Trade association NetChoice is suing California Attorney General Rob Bonta in his official capacity over an unspecified California law. The case involves discovery of what the parties describe as confidential, proprietary, or private information including trade secrets, financial records, and competitive business information that requires protection from public disclosure.
Judge Freeman emphasized that the protective order applies strict limitations on confidentiality designations. The order warns that 'mass, indiscriminate, or routinized designations are prohibited' and that designations made 'for an improper purpose' could expose parties to sanctions. The judge noted that parties seeking to file confidential material under seal must still comply with Civil Local Rule 79-5 procedures and standards.
The case was filed April 9, 2025, in the Northern District of California's San Jose Division. The protective order establishes procedures for challenging confidentiality designations, requiring parties to engage in good faith meet-and-confer discussions before seeking judicial intervention. Discovery disputes will be handled through Judge van Keulen's Civil and Discovery Referral Matters Standing Order.
The order remains in effect even after final disposition of the litigation until parties agree otherwise or a court directs. The case represents another front in ongoing battles between tech industry groups and state regulators over internet governance and platform regulation, with NetChoice frequently challenging state laws affecting digital platforms.