U.S. District Judge Jon S. Tigar issued the order on April 17, 2026, ruling that the exemption is necessary to avoid an unreasonable burden on Goddard and to promote public access to information.
The waiver applies retroactively to February 2, 2026, the date the case was filed in the Northern District of California. It is limited to fees incurred for accessing documents filed in this case and any related case.
The exemption will expire when the case is closed and all post-judgment issues have been resolved in both cases. Goddard is prohibited from selling or transferring any information obtained using the exemption unless expressly authorized by the Court.
The order follows a motion by Goddard on April 6, 2026, for a 60-day extension of all case deadlines and an order directing the Clerk of Court to accept his filings by mail. The Court granted that request, citing Goddard’s physical incapacitation while confined.
Despite the extension, Goddard continued to file various motions, including the one resolved by this order. A magistrate judge’s report and recommendation is currently pending, recommending dismissal with prejudice of the entire case.
Goddard’s deadline to object to the report and recommendation is June 8, 2026. The Court stated it will not consider further motions from Goddard until it rules on the report and recommendation.