Ninth Circuit Reaffirms Contractual Foundation That Non-Signatories Generally Cannot Compel Arbitration Against Signatories

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (“Ninth Circuit”) recently addressed the limited ability of a non-signatory to compel arbitration under both federal and California state contract law. The opinion, Olson v. FCA US, LLC, serves as a reminder that arbitration is a creature of contract, the limitations and possibilities of arbitration agreements are largely within the drafters’ hands, and businesses should periodically evaluate their arbitration agreements.... By: Snell & Wilmer