Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-cand-3_04-cv-05129/USCOURTS-cand-3_04-cv-05129-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 120
Nature of Suit: Marine Contract Actions
Cause of Action: 9:9 Motion to Confirm Arbitration Loan

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United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

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United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

AMERICAN PRESIDENT LINES, LTD et

al,

Petitioners,

v

TIREX INTERNATIONAL, INC,

Respondent. /

No C-04-5129 VRW

ORDER

Petitioners have moved to confirm an arbitration award

against respondent. Doc #1. Respondent failed to appear in this

action, and by order entered May 4, 2005, the court directed the

clerk to enter respondent’s default. Doc #12. In that order, the

court also indicated that it would construe petitioners’ motion to

confirm the arbitration award (Doc #5) as a motion for a default

judgment pursuant to FRCP 55(b)(2). Id. The court allowed

respondent until May 17, 2005, to seek to set aside default and

oppose petitioner’s motion on the merits. Id. The clerk entered

respondent’s default on May 5, 2005, Doc #14, and petitioners

Case 3:04-cv-05129-VRW Document 16 Filed 06/13/05 Page 1 of 3
United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

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served the notice of default on respondent, Doc #15. Respondent

has failed to appear. Accordingly, the court considers whether to

enter a judgment by default against respondent pursuant to FRCP

55(b)(2).

As Judge Illston of this court has explained:

Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 55(b)(2)

authorizes the Court to enter such a judgment

against a defendant against whom default has

been entered, assuming the defendant is not an

infant, incompetent person, or the United

States. The rule sets forth the appropriate

procedure: “If the party against whom judgment

by default is sought has appeared in the

action, the party (or, if appearing by

representative, the party’s representative)

shall be served with written notice of the

application for judgment at least 3 days prior

to the hearing on such application.” The rule

also provides that the Court may order whatever

hearings or documentation are necessary to

establish damages, or fairly consider any other

matter.

UA 38, Local Health & Welfare Trust v AAA Mechanical Const, Inc,

2002 WL 31191617 at *2 (ND Cal 2002).

The three-day notice rule does not apply as respondent

has not appeared in this action. Respondent does not fall within

any of the exceptions noted in the rule. Petitioners pray for the

entry of a judgment confirming an arbitration award in the amount

of $13,080. The arbitration award is adequately documented, and

the figure of $13,080 (representing $8,750 in contract damages,

$2,880 in arbitrator-awarded attorney fees, $500 in arbitration

association fees and $950 in arbitrator’s compensation) is correct. 

Petition (Doc #1) Ex C. Petitioners’ motion (Doc #5) for entry of

a judgment by default confirming their arbitration award is

therefore GRANTED.

Accordingly, the clerk is DIRETED to ENTER JUDGMENT in

Case 3:04-cv-05129-VRW Document 16 Filed 06/13/05 Page 2 of 3
United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

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favor of petitioners American President Lines, Ltd and APL Co Pte,

Ltd, and against respondent Tirex International, Inc, in the amount

of $13,080. The clerk is further DIRECTED to close the file and

terminate all motions.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

 

VAUGHN R WALKER

United States District Chief Judge

Case 3:04-cv-05129-VRW Document 16 Filed 06/13/05 Page 3 of 3