Web Ads Alone Don't Confer Jurisdiction

In Roberts v. Legendary Marine Sales, the SJC ruled earlier this month that general advertising on the web, not aimed specifically at Massachusetts residents, does not, by itself, confer personal jurisdiction over the advertiser. The court ruled that a Florida boat dealer who advertised a boat on the web could not be sued in Massachusetts, by Massachusetts residents who purchased a boat through the ad, due to lack of personal jurisdiction.