Wednesday, May 4th, 2016
While this was a separate post on our blog, it bears repeating.
As is standard procedure in law suits like this, Winston & Strawn, representing Axanar Productions and Alec Peters, and Loeb & Loeb, representing Paramount & CBS, filed a joint schedule (called a Rule 26 Joint Report) that will lead up to trial in May 2017.
A one year schedule of Motions and Discoveries with the possibility of a dozen or more appearances in court was set up. This is a typical part of the process. Now, some of the unscrupulous "news" sources who have been attacking Axanar would like you to think it is a delaying tactic, or an attempt by Paramount/CBS to grind Axanar down. Fact is, this was agreed upon by both sides.
Next week Judge Klausener will consider the defense Motion to Dismiss. It may take a few weeks before we hear anything from him. Also, while there was supposed to be a hearing on the Motion to Dismiss Monday Judge Klausener has decided not to hold it (not unusual for him). And of course the unscrupulous rumor mongers want you to think that is something unusual. Well, no, this is typical for this judge, who Axanar lead attorney Erin Ranahan has appeared before previously (But Loeb & Loeb, attorneys for Paramount/CBS have not).
The schedule for Discoveries and Motions is as follows, and may be amended:
• 8 Jun 2016 – Last day to add parties – John Does
• 28 Oct 2016 – Cutoff for Discoveries
• 18 Nov 2016 – Expert Disclosures – Initial
• 16 Dec 2016 – Rebuttals to Expert Disclosures
• 27 Jan 2017 – Discovery cutoff
• 13 Feb 2017 – Motions due
• 24 April 2017 – Pre-trial Readiness Conference
• 9 May 2017 – Trial begins
A number of possibilities present themselves in the course of such a timeline including Alternative Dispute Resolution before a Federal Magistrate, an out-of-court settlement, or even the case being wholly or partially dismissed.
This is a normal process and so sit back, relax, and let the professionals handle this - it’s what they are paid to do. (or in the case of our attorneys at Winston & Strawn, what they are doing pro-bono because they love this case!).
So we sit and wait for Judge Klausner to rule on the Motion to Dismiss. I find it hysterical that one of the main rumor mongers claimed we wanted the Motion to Dimiss to fail. Not only does that make no sense to anyone with any legal training, it doesn't make sense to anyone with any common sense. Think about that and you will understand why I tell everyone to ignore the armchair lawyers. Sometimes they are just trolling for attention. Wait. No. They are ALWAYS trolling for attention.
But they do give us all a few good chuckles. :-)
Alec Peters Executive producer