Opinion
4:22-cv-00028-DN
05-20-2022
PAPARAZZI, LLC d/b/a PAPARAZZI ACCESSORIES, LLC, Plaintiff, v. MELISSA SORENSON, GERALDINE SOUZA, KYLEE ROBINETTE, MORGAN FERGUSON, JENNIFER DYER, JAIME ROBINSON, JENNIFER CARROL, KIMBERLY DREWRY, and JANE and JOHN DOES I-X. Defendants.
MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER EXTENDING TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER AS PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION
David Nuffer, United States District Judge
Plaintiff Paparazzi, LLC (“Paparazzi”) moved for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction on April 25, 2022 seeking to enjoin Defendants Melissa Sorenson (“Sorenson”), Geraldine Souza (“Souza”), Kylee Robinette, Morgan Ferguson, Jennifer Dyer, Jaime Robinson (“Robinson”), Jennifer Carrol, Kimberly Drewry and John and Jane Does I-X (collectively “Original Defendants”) from further accessing, maintaining, using, or sharing any of Paparazzi's confidential business information.
Plaintiff's Application for Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction (“Plaintiff's Motion”), docket no. 3, filed April 25, 2022.
After careful review of the parties' briefs, supporting declarations, and discovery materials, a hearing was held by Zoom Tuesday May 10, 2022 (“Hearing”) where all Original Defendants except Souza and Robinson were present and participated. Souza and Robinson participated in a conference call between Paparazzi's counsel and Defendants prior to the Hearing discussing this matter and each received notice of the Hearing from Paparazzi's counsel by email. Plaintiff's Motion was heard after notice to all Defendants. On May 10, 2022, a Memorandum Decision and Order Granting Temporary Restraining Order was issued granting Plaintiff's motion in part and providing for a temporary restraining order in force through May 20, 2022 (“Temporary Restraining Order”).
Docket no. 30, filed May 10, 2022.
On May 17, 2022, Plaintiff's filed its First Amended Verified Complaint (“Amended Complaint”) which added Renee Burgess (“Burgess” and collectively with Original Defendants, “Defendants”) as a Defendant and added two additional causes of action for breach of contract and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing against all Defendants except Sorenson. All Defendants were served the Amended Complaint by email. Plaintiff did not file an amended application for injunctive relief incorporating the two additional causes of actions or Burgess. Burgess was not included previously in Plaintiff's Motion.
Docket no. 35, filed May 17, 2022.
On May 20, 2022, an additional hearing for status conference and evaluation of a preliminary injunction was held by ZOOM (“May 20 Hearing”). All Defendants except Burgess were present and participated in the May 20 Hearing. Defendants did not retain counsel prior to the May 20 Hearing, but are working to do so - and Plaintiffs' counsel has been in contact with prospective counsel for Original Defendants.
At the May 20 Hearing, no Defendant reported any harm arising from the restraints in the Temporary Restraining Order. Plaintiff is not aware of any violations of the Temporary Restraining Order. For the reasons set forth below, the Temporary Restraining Order is extended as a preliminary injunction.
BACKGROUND
Plaintiff Paparazzi is a fashion accessory wholesaler headquartered in St. George, Utah.Paparazzi utilizes independent contractors to market and sell Paparazzi accessories. Paparazzi labels these independent salespersons “Consultants.” Defendant Sorenson is a former employee of Paparazzi who started working May 13, 2019 in the Paparazzi call center receiving calls from Consultants and handling back-office processing. The other named Defendants (Souza, Kylee Robinette, Morgan Ferguson, Jennifer Dyer, Robinson, Jennifer Carrol, Kimberly Drewry, and Burgess, collectively the “Former Consultant Defendants”) were all formerly Consultants of Paparazzi but those Consultant relationships have been terminated.
Plaintiff's Verified Complaint (“Complaint”), docket no. 2, filed April 25, 2022, at ¶ 12.
Id.
As part of her employment with Paparazzi, Defendant Sorenson agreed to a confidentiality and non-competition agreement on August 20, 2019. The Confidentiality Agreement required Sorenson to keep Paparazzi's confidential information strictly confidential during her employment with Paparazzi and thereafter. “Confidential Information” under the Paparazzi Confidentiality Agreement is broadly defined and includes non-public information that relates to the actual or anticipated business or research and development of the Company, company proprietary information, distributor or Consultant lists or data, compilations or data, finances, or other business information.
Complaint at ¶ 18; see also Paparazzi Accessories, LLC's Confidential Information and Non-Competition Agreement (“Confidentiality Agreement”), attached as Exhibit A to Plaintiff's Motion, at 1.
Confidentiality Agreement at 1.
Id.
On January 18, 2022, Sorenson was terminated by Paparazzi. As part of the termination process, Sorenson lost access to Paparazzi's databases, her company email, and other programs owned and controlled by Paparazzi. After termination, Sorenson retained access to a Paparazzi corporate administrative account (“Admin Account”) which Paparazzi had not shut down.
Plaintiff's Motion at 7.
Id. at 7-8.
Id. at 8.
Shortly after being terminated by Paparazzi, Sorenson joined a private Facebook Messenger group chat called Papa Chat United (“Papa Group Chat”). The Former Consultant Defendants were also members of the Papa Group Chat. Sorenson shared on the Papa Group Chat her continued ability to gain access to Paparazzi's networks and systems via the Admin Account. Through the Papa Group Chat, some of the Former Consultant Defendants sought information, including Confidential Information, about Paparazzi from Sorenson. The Defendants also discussed information Sorenson would obtain through the Admin Account access. Sorenson shared Paparazzi Confidential Information that she obtained through her employment and via the Admin Account access in the Papa Group Chat and additionally by email with some of the Former Defendant Consultants. Confidential Information Sorenson obtained after direction from some of the Former Consultant Defendants included commission information about specific Consultants and other Paparazzi Confidential Information.
Id. at 7.
Id.
Id. at 8.
Around April 20, 2022, Paparazzi became aware that Defendants has access to Paparazzi's Confidential Information through Sorenson's access to the Admin Account. On or around April 23, 2022, Paparazzi terminated Sorenson's ability to access the Admin Account. Shortly thereafter, Paparazzi commenced this lawsuit on April 25, 2022 asserting claims for breach of contract and breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing against Sorenson and claims for injunctive relief, intentional interference with economic advantage, conspiracy, and violation of the Federal Fraud and Computer Abuse Act against all Defendants. That same day, Paparazzi filed Plaintiff's Motion seeking a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction.
See generally Complaint.
See generally Plaintiff's Motion.
DISCUSSION
A Plaintiff seeking a preliminary injunction under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65 must demonstrate: (1) a substantial likelihood of success on the merits; (2) a likelihood that Plaintiff will suffer irreparable harm without the preliminary relief; (3) that the balance of equities tips in Plaintiff's favor; and (4) that the injunction is in the public interest. However, a “preliminary injunction, of course, is not a preliminary adjudication on the merits but rather a device for preserving the status quo and preventing the irreparable loss of rights before judgment.” “[T]he findings of fact and conclusions of law made by a court granting” preliminary relief are not dispositive or binding at trial on the merits.” This order analyzing Plaintiff's Motion and request for injunctive relief is based on the parties' submitted documents and proffers presented by the parties at both the Hearing and May 20 Hearing. Each of the elements for a temporary restraining order will be addressed in turn.
Ophir-Spiricon, LLC v. Mooney, 2011 WL 5881766, *1 (D. Utah Nov. 23, 2011).
See Sierra On-Line, Inc. v. Phoenix Software, Inc., 739 F.2d 1415, 1423 (9th Cir. 1984).
U. of Tex. v. Camenisch, 451 U.S. 390, 395 (1981); see also Sierra On-Line, 739 F.2d at 1423.
Paparazzi Has Shown A Substantial Likelihood of Success on the Merits
After reviewing Paparazzi's arguments in its briefing and at the Hearing, as well as Defendants' responses, Paparazzi has shown a substantial likelihood it will succeed on the merits of its breach of contract claim which provides the basis for preliminary injunctive relief. The merits-based arguments will not be analyzed for each of Paparazzi's other claims because for each of the other claims either the briefing insufficiently demonstrates that Paparazzi has a substantial likelihood of success or the record as presently constituted contains significant gaps that impede the present ability to assess properly the likelihood of Paparazzi's success on the merits.
Under Utah law, a breach of contract claim requires “(1) a contract, (2) performance by the party seeking recovery, (3) breach of the contract by the other party, and (4) damages.”Paparazzi has demonstrated a substantial likelihood it will prevail on its breach of contract claim. The Confidentiality Agreement is a valid and binding contract between Paparazzi and Defendant Sorenson. The Confidentiality Agreement required Sorenson to keep Paparazzi's Confidential Information strictly confidential. Sorenson breached the Confidentiality Agreement when she shared Paparazzi's Confidential information by email and though the Papa Group Chat with third parties including the Former Consultant Defendants. While there are factual disputes about these breaches, Sorenson acknowledges that she obtained and disclosed Paparazzi's Confidential Information and Defendants admit that they knew of the confidentiality obligation or did not themselves receive any confidential information and therefore do not oppose the restrictions of this Order. And as a result of Sorenson's breaches and disclosures, Paparazzi has suffered damages to its business reputation. The Confidentiality Agreement expressly entitles Paparazzi to injunctive relief to prevent Sorenson's disclosures of Paparazzi's Confidential Information.
Am. W. Bank Members, L.C. v. State, 2014 UT 49, ¶ 15, 342 P.3d 224, 230-31.
Confidentiality Agreement at 3-4.
Paparazzi Has Shown A Likelihood Of Irreparable Harm
A “showing of probable irreparable harm is the single most important prerequisite for the issuance of a preliminary injunction” and if the moving party fails to demonstrate that such injury is likely, consideration of the other elements is not required. The “irreparable harm requirement is met if a [movant] demonstrates a significant risk that he or she will experience harm that cannot be compensated after the fact by monetary damages.'”
Ophir-Spiricon, LLC, 2011 WL 5881766 at *3.
Inception Mining, Inc. v. Danzig, Ltd., 312 F.Supp.3d 1271, 1285 (D. Utah 2018) (quoting Greater Yellowstone Coalition v. Flowers, 321 F.3d 1250, 1258 (10th Cir.2003)).
Paparazzi has demonstrated the likelihood that irreparable harm will occur without injunctive relief. Here, there is a need to act promptly because Paparazzi's Confidential Information has been obtained and distributed. Once distributed, confidential information is very hard to protect and recover. Further, the disclosure of Confidential Information by Defendants has caused reputational damage to Paparazzi that cannot be undone with monetary remedies. Competitors could also exploit the Defendants' disclosures of Paparazzi's proprietary Confidential Information to the detriment of Paparazzi's business. In addition to damage to Paparazzi's business reputation with its Consultants and customers, Paparazzi may also face reputational damage if it is found to have violated state privacy laws. Without a temporary restraining order protecting Paparazzi's Confidential Information, Paparazzi is likely to suffer irreparable harm that cannot easily be reduced to monetary damages. Paparazzi has demonstrated that the likelihood of irreparable harm warrants immediate relief.
Paparazzi's Harm Significantly Outweighs Any Potential Harm To Defendants
“[A] court must balance the competing claims of injury and must consider the effect on each party of the granting or withholding of the requested relief.” Here, Paparazzi faces continued erosion of its business reputation with its Consultants and customers, the potential loss of business advantages if competitors use Paparazzi's proprietary Confidential Information, and the real potential that Consultants may terminate their relationships with Paparazzi. On the other side of the scale, the current record shows that Defendants face no significant potential harms. Moreover, no Defendant opposed the narrow relief granted here during the Hearing. Additionally, at the May 20 Hearing no Defendant reported suffering any harm stemming from the restraints of the Temporary Restraining Order. Paparazzi's harms significantly outweigh any potential harm to Defendants and warrant the issuance of a preliminary injunction.
Amoco Production Co. v. Village of Gambell, 480 U.S. 531, 542 (1987).
Public Interests Favor Injunctive Relief
Courts have acknowledged “[t]he public has an interest in … the enforcement of lawful contractual obligations….” Here, Paparazzi entered into a binding Confidentiality Agreement with Sorenson to protect its Confidential Information and its business. The public has an interest in upholding contract rights, including confidentiality agreements. The public also has a significant interest in protecting confidential business information and business reputations. This factor weighs in favor of Paparazzi receiving injunctive relief.
MC Oil v. Ultra Res., Inc., 2015 WL 5126268, * 2 (D. Utah Sept. 1, 2015) (quoting Neways Inc. v. Mower, 543 F.Supp.2d 1277, 1290 (D. Utah Feb. 11, 2008)).
A Bond Is Unnecessary
If a preliminary injunction is granted, the court has discretion to require payment of a bond. The court must consider whether a bond is appropriate and exercise its discretion accordingly. Injunctive relief is appropriate only if “the movant gives security in an amount that the court considers proper to pay the costs and damages sustained by any party found to have been wrongfully enjoined or restrained.” Courts may exercise their discretion to determine no bond is necessary. Here, no Defendant opposed the issuance of immediate and temporary relief. Further, the Confidentiality Agreement provides that equitable relief may be granted “without posting a bond or other security.” And the current record shows no damages that Defendants will sustain if wrongly enjoined from obtaining, using, or sharing Paparazzi's Confidential Information. Therefore, no bond is required.
RoDa Drilling Co. v. Siegal, 552 F.3d 1203, 1215 (10th Cir. 2009).
Coquina Oil Corp. v. Transwestern Pipeline Co., 825 F.2d 1416, 1462 (10th Cir. 1987).
RoDa Drilling Co., 552 F.3d at 1215 (quoting Fed.R.Civ.P. 65(c)).
Adams v Baker, 919 F.Supp. 1496, 1505 (D. Kan. 1996); see also Coquina Oil Corp. v. Transwestern Pipeline Co., 825 F.2d 1461, 1462 (10th Cir. 1987) (recognizing that a “decision to waive a Rule 65(c) bond is subject to an abuse of discretion test on appeal”).
ORDER OF PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Plaintiff's Motion is GRANTED and the Temporary Restraining Order is extended as a preliminary injunction. For purposes of this order, Paparazzi's “Confidential Business Information” shall mean non-public information that relates to the actual or anticipated business or research and development of Paparazzi, Paparazzi's proprietary information, confidential distributor or Consultant lists or data, financial compilations or financial data, or other business information obtained from Sorenson. Under the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement and Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65, Original Defendants and other individuals are bound by this preliminary injunction.
IT IS ORDERED ADJUDGED, and DECREED that the following who receive actual notice of this Order by personal service or otherwise including (a) all Original Defendants; (b) their officers, agents, servants, employees, and attorneys; and (c) other persons who are in active concert or participation with any persons described in subparagraphs (a) and (b):
1. Must not attempt to obtain any of Paparazzi's Confidential Business Information;
2. Are enjoined from sharing, either digitally or otherwise, any of Paparazzi's Confidential Business Information with any other person, group, or entity except with counsel in this case; and
3. Are enjoined from any discussions, by any method and with any person, regarding any of Paparazzi's Confidential Business Information except that discussions may be had with counsel in this case.
This Order shall remain in effect pending trial or a the granting of a motion to dissolve this preliminary injunction. Plaintiff is responsible for serving this order on all parties and filing proof of service.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that a status and scheduling conference shall be held by Zoom on Thursday June 16, 2022 at 3:00 PM. In advance of that hearing, 4. Defendants shall seek to obtain counsel who must appear of record in advance of the hearing and may file any motion to dissolve or modify the preliminary injunction;
5. Plaintiffs counsel is directed, consistent with the Order to Prepare Schedule and Prepare for Case Management Conference to propose a schedule and work diligently to file an Attorney Planning Meeting report and propose a scheduling order to the court on or before June 9, 2022. See Civil Case Scheduling | District of Utah (utd.uscourts.gov).
Docket no. 9 filed April 26, 2022.