Arcell et al v. Google LLC et al

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
MARY KATHERINE ARCELL, et al.,
Plaintiffs,
v.
GOOGLE LLC, et al.,
Defendants.
Case No. 22-cv-02499-RFL
ORDER DENYING REQUEST FOR
RELIEF FROM NONDISPOSITIVE
ORDERS OF MAGISTRATE JUDGE
Re: Dkt. No. 180
Having reviewed Magistrate Judge Kim’s Discovery Orders (Dkt. Nos. 175, 179), the
Request for Relief from those Orders (Dkt. No. 180), as well as the joint letter briefs submitted
about the discovery disputes (Dkt. Nos. 173–74, 176–78), and the materials cited in the prior
Order Denying Relief from Nondispositive Orders of Magistrate Judge on related topics (Dkt.
No. 171), the Discovery Orders at issue are well-reasoned and are not clearly erroneous or
contrary to law. The apex doctrine is well-established and appropriately applied here, and does
not violate equal protection in light of the heightened potential for abuse and harassment that
such discovery can pose. Nor has the required showing been made to hold an ex parte
proceeding in camera. Accordingly, the request is DENIED.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
Dated: November 21, 2025
RITA F. LIN
United States District Judge
Case 3:22-cv-02499-RFL Document 183 Filed 11/21/25 Page 1 of 1