Case of the Day: Miller v. Kowa Am. Corp., 2016 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 112467 (C.D. Cal. Aug. 22, 2016)

Summary:

Plaintiff worked for a U.S. subsidiary of a Japanese company. While he was on a business trip to the Japanese parent company, he was sexually harassed. When he complained to his employer, the employer (allegedly) froze him out of good work assignment until he had to quit. Plaintiff then sued the Japanese parent and the U.S. subsidiary.

The court found that the two companies formed an "integrated enterprise" under Title VII, and denied the defendant companies' motion to dismiss.

Takeaway:

Very similar situation as Daikin case discussed yesterday, with one slight variation: the sexual harassment occurred at the parent corporation, which in turn opened potential liability with the subsidiary.