Wood v. VIACOMCBS/PARAMOUNT

Background

Chadd Wood, who was proceeding without a lawyer, brought an action under 28 U.S.C. § 1332 and alleged that ViacomCBS/Paramount discriminated against her. The court had previously granted Wood permission to proceed without prepaying filing fees.

Service of Process

Because Wood was permitted to proceed without prepaying fees, the court explained that Wood could rely on the court and the U.S. Marshals Service to serve ViacomCBS/Paramount with the summons and complaint. The court noted that service generally must occur within 90 days after filing, but Wood could not serve the papers until the court reviewed the complaint and ordered the summons issued. The court therefore extended the service period to 90 days after the summons is issued.

The Clerk of Court was instructed to complete a U.S. Marshals Service Process Receipt and Return form, issue the summons, and deliver the required papers to the Marshals Service. The listed service address was ViacomCBS/Paramount, 1515 Broadway, New York, New York 10010. The court said Wood should request an extension if service is not completed within the 90-day period and must notify the court in writing of any address change. The court warned that the action may be dismissed if Wood fails to provide that notice.

Ruling

Judge Ronnie Abrams ordered the Clerk to issue the summons, complete the service form, and provide the necessary documents to the U.S. Marshals Service. The order addressed service and did not decide the merits of Wood’s discrimination allegation.