Paulino v. Sony Music Entertainment

Background

Patria Paulino sued Sony Music Entertainment, Columbia Records, Ron Perry, Kimberly Greenman, Jenny Schecter, and Alexa Abrams. The opinion does not state the substance of Paulino’s claims. On November 19, 2024, the parties notified the court that they had reached an agreement on all issues.

Court’s Action

Based on the parties’ agreement, the court canceled all previously scheduled conferences and other deadlines. The court dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning the case cannot ordinarily be brought again, and ordered that neither party would recover costs, including attorneys’ fees. The Clerk of Court was directed to terminate all open motions and close the case.

Possible Reopening and Settlement Enforcement

The parties may apply to reopen the case within 30 days of the order. Such an application must show good cause for keeping the case open despite the settlement. The court stated that a request filed after 30 days or without a showing of good cause may be denied solely on that basis.

If the parties want the court to retain jurisdiction—that is, continuing authority—to enforce their settlement agreement, they must, within the same 30-day period, submit the agreement under Rule 7.A of the court’s Individual Practices and request an order expressly retaining jurisdiction. The opinion does not say whether the parties made that request or disclose the settlement’s terms.