Marko Mandaric, Kahlie Mandaric v. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., dba Chase Auto Finance; Doe 1 Repossession Agency; Doe 2 Tow Operator; and Does 3-15

Summary

This document is a Stipulated Protective Order entered in Marko Mandaric and Kahlie Mandaric v. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., et al., in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. It governs the designation, use, disclosure, challenge, filing, and final disposition of confidential discovery materials. The order was entered for good cause on January 8, 2026, by United States Magistrate Judge D. Early.

Holdings

1. The court entered the stipulated protective order because discovery was likely to involve confidential and proprietary information warranting protection under the applicable legal principles.
2. The protective order does not itself authorize filing confidential material under seal; a party must comply with Local Civil Rule 79-5 and obtain a court order authorizing sealing of specific material.
3. The protective order's confidentiality terms do not extend beyond commencement of trial; material used or introduced as a trial exhibit becomes presumptively public unless the trial judge makes the required findings supporting continued sealing.

Questions Presented

1. Whether good cause existed to enter the parties' stipulated protective order governing confidential discovery material.
2. What restrictions and procedures should govern designation, use, disclosure, challenge, sealing, and final disposition of protected material.

Disposition

other