Licensing Practices Not Protected from Discovery by Attorney-Client Privilege

The court granted in part plaintiff's motion to compel the production of licensing documents defendant withheld as privileged. "Plaintiff requests 'All Documents Relating To [defendant’s] corporate licensing policy or procedures.” “Defendant claims its licensing practices are developed by attorneys and are therefore protected by attorney-client privilege. Plaintiff’s RFP is overbroad insofar as it relates to defendant’s generic licensing practices not specifically related to plaintiff’s location technology. However, the attorney-client privilege doctrine only protects 'confidential communications between lawyer and client made to facilitate legal services for the client.' It is questionable whether licensing practices are developed to facilitate legal services. Defendant shall produce documents that reflect its licensing practices or procedures relative to location technology."

Skyhook Wireless, Inc. v. Google, Inc., 1-10-cv-11571 (MAD October 31, 2013, Order) (Zobel, J.)