A court’s power over a non-resident defendant rests on the defendant’s connections with the forum.

General jurisdiction permits any claim. For a corporation it exists where the corporation is fairly regarded as at home — its place of incorporation and principal place of business, and only in an exceptional case elsewhere. Substantial continuous business in a state no longer suffices.

Specific jurisdiction requires that the defendant purposefully availed itself of the forum, that the claim arises out of or relates to those contacts, and that jurisdiction is reasonable. The relationship must be with the forum itself, not merely with a plaintiff who resides there.

Stream of commerce. Placing a product into commerce with awareness that it may reach the forum is contested; additional conduct directed at the forum strengthens the case considerably.

Contract cases. A contract with a forum resident alone is not enough. Prior negotiations, contemplated future consequences, terms, and course of dealing are weighed.

Internet activity. Passive websites generally do not confer jurisdiction; interactive commercial activity directed at forum residents may.

Consent. Forum selection clauses, registration statutes in some states, and appointment of an agent can supply consent.

Jurisdictional discovery is available where the plaintiff makes a non-conclusory showing that facts supporting jurisdiction may exist.