Vaidik, C.J.
Case Summary
Indiana Trial Rule 75(A)(4) provides, in part, that preferred venue lies in the county where “the principal office of a defendant organization is located . . . .” Our Supreme Court has held that the term “principal office,” as used in the rule, “refers to a domestic or foreign corporation’s registered office in Indiana.” Am. Family Ins. v. Ford Motor Co., 857 N.E.2d 971, 972 (Ind. 2006). Under Indiana’s corporation law, a corporation’s registered office is the address of its registered agent.
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On appeal, CTB argues that Kosciusko County is a preferred venue because that is where its “principal office” is located for purposes of Trial Rule 75(A)(4). The Tunises, on the other hand, contend that CTB has a principal office in Marion County because it has designated process agents there. We agree with CTB. A corporation’s “principal office,” for purposes of Trial Rule 75(A)(4), is its “registered office” under Indiana’s corporation law. Therefore, CTB’s principal office is in Kosciusko County. We reverse and remand for further proceedings.
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Reversed and remanded.
May, J., and Altice, J., concur.