Laboratory Specialists International v. Shimadzu Scientific etc.

Laboratory Specialists International, Inc. (LSI) filed a complaint in Orange County Superior Court alleging causes of action against Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc. (Shimadzu) for breach of contract, conversion, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, intentional interference with contractual relations, and intentional and negligent interference with prospective economic relations. LSI appealed when the trial court dismissed its lawsuit against Shimadzu under the forum selection clause in the parties’ contract. LSI contended Shimadzu erred by requesting a dismissal in its demurrer dismissal based on the forum selection clause, rather than by a separate motion, and that the trial court erred by granting Shimadzu leave to recast its request for dismissal in a separate motion. In the alternative, LSI argued the court erred by: (1) dismissing LSI’s tort claims, which LSI argued did not arise out of or “pertain[]” to the parties’ contract; (2) finding the forum selection clause mandated Maryland as the proper fourm, rather than conducting an analysis under discretionary forum non conveniens factors; and (3) dismissing rather than staying LSI’s lawsuit. As we explain, these contentions are without merit, and we therefore affirm the court’s dismissal order. View "Laboratory Specialists International v. Shimadzu Scientific etc." on Justia Law