Opinion ID: 2772758
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: jurisdiction

Text: We have appellate jurisdiction. This court has a duty to ensure subject matter jurisdiction exists over an appeal. See, e.g., D’Lil v. Best W. Encina Lodge & Suites, 538 F.3d 1031, 1035 (9th Cir. 2008). I-Flow argues that no final, appealable judgment exists in this case, 28 U.S.C. § 1291, because a judgment as to fewer than all parties may be appealed “only if the [district] court expressly determines that there is no just reason for delay,” Fed. R. Civ. P. 54(b). The judgment in this case did not so state. There was no need to do so. The district court severed the claims against DJO, Inc. as its alleged liability would be wholly derivative of DJO, LLC’s liability. I-Flow argues that this severance somehow left the claims against DJO, Inc. unresolved, thereby requiring the district court to expressly state that the judgment was appealable. But as McClellan points out, the judgment identifies I-Flow, DJO, LLC, and DJO, Inc. as defendants, and states that judgment was entered in favor of the defendants. That alone settles the issue, as judgment was entered as to all defendants. And even if it was not, given the alleged derivative liability of DJO, Inc., there can be no serious argument that judgment in favor of DJO, LLC and MCCLELLAN V. I-FLOW CORPORATION 9 dismissal of the action could preserve DJO, Inc.’s alleged liability. We therefore proceed to the merits of the appeal.