In a recent Order, Judge Sue L. Robinson “confirm[ed]” her position on early summary judgment:
“The court will not entertain motions for summary judgment before the close of discovery unless: (a) the parties stipulate to the underlying facts of a dispute [either by agreement or presumption] (turning the exercise into resolving a question of law); or (b) the issue in dispute is dispositive, meaning that the court’s decision (regardless of its outcome) becomes the law of the case.”
In re: Automated Transaction LLC Patent Litigation, MDL Civ. No. 13-2429-SLR, at 1 (D. Del. Oct. 8, 2013). As to (b), the Court explained that it had “neither the time nor the resources to engage in multiple summary judgment exercises per case.” Id.
Additionally, plaintiff had requested that damages and willfulness not be bifurcated, as is Judge Robinson’s standard practice. The Court granted this request, “given the MDL status of this litigation.” Id. at 1.
In re: Automated Transaction LLC Patent Litigation, MDL Civ. No. 13-2429-SLR (D. Del. Oct. 8, 2013).
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