We have posted before about efforts to pass legislation that would impact the ability of U.S. consumers to sue foreign manufacturers.

As the end of the year approaches, it appears that the latest version, the Foreign Manufacturers Legal Accountability Act (FMLAA) of 2011, will not be approved. Senate Bill 1946 and House of Representatives Bill 3646 are among the latest attempts to impact suits against foreign product makers.  Both would require foreign manufacturers importing products into the U.S. to establish a registered agent to accept service of process. And the registration of the agent would constitute consent to the personal jurisdiction in the U.S.

Earlier versions of the legislation gained support in the wake of issues relating to products from China and, especially, the Chinese drywall litigation. Supporters of the legislation included some domestic industries, such as textiles. They also garnered opposition from foreign governments, some U.S. manufacturer groups, and non-U.S. manufacturers in the European Union and the Confederation of Indian Industry, and others. Even supporters noted that the bills did not directly address another related issue, the enforcement of U.S. judgments overseas.