Harley Kelchner, an Individual v. Crst Expedited, Inc…

Summary

The court answered a certified question by holding that Iowa law does not make a foreign corporation consent to personal jurisdiction merely because it registers to do business in Iowa, appoints an agent for service of process, or receives service through that agent. The court relied on the plain text of Iowa's business-corporation statutes, which requires an agent for service but does not mention consent or personal jurisdiction. The court also clarified that service of process alone does not establish personal jurisdiction over a foreign corporate defendant.