World-Wide Volkswagen Corp. V. Woodson - Lower Courts' Decisions

Lower Courts' Decisions

The petitioners (World-Wide and Seaway) were fully independent corporations whose relationship with each other and Volkswagen and Audi were contractual only. The respondents (Robinsons) adduced no evidence that either respondent (World-Wide or Seaway) did any business in Oklahoma, shipped or sold any product to or in that state, had an agent to receive process there, or purchased advertisements in any media calculated to reach Oklahoma. The Robinson's counsel conceded at oral argument that there was no showing that any automobile sold by either World-Wide or Seaway had ever entered Oklahoma with the single exception of the vehicle involved in this case.

The district court rejected World-Wide and Seaway's constitutional claim and reaffirmed that original ruling in denying petitioners’ motion for reconsideration.