Judge Transfers Limited Inc. Case to Ohio

A civil suit alleging that retail giant Limited Inc. evaded U.S. import quotas was transferred from Los Angeles to a federal court in Columbus, Ohio. The plaintiff, the American Textile Manufacturers Institute, wanted a federal court in Los Angeles to handle the case because it says Limited shipped Hong Kong-labeled clothing made in China through Southern California ports. However, U.S. District Judge Harry Hupp refused to hear the case, ruling that it should be heard in Ohio because the merchandise was handled by U.S. Customs Service agents in Columbus after passing through Southland ports. Columbus-based Limited, which denies the fraud allegations, said it will continue to seek dismissal of the lawsuit when the case is transferred.