Global Media Network v. Tidal

Background

Global Media Network filed this civil action against Tidal without a lawyer. The complaint was submitted without the required filing fees and without an application to proceed in forma pauperis (without prepaying court fees).

Court’s order

The court explained that proceeding with a civil action requires either paying $405—consisting of a $350 filing fee and a $55 administrative fee—or submitting a signed application requesting permission to proceed without prepaying those fees. The court ordered Global Media Network, within 30 days of the order, to do one of those two things. If it submits the application, it must identify docket number 25-CV-0396 (LTS). If the court grants the application, Global Media Network may proceed without prepaying the fees.

The court directed that no summons issue at this time. If Global Media Network complies, the case will be processed under the Clerk’s Office procedures. If it does not comply within the allowed period, the action will be dismissed.

Appeal-fee ruling

The court certified under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(a)(3) that any appeal from this order would not be taken in good faith and denied permission to proceed without prepaying fees for an appeal. The order did not decide the underlying claims against Tidal.

Result

The court ordered payment of the required fees or submission of an application to proceed without prepaying them; it did not dismiss the action at this stage.