Origin Materials Operating, Inc. v. Bluetriton Brands, Inc.

Background

Origin Materials Operating, Inc. filed an administrative motion to seal an unredacted agreement related to its business and third-party partners. The motion concerned Exhibit 6, identified as Dkt. No. 36-3.

Legal standard

The court explained that judicial records generally carry a strong presumption of public access. Records connected to a motion that could decide the case ordinarily require “compelling reasons” to justify sealing. Records connected to a motion that does not decide the case are subject to the lower “good cause” standard under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(c). That standard requires a particularized showing that disclosure would cause specific prejudice or harm. The party seeking sealing must also consider reasonable alternatives, limit the material sealed, and explain why a less restrictive alternative would not be sufficient.

Discussion

The court determined that the agreement was not associated with a motion that would decide the case, so it applied the good-cause standard. The court noted that the agreement contained proprietary and confidential business information. It found good cause because the document disclosed commercially sensitive information unrelated to the public’s understanding of the judicial proceedings.

Ruling

The court GRANTED the administrative motion to file under seal, Dkt. No. 36. Under Civil Local Rule 79-5(g)(1), the documents covered by the granted motion will remain under seal.