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Team Prenda Does Not Show Up In Court; Judge Is Not Amused

from the bad-day-for-prenda dept

Mon, Mar 11th 2013 4:45pm — Mike Masnick

Update: And here is the deep dive analysis by Ken.

We'll have a more complete report soon from Ken "Popehat" White, who was in the courtroom for the Prenda hearing today and will be writing about it for us (and for his own site), but for the quick version of what happened, with a huge assist from both Adam Steinbaugh and White, is that the judge has not made a ruling yet, but he is not at all pleased, saying "the client has been running everything. I know who the client is." There was no direct admission of who owns AF Holdings (other than that it had been transferred to another holding company, LiveWire -- as Pietz pointed out in his chart), but nothing else directly came out in court, apparently, other than Judge Wright's claim that he knows what's going on. In fact, he noted that the shell companies are "not even shells." This does not bode well for Prenda.

Of all the people ordered to appear, Team Prenda decided not to bother -- instead telling the judge they were available by phone, though the judge chose not to call. The only person (outside of Gibbs and Morgan Pietz) who did make it was Alan Cooper. But just one of the Alan Coopers. The caretaker one, who claims that his name was used illegally on various documents. In other words, as expected, Prenda and John Steele have still failed to produce another Alan Cooper who actually was associated with the shell companies. Apparently, Cooper showed up with voicemails left by John Steele which sound vaguely threatening, promising to tie him up in litigation -- possibly the defamation case that Steele filed against Cooper and the anonymous internet commenters. This will not help Steele's case. At all.

Apparently, Judge Otis Wright was not particularly pleased about this turn of events. Similarly, he blasted Paul Hansmeier for his deposition in which he tapdanced around pretty much every question. Remember, Hansmeier gave the deposition as the official designated "representative" of AF Holdings, one of the mysterious shell companies at issue in these cases, but Judge Wright pointed out that Hansmeiers evasiveness suggested he "doesn't know anything about his own firm." Or, you know, he's choosing not to say things.

Gibbs was put on the stand to testify, and apparently continued his "I was just taking orders" defense, in which he pointed the judge to Prenda. He also apparently claims he left Prenda because of the "online harassment and unwelcome exposure," though that wouldn't explain why he then became "in house counsel" for LiveWire, the shell holding company that was "acquiring" various Prenda shells. Judge Wright pointed out that Gibbs was the official counsel of record, and therefore the person responsible, even if he was attempting to throw Prenda under the bus. Gibbs also claimed that while he was "in house counsel" for LiveWire for two months, he never got paid (just like the Hansmeier deposition). It seems that no one associated with Prenda ever seems to want to pay anyone. Funny, that.

Also, Gibbs and his lawyers apparently tried to push back on the Verizon filing, which suggested that Gibbs failed to inform Verizon that the order allowing subpoenas to move forward in one of the cases had been killed by the court, and, furthermore, suggested Gibbs then lied to the court in claiming that Verizon had been informed. However, Verizon's lawyers showed up, and that apparently silenced Gibbs' lawyers.

Anyway, that's our quick update... There will be a ruling soon enough, but come back tonight when we post a more complete analysis from inside the courtroom.

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Filed Under: alan cooper, brett gibbs, john steele, morgan pietz, otis wright, paul hansmeier, prenda, shell companies
Companies: prenda, prenda law

98 Comments

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Internet Zen Master (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 4:52pm

Hmm...
For some reason I can't help but imagine Judge Otis dressed up as Judge Dredd right now. Seems fitting, considering how FUBAR'd those fucking assclowns from Prenda are going to be by the end of the week...
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Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 4:52pm

As Ken from Popehat says,

... writing ASAP. First must have womb installed so I can have Judge Wright's babies.
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This comment has been flagged by the community. Click here to show it

Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 4:53pm

It seems that no one associated with Prenda ever seems to want to pay anyone. Funny, that.

Oh, like Techdirt!!
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- Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:11pm
  
  Re:
  And you know this, how?
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:15pm
  
  Re:
  Um, there appears to have been a collaborative effort between a number of people to expose what was going on in the courtroom today. If you had been following the +Prenda tag on Twitter, you'd know about this.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- DannyB (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:27pm
  
  Prenda using Hollywood Accounting?
  Prenda shells can't pay lawyers until they are profitable. Hollywood Accounting techniques and "fees" paid to another shell can ensure that profitability never happens.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - special-interesting (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:46pm
    
    Re: Prenda using Hollywood Accounting?
    Hollywood accounting is famous for pictures grossing over 110 million and NEVER fessing up on the common clause of 'percentage of profit'. (Profits? What profits? We don't have no stinking profits!)
    
    Hollywood accounting has got to be a stereotype phrase by now for: Don't sign that contract without a percentage of the GROSS receipts. (even if the percentage is much smaller the return is much larger.)
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
    - Brad (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 6:14pm
      
      Re: Re: Prenda using Hollywood Accounting?
      Verily, a percentage of the gross is infinitely larger than a percentage of the net.
      [ link to this | view in chronology ]
    - Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2013 @ 2:43am
      
      Re: Re: Prenda using Hollywood Accounting?
      Better yet, sign for a no refundable advance of what you think the work is worth, or even more if you can get away with it.
      [ link to this | view in chronology ]
BearGriz72 (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 4:55pm

Popcorn at the ready!
Waiting for Full Write-up...
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- 1Maenad, 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:05pm
  
  Re: Popcorn at the ready!
  *grabs a handful* Thanks for sharing! Can't wait; this is going to be good!
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Anonymous Anonymous, 11 Mar 2013 @ 7:02pm
    
    Re: Re: Popcorn at the ready!
    To all the popcornerers on this sight: There is some concern about the unlimited consumption of popcorn without appropriate countermeasures, including prune juice and excercise. Therefore it is recomended that one attach one's computer's to a treadmill, which one should only pause while typing (given the frequent requests for an edit feature, apparently typing while static is even difficult at times), attending the neccessary, or actually working. The prune juice option may be mitigated with copious amounts of Milk Duds. The effect may be messy.
    
    So the point is that while popcorn provides a bit of roughage, and certainly at times amusement while pondering expectant amusement, it is mostly air. Comments, refering strictly to popcorn, therefore are mostly air. While a bit of air will lighten many loads, and increase comment count, it often fails to actually, like, contribute, as I know the multitude of popcornerers are capable of. (Dang those preposition ending sentances that express the vernacular).
    
    Like feeding trolls, airfull comments rarely inspire insightful or funny votes, but rack up the comment count!
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
    - Anonymous Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 7:04pm
      
      Re: Re: Re: Popcorn at the ready!
      Sorry for any unintentional typos, this was posted before I even finished my name, and not edited.
      [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Ninja (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 4:58pm

And after Verizon drops a bomb and makes it a huge plot twist the amusingly predictable happens. I think the judge will show them the full weight of the Hammer Of Justice (tm).

I'm hooked, hands frantically moving from popcorn basket to mouth, soft drinks bubbling furiously!
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- Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:36pm
  
  Re:
  Popcorn!
  
  ��oOo
  ��oOoOo
  |oOoOoOo|oOo
  \---------/oOoOo
  ��\_____OoOoOo oOo oOo
  
  �
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 6:03pm
  
  Re:
  To bastardize the quote from the dog perpectual puppy in the Taco Bell commercials...
  
  "I think I'm gonna need a bigger hammer."
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 6:05pm
    
    Re: Re:
    Damn the word "dog" was supposed to be striken.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Matthew Cline (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:01pm

It's surprising how many of the people involved in this are willing to work for free.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Tara Carreon, 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:02pm
  
  Re:
  Don't all lawyers work for free?
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Niall (profile), 12 Mar 2013 @ 8:45am
    
    Re: Re:
    I think the Prenda lawyers are 'pirating' work that should go to other, paid lawyers. Think what it'll cost the economy!
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Bill W (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:06pm

Can't wait!
Maybe this could be serialized into an afternoon soap? I'd watch!
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- mudlock (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:12pm
  
  Re: Can't wait!
  Unlikely. No one would believe it.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- nlbstr, 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:31pm
  
  Re: Can't wait!
  I'd torrent it.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
JohnnyRotten (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:07pm

Of all the people ordered to appear, Team Prenda decided not to bother -- instead telling the judge they were available by phone, though the judge chose not to call. The only person (outside of Gibbs and Morgan Pietz) who did make it was Alan Cooper.

I wonder if the Judge is filling out bench warrants right now.
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alanbleiweiss (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:09pm

Living just a few miles from the court, I was tempted to go, but then figured only Cooper, Peitz & Gibbs would be there and Wright would just issue bench warrants all around for the rest. Fortunately the #Prenda tweet stream kept me sufficiently entertained and the little bit of live tweeting that was done helped round it out.

Can't wait for all the full write-ups later today/tonight!
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Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:12pm

was an arrest warrant issued for those that didn't turn up? if not, why not? i know damn well that had it been me or any other 'ordinary person' we would have been locked up and the key thrown away! the judge has got the chance to deal with these ass hats once (hopefully) and for all. i sincerely hope he takes this chance (within the law of course, but i dont care if that's stretched a bit!) and not waste it!!
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- Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:18pm
  
  Re:
  This is a civil trial, not a criminal trial. Nobody on Prenda's team has been charged with any crimes (yet), so the consequences are different from what you or I would suffer if we skipped out on, say, a DUI trial.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:27pm
  
  Re:
  "was an arrest warrant issued for those that didn't turn up? if not, why not?"
  
  Probably because he knows it would be overturned on appeal, given the short notice and cross country travel involved.
  
  I think this was more of a "last chance to change my mind" thing for the judge. Look for sanctions in the near future... not for the failure to appear, but for everything else.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- special-interesting (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 6:03pm
  
  Re:
  Am and am not surprised on the no-show. Kind of like pleading the 5th but with silence instead.
  
  So far it has been only a civil action but this hearing was in relation to misconduct unbecoming of an attorney inside the courtroom and a prelude to more serious action.
  
  The judge may have wanted to issue warrants today but he was thrown two more bones to pick with Prenda. One is the issue with Allen Mooney (of various spellings) which at least doubles the likely contempt of court (and other) charges and somewhat need to be sorted out. Second is the Verizon being taken for a ride affair of which, justifiably, they are miffed about and also needs some thought.
  
  The quiet interlude before... -anticipation-
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
This comment has been flagged by the community. Click here to show it

out_of_the_blue, 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:13pm

WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
A waste of bandwidth. Get on to something that's relevant beyond this one case.

Take a loopy tour of Techdirt.com! You always end up at same place!
http://techdirt.com/
Mike Masnick, the economist with the soul of a lawyer. Watch for (another in) his "At The Bench" series.
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- PRMan, 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:22pm
  
  Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
  You should be happy he's stopped talking about your employers for once...
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:25pm
  
  Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
  I'm highly amused. This is great, relevant and my only input is you have to love that soul of a lawyer, economist and poet!
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Gwiz (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:26pm
  
  Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
  WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
  
  A waste of bandwidth. Get on to something that's relevant beyond this one case.
  
  I for one, am extremely amused by all of this and find it very relevant and interesting.
  
  You are free to find some other blog community to annoy, Blue. Don't let the door hit you on the ass on the way out, k?
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 6:06pm
    
    Re: Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
    Congrats. You're one of maybe 17 people.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
    - Mike Masnick (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 6:22pm
      
      Re: Re: Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
      Congrats. You're one of maybe 17 people.
      
      Judging by the traffic here on this story and other Prenda stories, your prognostication and math skills are just about as bad as your business skills in the music biz...
      
      You should try living in reality, rather than the world where you make stuff up all the time to make you feel better.
      [ link to this | view in chronology ]
      - Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 6:41pm
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
        Then again math was never their strong suit. This is a given.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
      - This comment has been flagged by the community. Click here to show it
        
        Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 6:56pm
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
        Judging by the traffic here on this story and other Prenda stories . . . .
        
        I'm sure the flock are hanging on your every word as you report the misdeeds of these copyright maximalists. Best thing to happen to you since Swartz.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 7:03pm
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
        ಠ_ಠ
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        This comment has been flagged by the community. Click here to show it
        
        Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2013 @ 1:30am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
        Best thing to happen to you since Swartz.
        
        Actually, Masnick has been desperate for even one single instance of malfeasance in regard to Six Strikes, but hasn't hit his piracy-apologist lotto yet. He'll keep at it tho. He literally can't wait to say that one mistake means enforcement should be done away with. That's why he supports rape laws being wiped from the books; because, y'know, enforcement doesn't work and the "collateral damage" from a false accusation is just too much. Because he's consistent across the board with his opinions on law.
        
        Aren't you, Mike?
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Rikuo (profile), 12 Mar 2013 @ 2:44am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
        As someone who knows four women who confessed to being raped ...I'm actually amazed at this but...you should be raped. You should experience it, and then come back and say to someone's face that he said "Do away with rape laws".
        No. Shut up. You're wrong. You're sick.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Ninja (profile), 12 Mar 2013 @ 3:14am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
        Actually it's amusing. They are projecting their own desperation into Techdirt. I find trolls in general highly amusing. When they get called on with facts and evidence they freak out ;)
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Niall (profile), 12 Mar 2013 @ 8:48am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
        You really a a sick puppy, and the best argument you can make are underhanded comments about rape and a suicide? Typical control industry morals!
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Anonymous Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 7:23pm
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
        
        I'm sure the flock are hanging on your every word
        
        Are you sure you didn't mean 'envy word'?
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 7:25pm
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
        You're just mad that this is the best your copyright buddies can come up with. How's it feel to finally have the book thrown at you? Have fun campaigning for their amnesty, just like Evan Stone and Andrew Crossley. Glorious heroes and enforcers of copyright, all of them.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2013 @ 7:51am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
        You're just mad that this is the best your copyright buddies can come up with.
        
        LOL! I haven't really followed this story, and these guys certainly aren't my buddies. I think all scumbag lawbreakers should pay. That includes these guys, if they're guilty, and all of the piratical douches that flock to Chicken Mike. My opinion doesn't change because of which side of the debate they're on. Watching you basement dwellers drool at the site of a dishonest "porn troll" is very entertaining. If only you idiots cared about other lawbreakers with the same vigor. But, alas, when it's one of "your kind," you all become myopic.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Niall (profile), 12 Mar 2013 @ 8:50am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
        No, we just love seeing the massively hypocritical and law-buying/bending content-stealing-and-controlling-not-creating industry getting its just desserts.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2013 @ 5:00pm
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
        Keep squawking, Chicken Joe.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Rikuo (profile), 12 Mar 2013 @ 2:46am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
        So let's see here.
        
        We've got a very interesting story happening in the courts. One that most Techdirtians are interested in. As a business owner and blog writer...wouldn't it be in everyone's best interests for Mike et al to keep writing about it? He gets the traffic, we get the stories. He is thus doing what any other blogger would do.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
      - Ninja (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 7:07pm
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
        your prognostication and math skills are just about as bad as your business skills in the music biz
        
        According to his math and accounting skills he wasted 6 Petabytes of data and caused the collapse of the entirety of North American network by merely loading this post. Hollywood accounting can be scary. o.O
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
      - Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2013 @ 1:19am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
        Oh Masnick, you ESP reader you. Was one line enough for you to deduce a "unique writing style"?
        
        You have one also, and you threatened death. You'll have to pay for that some time, won't you, Mr. "I value people's privacy... Until I look at their IPs"?
        
        Keep falling into the same traps, Mike.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2013 @ 1:37am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
        He knows your IP cause you post on his site. He doesn't know your name or address or anything else unless you give it to him.
        
        And this site doesn't ask for that stuff either.
        
        I don't even know why I respond, it's just a waste of time, the only thing I find is strawmanning, ad hominem, faulty logic and plain old lies.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2013 @ 3:58am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
        Yes, and now we know exactly where you live.
        
        Keep on crying for the likes of Evan Stone and campaigning for titles like "Daddy My Ass is On Fire".
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2013 @ 5:23am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
        the irony is never lost.
        
        One day you'll finally understand what i mean.
        
        Im not holding my breath, though.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
        
        Niall (profile), 12 Mar 2013 @ 8:52am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
        Only because, like Prenda, you believe an IP address is like Mike being handed your passport and driver's licence.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- DannyB (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:29pm
  
  Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
  Great use of bandwidth. Prenda, Righthaven, MPAA, RIAA and other copyright trolls are extremely relevant.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:33pm
  
  Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
  I doubt that anybody cares about you and your split personalities...
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:35pm
  
  Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
  Yeah, reality is a bitch ain't it?
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- alanbleiweiss (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:48pm
  
  Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
  "WE'RE"? Who the eff is "we"? Seriously. The volume of discussion across this site, the PopeHat site, Ars Technica, Fight Copyright Trolls is pretty much validation of the interest in this topic.
  
  Jump to Twitter and read the activity all day today on the #Prenda thread and it's confirmed.
  
  This is the most interesting, entertaining and quite relevant cases to ever come along regarding copyright & copyright trolls, and how they go to the lengths they go to.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Ninja (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 6:59pm
    
    Re: Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
    Which amusingly explains the likes of outo_of_the_bob. He claims it's a waste of bandwidth but he keeps reading EVERY-SINGLE-ARTICLE. I take it trolls are masochists judging from Prenda and our usual trolls.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Trails (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:51pm
  
  Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
  Who's this "we" you speak of? You and your other personalities? You and the neighbor's dog that's telling you to kill people? You and your imaginary friend, Col. Schlotz?
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - btrussell (profile), 12 Mar 2013 @ 8:31pm
    
    Re: Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
    He has worms.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:53pm
  
  Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
  Mike turned you down for a date, didn't he?
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:56pm
  
  Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
  Keep squirming, out_of_the_lube. Squirmy squirmy squirm.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - silverscarcat (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 6:08pm
    
    Re: Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
    EWW!
    
    It's all over the floor now.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- fogbugzd (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 6:35pm
  
  Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
  >>A waste of bandwidth. Get on to something that's relevant beyond this one case.
  
  Give us a break. This case is our version of porn.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 9:25pm
    
    Re: Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
    Best of all this doesn't even need useless copyright protection. Why are you here not paying for entertainment, out_of_the_lube? That's totally immoral and, like, not cool mmmkay?
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Anonymous Coward, 12 Mar 2013 @ 1:20am
  
  Re: WE'RE not amused, either, Mike.
  "A waste of bandwidth."
  
  This frome someone who's life is a waste.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Spaceman Spiff (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:16pm

One can only hope
One can only hope that the judge issues bench warrants for the arrest of these asshats and throws their sorry butts into a deep, dark hole! This isn't just (IMO) a matter of contempt of court - it is more a matter of felony obstruction of justice!
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Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:18pm

Ace Attorney
For some reason, I cannot stop visualizing all of this as something out of a Phoenix Wright game.

I keep expecting to hear someone shout "OBJECTION!".
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Tali (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:37pm
  
  Re: Ace Attorney
  Given the transcript of the deposition, that person would probably be Gibbs
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 7:29pm
    
    Re: Re: Ace Attorney
    With the voice acting of Winston Payne.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
S. T. Stone, 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:26pm

I kinda wish Vince McMahon knew about this. I�d pay to see Judge Wright take down all these morons inside a steel cage at WrestleMania.
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- silverscarcat (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:45pm
  
  Re:
  I dunno...
  
  I'm almost certain that Prenda law would have the latest heels in their corner.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
That Anonymous Coward (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:35pm

I am soooooo surprised that they did not show up in court today. /deadpan

When they didn't get called, I wonder if they popped open some champagne to celebrate. Or were they following the twitter feed as they quickly crammed some clean underwear into their go bag to make a run for it...
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- That One Guy (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:45pm
  
  Re:
  Yeah, totally not surprised in the least they pulled a no-show here, and I have to wonder if they went with the 'you can contact us via phone' routine because they are scrambling like mad to get out of the country before the bench warrants are written up, which would make showing up physically rather difficult.
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  - Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 6:03pm
    
    Re: Re:
    I think it's more likely that they knew they were going to get reamed, and none of them could bear to face it in person. That's what I was thinking about when I woke up this morning; I wouldn't be able to force myself to show up, if I was on Team Prenda.
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    - Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 6:18pm
      
      Re: Re: Re:
      Well, they kinda telegraphed that outcome, didn't they, by their last minute mailing in of their excuse note on Friday.
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      - Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 6:24pm
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re:
        Yes, but I would argue that anyone with half a brain could describe the exact arc of this fiasco since day 1. Prenda seem to be the only ones stupid or delusional enough to be surprised.
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  - anonymouse, 11 Mar 2013 @ 6:20pm
    
    Re: Re:
    As has been pointed out this is a civil case and not a criminal case although i would be surprised if there were not some charges laid against the two or three main culprits in this.
    I hope the judge calls for criminal charges and pushes this up to a higher court.
    
    If anything there seems to be a lot of he said she said and a lot of trying to hide any income with everyone saying they have not been paid anything so far.
    One interesting thing would be how many people paid up from those that were accused and sent demanding letters after the court said they must not, also how much has Prenda or any organization that Steel and Hammershite(sp) have been involved with taken from settlements. Where has Steel been making money as he was barred from practicing law previously from what i can remember.
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    - That Anonymous Coward (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 6:23pm
      
      Re: Re: Re:
      He was barred from attempting to practice law in FL. Which made him filing his defamation suit there hysterical as he promised the FL bar he wouldn't even think of player lawyer there.
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      - Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 6:49pm
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re:
        I think he may have taken the word " practice" in the term " practice law" a little too literally. How people like this get a license in the first place is beyond me.
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        alanbleiweiss (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 7:07pm
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: Re:
        "I think he may have taken the word " practice" in the term " practice law" a little too literally"
        
        hahaha almost spit up my coffee on that one
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      - tqk (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 8:18pm
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re:
        He was barred from attempting to practice law in FL. Which made him filing his defamation suit there hysterical as he promised the FL bar he wouldn't even think of player lawyer there.
        
        Is that practicing law (he was his own client, I take it) or just availing himself of using the law to defend himself? Even douchebag lawyers have the right to defend themselves.
        
        BTW, I'm not defending them, exactly. I think this whole charde is just stunningly ridiculous. These bums made it through law school and were accredited by the Bar?!? What's wrong with law schools and the Bar that allows this crap to happen? No accountability on their part, whatsoever? This seems to happen over and over again.
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- DOlz, 11 Mar 2013 @ 5:53pm
  
  Re:
  If Judge Wright had called they would have been in the bathroom ... every time.
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Wally (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 6:24pm

I'm just wondering...isn't all this enough to actually get all these people at Prenda Law kicked out of the California Bar Association? I mean seriously, why haven't these clowns lost their licenses to practice law?!
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- Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 6:32pm
  
  Re:
  Disbarment isn't a fast process. In many states (including California IIRC), it permanently removes your ability to work and earn money in your chosen field, with no ability to be reinstated after you've rehabbed yourself. It takes all of those years of schooling and work and flushes them away, leaving you to try and find some other way to pay your bills.
  
  It has to be a deliberate process, to make sure that only lawyers who truly deserve to be disbarred are disbarred. They have to rule out the possibility that a long suspension or other disciplinary actions are inadequate.
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  - Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 6:33pm
    
    Re: Re:
    Err, adequate, not inadequate.
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    - G Thompson (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 10:23pm
      
      Re: Re: Re:
      I'm not saying a word on that slip-up *keeps mouth shut to busy laughing inside*
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That Anonymous Coward (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 6:43pm

I'm Casey Kasem and this is a very special Long Distance Dedication.
From John in IL to Brett in CA...
This is Taylor Swift's 'We Are Never Getting Back Together'
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jd2112 (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 7:05pm

I thought the First lesson, Day 1 in Law School
...was:

Do Not Piss Off The Judge.
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Ken, 11 Mar 2013 @ 7:14pm

SOON
Sent my draft to Mike. Up tonight, perhaps late.
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out_of_the_blue, 11 Mar 2013 @ 7:51pm

THREE HOURS SINCE PROMISED UPDATE!
Fanboys are holding their breath, Mike! Needz more NON-NEWS!

Take a loopy tour of Techdirt.com! You always end up at same place!
http://techdirt.com/
Why aren't you fanboys helping out Mike with links back to here as I do? What a bunch of innovation-less freeloaders!
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- Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 7:56pm
  
  Re: THREE HOURS SINCE PROMISED UPDATE!
  And once again the jackass proves that he can't do simple math. Keep on squirming, out_of_the_lube.
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- That One Guy (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 8:17pm
  
  Re: THREE HOURS SINCE PROMISED UPDATE!
  You know, as entertaining as it has been, and continues to be to watch all the scum at Prenda dance and squirm to avoid having to answer for their actions, almost as entertaining has been the actions of you and a few others, desperately, futility trying to act like nothing at all is happening, all the while trying to convince others of that 'fact'.
  
  Well, sorry to say Mr. Wizard, but the curtain has been pulled back, and everyone is getting a good look at the people, and actions behind it, no matter how much you might wish otherwise.
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- Rikuo (profile), 12 Mar 2013 @ 2:53am
  
  Re: THREE HOURS SINCE PROMISED UPDATE!
  So for someone who's repeatedly said that this story is boring and a waste of bandwidth...you sure are on tenter-hooks waiting for the latest news, aren't you?
  
  This is why no-body believes or even likes you. You constantly scream bloody murder at Mike and Techdirt, (often quite literally) but in reality, you keep coming back, you keep reading, because, deep down, you're one of us. You're a copyright hating person too...
  Actually scratch that. I sincerely hope not, because if you are one of us, you are capable of singlehandedly causing copyright abolition to fail simply through sheer incompetence and stupidity.
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Mike Masnick (profile), 11 Mar 2013 @ 8:42pm

Deep dive post
And... here's the deep dive post: http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130311/19422822287/deep-dive-analysis-brett-gibbs-gets-his-day-co urt-prenda-law-is-star.shtml
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Anonymous Coward, 11 Mar 2013 @ 9:47pm

Awesome! We need more jailhouse lawyers because we're in short supply.
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crashsuit (profile), 12 Mar 2013 @ 9:32am

I can't keep track of all the twists and turns. Can someone just let me know when the story comes out on DVD?
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