What must California Importer establish to defend against liability under the Louisiana Products Liability Act?

To successfully defend against liability under the Louisiana Products Liability Act, a California importer often needs to establish that it is the alter ego of the foreign manufacturer. This concept relates to the legal principle where a company is held to be a mere extension of another entity, thus shielding the importer from personal liability for the manufacturer's product faults.

By demonstrating that the importer and the foreign manufacturer operate as one entity, the importer might be able to argue that the responsibilities and liabilities should be considered jointly. This could involve showing that the importer had control over the manufacturer’s operations or that the two entities are so intertwined that they cannot be considered separate for liability purposes.

Other options provided do not accurately reflect the necessary criteria for liability defense under the Louisiana Products Liability Act. Focusing on the alter ego relationship is much more aligned with the jurisprudence surrounding product liability as it pertains to importers and their links to foreign manufacturers. In considering these defenses, many factors may come into play, including ownership structures, operational overlaps, and other elements that demonstrate the closeness of the relationship.