Complex Determination
26CV190416: FIELDS, vs PONY.AI, INC., et al. 07/08/2026 Complex Determination Hearing in Department 18
Tentative Ruling - 07/06/2026 Patrick McKinney
COMPLEX DETERMINATION - GRANTED
COMPLEX DETERMINATION
The Court designates this case as complex pursuant to Rule 3.400 et seq. of the California Rules of Court. Counsel are advised to be familiar with the Alameda County Local Rules concerning complex litigation, including Rule 3.250 et seq. An order assigning the case to a judge and an initial case management order will be issued.
COMPLEX CASE FEES
Pursuant to Government Code section 70616, any non-exempt party who has appeared in the action but has not paid the complex case fee is required to pay the fee within ten days of the filing of this order. The complex case fee is $1,000 for each plaintiff or group of plaintiffs appearing together and $1,000 PER PARTY for each defendant, intervenor, respondent or other adverse party, whether filing separately or jointly, up to a maximum of $18,000 for all adverse parties. All payments must identify on whose behalf the fee is submitted.
Please submit payment to the attention of the Complex Litigation Clerk located in the Civil Division at the Rene C. Davidson Courthouse, 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, CA 94612. Please make check(s) payable to the Clerk of the Superior Court. Documents may continue to be filed as allowed under Local Rule 1.9. Note that for those admitted pro hac vice, there is also an annual fee. (Gov't Code section 70617.)
PROCEDURES
Calendar information, filings, and tentative rulings are available to the public at https://eportal.alameda.courts.ca.gov/. All counsel are expected to be familiar and to comply with pertinent provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure, the California Rules of Court, the Alameda County Superior Court Local Rules and the procedures outlined on the domain web page of the assigned department.
SERVICE OF THIS ORDER
Counsel for plaintiff(s) shall have a continuing obligation to serve a copy of this order on newly joined parties defendant not listed on the proof of service of this order and file proof of service. Each party defendant joining any third party cross-defendant shall have a continuing duty to serve a copy of this order on newly joined cross-defendants and to file proof of service.
Looking for case law or statutes not cited here? Search published authorities
Examples: “Why did the court rule this way?” · “What were the procedural grounds?” · “Is appearance required?”
The Initial Case Management Conference scheduled for 09/28/2026 is reset to 09/30/2026 at 01:30 PM in Department 18 at Rene C. Davidson Courthouse. 26CV190416: FIELDS, vs PONY.AI, INC., et al. 07/08/2026 Complex Determination Hearing in Department 18
MANDATORY JOINT CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE STATEMENT
At least seven calendar days before the Initial Case Management Conference (CMC), the parties shall file a Joint CMC Statement on pleading paper. All parties who have appeared shall participate in the Joint CMC Statement. The Joint CMC Statement should address from each partys perspective each issue set forth in CRC Rule 3.750(b). The Joint CMC Statement should also address any additional matters that any party believes will advance the action. For all subsequent CMCs, the parties shall file a Joint CMC Statement on pleading paper setting for the status of the action and any appropriate matters. The Joint CMC Statement shall be filed at least 7 calendar days before the CMC.
SUMMARY DISCOVERY MOTION PROCEDURES BY STIPULATION
The Complex Civil Departments 18 and 21 permit parties to submit discovery disputes by stipulation under summary procedures that are posted in the Courts portal pages.
Judicial: Non-Appearance Case Review Re: Filing Motion for Class Certification is scheduled for 06/14/2027 at 11:00 AM in Department 18 at Rene C. Davidson Courthouse.
Plaintiff must file a motion for class certification prior to the June 14, 2027 hearing.
The Court finds that this deadline provides sufficient time for the parties to complete class discovery. See generally CRC 3.764(b). The parties are expected to diligently proceed with undertaking discovery necessary for determining class certification and to timely resolve any disputes that arise, including bringing any necessary motions, to meet this deadline.
The Court orders counsel to obtain a copy of this order from the eCourt portal.
CONTESTING THE TENTATIVE RULING: If the parties do not contest the tentative ruling, it will be adopted. Any party wishing to contest the tentative ruling must notify the court by email at Dept18@alameda.courts.ca.gov, and notify all opposing counsel or unrepresented parties by 4pm the day before the hearing.