National Licensing Ass'n v. Inland Joseph Fruit Co.

ORDER GRANTING DEFENDANTS’ MOTION TO DISMISS FOR LACK OF SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION

SUKO, District Judge.

This case presents the question of who is permitted by law to be a plaintiff in a patent and trademark infringement action. The specific dispute centers on the sever-ability and assignability of patent and trademark infringement claims.

I. FACTUAL BACKGROUND

Plaintiff Nursery Licensing Association, LLC 1 (“NLA”) is a Washington limited liability company formed on February 26, 2002. Its managers are Patrick Ballew and Rex Stratton, also named counsel for NLA in this case. The defendants…