Judge in New Jersey declines to move Giants memorabilia lawsuit from state to federal court

A sports memorabilia dealer who sued the New York Giants and quarterback Eli Manning for allegedly doctoring equipment to make it appear game-worn has scored a legal victory.

A federal judge in Newark ruled Tuesday that Eric Inselberg can proceed with his lawsuit in state court.

The Giants had sought to have the case moved to federal court, claiming part of Inselberg's lawsuit involves federal patent issues.

Inselberg filed the lawsuit in January. He was among a group of memorabilia dealers accused of selling counterfeit jerseys following an FBI sting.

The Justice Department's case against Inselberg was dropped.

Inselberg says in court papers he wants the Giants held accountable for the lies that led to his indictment and ruined his business.