A Resolution Could Be Soon in the Zuffa vs. New York Lawsuit

NEW YORK

It appears a resolution could be soon in the Zuffa vs. New York lawsuit. According to an order file on June 19 by presiding U.S. District Court Judge Kimba Wood, a firm timetable is set now that discovery (i.e., the turning over of evidence to support each side's arguments) has been completed.

Said Judge Wood:

I grant plaintiffs leave to file for summary judgment. The motion shall be filed no later than July 3, 2014. Defendants' Response shall be filed no later than July 17, 2014. Plaintiffs' Reply, if any, shall be filed no later than July 31, 2014.

The Court will grant defendants leave to file for summary judgment (without a premotion conference). That motion shall be filed no later than July 3, 2014. Plaintiffs' Response shall be filed no later than July 17, 2014. Defendants' Reply, if any, shall be filed no later than July 31, 2014.

What does all this mean in layman's terms? Essentially, that if either side wants to make a motion to have the case judged based on the evidence on record (and you can bet someone does), July 3 is the deadline, and the deadlines for responses and replies to those motions are July 17 and July 31, respectively. If no one moves to settle at that point, the ball will be in Judge Wood's court; she will then mull over the arguments and render a decision.

How long will that take? Well, Judge Wood has demonstrated that she's not one to let moss grow on anything. Therefore, whether it comes via settlement or judge's decision, a resolution to this lawsuit - which was filed in November of 2011 - could come some time this summer.