Grande Moves Court to OK $46.9M Supersedeas Bond In UMG Case

Internet service provider Grande Communications, sued by Universal Music Group and other labels for willful contributory infringement, moved (docket 1:17-cv-00365) for approval of a supersedeas bond of $46.9 million issued by U.S. Fire Insurance Co. and for a stay of execution on a Jan. 30 judgment. A Nov. 3 jury verdict in U.S. District Court for Western Texas in Austin awarded UMB and other plaintiffs $46.8 million in damages resulting from Grande’s willful contributory infringement of 1,403 copyrighted. After the court’s judgment, Grande moved for a stay of execution and for waiver of any bond requirement. Plaintiffs opposed, filing a conditional cross-motion for writ of execution in the amount of $46.9 million, reflecting the judgment amount, plus the amount of costs taxed, said the motion. The court denied Grande’s motion and ordered that a writ of execution for $46.9 million would be issued if Grande failed to obtain a corresponding bond within 14 days of its July 25 order (see 2307260048). Because Grande secured a bond from an acceptable surety company in an amount sufficient to satisfy the judgment, plus costs, the court should issue an order approving the bond and staying enforcement of the judgment pending all appellate proceedings, Grande said.