Fortiline, Inc. v. Tippett
| Fortiline, Inc. a South Carolina corporation doing business as Fortiline Waterworks |
| Keith Tippett, Claire Franks, Paul Blessing, Michael Mason, James Kachurak and Corey Zaleski |
| Jeffrey Carter Andersen |
| 8:2025cv00931 |
| April 14, 2025 |
| U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida |
| William F Jung |
| Anthony E Porcelli |
| Defend Trade Secrets Act (of 2016) |
| 18 U.S.C. § 1836 (a) Injunction against Misappropriation of Trade Secrets |
| Both |
Docket Report
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This docket was last retrieved on September 11, 2025. A more recent docket listing may be available from PACER.
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| Filing 70 NOTICE of compliance re 63 Order by Paul Blessing, Claire Franks, James Kachurak, Michael Mason, Keith Tippett, Corey Zaleski (Salazar, Luis) |
| Filing 69 ANSWER and affirmative defenses with Jury Demand to #25 Amended Complaint -Amended Affirmative Defenses to Plaintiff's Amended Complaint by Corey Zaleski.(Salazar, Luis) |
| Filing 68 ANSWER and affirmative defenses with Jury Demand to #25 Amended Complaint -Amended Affirmative Defenses to Plaintiff's Amended Complaint by Keith Tippett.(Salazar, Luis) |
| Filing 67 ANSWER and affirmative defenses with Jury Demand to #25 Amended Complaint -Amended Affirmative Defenses to Plaintiff's Amended Complaint by Michael Mason.(Salazar, Luis) |
| Filing 66 ANSWER and affirmative defenses with Jury Demand to #25 Amended Complaint -Amended Affirmative Defenses to Plaintiff's Amended Complaint by James Kachurak.(Salazar, Luis) |
| Filing 65 ANSWER and affirmative defenses with Jury Demand to #25 Amended Complaint -Amended Affirmative Defenses to Plaintiff's Amended Complaint by Claire Franks.(Salazar, Luis) |
| Filing 64 ANSWER and affirmative defenses with Jury Demand to #25 Amended Complaint -Amended Affirmative Defenses to Plaintiff's Amended Complaint by Paul Blessing.(Salazar, Luis) |
Filing 63
ENDORSED ORDER: Mr. Lorenzo should affirm he has completed the requirement noted above concerning his appearance, in default of which he will be terminated here in 14 days. Signed by Judge William F. Jung on 8/28/2025. (Jung, William)
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Filing 62
ENDORSED ORDER denying without prejudice #60 Motion to Strike. The Court appreciates very much the lawyers tentatively agreeing to resolve this motion. The striking of affirmative defenses is an unusual quirk of Florida civil practice. It is commonplace in some Florida jurisdictions and not in others. Generally, lawyers include a large number of affirmative defenses to avoid an issue coming up later related to waiver. So both sides here seem to be diligently prosecuting their respective cases. In federal pleading generally, the motion to strike is a disfavored pleading. And an affirmative defense that has substance, and affects the claim, should be dealt with at summary judgment time, as the Court does not understand the full breadth of the case and the parties' positions until the record is "fleshed out." Here, the parties should work together and the Court would entertain a request for extra interrogatories, but hopefully that will not be needed. Signed by Judge William F. Jung on 8/28/2025. (Jung, William)
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| Filing 61 SUPPLEMENT re #60 MOTION to Strike Certain of Defendants' Affirmative Defenses by Fortiline, Inc.. (Oprison, Christopher) |
| Filing 60 MOTION to Strike Certain of Defendants' Affirmative Defenses by Fortiline, Inc. (Oprison, Christopher) Modified docket text on 8/22/2025 (JG). |
| Filing 59 ANSWER and affirmative defenses with Jury Demand to #25 Amended Complaint by Corey Zaleski.(Salazar, Luis) |
| Filing 58 ANSWER and affirmative defenses with Jury Demand to #25 Amended Complaint by Keith Tippett.(Salazar, Luis) |
| Filing 57 ANSWER and affirmative defenses with Jury Demand to #25 Amended Complaint by Michael Mason.(Salazar, Luis) |
| Filing 56 ANSWER and affirmative defenses with Jury Demand to #25 Amended Complaint by James Kachurak.(Salazar, Luis) |
| Filing 55 ANSWER and affirmative defenses with Jury Demand to #25 Amended Complaint by Claire Franks.(Salazar, Luis) |
| Filing 54 ANSWER and affirmative defenses with Jury Demand to #25 Amended Complaint by Paul Blessing.(Salazar, Luis) |
| Filing 53 NOTICE TO COUNSEL Lorenzo Lorenzo, Jr. of Local Rule 2.01(a), which requires membership or special admission in the Middle District bar to practice in the Middle District, except for the limited exceptions identified in the Rule. To apply for membership in the Middle District, visit www.flmd.uscourts.gov/for-lawyers. (Signed by Deputy Clerk). (BD) |
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Filing 52
ENDORSED ORDER denying #49 Motion to Dismiss. Rule 8(a) notice pleading imposes a low bar. The amended complaint surmounts it. Signed by Judge William F. Jung on 7/17/2025. (Jung, William)
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Filing 51
CASE MANAGEMENT AND SCHEDULING ORDER: Amended Pleadings/Joinder due by 8/12/2025. Discovery due by 4/1/2026. Dispositive motions due by 4/21/2026. Pretrial statement due by 8/6/2026. Final Pretrial Conference set for 8/13/2026 at 9:00 AM in Tampa Courtroom 15 B before Judge William F. Jung. Jury Trial set for the September 2026 Trial Term commencing 9/8/2026 at 9:00 AM in Tampa Courtroom 15 B before Judge William F. Jung. Signed by Judge William F. Jung on 7/16/2025. (CCB)
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| Filing 50 CASE MANAGEMENT REPORT. (Oprison, Christopher) |
| Filing 49 MOTION to Dismiss Amended Complaint by All Defendants. (Cole, Andrew) |
| Filing 48 RETURN of service executed on 06/10/2025 by Fortiline, Inc. as to Corey Zaleski. (Oprison, Christopher) |
| Filing 47 RETURN of service executed on 06/05/2025 by Fortiline, Inc. as to James Kachurak. (Oprison, Christopher) |
| Filing 46 RETURN of service executed on 06/04/2025 by Fortiline, Inc. as to Paul Blessing. (Oprison, Christopher) |
| Filing 45 RETURN of service executed on 06/04/2025 by Fortiline, Inc. as to Michael Mason. (Oprison, Christopher) |
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Filing 44
ENDORSED ORDER granting #43 Joint Motion for Extension of Time to File joint Uniform Case Management Report on or before July 15, 2025. Signed by Judge William F. Jung on 6/20/2025. (CCB)
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| Filing 43 Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to File Case Management Report by Fortiline, Inc. (Oprison, Christopher) Modified text on 6/20/2025 (ABM). |
| Filing 42 ***COUNSEL NOTIFIED TO FILE EACH RETURN OF SERVICE SEPARATELY***RETURN of service executed on June 4, 2025 and June 10, 2025 by Fortiline, Inc. as to Paul Blessing, James Kachurak, Michael Mason, Corey Zaleski. (Attachments: #1 Exhibit 1 - Proof of Service of Defendants)(Oprison, Christopher) Modified on 6/20/2025 (LD). |
| Filing 41 Plaintiff's SEALED DOCUMENT to the Amended Complaint regarding docket entry 33 - Documents Under Seal by Fortiline, Inc. (Attachments: #1 Exhibit D - Sealed Exhibit, #2 Exhibit F - Sealed Exhibit, #3 Exhibit H - Sealed Exhibit, #4 Exhibit I - Sealed Exhibit)(Oprison, Christopher). |
| Filing 40 RESPONSE in Opposition re #31 MOTION to file DOCUMENT Certain Exhibits under seal, #3 MOTION to file DOCUMENT under seal filed by Paul Blessing, Claire Franks, James Kachurak, Michael Mason, Keith Tippett, Corey Zaleski. (Cole, Andrew) |
| Filing 39 NOTICE of Lead Counsel Designation by Andrew Lynch Cole on behalf of Paul Blessing, Claire Franks, James Kachurak, Michael Mason, Keith Tippett, Corey Zaleski. Lead Counsel: Andrew Lynch Cole. (Cole, Andrew) |
| Filing 38 Supplemental DISCLOSURE STATEMENT under Rule 7.1, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Local Rule 3.03 by Paul Blessing, Claire Franks, James Kachurak, Michael Mason, Keith Tippett, Corey Zaleski. (Cole, Andrew) Modified text on 6/18/2025 (SPM). |
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Filing 37
ENDORSED ORDER granting unopposed #36 Motion for Extension of Time to File Answer. Paul Blessing; Claire Franks; James Kachurak; Michael Mason; Keith Tippett; and Corey Zaleski's answer or response due 7/7/2025. Signed by Judge William F. Jung on 6/17/2025. (CCB)
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| Filing 36 Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response to Plaintiff's Amended Complaint , MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re #25 Amended Complaint by Paul Blessing, Claire Franks, James Kachurak, Michael Mason, Keith Tippett, Corey Zaleski. (Salazar, Luis) |
| Filing 35 NOTICE of Appearance by Luis Salazar on behalf of Paul Blessing, Claire Franks, James Kachurak, Michael Mason, Keith Tippett, Corey Zaleski (Salazar, Luis) |
| Filing 34 NOTICE of compliance by Fortiline, Inc. (Berhan, Erin) |
| Filing 32 SUMMONS issued as to Paul Blessing, Claire Franks, James Kachurak, Michael Mason, Corey Zaleski. (JOS) |
| Filing 31 MOTION to file DOCUMENT Certain Exhibits under seal by Fortiline, Inc. (Attachments: #1 Proposed Sealed Item, #2 Proposed Sealed Item, #3 Proposed Sealed Item, #4 Proposed Sealed Item)(Oprison, Christopher). |
| Filing 30 PROPOSED summons to be issued by Fortiline, Inc.. (Oprison, Christopher) |
| Filing 29 PROPOSED summons to be issued by Fortiline, Inc.. (Oprison, Christopher) |
| Filing 28 PROPOSED summons to be issued by Fortiline, Inc.. (Oprison, Christopher) |
| Filing 27 PROPOSED summons to be issued by Fortiline, Inc.. (Oprison, Christopher) |
| Filing 26 PROPOSED summons to be issued by Fortiline, Inc.. (Oprison, Christopher) |
| Filing 25 AMENDED COMPLAINT against Keith Tippett, Claire Franks, Paul Blessing, Mike Mason, James Kachurak, Corey Zaleski with Jury Demand. filed by Fortiline, Inc.. (Attachments: #1 Exhibit A, #2 Exhibit B, #3 Exhibit C, #4 Exhibit D, #5 Exhibit E, #6 Exhibit F, #7 Exhibit G, #8 Exhibit H, #9 Exhibit I, #10 Exhibit J, #11 Exhibit K, #12 Exhibit L)(Oprison, Christopher) |
| Filing 24 First Amended NOTICE of a related action per Local Rule 1.07(c) by Keith Tippett. Related case(s): Yes (Cole, Andrew) Modified text on 5/14/2025 (SPM). |
| Filing 23 NOTICE of a related action per Local Rule 1.07(c) by Keith Tippett. Related case(s): Yes (Cole, Andrew) |
| Filing 22 NOTICE TO COUNSEL Andrew L. Cole of Local Rule 2.01(b)(2)(B), which requires members of the Middle District bar to maintain with the clerk a current telephone number, mailing address, and email address. Update your contact information for the Middle District through PACER. (Signed by Deputy Clerk). (MSN) |
| Filing 21 COUNSEL NOTIFIED TO REFILE WITH THE CORRECT TITLE ON DOCUMENT. NOTICE of a related action per Local Rule 1.07(c) by Keith Tippett. Related case(s): Yes (Cole, Andrew) Modified on 5/13/2025 to edit docket text (MSN). |
| Filing 20 DISCLOSURE STATEMENT under Rule 7.1, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Local Rule 3.03 by Keith Tippett identifying Other Affiliate Keith Tippet for Keith Tippett. (Cole, Andrew) Modified on 5/13/2025 to edit docket text (MSN). |
| Filing 19 NOTICE by Keith Tippett of Appearance and Lead Counsel Designation. (Cole, Andrew) Modified text on 5/13/2025 (GL). |
| Filing 18 ANSWER and affirmative defenses to #1 Complaint by Keith Tippett. (Cole, Andrew) Modified text on 5/13/2025 (GL). |
| Filing 17 RETURN of Service Executed as to Keith Tippett on 4/21/2025 by Fortiline, Inc. (Attachments: #1 Exhibit 1 - Proof of Service of Defendant)(Oprison, Christopher) Modified text on 4/24/2025 (BD). |
| Filing 16 DISCLOSURE STATEMENT under Rule 7.1, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Local Rule 3.03 by Fortiline, Inc.. (Oprison, Christopher) |
| Filing 15 CERTIFICATE of interested persons and corporate disclosure statement AMENDED by Fortiline, Inc.. (Oprison, Christopher) |
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Filing 14
ENDORSED ORDER granting #12 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Attorney Aurora Temple Barnes may appear pro hac vice on behalf of Fortiline, Inc. Within twenty-one (21) days of the date of this order, counsel shall comply with the fee and electronic filing requirements and file a notice of compliance with said requirements. Signed by Magistrate Judge Anthony E. Porcelli on 4/17/2025. (CPK)
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| Filing 13 CERTIFICATE of interested persons and corporate disclosure statement by Fortiline, Inc.. (Oprison, Christopher) |
| Filing 12 MOTION for Aurora Temple Barnes to appear pro hac vice, Special Admission fee paid, Receipt No. AFLMDC-23256023 for $150 by Fortiline, Inc.. (Attachments: #1 Supplement Special Admission Attorney Certification of Aurora Barnes)(Oprison, Christopher) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Anthony E. Porcelli. |
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Filing 11
ORDER appointing Jeffrey Carter Andersen as mediator in this action. The Court does not allow mediation by telephone or video conference. Personal attendance is required absent Court order. Signed by Judge William F. Jung on 4/16/2025. (CCB)
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| Filing 10 NOTICE informing the parties that they may consent to the jurisdiction of a United States magistrate judge by filing Form AO 85 Notice, Consent, and Reference of a Civil Action to a Magistrate Judge using the event Consent to Jurisdiction of US Magistrate Judge. (Signed by Deputy Clerk). (JCG) |
| Filing 9 NOTICE of Local Rule 1.07(c), Local Rule 3.02(a)(2), and Local Rule 3.03. -Local Rule 1.07(c) requires lead counsel to file promptly a Notice of a Related Action identifying and describing any related action either pending or closed in the Middle District or elsewhere. -Local Rule 3.02(a)(2) requires the parties in every civil proceeding, except those described in subsection (d), to file a case management report (CMR) using the uniform form at www.flmd.uscourts.gov. The CMR must be filed (1) within forty days after any defendant appears in an action originating in this court, (2) within forty days after the docketing of an action removed or transferred to this court, or (3) within seventy days after service on the United States attorney in an action against the United States, its agencies or employees. Judges may have a special CMR form for certain types of cases. These forms can be found at www.flmd.uscourts.gov under the Forms tab for each judge. -Local Rule 3.03 requires each party to file a disclosure statement. Counsel must make their disclosures using the standard court form. The Disclosure Statement form can be found at www.flmd.uscourts.gov. (Signed by Deputy Clerk). (JCG) |
| Filing 7 NOTICE of Lead Counsel Designation by Christopher George Oprison on behalf of Fortiline, Inc.. Lead Counsel: Christopher G. Oprison. (Oprison, Christopher) |
| Filing 6 SUMMONS issued as to Keith Tippett. (ARL) |
| Filing 5 NOTICE TO COUNSEL Aurora Temple Barnes Local Rule 2.01(c), Special Admission - File a Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Co-counsel with filing rights may electronically file the motion on behalf of the lawyer seeking Special Admission or the motion may be filed in paper format; Pay the Special Admission Fee; Submit a Pro Hac Vice E-File Registration through PACER. Visit www.flmd.uscourts.gov/for-lawyers for details (Signed by Deputy Clerk). (RLK) |
| Filing 4 NEW CASE ASSIGNED to Judge William F. Jung and Magistrate Judge Anthony E. Porcelli. New case number: 8:25-cv-931-WFJ-AEP. (RLK) |
| Filing 3 MOTION to file DOCUMENT under seal by Fortiline, Inc., d/b/a Fortiline Waterworks (Attachments: #1 Proposed Sealed Item, #2 Proposed Sealed Item, #3 Proposed Sealed Item, #4 Proposed Sealed Item)(Berhan, Erin). |
| Filing 2 NOTICE of a related action per Local Rule 1.07(c) by Fortiline, Inc., d/b/a Fortiline Waterworks. Related case(s): Yes (Berhan, Erin) |
| Filing 1 COMPLAINT against Keith Tippett with Jury Demand (Filing fee $405 receipt number AFLMDC-23245141) filed by Fortiline, Inc., d/b/a Fortiline Waterworks. (Attachments: #1 Civil Cover Sheet, #2 Exhibit A, #3 Exhibit B, #4 Exhibit C, #5 Exhibit D, #6 Exhibit E Sliptsheet, #7 Exhibit F, #8 Exhibit G Slipsheet, #9 Exhibit H, #10 Exhibit I Slipsheet, #11 Exhibit J Slipsheet, #12 Exhibit K, #13 Proposed Summons)(Berhan, Erin) |
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