Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC v. MaxLinear, Inc.
1:23-cv-04436
S.D.N.Y.Dec 2, 2024Background
- The case is Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC, et al. v. MaxLinear, Inc., in the Southern District of New York before Judge Hellerstein.
- Comcast (Plaintiffs) filed a letter-motion seeking permission to file certain materials under seal, specifically in support of their motion to dismiss MaxLinear's counterclaims.
- MaxLinear (Defendant) requests that specific information remain sealed, arguing that it constitutes its trade secrets and is subject to a non-disclosure agreement with Comcast.
- The redacted materials include a technical presentation and schematics related to MaxLinear's FDX amplifier technology, which were shared with Comcast under an NDA in December 2020.
- MaxLinear argues public disclosure would reveal sensitive and proprietary information that forms the basis of its counterclaims.
- MaxLinear cites established judicial standards for sealing documents containing trade secrets or proprietary business information.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Should technical and trade-secret information in the motion to dismiss and related exhibit be permanently sealed? | Comcast seeks permission to file under seal, referencing procedural rules and need for limited redactions. | MaxLinear argues information is a trade secret subject to NDA and disclosure would cause harm; asks for permanent sealing. | Decision pending; MaxLinear requests sealing based on precedents protecting trade secrets. |
Key Cases Cited
- Mirlis v. Greer, 952 F.3d 51 (2d Cir. 2020) (recognizes the public's presumptive right of access to judicial documents, but not an absolute right)
- Nixon v. Warner Commc'ns, Inc., 435 U.S. 589 (1978) (establishes balancing test for public access versus protection of confidential information)
- Lugosch v. Pyramid Co. of Onondaga, 435 F.3d 110 (2d Cir. 2006) (lays out framework for considering sealing requests, including weighing of public access and countervailing interests)
- Cumberland Packing Corp. v. Monsanto Co., 184 F.R.D. 504 (E.D.N.Y. 1999) (recognizes trade secrets and confidential business information as commonly sealed materials)