-KJN Joe Hand Promotions, Inc. v. Mannor, No. 2:2011cv01426 - Document 19 (E.D. Cal. 2012)
Court Description: FINDINGS and RECOMMENDATIONS signed by Magistrate Judge Kendall J. Newman on 1/12/2012 RECOMMENDING that Plaintiff's application for default judgment be granted 13 ; The court enter judgment against defendant on plaintiff's claims brought pursuant to 47:605(a) and 47:553(a). The court award statutory damages in an amount of $10,000.00 to plaintiff. This case be closed and all future dates be vacated. Referred to Judge William B. Shubb; Objections due within 14 days after being served with these F & R's. (Reader, L)
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-KJN Joe Hand Promotions, Inc. v. Mannor Doc. 19 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 9 FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 10 JOE HAND PROMOTIONS, INC., 11 Plaintiff, 12 13 14 No. 2:11-cv-01426 WBS KJN v. ANTHONY WAYNE ALLEN MANNOR A/K/A ANTHONY W. MANNOR, individually and d/b/a FINNEGANS PUB & GRILL, 15 Defendant. 16 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS / 17 Presently before the court is plaintiff’s application for default judgment (Dkt. 18 No. 13).1 The court heard plaintiff’s application for default judgment on its law and motion 19 calendar on January 12, 2012. Attorney Thomas P. Riley appeared on behalf of plaintiff via 20 telephone. No appearance was made by or on behalf of defendant. For the reasons stated below, 21 the undersigned recommends that plaintiff’s application for default judgment be granted, that 22 judgment be entered in plaintiff’s favor, and that plaintiff be awarded $10,000 in damages. 23 //// 24 //// 25 1 26 This action proceeds before the undersigned pursuant to Eastern District of California Local Rule 302(c)(19) and 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1). 1 Dockets.Justia.com 1 I. BACKGROUND2 2 Plaintiff, a Pennsylvania corporation, is a closed-circuit distributor of sports and 3 entertainment programming. (Compl. ¶ 6, Dkt. No. 1; Hand Aff. ¶ 3, Dkt. No. 15.3) Pursuant to 4 a contract, plaintiff acquired exclusive nationwide commercial exhibition licensing rights to a 5 televised mixed-martial arts program entitled “Ultimate Fighting Championship 114: Rampage v. 6 Evans,” with a broadcast date of Saturday, May 29, 2010 (the “Program”).4 (Compl. ¶ 9; Hand 7 Aff. ¶ 3.) Thereafter, plaintiff entered into sublicensing agreements with various commercial 8 entities across North America, through which it granted limited public exhibition rights to the 9 entities for the benefit and entertainment of the patrons within the entities’ respective 10 establishments (e.g., hotels, racetracks, casinos, taverns, bars, restaurants, social clubs, etc.). 11 (Compl. ¶ 10; Hand Aff. ¶ 3.) Plaintiff made transmission of the Program available only to its 12 commercial customers, which were commercial entities that had paid plaintiff a commercial 13 sublicense fee to broadcast the program. (Hand Aff. ¶ 8; see also Compl. ¶ 10.) For example, to 14 exhibit the Program in a commercial establishment that had a fire code occupancy limit of 75 15 persons, the commercial sublicense fee would have been $1,100. (Hand Aff. ¶ 8 & Ex. 1.) 16 Defendant is alleged to be the owner, operator, licensee, permittee, person in 17 charge of, or to do business as Finnegans Pub & Grill, located at 6252 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, 18 California 95207 (“Finnegans Pub”). (Compl. ¶ 7; see also Gravelyn Aff. at 2-4, Dkt. No. 13, 19 Doc. No. 13-3.) Defendant did not obtain a license to exhibit the Program from plaintiff. (See 20 2 21 22 23 24 These background facts are taken from plaintiff’s complaint and the affidavits submitted in support of plaintiff’s application for default judgment. (Dkt. Nos. 1, 13, 15.) 3 The court notes that the affidavit of Joe Hand, Jr., filed in support of plaintiff’s application is replete with legal and factual arguments, requests for relief from the court, and statements that do not appear to be based on Mr. Hand’s personal knowledge. Such use of an affidavit or declaration is inappropriate. The undersigned has not considered Mr. Hand’s arguments or requests for relief in making a recommendation regarding plaintiff’s application for default judgment. 25 4 26 The Program included “all under-card bouts and fight commentary encompassed in the television broadcast of the event . . . .” (Compl. ¶ 9.) 2 1 Compl. ¶¶ 12-13; Hand Decl. ¶ 7.) On May 29, 2010,5 plaintiff’s investigator, Gary Gravelyn of Gravelyn & 2 3 Associates, entered Finnegans Pub and observed the unauthorized broadcast of a portion of the 4 Program on four televisions of varying sizes. (Gravelyn Aff. at 2.) Gravelyn attests that he 5 observed the third round of the undercard fight between Diego Sanchez and John Hatheway. 6 (Id.; see also Hand Aff., Ex. 1 (listing the Sanchez/Hatheway fight as a fight included in the 7 Program.) Gravelyn’s affidavit approximates Finnegans Pub’s capacity at 75 people and states 8 that he observed approximately 28 patrons inside the establishment during the brief time he was 9 present.6 (Id. at 2-3.) 10 On May 25, 2011, plaintiff filed this action alleging that defendant unlawfully 11 intercepted and intentionally broadcasted the Program at Finnegans Pub for the purpose of direct 12 or indirect commercial advantage or private financial gain. (See generally Compl.) Plaintiff 13 alleges four claims for relief, which are labeled as “Counts” in the complaint. Plaintiff’s first 14 claim for relief alleges that defendant engaged in the unauthorized publication or use of 15 communications in violation of the Federal Communications Act of 1934, 47 U.S.C. §§ 605 et 16 seq.7 (Compl. ¶¶ 8-17.) Its second claim alleges that defendant engaged in the unauthorized 17 interception, reception, divulgence, display, and exhibition of the Program at Finnegans Pub in 18 //// 19 //// 20 5 21 22 23 24 25 26 Plaintiff’s application for default judgment and its memorandum in support thereof repeatedly and incorrectly state that the broadcast in question occurred on May 26, 2010, instead of May 29, 2010. However, plaintiff’s complaint and Gravelyn’s affidavit correctly allege or note the date of the broadcast as May 29, 2010. 6 Gravelyn’s affidavit states that he entered Finnegans Pub at approximately 7:30 p.m., observed the broadcast of a portion of one of the undercard bouts on the televisions in question, and left at approximately 7:37 p.m. (Gravelyn Aff. at 2-3.) 7 Title 47 U.S.C. § 605 and provisions that follow prohibit the unauthorized use of wire or radio communications, including interception and broadcast of pirated cable or broadcast programming. 3 1 violation of 47 U.S.C. §§ 553 et seq.8 (Compl. ¶¶ 18-22.) Plaintiff’s third claim alleges a 2 common law claim of conversion. (Id. ¶¶ 23-26.) Its fourth claim for relief alleges a violation of 3 California Business and Professions Code §§ 17200 et seq. (Compl. ¶¶ 27-36.) 4 Plaintiff filed proofs of service with the court that demonstrate that on August 5, 5 2011, August 8, 2011, and August 9, 2011, plaintiff, through a process server, attempted personal 6 service on defendant at the address of Finnegans Pub, 6252 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, California 7 95207. (Proofs of Service, Dkt. No. 7.) The proofs of service state that process was ultimately 8 left with “CHRIS ‘DOE’ – REFUSED LAST NAME – PERSON IN CHARGE” on August 9, 9 2011, with instructions to deliver the documents to defendant.” Plaintiff’s process server 10 subsequently mailed a copy of the summons, complaint, and related documents to defendant at 11 the address for Finnegans Pub on August 10, 2011. 12 On September 9, 2011, plaintiff requested that default be entered by the Clerk of 13 Court as to defendant. (Req. To Enter Default, Dkt. No. 8.) On September 14, 2011, the Clerk 14 of Court entered a certificate of entry of default against defendant (Dkt. No. 10). In entering 15 default, the Clerk of Court stated that it appeared from the record and papers on file in the action 16 that defendant was duly served with process yet failed to appear, plead, or answer plaintiff’s 17 complaint within the time allowed by law. 18 On December 5, 2011, plaintiff filed its application for default judgment that is 19 presently before the court. The application seeks judgment on plaintiff’s claims for violation of 20 47 U.S.C. § 605 and 47 U.S.C. § 553, and for common law conversion.9 Plaintiff requests 21 //// 22 23 8 Title 47 U.S.C. § 553 and related provisions prohibit the unauthorized interception or receipt, or assistance in the intercepting or receiving, of cable service. 24 9 25 26 The application does not specifically request judgment on plaintiff’s claim that defendant violated California Business and Professions Code §§ 17200 et seq., and plaintiff’s memorandum in support of the application does not address this claim. Accordingly, the undersigned does not address this claim in these findings and recommendations. 4 1 judgment in the amount of $111,100.10 Plaintiff filed a proof of service indicating that it served 2 defendant with all of plaintiff’s moving and supporting papers (Dkt. Nos. 13, 15). No response 3 to plaintiff’s application for default judgment is on record in this action. 4 II. LEGAL STANDARDS 5 Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 55, default may be entered against a 6 party against whom a judgment for affirmative relief is sought who fails to plead or otherwise 7 defend against the action. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 55(a). However, “[a] defendant’s default does not 8 automatically entitle the plaintiff to a court-ordered judgment.” PepsiCo, Inc. v. Cal. Sec. Cans, 9 238 F. Supp. 2d 1172, 1174 (C.D. Cal. 2002) (citing Draper v. Coombs, 792 F.2d 915, 924-25 10 (9th Cir. 1986)). Instead, the decision to grant or deny an application for default judgment lies 11 within the district court’s sound discretion. Aldabe v. Aldabe, 616 F.2d 1089, 1092 (9th Cir. 12 1980). In making this determination, the court considers the following factors: 13 (1) the possibility of prejudice to the plaintiff, (2) the merits of plaintiff’s substantive claim, (3) the sufficiency of the complaint, (4) the sum of money at stake in the action[,] (5) the possibility of a dispute concerning material facts[,] (6) whether the default was due to excusable neglect, and (7) the strong policy underlying the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure favoring decisions on the merits. 14 15 16 17 Eitel v. McCool, 782 F.2d 1470, 1471-72 (9th Cir. 1986). Default judgments are ordinarily 18 disfavored. Id. at 1472. 19 As a general rule, once default is entered, well-pleaded factual allegations in the 20 operative complaint are taken as true, except for those allegations relating to damages. 21 TeleVideo Sys., Inc. v. Heidenthal, 826 F.2d 915, 917-18 (9th Cir. 1987) (per curiam) (citing 22 Geddes v. United Fin. Group, 559 F.2d 557, 560 (9th Cir. 1977) (per curiam)); accord Fair 23 Housing of Marin v. Combs, 285 F.3d 899, 906 (9th Cir. 2002), cert. denied, 537 U.S. 1018 24 25 26 10 Although plaintiff also seeks attorney’s fees and relevant costs, it has provided no legal argument or evidentiary support for its request for fees and costs. Accordingly, the undersigned does not address those requests. 5 1 (2002). In addition, although well-pleaded allegations in the complaint are admitted by a 2 defendant’s failure to respond, “necessary facts not contained in the pleadings, and claims which 3 are legally insufficient, are not established by default.” Cripps v. Life Ins. Co. of N. Am., 980 4 F.2d 1261, 1267 (9th Cir. 1992) (citing Danning v. Lavine, 572 F.2d 1386, 1388 (9th Cir. 1978)); 5 accord DIRECTV, Inc. v. Hoa Huynh, 503 F.3d 847, 854 (9th Cir. 2007) (stating that a defendant 6 does not admit facts that are not well-pled or conclusions of law), cert. denied, 129 S. Ct. 40 7 (2008); Abney v. Alameida, 334 F. Supp. 2d 1221, 1235 (S.D. Cal. 2004) (“[A] default judgment 8 may not be entered on a legally insufficient claim.”). A party’s default conclusively establishes 9 that party’s liability, although it does not establish the amount of damages. Geddes, 559 F.2d 10 at 560 (stating that although a default established liability, it did not establish the extent of the 11 damages). 12 III. 13 ANALYSIS A. Appropriateness of the Entry of A Default Judgment Under the Eitel Factors 14 1. Factor One: Possibility of Prejudice to Plaintiff 15 The first Eitel factor considers whether the plaintiff would suffer prejudice if 16 default judgment is not entered, and such potential prejudice to the plaintiff militates in favor of 17 granting a default judgment. See PepsiCo, Inc., 238 F. Supp. 2d at 1177. Here, plaintiff would 18 potentially face prejudice if the court did not enter a default judgment. Absent entry of a default 19 judgment, plaintiff would be without another recourse for recovery. Accordingly, the first Eitel 20 factor favors the entry of a default judgment. 21 2. Factors Two and Three: The Merits of Plaintiff’s Substantive Claims and the Sufficiency of the Complaint 22 23 The undersigned considers the merits of plaintiff’s substantive claims and the 24 sufficiency of the complaint together below because of the relatedness of the two inquiries. The 25 undersigned must consider whether the allegations in the complaint are sufficient to state a claim 26 that supports the relief sought. See Danning, 572 F.2d at 1388; PepsiCo, Inc., 238 F. Supp. 2d 6 1 at 1175. 2 Plaintiff seeks a default judgment on its claims brought pursuant to 47 U.S.C. 3 § 605(a) and 47 U.S.C. § 553(a).11 Plaintiff’s inability to allege the precise nature of the 4 intercepted transmission in this case, which is largely due to defendant’s failure to appear or 5 defend himself in the action, raises a question regarding the scope of 47 U.S.C. § 605(a) and the 6 sufficiency of plaintiff’s claim under that provision. The Federal Communications Act prohibits, 7 among other things, commercial establishments from intercepting and broadcasting radio 8 communications to its patrons. See 47 U.S.C. § 605(a). In relevant part, 47 U.S.C. § 605(a) 9 states: 10 No person not being authorized by the sender shall intercept any radio communication and divulge or publish the existence, contents, substance, purport, effect, or meaning of such intercepted communication to any person. No person not being entitled thereto shall receive or assist in receiving any interstate or foreign communication by radio and use such communication (or any information therein contained) for his own benefit or for the benefit of another not entitled thereto. No person having received any intercepted radio communication or having become acquainted with the contents, substance, purport, effect, or meaning of such communication (or any part thereof) knowing that such communication was intercepted, shall divulge or publish the existence, contents, substance, purport, effect, or meaning of such communication (or any part thereof) or use such communication (or any information therein contained) for his own benefit or for the benefit of another not entitled thereto. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has determined that satellite television signals are covered 19 communications under 47 U.S.C. § 605(a). DIRECTV, Inc. v. Webb, 545 F.3d 837, 844 (9th 20 Cir. 2008). 21 22 The scope of section 605(a) is less clear with respect to transmissions intercepted from a cable system, which are expressly covered under 47 U.S.C. § 553(a). Section 553(a) 23 24 25 26 11 The undersigned does not address the merits of, or sufficiency of the allegations in support of, plaintiff’s state law claim for conversion. As discussed more fully below, the undersigned need not reach plaintiff’s conversion claim because the recommended statutory damages, if awarded, will sufficiently compensate plaintiff such that an award for conversion damages would be duplicative. 7 1 states, in relevant part: “No person shall intercept or receive or assist in intercepting or receiving 2 any communications service offered over a cable system, unless specifically authorized to do so 3 by a cable operator or as may otherwise be specifically authorized by law.” 47 U.S.C. 4 § 553(a)(1).12 5 Here, plaintiff has not alleged whether the transmission that defendant intercepted 6 was intercepted through a cable system or a satellite television signal. As plaintiff’s brief 7 correctly suggests, a split of authority has developed regarding the scope of section 605(a) in that 8 numerous courts have concluded that section 605(a) applies exclusively to broadcasts obtained 9 by way of a satellite television signal, as opposed to transmissions over a cable system, and that 10 section 553 applies exclusively to transmission over a cable system. Compare United States v. 11 Norris, 88 F.3d 462, 466-69 (7th Cir. 1996) (holding that sections 553(a) and 605(a) are not 12 “overlapping statutes” and are thus mutually exclusive), with Int’l Cablevision, Inc. v. Sykes, 75 13 F.3d 123, 132-33 (2d Cir. 1996) (holding that section 605 and section 553 are not completely 14 overlapping); see also TKR Cable Co. v. Cable City Corp., 267 F.3d 196, 204-07 (3d Cir. 2001) 15 (recognizing the disagreement between the holdings in Norris and Sykes, and holding “that § 605 16 encompasses the interception of satellite transmissions to the extent reception or interception 17 occurs prior to or not in connection with, distribution of the service over a cable system, and no 18 more” (internal quotation marks omitted).). 19 At a minimum, plaintiff’s complaint and evidence support a conclusion that 20 defendant intercepted, without authorization, a transmission of the Program and broadcast it to its 21 patrons. (Compl. ¶¶ 3, 12-13, 19; Gravelyn Aff. at 2.) Plaintiff essentially concedes that its 22 23 24 25 26 12 Section 553 carries lower minimum statutory damages and lower enhanced damages than section 605. Compare 47 U.S.C. §§ 605(e)(3)(C)(i)(II) and 605(e)(3)(C)(ii) (providing for the award of statutory damages of not less than $1,000 and no more than $10,000, and under certain circumstances enhanced damages of up to $100,000 per violation), with 47 U.S.C. § 553(c)(3)(A)(ii) (providing for the award of statutory damages of not less than $250 and not more than $10,000, and under certain circumstances enhanced damages of up to $50,000 per violation). 8 1 complaint and the record contain no allegations or evidence substantiating the nature of the 2 transmission that was intercepted by defendant. Plaintiff argues, however, that although it was 3 unable to allege the precise means of transmission in this case (i.e., transmission over a cable 4 system or satellite broadcast), it “should not be prejudiced” given defendant’s failure to appear or 5 defend itself in this action. (Pl.’s Memo. of P. & A. in Supp. of Application for Default J. at 10, 6 Dkt. No. 13, Doc. No. 13-1.) The undersigned agrees with plaintiff that under the circumstances 7 of this case, where plaintiff was deprived of the opportunity to conduct discovery regarding the 8 transmission at issue because of defendant’s failure to appear or defend himself in this action, 9 plaintiff should not suffer the resulting prejudice. In any event, the split of authority presented 10 above has little practical impact in this case because the undersigned recommends the entry of a 11 judgment in the total amount of $10,000, which is the maximum, non-enhanced statutory 12 damages available under both 47 U.S.C. § 553(c)(3)(A)(ii) and 47 U.S.C. § 605(e)(3)(C)(i)(II). 13 Thus, insofar as the merits of plaintiff’s statutory claims and the sufficiency of its pleadings 14 under the Eitel factors are concerned, the complaint and record before the undersigned favor 15 entry of a default judgment. 16 3. Factor Four: The Sum of Money at Stake in the Action 17 Under the fourth factor cited in Eitel, “the court must consider the amount of 18 money at stake in relation to the seriousness of Defendant’s conduct.” PepsiCo, Inc., 238 F. 19 Supp. 2d at 1177; see also Philip Morris USA, Inc. v. Castworld Prods., Inc., 219 F.R.D. 494, 20 500 (C.D. Cal. 2003). Here, plaintiff seeks a significant amount of damages, i.e., $111,100. 21 However, plaintiff’s request for statutory damages and damages for conversion are tailored to 22 defendant’s specific wrongful conduct. Plaintiff seeks statutory damages under the federal 23 statutes implicated by its claims and, although plaintiff requests $110,000 in statutory damages, 24 //// 25 //// 26 //// 9 1 the statutes involved contemplate such an award under certain circumstances.13 Under these 2 circumstances, the undersigned concludes that this factor favors the entry of a default judgment. 3 4. Factor Five: The Possibility of a Dispute Concerning Material Facts 4 The facts of this case are relatively straightforward, and plaintiff has provided the 5 court with well-pleaded allegations supporting its statutory claims and affidavits in support of its 6 allegations. Here, the court may assume the truth of well-pleaded facts in the complaint (except 7 as to damages) following the clerk’s entry of default and, thus, there is no likelihood that any 8 genuine issue of material fact exists.14 See, e.g., Elektra Entm’t Group Inc. v. Crawford, 226 9 F.R.D. 388, 393 (C.D. Cal. 2005) (“Because all allegations in a well-pleaded complaint are taken 10 as true after the court clerk enters default judgment, there is no likelihood that any genuine issue 11 of material fact exists.”); accord Philip Morris USA, Inc., 219 F.R.D. at 500; PepsiCo, Inc., 238 12 F. Supp. 2d at 1177. 13 5. Factor Six: Whether the Default Was Due to Excusable Neglect 14 Upon review of the record before the court, the undersigned finds that the default 15 was not the result of excusable neglect. See PepsiCo, Inc., 238 F. Supp. 2d at 1177. Plaintiff 16 made numerous attempts to personally serve defendant with the summons and complaint and 17 ultimately effectuated substituted service of those documents on defendant. Moreover, plaintiff 18 served defendant by mail with its application for default judgment and supporting papers. 19 Despite ample notice of this lawsuit and plaintiff’s intention to seek a default judgment, 20 defendant has not appeared in this action to date. Thus, the record suggests that defendant has 21 chosen not to defend himself in this action, and not that the default resulted from any excusable 22 neglect. Accordingly, this Eitel factor favors the entry of a default judgment. 23 24 13 Whether plaintiff is entitled to an award of this size is a different issue, which the undersigned addresses in greater detail below. 25 14 26 Defendant’s failure to file an answer in this case further supports the conclusion that the possibility of a dispute as to material facts is minimal. 10 1 6. Factor Seven: The Strong Policy Underlying the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Favoring Decisions on the Merits 2 3 “Cases should be decided upon their merits whenever reasonably possible.” Eitel, 4 782 F.2d at 1472. However, district courts have concluded with regularity that this policy, 5 standing alone, is not dispositive, especially where a defendant fails to appear or defend itself in 6 an action. PepsiCo, Inc., 238 F. Supp. 2d at 1177; see also Craigslist, Inc. v. Naturemarket, Inc., 7 694 F. Supp. 2d 1039, 1061 (N.D. Cal. 2010); ACS Recovery Servs., Inc. v. Kaplan, No. C 09- 8 01304, 2010 WL 144816, at *7 (N.D. Cal. Jan. 11, 2010) (unpublished); Hartung v. J.D. Byrider, 9 Inc., No. 1:08-cv-00960 AWI GSA, 2009 WL 1876690, at *5 (E.D. Cal. June 26, 2009) 10 (unpublished). Accordingly, although the undersigned is cognizant of the policy in favor of 11 decisions on the merits—and consistent with existing policy would prefer that this case be 12 resolved on the merits—that policy does not, by itself, preclude the entry of a default judgment. 13 Upon consideration of the Eitel factors, the undersigned concludes that plaintiff is 14 entitled to a judgment by default against defendant and recommends the same. What remains is 15 the determination of the amount of damages to which plaintiff is entitled. 16 17 B. Terms of the Judgment to Be Entered After determining that a party is entitled to a default judgment, the court must 18 determine the terms of the judgment to be entered. Considering plaintiff’s briefing and the 19 record in this case, including the affidavits and declarations submitted by plaintiff, the 20 undersigned concludes that plaintiff is entitled to an award of statutory damages in the amount of 21 $10,000 as a result of defendant’s unlawful interception and broadcast of the Program, and 22 recommends the same. 23 Pursuant to section 605, a court may award statutory damages of “not less than 24 $1,000 or more than $10,000” for violation of the Federal Communications Act, and may also 25 award enhanced damages of up to $100,000 if the “violation was committed willfully and for 26 purposes of direct or indirect commercial advantage or private financial gain.” 47 U.S.C. 11 1 §§ 605(e)(3)(C)(i)(II), (e)(3)(C)(ii). Where a violation 47 U.S.C. § 553(a) is concerned, a court 2 may award statutory damages of “not less than $250 or more than $10,000,” and may increase the 3 award up to $50,000 if the “violation was committed willfully and for purposes of commercial 4 advantage or private financial gain.” 47 U.S.C. § 553(c)(3)(A), (B). 5 Here, plaintiff seeks a judgment in the amount of $111,100. Plaintiff’s 6 application for default judgment and proposed order indicate that this sum consists of $110,000 7 for a violation of 47 U.S.C. § 605(e)(3)(B)(iii) and (e)(3)(C)(ii), and $1,100 as compensatory 8 damages arising from defendant’s alleged act of conversion. (See Notice of Application & 9 Application for Default J. at 3; Proposed Order at 2, Dkt. No. 13, Doc. No. 13-4.) 10 Plaintiff’s investigator’s affidavit states that Finnegans Pub had an approximate 11 seating capacity of 75 and that there were approximately 28 patrons inside the establishment on 12 the night in question. (Gravelyn Aff. at 2-3.) The affidavit further states that Finnegans Pub was 13 unlawfully broadcasting the Program on four televisions in mounted or elevated locations. (Id. 14 at 2.) Plaintiff provided no evidence that Finnegans Pub prepared any special advertising for the 15 broadcast of the Program, that payment of a cover charge was required to enter Finnegans Pub on 16 the night of the broadcast, or that Finnegans Pub charged a special premium for food or drink 17 that night. Plaintiff does not suggest that Finnegans Pub had increased business as a result of the 18 broadcast, or that defendant is a repeat offender with respect to intercepting transmissions of the 19 type at issue here. Balancing these facts with the widespread problem of piracy and the need for 20 an award sufficient to deter future piracy, the undersigned recommends an award of statutory 21 damages in the amount of $10,000. On the record before the court, the undersigned does not find 22 that this case merits an award of enhanced damages. 23 Plaintiff also seeks actual damages for defendant’s alleged tortious act of 24 conversion in the amount of $1,100, which consists of the fee that defendant would have had to 25 //// 26 //// 12 1 pay to plaintiff in order to lawfully broadcast the Program through a contractual sublicense.15 2 (See Proposed Order at 2; Hand Aff. ¶ 8 & Ex. 1.) The undersigned does not recommend an 3 award of damages with respect to plaintiff’s claim for conversion. The statutory damages 4 provisions at issue serve not only a deterrent function, see J & J Sports Prods. v. Orellana, No. 5 08-05468 CW, 2010 WL 1576447, at *3 (N.D. Cal. Apr. 19, 2010) (unpublished), but also a 6 compensatory function, which is evidenced by provisions that permit the award of statutory 7 damages or actual damages in a civil action. See 47 U.S.C. § 605(e)(3)(C)(I); 47 U.S.C. 8 § 553(c)(3)(A)(i). Here, the recommended award of statutory damages in the amount of $10,000 9 sufficiently compensates plaintiff, and this case does not present a set of circumstances where an 10 additional award might be warranted. Accordingly, the undersigned recommends that plaintiff be 11 awarded no damages on its conversion claim. 12 Finally, although the prayer for relief in the complaint and the application for 13 default judgment indicate that plaintiff seeks the award of costs and attorney’s fees, the 14 application for default judgment contains no argument or evidence in support of such a request. 15 Accordingly, the undersigned does not recommend the award of costs or attorney’s fees. 16 IV. CONCLUSION 17 For the reasons stated above, IT IS HEREBY RECOMMENDED that: 18 1. Plaintiff’s application for default judgment (Dkt. No. 13) be granted. 19 2. The court enter judgment against defendant on plaintiff’s claims brought 20 pursuant to 47 U.S.C. § 605(a) and 47 U.S.C. § 553(a). 21 22 3. The court award statutory damages in an amount of $10,000.00 to 4. This case be closed and all future dates be vacated. plaintiff. 23 24 15 25 26 Damages for conversion are measured, in relevant part, by the value of the property at the time of the conversion. Cal. Civ. Code § 3336; see also Stan Lee Trading, Inc. v. Holtz, 649 F. Supp. 577, 581 (C.D. Cal. 1986); Spates v. Dameron Hosp. Ass’n, 114 Cal. App. 4th 208, 221, 7 Cal. Rptr. 3d 597, 608 (Ct. App. 2003). 13 1 These findings and recommendations are submitted to the United States District 2 Judge assigned to the case, pursuant to the provisions of 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(l). Within fourteen 3 days after being served with these findings and recommendations, any party may file written 4 objections with the court and serve a copy on all parties. Id.; see also E. Dist. Local Rule 304(b). 5 Such a document should be captioned “Objections to Magistrate Judge’s Findings and 6 Recommendations.” Any response to the objections shall be filed with the court and served on 7 all parties within fourteen days after service of the objections. E. Dist. Local Rule 304(d). 8 Failure to file objections within the specified time may waive the right to appeal the District 9 Court’s order. Turner v. Duncan, 158 F.3d 449, 455 (9th Cir. 1998); Martinez v. Ylst, 951 F.2d 10 11 12 1153, 1156-57 (9th Cir. 1991). IT IS SO RECOMMENDED. DATED: January 12, 2012 13 14 15 _____________________________________ KENDALL J. NEWMAN UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 14
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