Sukumar

INTRODUCTION

Ponani Sukumar (Ponani) appeals from an order granting the special motion of

James R. Ballard and Schwartz Semerdjian Ballard & Cauley LLP (collectively Ballard)

to strike his defamation complaint under Code of Civil Procedure section 425.16,

commonly referred to as the anti-SLAPP (strategic lawsuit against public participation)

statute. (Equilon Enterprises v. Consumer Cause, Inc. (2002) 29 Cal.4th 53, 57, fn 1.)

Ponani contends the anti-SLAPP statute does not apply to his complaints because the

alleged defamatory statements were commercial speech. He also contends the trial court

erred by determining his claims were time-barred, by weighing evidence to find the

alleged defamatory statements were true, and by sustaining Ballard's objections to the

declaration of his linguistics expert.

We conclude the anti-SLAPP statute applies and Ponani's claims are time-barred.

We, therefore, affirm the order.

BACKGROUND

I

Prior Malicious Prosecution Action

This case stems from Ballard's prior successful handling of a malicious

prosecution action. For context, we repeat the background summary from our decision

affirming the judgment in the…