Paradigm Clinical Research Centers, Inc. v. Paradigm Health, Inc.

Background

The parties appeared for an initial case-management conference on December 7, 2023. After reviewing the pleadings and consulting with the parties, the court entered a scheduling order under Rule 16 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

Order

The parties may amend their pleadings and join parties until March 25, 2024. After that date, further amendments or joinder require good cause.

The deadline to complete fact discovery is January 24, 2025. The deadline to complete all discovery is May 30, 2025. The parties must follow the court’s individual procedures for discovery disputes and comply with Rules 1 and 26(b)(1), which govern the conduct and scope of discovery.

The order also reminds counsel to understand their obligations under Rules 34 and 26(g), including discussing ways to reduce disputes about overly broad or insufficiently specific document requests and responses. It states that broad requests for any and all documents on a topic are presumptively improper. It also notes that, according to cited decisions, an objection that does not adequately explain its grounds may be forfeited, and a discovery response that fails to state objections specifically and indicate whether responsive material is being withheld may waive those objections, except objections based on privilege.

The parties must submit a joint letter by January 29, 2024, updating the court on discovery progress and anticipated discovery disputes. The order also reminds the parties that they may consent to have all proceedings, including trial, conducted before Judge Parker under 28 U.S.C. § 636(c), while preserving their right to have dispositive motions or trial before a United States District Judge.

Disposition and Significance

Judge Katharine H. Parker entered the initial case-management conference order. The order manages pleadings and discovery and does not resolve the merits of the dispute or rule on any dispositive motion.