Hill v. Foundation Media LLC

Background

Lawand Hill, appearing without a lawyer, sued Foundation Media LLC for alleged copyright infringement under the Copyright Act. In an earlier order, the court allowed Hill to proceed without prepaying filing fees.

Service of process

Because Hill was proceeding without prepaying fees, the court explained that she could rely on the court and the U.S. Marshals Service to serve Foundation Media LLC. The court directed the Clerk of Court to complete a U.S. Marshals Service Process Receipt and Return form, issue a summons, and deliver the necessary paperwork to the Marshals Service. The opinion lists Foundation Media, LLC's service address as 25 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10010.

The court extended the time for service to 90 days after the summons is issued because Hill could not serve the defendant before the court reviewed the complaint and ordered the summons issued. The court stated that if service is not completed within that period, Hill should request an extension of time. It also directed Hill to notify the court in writing of any address change and stated that the action may be dismissed if she fails to do so.

Disposition

The court ordered the clerk to issue the summons, complete the service form, and provide the documents to the U.S. Marshals Service. It also directed the clerk to mail Hill an information package. This order addressed service and filing-fee procedures; the opinion did not decide whether copyright infringement occurred or otherwise resolve the merits of Hill's claims.