“Lessons from Country Singer’s Personal Service Saga,” Law360
Publications
January 22, 2024
By: Andrew W. Vail, Jason M. Bradford, Chris Blythe, Savannah E.B. McNeily
Press coverage of a recent trademark case involving country superstar Luke Combs and a Florida fan who used Combs’s likeness on tumblers focused attention on newly adopted Illinois Supreme Court Rule 102(f), which allows summons to be delivered electronically in some circumstances. In an article for Law360, Andrew Vail, Jason Bradford, Chris Blythe, and Savannah McNeily look closely at the case and explain what really happened.
As the case played out in the Northern District of Illinois, Combs’ lawyers actually leveraged Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4 (f)(3) to argue that they could serve the woman and 45 other defendants electronically because they believed all were foreign entities who concealed their identities.
Our team discusses the differences between federal and Illinois rules for electronic service of a summons and provides best practices for lawyers. Jenner & Block’s 2024 Illinois Civil Practice Guide, due out next month, will discuss Illinois Supreme Court Rule 102(f) that provides for notice to be sent electronically in certain circumstances. Email Andrew Vail or register to receive a copy of the guide.
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© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.
Publications
January 22, 2024
By: Andrew W. Vail, Jason M. Bradford, Chris Blythe, Savannah E.B. McNeily
Press coverage of a recent trademark case involving country superstar Luke Combs and a Florida fan who used Combs’s likeness on tumblers focused attention on newly adopted Illinois Supreme Court Rule 102(f), which allows summons to be delivered electronically in some circumstances. In an article for Law360, Andrew Vail, Jason Bradford, Chris Blythe, and Savannah McNeily look closely at the case and explain what really happened.
As the case played out in the Northern District of Illinois, Combs’ lawyers actually leveraged Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4 (f)(3) to argue that they could serve the woman and 45 other defendants electronically because they believed all were foreign entities who concealed their identities.
Our team discusses the differences between federal and Illinois rules for electronic service of a summons and provides best practices for lawyers. Jenner & Block’s 2024 Illinois Civil Practice Guide, due out next month, will discuss Illinois Supreme Court Rule 102(f) that provides for notice to be sent electronically in certain circumstances. Email Andrew Vail or register to receive a copy of the guide.
Related Lawyers
Related Capabilities
Related Locations
© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.
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