Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-azd-2_12-cv-00107/USCOURTS-azd-2_12-cv-00107-1/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 820
Nature of Suit: Copyright
Cause of Action: 28:1338 Copyright Infringement

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WO

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA

Exquisite Multimedia Inc., 

Plaintiff, 

vs.

Does 1–146, 

Defendants. 

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No. CV-12-0107-PHX-FJM

ORDER

Plaintiff contends that it found evidence that its copyrighted work was copied without

authorization by unknown parties through the Internet using BitTorrent peer-to-peer

technology. Plaintiff identified the IP addresses of those purportedly making improper

copies. On April 12, 2012, we granted plaintiff’s request for early discovery to obtain

identifying information relating to the unknown Does. To date, the docket shows no proof

of service. 

We now have before us an unknown John Doe’s (“Movant Doe”) motion to

dismiss/sever and for protective order and/or to quash subpoena (“Motion”) (doc. 10),

plaintiff’s response (doc. 16) and plaintiff’s motion to strike (doc. 11), to which Movant Doe

did not respond.

Plaintiff moves to strike Movant Doe’s Motion pursuant to Rule 11, Fed. R. Civ.,

which requires that every pleading, motion, or other paper filed with this court must “state

Case 2:12-cv-00107-FJM Document 23 Filed 09/20/12 Page 1 of 2
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the signer’s address, e-mail address, and telephone number.” Fed. R. Civ. P. 11(a). Movant

Doe has entered his signature as “John Doe,” and has failed to provide a real name, address

or telephone number. Only an anonymous email address is provided. “[T]he identity of the

parties in any action, civil or criminal, should not be concealed except in an unusual case,

where there is a need for the cloak of anonymity,” where it is necessary, for example, “to

protect a person from harassment, injury, ridicule or personal embarrassment.” United States

v. Doe, 655 F.2d 920, 922 n.1 (9th Cir. 1981); see also Doe v. Fellows, 927 F.2d 608 (9th

Cir. 1991). 

Movant Doe has not sought the permission of the court to file documents

anonymously, or otherwise made a showing of good cause to do so. Even if Movant Doe

demonstrates good cause to proceed anonymously, he must nevertheless reveal his identity

to the court. Because Movant Doe has failed to comply with Rule 11, his Motion is ordered

stricken (doc. 10).

IT IS ORDERED GRANTING plaintiff’s motion to strike (doc. 11). 

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED STRIKING Movant Doe’s motion to dismiss/sever

and for protective order/quash subpoena (doc. 10). 

If any Doe Defendant wishes to file a motion or other paper in this court, he or she

must first lodge a notice of his or her true contact information (including a real name) under

seal, and simultaneously file a motion to accept and seal the lodged notice. See LRCiv 5.6.

DATED this 18th day of September, 2012.

Case 2:12-cv-00107-FJM Document 23 Filed 09/20/12 Page 2 of 2