Molecular Analytical Systems v. Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc.

Opinion

McADAMS, J.

This is an appeal from an order denying defendants’ motion to compel arbitration. Applying the law to the undisputed facts and exercising our independent judgment, we reverse the trial court’s ruling. As we explain below, plaintiff cannot avoid arbitrating its claims against the signatory defendant, because those claims are within the reach of the arbitration clause. And plaintiff cannot avoid arbitrating its claims against the nonsignatory defendant, because those claims are inextricably bound up with the obligations arising out of the agreement containing the arbitration…