Willis

Background 24 This case arises out of Plaintiff EnSource Investment, LLC’s purchase of securities 25 in a start-up company, the Hopewell – Pilot Project, LLC (“Hopewell”). On March 28, 26 2016, Hopewell was formed to use title searching technology to identify unleased lands in 27 Texas containing oil and gas interests, purchase those leases, and use or flip those leases 28 for a profit. (Doc. Nos. 136-2, Willis Decl. ¶¶ 2, 4; 136-5, Ex. T.) As part of its business activities, Hopewell contracted with several other entities to carry out its goals, including the Willis Group, LLC (“Willis Group”), a company that provided staffing services. (Doc. No. 136-2, Willis Decl. ¶ 3.) On January 13, 2017, Plaintiff filed a complaint in this Court alleging that Defendants involved in Hopewell, including the Willis Group, defrauded Plaintiff. (Doc. No. 1.) On December 27, 2018, Plaintiff filed an amended complaint, claiming that Defendants defrauded Plaintiff in violation of the Securities Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. § 78j, and California’s unfair competition law, California Business & Professions Code § 17200. (Doc. No. 93.) Plaintiff also…