Tentative Rulings on (1) Motion for Reconsideration, and (2) Motion for Terminating and/or Other Sanctions

Hansen v. The Coca-Cola Company, Case No. 2016-21046

October 25, 2019, 1:30 p.m., Dept. 72

1. Overview and Procedural Posture.

This is an action by the grandchildren of Hubert Hansen, who died in 1951. The plaintiffs are: Hubert Hanson Intellectual Property Trust; Jeanne Hansen; Timothy Hansen; and Maureen Todd. They seek a share of the profits from defendants' beverage sales using the "Hansen's" brand under the California Celebrities Rights Act, Civil Code section 3344.1. The complaint was filed June 22, 2016. ROA 1. The court incorporates its ruling from Friday, February 15, 2019 (ROA 401), for a more complete recitation of the procedural posture and history of the case.

The court appointed a discovery referee more than a year ago, and his work began in earnest last November 29. He has been kept very busy, having issued numerous lengthy and careful reports/recommendations p