Quibi Holdings, LLC v. Interlude US, Inc.

I. INTRODUCTION

Before the Court is Eko’s motion to strike the affirmative defenses of copyright preemption, California Uniform Trade Secrets Act (“CUTSA”) preemption, and inequitable conduct asserted by defendants Quibi Holdings, LLC, WnderCo Holdings, LLC, QBI Holdings, LLC, New QBI, LLC, Clifton L. Smith, Jr., Joseph Burfitt, Robert A. Post, Jr. Blake Barnes, Eric Buehl, and Jeffrey Katzenberg (collectively, “Quibi’”’) answer to Eko’s fifth amended complaint. Case No. 2299 (“Eko ECF’) No. 455.' The procedural and factual background of this dispute 1s set out in the Court’s July 28, 2020, October 19, 2020, and December 30, 2020 Orders. See generally Eko ECF Nos. 201-201-2, 232, 418 (redacted), 202-202-2, 234, 409 (sealed). Accordingly, the Court recites only those facts necessary to resolve Eko’s present motion. Quibi filed the first-filed action on March 9, 2020, Case No. 2250 (“Quibi ECF”) No. 1, and its operative first amended complaint on May 12, 2020. Quibi ECF No. 25 (“Quibi FAC”). Eko filed a separate action against Quibi on March 10, 2020. Eko ECF No. 1. Eko’s operative fifth amended complaint, filed January 28, 2021, …