Crystal, China & Gold, Ltd. v. Factoria Center Investments, Inc.

This case requires us to evaluate the provision in the corporation service statute, RCW 23B.05.040, that permits service on the Washington Secretary of State if the corporation’s registered agent is unavailable. The trial court found that Crystal, China and Gold, Ltd., had failed to properly serve Factoría Center Investments, Inc., and accordingly dismissed Crystal’s suit. We reverse because Crystal’s failure to serve the registered agent was not the result of Crystal’s lack of reasonable diligence, and service on the Secretary of State was therefore valid.

FACTS

Crystal was a commercial tenant…