A collection of industry and legal organizations contend that a case pending before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court stands to significantly hinder defendants’ ability to challenge a plaintiff’s choice of forum.

In two briefs filed with the high court Wednesday, defense-side amici asserted that an October ruling from the state Superior Court “invented” a new, higher standard for proving that a venue is oppressive. They argued that the ruling, if upheld, would spur a cascade of negative consequences.