Published January 22, 2026 · Parkinson's Lawsuit Help
Pennsylvania's consent-by-registration jurisdiction law is one of the most important procedural facts in the entire paraquat litigation. It is the reason claimants from many other states can sue Syngenta in Philadelphia. And the U.S. Supreme Court declined to disturb it in October 2025.
What consent-by-registration means
Pennsylvania's long-arm statute treats a foreign corporation's registration to do business in Pennsylvania as consent to general personal jurisdiction in Pennsylvania courts. A company that registers in PA can be sued in PA on any claim — including claims that have no other connection to the state.
Mallory v. Norfolk Southern
In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court in Mallory v. Norfolk Southern upheld Pennsylvania's consent-by-registration statute against a constitutional challenge under the Due Process Clause. The Court held that registration could constitute consent to general jurisdiction.
Syngenta's challenge and the October 2025 cert denial
Syngenta challenged the application of Pennsylvania's consent-by-registration jurisdiction to paraquat claims by non-PA plaintiffs. In October 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the case, leaving in place the Pennsylvania courts' application of the doctrine.
Practical effect
Plaintiffs exposed to paraquat in many states — California, Iowa, Illinois, Texas, Florida, and others — can sue Syngenta in Pennsylvania state court, as long as the case meets attorney eligibility analysis. This dramatically broadens the universe of cases eligible for the Philadelphia mass tort program.
Continuing challenges
Defendants continue to test the doctrine in different procedural postures. The current state of the law favors plaintiffs, but the analysis is fact-specific. Talk to counsel about whether your case is eligible.
Get a free case review
If you or a family member were exposed to paraquat and have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, request a free case review. It takes 15 to 30 minutes by phone, costs nothing, and locks in your place while settlement options remain open. Check eligibility or call (717) 724-7503.