Scales v. I Heart Radio

Background

William Scales and Global Media Network filed a civil complaint against I Heart Radio in the Southern District of New York without submitting the required filing fees. The court stated that proceeding with a civil action requires payment of $405: a $350 filing fee and a $55 administrative fee. A person who cannot pay may request permission to proceed without prepaying fees by submitting a signed application, but the court explained that only a natural person—not an artificial entity such as a company—may use that procedure.

The court also noted that William Scales is barred from filing actions in that court without prepaying fees, either in his own name or in the names of his companies, unless he first obtains permission from the court. The opinion further stated that Global Media Network cannot proceed without a lawyer.

Court’s Order

The court ordered the plaintiffs to pay $405 within 30 days of the order. It specified acceptable payment methods and stated that no further action would be taken, and no summons would issue or answer would be required, until the fees were paid. If the plaintiffs comply, the case will be processed under the Clerk’s Office procedures; payment submitted before the order is received will allow the case to proceed once processed.

If the plaintiffs fail to comply within the allowed time, or fail to request an extension, the action will be dismissed without prejudice. The court also certified that an appeal would not be taken in good faith and denied permission to proceed without prepaying fees for an appeal. Judge Laura Taylor Swain signed the order.