Sony's lawyers have done something VERY UNUSUAL in their IP dispute with Tencent over an allegedly cloned game: they've declared Sony's consent with leaving the case with a United States Magistrate Judge instead of requesting assignment to a United States District Judge. 🧵1/3
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Normally, the parties to a high-stakes high-profile case want a district judge. There are really great magistrate judges. Judge Corley was one for qute a while and became a great district judge. But normally they just handle small stuff: discovery disputes, sealing etc. 🧵2/3
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Given that they don't have the same prestige as district judges, magistrate judges' rulings are harder to defend on appeal. Sony may hope to save time. Or maybe they feel good about Magistrate Judge Joseph C. Spero. If Tencent declines, the case will be reassigned. 🧵3/3

Aug 12, 2025 · 5:29 PM UTC
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