Reiffin v. Microsoft Corp

Filing 624

ORDER deferring ruling on Microsoft's motion for attorney fees, Doc #606. The clerk is directed to terminate Microsoft's motion as an administrative matter. Microsoft may re-notice its motion within sixty days of issuance of appellate mandate, in which event the parties may submit further briefing to the extent necessary in light of the disposition of the issues on appeal. (vrwlc2, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 7/14/2010)

Reiffin v. Microsoft Corp

Doc. 624

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 v MICROSOFT CORPORATION, Defendant. _____________________________/ MARTIN GARDNER REIFFIN, Plaintiff, ORDER No C 98-0266 VRW UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

After the court entered the parties' stipulated final judgment on May 5, 2010, Doc #604, defendant Microsoft Corporation, on May 11, filed a motion for attorney fees pursuant to 35 USC § 285. Doc #606. The parties also have filed notices of appeal and In opposition to

cross-appeal.

See Docs #600, 605, 609, 621.

Microsoft's motion for fees, plaintiff argues that this court should "hold this motion in abeyance pending" appeal, since if judgment were reversed the motion would be rendered moot. at 5. Doc #617

Microsoft does not seem to address this suggestion in reply.

See Doc #623. //

Dockets.Justia.com

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The advisory committee note to the 1993 amendments to FRCP 54(d) provide: "If an appeal of the merits of the case is

taken, the court may rule on the claim for fees, may defer its ruling on the motion, or may deny the motion without prejudice, directing * * * a new period for filing after the appeal has been resolved." See also, for example, Tancredi v Metropolitan Life Ins Whether to proceed

Co, 378 F3d 220, 223, 225-26 (2d Cir 2004).

with Microsoft's motion forthwith or to defer pending appeal therefore is a matter committed to the court's discretion. The court finds that deferring its ruling on Microsoft's motion is the efficient course, as disposition at this juncture could result either in wasted or duplicated effort. Therefore,

consistent with FRCP 54(d), adjudication of Microsoft's motion for attorney fees is hereby DEFERRED. The clerk is DIRECTED to

terminate Microsoft's motion for attorney fees, Doc #606, as an administrative matter. Microsoft may re-notice its motion within

sixty (60) days of issuance of appellate mandate, in which event the parties may submit further briefing to the extent necessary in light of the disposition of the issues on appeal.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

____________________________ VAUGHN R WALKER United States District Chief Judge

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