Liu

Proceedings: DEFENDANTS’ REVISED MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT (filed September 15, 2006)

I. INTRODUCTION

The present litigation arises from a dispute over whether plaintiff is entitled to receive disability benefits under an ERISA-governed group long-term disability policy that defendant Standard Insurance Company (“Standard”) issued to plaintiffs employer, the Motion Picture Industry. Plaintiff filed suit on October 3, 2005, alleging claims for (1) denial of plan benefits, (2) equitable relief, and (3) declaratory relief.

Defendants filed a motion for summary judgment on August 7, 2006. On August 23, 2006, the parties stipulated that defendants’ motion for summary judgment be taken off calendar as moot, and that defendants be granted leave to file a renewed motion for summary judgment in light of the Ninth Circuit’s decision in Abatie v. Alta Health & Life Ins. Co., 458 F.3d 955 (9th Cir.2006). Defendants filed a renewed motion for summary judgment on September 15, 2006. Plaintiff filed an opposition on October 2, 2006. On October 6, 2006, defendants filed a reply. Defendants’ motion is presently before the Court.

II. BACKGROUND

Plaintiff was employed by the Motion Picture…