Exigen Properties v. Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories
Appellant Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories, Inc. (Genesys) appeals from an order denying its motion to compel arbitration. Genesys, which is the sole defendant in the action below, contends that trade secret theft and defamation claims alleged by plaintiffs fall within the scope of a broadly worded arbitration clause contained in a strategic partnership agreement signed by some of the plaintiffs. Genesys also contends that the nonsignatory plaintiffs—business entities related to or affiliated with the signatory plaintiffs—are equitably estopped from opposing arbitration. In denying the motion to compel arbitration, the trial court based its decision on the threshold question of the arbitrability of the claims and did not reach the issue of whether the nonsignatory plaintiffs should be compelled to arbitrate.
We conclude the trial court erred. Accordingly, we reverse and remand for further proceedings to consider whether equitable principles justify compelling the nonsignatory plaintiffs to arbitrate their dispute with Genesys.
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