Reid v. Kataoka U.S. LTD.

Background

The order states that, on September 14, 2020, Magistrate Judge Sarah Cave notified the court that the parties had reached an agreement in principle resolving all issues. The order does not provide the settlement’s terms or describe the underlying claims.

Court’s action

The court canceled all previously scheduled conferences and other deadlines. It dismissed the case with prejudice and without costs, including attorneys’ fees, to either party. The clerk was directed to terminate all open motions and close the case.

Reopening and settlement enforcement

Within 30 days, the parties could apply to reopen the case. Such an application had to show good cause for keeping the case open despite the settlement and had to be filed within that 30-day period. The court stated that a late request or one lacking a showing of good cause could be denied on that basis alone.

If the parties wanted the court to retain jurisdiction—the court’s authority—to enforce their settlement agreement, they had to submit the agreement under Rule 6.A of the court’s Individual Practices and request an order expressly retaining that authority within the same 30-day period.

Disposition

Judge Valerie Caproni dismissed the case with prejudice and without costs, terminated the open motions, and closed the case, subject to the stated 30-day procedures for reopening or requesting retained authority to enforce the settlement.