How can a corporation establish personal jurisdiction?

A corporation can establish personal jurisdiction primarily through its connections to the state where a lawsuit is filed. One way this is achieved is by having its principal place of business in the state. This factor allows the state to exercise general jurisdiction over the company, meaning that the corporation can be sued in that state for any reason, not just those related to its in-state activities.

Additionally, registering as a foreign entity in every state where it conducts business can also contribute to establishing jurisdiction. Registration often requires the corporation to consent to the state's jurisdiction, making it possible for the state to hear cases against the corporation.

Both having a principal place of business and registering as a foreign entity complement each other, providing robust grounds for establishing personal jurisdiction. Advertising activities alone do not generally suffice to establish jurisdiction, as they may not demonstrate the level of contact required with the state to warrant personal jurisdiction. Thus, the combination of registering and having a principal place of business effectively establishes personal jurisdiction.