A recent decision from the United States District Court of the District of Connecticut demonstrates the need for proper custodian interview before responding to discovery requests. Electrified Discounters, Inc. v MI Technologies, Inc. (2015 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 64950) involved a dispute over sales of replacement lamps for rear projector televisions and front projectors, via online marketplaces like Amazon.com.
The plaintiff alleged trademark infringement and related claims. The defendant counterclaimed seeking cancellation of the trademark and brought a separate action against the plaintiff’s principals. The two actions were consolidated. The problems arose with plaintiff’s discovery responses.
The plaintiff’s deposition testimony contradicted its discovery responses. For example, the plaintiff repeatedly responded that it did not maintain certain records, but during its deposition testimony its witnesses testified that the records were maintained in a QuickBooks database. This testimony also contradicted the information supplied in opposition to the defendant’s motion to compel.
The court reviewed 22 different requests for production, finding that each response was inadequate. The court did not place specific blame for these inconsistencies, but required that the plaintiff provide its counsel with access to its emails (which it was required to stop deleting), and image its ESI, including hard drives and QuickBooks files. The court further required plaintiff and its counsel to examine these records, provide all non-privileged responsive documents and information and a sworn statement that all responsive discovery has been produced. The court also required that the plaintiff show cause why the movant should not be awarded its attorney’s fees incurred in making the motion.