Collier v. Land & Sea Restaurant Company, LLC

Filing 171

MEMORANDUM OPINION. Signed by District Judge Glen E. Conrad on 07/21/2014. (ssm)

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CL SOFFI U.S. ST COURT ERK' CE DI . ATROANOKE, VA FIED L J 2 12 1 UL 29 I TH E UN I N TED STA TES D I STRI CO U RT CT FOR TH E W ESTERN D I STRI O F V I I A CT RG NI R OAN O K E DI ISI V ON RO BERT J.CO LLI ER, Pl i if a ntf , BJ I . YUL DU?X CL RK : L'ji - t I F) ' I Y Cas N o.7: cve 13- 00104 M EM O R AND U M O PI O N NI LAND & SEA RESTAURANT CO. LLC , d/ / FRAN K I RO W LAN D ' ba E S STEA KH O U SE, D e e ntThid- r y Pl i i f f nda / r pa t a ntf , H on. l n E.Conr d Ge a Chi fUnied St t DititJ e e t aes src udg PERFO RM A N CE FO OD G ROU P,I C. N d/ a PERFO RM AN CE FO O D b/ SER VI V I I I , CE- RG N A Thi d- r y D e e nf r pa t f nda Cr s a m Pl i i f os cl i a ntf , SA M RU ST SEA FO O D ,I C . N , Thi d- t D e enda / r pary f nt Cr s li De e nt os ca m f nda / Fi t pa t Pl i i f fh- r y a ntf , CA D E CO DE SHELLFI SH & SEAFO OD CO M PAN Y , Fi t pa t D ef nda / fh- ry e nt Si h- r y Pl i if xt pa t a ntf , N ORM BLO O M A N D SON ,LLC, Si h- ry De e nt xt pa t f nda . Pe ng beor t c t ndi f e he our moton f s mma y j i or u r udgme fl by t r pat nt ied hid- ry defnda Sa Rus Se ood,l (ç m Rus' ,i whi i s e s e nt m t af nc. $Sa t' n ch t e ks ummayj ) r udgme a i t nt gans CountV1 oft s c a e I he e ond m nded t r pa t c hid- ry ompl i .The moton ha be n f l bre ed,t ant i s e uly if he pa tesa g t m oton a aJ 1 201 he rng,a i i now rpe f rdiposto ri r ued he i t une 2, 4 a i nd t s i o s ii n. Plitf Ro r Cole alg st th s fee sro s ij re a t e r s l o e tng anif be t l r le e ha e u fr d ei u nu is s h eut f ai i tunwhol s e f 'a Fr nki Row l nd' St ak t e om ood' t a e a s e hous on A prl 1 2011.I t c e i 4, n he ounta i s t s ue her - count V l- t r pa t pl i if La & Se Res a a Com pa LLC d b a Fr nki e l hid- ry a ntf nd a t ur nt ny, // a e Ro a d' S e k o s (f a d & Se ' s e a d caao y j dg n ,p ru n t 28 U.. wln s t a h u e ûwn l a' e ks e lrt r u me t u s a t o ) SC. j2201 t tSa Rus i r quiedt def a i mniy La & Seaagans Colirscli . ,ha m t s e r o end nd nde f nd i t le ' ams Sa Ru tse s mmayj d me to t g o n s lsp i r agu n i t a La & m s e ks u r u g n n wo r u d .t rmay r me t s h t nd Se f ie t gi i tm e y a r as bl notc ofpli ifs c am a t t tSa Rus i a al d o ve t i l nd e ona e ie antf ' l i nd hus ha m ts unde no oblgai n t et r def nd t cl m or i m niy La & Se Sec r i to o ihe e he ai nde f nd a. ond, Sa Rus m t a g e ta i i e tte t s mma y j d me tbe a e n i e o La d & S as c r o ae r u s h t t s n ild o u r u g n c us et r f n h e ' o p rt de i eswasa e t i ntf s c fcal whih pr uc ofSn Rus i s sgne bl o de iy pe ii ly c od t m t s uppos t ha made ed o ve t pl i ifi1ort i ntf a s cfcdef ti t tpr t ECF No.10 at1 he antf 1 o de iy ny pe ii ec n ha oduc . 2 3. For t r as dic s be ow,t cou tco l he e ons s us ed l he r ncudes t t ne t r of t e a gum e s ha ihe hes r nt e tte S m Ru t t s mma y j dg n .Ac o dngy, Sa Ru ts mo in f r s mmay ni s a l s o u r u me t c r i l m s' to o u r j dg n wil ed ne . u me t lb e id B ackcround Alhough t s c e i ves a num be ofpl di br t hi as nvol r ea ngs ought a ns va i pa te ,a gai t r ous r i s nd at h t r havebe s vea o ni ar a wrte byt orgi lj lhoug hee en e rl pi ons le dy itn he i na udgea sgne t t s s i d o hi c s ,1t e m oton pr enty bef e t c ti a sr i f nv r one t t i ve onl a s ng e ae h i es l or he our s t a ght o a d ha nvol s y i l c am .The c t nehel swilpr de s m e g r ba kg ound fr tt hel oren t r de li our no t es l ovi o ene al c r is o p i t he ea r 1The cas w asorgi l as gned t Seni Unied St t D iti J e i naly si o or t aes srct udge James C . Tur buthe k, tanseredt cas t t under i r f r he e o he sgned on M a 22,201 f a1 f herpr y 4 or l urt oceedi ngs. a d t e tr t mo e s e i f csr lv n t t is s rie i t s mmay j d me t n h n u n o r p chc a t ee a t o he sue as d n he u r u g n m oton. i 1 . G e alB a ner ckgr ound Asno e pl i ifi t sca e al gest the s fr d da a ,i udi s ve ebodiy t d, antf n hi s le ha ufe e m ges ncl ng e r l da a due t f m ge, o ood poioni afe c u i kmwhols s ng tr ons m ng s t e ome f ' a Fr nki Rowl s oods' t a e and' St khous on Aprl 1 2011.ECF No.1 a 1.Hi orgi l c ea e i 4, t s i na ompli t d d not i ntf a an i de iy ny s cii f ie a t ca e of hi il s but di m a r f r nc t hi s f rng fom pe fc ood t m s he us s lnes , d ke e e e e o m ufe i r S r ytc s lih poioni 'a saed t t he c ume a mea t t tncl d s lts ' al i helfs pa s ng' nd t t ha ons d l ha s ude he l h, i i a o o he t ngs' ECF No,1a 2.Athi M a c 1 201 de ii pl i ifclrfe t ti m ng t r hi . ' t s r h 7, 4 poston, antf a ii d ha n a dto t t e me lh o d rd,wh c c nsse o Sic b r ltu e s ld se k,a ba e d iin o h a e r ee ih o itd f kl e eg et c , aa , ta t kd pot o,apa ag ,t Budweie ll brad puddi a a c fegl'he as ti s meoft at s r us wo s rs, e ng, nd ofe ,' lo red o he a tze so he si hi pa t had or r d.ECF No.l1 1 a 5,ColirDe a 56.Spe iialy, ppe i r t r n s ry de e 0- t le p. t c fc l heat t ort e oyser,oneort s alops a peha hal as i J l rpo t daed e wo hr e t s wo c l , nd r ps f hrmp.- n e rs t 4s M a 2 1 ,t o pan ifs e pet h ve n w o ie t a h s ij re we e c usd b h s y 0 4 wo f litf x rs a o pn d h t i n u is r a e y i Si ton ofs xioxi t i e o t s'a La & Se Se ECF N o. 1 a 1 ECF N o.1 a inges i a t n a nt d yser ' t nd a. e 40 t 8; 41 t 1 1 2- 3. La & Se had s r s ir fom whih i pur ha ed f nd a eve al upple s r c t c s ood,a one ofisprm a y nd t i r s ir wasPeror e Food Gr I (( '.Ac r i t t de ii ofJnnie upples f manc oup, nc. ; PFG' co dng o he poston e fr ) M i one ofPFG ' e pl es PFG s i d t oys e s t s lo , nd t s i p t La & ka, S m oye , upple he t r , he ca l ps a he hrm o nd Se a PFG boug a l as t oys e s and s alops f om Sa Rus .ECF N o. 11 8 a 3a, nd ht t e t he tr c l r m t 0- t 4, M i D e a 5 1 Addii ly, r a n s lfs t gsobt i d by t V i g ni D e rm e tof ka p. t 4, 02. tona l ee t i he li h a a ne he r i a pa t n He t (û a1h 1 VDH' durngisi tgai ofLa & Se a t Colirbe meil i c et tt ' i t nvesi ton ) nd a fer le ca l, ndiat ha he oyser s ved t Coli st e w er s i by Sam Rus .See,e. ,ECF N o.102-1 at71. t s er o ler' abl e uppled t 2. A fe Coli r t l d s t aga ns La & Se tr le i e ui i t nd a,La & Sea s d PFG i a t r pa t nd ue n hid- ry c pl i .PFG i t a l br ht Sa Rus i o t s tby w a of a f t pa t c pl i ,s e om a nt nii ly oug m t nt he ui y ourh- ry om a nt e ECF N o.29.l is f ur h- r y c pl i t PFG a l ged bo h a co m o l w i m nik a i n t o t pa t om a n , le t m n a nde t ton c ai a i t Sa Rus , as w el as a cl i f i l m ga ns m t l a m or ndem nii a i pur ua t a Foods r ce f c ton s nt o e vi Pr t Supple Agr men CkheAgre nf' bewee PFG a Sam Rus,e c e i 2009. oducs ir ee t t e me ) t n nd t xe utd n $eeECF No.11 9.W he Land & Se a 0n a mende ist r pa'y c d t hid- l ompli t add t de a at y t ant o he clr or j d me tc u ta ans S m Ru t i, o ,rle o te Ag e me tsid mnfc to p o iin. u g n on gi t a s, t t o eid n h r e n ' n e iiain r v so I pe tne pa t t pr s on s a e . n r i nt r , he ovi i t t s' l l mnii to l ur nc 4. nde fcai n: ns a e A. I e fc t n. S p l r g.. S m Rusj wil id mnf nd mniiai o u pi ie, a e t l n e iy, def nd, a hol PFG, is afiit s and s i a i and t i e nd d t fla e ubsdires her ofi er ,diecor ,e o sa ag nt ,a we la a c t e s tc s r t s mpl yee nd e s s l s ny usom r of PFG a is s i a i s ha m l s f om a aga ns any nd t ubs di r e r es r nd i t a l ga i le tons as e t d or dn age , la lte , l s s cos s o s re m s i biii s os e , t r e xpens s (ncudi r s na e at ne ' fes s e i l ng ea o bl tor ys e ) ought i any n c a m ,a ton,l w s t or pr ee ng co c e w ih or a i i out l i c i a ui oc di nne t d t r sng ofa oft f l ng( l tvey,' ai ': ny he olowi coleci l ' ms' C1 ) 2 De t o o ij r t a ypes n d ma et a yp o e t o a y ) ah f r nu y o n ro , a g o n r p ry, r n ot r damage or l s r uli or c am e t ha r s t i he os es tng l i d o ve e uled, n w hol or i pa t fom a qualt or ot r def c i t Pr uc , e n r, r ny iy he e t n he od t w he he l t nt o pa e ,or f iur of t Pr t r a e r t nt a l e he oduc t c pl w ih t o om y t a e e sor i pled w a r nte ora cl m s of sr c la lt i ny xpr s m i r a i s ny ai ti t i biiy n t 4r a i t t Pr t... ol eltng o he oduc Not t tndi t f egoi g m Rusls l notbe labl t wihsa ng he or ng, sa t hal i eo PFG t t ex e PFG ' da a a e de e m i d t r s t f om o he t nt S m ges r t r ne o e ul r PFG' own gos neglg nc orwilulmic S r s ie e lf sonduct ( m Rusl . Sa t s l us couns lr sm a y s ts ac or t PFG i t de e e of hal e e ea t bl a i f t y o n he f ns s Cl ms PFG s lwihi t ry ( )daysafe re i of uch ai . hal, t n hit 30 tr cept notce of a Cl m agai t PFG,notf I i ai ns iy sam Rusl t r f t he eo ; provi ded,how ever,t f l of PFG t provi s hat aiure o de uch not ce i t I Rusls lnotlmi t defns or i mniiaton o sam t hal i t he e e nde fc i oblgatons,except t t ext t the del has a m at al i i o he ent hat ay eri adve e ef tupon t abiiy of I rs fec he lt sam Ruslt dee s h t o fnd uc Cl m . ai ECF No.11 9,Agreme ! 1 A)2)(mphassadde .The e 0e nt 4( ( e i d) mpha ied pori a ve i sz ton bo s 4 c r lt t is ofnotcer ie i t pe ng m o i n. enta o he s ue i a s d n he ndi to 1I. Fact R el i t N ot ce s atng o i Ba e o t c t s r i s he e n,t i por a t f d s a e t e t t s w w ha PFG s d n he our ' ulng r i he m t n a r hos ha ho t knew a bout Coli rs cli a when.On t s i s le ' a m nd hi s ue,Sa Rus s t f t i is undiput d m t e s orh n t s e saeme off t t PFG d dm it d t ti r c ve no no i oft ofe e de c i i t t t nt acs hat t te ha t e ei d a tce he f ns s rbed n he c mplit o o Cole ' alg d ij re ,o o a y alg d d fd i isp o u t,u tli wa o an, r f lirs l e nu is r f n le e ee n t r d cs n i t s e s r e wih ( n & S a s Thr - ryCo lita an tPFG. ECF No.1 2a 6 !3 (ii e v d t La d e 'q idpa t mp an g is ' ' 0 t , 4 ctng ECFNo.1 3a 5,PFG' rs et Sa Rus' r uet fra si numbe 6) 02- t S e pons o m ts eq ss o dmison r . PFG wa s r ed wih t t r pa t c s ev t he hid- ry ompli on M a 21,201 ECF N o.26.Le st n ant y 3. s ha t r y- ys l t r hi t da a e --on J une 1 201 PFG s nt a l te t Sa Rus ' pr i nt r ques i Sa 0, 3e et r o m t s es de , e tng m Rus ûo i mniy a hol PFG a La & Se ha m ls f r Coli rsale tons i l ng t l nde f nd d t nd nd a r es o le ' l ga i , ncudi a a s mp ino ted fns t)of h smatr'ECFNo 1 0 1 . a Rus rj ce t i d ma d n su to f h ee e s t i te . ' . 1 - 0 S m t ee td hs e n . On t s m eda e l l 201 - PFG fl isf t pa t c he a t- une 0, 3 ied t ourh- ry ompli agans Sa Rus. a nt i t m t The e i a s e de e abouta c ualc r s l o vi nc as onve s ton i Apr l2011 be w ee La & Se s rai n i t n nd a' hea c f a t tm e J m es D . N e s 1 1 a PFG ' s e r pr s nt tve J nnie M i d he t he i , a l on 1 , nd S al s e e e a i , e f r ka. Spe tcal N e s t tfed t ats epoi afe t VDH i pe t d t Re t r nton Aprl cii ly, lon esii hat om nt t r he ns c e he sau a i 1 2011 hecal d M i a (ol he a 8, , le ka nd i d r boutt a lge Aprl1 2011 f poioni i de t he le d i 4, ood- s ng nci nt a VDH' s e ti pecin oft r sa a t'ECF No.11 4 a 4,Nes Af.! 11.At nd S ubs quen ns to he etur n . ' 0- t lon f hi de ii he di notr c lt co e soft tco rato pr c s l buts d he ' ul s poston, d e al he nt nt ha nve s i n e i ey, ai i d wo h v tle t h ra u te e (eng atb et a c mei a d g tsc s t tl d n tk o a e ak d o e bo t h r b i ) a l h t a n n o ik' ha s o o n w ' we s cfcal wha c us t t ge sc ... t t...gl he t i pe t wa co ngi t pe ii ly t a ed hem o t ik but ha the alh ns cor s mi n o c k e r hi ' ECF N o.11 3 a 9, e s D e a 85,He a s bele d he ç oul ha s d hec ve yt ng. ' 0- t N l on p. t l o i ve i w d ve ai s ehi a om t ng bout t VDH bei c he ng once ne wih t l t r t nk a l a t' a pos i y r d t he obse n t e s' nd sbl m ento d s lfs a t i ne he li h, lhough he di no r a l l a 1 11, e s D e a 86d t ec l. d. t 0- N l on p. t 87. Tof lyu d rtn S m Ru tsag me t,h c u t lo s mmaie b ifyt e(ag l ul n esa d a s' r u n s te o r as u rz s rel h lr ey undiputd)f t a t wha La & Seakne a whe 2 Asnoed,Colirae a La & Se s e acs s o t nd w nd n. t le t t nd a on Apr l 1 2011.La & Se l r d on Apr l l 2011 t t s r uni ntfe di r had i 4, nd a ea ne i 5, ha eve al de ii d ne s be om e ila t ra Aprl 1 2011 m e and t one w a s ili t hos t l On Apr l 1 2011 c l fe n i 4, al hat s tl n he pia . i 8, , t V DH c he onduc e a t r t d ho ough i pe ton oft R e t ur nt N e s w ho w a pr e durng t ns c i he s a a . l on, s es nt i he i peci n,t siid t the g t i e so t tt VDH i pe t stbe n t f uson t ns to e tfe ha ot he mpr s i n ha he ns c or d ga o oc he s l fs 'a wer ve y conc r d wih t l bse s ECF No.l1 3 a 6- Nelon Dep.a 68 he l ih' nd e r e ne t he o tr . 0- t 7, s t 69.N e s hast tfed,t l on esi i hough,t tt V DH di no i or hi whi h,i a of t 25- us ha he d t nf m m c f ny, he pl f a d i pr ood nd r nk oduc s s r d t t t e w as s pe t d t be t ca e of Coli r s alege t e ve o he abl us c e o he us le ' l d 4 f poioni 3 ECF N o. 110- at 4, Nes Af.!7.VDH di not fnd a dee t or ood s ng. lon f d i ny fcs dek inci i t r e d pr t e es n he eviwe oduc s ori t i ha i so a a pr pa ai n by La & t, n he r ndlng, t r ge, nd e r to nd Se ,a t noacin a ns La & Se J-! 8,l ECFNo.11 7a 3,M c lse Af. a nd ook to gai t nd a.J, ! 7; 0- t Alitr f ! 7; ECF N o.1l 5 a 3- M c li t rD e a 230- t 4, A ls e p. t 24. I J 2011 La & Se r ce ve t o l te s t t r l t d t Coli r one f om Coli r s n une , nd a e i d w e t r ha e a e o le , r le ' c ouns a one fom hi wor ' compe a i i ur l ca rer Fr m t e lte s La & el nd r s kers ns ton ns awe ri . o hes e tr , nd Se l r d t t t s ve ey il di ' i ntt was Robe tColir ECF No. 11 7 a 4a ea ne ha he e r l l ners de iy r le . 0- t 5, Mc lse Af.! 1 1 1 8;ECF No. Alitr f ! 2- 4, 6-1 a 4,M c lser De a 24.W he t t Alit p. t n he c pl i was fl d on M a c 1 2013, La & Se r c ve is kfr t no i t t Co le om a nt ie r h 9, nd a e ei d t ûi s tce ha li r c umeds lfs a ( nd& Sea onAprl1 2011 ort thema ha s t ne paal ions helih t La ) i 4, , ha y ve usai d r ytc 2Bas d on t courtsr i , however t i ue ofwhen Land & Sea fr tknew aboutColir' he ' ulngs e , he ss is le s cl m doesnotde e m i t tmelnes oft r r notc ai t r ne he i i s he equied ie. 3 Se ECF No.1 2- a 41( o ofie z dr c itp ovi dt VDH) e 0 1 t c py tmie e ep r de o . 6 s elihpos nn o Gui an- rés n r me( ro eo isv ra t) o boh. ECFNo 1 0a h l s io ig r l i Ba r y d o o n f t ains, r t ' f l ' .1 t 1 ( tng ECF No. 11 7,Mc lse Af.! 23) La & Sea t n i ntfe t s lfs 0 cii 0Alitr f . nd he de iid he helih pr t or r d by Colir st bl a t s ir oft e pr t a fld wihoutdely a oduc s de e le ' a e nd he upple s hos oduc s nd ie t a t r pa t c hid- ry ompl nta i tPFG . ai gans Upon s eng t f t pa t compl i a l a ni ofSa e i he ourh- ry ant nd e r ng m Rus ' de e e a i ts f ns nd ndem niy oblga i ,La & Sea' co els nt a l te t Sa Rus da e t i tons nd s uns e et r o m t td Oc o r15, t be 2013,a ki i t de end a i s ng t o f nd ndemniy La & Sea ECF No.11 11. t end of f nd . 0- At he J n r 2 4 Lal & S as c u s lr c i e a r s o e fo Sa Rus' i s rr rj ci a uay 01 , l d e ' o n e e ev d e p ns r m m ts n u e , ee t ng La & Se s de a ECF N o.1l 1 nd a' m nd. 0- 2. St andard ofR evi w e An a r o s mmay j d me ti a p o rae ift mo a ts wst tt r i n wad f u r u g n s p r p it i he v n ho ha hee s o i g n n d s ue a t a y mae ilf c a d te mo n i e t ld t j d me ta a ma tro e uie ip t s o n tra a t n h va t s ni e o u g n s t te f lw. Fe R. v P. 6 a .n d tr nn wheh rt g a tamoi nf rs mmayj dg n ,h a ' d. Ci. 5 () l ee mi ig te o rn ' to o u r u me tt e cour m us co i rt e denc i t r or asa whol s Ri c v. est f no,557 U . 557, t t ns de he vi e n he ec d e, ee c i D e a S. 586( 2009) a mus drw k lr a ona ei e e es...heefo i t lghtmos fvorbl t , nd t a s e s bl nfr nc al t r r m n he i ta a e o t e n n vig p ry. He r v.Pu n l 6 2 F.d 5 4 5 (t Ci.2 1 (n b n ) To h o mo n a t ' n y ' r el 5 3 2 , 31 4h r 01 ) e a c . , wi tn as mma yj d me tmo in, h n n mo a tmu tp o u es fi in e i e c fo t a d u r u g n to t e o - v n s r d c u tce t v d n e r m hs whiharas bl ga ttnder c drt n avediti hi fvo .J.a 249-50.C ncus yor c e ona e fc i ) oul eur r c n s a r .S t / (co l or s e ultv alg to sd n ts fie n rd e a i r s itl o e ie c 'i s p o to gh p c aie l ai n o o u fc , o o s mee cnil f vd n e n u p r f t e e a non- nts c s 'Thomps v. oma Elc. mova 'l a e. ' on Pot c e Powe Co.31 F. 6 649( h Ci.2002) r , 2 3d 45, 4t r ( tngPhilpsv. quoi li CSX Trns .nc.190F. 285, 7( h Ci.1 a p.l , 3d 28 4t r 999:. Di scuss on i Asnotd,Sa Rus s eks s e m t e ummay j me i isfvo a t La & Se s cli r udg nt n t a r s o nd a' am a i t i on t gr ga ns t wo ounds The f r t i t t La & Se alege y f l t gi tm el notc of . is s ha nd a l dl aied o ve i y i e Coli r s c a m s t Sam Rus .The s ond i t t La & Se s r pr s nt tve ar una e t le ' l i o t ec s ha nd a' e e e a i s e bl o i nt f a s cii de ec i a s ii pr de iy ny pe fc f t n ny pec f c oduc s i d by Sam Rus .The c r add e s t upple t ou t r s es e h i t n. ac n ur 1. N ot ce i A. The R equi N otce l G overned Sol y By t Agreem ent red i s el he Sam Rus fr t con e , r yi on V i gi a Code Se ton 8. 607, t t Land & Se t is t nds el ng r ni ci 2ha a f ie t gi Sa Rus r as bl a tm ey no i oft cai ag ns i a t ti s ul be al d o ve m t e ona e nd i l tce he l m ai t t nd ha t ho d d redfom a rme 'unde t tsaut Se Va. t r r ny e dy' ba r ha tt e. e CodeAnn.j8. 607.La & Se co e s 2nd a untr t tany oblga i t gi notc t Sa Rus i gove ne s e y by t t r s oft Agr m e , ha i ton o ve i e o m ts r d ol l he e m he ee nt a not by Se ton 8. 607.The c tc udes t t Se ton 8. 607 has no r e nc t t nd ci 2our oncl ha c i 2el va e o he cli by La & Se a i t Sn Rus. am nd a ga ns m t l pe tne pa t Se ton 8. 607 pr de t t whe e a t nde of goods ha be n n ri nt r, ci 2ovi s ha , r e r s e a ce ed,( hebuye m us wihi a r as bl tm eafe he dic r ors d ha dic r d c pt k t r t t n e ona e i tr s ove s houl ve s ove e a brac notf t s le ofbrac orbe bard fom a rme ' Va.Code Ann.j8. ny e h iy he elr e h re r ny e dy. ' 2- 6 7 3 () Co n 4 t t a p o iin ea o ae t a ûth tme o n tfc to i t b 0 ( )a . mme t o h t r vso lb rts h tç l e i f o iiai n s o e l de e m i d by a yi com m e c a sa r t a m er ha buye . 1 c t 4.Sa Rus as e t t r ne ppl ng r i l t nda ds o c nt r' d. m . ' m t s rs t t La & Se kne of Coli r s c a m aga ns i i 201l ye r bef e Sa Rus w as e r ha nd a w le ' l i i ttn - a s or m t ve notfed a ii bout t c a m - a t t t La & Se s d be tba r d f o a r m edy.'V a. he l i nd hus ha nd a houl d r e r m ny e ' CodeAnn.j8. 607( () 2- 3)a . N ot bl how e r t c ai he e i br ug pur ua t t a wr te i m nik a i n a y, ve , he l m r s o ht s n o it n nde f t o agr e e be we n Sa Rus a PFG,t whi h La & Se i a t r pary be fca y.As e m nt t e m t nd o c nd a s hid- t ne ir J udgeTu knotd i hi proro de (nwhihhedimis d PFG' c r e n s i r ri c s se S ommon lw i mnii to a nde tcain cai a Sa Rus' ur ng) She e e s i l ms t m ts gi , t t xprs ndemnii ai clus tc ton a e 8 govens t r he i mniiai oblgai bewe ( a Sam Rusqa ...pr cudes a i i or nde fc ton i tons t en PFG nd t nd el ny mpled com m on 1 i aw ndem ni cat on i t s case.'ECF N o.52 at 1.The A gr ent al s s fort t fi i n hi ' eem so et h he i m nii a i o i tons ow ed by Sa Rus t PFG ' c t e s s h a Land & Sea.The nde fc ton blga i m to S us om r , uc s r l t notc r quie e s a e a s gove e aed i e e r m nt r lo nwd by t Ag e m e .Acc di l Se ton 8. 607 he r e nt or ng y, c i 2neihergove nsnori or st tm ei s oft eoblga i .4 t r nf m he i lne s hos i tons B. The A gr em e Requi e O nl ThatPFG G i N otc t Sam Rus e nt rs y ve ie o t Sa R us a g s i t aler tve t tt t e e t notc oblga i a e gove ned m t r ue , n he t na i , ha o he xt nt he i e i tons r r by t Agr e ntbe wee PFG a Sa Rus,La & Se ssa usasat r pa t be ii r he e me t n nd m t nd a' tt hid- ry nefc a y oft Ag e m e mea i i bound by t t ms oft Ag e m e ,a t tLa & Se was he r e nt ns t s he er he r e nt nd ha nd a r quie t gi notcet Sa Rus butf ie t do s La & Se co e t t unde t pl i e r d o ve i o m t al d o o. nd a nt nds ha , r he an a una bi uous l nguag of t A g e m e ,t onl pa t t t i r qui e t gi notc of a nd m g a e he r e nt he y r y ha s e r d o ve i e cl i t Sa Rus i PFG , a t t PFG ga tm e y notc t r by s ts yi a notc am o m t s nd ha ve i l i e, he e a i f ng ny i e oblga i of La & Se i tons nd a.A ga n, Land & Se s a g e i pe s s ve bas on a pl i i a' r um nt s r ua i , ed an r di oft Agr m e . ea ng he ee nt Si f c nty, whie t A gr e e oblga es Sa Rus t de e a i m niy I gnii a l l he e m nt i t m t o f nd nd nde f S PFG a isc t e s'ag ns c ran cli s i ma sno me i ofa r quie e oroblga i nd t usom r ' ai t e ti am , t ke nton ny e r m nt i ton f a c t e t gi notc die ty t Sa Rus.l t ad,t A g e m e r f r nc onl or ny usom T o ve ie r cl o m t nse he r e nt e e e es y w ha no i m us be gi by PFG.M or ove , he tm i oft tno i e i expr s l de nde on t tce t ven e r t i ng ha t c s e s y pe nt w he PFG r c ve notc oft cl i ,t w i: n e ei s i e he a m o t 4 t.a d & se o f r a iina r a on wh Se to 8.- 07 i i p ia ehee icudng: 1 n a fes ddto l e s s y cin 2 6 s na plc bl r, n l i ( ) t sat e apples onl w her a buyer cl m s br h of w a r y,but her Land & Sea i s ng a he t ut i y e ai eac r ant e s eeki d f n ea i e fc to a ( )t e saued sn a pl wheet pa te aeno i adie tbu r e e s nd nd mniiain; nd 2 h tt t oe ot p y r he ris r t n rc yes le r a ins p Se ECF No.l 0a 21( olci v ro a t ort icudi Ke rv. trDi , 2 elr elto hi. e l t c le tng a ius u h i n l ng r Hun e v.3 y, Va Ci.4 ( .Ci.Ct 1 1,h di t a j8. 60 3)a -- rise ui ln i ot rsaes oe n t . r 97 Va r . 98 ) ol ng h t 2- 7( () o t q vae t n he tt --d s o r r a buyert gi ar ot s lrnotce ofa br equie o ve em e ele i each ofwar a y asa c ton pr r nt ondii ecede t r nt o ecover y a ans t ts lr. c r d sn ta drs t e ea g me t i lg to isr lng heei g i t ha ele) The ou t oe o d e s h s r u ns n ih f t ui s r n. 9 PFG s l wihi t ry ( da atr r ei of notc ofa hal, t n hit 30) ys fe ec pt ie Cli a an tPF n tf g a Rus)te e f p o i e , we e , am g is G, o iy s m t h ro ; r v d d ho v r t tfiur ofPFG t pr vi s h notc t ( Rusls l no ha al e o o de uc ie o Sam t hal t lm i t de e e or i m nii a i n oblga i , e e t t i t he f ns nde f c to i tons xc pt o he e e t tt del y ha a m a e i la r e ef e t upon t abiiy xt nt ha he a s t r a dve s f c he lt o g a Ru t t d fn s c Cli f s m s) o ee d u h am. ECFNo.11 9,Agre nt!1 A)(mpha i a d) 0e me 4( e ss dde . TheAgr me pl i y and una bi ee nt anl m guousy s t outt oblgai asbe we n Sam Rus l es he i tons t e t and a ofPFG' c t r ,s h a La & Sea. hie i oblga e Sam Rus t i m niy a ny S usome s uc s nd W l t i ts t o nde f nd def nd PFG a ûa c t e sofPFG, i doesnotr quie a notceby t e c t r ,o y e nd tny usom r 't ' e r ny i hos usome s nl by PFG .The c tmay not a wilnot r ad s h a oblga i it t Agr e e whe e our - nd l - e uc n i ton n o he e m nt r t pa tescoul have i l he r i d nc uded one and c e no t See Landm a k HH H .LLC v.G iH w a Pa k, hos t o. r r 6 S. 2d 1 3 1 7 ( . 0 9 (o r itr rtn c nr c u d rVignalw mu tE o sr ei 71 E. 4 , 4 Va 2 0 ) c u t nep eig o ta t n e r i i a s s n tt t c z aswrte a wilnota tr t pa te t ms l sdi noti ude';PBM Nutii l. itn nd l dd e ms he ris he eve d ncl ' l rtonas LLC v.Le nct l . ,72 S. 2d707,71 ( 201 tame . xi on ns Co. 4 E. 4 Va. 2) s l Addii ly,t t r ûPFG ' i t f egoi quot t o f o t A g ee e t ea t be tona l he e m ' ' n he or ng a i n r m he r m n nno r a t i ude c l tvey PFG' a fla e or is c t e s s h as La & Se Thi i s e d o ncl olec i l S fiit s t usom r , uc nd a. s s o be aus i ne r pa agr phsoft Agr men ,t r a e r pe t r f r nc t 'PFG a is c e n a by r a he ee t he e r e a ed e e e es o C nd t atlae g 't S o isc tmes,'a dt C o aPFG c so r'S eECF No 1 0 9 fiits, 'o C l PFG r t uso r g ' n o C j PFG r u t me . e ' . 1 -, Ag e me ! 1 l The erfr esr i or t twhent pate i e r e nt ! 3B, 4B. s eeenc enf ce ha he ris ntndeds t ngt omehi o r f r t PFG a o he e ii s t y unde s ood how t t n t phr e.By con r t s nc t ee o nd t r ntte , he rt o ur he as t as , i e he notc pr s on r f r onl t PFG ,i ca o y be r a t m ea PFG a no is c t e s o i e ovi i e e s y o t n nl ed o n nd t t us om r r a fla e . See Sm ih Bar vs l v. Crtc l H e lh Svs, 21 F. 858,861 (t Ci.2000) f ii t s t ne nc. ii a at . 2 3d 4h r us o t i i pl ha ( yi i c rc c e e esi uni es excl i alerus, or prnci e t t where appl ng, n onta t as , xpr so us t pa tc a l nguag a ri ul r a e ppea s i one s c i but i om it d i a t r t t om i son s d be r n e ton, s te n no he , ha s i houl de me i e inal cf Clr v.Abs ut Cole ton Se v. l ,741 F. 487,491 (t Ci. e d ntnto l; . ak ol e lci r . nc. 3d 4h r 10 201 ( crbi prnci ei sat o' c e ) Thus t c twilno co tuei t i ean 4) des i ng i pl n t utl ontxt. ,he our l t nsr t o mpos y oblga i on PFG ' c t m e s asw e l i ton S us o r , l. A snot d by La & Se m or over i i unde s a bl t tt pa test t A gr em e e nd a, e ,t s r t nda e ha he r i o he e nt de i d nott r qui e notce die ty f om a PFG c t e t Sa Rus .Si e a PFG c t e c de o e r i rcl r us om r o m t nc us om r t c ly w oul not e n know a ypi a l d ve bout t A g ee en ' e s e e,l t al t s cii of any he r m t s xi t nc e one he pe fcs notc pr sons r l t t de e e and i m niy oblga i ,i i s nsbl t no i pos a ie ovii e aed o f ns nde t i tons t s e i e o t m e ny notc oblga i on a c t e . i e i ton usom r Sa Rus ar s howe r t tt c tsi e r t ton oft A g ee e woul al m t gue , ve , ha he our' nt p e ai he r m nt d low La & Sea t gi no no i a al t Sa Rus , r t t a ntf s cl i t ... r c ,s f ra nd o ve tce t 1 o m t t y he d i if a m o pl ve di t uf e m uli ilon dolarve ditand t n cli de e e c t and i mniy a i tSa Rus.'ECF tm li l r c he am f ns oss nde t ga ns m t' N o.11 a 5.A s l as PFG ha notr ce ve notc m o e t n t ry da be or Land & Se 7 t ong d e i d i e r ha hit ys f e a s hti mnii ton,Sam Rus woul be oblga e t pay t e c t a i mniy Land & oug nde fcai t d i td o hos oss nd nde f Sea.Sa Rus aguest ts h ars twoul bec r r t Vigi alw a Ca ur 'SeeLJ m tr ha uc e ul d ontay o r ni a nd tbs d. ' IS . Sa Rus ' a gum en on t s poi i u e bl The f c ua s na i pr s nt d by Sa m ts r t hi nt s nt na e. a t l ce r o e e e m Rus i no w ha i pr en her H e e,La & Se g notce t PFG ,who,i t n,ga tm e y ts t t s es t e. r nd a ave i o n ur ve i l notc t Sa Rus . La & Sea a s ga die t no i t Sa Rus , a Sa Rus has ie o m t nd l o ve r c tce o m t nd m t pari i t d f l i t sl s t tc pa e uly n hi aw ui. l a e n ny vent Sa Rus ' hypot tc l s e r o no onl i es PFG ' pos ton i t , m ts he i a c na i t y gnor S ii n he pa te 'r l t o hi but i a s a pos i e r s t onl i t hypot tca pa t i La & Sea' ri s e a i ns p, s lo s bl e ul y f he he i l r y n nd s pos ton utlz a e m o l r s ltga i s r t ii ii es n nor usy i ky ii ton t a egy.A s um i as i t i t nt c e,t t s ng, n he ns a as ha La & Se s hy t tca c e pa tha no co r c ua no i oblga i t t hy t tc nd a' po he i l ount r r d nt a t l tce i ton o he po he i al part i PFG ' posii t y n S ton, hen Land & Sea' hypot i count par w oul ow e a notce s hetcal er t d i oblga i t PFG ' c i ton o S ount r r unde t c m o l w ,as c t e undert V igi a s a ut e pa t r he om n a odii d he r ni t t e. Eve i La & Se s c epa tkne a n f nd a' ount r r w bouta i m nii ton pr son bewe n iss pple n nde fcai ovii t e t u ir a Snm Rus ' co t r r lke t one he e no pr de pa t i La & Sea' poston wo d nd ts un e pa t i he r, u nt ry n nd s ii ul f i t gi no i t is s i r c a l o ve tce o t upple ount p a t Of c s once t t notc oblg ton ac nz e r. our e, ha ie i a i c ed, PFG' c er r woul becon r c ualy r quie t gi no i t Sam Rus .St t smpl t S ount pa t d ta t l e r d o ve tce o t aed i y, he hypot tca s e r o pr pos by Sa Rus i s unlke y t oc ur as t r nde Sa Rus ' he i l c na i o ed m ts o i l o c o e r m ts a g e l ga l i i fca .M o e r t t e e t tt r i a po e i lf a Sa ur r um nt e ly ns gni i nt r ove , o he xt nt ha he e s ny t nta or n ibs d r s t' i e ss o y bec us of s tom i i t notc pr so of Sam Rus ' e ul, t xit nl ' a e horc ngs n he i e ovii ns ts i mnii ton a e ntwih PFG. nde fcai gr eme t l isr pl m e andum ,Sa Rus alo diput La & Se sar n t e y mor m t s s es nd a' gume son t gr nt he ound t tt ar a1bas on t i ale'pr m iet tt Re tur nti a r m ot buye noti prviy ha hey e l ed he k s ' e s ha he sa a s e e f r n it w ih Sa Rus . Sa Rus a gue t s pr m i e i f s bec us La & Sea i a t r pa t t m t m t r s hi e s s al e a e nd s hid- r y be i i r of t A gr em e be w e n PFG a Sa Rus a as s netc a y he e nt t e nd m t nd, uch,Land & Se s c ai s a' l m k r s be tt alo ted fns st tS m Rus ma h v h da ans P t eoh rp ryt t e s e u j c o 1 f h ee e ha a a t y a e a g i t FG,h t e a t o h c rc.'ECF No.11 a 2.Sa Rus r le on Vigi aCodeAnn.j55- a t a hort onta t' 7 t m t eis r ni 22 nd he ut iy cied i St t Fa Fi e & Ca ua t Com pa v. a i i M ut ll ur nc Com pany,596 F. t n a e nn r s ly ny N tonw de ua ns a e -- Supp.2d 940,946- ( D.Va.2009) The es ur e undes or t ge r llga pr ii 47 E. . s o cs rc e he ne a e l opostons t a a tid- ry b n fcay i ko n b te tr o t c nr c,a d s be tt d fn e h t hr pa t e eiir sû u d y h ems f he o ta t n u j c o e e s s b aii o to tec n rc'a d ta t tid- ry b n fcay srg t ae s be tt çl e p e s rsng u f h o ta t n h t i hr pat e eiir ' ih s r u j c o al x r s ' a ori id c tonsafe tng t prmie i whih he i i eese ''l ( ttonsomitd) mple ondii fci he o s n c s ntr td.' d. ciai te . Bas d on t sl w ,a t f tt tLa & Se m a no co e i t ti d r c l notfed Sa e hi a nd he ac ha nd a kes nt nton ha t i e ty ii m Rus a a1 e ep vi t flng of is own lws ta ns Sa Rus,Sn Rus c e t t t t l xc t a he ii t a ui gai t m t m t ont nds ha Land & Se m a not m a nt i is c ai s a ns Sa Rus bec us i di notpr de notce t a y i a n t l m gai t m t a e t d ovi i o Sam Rus i atm el f hi t n i y as on. 1 2 Sa Rus- a i i es t pl i l nguage of t A gr e e is l . s zl t m t ga n- gnor he a n a he e m nt t e f vlie he i m niy pr s on expr s l c er a be i on PFG ' cus om e s i i pos s no no i nde t ovi i e s y onf s neft S t r, t m e tce oblga i a a l on t e c t e s t pr son onl i pos s h a oblga i n on PFG . i tons t l hos us om r ; he ovi i y m es uc n i to Thus La & Se as a t r pa t be fci r i i d bound by t t r s of t notc , nd a, hid- r y ne i a y, s ndee he e m he i e pr s on,but t e t m s r r onl t t PFG gi notce The pa te c r a nl coul ha ovi i hos er equie y ha ve i . ri s e t i y d ve i pos d s h a oblga i on a t r pa t be i i r bu t m e uc n i ton hid- ry nefc a y, t hey c e not t do s The hos o o. oblga i w ilnotbe i pos d by t c ther .Se Landm a k HH H .LLC,671 S. 2d a 1 i ton l m e he our e e r E. t 47. TheNotc Gi n By PFG W asSufii nt Unde t Agre m e , o Tri ie ve fc e , r he e nt t gger Sam R us ' D ut t D e end A nd l ts y o f ndem niy L a & Se f nd a Ha ng deer ne t tt e e sa una g ust r soft Agr e e gove n t vi t mi d ha he xpr s nd mbi uo e m he e m nt r he notc oblga i he e i i pl i t t t onl notc r quie i t t I i e i tons r , t s a n ha he y i e e r d s ha L PFG s l,w ihi t ry ha l t n hi t ( daysafe r eptofnotc ofa Cli a ns PFG,notf ( Rusjt rof.... ECF 30) tr ec i ie am gai t iy Sam t hee ' ' No.11 9,Agre nt! 1 A) 0e me 4( . He e,PFG r ceve notc of Coli rs cli whe i wa s ve wih t t r pa t r e i d ie le ' a m n t s er d t he hid- ry com pl ntby La & Sea o M a 21 20l ECF N o.26.W ihi t t ry days s f t i t ai nd n y , 3. t n he hi t et orh n he A gr em e e nt -on J 10,201 PFG s ta l tert Sa Rus ' pr i ,r une 3en e t o m t s esdent eque tng Sn Rus si m t k o i mniy a hol PFG a La & Sea ha ml s f r Colir s a lga i ,i l ng a t nde f nd d t nd nd r es o le ' le tons nc udi n a s i oft deens s oft smal r'ECFNo.11 1 Addiinal PFG fldisfurhsumpton he f et) hi te . ' 0- 0. to ly, ie t o t pa t compli (ae r-ie a a cos cam)a i tSa Rus on t s me dae.Thus t ry ant ltr efld s r s li gans m t he a t , he c te iy conc udes t tPFG g tm e y notc t Sa Rus - t onl no i e r r d by t our as l l ha ave i l ie o m t he y t c equie he A gr e e - a t t Sa Rus i t oblga ed t de e a i m niy PFG a La & Se e m nt nd ha m t s hus i t o f nd nd nde f nd nd a agai tColi ' cl m s. ns ler s ai To t e e t t Sa Rus s he xt nt ha m t ugge t t t PFG had notc of t Cl i ea le , when s s ha ie he a m ri r N el on t d PFG ' M i t t a di r ha be om e i1a t r had bee a i pe ton,t co ' s ol S ka ha ne d c 1 nd he e n n ns c i he ul t di ag e s l s e cic s a es or unde s i l di f r ntf t ,i m i ht be a q s i of f c s r e . n om r um t nc , r lghty f e e ac s t g ue ton at a t whe he or not t s c s o t r hi onve s ton co tt e notc t PFG . I t s c e, how e r i i rai ns iut d i e o n hi as ve , t s o ous t tt c bvi ha he onver ai bewee M i a Ne s di not a a m a trof lw,c tt e s ton t n ka nd lon d , s te a onsiut i oie o a Cli 'a d fne i te Ag e me t S e ECF No.1 0 9,Ag e me t! 1 A. i tc f n am' s ei d n h re n . e 1re n 4 Si fc nty, t pari t t tc gni i a l bo h tes o ha onve s ton a e cl art tt y w e e nota a e t ta r a i r e ha he r w r ha ny pr ts i by Sa Rus wasa us d,ort tColi rwa cai ng a pr ts id by oduc uppled m t cc e ha le s l mi oduc upple Sa Rus madehi il Furhe m or ,t ve y ge r lkno e t tadi rbe a e s ve e y il m t m l. t r e he r ne a wl dge ha ne c m e r l l afe ea i a a r t ur nt ca tr tng t esa a nnotco tt e note of a Cl i a de i i t Agr e e , nsiut ie am s fned n he e m nt w hi h i ta cl i ,a t o l w s t o pr e ng c m ec ed w ih or ar sng out of'a c ai ed c s s ny a m c i n, a ui r oc edi ol t t ii lm dee ti a Sn Rus pr t Se ECF No.11 9,Agreme ! l A) l e i wasn0tuntl fc n m t oduc. e 0e nt 4( . nde d,t i l a tr t s ltga i wa fld t t pli tf fnaly i ntfed whi h pr t he be ives ong fe hi ii ton s ie ha a n if i l de ii c oduc le c u e hsij re . a s d i n u is Fo a1te er a o s t ec u t o cu e S m Rus i n te tte t s mmayj d me t r l h s e s n , h o r c n ld s n t s o ni d o u r u g n l due t a l c ofno i o ak tce. Il. Faiure t ldentf A ny Specii Productor A ny D ef l o iy fc ect Asas c ndg o n f rs mmayj d me t S m Rus ag e b ifyt a b c u en i r e o r u d o u r u g n, a t r u s rel h t e a s et he of Land & Se s cor a e desgne was a e t i tf s cfc l t pr t t t i a' por t i es bl o den iy pe iialy he oduc ha s s uppos t ha m a Coliril o a def ti t tpr t La & Sea' cai as f l on ed o ve de le l, r ny ec n ha oduc , nd s l m lo ais is m e is.La & Se c t rt nd a ount r t t Sa Rus ' a g e i es t c e r a unam bi uous e s ha m ts r um nt gnor he l a nd g pr s ons of t A gr em e ,whi h t i er Sa Rus ' i m nii a i a de e e oblga i ovii he e nt c r gg m t s nde t c ton nd f ns i tons ast ' ny cam,a ton,lws torpr e ngc me td wihoraii outof...nur t a o l li ci a ui a oce di ol ce t rsng ij y o ny per son . . . r uli or cl m ed t have res t i w hol or i part f om ' Sam Rus s es tng ai o ul ed, n e n , r ' t' 14 p o u t.ECF No.1 0,Ex.9 Ag e me t! 1 ( ( )(mp a i a d d .Th c u tb le e r d cs 1 , r e n 4 A)2 e h ss d e ) e o r eiv s La & Se ha t m or per uas ve a gu e on t s i s . nd a s he e s i r m nt hi s ue Hee Co l ri camig h sij re ao efo s elih.I i u d s u e t tt eo l r , li s li n i nu is r s r m h l s t s n ip td ha h ny e f s lf s he c um e w e e s i by PFG,w ho pur ha ed t m f om Sa Rus .l i no f t l he li h ons d r uppled c s he r m t t s t aa t iscli t tLa & Se sco por e r pr s nt tves durng t rde ii ,we euna et o t a ms ha nd a' r at e e e ai , i hei postons r bl o i ntf e c l whi h pr de iy xa ty c oduc s m a ha ha m e Coli r or t e c na ur of t c a m ed t y ve r d le he xa t t e he l i d fc.l i s fiin t tCole h s alg d ij re S li d t h ve r s le ' fo S m ee t t s u fce t ha l r a le e nu is t ame o a e utd' r m a i c Ru tsp o u t. et.Th , m Rus' mo inf rs mmayj dg n o t i g o dwilb s' r d cs Se ls us Sa ts to o u r u me t n h s run l e de e ni d. C oncl on usi Fort f egoi r ons Sa Rus' motonf s he or ng eas , m ts i or ummayj r udgme ,ECF No.101, l nt wil be de e The Cl k i di e t t s nd c es of t s m e or ndu opi on a t ni d. er s r c ed o e opi hi m a m ni nd he a c pa ng or rt a lc c om nyi de o 1 ouns ofr c d. el e or / - tl t Ex-ER:r s :1 d yo uy 2 4. r 'hi a l, 01 Chi fU nie St t s Di t i tJ e t d a e s rc udge

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