Trailblazer Food Products, Inc. v. Silgan White Cap LLC

Filing 32

ORDER and OPINION - Trailblazer's motion 23 to compel is DENIED. Trailblazer's oral motion that Silgan produce the objecting customer's PSR is GRANTED. IT IS SO ORDERED. DATED this 30th day of November, 2017, by United States Magistrate Judge John V. Acosta. (Attachments: (1) Attachment, (2) Attachment, (3) Attachment, (4) Attachment) (peg)

Page 1 of3

RE: Trailblazer Food Products, Inc. v. Silgan White Cap LLC - Case No. 3:17-cv-00417-AC
Parker, Joel
to:
Parker, Christopher, [e-mail]
11/13/2017 04:21 PM
Cc:
"Anderson, Dave", "Gibsou, Debbie", "'[e-mail]'", "Xochihua, Paul R.",
"Keller, Rayna L."
Hide Details
From: "Parker, Joel" <[e-mail]> Sort List ...
To: "Parker, Christopher" <[e-mail]>, "[e-mail]"
<Jolm_ [e-mail]>,
Cc: "Anderson, Dave" <[e-mail]>, "Gibson, Debbie"
<[e-mail]>, "'[e-mail]"'
<[e-mail]>, "Xochihua, Paul R." <[e-mail]>,
"Keller, Rayna L."<[e-mail]>
3 Attachments

Specimen Redacted PSR.PDF 6_ SWC000224_image.pdf

Judge Acosta. My understanding from the Court's order today is that the court has taken under advisement the
issue of what constitutes "work product" for the purpose of the parties' internal communications. We do not
intend to respond further unless instructed by the Court. With respect to the PSR issue, I wanted to give the
Court some additional information that I hope will be of assistance in resolving this issue. As I indicated at the
hearing, the PSR data that Trailblazer seeks is relevant to determine whether Silgan designed the Trailblazer lid
correctly by applying a one layer coating instead of two layers. The other customer PSRs are relevant to
determine if Silgan followed its own procedures and to test witness testimony about why the Trailblazer lid had
one coat.
I've included two documents with this email. The document titled "Specimen Redacted PSR" is the objecting
customer's proposed PSR with redactions. The problem with the attached redactions is that they go backwards.
Not only do they omit the pH field on page 2, which is relevant to whether the acidity levels and corrosive
nature of the applicable product were similar, but more importantly, they redact the Reverse Coating field on
page 4 which indicates the type of coating and number of layers that Silgan specified. That is, from these
redactions Trailblazer can't determine what coating was applied and how many layers. Without that
information, Trailblazer cannot determine whether the comparative closure has a comparative coating.
The second document that is attached (SWC000224) is an example of a PSR that was previously produced by
Silgan, which redacted the customer (a different customer) information. The PSR redactions in this document
allow Trailblazer to know everything it needs to know - disclosed pH, bisulfate disclosure, alcohol, vinegar, and
number of coatings selected by Silgan - except the PSR redactions do not allow Trailblazer to ascertain the
substance held by the container because Silgan's definition of Jams is not necessarily consistent with the CFR's
standard of identity for these terms. This matters because Trailblazer cannot meaningfully compare the lid
designs unless it knows the substance held by the comparable container.
Although Trailblazer wishes to respect the undisclosed customer's desire to protect confidential information, the
PSR form is important to Trailblazer's investigation in this action. At the hearing I suggested a two-step

file:///C:/Users/JAcosta/AppData/Local/Temp/4/notes2CD76E/~web8616.htm

11/30/2017

Page 2 of3

alternative that will work for Trailblazer, and I believe Silgan. First, the objecting customer's PSRs would be
produced with redactions that are consistent with the enclosed document SWC 000224. That is, they would
redact the customer identity but disclose the relevant information that is necessary for Trailblazer to determine
what coating should be applied according to Silgan's testimony and procedure, and what coating was actually
specified. Second, Silgan's counsel would inform Trailblazer's attorney as to how the substance being packaged
is actually marketed to the consumer. For example, if it sits on the shelf as grape jelly, or raspberry preserves, or
mint jelly, etc.
Of course, in addition to the above, Trailblazer stipulates that any disclosure shall be designated confidential
pursuant to the Court's previously entered protective order and Trailblazer will be bound by the restrictions set
forth in that order.
Please let me know if we can provide any additional information. Thanks.

Joel Parker
Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt
Shareholder
1211 SW Fifth Avenue, Suite 1900, Portland, OR 97204
Direct: 503-796-2975
Mobile: [phone]
[e-mail]
Vcard Linkedln
Ideas fuel industries, learn more at:
www.schwabe.com

From: Parker, Christopher [mailto:[e-mail]]
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2017 3:43 PM
To: [e-mail]
Cc: Anderson, Dave <[e-mail]>; Gibson, Debbie <[e-mail]>; Parker, Joel
<[e-mail]>; '[e-mail]' <[e-mail]>; Xochihua, Paul R.
<[e-mail]>; Keller, Rayna L. <[e-mail]>
Subject: RE: Trailblazer Food Products, Inc. v. Silgan White Cap LLC - Case No. 3:17-cv-00417-AC
Judge Acosta:
Per the Court's Order, this email is to report that the parties and the customer were not able to reach an
agreement regarding the proposed redacted PSR.
I have not copied the customer on this email, but I will send them a copy separately and will let them
know once we receive instruction from the Court on how to proceed from here. Thank you.
Chris
From: Parker, Christopher
Sent: Friday, November 10, 2017 11:34 AM
To: '[e-mail]' <John [e-mail]>
Cc: Anderson, Dave <[e-mail]>; Gibson, Debbie <[e-mail]>; Parker, Joel
<[e-mail]>; '[e-mail]' <paul [e-mail]>; Xochihua, Paul R.

file :///C :/Users/JAcosta/AppData/Local/Te mp/4/notes2CD7 6E/~web8616 .htm

11/30/2017

Page 3 of3

<[e-mail]>; Keller, Rayna L. <rkeller@davis rothwell.com>
Subject: Trailblazer Food Products, Inc. v. Silgan White Cap LLC - Case No. 3:17-cv-00417-AC

Dear Judge Acosta and Counsel:
Attached is Silgan's response to Trailblazer's motion to compel, with the referenced declarations and
exhibits. We will file this shortly.
We also wanted to let Your Honor and Counsel know that we followed up to see if there were any
additional internal correspondence from before or after 11/14/16. We received some additional
correspondence, and we are in the process of reviewing. In the event there is more to produce from
before 11 /14/16, we plan to produce to counsel ASAP (likely today) per the discussion at the hearing
last Friday.
We will notify the Court if there is any potential additional internal correspondence from on or after
11/14, since those may need to be added to the in camera review materials (i.e., potentially may not
have been included on the thumb drive provided last Friday for Your Honor's in camera review). Thank
you.

Christopher M. Parker
ATTORNEY IN OREGON & WASHINGTON

T [phone] F [phone]
200 SW Market St, Suite 1800, Portland OR 97201

Davis Rothwell
EARLE & X6CHJHUA""'

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file:///C;/Users/JAcosta/AppData/Local/Temp/4/notes2CD76E/~web8616.htm

11/30/2017

~-----'

No.

Package Specification Review - Rev 24

15-056-M

Metal (Steel}
CAS-:fO°"COMPLETE THIS SECTION (ALL GREEN SHAl>f;J) CELLS)
SIJUJ'vllTTED BY (C..\S/Solcs Rl•p):

Blake Windclcr

DATE: 07/30/15

CAS EXT.#:

i
'ra•nw 11•1___________________ ___
CUSTOMER PHONE:
'iJe•m211·rn·
Cl 'STOJ\Um CONTACT:

CCSTOMrm:

lllJSINESS Ii\ FORMATION
New Product/Current Customer

First Time Order

Closure Mulcri"I: Metal (Steel)
Type: _R_T_B_ __
Si,_c; ___21!_

CIJSTOMERINFORMATION
Customer:

-------------

Location:
Product:

Silgnu COC#: - - - - - - - l'roducr End IJsc Code: 29420

Preserves+ llonc\'

li;stimatcd ,\1rnunl Volume:
Initial Onlcr Quantity:
Du t c Clo•urc• Needed:
New product for currcntlijj•tfl:ljllucsign \~ii:"*}2158mm lrl'll. Grape Flavor.
Spccinl lssu«s:

THIS SECTION TO llE COMPLETEJ> llY PSR ADMINISTRATOR (ALL YELLOW SHADED
CELLS)
l'SR No.: 1.5-056-M

STATUS: APPROVED
DATE:

8/3/15
-----

INITIALS: .J.C.

----

COMMENTS:

Page 1 of 4

Package Specification Review -

No.

Rev 24

Metal {Steel)

15-056-M
~~~~~~~-4

~"""~~~--~~~~~~~~,;,..~....:.~....,~--~~~~~~~~~~

CUSTOMER SECTION- PLEASE COMPLETE ALL BLUE C~:LLS ON PAGES 2& J
CLICK ON EACH llLlJE CELL ~'01{ l>ESCRll'TION OF WHAT IS HEQUll!lm
CLICK ON l>OWN ARROW (V) FOH LIST OF CllOICF:S
REDACTION

Cl 1STOMEll:

OATE: 7/30/15

CLOS\llrn INFOHMATIO N
Project Nnnu~: Fruit and J-lollt'.\' ~ l~rnpr Flnvor
~"----'---------·---------~
Cap Shell Color:-- -Sizefl'ypc: 58HTB
Type: l'riulcd
Is there a design on tlw fucc'! Yes
Arc there prints on the revcrse(llTC)'/ No
Prit1t according to artwork layout
Special Instructions:
(~u~ton1cr

C'ONTAINE!l

INFOR~tATION

Container T)'IW: L'hlss
Finish Numhcr: 58-2020
( I' Ieas c include co1•r of finish drawing if not a CPI,,,. Sil gun White Cup number)

---.......C-' -'--------- ---

Manufacturer: 1q;1r401
(;on11ucnbi!

Capacity (,·olumc): Hl,3 1111

------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ·

l'RODllC'f INFORMATIO N

(Click l"es/;\'o ji1r melt item t1111f}lll in blt111ks wit/1 rfelail.1~

Oil

111·

Fnt ou Surl'acc'! No

Bcvcr·ugc'! No_ _ __
l)ieteHr ur 1.. o"· c:uloric'! No

pll? pfl 4,6 or Below
Viucgar Present'/ No
Sodium Bisullite (SO,, Present? No
No
Alcohol Present'/ -,.,,,..--...,.---,.
Shelf Life of Pnckcd l'roduct'? REDACTION
FDA FOOD CATEGORm s

Actunl 11H if known:l;J?•h}11f•W

--------

Type II: Acidic Aqueous Products; Mn)' Contuin S11lt m· Sugot· or Both, and lneiudiug Oil in Water
Emulsions of Low or Hi(lb Fat Content
FDA CONDITIONS OF USE
C. Hot filled

01·

pastl'urit.cd •hove 150 dc(l. F

Page 2 of 4

No.

Package Specification Review· Rev 24
Metal (Steel)

15-056-M

'-

ON ClU,L fiOR INSIUICTIONS AND ON DOWN ARROW ('!ff) FOH CHOICES

SEALING INFORMATION
!>ackcr Nanl~ und 1\<ldrcss
Per Cent of Hcadspucc ( nol in inches):

..

P1·ocluct Fill Tcmpcrnture: •

'

How Applied'/ Capper With Steam
Ti•pc of Cuppc1· Strnight_Linc

Out of Cnppcr Vacuum (in-Hg): l;di•m"
l'ACKA.GING PROCESS (Piel< Only One From Dmp-llo1,•n Box Below)
OJ • l'astcu1·iwtion • Cunlinuuus 11r Open Huth. {!'or Aciil Products.

WntcrTcmp:~
Finished l'nckage Vacuum (In-Hg):

Pusturizution Time:

!ii;•&?111 Product Temp: li\j•Mdll

ISJ9•i111
How many packages per trny'? 8
Lll)'Cl"S per [rnllct'I 10
Trays per pallet I 280

!low 11111ny pnllcts high? 4
Trays per layer? 28
..
Weight per Pullet of Product (Lbs,):'"IQ'"i"'•l""4"'ot I

WAREHOUSE STORAGE CONDITION!:!
Temperature? Ambient

Humi<lity 'I Dry

llETAH. DISPLAY CONDITIONS
1·c1npcrHturc '! /\n1 bicnl

llumiclit~·

Spcd~l

---- Dry
mirchousc, shipping or 11ispluy issues:
-------- -·------ --'!

fa r<·gul"tory compliance othe1· than Fl>A required? No
S\JllMITTEH Customer Contact Numc & Title):
Dute Information Submitted:
Mailing Address:·

When complclccl l'Sll Administrator will place on !'SR "Shure Point" site in PENDING folder
Page 3 of 4

Package Specification Review.
Metal (Steel)

Rev

No.

24

15-056-M

SILGAN WHTTE CAP LLC SUMMARY
TlllS sM:TION TO Im COMPLETE!) BY PSR TEAM AND rmYH!'.WED
BV PSR 1mvmw COJ\'IMITTEE FILL IN ALL TAN COLORED CELLS
l'SR Tcnm

Approntl
Hob T!luzick
Art Hurley
Cathy Hrndy
WJKapolus

Bo~

Hlnzick
Art lfurky
Cnthy llrndy
Bill l<npolus

Date

07/Jl/15
118/03/15
118/03/15
08/03/15

CLOSllRE INFORMATIQN
Sizcffype:

Custontcr: REDACTION
COC#:
~S RTIJ

End llsc Code:
l'rnduct: Preserves+ Honn
Fucci Rc\'ersc Design Requirements: #NAMR '!
Special lnstrnctiom: -.,----~~-----------~ _
l'rint ncconling !O 1_ll_'t\_v_o1_·k_l__ 11--1t_ _ _ _ _
a,_y1-'
Pnc·l\ing Process:
03 - Paskurlzation - Continuous 01· Open Bath. For Acid Products.
Compound: 7<15

Cup Shell Color:

£luce Sysl~m;
----Hc1·crse System:
~-llutton'I Yes
CONTAINEH JNF'ORMATION

Fucc Coatings: •
Rc1•crse Conllngs:
I>own Flip (In. Hg):

Container T~'pc: Gin"
Finish Number: 58-2020
~·Ill II U fu ct111 •cr :~lijiiilii'iil,ttliii'1'M'L________
c:u1n1ncnts:
SE AL l NG INFORMATION
Per Cent of lleadspacc ( not in Jnchcs):

----

------------ (volume): 231.3 ml
Capadly

---------------------

\M?•mpu•p

How Applied'! Capper With Steam

Type of Capper Straight Linc

-~~~-----------

Ou! or Capper Ynccmn(lo-HJl)"
Finish<'d Pnckagc Vnn·um(ln-Bg)

c:ornrnrnts:

Page 4 of 4

No.

Packag e Specification Review . Rev 24
Composite

16-106-C

CASTO COMPL ETE THIS SECTIO N (ALL GREEN SHADED CELLS)
SUBM1TTED BY (CAS/Salcs Rep}:

KelUMill!>r

DATE: 08/23/16

805-453-879$

CASEX T.#:

------------------------CUSTOMER P H O N E : - - - - - -------CUSTOMER CONTAC T:

CUSTOM ER:

'

I

l
t
;

I

BUSINESS INFORMATION
New Product/ Current Custome r

First Time Order

Custome r:
Location:
Product:

Jams

~-------------~----

304,000

lnitial Order Quantity ;
Date Closures Needed:
None
Special Issues:

Est\mak d A1\nual Voluutf.l:

304,000
---- ---- --

THIS SECTION TO BE COMPL£TED BY l'SR ;'\DMIN1STRATOR (ALL YELLOW SHAPED

,,F

CELLS)

l
PSR No.: 16·106-C

STATUS: APPROV ED
DATE:

8/26/16
----- --

-----

INlTIALS: J.C.

COMMENTS:

Page 1 of4
CONFIDENTIAL

SWC000224

Package Specific ation Review - Rev 24
Compo site

No.

16-106-C

I

CUSTOMER SECTION• PLEASE COMPLETE ALL lJLUE CELLS ON PAGES 2& 3
CLICK ON EACH BLUE CELL FOR DESCRIPTION OF 'WlIAT IS REQUIRED
CLICK ON DOWN ARROW (T) FOR LIST OF CHOlCE S

DATE: 7124/15

CUSTOM ER:

I

CLOSUR E INFORMA'IlON

I
l

l

'

!

'
i

r

Custome r Project Name: Red/gold cap$
"'---------~----------~
Disk Color: Gold
Fitmcnt Color: Red
Size/Type: 63BDP
ls there a design on the face'! No
Arc there prints on the revcrse(U TC)? No
none
Special Instructio ns:

----

CONTAI NER INFORM ATION
Plastic Type: PET
Containe r Type: Plastic
Finish Number: .. ·
----------"----=--=-~
(Please .include copy of finish drawiltg if not a CCMA or Silgan. \Vhite Cap number)

----

Capacity (volume) : 46<11:

Manufacture1·: Graham Pk

Finish dimension specification E=2.347+/-Q.Q15", T=2.444"+/-0,015', H1=0.679"+/-0.015"

Com1n.ents:

PRODUCT INFORM ATION
(Click Yes/Nofo r eaclt item andfill in blanks with details)
Oil or Fat 011 Surface? No
Beverage ? No

~----

pH? 2.8-3.3
Vinegar Present? No
Sodium Bisulfite (8021 Present? No
Alcohol Present? No
Shelf Life of Pack-ed.,..·""P-ro-d""u-c""t?=-- 1 Year

Actual pH if known: 2.8-3.3

---- -

----

FDA FOOD CATEGORIES
Type II: Acidic Aqueous Prod!lcts ; May C011tain Salt or Sngar or Both., am:! Including Oil in Wnter

Emu ls.ions !Jf Low or High Fllt Co11tcnt
FDA CONDITIONS OF USE

I

C. Hot filled or pasteuriz ed above 150 deg. F

l

!
!

Pase 2 of4
CONFIDENTIAL

SWC000225

No.

Package Specification Review· Rev 24
Compos ite

16..106-C

ON CELL FOR INSRUCT IONS AND ON DOWN ARRO\Y ('f) FOR CHOICES
SEALING INFORMA TION
Packer Name and Address
Per Cent of Headspacc (not in inches): 4.00%

Product Fill Temperatu re: 180F

---- -

How Applied? Capper With Steam
Type of Capper Rotary

Capper Mfg: Zalkin
Out of Capper Vacuum (in-Hg): O"
PACKAGI NG PROCESS (Piek Only One F1·om Dr11p~Dawn Box Bel11w)
Chuck Type: Segmented

02- ilot Fill (For Acid Products)- D. Hold & Force Cool

Finished Package Vacuum (in-J4): <5"
Are Packages Tray Packed?

No

WAREHOUSE STORAGE CONDITI ONS

Temperature '' Ambient
RETAIL DISPLAY CONDffIO NS
Temperat ure? Ambient

Humidity '! Dry

Humidity ·r _ _ _ _ _ _D"'--"ry '-------

Special warehouse , shipping or display issues: _ _ _ _ _ _N;.:. ;. :.o: .nc;;. _'- - - - - - ' - - - - - - '

Cs regulatory compliance other than FDA.required?_N_o_ __
SUBMITTER Customiir Contact Name & Title):
D11te Informatio n .Submitted:
!\falling Address;

Customer Phone:
E-mail Address
When completed PSR Administr ator will pince 1!11 PSR ''Share P11mt" site in PENDING folder
Pa9e 3of4
CONFIDENTIAL

SWC000226

Package Specification

No.

Review • Rev 24

16-106-C

Composite
SILGAN WHITE CAP LLC SUMMARY
THIS SECTION TO BE COMPLETED BY PSR TEAM AND REVIEWED
BY PSR REVIE\V COMMITTEE FILL IN ALL TAN COLORED CELLS
PSRTeam

t

l

l

I
-~

Approved
UobBfazick

BobBiazkk
Darr1;n Nepnty

Darren Neputy
BCKiss
Art Hurley

Brad Kiss
Art l111l'ley

Date

08126f16
08J26fl6
08/25(16
08/25fl6

CLOSURE INFORMATION

Customer:--1---------------------

Sizc!rype~

63BDP

COC#:

--------

End Use Code: i¥f&i'!l'1pifif~'li'

Product: Jams
Fli!c~ Rever~e

Disk#:

--------

Jlesigl! Requirement$; No J)esign on F11ce or Reverse
Spedallnstructfons:..;;;n'"'o""11_e_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

Packing Process: ------"'02=-·--=H,,,u::..:t"'F'""i""ll.,.(F..,o""r_.A;.;;.c""i""d..:.P_..r""od:::.;u::.:co.::ts"")_•B=··H=ol:.::d:.. :&;;=.·,;;·F, ;;o;,;rc;;;'e;,,;C;:,;o"'o;;,1~=~
Compound: 146
Fitment Resin: M90RP001
Fitment #: ~'lii~1iS[t.f!fii1!\i\,;,,1'. ii ' i :~:,
Lube Added: No
Colorant#: fkll¥i®~:=f:1f~~~~;;1_zyf:
Cnp Shcll/Fitrucnt Col.or: Red
· Steel Weight.:
Disk Color: Gold
Steel Coat: TFS
1
0.93.5
' ...
Face Coatings; G.27.7
Fncc- Syst~n1_;:;hl~i~~~i~:jjlfVi!~.{::: lTu#~S
l~eversc Coatings! S.C.12.3
V.50.5
Reverse-System: fl:~~t(fill<,~+~:il':~~:::t~ff!t!f
Dutton? No
CONTAINER INFORMATION
Contnincr Type: Plastic

Phlstic Typer l'ET

Fi.nlsh Number:
-----------~
Manufacturer: Grahnm Pkg
Capacity (volume): .;..:4.;c6o::.::z:..__
Comments: Finish dimension specific!UiQn E=.2.347+/.0.015", T=l,444"+/-0,015", Hl=0.879''+/-0,015

SEALING INFORMATION
Pei· Cent of ij.eadspace (not in inches): 4.00%
How Applied? Capper With Steam
Capper Mfg: Zalkin
0 u t of Capper Vac~um(ln·Hg): O"

Product Fill Temperature: _1s o_F___
__

____ _____

Type ofCapper-=R::.::oc.:.:ta::.:ry"'-----------.._
ChUckType:
Segmented

--------

-----'----

.Finished Package Va~cum(ln•Hg): <5"

Comments:

Page 4 of4
CONFIDENTIAL

SWC000227