Santa Barbara Polo Club, Inc. v. Lifestyle Licensing B.V.

I. INTRODUCTION

On October 6, 2021, Santa Barbara Polo Club Inc. (“SB Polo”) and SB Members, LLC (“SB Members’) (collectively, “petitioners”) filed a petition to compel arbitration against Lifestyle Licensing B.V. (“Lifestyle B.V.”) and Lifestyle Equities C.V. (“Equities C.V.”), (collectively, “respondents”). Dkt. 1. On April 11, 2022, respondents filed a notice of non-opposition to the petition to compel arbitration. Dkt. 17. Respondents noted that “[w]hile Respondents dispute the Petition’s factual and legal arguments, Respondents will consent to arbitrate before the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”). By this Non-Opposition, Respondents do not concede this Court’s jurisdiction (beyond that which is necessary to refer Petitioners’ arbitration demand to arbitration before the AAA). Respondents also do not consent to any other request in the Petition’s Prayer for Relief.” Id. at 2. On May 9, 2022, the Court stayed this action and reserved judgment on all other issues, including, but not limited to, this Court’s jurisdiction to enforce an arbitration award and attorneys’ fees. Dkt. 24. On October 31, November 1, and November 7-8, 2023, the arbitrator (“the…