a putative class action alleging product defects in a microwave oven. The opinion is, I’m sorry to say, a real stinker. The plaintiffs had to serve process on Microwave And Electrical Appliances Manufacturing Company, Ltd., a Chinese firm. They sought leave to serve process by alternate means under FRCP 4(f)(3). In particular, they sought leave to serve by email and by hand delivery to the US law firm that had opposed the motion on behalf of the Chinese company.
Tagged: China, Email, Hague Service Convention