North Star IP Holdings, LLC v. Icon Trade Services LLC

Nature of the Order

This is a notice of reassignment and case-management order. The opinion does not resolve the parties’ underlying claims or defenses.

Reassignment and Existing Deadlines

The case was reassigned to Judge Jessica G. L. Clarke. Unless the court orders otherwise, all prior orders, dates, and deadlines remain in effect, including the orders identified as Docket Entries 88 and 103. Counsel were directed to review the judge’s individual rules and practices.

Required Joint Letter

The parties must file a joint letter through the court’s electronic filing system no later than August 29, 2023. The letter may not exceed five pages, excluding any appendix needed for lengthy jurisdictional information. It must separately address:

- counsel’s names and current contact information; - the nature of the case, principal defenses, and major legal and factual issues; - why federal jurisdiction and venue are proper, including required citizenship information for entities in diversity cases; - all existing deadlines and cutoff dates; - previously scheduled conferences that have not occurred and the subjects to be discussed; - outstanding motions and the relief requested; - pending appeals; - completed and remaining discovery, including depositions and discovery needed for meaningful settlement discussions; - the status of settlement discussions without stating exact offers or demands; - whether alternative dispute resolution may be appropriate, including a settlement conference, the district’s mediation program, or a private mediator; - the estimated length of trial; and - any other information that could help move the case toward settlement or trial.

Extensions and Termination

Requests to extend a deadline or postpone a conference must be made by a letter-motion filed through the electronic filing system at least 48 hours before the deadline or conference. The request must include the original and proposed dates, information about earlier requests, the reason for the request, the opposing party’s position, and any applicable next court appearance. A scheduled conference remains on the calendar unless counsel are notified that it has been postponed.

If the case has been settled or otherwise terminated, counsel do not have to file the joint letter or appear, provided that a stipulation of discontinuance, voluntary dismissal, or other proof of termination is filed before the deadline.

Disposition

Judge Clarke ordered the parties to file the joint status letter by August 29, 2023, subject to the stated exception for a case already settled or otherwise terminated. The order is classified as a procedural order because it addresses reassignment and case administration, not the merits.