Kukich v. Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
Filing
39
MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by Judge Ellen L. Hollander on 1/24/2017. (bmhs, Deputy Clerk) [Transferred from Maryland on 1/26/2017.]
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF MARYLAND
ALEX KUKICH, Individually and on behalf of
all others similar situated,
Plaintiff,
v.
Civil Action No. ELH-16-3412
ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.,
Defendant.
MEMORANDUM OPINION
In October 2016, plaintiff Alex Kukich, individually and on behalf of all others similarly
situated, filed suit against defendant Electrolux Home Products, Inc. (“Electrolux”), alleging that
the stainless steel handles on “Over-The-Range Microwave Ovens” (“Microwave(s)”) designed
and manufactured by Electrolux dangerously reach up to 168°F when the “cooking surface
below is in operation . . . .” ECF 1 ¶ 1; see also id. ¶ 34. The Complaint is supported by several
exhibits (ECF 1-3 to ECF 1-5). In the Complaint, Kukich asserts claims, inter alia, for strict
liability on the basis of design defect and failure to warn (id. ¶¶ 69-89); negligent failure to warn
(id. ¶¶ 90-101); negligence (id. ¶¶ 102-110); violations of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, 15
U.S.C. §§ 2301 et seq. (id. ¶¶ 111-123); and unjust enrichment (id. ¶¶ 134-139).1
Kukich, who is a citizen of Maryland (id. ¶ 6), seeks to certify two classes. First, he
seeks to certify a class under Fed. R. Civ. P. 23(b)(2), consisting of “[a]ll persons in the United
States who own a Microwave with a 400-Grade Stainless Steel Handle.” Id. ¶ 44. Second, he
seeks to certify a class, pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 23(b)(3), consisting of “[a]ll persons in the
1
Plaintiff asserts that jurisdiction is based on 28 U.S.C. § 1332(d), because the matter is a
class action under Fed. R. Civ. P. 23. ECF 1 ¶ 16.
State of Maryland who own a Microwave with a 400-Grade Stainless Steel Handle that was
purchased during the four (4) years preceding the filing of this action.” Id. ¶ 45.
Electrolux has moved to transfer the case to the Middle District of Pennsylvania, pursuant
to 28 U.S.C. § 1404(a) (ECF 25), where a similar case is pending. The motion is supported by a
memorandum of law (ECF 25-1) (collectively, “Motion” or “Motion to Transfer”) and several
exhibits. ECF 25-2 through ECF 25-6. Kukich opposes the Motion (ECF 32, “Opposition”) and
submitted exhibits in support of his position. ECF 32-1 through ECF 32-3. Electrolux has
replied.
ECF 33 (“Reply”).
Each party has also submitted a “Notice of Supplemental
Authority.” ECF 31 (Kukich); ECF 38 (Electrolux).2
The Motion is well briefed and no hearing is necessary to resolve it. See Local Rule
105.6. For these reasons that follow, I shall grant the Motion.
I.
Factual Background3
Electrolux is a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in North
Carolina. ECF 1 ¶ 10. It is in the “business of designing, manufacturing, and distributing the
Microwaves throughout the United States . . . .” Id. ¶ 12. The Microwaves “are designed for
installation on a vertical wall directly over the cooking surface of the range.” Id. ¶ 2. Electrolux
distributes its products under a variety of brand names, including Electrolux; Electrolux ICON;
Frigidaire Professional; Frigidaire Gallery; Frigidaire; Eureka; Kelvinator; Sanitaire; Tappan;
and White-Westinghouse. Id. ¶ 11.
2
Also pending is defendant’s motion to dismiss, pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6).
ECF 24. Plaintiff has responded in opposition (ECF 30) and defendant has replied. ECF 34.
Because I shall grant the Motion to Transfer, I have not considered the motion to dismiss.
3
Given the posture of the case, I accept as true the facts alleged in the Complaint.
-2-
Kukich owns a Frigidaire Gallery Over-The-Range Microwave Oven, Model No.
FGMV174KFC, which he purchased from the “HHGREGG” store in Catonsville, Maryland in
October 2013. Id. ¶¶ 7-8, 29-31. It is “designed, manufactured, and intended to be used ‘overthe range’ with its unique stainless steel ‘Handle Design.’” Id. ¶ 21. The Microwave “was
installed pursuant to Defendant’s installation instructions.” Id.¶ 7.
The Microwave’s handle is constructed with “400-grade stainless steel”, which is known
to absorb and conduct heat.
Id. ¶¶ 1-2, 22.
It is identified as Electrolux part number
5304471830. Id. ¶ 23. The handle is used “to access the appliance for use, and is the only way
to open the Microwave door.” Id. ¶ 24. Notably, the handle is “designed for use with a bare
hand . . . .” Id. However, because the stainless steel handle of the Microwave can reach
temperatures of over 168°F (75.55°C) in the normal operation of the oven, it creates “a risk of
serious injury to anyone who touches the handle with a bare hand . . . .” Id. ¶¶ 1, 25. While
cooking on his stove, Kukich “discovered the exceedingly high temperature of [the Microwave]
handle.” Id. ¶ 33.
Underwriters Laboratories, an independent safety science company, has stated that the
maximum acceptable temperature for “[b]are or painted metal” handles is 131°F (55°C). Id. ¶ 3.
And, ASTM International (formerly, the American Society for Testing and Materials) has said
that skin contact with metallic surfaces at temperatures greater than 154°F (68°C) can result in
irreversible skin damage. Id. ¶¶ 4, 26. Yet, “[d]efendant has not provided any warnings,
instructions, or visible indicators that the 400-Grade Stainless Steel Handle becomes hot with the
operation of the cooking surface below and may cause serious burns or other injuries.” Id. ¶ 28.
Kukich claims that defendant continues to design, manufacture, market, advertise, and
sell Microwaves with handles that cause burns and other injuries, despite knowing of the flaw
-3-
with the handles. Id. ¶ 40. Kukich also complains that Electrolux has failed to implement a
“recall or repair program to adequately announce . . . the existence” of the defect. Id.
II.
Discussion
Electrolux has moved to transfer this case to the Middle District of Pennsylvania,
pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1404(a) (ECF 25), where the case of Rice v. Electrolux Home Products,
Inc., 4:15-cv-0371-MWB (“Rice”) is pending in the Williamsport Division of that district
(Brann, J.). Electrolux attached as an exhibit to its Motion the suit filed by Ms. Rice on February
18, 2015. See ECF 25-3. According to defendant, Rice is “based on the same allegations that
form the basis of Kukich’s complaint.” ECF 25-1 at 5. Electrolux points out that in Rice, as
here, the plaintiff seeks to certify a national class under Rule 23(b)(2), consisting of “[a]ll
persons in the United States who own a Microwave with a stainless steel handle . . . .” Id. at 7;
see ECF 1 ¶ 62 in Rice. Given the pendency of the Rice case, Electrolux maintains that “the
interests of justice weigh heavily in favor of transferring . . . to avoid duplicative litigation, avoid
inconsistent rulings, and promote judicial efficiency.” ECF 25-1 at 5.
Kukich opposes the Motion to Transfer.
ECF 32.
He states, inter alia, that the
Pennsylvania court lacks personal jurisdiction over him and that a Maryland court should apply
Maryland law with regard to the claims under Maryland law. ECF 32 at 5, 14.
A.
Section 1404(a) of 28 U.S.C. states, in pertinent part: “For the convenience of parties and
witnesses, in the interest of justice, a district court may transfer any civil action to any other
district or division where it might have been brought . . . .” This provision “reflects an increased
desire to have federal civil suits tried in the federal system at the place called for in the particular
case by considerations of convenience and justice.” Van Dusen v. Barrack, 376 U.S. 612, 616
-4-
(1964). To that end, it helps “to prevent the waste ‘of time, energy, and money’ and ‘to protect
litigants, witnesses, and the public against unnecessary inconvenience and expense.” Id. (citation
omitted).
Notably, “[t]he decision whether to transfer is committed to the sound discretion of the
trial court.” Mamani v. Bustamante, 547 F. Supp. 2d 465, 469 (D. Md. 2008); see Volkswagen,
545 F.3d at 312 (“‘There can be no question but that the district courts have ‘broad discretion in
deciding whether to order a transfer.’”); see also Tr. of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Nat. Pension
Fund v. Plumbing Servs., Inc., 791 F.3d 436, 443 (4th Cir. 2015); In re Ralston Purina Co., 726
F.2d 1002, 1005 (4th Cir. 1984). In the exercise of that discretion, the district court must weigh
“a number of case-specific factors.” Stewart Org., Inc. v. Ricoh Corp., 487 U.S. 22, 29 (1988).
These include: “(1) the weight accorded to plaintiff's choice of venue; (2) witness convenience
and access; (3) convenience of the parties; and (4) the interest of justice.” Plumbing Servs., Inc.,
791 F.3d at 444; see, e.g., Mamani, 547 F. Supp. 2d at 469; Cross v. Fleet Reserve Ass’n Pension
Plan, 383 F. Supp. 2d 852, 856 (D. Md. 2005). Other factors include the “local interest in
having localized controversies settled at home” and the “appropriateness in having a trial of a
diversity case in a forum that is at home with the state law that must govern the
action.” Stratagene v. Parsons Behle & Latimer, 315 F. Supp. 2d 765, 771 (D. Md. 2004).
The moving party bears the burden of showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that
transfer to another venue is proper. See Gilbert v. Freshbikes, LLC, 32 F. Supp. 3d 594, 607 (D.
Md. 2014); CoStar Realty Info., Inc. v. Meissner, 604 F. Supp. 2d 757, 770 (D. Md. 2009); Lynch
v. Vanderhoef Builders, 237 F. Supp. 2d 615, 617 (D. Md. 2002). To the extent that the movant
claims hardships arising from the venue, “the movant should submit, for example, affidavits
from witnesses and parties explaining the hardships they would suffer if the case were heard in
-5-
the plaintiff's chosen forum.” Dow v. Jones, 232 F. Supp. 2d 491, 499 (D. Md. 2002) (citing
Helsel v. Tishman Realty & Constr. Co., 198 F. Supp. 2d 710, 712 (D. Md. 2002)). Bald
assertions of inconvenience or hardship are not sufficient. Dow, 232 F. Supp. 2d at 713.
B.
Under § 1404(a), the “preliminary” inquiry focuses on whether the civil action “might
have been brought in the destination venue.” In re: Volkswagen of Am., Inc., 545 F.3d 304, 312
(5th Cir. 2008) (internal quotations omitted). In order to transfer a case to another district, the
transferee court must have personal jurisdiction over the defendant. D2L Ltd. v. Blackboard,
Inc., 671 F. Supp. 2d 768, 778 (D. Md. 2009).
Here, subject matter jurisdiction is predicated on 28 U.S.C. § 1332(d) (ECF 1 ¶ 16),
which is part of the diversity jurisdiction statute. Under 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b), venue for such an
action exists in
(1) a judicial district in which any defendant resides, if all defendants are
residents of the State in which the district is located;
(2) a judicial district in which a substantial part of the events or omissions
giving rise to the claim occurred, or a substantial part of property that is the
subject of the action is situated; or
(3) if there is no district in which an action may otherwise be brought as
provided in this section, any judicial district in which any defendant is subject
to the court's personal jurisdiction with respect to such action.
Section 1391(c) states, in part:
[A]n entity with the capacity to sue and be sued in its common name under
applicable law, whether or not incorporated, shall be deemed to reside, if a
defendant, in any judicial district in which such defendant is subject to the court's
personal jurisdiction with respect to the civil action in question . . . .
Electrolux claims that venue is proper in the Middle District of Pennsylvania because it
has consented to personal jurisdiction in Pennsylvania based on its registration as a foreign
corporation in that State. ECF 25-1 at 11; see 28 U.S.C. § 1391(c). Electrolux has submitted an
-6-
exhibit demonstrating that since 1992 it has been registered as a foreign corporation in
Pennsylvania. See ECF 25-6.
Plaintiff asserts that “it cannot be held that venue is proper in Pennsylvania for the claims
of a Maryland resident against a North Carolina company.” Id. Such a determination, according
to Kukich, “would turn the venue requirements upside down.” Id. In addition, plaintiff argues
that Pennsylvania lacks personal jurisdiction “over Mr. Kukich,” because Kukich is domiciled in
Maryland and lacks “‘continuous and systematic’ contact[s] with Pennsylvania.” ECF 32 at 9.
According to Kukich, “Electrolux ignores this threshold, critical issue”, which constitutes “the
death knell to its motion.” Id.
“A federal court sitting in diversity undertakes a two-step inquiry in determining whether
personal jurisdiction exists . . .” over a defendant. United Techs Corp. v. Mazer, 556 F.3d 1260,
1274 (11th Cir. 2009). This applies to § 1332(d). See, e.g., Norberg v. Shutterfly, Inc., 152 F.
Supp. 3d 1103, 1104 (N.D. Ill. 2015) (applying the two-step test for personal jurisdiction in the
context of § 1332(d)) (citing Jennings v. AC Hydraulic A/S, 383 F.3d 546, 548 (7th Cir. 2004)).
The Fourth Circuit explained in Ellicott Mach. Corp., Inc. v. John Holland Party Ltd., 995 F.2d
474, 477 (4th Cir. 1993): “In the first step, we determine whether the long-arm statute authorizes
the exercise of jurisdiction in the circumstances presented. If we answer that affirmatively, we
consider whether the exercise of jurisdiction comports with Fourteenth Amendment due process
standards.”
(Internal citations omitted); accord Base Metal Trading, Ltd. v. OJSC
"Novokuznetsky Aluminum Factory", 283 F.3d 208, 212 (4th Cir. 2002).
As to Electrolux, the first step is readily satisfied. “Pennsylvania law imposes a basis for
personal jurisdiction over a business if the business qualifies as a foreign corporation in the
state.[]” Bors v. Johnson & Johnson, ___ F. Supp. 3d. ___, 2016 W.L. 5172816 at *2 (E. D. Pa.
-7-
Sept. 20, 2016) (citing Bane v. Netlink, Inc., 925 F.2d 637, 641 (3d Cir. 1991)). The relevant
Pennsylvania statute is 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 5301. It provides, id. (emphasis added):
(a) General rule.--The existence of any of the following relationships between a
person and this Commonwealth shall constitute a sufficient basis of jurisdiction to
enable the tribunals of this Commonwealth to exercise general personal
jurisdiction over such person, or his personal representative in the case of an
individual, and to enable such tribunals to render personal orders against such
person or representative:
* * *
(2) Corporations.-(i) Incorporation under or qualification as a foreign corporation
under the laws of this Commonwealth.
(ii) Consent, to the extent authorized by the consent.
(iii) The carrying on of a continuous and systematic part of its
general business within this Commonwealth.
***
(b) Scope of jurisdiction.--When jurisdiction over a person is based upon this
section any cause of action may be asserted against him, whether or not arising
from acts enumerated in this section. Discontinuance of the acts enumerated in
subsection (a)(2)(i) and (iii) and (3)(i) and (iii) shall not affect jurisdiction with
respect to any act, transaction or omission occurring during the period such status
existed.
Clearly, 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 5301 provides that the act of registering as a foreign corporation
in Pennsylvania submits the corporation to the general jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania courts.
See, e.g., Burger King Corp. v. Rudzewicz, 471 U.S. 462, 472 n.14 (1985); All Risks, Ltd. v.
Butler, No. CV GLR-15-3146, 2016 WL 4435477, at *2 (D. Md. Aug. 22, 2016); CoStar Realty
Info., Inc. v. Field, 612 F. Supp. 2d 660, 668 (D. Md. 2009); see also 4 C. WRIGHT
AND
A.
MILLER, FEDERAL PRACTICE & PROCEDURE § 1067.3 (4th ed.) (“Wright and Miller”) (“Personal
jurisdiction can be based on the defendant's consent to have the case adjudicated in the forum, or
the defendant's waiver of the personal jurisdiction defense.[]”).
Elextrolux is subject to suit in Pennsylvania.
-8-
Under Pennsylvania law,
As to the second step, the United States Supreme Court has long held that the exercise of
personal jurisdiction over a nonresident defendant is constitutionally permissible so long as the
defendant has “minimum contacts with [the forum state] such that the maintenance of the suit
does not offend ‘traditional notions of fair play and substantial justice.’” International Shoe Co.
v. Washington, 326 U.S. 310, 316 (1945). Due process jurisprudence recognizes “two types of
personal jurisdiction: general and specific.” CFA Inst. v. Inst. of Chartered Fin. Analysts of
India, 551 F.3d 285, 292 n. 15 (4th Cir. 2009). The difference between the two turns on the
nature and extent of the contacts with the forum state that are necessary to meet the “minimum
contacts” threshold.
The Fourth Circuit explained in CFA Inst., 551 F.3d at 292 n.15:
General personal jurisdiction, on the one hand, requires “continuous and
systematic” contacts with the forum state, such that a defendant may be sued in
that state for any reason, regardless of where the relevant conduct occurred.
Specific personal jurisdiction, on the other hand, requires only that the relevant
conduct have such a connection with the forum state that it is fair for the
defendant to defend itself in that state.
(Citing, inter alia, Helicopteros Nacionales de Colombia, S.A. v. Hall, 466 U.S. 408, 414-15,
(1984)) (internal citations omitted).
In other words, a court may exercise general jurisdiction to hear “any and all claims”
against corporations “when their affiliations with the State are so ‘continuous and systematic’ as
to render them essentially at home in the forum State.” Goodyear Dunlop Tires Operations, S.A.
v. Brown, 564 U.S. 915, 919 (2011) (citations omitted).
In contrast, specific jurisdiction
“depends on an ‘affiliatio[n] between the forum and the underlying controversy.’” Id. (citation
omitted) (alteration in Goodyear).
Bors, supra, 2016 WL 5172816, is instructive.
There, the Eastern District of
Pennsylvania considered whether the Supreme Court’s decision in Daimler AG v. Bauman, ___
-9-
U.S. ___, 134 S. Ct. 746 (2014), altered or eliminated general jurisdiction applicable to foreign
corporations that register to do business in Pennsylvania pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 5301, and
thus consent to personal jurisdiction. It noted that Daimler “focused on personal jurisdiction
absent consent.” Id. at *1. Notably, the Bors Court said, id.: “When, as here, a foreign
corporation registers to do business under the Pennsylvania corporate statute specifically
advising the registrant of its consent to personal jurisdiction through registration, . . . general and
specific jurisdiction principles applying to non-consensual personal jurisdiction do not apply.”
In the Bors Court’s view, Daimler “does not eliminate consent to general personal
jurisdiction over a corporation registered to do business in Pennsylvania.[]” Bors, 2016 WL
5172816 at *3. In reaching this conclusion, the court noted: “A court's exercise of general
jurisdiction based on a corporation's consent differs from general jurisdiction established when a
corporation is ‘essentially at home’ in the forum state, as described in Daimler.[]” Id. at *4
(quoting Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. v. Mylan Pharm. Inc., 78 F.Supp.3d 572, 587 (D. Del. 2015),
aff'd, 817 F.3d 755 (Fed. Cir. 2016)).
To my knowledge, the Third Circuit has not yet considered whether, in light of Daimler,
the Pennsylvania statute may confer general jurisdiction over a foreign corporation registered in
the State. But, I am persuaded by the reasoning in Bors. Accordingly, I am satisfied that, based
on Electrolux’s registration as a foreign corporation in Pennsylvania, it has consented to general
jurisdiction in Pennsylvania.
The parties have not addressed Hoffman v. Blaski, 363 U.S. 335 (1960), which precludes
transfer under 28 U.S.C. § 1404(a) where personal jurisdiction in the transferee district is based
on consent or waiver. See Wright & Miller § 3845. The Hoffman Court said, 363 U.S. at 34243, that the phrase in § 1404(a) – “where [suit] might have been brought” – does not mean
-10-
“where it may now be rebrought, with defendants’ consent.” The Court also agreed with the
lower court, which had said, id. at 344:
“If when a suit is commenced, plaintiff has a right to sue in that district,
independently of the wishes of defendant, it is a district ‘where (the action) might
have been brought.’ If he does not have that right, independently of the wishes of
defendant, it is not a district ‘where it might have been brought,’ and it is
immaterial that the defendant subsequently (makes himself subject, by consent,
waiver of venue and personal jurisdiction defenses or otherwise, to the
jurisdiction of some other forum).” (Some internal quotations omitted) (quoting
Blaski v.Hoffman, 260 F.2d 317, 321 (7th Cir. 1958)).
As indicated, the critical question in Hoffman was whether the plaintiff had the right to
sue in the proposed transferee district, “independently of the wishes of defendant . . . .”
Hoffman, 363 U.S. at 344.
Here, Kukich could have brought suit against Electrolux in
Pennsylvania, without regard to “the wishes” of defendant. Since 1992, Electrolux has been
registered in Pennsylvania as a foreign corporation. Under Pennsylvania law, 42 Pa.C.S.A §
5301, a registered foreign corporation consents to general jurisdiction and agrees to defend
against all suits. In contrast, in Hoffman the Supreme Court addressed conduct of a defendant
after suit was instituted. 363 U.S. at 343. It follows that personal jurisdiction over Electrolux in
Pennsylvania comports with Hoffman.
Finally, plaintiff’s contention that there is no personal jurisdiction over him in the Middle
District of Pennsylvania is of no moment.
Indeed, plaintiff’s argument demonstrates a
fundamental misunderstanding of a basic principle of law.
Courts undertake the personal
jurisdiction inquiry to protect the constitutional right of the defendant. See, e.g., J. McIntyre
Mach., Ltd. v. Nicastro, 564 U.S. 873, 877 (2011); International Shoe, 326 U.S. at 317. Because
Kukich is the plaintiff, the question is not whether the Pennsylvania court would have personal
jurisdiction over him.
Rather, the question is whether it has personal jurisdiction over
Electrolux.
-11-
In light of the foregoing, I am satisfied that Electrolux has made a preliminary showing
that plaintiff could have filed suit in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
C.
The Court must weigh several factors in considering the motion to transfer under
§ 1404(a). As stated, these include: (1) the weight accorded to plaintiff's choice of venue; (2)
witness convenience and access; (3) convenience of the parties; and (4) the interest of justice.
Plumbing Servs., Inc., 791 F.3d at 444.
1. Plaintiff’s Choice of Venue
“As a general rule, a plaintiff's ‘choice of venue is entitled to substantial weight in
determining whether transfer is appropriate.’” Plumbing Servs., Inc., 791 F.3d at 444 (quoting
Bd. of Trs. v. Sullivant Ave. Props., LLC, 508 F. Supp. 2d 473, 477 (E.D. Va. 1988)); see also,
e.g., Arabian v. Bowen, 966 F.2d 1441 at *1 (4th Cir. 1992) (per curiam) (table). Ordinarily,
unless the balance of factors point “strongly in favor of the defendant, the plaintiff's choice of
forum should rarely be disturbed.” Collins v. Straight, Inc., 748 F.2d 916, 921 (4th Cir. 1984);
see Gilbert, supra, 32 F. Supp. 3d at 607; Mamani, 547 F. Supp. 2d. at 469. This is particularly
true where “‘the chosen forum is the plaintiff’s home or bears a substantial relation to the cause
of action.’” comScore, Inc. v. Integral Ad Science, Inc., 924 F. Supp. 2d 677, 682 (E.D. Va.
2013) (quoting Pragmatus AV, LLC v. Facebook, Inc., 769 F. Supp. 2d 991, 995 (E.D. Va.
2011)); see also, e.g., Rice v. PetEdge, Inc., 975 F. Supp. 2d 1364, 1374 (N.D. Ga. 2013)
(Plaintiff’s choice of venue should be afforded substantial deference where “plaintiff has filed
suit in his home state”); Sentry Select Ins. Co. v. McCoy Corp., 980 F. Supp. 2d 1072, 1077
(W.D. Wis. 2013) (“Because plaintiff . . . has chosen its home forum in which to litigate, its
choice is particularly deserving of deference.”). However, “a court need not accord the choice as
-12-
much weight when the ‘forum has no connection with the matter in controversy.’” Mamani, 547
F. Supp. 2d at 473 (quoting Dicken, 862 F. Supp. at 93); accord Lynch, 237 F. Supp. 2d at 617.
Notably, “courts often give less weight to the plaintiff's choice of forum in class actions.”
Byerson, 467 F. Supp. 2d at 633. This is because “‘there will be numerous potential plaintiffs,
each possibly able to make a showing that a particular forum is best suited for the adjudication of
the class claim.’” Id. (quoting Eichenholtz v. Brennan, 677 F. Supp. 198, 202 (S.D.N.Y. 1988));
accord James v. Experian Solutions, Inc., 3:12-cv-902, 2014 WL 29041 (E.D. Va. Jan. 2, 2014).
However, the choice of forum of the named plaintiff in a class action may be entitled to
“significant weight” where that forum is “amenable to inexpensive discovery and trial because
the forum is home both to the Plaintiffs and to key non-party witnesses.” Byerson, 467 F. Supp.
2d at 633.
Citing James, 2016 WL 29041, and Byerson, 467 F. Supp. 2d 627, Electrolux argues:
“Plaintiff’s choice of Maryland should be given little weight.” ECF 25-1 at 16. In support,
Electrolux points out that plaintiff is the only individual connected to the case who is located in
the District of Maryland. ECF 33 at 10. And, Electrolux argues that, given the pending
Pennsylvania action, “keeping this action in the District of Maryland will waste judicial
resources and unnecessarily duplicate costly discovery.” Id.
Kukich argues that the Court should afford great weight to his choice of forum. ECF 32
at 11-12. He asserts, id.: “Mr. Kukich filed in his home forum, where he purchased the defective
microwave, where it remains installed, and where he seeks to represent a Rule 23(b)(3) Maryland
state law damages class.” Kukich’s decision to bring his suit in Maryland is not entitled to
substantial weight, given his intent to seek certification of a national class. In light of the
800,000 Microwaves with allegedly defective handles that plaintiff alleges were sold by
-13-
Elextrolux (ECF 1 ¶ 2), there will likely be class members from every state and the District of
Columbia. And, Kukich has not argued that his choice of forum should be afforded significant
weight on the ground that Maryland is home to both plaintiff and key non-party witnesses.
Citing Volvo Constr. Equip. N. Am. Inc. v. CLM Equip Co., Inc., 386 F.3d 581 (4th Cir.
2004), Kukich also argues that transfer to the Middle District of Pennsylvania would frustrate his
request for nationwide declaratory relief, because the Pennsylvania court lacks “independent
jurisdiction” over him. ECF 32 at 12. This argument is not persuasive. As Electrolux notes
(ECF 33 at 11), in Volvo Construction, 386 F.3d at 592, the Fourth Circuit recognized that “a
federal court must have an independent basis of subject matter jurisdiction over a case in order to
have jurisdiction over a declaratory judgment claim . . . .”
For these reasons, plaintiff’s decision to file suit in Maryland is entitled to some weight,
but not to substantial weight.
2. Convenience of the Parties
“A defendant moving for transfer must show both that the original forum is inconvenient
for it and that the plaintiff would not be substantially inconvenienced by a transfer.” Wright &
Miller § 3849. Notably, “transfer will be refused if the effect of a change of venue would be
merely to shift the inconvenience from one party to the other.” Id.; see Pinpoint IT Services,
L.L.C. v. Atlas IT Export Corp., 812 F. Supp. 2d 710, 721 (E.D. Va. 2011) (“[A] transfer of
venue that merely switches the inconvenience from one party to the other generally will be
refused.”).
Electrolux prefers “to litigate the two related actions in one forum as it will be less
expensive, more efficient, and will avoid the possibility of inconsistent verdicts.” ECF 25-1 at
16.
It points out that significant discovery has already taken place in the Rice case in
-14-
Pennsylvania, and that a transfer will “prevent repeating all of the work already done in a case
that has proceeded through the court system for almost two years.” Id. Moreover, the lawyers
representing plaintiff here also represent the plaintiff in Rice. Id.
Kukich counters that it would be burdensome to litigate the case in Pennsylvania. ECF
32 at 12-13. In addition, he asserts that “the Middle District does not have personal jurisdiction
over Mr. Kukich . . . .” Id. at 12. And, he contends that “the convenience of counsel is
irrelevant.” Id. at 13 (citing Ready Transp., Inc. v. AAR Mfg., Inc., No. 02:06-cv-1053-GEBKJM, 2006 WL 2131308 (E.D. Cal. July 27, 2006)). Kukich asserts, ECF 32 at 13.: “At bottom,
the only person who will be inconvenienced by a transfer to the Middle District is Mr. Kukich,
whose home is 160 miles away from Williamsport, Pennsylvania – a town he has never been to.”
In my view, the convenience of the parties militates against transfer. To the extent that it
would be inconvenient for Electrolux to litigate the case in Maryland, a transfer would merely
shift the inconvenience from Electrolux to Kukich. ECF 32 at 13; see also Pinpoint IT Servs.,
812 F. Supp. 2d at 721 (“[A] transfer of venue that merely switches the inconvenience from one
party to the other generally will be refused.”).
3. Convenience of Witnesses
“Perhaps the most important factor to be considered by a court in passing on a motion to
transfer is the convenience of the witnesses.” Cronos Containers, 121 F. Supp. 2d at 466;
accord Mamani, 547 F. Supp. 2d at 473; see also Wright & Miller § 3851 (“The convenience of
witnesses, particularly nonparty witnesses important to the resolution of the case, is often cited as
the most significant factor in ruling on a motion to transfer under 28 U.S.C.A. § 1404(a).[]”).
However, “the convenience of witnesses who are employees of a party is entitled to less weight
because that party can obtain their presence at trial.[]” Wright & Miller § 3851.
-15-
Defendant argues that it would be more convenient for the witnesses if the case were
tried in Pennsylvania. ECF 25-1 at 17. Electrolux also argues that it will be inconvenient for
expert witnesses to “travel to two different jurisdictions” and to “be subject to multiple
depositions . . . .” Id. at 17-18. It states, id.: “Defendant’s witnesses who have already been
deposed and will be deposed in the coming months in the Pennsylvania Action would likely be
subject to depositions for a second time if this matter is not transferred.”
Kukich argues, ECF 32 at 13: “All of Electrolux’s witnesses were deposed near the
company’s headquarters in North Carolina and Mrs. Rice was deposed in Philadelphia.”
Moreover, he points out that the deposition testimony obtained in Rice is “equally admissible in
this action.” Id. at 13. Further, Kukich states that, “in the age of electronic discovery, the
location of documents has little impact on the convenience to either party.” Id. He also
maintains that “the convenience of experts carries no weight in the transfer analysis; they can be
found in any district and compensated for their time.” Id. (citing Costco Wholesale Corp. v.
Liberty Mut. Ins. Co., 472 F. Supp. 2d 1183, 1195 (S.D. Cal. 2007)).
In my view, the convenience of the witnesses is a neutral factor in the context of this
case. Neither side has identified any witness who would be inconvenienced by a trial in one
district or the other.
See ECF 25-1; ECF 33. Moreover, the inconvenience to the expert
witnesses, if required to appear in two districts, is insubstantial, considering the close proximity
of the two districts. See Wright & Miller § 3852 (noting that in many cases “the testimony of
expert witnesses will be of critical importance” and that it “would be as undesirable to have this
testimony presented to the trier of fact by deposition as it would be to do without the oral
testimony of any other witness.[]”). And, as Kukich points out, at least some of the discovery
obtained in the Rice case could be used in this case, without the need for duplication.
-16-
Thus, the convenience of the witnesses weighs neither for nor against transfer.
4. Interest of Justice
Electrolux insists that the interest of justice favors a transfer of this case to the Middle
District of Pennsylvania. ECF 25. In general, the interest of justice factor is “amorphous and
somewhat subjective” and allows the court to “consider many things.” Wright and Miller §
3854.
Electrolux argues: “Because of the significant and substantive similarities between this
action and the Pennsylvania Action, the interests of justice weigh heavily in favor of transferring
this action to the Middle District of Pennsylvania to avoid duplicative litigation, avoid
inconsistent rulings, and promote judicial efficiency.” ECF 25-1 at 5. Defendant also argues
that transfer is in the interest of justice based on the relatively lighter case load and shorter time
to trial in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, as compared to the District of Maryland. Id. at 17.
Kukich counters that the interest of justice favors maintaining the action in Maryland
because, in his view, a Maryland court should decide whether Maryland law entitles Maryland
consumers to damages. ECF 32 at 14. Plaintiff adds that “all of the evidence related to his
claims” is in Maryland. Id. at 15. And, Kukich contends that “basic fairness” requires denial of
Electrolux’s Motion, because he “should not be forced to litigate” his case in Pennsylvania,
“more than 160 miles from his home.” Id.
i.
Pendency of the Pennsylvania Litigation
“A significant factor in considering the interests of justice is ‘avoiding duplicative
litigation in courts,’ and the Court ‘may appropriately consider the conservation of judicial
resources and comprehensive disposition of litigation.’” Mamani, 547 F. Supp. 2d at 474
(quoting Cronos Containers, Ltd. v. Amazon Lines, Ltd., 121 F. Supp. 2d 461, 466 (D. Md.
-17-
2000)); see also Wright & Miller § 3854 (“[M]any courts have transferred to a forum in which
other actions arising from the same transaction or event, or which were otherwise related, were
pending.”). When a similar case is already pending in another district, transfer of related claims
is “favored” because it “may facilitate efficient pretrial proceedings and discovery” and also
“because it avoids inconsistent results.” D2L, 671 F. Supp. 2d at 783. Moreover, there is
“judicial economy in having the same judge consider the same underlying facts and issues only
once . . . .” U.S. Ship Mgmt., Inc. v. Maersk Line, Ltd., 357 F. Supp. 2d 924, 939 (E.D. Va.
2005). As the Supreme Court said in Cont'l Grain Co. v. The FBL-585, 364 U.S. 19, 26 (1960),
“a situation in which two cases involving precisely the same issues are simultaneously pending
in different District Courts leads to the wastefulness of time, energy and money that [§] 1404(a)
was designed to prevent.” See also D2L Ltd., supra, 671 F. Supp. 2d at 783 (“The interest of
justice weighs heavily in favor of transfer when a related action is pending in the transferee
forum.”).
A comparison of the allegations and the claims in Rice with those in the case sub judice
reveals that the two cases are virtually identical in all material respects. Both cases involve the
identical product produced by the same defendant, and they present virtually identical factual
allegations. Both plaintiffs maintain that the Microwave handles (part no. 5304471830) for the
Electrolux Over-The-Range Microwave Ovens are defective because, when the cooking surfaces
underneath the Microwaves are in use, the Microwave handles reach a dangerously hot
temperature, in excess of 168°F (75.55°C). Moreover, both cases involve several of the same
causes of action. And, both plaintiffs are represented by several of the same lawyers. However,
Rice sued Electrolux in February 2015, about a year before Kukich filed suit. Therefore, the
-18-
parties in Rice have already conducted significant discovery. However, much of it would be
pertinent to the case sub judice.
In addition, the plaintiff in Rice seeks to certify two classes. Id. ¶¶ 62-63. First, she
seeks to certify a class under Rule 23(b)(2), consisting of “[a]ll persons in the United States who
own a Microwave with a stainless steel handle (Part # 5304471830).” Id. ¶ 62. Second, she
seeks to certify a class under Rule 23(b)(3), consisting of “[a]ll persons in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania who own a Microwave with a stainless steel handle (Part # 5304471830)” and/or
all persons in “other states” (i.e., the remaining forty-nine states and the District of Columbia)
“who own a Microwave with a stainless steel handle (Part # 5304471830).” Id. ¶ 63. Kukich is
also seeking “to certify a nationwide class that encompasses the same putative nationwide class
at issue in the Pennsylvania Action,” as well as a Maryland class. ECF 25-1 at 13. By
Memorandum (ECF 25-4) and Order (Rice, ECF 25) of July 28, 2015, Judge Brann, inter alia,
dismissed Rice’s “other states” subclass. ECF 25-4 at 26; Rice, ECF 25.4
Kukich argues that the pendency of the case in the Middle District of Pennsylvania does
not support the transfer of this case. ECF 32 at 14-15. Moreover, Kukich contends that the risk
of inconsistent adjudications is diminished here because his suit makes claims under Maryland
law, whereas the claims of the Pennsylvania class will be determined under Pennsylvania law.
Id. at 15.5
4
Electrolux submitted Judge Brann’s Memorandum as an exhibit here. See ECF 25-4.
However, defendant did not include the Order. Therefore, I have referred to the Order as it is
docketed in Rice.
5
In plaintiff’s Notice of Supplemental Authority, Kukich also asserted that the
proceedings in Rice were stayed pending that court’s decision on whether it has subject matter
jurisdiction. ECF 31; see ECF 31-1 (Order staying Rice). Kukich argued that, “if the Middle
District Court decides that it lacks subject matter jurisdiction, Defendant’s transfer motion will
be moot.” ECF 31. However, as Electrolux pointed out in its Notice of Supplemental Authority
(ECF 38), Judge Brann has since determined that Rice “properly invokes the Court’s subject
-19-
In my view, the pendency of the Rice case in the Middle District of Pennsylvania strongly
supports the transfer, for the reasons advanced by Electrolux. As indicated, the cases involve the
identical alleged defect. In particular, both plaintiffs contend that a stainless steel handle (Part #
5304471830) on Electrolux over-the-range Microwaves is defective because the handles can
reach temperatures in excess of 168°F (75.55°C) during the normal operation of the cooking
range. See, e.g., ECF 1 ¶ 1; ECF 25-3 ¶ 1. And, lawyers from the same law firms represent the
plaintiffs in both cases.
It is also evident that much of the discovery will be the same for both cases. Electrolux
states, ECF 25-1 at 14:
[T]he parties have already conducted and continue to conduct significant
discovery in the Pennsylvania Action to explore critical substantive factual and
legal issues in the case, including the design and manufacture of the microwave
handle, the nature of the alleged defect, and the extent of the alleged defect - the
exact same issues in this case.
Electrolux also asserts, id. at 9:
Electrolux responded to a comprehensive set of interrogatories and has produced
several amendments to its interrogatory responses. It also responded to a
comprehensive set of document requests and has produced over 40,000 pages of
documents. Plaintiff deposed two Electrolux witnesses pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P.
30(b)(1), and one Electrolux witness pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 30(b)(6). Three
more Rule 30(b)(1) depositions are scheduled for November 2016, and a second
Rule 30(b)(6) deposition (covering thirty-four topics) is scheduled for December
2016. Plaintiff, in turn, responded to a comprehensive set of interrogatories and
document requests. Electrolux inspected Plaintiff’s microwave and deposed
Plaintiff.
It is also noteworthy that Judge Brann has presided over Rice since the case was filed,
and he is undoubtedly familiar with the factual and legal issues. Defendant notes, id. at 9:
Judge Brann [has] resolved several discovery disputes between the parties,
including motions to compel. In particular, Judge Brann addressed whether
matter jurisdiction” in his Memorandum and Order of January 10, 2017. ECF 38-1; Rice, ECF
106, ECF 107.
-20-
Electrolux has “control” over the manufacturers of the stainless steel handles such
that Electrolux would be obligated to produce documents in the manufacturers’
possession.
Furthermore, both plaintiffs seek to certify the same national class, pursuant to Rule
23(b)(2). As noted, in this case plaintiff seeks to certify a class consisting of all “persons in the
United States who own a Microwave with a 400-Grade Stainless Steel Handle.” ECF 1 ¶ 44. In
Rice, plaintiff seeks to certify a class of all “persons in the United States who own a Microwave
with a stainless steel handle (Part # 5304471830).” ECF 25-3 ¶ 62. And, as Kukich stated in the
Complaint, the handle in question (part 5304471830) is “constructed with 400-grade stainless
steel.” ECF 1 ¶ 1. Moreover, as Electrolux contends (ECF 33 at 12), “The law of all fifty-one
jurisdictions would apply to the putative class claims - not just Maryland law.” (Emphasis in
original) (citing Block v. Abbott Labs, No. 99 C 7457, 2002 WL 485364, at *8 (N.D. Ill. Mar. 29,
2002)).
Contrary to plaintiff’s contention, the transfer of the case sub judice to the Middle
District of Pennsylvania will help avoid inconsistent judicial rulings. And, “the rights of all
potential class members can be fully protected” if this case is transferred to Pennsylvania.
Byerson v. Equifax Info. Servs., LLC, 467 F. Supp. 2d 627, 636 (E.D. Va. 2006).
To be sure, the case in Pennsylvania has been pending since 2015. But, it would be a
complete waste of time and resources to undertake the same discovery in a separate case.
Moreover, I agree with defendant that “there is no need to burden two courts with virtually
identical lawsuits. Rather, this action should be heard by the court that is already familiar with
the issues to conserve judicial resources and to prevent inconsistent rulings . . . .” ECF 25-1 at
13-14.
-21-
In sum, the pendency of the Rice case in the Middle District of Pennsylvania involves the
same alleged defect of the same part that was manufactured and designed by the same defendant.
The claims are also being litigated by many of the same attorneys. And, the national classes that
the plaintiff here and in Rice seek to certify are effectively the same. Accordingly, the pendency
of similar litigation in the Middle District of Pennsylvania strongly favors the transfer of this
case to that forum.
ii.
Relative Dockets
“Another element relevant to the interest of justice is a comparison of the docket
conditions in the two courts.” Wright and Miller § 3854. In considering this factor, “‘the real
issue is not whether a dismissal will reduce a court's congestion but whether a trial may be
speedier in another court because of its less crowded docket.’”
In re Factor VIII or IX
Concentrate Blood Prod. Litig., 484 F.3d 951, 958 (7th Cir. 2007) (alteration omitted)
(quoting Gates Learjet Corp. v. Jensen, 743 F.2d 1325, 1337 (9th Cir. 1984)). Generally, this
factor does not command substantial weight in considering whether to transfer a case. See, e.g.,
JTH Tax, Inc. v. Lee, 482 F. Supp. 2d 731, 793 (E.D. Va. 2007).
Electrolux argues in the Motion that transfer will allow for the speedier resolution of this
case because the case load in the Middle District of Pennsylvania is lighter than in Maryland.
ECF 25-1 at 17. Electrolux states, id.: “In the twelve-month period ending March 31, 2016,
there were 4,177 civil cases filed in the District of Maryland but only 2,513 civil cases filed in
the Middle District of Pennsylvania.[]” (Citing Federal Judicial Caseload Statistics, available at:
http://go.usa.gov/x9TTp). And, Electrolux notes, id.: “The median time to trial during the same
period in the Middle District of Pennsylvania is 16.9 months, while the median time to trial in
-22-
the District of Maryland was 30.2 months.[]”
(Citing Federal Judicial Caseload Statistics,
available at: http://go.usa.gov/x9Tb9).
Kukich did not respond to this argument. See ECF 32.
Although this factor does not command great weight, it favors transfer.
iii.
Applicable Law
In diversity cases, federal courts apply federal procedural law and the substantive law of
the state in which the proceeding is brought. See, e.g., Erie R.R. v. Tompkins, 304 U.S. 64, 78
(1938); Leichling v. Honeywell Intern., Inc., 842 F.3d 848, 851 (4th Cir. 2016); see also Kerr v.
Marshall Univ. Bd. of Governors, 824 F.3d 62, 74 (4th Cir. 2016) (“Under the
familiar Erie doctrine, we apply state substantive law and federal procedural law when reviewing
state-law claims.”). “Familiarity with applicable law is one of the interests of justice factors.”
Aphena Pharma Solutions-MD LLC v. BioZone Labs., Inc., 912 F. Supp. 2d 309, 320 (D. Md.
2012) (citing Dicken v. United States, 862 F. Supp. 91, 93-94 (D. Md. 1994)); see also Wright
and Miller § 3854 (“In diversity of citizenship cases, in which state law provides the substantive
rules of decision, it is an advantage to have that law applied by federal judges who are familiar
with the governing state law.”)
However, “[t]his consideration is given ‘significantly less weight when the case involves
basic or sufficiently well-established . . . issues of state law or when there is no reason to believe
that the applicable law of the forum differs markedly from the law of the proposed transferee
state.’” Topiwala v. Wessell, WDQ-11-0543, 2012 WL 122411 at *8 (D. Md. Jan. 12, 2012)
(alteration in Topiwala) (quoting Wright and Miller § 3854); see also, e.g., Snyder v. Bertucci's
Restaurant Corp., No. 12-5382, 2012 WL 6601384 at *5 (E.D. Pa. Dec. 18 2012) (“Federal
judges are frequently called upon to apply the laws of other states, and basic tort law is not so
-23-
complicated as to advocate heavily in favor of transfer.”); Citibank, N.A. v. Affinity Processing
Corp., 248 F. Supp. 2d 172, 178 (E.D.N.Y. 2003) (“New York contract law is not overly
complex so as to unduly burden the South Carolina court.”).
In opposing transfer, Kukich argues that the case sub judice should be heard in this Court
because this Court possesses “a unique understanding of Maryland state law under which all of
his claims arise[].” ECF 32 at 14. According to Kukich, “while there are similarities in the
state’s warranty law, there are distinct differences between Pennsylvania and Maryland
negligence law.” Id. Kukich claims, id.: “While Pennsylvania bars negligence claims under the
economic loss doctrine, Maryland permits them where a defective product creates a substantial
and unreasonable risk of personal injury.” (Citation omitted). Thus, he asserts, id.: “It should be
a Maryland Court, not a Pennsylvania one, that decides if the microwave handle at issue satisfies
this Maryland state law standard entitling Maryland consumers to damages.”
In its Reply, Electrolux notes that plaintiff’s counsel “initially asserted the putative
Maryland-only class claims in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.” ECF 33 at 12 (citing ECF
32 at 6-7).
Thus, Electrolux argues: “Plaintiff’s self-serving protestations that the Middle
District of Pennsylvania should not decide questions of Maryland state law as well as his
entreaties to ‘basic fairness’ are disingenuous and should be disregarded by the Court.” ECF 33
at 12. Furthermore, Electrolux argues that the applicable law issue is less relevant given that
plaintiff seeks to certify a national Rule 23(b)(2) class, which would implicate the law “of all
fifty-one jurisdictions, and “not just Maryland law.”
Id. (Emphasis in original) (citation
omitted).
In my view, the applicability of Maryland law in this case does not weigh against
transfer. Kukich does not suggest that Maryland law is so complicated that a Pennsylvania judge
-24-
would be unable to discern it and apply it. Indeed, Kukich has not suggested any reason why the
Pennsylvania court would be unequipped to apply the law of a neighboring state.
III.
Conclusion
I recognize that plaintiff chose to file suit in Maryland, and it would be more convenient
for him to maintain the case in this District. But, in my view, the balance of factors strongly
supports the transfer of this case to the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Therefore, I shall
GRANT the Motion. ECF 25.
An Order follows, consistent with this Memorandum Opinion.
Date: January 24, 2017
/s/
Ellen Lipton Hollander
United States District Judge
-25-
Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia.
Why Is My Information Online?