Northern District of California Sealing & Redaction Procedures

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

If the designating party determines a document is not entitled to protection, it must provide the filing party a version with confidentiality designations removed for filing.

If the designating party determines that the document is not entitled to protection, the designating party shall provide the filing party with a version of the document with the confidentiality designations removed for filing.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

The parties must file an omnibus sealing stipulation addressing all documents and portions sought to be sealed, with a chart identifying each document by a consistent identifier and its sealed docket entry or entries.

Omnibus Sealing Stipulation: Parties shall file an omnibus sealing stipulation addressing all documents and portions of documents sought to be sealed in connection with the underlying motion or other court filing. The omnibus sealing stipulation shall include: 1. A chart listing all documents requested to be seal. The chart shall identify: a. each document by a consistent identifier (e.g., Bates number) as well as by the docket entry(ies) at which it has been filed under seal;

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Each exhibit in the electronic copy must be bookmarked, and sealed or seal-sought material must be highlighted.

Each exhibit must be bookmarked, and sealed material or material sought to be filed under seal must be highlighted.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

A sealing request must be narrowly tailored to cover only sealable material.

The request is “narrowly tailored to seek sealing only of sealable material” and does not indiscriminately seek to seal documents or portions of documents which do not contain sealable material. CIVIL L.R. 79-5(c)(3).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

Parties must not submit chambers copies of the redacted versions of documents they seek to seal.

Parties shall not submit chambers copies of the redacted versions of documents they seek to seal.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

The sealing procedures apply to complex cases or motions involving considerable sealed material when the Court advises they should be followed, and parties may raise their applicability with the Court.

Parties shall adhere to the below sealing procedures for complex cases/motions where considerable material is being filed under seal. The Court will advise parties if such procedures should be followed, although they may also raise the applicability of the below procedures with the Court in the first instance.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

Parties must consistently use the same identifier when referring to a confidential document produced by a party or third party.

For ease of reference, the parties shall consistently use the same identifier (e.g., Bates number) when referring to a given document produced by a party or third party containing confidential information.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026INFO

A document filed entirely under seal does not require an additional docket entry with a cover page identifying it as sealed.

Note that if, like Ex. C above, a document is filed entirely under seal, there is no need to file an additional docket entry with a cover page indicating that it has been filed under seal, as under the standard procedures.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026INFO

A designating party that agrees with provisional sealing need take no action until the post-briefing omnibus sealing procedures.

If the designating party agrees with the proposed provisional sealing, no action is needed until the omnibus sealing procedures described in the Post-Briefing Omnibus Sealing Procedures.

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The Court requires strict compliance with Civil Local Rule 79-5. Public access to court records is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and justice system. The filing party must make a specific showing as to each statement or document to be sealed. Blanket requests that make generic reference to "competitive harm" are almost always insufficient. If a party files a request that is significantly overbroad or fails to provide a specific reason for sealing, the Court may deny the request in its entirety.

Summary: Strict compliance with Civil Local Rule 79-5 is required: the filing party must make a specific showing for each statement or document to be sealed, and overbroad or generic sealing requests may be denied in their entirety.

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Each document filed under seal must be highlighted to show the proposed redactions. If a party believes it is appropriate to seal an entire document, the filed document should be labeled to indicate that sealing is sought in full.

Summary: Documents filed under seal must be highlighted to show the proposed redactions, or labeled to indicate that sealing is sought in full.

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Criminal cases

You should follow the instructions carefully, including by completing all fields exactly as on the docket, and uploading sealed documents in a separate submission using the same process.

Summary: Sealed pretrial documents must be uploaded in a separate submission through the same Box.com process, with all fields completed exactly as on the docket.

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Each document filed under seal must be highlighted to show the proposed redactions.

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The Court requires strict compliance with Civil Local Rule 79-5 (with the exception of 79-5(d)(2), as explained below). The Court strongly disfavors motions to seal. Public access to court records is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and justice system. The filing party must make a specific showing as to each statement or document to be sealed. Blanket requests that make generic reference to "competitive harm" are almost always insufficient. If a party files a request that is significantly overbroad or fails to provide a specific reason for sealing, the Court will consider denying the request in its entirety and placing all documents sought to be sealed on the public docket.

Summary: Strict compliance with Civil Local Rule 79-5 is required; sealing is strongly disfavored, a specific showing is required for each statement or document to be sealed, and overbroad requests may be denied in their entirety with the documents placed on the public docket.

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Civil cases

You should follow the instructions carefully, including by completing all fields exactly as on the docket, and uploading sealed documents in a separate submission using the same process.

Summary: Sealed documents must be uploaded to Box.com in a separate submission using the same upload process.

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The Court requires strict compliance with Civil Local Rule 79-5 (with the exception of 79-5(d)(2), as explained below). The Court strongly disfavors motions to seal.

Summary: The Court requires strict compliance with Civil Local Rule 79-5 (except 79-5(d)(2)) and strongly disfavors motions to seal.

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Each document filed under seal must be highlighted to show the proposed redactions. In the rare situation where a party believes it is appropriate to seal an entire document, the document filed under seal should be labeled to indicate that sealing is sought in full.

Summary: Each document filed under seal must be highlighted to show proposed redactions, and a document for which sealing of the entire document is sought must be labeled accordingly.

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Civil cases

Any party seeking to file a document under seal must carefully review and comply with Civil Local Rule 79-5, except as that Rule is modified here for civil cases before Judge Thompson.

Summary: Any party filing a document under seal must comply with Civil Local Rule 79-5, as modified by this standing order for civil cases before Judge Thompson.

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Civil cases

In addition, any declaration by a Designating Party under Civil Local Rule 79-5(c)(3) that seeks less extensive sealing than its associated administrative motions to seal must be accompanied by revised redacted and unredacted versions of the documents sought to be sealed that comply with the requirements of Civil Local Rule 79-5(d) and (e), including the requirement that the portions sought to be sealed must be clearly marked on the unredacted version.

Summary: A Designating Party's declaration seeking less extensive sealing than its associated administrative motions to seal must be accompanied by revised redacted and unredacted versions of the documents, with the portions to be sealed clearly marked on the unredacted version.

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Civil cases

In the event that certain attachments have been filed under seal (or provisionally filed under seal with an accompanying motion to seal), only the unredacted versions of the attachments should be uploaded to Box.com. The PDF files should be named first with the docket number associated with the redacted version of the document and second with the document number associated with the unredacted/sealed version of the document.

Summary: For attachments filed under seal (or provisionally under seal), only unredacted versions are uploaded to Box.com, and the PDF files must be named with the redacted version's docket number first and the unredacted/sealed version's document number second.

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Civil cases

identifying what specific portion needs to be sealed, why the request is narrowly tailored and supported by compelling reasons, and why other measures would be insufficient. The Court can typically accommodate turning around the screens facing the gallery so exhibits may only be viewed by counsel and the witness, instructing the witness to testify without reading the confidential information out loud (e.g., referring to "paragraph 2 of exhibit 25 shown on the screen"), and allowing proposed redactions to the trial testimony and exhibits before releasing the public versions.

Summary: A request to seal trial material must identify the specific portions to be sealed, show narrow tailoring and compelling reasons, and explain why other measures are insufficient, though the Court can accommodate alternatives such as repositioning gallery screens, avoiding reading confidential information aloud, and redacting before public release.

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Civil cases

If sealed testimony is required, all sealed witness testimony will typically be scheduled to occur together on a single trial day, even if that disrupts testimony by requiring the recall of witnesses, so please consider if sealing is truly necessary.

Summary: Sealed witness testimony is typically scheduled together on a single trial day, even if witnesses must be recalled, so parties should consider whether sealing is truly necessary.

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If certain attachments have been filed under seal (or provisionally filed under seal with an accompanying motion to seal), only the unredacted versions of the attachments should be uploaded to Box.com. The PDF files should be named first with the docket number associated with the redacted version of the document and second with the document number associated with the unredacted/sealed version of the document. E.g., "[61-2] [62-2] Decl Doe Ex 1 - News Release." All attachments (sealed or unsealed) should then be organized so that they can be viewed in logical order.

Summary: Only unredacted versions of sealed attachments are uploaded to Box.com, named with both the redacted docket number and the sealed document number (e.g., [61-2] [62-2]), with all attachments organized in logical order.

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document at issue is appropriately filed electronically under seal in an unredacted form.

Summary: Partial sentence (continued from prior page's MOTIONS TO SEAL section) indicating the document at issue must be filed electronically under seal in unredacted form.

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a detailed fraud prevention plan, of which portions may be submitted under seal if necessary

Summary: Portions of the settlement administrator's detailed fraud prevention plan may be submitted under seal if necessary.

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Civil cases

Chambers copies in administrative motions to seal: As noted in paragraph 11 below, parties shall provide chambers copies of the unredacted documents with proposed redacted material highlighted only. Parties shall not submit chambers copies of the redacted versions of documents they seek to seal.

Summary: For administrative motions to seal, provide chambers copies of unredacted documents with proposed redactions highlighted; do not submit redacted versions.

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Civil cases

12. Motions to Seal. Parties shall adhere to the below sealing procedures for complex cases/motions where considerable material is being filed under seal. The Court will advise parties if such procedures should be followed, although they may also raise the applicability of the below procedures with the Court in the first instance.

Summary: Sealing procedures apply to complex cases/motions with considerable sealed material.

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Civil cases

Procedures for Filing Under Seal: If a party seeks to file a document under seal the filing party shall: a. File the primary motion, brief, or other docket item (the “Primary Entry”) as its own docket entry, per normal filing procedures.

Summary: File primary motion/brief as separate docket entry before sealing.

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Civil cases

b. If requesting that the Primary Entry or any attachment be sealed, do not include any attachments to the Primary Entry. 1 Immediately file a motion to file under seal using the event “Administrative Motion to File Under Seal” event (“Temporary Sealing Motion”).

Summary: File temporary sealing motion with all attachments when requesting seal.

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Civil cases

c. Service and Opportunity for Dedesignation i. The filing party shall serve all documents to be sealed upon all parties and on any designating third party whose confidential information is included.

Summary: Serve all sealed documents to parties and third parties with confidential info.

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Civil cases

ii. Within 10 calendar days of receiving service, each designating party or third party shall communicate with the filing party regarding the sealing designations made.

Summary: Designating parties have 10 days to respond to sealing designations.

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Civil cases

Post-Briefing Omnibus Sealing Procedures a. Within 14 calendar days following the conclusion of briefing on the motion or other filing 2 for which the sealing requests were made, the parties shall file, after the filing and designating parties meet and confer regarding the proposed sealing and redactions:

Summary: File omnibus sealing stipulation within 14 days after briefing concludes.

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Civil cases

For documents submitted in connection with administrative motions to seal, parties shall provide chambers copies of the unredacted documents with proposed redacted material highlighted, as required Civil Local Rule 79-5(d)(1)(D), only. Do not submit chambers copies of the redacted versions of documents sought to be sealed.

Summary: For administrative motions to seal, provide chambers with unredacted documents showing proposed redactions highlighted.

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As noted in paragraph 11 below, parties shall provide chambers copies of the unredacted documents with proposed redacted material highlighted only.

Summary: For administrative motions to seal, parties must provide chambers copies of unredacted documents with only the proposed redacted material highlighted.

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If a party seeks to file a document under seal the filing party shall: a. File the primary motion, brief, or other docket item (the “Primary Entry”) as its own docket entry, per normal filing procedures. i. If a party does not seek to seal anything in association with the Primary Entry, include all attachments to the primary item as usual. b. If requesting that the Primary Entry or any attachment be sealed, do not include any attachments to the Primary Entry. 1 Immediately file a motion to file under seal using the event “Administrative Motion to File Under Seal” event (“Temporary Sealing Motion”).

Summary: File the primary item as a separate docket entry; include attachments if nothing is sought to be sealed, but if sealing is requested, omit attachments and immediately file a separate Temporary Sealing Motion.

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The Temporary Sealing Motion shall include as attachments all items associated with the Primary Entry. The Temporary Sealing Motion shall: 1. State that the reasons for sealing will be addressed in a forthcoming omnibus motion. 2. Include a chart: a. Identifying each attachment by docket number and content. (e.g., Dkt. No. 101-3, Exhibit A to Motion for Relief, Sealed). b. Whether each contains the filing party’s confidential information or another party’s confidential information.

Summary: A Temporary Sealing Motion must attach all items associated with the Primary Entry, state that sealing reasons will be addressed in a forthcoming omnibus motion, and include a chart identifying each attachment and whose confidential information it contains.

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If the designating party believes a document may be filed with redactions (rather than entirely under seal) or with fewer redactions, the designating party shall provide the filing party with a redacted version of the document for filing. The filing party will then be responsible for providing the document to the Court in accordance with the Post-Briefing Omnibus Sealing Procedures.

Summary: If a designating party believes a document can be filed with redactions or fewer redactions, it must provide a redacted version to the filing party, who must provide it to the Court under the post-briefing procedures.

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Civil cases

Chambers copies in administrative motions to seal: As noted in paragraph 11 below, parties shall provide chambers copies of the unredacted documents with proposed redacted material highlighted only. Parties shall not submit chambers copies of the redacted versions of documents they seek to seal.

Summary: For administrative motions to seal, unredacted chambers copies must have proposed redactions highlighted; redacted versions do not require chambers copies.

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Civil cases

As a general matter, the parties are advised that the Court is not inclined to seal competitively sensitive information that is more than three years old, but it is inclined to seal personally identifiable information (“PII”) or protected health information (“PHI”). 12.1 Procedures for Filing Under Seal: If a party seeks to file a document under seal, the filing party shall: a. File the primary motion, brief, or other docket item (the “Primary Entry”) as its own docket entry, per normal filing procedures. b. If requesting that the Primary Entry or any attachment be sealed, do not include any attachments to the Primary Entry. For example, if a party wishes to redact confidential material included in its brief, the party must file the redacted version of the brief as the Primary Entry. Do not include exhibits or attachments to that entry. To file the sealed brief, exhibits, or attachments, next immediately file a motion to file under seal using the event “Administrative Motion to File Under Seal” event (“Temporary Sealing Motion”). i. The Temporary Sealing Motion shall include as attachments all items associated with the Primary Entry. Note that if, like Ex. C above, a document is filed entirely under seal, there is no need to file an additional docket entry with a cover page indicating that it has been filed under seal, as under the standard procedures.

Summary: Court inclined to seal PII/PHI; filing under seal requires redacted primary entry, Temporary Sealing Motion with attachments, and no additional docket entry for entirely sealed documents.

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Civil cases

Within 7 calendar days following the conclusion of briefing on the motion or other filing for which the sealing requests were made, the parties shall meet and confer regarding the proposed sealing and redactions. All Daubert motions shall be treated as one motion for purposes of this section. This means that though there may be numerous Daubert motions, parties shall file one Omnibus Sealing Stipulation and one set of Omnibus Sealing Motions, as described in this section. Similarly, cross-motions shall be treated as one motion. If the parties agree that a document was improperly sealed, or that redactions should be modified, the parties (and not the Clerk of Court) shall file those documents on the public docket after filing the omnibus sealing stipulation. To the extent the parties agree that information constitutes PHI or PII, the parties need not include this information in the sealing chart or proposed order.

Summary: Sealing procedures require meet and confer within 7 calendar days of briefing conclusion; one omnibus stipulation/motion covers all Daubert motions and cross-motions; parties (not Clerk) file improperly sealed documents on public docket after stipulation; agreed PHI/PII need not be in sealing chart or proposed order.

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Civil cases

Parties are reminded that court proceedings are presumptively public, and no document shall be filed under seal without request for a court order that is narrowly tailored to cover only the document, the particular portion of the document, or the category of documents for which good cause exists for filing under seal.

Summary: Documents presumptively public; sealing requires narrowly tailored court order with good cause.

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Civil cases

If a party wishes to file a document under seal, that party shall first file an administrative motion to seal in accordance with Local Rule 79-5 and include a proposed order which includes a chart in the following format:

Summary: Administrative motion to seal required under Local Rule 79-5 with proposed order chart.

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Civil cases

Motions to seal documents shall be filed in accordance with Civil Local Rule 79-5. In addition, each administrative motion filed pursuant to Civil Local Rule 79-5(c) and declaration filed pursuant to Civil Local Rule 79-5(f)(3) shall include a chart, in the format set forth below, which includes the following four columns: (1) ECF number or exhibit number of the document sought to be sealed; (2) description or name of the document sought to be sealed; (3) portion(s) of the document to seal; and (4) reason(s) why the document should be sealed, including citation to the applicable declaration. Each separate document for which sealing is sought shall have its own row in the table.

Summary: Sealing motions must include a chart with ECF/exhibit number, document description, portions to seal, and reasons for sealing.

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Civil cases

Once the Court adjudicates a sealing motion, if the redactions and sealing granted by the Court are narrower than what was redacted in the current public versions, the Filing Party shall refile public versions of the redacted or sealed document(s) within 7 days, unless the Filing Party submits a renewed sealing motion or a Designating Party submits a renewed declaration for any document in that filing.

Summary: Filing party must refile public versions within 7 days if Court's redactions are narrower than current public versions.

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Civil cases

When all or a portion of a substantive brief and/or supporting exhibits has been sealed, the chambers copy of the brief and/or supporting exhibits shall contain a complete set of the brief and/or supporting exhibits in unredacted form with any supporting exhibits organized sequentially. Any portions of the substantive brief and/or exhibits that have been sealed shall be highlighted in yellow. No chambers copies of redacted briefs or exhibits shall be delivered to the Court.

Summary: Sealed briefs/exhibits must be delivered unredacted with yellow highlighting; no redacted copies to Court.

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Parties are reminded that court proceedings are presumptively public, and no document shall be filed under seal without request for a court order that is narrowly tailored to cover only the document, the particular portion of the document, or category of documents which meet the applicable legal standard for sealing. To the extent that filings include under seal materials, chambers copies should include all material—both redacted and unredacted—so that the chambers staff does not have to re-assemble the whole brief or declaration, although chambers copies should clearly delineate which portions are confidential (via highlighting).

Summary: Sealing requires a narrowly tailored court order; chambers copies must include both redacted and unredacted material with confidential portions highlighted.

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Civil cases

The Court requires strict compliance with Civil Local Rule 79-5.

Summary: Strict compliance required with Civil Local Rule 79-5 for sealed documents.

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Civil cases

Each document filed under seal must be highlighted to show the proposed redactions. If a party believes it is appropriate to seal an entire document, the filed document should be labeled to indicate that sealing is sought in full.

Summary: Sealed documents must be highlighted to show proposed redactions.

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Civil cases

In addition to complying with Civil Local Rule 79-5, each motion to seal must include a chart, in the format set forth below, which includes the following columns: (1) ECF number or exhibit number of the document sought to be sealed; (2) description or name of the document sought to be sealed; (3) portion(s) of the document to seal; and (4) reason(s) why the document should be sealed, including citation to the applicable declaration.

Summary: Motions to seal must include a chart with specific columns.

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Criminal cases

For any documents submitted under seal, the parties shall provide a courtesy paper copy as required by Criminal Local Rule 56-1, and a courtesy electronic copy via flash drive. Chambers copies of sealing motions shall include only unredacted documents, with any proposed redactions highlighted.

Summary: Sealed documents require paper and electronic courtesy copies with highlighted redactions.

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Criminal cases

party must make a specific showing explaining why each document that it seeks to seal may justifiably be sealed and why the proposed redactions are as narrowly tailored as possible.

Summary: Parties must provide specific justification for sealing documents and narrowly tailored redactions.

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Civil cases

Any party seeking to file a document under seal must carefully review and comply with Civil Local Rule 79-5, except as that Rule is modified here for civil cases before Judge Gilliam.

Summary: Sealing requires compliance with Civil Local Rule 79-5 with judge-specific modifications.

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Civil cases

When submitting a motion to seal, the filing party must state whether the compelling reasons or good cause standard applies and explain why. See Kamakana v. City and Cnty. of Honolulu, 447 F.3d 1172, 1178-82 (9th Cir. 2006).

Summary: Motion to seal must specify which standard applies and provide explanation.

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Civil cases

The filing party must make a specific showing explaining why each document that it seeks to seal may justifiably be sealed and why the proposed redactions are as narrowly tailored as possible, rather than making blanket statements about the grounds for sealing. Generic and vague references to 'competitive harm' are almost always insufficient justification for sealing.

Summary: Must provide specific justification for sealing each document; generic 'competitive harm' claims insufficient.

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Civil cases

Any proposed order under Civil Local Rule 79-5(c)(3) must include in the table for each item sought to be sealed: (1) the docket numbers of the public and provisionally sealed versions of documents sought to be filed under seal; (2) the name of the document; (3) the specific portion(s) of the document sought to be filed under seal; and (4) the filer's reasons for seeking sealing of the material, along with citations to the relevant declarations and any supporting legal authority.

Summary: Proposed sealing order must include table with docket numbers, document names, specific portions, and sealing reasons with citations.

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Civil cases

include a new proposed order in the tabular format required by Civil Local Rule 79-5(c)(3) that includes the Designating Party's reasons for sealing the material. In addition, any declaration by a Designating Party under Civil Local Rule 79-5(c)(3) that seeks less extensive sealing than its associated administrative motions to seal must be accompanied by revised redacted and unredacted versions of the documents sought to be sealed that comply with the requirements of Civil Local Rule 79-5(d) and (e), including the requirement that the portions sought to be sealed must be clearly marked on the unredacted version.

Summary: Revised redacted/unredacted versions required for declarations seeking less extensive sealing than administrative motions.

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Civil cases

If a party wishes to file a document under seal, that party shall first file an administrative motion to seal in accordance with Local Rule 79-5.

Summary: Administrative motion to seal required before filing sealed documents.

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Criminal cases

Parties seeking to file a document under seal must follow the procedures required by the Criminal Local Rules. All documents under seal should be lodged with the Oakland Clerk's Office. The parties shall, however, submit a chambers copy of the documents under seal directly to this Court's San Francisco chambers in accordance with the above provision on chambers copies.

Summary: Sealed documents filed with Oakland Clerk's Office; chambers copy to San Francisco.

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Civil cases

Any party seeking to file a document under seal must carefully review and comply with Civil Local Rule 79-5, except as that Rule is modified here for civil cases before Judge Donato.

Summary: Documents must comply with Civil Local Rule 79-5 for sealing, with modifications for Judge Donato's cases.

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Civil cases

The declaration and proposed order required by Civil Local Rule 79-5(d)(1) must establish, with reference to appropriate authority, that each of the following requirements is met: a. The document or document portion is 'privileged, protectable as a trade secret or otherwise entitled to protection under the law.' Civil L.R. 79-5(b). (Note that '[r]eference to a stipulation or protective order that allows a party to designate certain documents as confidential is not sufficient to establish that a document, or portions thereof, are sealable.' Civil L.R. 79-5(d)(1)(A).)

Summary: Declaration must establish document is privileged, trade secret, or otherwise protected under law.

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Civil cases

The 'strong presumption of access to judicial records' may be rebutted under the appropriate legal standard, i.e., the 'good cause' or 'compelling reasons' standard. See Kamakana v. City and Cnty. of Honolulu, 447 F.3d 1172, 1178-82 (9th Cir. 2006) (discussing 'good cause' and 'compelling reasons' standards with respect to dispositive and non-dispositive motions). The declaration and proposed order must identify the appropriate standard and articulate why the materials to be sealed satisfy that standard. The reasons provided must be specific to the portions of the document sought to be sealed; '[s]imply mentioning a general category of privilege, without any further elaboration or any specific linkage with the documents, does not satisfy the burden.' Id. at 1184. Generic, non-specific reasons are not sufficient under either standard. See id. at 1180.

Summary: Must identify 'good cause' or 'compelling reasons' standard and provide specific reasons for sealing.

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Civil cases

Any proposed order under Civil Local Rule 79-5(d)(1)(B) must include in the table for each item sought to be sealed the filer's reasons for seeking sealing of the material, along with citations to the relevant declarations.

Summary: Proposed order must include table with reasons and citations for each sealed item.

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Civil cases

Any declaration by a Designating Party under Civil Local Rule 79-5(e)(1) must include a new proposed order in the tabular format required by Civil Local Rule 79-5(d)(1)(B) that includes the Designating Party's reasons for sealing the material. In addition, any declaration by a Designating Party under Civil Local Rule 79-5(e)(1) that seeks less extensive

Summary: Designating Party must include new proposed order with reasons in tabular format.

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Civil cases

Any declaration, whether under Civil Local Rule 79-5(d)(1)(A) or (e)(1), that claims confidentiality obligations to a non-party as a basis for sealing a document or a portion of a document must be served on the non-party as set forth in Civil Local Rule 79-5(e).

Summary: Declarations claiming confidentiality to non-parties must be served on those non-parties.

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Civil cases

The non-party must also be notified that it must comply with the procedures set forth in that rule for Designating Parties, except that the non-party will have four days from service of the declaration -- rather than four days from the filing of the administrative motion to seal -- to file a declaration under Civil Local Rule 79-5(e)(1).

Summary: Non-parties have 4 days from declaration service to file their own declaration.

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Civil cases

All portions of documents sought to be sealed must be clearly marked on the unredacted versions of documents submitted to the Court, as required by Civil Local Rule 79-5(d)(1)(D). The Court emphasizes this requirement, because it is usually ignored.

Summary: Sealed document portions must be clearly marked on unredacted versions.

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Civil cases

The later combined motion to seal that is filed should clearly identify the docket numbers of the prior motions to seal that are superseded by the combined motion.

Summary: Combined motion to seal must identify superseded prior motions.

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Civil cases

If the Court determines that the parties should have followed this procedure but did not, it will deny the motions to seal without prejudice.

Summary: Failure to follow combined motion procedure results in denial without prejudice.

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Civil cases

Electronic copies of sealed documents are required when a filed document consists of multiple parts and includes more than one part sought to be filed under seal—for example, a declaration with six exhibits, three of which are sought to be filed under seal. Parties must submit a single PDF of the entire document either by (a) following the instructions for Uploading Digital Exhibits available at https://cand.uscourts.gov/attorneys/attorney-practice-resources, using the “Chambers Copies ONLY” Case Type, and selecting the “SEALED” dropdown in the box under “Case Name” or (b) contacting the Courtroom Deputy at jstcrd@cand.uscourts.gov to arrange a different method of delivery (e.g., sharing a secured file link).

Summary: Sealed documents with multiple parts require single PDF via Chambers Copies ONLY case type or email to Courtroom Deputy.

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Civil cases

Each exhibit must be bookmarked, and sealed material or material sought to be filed under seal must be highlighted. Where possible, the PDF must bear the ECF stamp (case number, document number, date, and page number) at the top of each page.

Summary: Sealed document exhibits must be bookmarked and sealed material highlighted; PDF should have ECF stamp.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Electronic copies of sealed documents are required when a filed document consists of multiple parts and includes more than one part sought to be filed under seal—for example, a declaration with six exhibits, three of which are sought to be filed under seal.

Summary: When a multi-part filing has more than one part sought to be sealed, an electronic copy of the sealed documents is required.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Parties must submit a single PDF of the entire document either by (a) following the instructions for Uploading Digital Exhibits available at https://cand.uscourts.gov/attorneys/attorney-practice-resources, using the “Chambers Copies ONLY” Case Type, and selecting the “SEALED” dropdown in the box under “Case Name” or (b) contacting the Courtroom Deputy at jstcrd@cand.uscourts.gov to arrange a different method of delivery (e.g., sharing a secured file link).

Summary: For covered multi-part sealed filings, parties must submit one PDF of the entire document using the stated upload process or contact the Courtroom Deputy to arrange another delivery method.

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Civil cases

The Court ordinarily does not grant leave to file motions in limine under seal.

Summary: Motions in limine are presumptively not sealed; leave to file under seal is ordinarily not granted.

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Civil cases

Electronic copies of sealed documents are required when a filed document consists of multiple parts and includes more than one part sought to be filed under seal—for example, a declaration with six exhibits, three of which are sought to be filed under seal. Parties must submit a single PDF of the entire document either by (a) following the instructions for Uploading Digital Exhibits available at https://cand.uscourts.gov/attorneys/attorney-practice-resources, using the “Chambers Copies ONLY” Case Type, and selecting the “SEALED” dropdown in the box under “Case Name” or (b) contacting the Courtroom Deputy at jstcrd@cand.uscourts.gov to arrange a different method of delivery (e.g., sharing a secured file link). Each exhibit must be bookmarked, and sealed material or material sought to be filed under seal must be highlighted. Where possible, the PDF must bear the ECF stamp (case number, document number, date, and page number) at the top of each page.

Summary: For documents with multiple parts including more than one sealed part, a single PDF of the entire document must be submitted via the specified upload process or by contacting the courtroom deputy; exhibits must be bookmarked, sealed material highlighted, and ECF stamp included if possible.

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Civil cases

If a Designating Party seeks less extensive sealing than a motion filed under Civil Local Rule 79-5(f), that party must file revised redacted and unredacted versions of the documents sought to be sealed, as well as a revised proposed order.

Summary: Parties seeking less extensive sealing than Civil Local Rule 79-5(f) must file revised redacted, unredacted, and proposed order documents.

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Civil cases

Unredacted versions of all documents sought to be partially filed under seal “must highlight the portions for which sealing is sought.” Civil L.R. 79-5(e)(2). If the document contains information sought to be sealed by multiple parties, a different color highlighting should be used to indicate the material designated by each party.

Summary: Unredacted partially sealed documents must highlight portions sought to be sealed, with different colors for multiple parties' designations.

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Civil cases

Electronic copies of sealed documents are required when a filed document consists of multiple parts and includes more than one part sought to be filed under seal—for example, a declaration with six exhibits, three of which are sought to be filed under seal. Parties must submit a single PDF of the entire document either by (a) following the instructions for Uploading Digital Exhibits available at https://cand.uscourts.gov/attorneys/attorney-practice-resources, using the “Chambers Copies ONLY” Case Type, and selecting the “SEALED” dropdown in the box under different method of delivery (e.g., sharing a secured file link).

Summary: Sealed documents with multiple parts under seal must be submitted as a single PDF via Uploading Digital Exhibits instructions or secured file link.

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Criminal cases

Parties are reminded that court proceedings are presumptively public, and no document shall be filed under seal without request for a court order that is narrowly tailored to cover only the document, the portion of the document, or the category of documents for which good cause exists for filing under seal.

Summary: Documents cannot be filed under seal without a narrowly tailored court order showing good cause.

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Civil cases

Parties are reminded that court proceedings are presumptively public, and no document shall be filed under seal without request for a court order that is narrowly tailored to cover only the document, the particular portion of the document, or the category of documents for which good cause exists for filing under seal. Motions to seal documents shall be filed in accordance with Civil Local Rule 79-5. In addition, each administrative motion filed pursuant to Civil Local Rule 79-5(c) and declaration filed pursuant to Civil Local Rule 79-5(f)(3) shall include a chart, in the format set forth below, which includes the following four columns: (1) ECF number of the document sought to be sealed; (2) description or name of the document sought to be sealed; (3) portion(s) of the document to seal; and (4) reason(s) why the document should be sealed, including citation to the applicable declaration. Each separate document for which sealing is sought shall have its own row in the table.

Summary: Motions to seal must comply with Civil Local Rule 79-5 and include a chart with four columns (ECF number, description, portions to seal, reasons).

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Criminal cases

Parties are reminded that court proceedings are presumptively public, and no document shall be filed under seal without request for a court order that is narrowly tailored to cover only the document, the portion of the document, or the category of documents for which good cause exists for filing under seal.

Summary: Documents cannot be filed under seal without court order showing good cause.

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Civil cases

Motions to seal documents shall be filed in accordance with Civil Local Rule 79-5. In addition, each administrative motion filed pursuant to Civil Local Rule 79-5(c) and declaration filed pursuant to Civil Local Rule 79-5(f)(3) shall include a chart, in the format set forth below, which includes the following four columns: (1) ECF number of the document sought to be sealed; (2) description or name of the document sought to be sealed; (3) portion(s) of the document to seal; and (4) reason(s) why the document should be sealed, including citation to the applicable declaration. Each separate document for which sealing is sought shall have its own row in the table.

Summary: Motions to seal must include a chart with ECF number, document description, portions to seal, and reasons for sealing.

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Civil cases

Any motion to seal must comply with Local Rule 79-5 and state whether the compelling reasons or good cause standard applies and why. Make arguments specific to the portions of documents sought to be sealed. Blanket or generic statements like 'competitive harm' are almost never sufficient.

Summary: Sealing motions must comply with Local Rule 79-5 and provide specific arguments for sealing.

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Civil cases

Highlight proposed redactions to any documents sought to be filed partially under seal. Label documents sought to be entirely sealed accordingly.

Summary: Highlight redactions for partially sealed documents and label entirely sealed documents.

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Civil cases

If the briefing on a substantive motion includes multiple sealing motions, Judge Pitts requires a single joint motion that consolidates all requests.

Summary: Multiple sealing motions must be consolidated into a single joint motion.

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Civil cases

If certain attachments have been filed under seal (or provisionally filed under seal with an accompanying motion to seal), only the unredacted versions of the attachments should be uploaded to Box.com.

Summary: For sealed attachments, only unredacted versions should be uploaded to Box.com.

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Civil cases

The Court requires strict compliance with Civil Local Rule 79-5 (with the exception of 79-5(d)(2), as explained below).

Summary: Strict compliance with Civil Local Rule 79-5 is required, except for 79-5(d)(2).

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Civil cases

Each document filed under seal must be highlighted to show the proposed redactions.

Summary: Documents filed under seal must be highlighted to show proposed redactions.

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The Court requires strict compliance with Civil Local Rule 79-5 (with the exception of 79-5(d)(2), as explained below). The Court strongly disfavors motions to seal. Public access to court records is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and justice system.

Summary: Motions to seal require strict compliance with Civil Local Rule 79-5 (except 79-5(d)(2)), and are strongly disfavored.

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If certain attachments have been filed under seal (or provisionally filed under seal with an accompanying motion to seal), only the unredacted versions of the attachments should be uploaded to Box.com. The PDF files should be named first with the docket number associated with the redacted version of the document and second with the document number associated with the unredacted/sealed version of the document. E.g., “[61-2] [62-2] Decl Doe Ex 1 - News Release.” All attachments (sealed or unsealed) should then be organized so that they can be viewed in logical order.

Summary: Sealed attachments uploaded to Box.com must be unredacted, named with redacted then sealed docket numbers, organized logically.

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The filing party must make a specific showing as to each statement or document to be sealed. Blanket requests that make generic reference to “competitive harm” are almost always insufficient. If a party files a request that is significantly overbroad or fails to provide a specific reason for sealing, the Court will consider denying the request in its entirety and placing all documents sought to be sealed on the public docket.

Summary: Each sealed item requires a specific showing; blanket requests are insufficient and may be denied entirely.

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Each document filed under seal must be highlighted to show the proposed redactions. In the rare situation where a party believes it is appropriate to seal an entire document, the document filed under seal should be labeled to indicate that sealing is sought in full.

Summary: Sealed documents must be highlighted to show redactions; fully sealed documents must be labeled as such.

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If counsel has a complicated sealing motion, counsel shall file the Motion to Seal Summary Table linked under the Standing Orders tab of Judge Lin’s website. Also, if more than 10 documents are sought to be sealed, the filing party must deliver an electronic courtesy copy via Judge Lin’s chambers’ Box.com storage as detailed above.

Summary: Complicated sealing motions require the Motion to Seal Summary Table; more than 10 sealed documents require Box.com upload.

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a detailed fraud prevention plan, of which portions may be submitted under seal if necessary and which shall include a discussion of the availability of real-time fraud reporting, assessments to detect if an unusual number of payments are being sent to linked accounts, and measures taken to avoid unnecessary hurdles for valid claimants;

Summary: Portions of the fraud prevention plan in settlement administrator declarations may be submitted under seal if necessary.

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If the lodestar is on the high side in light of the stage of the case, attorneys should support their motion with detailed billing records, which they may seek to file under seal.

Summary: Attorneys with high lodestar motions must include detailed billing records, which may be filed under seal via motion to seal.

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Civil cases

Required

Always ?

The Court requires strict compliance with Civil Local Rule 79-5 (with the exception of 79-5(d)(2), as explained below).

Summary: Strict compliance with Civil Local Rule 79-5 is required, except for section 79-5(d)(2).

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Civil cases

Required

Always ?

Each document filed under seal must be highlighted to show the proposed redactions.

Summary: Documents filed under seal must be highlighted to show proposed redactions.

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Civil cases

In the event that certain attachments have been filed under seal (or provisionally filed under seal with an accompanying motion to seal), only the unredacted versions of the attachments should be uploaded to Box.com. The PDF files should be named first with the docket number associated with the redacted version of the document and second with the document number associated with the unredacted/sealed version of the document.

Summary: For sealed attachments, upload only unredacted versions to Box.com and name files with both redacted and unredacted docket numbers.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

In the event that certain attachments have been filed under seal (or provisionally filed under seal with an accompanying motion to seal), only the unredacted versions of the attachments should be uploaded to Box.com. The PDF files should be named first with the docket number associated with the redacted version of the document and second with the document number associated with the unredacted/sealed version of the document.

Summary: For sealed attachments, upload only unredacted versions to Box.com with dual docket numbering.

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Civil cases

identifying what specific portion needs to be sealed, why the request is narrowly tailored and supported by compelling reasons, and why other measures would be insufficient.

Summary: Sealed exhibit requests must specify portions, explain narrow tailoring, and why other measures insufficient

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Any party seeking to file a document under seal must carefully review and comply with Civil Local Rule 79-5, except as that Rule is modified here for civil cases before Judge Thompson. Any non-confirming Motion to Seal may be summarily terminated by the Court.

Summary: Documents under seal must comply with Civil Local Rule 79-5 (modified for Judge Thompson); non-conforming motions may be summarily terminated.

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Civil cases

The filing party must make a specific showing explaining why each document that it seeks to seal may justifiably be sealed and why the proposed redactions are as narrowly tailored as possible, rather than making blanket statements about the grounds for sealing. Generic and vague references to “competitive harm” are almost always insufficient justification for sealing.

Summary: Filing party must provide specific justification for sealing each document with narrowly tailored redactions

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Civil cases

Any proposed order under Civil Local Rule 79-5(c)(3) must include in the table for each item sought to be sealed: (1) the docket numbers of the public and provisionally sealed versions of documents sought to be filed under seal; (2) the name of the document; (3) the specific portion(s) of the document sought to be filed under seal; and (4) the filer’s reasons for seeking sealing of the material, along with citations to the relevant declarations and any supporting legal authority.

Summary: Proposed order for sealing must include table with docket numbers, document names, portions, and sealing reasons

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Any declaration by a Designating Party under Civil Local Rule 79-5(f)(3) must include a new proposed order in the tabular format required by Civil Local Rule 79-5(c)(3) that includes the Designating Party’s reasons for sealing the material. In addition, any declaration by a Designating Party under Civil Local Rule 79-5(c)(3) that seeks less extensive sealing than its associated administrative motions to seal must be accompanied by revised redacted and unredacted versions of the documents sought to be sealed that comply with the requirements of Civil Local Rule 79-5(d) and (e), including the requirement that the portions sought to be sealed must be clearly marked on the unredacted version.

Summary: Designating Party declarations must include tabular proposed order and revised redacted/unredacted versions

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Criminal cases

Parties seeking to file a document under seal must follow the procedures required by the Criminal Local Rules. All documents under seal should be lodged with the San Francisco Clerk’s Office and the parties shall submit a chambers copy of the documents under seal.

Summary: Sealed documents must follow Criminal Local Rules and be lodged with SF Clerk's Office with chambers copy.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Designating Party under Civil Local Rule 79-5(c)(3) that seeks less extensive sealing than its associated administrative motions to seal must be accompanied by revised redacted and unredacted versions of the documents sought to be sealed that comply with the requirements of Civil Local Rule 79-5(d) and (e), including the requirement that the portions sought to be sealed must be clearly marked on the unredacted version.

Summary: Designating Parties under Civil Local Rule 79-5(c)(3) seeking less extensive sealing than associated administrative motions to seal must include compliant redacted and unredacted document versions with sealed portions clearly marked on unredacted copies.

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Civil cases

the document at issue is appropriately filed electronically under seal in an unredacted form.

Summary: Documents filed under seal must be submitted electronically in unredacted form.

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Civil cases

When submitting a motion to seal, the filing party must state whether the compelling reasons or good cause standard applies and explain why.

Summary: Filing parties must state the applicable sealing standard and explain its application when submitting a motion to seal.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

The filing party must make a specific showing explaining why each document that it seeks to seal may justifiably be sealed and why the proposed redactions are as narrowly tailored as possible, rather than making a blanket statement about the grounds for sealing. Generic and vague references to “competitive harm” are almost always insufficient justification for sealing. If a party files a request to seal that is significantly overbroad and/or does not provide adequate reasons for concealing information from the public, the party bears the risk that the Court will simply deny the request in its entirety and place all documents sought to be sealed on the public docket.

Summary: Motions to seal require a specific per-document showing for narrow redactions; overbroad or vague requests risk denial and public docketing of all sought documents.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Each document filed under seal must be highlighted to show the proposed redactions. In the rare situation where a party believes it is appropriate to seal an entire document, the document filed under seal should be labeled to indicate that sealing is sought in full.

Summary: Sealed documents must be highlighted to show proposed redactions; entirely sealed documents must be labeled as such.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

The Court requires strict compliance with Civil Local Rule 79-5 (with the exception of 79-5(d)(2), as explained below).

Summary: Strict compliance required with Civil Local Rule 79-5, except for 79-5(d)(2).

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The Court requires strict compliance with Civil Local Rule 79-5 (with the exception of 79-5(d)(2), as explained below).

Summary: Strict compliance required with Civil Local Rule 79-5 (except 79-5(d)(2)).

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Criminal cases

For any documents submitted under seal, the parties shall upload unredacted copies to an online location designated by the Clerk's office.

Summary: Parties must upload unredacted copies of sealed documents to an online location designated by the Clerk's office.

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Criminal cases

The filing party must make a specific showing explaining why each document that it seeks to seal may justifiably be sealed and why the proposed redactions are as narrowly tailored as possible.

Summary: Filing party must make a specific showing explaining why sealing is justified and redactions are narrowly tailored.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Criminal cases

For any documents submitted under seal, the parties shall provide a courtesy paper copy, as required by Criminal Local Rule 56-1, and a courtesy electronic copy. The electronic copy may be provided via a portable flash drive, email, or compact disk.

Summary: Sealed documents require paper and electronic courtesy copies.

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Criminal cases

Federal courts are paid for by the public, and the public has the right to inspect court records, subject to only narrow exceptions. The filing party must make a specific showing explaining why each document that it seeks to seal may justifiably be sealed and why the proposed redactions are as narrowly tailored as possible.

Summary: Filing party must justify sealing with specific showing and narrow redactions.

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Criminal cases

The parties should highlight any proposed redactions on the unredacted version of the document.

Summary: Proposed redactions must be highlighted on unredacted document.

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Civil cases

If parties believe a protective order is necessary, they shall when practicable use one of the model protective orders, available at https://cand.uscourts.gov/rules-forms-fees/northern-district-guidelines/model-protective-orders. When parties ask the Court to approve a stipulated protective order, they must file with the proposed order either (i) a statement in which they confirm that the proposed protective order doesn’t differ in any respect from the model order, or (ii) a redline comparing the proposed protective order with the model order,

Summary: Protective orders should use model orders when practicable; redline required if differing from model.

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Civil cases

For sealed filings, chambers copies should include only the unredacted version of the filing with redactions highlighted.

Summary: Sealed filings require unredacted chambers copies with redactions highlighted.

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Civil cases

Parties are reminded that court proceedings are presumptively public. Any request to file a document under seal must comply with Civil Local Rule 79-5.

Summary: Documents are presumptively public; sealing requires compliance with Local Rule 79-5

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Any request to file a document under seal must comply with Civil Local Rule 79-5.

Summary: Any request to file under seal must comply with Civil Local Rule 79-5.

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Any party seeking to file a document under seal must comply with Civil Local Rule 79-5. The motion shall include a statement by the moving party that it has reviewed and complied with that rule. If the sole basis for the motion is that the opposing party, or a non-party, has designated the document "confidential," the designating party shall file a declaration identifying the appropriate legal standard, i.e., the good cause standard or the compelling reasons standard, and demonstrating why the document at issue meets the applicable legal standard. The declaration shall be filed by the deadline specified in Civil Local Rule 79-5(e)(1).

Summary: Sealing requires compliance with Local Rule 79-5 and declaration if based on confidentiality designation.

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Civil cases

(d) For motions to file under seal, the parties are reminded that court proceedings are presumptively public, and no document shall be filed under seal without request for a court order that is narrowly tailored to cover only the document, the particular portion of the document, or category of documents that is sealable under the governing legal standard. If a party wishes to file a document under seal, that party shall first file an administrative motion to seal in accordance with L.R. 79-5.

Summary: Court proceedings presumptively public; seal requests require narrowly tailored court order via L.R. 79-5 administrative motion.

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Civil cases

(g) For motions to seal, the parties need only provide a courtesy copy of the unredacted version of the document sought to be filed under seal. The unredacted version must indicate, by highlighting or other clear method, the portions of the document that have been omitted from the redacted version, and prominently display the notation “UNREDACTED VERSION OF DOCUMENT(S) SOUGHT TO BE SEALED.” The unredacted copy must be presented in the same form as if no sealing order was being sought. In other words, if a party is seeking to file under seal one or more exhibits to a declaration, or portions thereof, the chambers copy should include the declaration with both exhibits that require no redaction and the exhibits that require redaction.

Summary: For motions to seal, provide unredacted chambers copy with highlighted redacted portions and 'UNREDACTED VERSION' notation.

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Civil cases

so, provide the docket numbers of the request and order on the request, and identify whether the request was granted or denied. Parties shall also submit by email to PHKpo@cand.uscorts.gov a complete unredacted chambers copy of any brief or supporting papers lodged under seal with all confidential material highlighted or otherwise clearly indicating which portions the Parties seek to seal.

Summary: For sealed filings, provide docket numbers and email unredacted chambers copy with confidential material highlighted.

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Civil cases

Parties shall not submit redacted versions of the documents that they seek to seal as chambers copies.

Summary: Do not submit redacted versions as chambers copies for sealed documents.

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Civil cases

If a party wishes to file a document under seal, that party shall first file a written request for a sealing order setting forth the good cause and accompanied by a proposed order, as provided by Civil L.R. 79-5.

Summary: Documents under seal require written request with good cause and proposed order

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

If a party wishes to file a document under seal, that party shall first file a written request for a sealing order setting forth the good cause and accompanied by a proposed order, as provided by Civil L.R. 79-5.

Summary: To file under seal, first submit a written request with good cause showing and a proposed order.

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Any party who submits a request to file under seal pursuant to Civil Local Rule 79-5 shall include a statement to inform the Court: (1) whether the document, or portion thereof, has been the subject of a previous request to file under seal; and (2) if so, provide the docket numbers of the request and order on the request, and describe whether the request was granted or denied. Parties shall also submit a complete unredacted chambers copy of any brief or supporting papers lodged under seal with all confidential material highlighted. Parties are admonished that all requests to seal shall be narrowly tailored to seal only those specific portions that the parties contend are confidential.

Summary: Sealing requests must include prior request history and unredacted chambers copy with highlighted confidential material.

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Civil cases

All stipulated protective orders and filings shall comply with Civil Local Rule 79-5. Any party who submits a request to file under seal pursuant to Civil Local Rule 79-5 shall include a statement to inform the Court: (1) whether the document, or portion thereof, has been the subject of a previous request to file under seal; and (2) if so, provide the docket numbers of the request and order on the request, and describe whether the request was granted or denied. Parties shall also submit a complete unredacted chambers copy of any brief or supporting papers lodged under seal with all confidential material highlighted.

Summary: Sealing requests must include prior request history and unredacted chambers copy.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

The parties are reminded that court proceedings are presumptively public. Any request to file a document under seal must comply with Civil Local Rule 79-5.

Summary: Documents presumptively public; sealing requests must comply with Local Rule 79-5

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Parties are reminded that court proceedings are presumptively public, and no document shall be filed under seal without request for a court order that is narrowly tailored to cover only the document, the particular portion of the document, or category of documents which meet the applicable legal standard for sealing.

Summary: Documents may only be filed under seal with narrowly tailored court order meeting legal standard.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

To the extent that filings include under seal materials, chambers copies should include all material—both redacted and unredacted—so that the chambers staff does not have to re-assemble the whole brief or declaration, although chambers copies should clearly delineate which portions are confidential (via highlighting).

Summary: Chambers copies of sealed filings must include both redacted and unredacted materials with confidential portions highlighted.

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Civil cases

All Motions to Seal relating to any civil matter assigned to Judge Davila must strictly comply with Civil Local Rule 79-5 and this Standing Order. Any non-conforming Motion to Seal may be summarily terminated by the Court.

Summary: Motions to seal must comply with Civil Local Rule 79-5 and this Standing Order.

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Civil cases

One Motion per Pleading: A separate Motion to Seal must be filed for every pleading sought to be sealed. Omnibus Motions to Seal which seek to seal numerous pleadings shall not be filed.

Summary: Separate Motion to Seal required for each pleading; omnibus motions prohibited.

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Civil cases

When the subject of a sealing request is a motion (such as a Motion to Dismiss or Motion for Summary Judgment), the moving party must file the redacted version of the motion sought to sealed as a separate docket entry on ECF simultaneously with the Motion to Seal. This separate filing shall occur in addition to attaching the redacted version to the Motion to Seal. The moving party shall choose the “motion” event type when uploading the redacted copy to ECF and shall input the reserved hearing date for the motion sought to be sealed.

Summary: Redacted motion must be filed as separate ECF entry when sealing a motion.

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Civil cases

Parties shall not submit redacted versions of the documents that the parties seek to seal as chambers copies. Chambers copies of unredacted documents shall clearly indicate which portions the parties seek to seal.

Summary: Do not submit redacted versions as chambers copies; unredacted copies must indicate sealed portions.

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Civil cases

When all or a portion of a filing has been sealed, the parties shall submit only the unredacted version of that filing. Chambers copies of unredacted documents shall clearly indicate the portions that are subject to sealing orders.

Summary: For sealed filings, submit only unredacted version; indicate sealed portions.

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Parties shall also submit a complete unredacted chambers copy of any brief or supporting papers lodged under seal with all confidential material highlighted.

Summary: Unredacted chambers copy with highlighted confidential material required for sealed filings.

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Before designating any specific information “Confidential” or “Confidential-Attorneys’ Eyes Only,” the designating party’s counsel shall make a good faith determination that the information warrants protection under Rule 26(c) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The burden of establishing confidentiality shall be on the designating party.

Summary: Good faith determination required before designating information as confidential.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Any party seeking to file material under seal must comply with this Order and Civil Local Rule 79-5.

Summary: Any party seeking to file material under seal must comply with the Standing Order and Civil Local Rule 79-5.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

If parties are asked to provide chambers copies of documents filed under seal, the chambers copies with confidential materials will be handled like all other chambers copies of materials without special restriction, and will typically be recycled, not shredded. If the parties wish to dispose of documents filed under seal in some other way, they must expressly indicate as much in their sealing motion and make arrangements to pick up the documents upon disposition of the motion.

Summary: Chambers copies of sealed documents are recycled unless parties request otherwise.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

The Court ordinarily does not grant leave to file motions in limine under seal.

Summary: Court rarely grants leave to file motions in limine under seal

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

Civil cases

Where possible, the PDF must bear the ECF stamp (case number, document number, date, and page number) at the top of each page.

Summary: Where possible, the PDF of sealed documents must bear the specified ECF stamp at the top of every page.

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Civil cases

The Court ordinarily does not grant leave to file motions in limine under seal.

Summary: Motions in limine are ordinarily not allowed to be filed under seal.

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Civil cases

In addition to the requirements of Civil Local Rule 79-5, only for the most compelling reasons will the Court grant a sealing request covering information that relates to potential hazards to the health, safety, or well-being of the public.

Summary: Sealing requests for information related to public health/safety hazards will only be granted for the most compelling reasons.

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Civil cases

If sealed testimony is required, all sealed witness testimony will typically be scheduled to occur together on a single trial day, even if that disrupts testimony by requiring the recall of witnesses, so please consider if sealing is truly necessary.

Summary: Sealed testimony scheduled together on single trial day, may require witness recall

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Civil cases

The Court ordinarily does not grant leave to file motions in limine under seal.

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Civil cases

The Court almost always denies motions to seal because they are almost always without merit. Parties that submit frivolous motions to seal or frivolously overbroad motions will be sanctioned. See Nevro Corp. v. Boston Scientific Corp., 2018 WL 2111164 (N.D. Cal. May 8, 2018). Federal courts are paid for by the public, and the public has the right to inspect court records, subject only to narrow exceptions.

Summary: Motions to seal are almost always denied and may result in sanctions if frivolous.

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The Court almost always denies motions to seal because they are almost always without merit. Parties that submit frivolous motions to seal or frivolously overbroad motions will be sanctioned.

Summary: Motions to seal are almost always denied and frivolous submissions will be sanctioned.

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Criminal cases

The parties should highlight any proposed redactions on the unredacted version of the document.

Summary: Parties should highlight proposed redactions on the unredacted version of the document.

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Civil cases

The contents of this confidential statement will not be disclosed to the other parties.

Summary: The confidential statement filed by defendants regarding inability to pay will not be disclosed to other parties.

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Where a plaintiff seeks review of a decision by the Commissioner of Social Security denying plaintiff Social Security benefits, the parties should use only the initials of the plaintiff in their pleadings to protect the plaintiff's privacy.

Summary: In Social Security cases, parties should use only the plaintiff's initials in pleadings to protect privacy.

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Civil cases

The court will not approve a broad protective order that essentially gives each party carte blanche to decide which portions of the record will be sealed and, therefore, not made part of the public record.

Summary: Broad protective orders giving parties sealing discretion will not be approved

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Civil cases

Any document will lose its confidential status if offered as an exhibit at trial, absent a showing of the 'most compelling' reasons.

Summary: Confidential documents lose protection when offered as trial exhibits without compelling reasons

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Civil cases

Confidential and/or sealed documents shall be handled in accordance with this court's standing order and Civil L.R. 79-5, both of which the parties shall consult before moving for a protective order or requesting a sealing order. Requests to seal documents used in conjunction with dispositive motions are rarely granted and then only upon a showing of the most compelling of reasons.

Summary: Sealed documents must follow court's standing order and Civil L.R. 79-5; sealing requests for dispositive motions are rarely granted.

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Civil cases

If parties are asked to provide chambers copies of documents filed under seal, the chambers copies with confidential materials will be handled like all other chambers copies of materials without special restriction, and will typically be recycled, not shredded.

Summary: Chambers copies of sealed documents handled like regular copies, typically recycled not shredded.

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Civil cases

If the parties wish to dispose of documents filed under seal in some other way, they must expressly indicate as much in their sealing motion and make arrangements to pick up the documents upon disposition of the motion.

Summary: Alternative disposal of sealed documents requires express indication in sealing motion.

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Civil cases

If the parties anticipate that this paragraph will apply to a round of briefing, they may indicate in the initial motion to file under seal that accompanies a brief or other document as it is lodged under seal on the docket, that a more fulsome and revised motion to seal will be forthcoming after the completion of briefing pursuant to this paragraph of the Standing Order.

Summary: Initial motion to seal can indicate a combined motion will follow after briefing.

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Civil cases

The Court ordinarily does not grant leave to file motions in limine under seal.

Summary: Court generally does not allow motions in limine to be filed under seal.

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Civil cases

Required

Always ?

In the rare situation where a party believes it is appropriate to seal an entire document, the document filed under seal should be labeled to indicate that sealing is sought in full.

Summary: Documents sought to be sealed in full must be labeled as such.