Va. Defendants Question Jurisdiction, Viability of Drywall Causes of Action

NORFOLK, Va. - A supplier and installer of Chinese drywall named in a Virginia class action have moved to dismiss the case, arguing that it doesn't belong in federal court and that the causes of action all fail under Virginia law. Germano, et al. v. Taishan Gypsum Co., Ltd., et al., No. 09-202 (E.D. Va.).

Venture Supply Inc. and Porter-Blaine Corporation argue in a June 1 motion in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia that it "seriously doubts" the federal court has personal jurisdiction over the only non-diverse defendant, Chinese drywall manufacturer Taishan Gypsum Co.

"To …