Coach IP Holdings, LLC v. ACS Group Acquisition LLC

Background

Defendants Vinci Brands LLC and Onward Brands LLC were represented in the motion. Vinci asked the court under Rule I(g)(2) of the judge’s individual rules for permission to file under seal highlighted portions of two documents: Exhibit 2 to William H. Mack’s August 8, 2025, reply declaration and Vinci’s reply memorandum supporting its motion for leave to amend its answer with counterclaims to the second amended complaint.

The motion relied on protective orders that Judge Lorna G. Schofield had approved on February 7, 2024, in related actions. Those protective orders allow parties to designate discovery materials as “Confidential” or “Highly Confidential — Attorney’s Eyes Only.” Kate Spade LLC designated Exhibit 2 as “Confidential,” and the opinion states that the designation had not been changed voluntarily or by court order. The reply memorandum quoted from the exhibit.

Ruling

The court granted the motion for a provisional seal. The clerk was directed to maintain the viewing restrictions at Electronic Court Filing entries 234 and 235. The order further states that, if Kate Spade LLC seeks to seal the information permanently, it must make the required showing under Lugosch v. Pyramid Co. of Onondaga by September 30, 2025.

Effect of the ruling

The ruling temporarily restricted access to the specified portions of the two filings. The opinion does not state that the materials were permanently sealed or decide whether they ultimately qualify for permanent sealing.