U.S. Coast Guard Placing Restrictions On Vessels Arriving From Cuba To United States. Might Disrupt U.S. Commodity/Food Product Exports To Cuba?

Department of Homeland Security
Coast Guard
[Docket Number USCG-2025-0094]
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notice.
SUMMARY: The Coast Guard announces that it will impose conditions of entry on vessels arriving from the Republic of Cuba. Conditions of entry are intended to protect the United States from vessels arriving from foreign ports or places that have been found to have deficient anti-terrorism measures.
DATES: The policy announced in this notice is effective on April 2, 2025.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information about this document call or email Mr. Edward X. Munoz, Division Chief, International Port Security Assessments, United States Coast Guard, telephone 202-372-2122, Edward.X.Munoz@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background and Purpose

The authority for this notice is 5 U.S.C. 552(a), 46 U.S.C. 70110 (“Maritime Transportation Security Act”), and Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 00170.1(II) (97.f), Revision No. 01.4. As delegated, 46 U.S.C. 70110(a) authorizes the Coast Guard to impose conditions of entry on vessels arriving in U.S. waters from foreign ports that the Coast Guard has not found to maintain effective anti-terrorism measures. Section 70108, as amended by section 5603 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Pub. L. 118-31, Dec. 22, 2023), states that DHS shall deem any port under the jurisdiction of a foreign government that is a state sponsor of terrorism as not having effective anti-terrorism measures, and immediately apply the sanctions described in 46 U.S.C. 70110(a) to such a port.

In accordance with 46 U.S.C. 70108, as amended, and the Department of State's designation of the Republic of Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, the Coast Guard finds that Cuba does not have effective anti-terrorism measures.

With this notice, the current list of countries assessed and not maintaining effective anti-terrorism measures is as follows: Cambodia, Cameroon, Comoros, Cuba, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Madagascar, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Sudan, Syria, Timor-Leste, Venezuela, and Yemen. The current Port Security Advisory is available at:

http://www.dco.uscg.mil/​Our-Organization/​Assistant-Commandant-for-Prevention-Policy-CG-5P/​International-Domestic-Port-Assessment/​.

Dated: February 19, 2025.
Thomas G. Allan,
Vice Admiral, Deputy Commandant for Operations, Acting, U.S. Coast Guard.
[FR Doc. 2025-04597 Filed 3-18-25; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110-04-P

In 8,375 Words, Havana Docks Corporation Requests U.S. Supreme Court To Review Libertad Act Lawsuit Against Cruise Lines

QUESTION PRESENTED

“The LIBERTAD Act is an essential pillar of United States foreign policy toward Cuba’s hostile and anti American regime.  Title III of that Act creates a private right of action for United States nationals who have a claim to property confiscated by that regime against persons who traffic in that property.  22 U.S.C. § 6082(a)(1).  The Act specifies that such trafficking “undermines the foreign policy of the United States” by, among other things, “provid[ing] badly needed financial benefit” to the Cuban regime.  Id. § 6081(6).

The question presented here applies in every case brought under Title III, and will determine whether that provision continues to advance U.S. foreign policy toward Cuba: whether a plaintiff must prove that the defendant trafficked in property confiscated by the Cuban government as to which the plaintiff owns a claim (as the statute requires), or instead that the defendant trafficked in property that the plaintiff would have continued to own at the time of trafficking in a counterfactual world “as if there had been no expropriation” (as the divided Eleventh Circuit panel held below).”

No. 24-983
Title: Havana Docks Corporation, Petitioner v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., et al.
Docketed: March 13, 2025
Lower Ct: United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
Case Numbers: (23-10151, 23-10171)
Decision Date: October 22, 2024
Rehearing Denied: December 20, 2024

LINK: Mar 06 2025 Petition for a writ of certiorari filed. (Response due April 14, 2025)
LINK: Petition Proof of Service Certificate of Word Count

LINK: BRIEF OF REP. MARIO DÍAZ-BALART, SEN. RICK SCOTT, REP. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, REP. MARÍA ELVIRA SALAZAR, AND REP. CARLOS ANTONIO GIMÉNEZ AS AMICI CURIAE SUPPORTING PETITIONER (March 2025)

“They are interested in this case because the judgment sought to be reviewed undermines a central pillar of our nation’s foreign policy on Cuba.”

Attorneys for Petitioner
Christopher Landau
Counsel of Record    
Ellis George LLP
1201 Connecticut Ave. N.W.
Suite 513
Washington, DC 20036
clandau@ellisgeorge.com    (202) 249-6900
Party name: Havana Docks Corporation

UPDATE:
Mar 06 2025- Petition for a writ of certiorari filed. (Response due April 14, 2025)
Mar 14 2025- Brief amici curiae of Representative Mario Díaz-Balart, et al. filed.
Mar 17 2025- Waiver of right of respondents Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., et al. to respond filed.
Mar 19 2025    DISTRIBUTED for Conference of 4/4/2025.
Mar 25 2025    Response Requested. (Due April 24, 2025)
Apr 02 2025    Motion to extend the time to file a response from April 24, 2025 to May 23, 2025, submitted to The Clerk.
Apr 03 2025    Motion to extend the time to file a response is granted and the time is extended to and including May 23, 2025.

LINKS To Related Analyses

Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals Is Not Preventing Havana Docks Corporation From Appealing To The United States Supreme Court Jan 24, 2025

Cruise Lines Request 11th Circuit Court Of Appeals To Return Libertad Act Title III Lawsuit To District Court. Defendants Argue Supreme Court Unlikely To Agree To Hear Appeal By Plaintiff. Jan 3, 2025  

Three Law Firms In Cuba Trademark Use Lawsuit Involving Heineken And Use Of 2024 Law

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA
MIAMI DIVISION

CASE NO. 1:23-cv-24350-DPG-GAYLES/LOUIS

LAGUNITAS BREWING COMPANY d/b/a CERVECERIA LA TROPICAL, and LA TROPICAL HOLDINGS B.V., Plaintiffs, v. SOLTURA, LLC dba BUCANERO USA, et al/ Defendant.

SOLTURA, LLC dba BUCANERO USA, et al/ Counterclaimant, v. LAGUNITAS BREWING COMPANY d/b/a CERVECERIA LA TROPICAL, and LA TROPICAL HOLDINGS B.V., Counter-Defendants

LINK: RESPONSE in Opposition re 70 Plaintiff's MOTION to Dismiss with Prejudice 67 Counterclaim and Supporting Memorandum of Law filed by Soltura

LINK: Plaintiff's MOTION to Dismiss with Prejudice 67 Counterclaim and Supporting Memorandum of Law by Lagunitas Brewing Co., La Tropical Holdings B.V.

LINK: Bacardi Spent Approximately US$690,000.00 And 251 Days Later Its Cuba Trademark Legislation Moved From House To Senate- With No Objection. Where Were Pernod Ricard Lobbyists? NGO's? Members? December 07, 2023

03/10/2025    71     RESPONSE in Opposition re 70 Plaintiff's MOTION to Dismiss with Prejudice 67 Counterclaim and Supporting Memorandum of Law filed by Soltura, LLC. Replies due by 3/17/2025. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 03/10/2025)
02/24/2025    70     Plaintiff's MOTION to Dismiss with Prejudice 67 Counterclaim and Supporting Memorandum of Law by Lagunitas Brewing Co., La Tropical Holdings B.V.. Responses due by 3/10/2025. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 02/24/2025)
02/18/2025    69     Defendants ANSWER and Affirmative Defenses to Amended Complaint by Martin Wadley, Soltura, LLC. (Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 02/18/2025)
02/04/2025    68     Second AMENDED COMPLAINT against Soltura, LLC, Martin Wadley filed in response to Order Granting Motion for Leave, filed by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F, # 7 Exhibit G, # 8 Exhibit H, # 9 Exhibit I, # 10 Exhibit J, # 11 Exhibit K, # 12 Exhibit L, # 13 Exhibit M, # 14 Exhibit N, # 15 Exhibit O, # 16 Exhibit P, # 17 Exhibit Q, # 18 Exhibit R, # 19 Exhibit S)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 02/04/2025)
02/03/2025    67     Defendant's COUNTERCLAIM against La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co., filed by Soltura, LLC.(Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 02/03/2025)
02/02/2025    66     PAPERLESS ORDER granting 63 Defendant's Unopposed Motion for Leave to File Counterclaim and Incorporated Memorandum of Law. Pursuant to Local Rule 15.1, the Defendant shall separately file the Counterclaim by February 7, 2025. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 2/2/2025. (mp02) (Entered: 02/02/2025)
02/02/2025    65     PAPERLESS ORDER granting 61 Unopposed Motion for Leave to File Second Amended Complaint. Plaintiffs may file a Second Amended Complaint. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 2/2/2025. (mp02) (Entered: 02/02/2025)
01/31/2025    64     Witness List for November 3, 2025 Trial by Martin Wadley, Soltura, LLC.. (Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 01/31/2025)
01/31/2025    63     Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Counterclaim and Incorporated Memorandum of Law by Soltura, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Proposed Counterclaim, # 2 Affidavit - Declaration of Jeffrey D. Farrow, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 01/31/2025)
01/31/2025    62     Witness List for November 3, 2025 Trial by Lagunitas Brewing Co., La Tropical Holdings B.V... (Salky, Mark) (Entered: 01/31/2025)
01/31/2025    61     Unopposed MOTION for Leave to File Second Amended Complaint and Incorporated Memorandum of Law by Lagunitas Brewing Co., La Tropical Holdings B.V.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 01/31/2025)
01/14/2025    60     Defendants ANSWER and Affirmative Defenses to Amended Complaint by Soltura, LLC, Martin Wadley. (Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 01/14/2025)
01/14/2025    59     SIXTH AMENDED SCHEDULING ORDER SETTING CIVIL TRIAL DATE AND PRETRIAL SCHEDULE, REQUIRING MEDIATION, AND REFERRING CERTAIN MOTIONS TO MAGISTRATE JUDGE: (Jury Trial set for 11/3/2025 before Judge Darrin P. Gayles., Calendar Call set for 10/29/2025 09:30 AM before Judge Darrin P. Gayles.), REFERRING 58 Joint MOTION to Modify the Scheduling Order, and to Continue the Trial Date re 54 Order on Motion for Leave to File,, filed by Soltura, LLC, Martin Wadley., Motions terminated: 58 Joint MOTION to Modify the Scheduling Order, and to Continue the Trial Date re 54 Order on Motion for Leave to File,, filed by Soltura, LLC, Martin Wadley. Motions terminated: 58 Joint MOTION to Modify the Scheduling Order, and to Continue the Trial Date re 54 Order on Motion for Leave to File,, filed by Soltura, LLC, Martin Wadley. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 1/14/2025. See attached document for full details. (pc)
Pattern Jury Instruction Builder - To access the latest, up to date changes to the 11th Circuit Pattern Jury Instructions go to https://pji.ca11.uscourts.gov or click here. (Entered: 01/14/2025)
01/10/2025    58     Joint MOTION to Modify the Scheduling Order, and to Continue the Trial Date re 54 Order on Motion for Leave to File,, by Soltura, LLC, Martin Wadley. Attorney Joseph Alan Sacher added to party Martin Wadley(pty:dft). (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Declaration of JeffreyD. Farrow, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 01/10/2025)
12/31/2024    57     Summons Issued as to Martin Wadley. (pc) (Entered: 01/02/2025)
12/31/2024    56     NOTICE of Filing Proposed Summons(es) (Directed to Defendant Martin Wadley) by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co. re 55 Amended Complaint/Amended Notice of Removal,, filed by Lagunitas Brewing Co., La Tropical Holdings B.V. (Attachments: # 1 Summon(s) Proposed Summons directed to Defendant Martin Wadley) (Salky, Mark) (Entered: 12/31/2024)
12/31/2024    55     First AMENDED COMPLAINT against Soltura, LLC, Martin Wadley filed in response to Order Granting Motion for Leave, filed by Lagunitas Brewing Co., La Tropical Holdings B.V.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F, # 7 Exhibit G, # 8 Exhibit H, # 9 Exhibit I, # 10 Exhibit J, # 11 Exhibit K, # 12 Exhibit L, # 13 Exhibit M, # 14 Exhibit N, # 15 Exhibit O, # 16 Exhibit P, # 17 Exhibit Q, # 18 Exhibit R, # 19 Exhibit S)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 12/31/2024)
12/23/2024    54     PAPERLESS ORDER granting 47 Plaintiffs' Motion for Leave to File Amended Complaint. The Court finds good cause to grant the Motion. The Court previously granted Plaintiffs leave to file an amended complaint. [ECF No. 45]. Furthermore, the substantive issues raised by the Defendant in opposition are best resolved at summary judgment. Pursuant to Local Rule 15.1, Plaintiffs shall separately refile their amended complaint on or before January 10, 2024.
As additional fact discovery may be warranted, the parties may submit a joint proposed amended scheduling order on or before January 10, 2024. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 12/23/2024. (bs00) (Entered: 12/23/2024)
12/04/2024    53     Corrected REPLY to 51 Response in Opposition to Motion, by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 12/04/2024)
12/04/2024    52     REPLY to 51 Response in Opposition to Motion, by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 12/04/2024)
11/27/2024    51     RESPONSE in Opposition re 47 Plaintiff's MOTION for Leave to File Amended Complaint and Incorporated Memorandum of Law filed by Soltura, LLC. Replies due by 12/4/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Declaration of Jeffrey D. Farrow in Support of Defendant's Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Leave to File Amended Complaint)(Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 11/27/2024)
11/20/2024    50     FIFTH AMENDED SCHEDULING ORDER SETTING CIVIL TRIAL DATE AND PRETRIAL SCHEDULE, REQUIRING MEDIATION, AND REFERRING CERTAIN MOTIONS TO MAGISTRATE JUDGE: (Jury Trial set for 8/25/2025 before Judge Darrin P. Gayles., Telephonic Calendar Call set for 8/20/2025 09:30 AM before Judge Darrin P. Gayles.) re 48 Joint MOTION TO MODIFY THE SCHEDULING ORDER AND TO CONTINUE THE TRIAL DATE filed by Lagunitas Brewing Co., La Tropical Holdings B.V.., Motions terminated: 48 Joint MOTION TO MODIFY THE SCHEDULING ORDER AND TO CONTINUE THE TRIAL DATE filed by Lagunitas Brewing Co., La Tropical Holdings B.V.. Motions terminated: 48 Joint MOTION TO MODIFY THE SCHEDULING ORDER AND TO CONTINUE THE TRIAL DATE filed by Lagunitas Brewing Co., La Tropical Holdings B.V.. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 11/20/2024. See attached document for full details. (pc)
Pattern Jury Instruction Builder - To access the latest, up to date changes to the 11th Circuit Pattern Jury Instructions go to https://pji.ca11.uscourts.gov or click here. Modified text on 11/20/2024 (pc). (Entered: 11/20/2024)
11/20/2024    49     Defendant's First Amended ANSWER and Affirmative Defenses to Complaint with Jury Demand by Soltura, LLC. (Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 11/20/2024)
11/14/2024    48     Joint MOTION TO MODIFY THE SCHEDULING ORDER AND TO CONTINUE THE TRIAL DATE by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 11/14/2024)
11/13/2024    47     Plaintiff's MOTION for Leave to File Amended Complaint and Incorporated Memorandum of Law by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Amended Complaint, # 2 Exhibit 2 - Redlined Amended Complaint)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 11/13/2024)
11/07/2024    46     Defendant's ANSWER and Affirmative Defenses to Complaint with Jury Demand by Soltura, LLC. (Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 11/07/2024)
10/24/2024    45     ORDER granting, in part, and denying, in part 10 Defendant's Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 10/24/2024. See attached document for full details. (bs00) (Entered: 10/24/2024)
10/23/2024    44     NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by Emiley Frances Pagrabs on behalf of La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. Attorney Emiley Frances Pagrabs added to party La Tropical Holdings B.V.(pty:pla), Attorney Emiley Frances Pagrabs added to party Lagunitas Brewing Co.(pty:pla). (Pagrabs, Emiley) (Entered: 10/23/2024)
09/30/2024    43     PAPERLESS ORDER granting, in part, and denying, in part, 10 Defendant's Motion to Dismiss Plaintiffs' Complaint. A detailed paper order shall follow. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 9/30/2024. (bs00) (Entered: 09/30/2024)
09/12/2024    42     PAPERLESS ORDER granting the parties' 41 Joint Motion to Modify the Scheduling Order to Extend Expert Discovery. The schedule is amended as follows:
1. Parties shall disclose expert reports, expert witnesses, summaries, and reports as required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(2) on or before October 16, 2024;
2. Exchange of rebuttal expert witness summaries and reports as required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(2) on or before November 15, 2024; and
3. Expert discovery shall be completed on or before December 5, 2024.
The other pre-trial deadlines and trial date shall remain unchanged. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 9/12/2024. (bs00) (Entered: 09/12/2024)
09/11/2024    41     Joint MOTION to Amend/Correct 37 Order on Motion to Amend/Correct,, by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. Responses due by 9/25/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 09/11/2024)
09/11/2024    40     PAPERLESS Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Darrin P. Gayles: Telephonic Status Conference held on 9/11/2024. All parties present. Total time in court: 5 minutes. Court Reporter: Patricia Diaz, 305-523-5178 / Patricia_Diaz@flsd.uscourts.gov. (bs00) (Entered: 09/11/2024)
09/11/2024    39     PAPERLESS ORDER. For the September 11, 2024 Status Conference, counsel shall enter their appearances telephonically using the following dial-in information: Dial-in Number 305-990-2559; Conference ID 374 050 271#. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 9/11/2024. (bs00) (Entered: 09/11/2024)
08/27/2024    38     FINAL MEDIATION REPORT by Mediator Harry R. Schafer. Disposition: Adjourned. Mediation held/partially held via video-conference. Filed by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Mediator's Report)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 08/27/2024)
08/15/2024         The Status Conference set for August 22, 2024 has been cancelled in light of the newly scheduled Status Conference for September 11, 2024. (bs00) (Entered: 08/15/2024)
08/13/2024    37     AMENDED SCHEDULING ORDER SETTING CIVIL TRIAL DATE AND PRETRIAL SCHEDULE, REQUIRING MEDIATION, AND REFERRING CERTAIN MOTIONS TO MAGISTRATE JUDGE re 36 Motion to Amend/Correct. Telephonic Calendar Call set for 4/16/2025 09:30 AM before Judge Darrin P. Gayles. Jury Trial set for 4/21/2025 before Judge Darrin P. Gayles. Telephonic Status Conference set for 9/11/2024 10:00 AM before Judge Darrin P. Gayles. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 8/13/2024. See attached document for full details. (pc) (Entered: 08/13/2024)
08/02/2024    36     Joint MOTION to Amend/Correct 19 Scheduling Order,,,, Order Referring Case to Mediation,,,, Order Referring Case to Magistrate Judge,,, and to Continue Trial Date by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. Responses due by 8/16/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Decl. of Steven J. Wadyka, # 2 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 08/02/2024)
06/28/2024    35     PAPERLESS ORDER granting the parties' 34 Joint Motion to Extend Deadline to Complete Mediation. The parties shall complete mediation on or before August 20, 2024. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 6/28/2024. (bs00) (Entered: 06/28/2024)
06/18/2024    34     Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to Mediate by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Proposed Order)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 06/18/2024)
05/31/2024    33     PAPERLESS ORDER. THIS CAUSE comes before the Court on the parties' 32 Stipulation to Modify the Scheduling Order. The 19 Scheduling Order is amended as follows:
1.Parties shall disclose experts, expert witness summaries, and reports as required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(2) on or before August 15, 2024;
2.Exchange of rebuttal expert witness summaries and reports as required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(2) on or before September 13, 2024;
3.Fact discovery shall be completed on or before July 15, 2024; and
4.Expert discovery shall be completed on or before October 4, 2024.
All other deadlines shall be governed by the Court's 19 Scheduling Order. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 5/31/2024. (bs00) (Entered: 05/31/2024)
05/30/2024    32     STIPULATION re 19 Scheduling Order,,,, Order Referring Case to Mediation,,,, Order Referring Case to Magistrate Judge,,, TO MODIFY SCHDULING ORDER by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 05/30/2024)
05/13/2024    31     ORDER granting, in part, the Parties' 30 Joint Motion for Entry of Agreed Confidentiality Stipulation and Protective Order. Signed by Magistrate Judge Lauren Fleischer Louis on 5/13/2024. See attached document for full details. (as06) (Entered: 05/13/2024)
05/03/2024    30     Joint MOTION for Protective Order and Agreed Confidentiality Stipulation by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 05/03/2024)
04/15/2024    29     NOTICE of Mediator Selection and Hearing. Selected/Added La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co., Harry R. Schafer as Mediator. Mediation Hearing set for 6/25/2024. (Salky, Mark) (Entered: 04/15/2024)
04/01/2024    28     PAPERLESS ORDER granting 27 Defendant's Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time to Respond to Plaintiffs' Discovery. Defendants shall submit its responses on or before April 15, 2024. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 4/1/2024. (bs00) (Entered: 04/01/2024)
03/29/2024    27     Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to Respond to Plaintiff's Discovery by Soltura, LLC. Responses due by 4/12/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 03/29/2024)
03/26/2024    26     PAPERLESS ORDER granting 25 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Consent to Designation, and Request to Electronically Receive Notices of Electronic Filing. Molly R. Littman-Johnson is permitted to appear before this Court on behalf of Plaintiffs for all purposes relating to this action. The clerk is directed to provide Notice of Electronic Filings to Ms. Littman-Johnson at molly.littman@gtlaw.com. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 3/26/2024. (bs00) (Entered: 03/26/2024)
03/26/2024    25     MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Consent to Designation, and Request to Electronically Receive Notices of Electronic Filing for Molly R. Littman-Johnson. Filing Fee $ 200.00 Receipt # AFLSDC-17397924 by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. Responses due by 4/9/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Certification Molly R. Littman-Johnson, # 2 Exhibit A - Proposed Order)(Gillenwater, James) (Entered: 03/26/2024)
03/05/2024    24     PAPERLESS ORDER denying Plaintiffs' 21 Motion for Leave to File Surreply to Defendant's Motion to Dismiss. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 3/5/2024. (aci) (Entered: 03/05/2024)
01/22/2024    23     Plaintiff's REPLY to 20 Reply to Response to Motion, 10 Defendant's MOTION TO DISMISS 1 Complaint,, FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM to Defendant's Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Leave to File Surreply to Defendant Soltura LLC's Motion to Dismiss by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 01/22/2024)
01/16/2024    22     RESPONSE in Opposition re 21 MOTION for Leave to File Surreply to Defendant Soltura, LLC's Motion to Dismiss filed by Soltura, LLC. Replies due by 1/23/2024. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Declaration of Jeffrey D. Farrow)(Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 01/16/2024)
01/11/2024    21     MOTION for Leave to File Surreply to Defendant Soltura, LLC's Motion to Dismiss by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 01/11/2024)
01/05/2024    20     DEFENDANT'S REPLY IN SUPPORT OF MOTION re 10 Defendant's MOTION TO DISMISS 1 Complaint,, FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by Soltura, LLC. (Sacher, Joseph) Modified text on 1/8/2024 (ebz). (Entered: 01/05/2024)
12/27/2023    19     SCHEDULING ORDER SETTING CIVIL TRIAL DATE AND PRETRIAL SCHEDULE, REQUIRING MEDIATION, AND REFERRING CERTAIN MOTIONS TO MAGISTRATE JUDGE: Telephonic Status Conference set for 8/22/2024 10:00 AM before Judge Darrin P. Gayles. Telephonic Calendar Call set for 2/5/2025 9:30 AM before Judge Darrin P. Gayles. Jury Trial set for 2/10/2025 before Judge Darrin P. Gayles. Mediation Deadline 8/2/2024. ORDER REFERRING CASE to Magistrate Judge Lauren Fleischer Louis for Discovery Matters. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 12/27/2023. See attached document for full details. (wce)
Pattern Jury Instruction Builder - To access the latest, up to date changes to the 11th Circuit Pattern Jury Instructions go to https://pji.ca11.uscourts.gov or click here. (Entered: 12/27/2023)
12/27/2023         Set/Reset Deadlines/Hearings per DE 18 Order re 10 Defendant's MOTION TO DISMISS 1 Complaint,, FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM . Replies due by 1/5/2024. (amb) (Entered: 12/27/2023)
12/27/2023    18     PAPERLESS ORDER granting 17 Defendants Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time to File Reply in Support of Motion to Dismiss. Defendant shall file its reply on or before January 5, 2024. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 12/27/2023. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 12/27/2023. (bs00) (Entered: 12/27/2023)
12/26/2023    17     Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply/Answer as to 14 Response in Opposition to Motion, 10 Defendant's MOTION TO DISMISS 1 Complaint,, FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM by Soltura, LLC. (Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 12/26/2023)
12/22/2023    16     Joint SCHEDULING REPORT - Rule 16.1 by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 12/22/2023)
12/21/2023    15     PAPERLESS ORDER granting 13 Unopposed Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Consent to Designation, and Request to Electronically Receive Notices of Electronic Filing. Attorney Jeffrey D. Farrow is permitted to appear before this Court on behalf of Defendant Soltura, LLC d/b/a Bucanero USA for all purposes relating to this action. The clerk is directed to provide Notice of Electronic Filings to Jeffrey D. Farrow at email address: jfarrow@mrllp.com. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 12/21/2023. (bs00) (Entered: 12/21/2023)
12/20/2023    14     RESPONSE in Opposition re 10 Defendant's MOTION TO DISMISS 1 Complaint,, FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. Replies due by 12/27/2023. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Decl. of Mark A. Salky w/Exhibits)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 12/20/2023)
12/20/2023    13     Unopposed MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Consent to Designation, and Request to Electronically Receive Notices of Electronic Filing for Jeffrey D. Farrow. Filing Fee $ 200.00 Receipt # AFLSDC-17160590 by Soltura, LLC. Responses due by 1/3/2024 (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 12/20/2023)
12/08/2023    12     PAPERLESS ORDER REQUIRING JOINT SCHEDULING REPORT AND PROPOSED SCHEDULING ORDER. Pursuant to S.D. Fla. Local Rule 16.1, on or before December 22, 2023, the parties shall prepare and file a Joint Scheduling Report, as well as Certificates of Interested Parties and Corporate Disclosure Statements.
The parties shall also file a Proposed Scheduling Order, adhering to the format and guidance of the attached form. If the parties deviate in any way from that format and guidance, they shall contemporaneously submit a written explanation, which provides their purported justification for each and every deviation. If the parties fail to submit such written explanation, the Court may enter a Scheduling Order that does not take into account the parties' proposed dates.
Failure to comply with this Order shall be grounds for dismissal without prejudice and without further notice. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 12/8/2023. See attached document for full details. (bs00) (Entered: 12/08/2023)
12/06/2023    11     Defendant's Corporate Disclosure Statement by Soltura, LLC (Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 12/06/2023)
12/06/2023    10     Defendant's MOTION TO DISMISS 1 Complaint,, FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM by Soltura, LLC. Attorney Joseph Alan Sacher added to party Soltura, LLC(pty:dft). Responses due by 12/20/2023 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1)(Sacher, Joseph) (Entered: 12/06/2023)
11/21/2023    9     AFFIDAVIT of Service signed by: Robert Hansell, RPS #1422 re 4 Summons Issued by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co. (Salky, Mark) (Entered: 11/21/2023)
11/15/2023    8     PAPERLESS ORDER granting 7 Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Consent to Designation, and Request to Electronically Receive Notices of Electronic Filing. Attorney Steven J. Wadyka, Jr., of the law firm of Greenberg Traurig, LLP, is permitted to appear before this Court on behalf of Plaintiffs Lagunitas Brewing Company d/b/a Cerveceria La Tropical and La Tropical Holdings, B.V. for all purposes relating to this action. The clerk is directed to provide Notice of Electronic Filings to Steven J. Wadyka, Jr. at email address: wadykas@gtlaw.com. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 11/15/2023. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 11/15/2023. (bs00) (Entered: 11/15/2023)
11/15/2023    7     MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice, Consent to Designation, and Request to Electronically Receive Notices of Electronic Filing for Steven J. Wadyka, Jr.. Filing Fee $ 200.00 Receipt # AFLSDC-17075918 by La Tropical Holdings B.V., Lagunitas Brewing Co.. Responses due by 11/29/2023 (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Gillenwater, James) (Entered: 11/15/2023)
11/15/2023    6     Bar Letter re: Admissions sent to attorney Steven J. Wadyka Jr., mailing date November 15, 2023, (pt) (Entered: 11/15/2023)
11/14/2023    5     NOTICE OF COURT PRACTICE. Unless otherwise specified by the Court, every motion shall be double-spaced in Times New Roman 12-point typeface. Multiple Plaintiffs or Defendants shall file joint motions with co-parties unless there are clear conflicts of position. If conflicts of position exist, parties shall explain the conflicts in their separate motions. Failure to comply with ANY of these procedures may result in the imposition of appropriate sanctions, including but not limited to, the striking of the motion or dismissal of this action. Signed by Judge Darrin P. Gayles on 11/14/2023. (bs00) (Entered: 11/14/2023)
11/13/2023    4     Summons Issued as to Soltura, LLC. (pc) (Entered: 11/14/2023)
11/13/2023    3     FORM AO 120 SENT TO DIRECTOR OF U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK (pc) (Entered: 11/14/2023)
11/13/2023    2     Clerks Notice of Judge Assignment to Judge Darrin P. Gayles.
Pursuant to 28 USC 636(c), the parties are hereby notified that the U.S. Magistrate Judge Lauren F. Louis is available to handle any or all proceedings in this case. If agreed, parties should complete and file the Consent form found on our website. It is not necessary to file a document indicating lack of consent. (pc) (Entered: 11/14/2023)
11/13/2023    1     COMPLAINT against Soltura, LLC dba Bucanero USA. Filing fees $ 402.00 receipt number AFLSDC-17069575, filed by Lagunitas Brewing Co. dba Cerveceria La Tropical, La Tropical Holdings B.V.. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summon(s) Defendant Soltura, LLC dba Bucanero USA, # 3 Exhibit A, # 4 Exhibit B, # 5 Exhibit C, # 6 Exhibit D, # 7 Exhibit E, # 8 Exhibit F, # 9 Exhibit G, # 10 Exhibit H, # 11 Exhibit I, # 12 Exhibit J, # 13 Exhibit K, # 14 Exhibit L, # 15 Exhibit M, # 16 Exhibit N, # 17 Exhibit O, # 18 Exhibit P, # 19 Exhibit Q, # 20 Exhibit R)(Salky, Mark) (Entered: 11/13/2023)

Expedia And Orbitz Libertad Act Title III Lawsuit Moving Towards Trial

Case Number: 19-22621-CIV-MORENO
MARIO ECHEVARRIA, Plaintiff, vs. EXPEDIA, INC., HOTELS.COM L.P., HOTELS.COM GP, LLC, and ORBITZ, LLC, Defendants.  

ORDER ON PLAINTIFF'S APPEAL OF MAGISTRATE JUDGE'S ORDER AND ORDER OF CONTINUANCE

Chief Magistrate Judge Torres has ruled that without an extension of pretrial deadlines there is no cause to compel further discovery in this case. Rather than making this case a ''trial'' over the sufficiency of the evidence so far produced, the Court continues the trial to the two week period of March 24, 2025 and calendar call will take place before the undersigned on March 18, 2025 at 9:30 A.M. at the Wilkie D. Ferguson Courthouse, 400 North Miami Avenue, Room 12-2, Miami, Florida 33128.

LINK To Order Setting Status Conference (2/26/25)
LINK To Order Setting Status Conference (12/17/25)

Exxon Files With U.S. Supreme Court For Ruling In Libertad Act Title III Lawsuit Against Cuba Companies

Docket for 24-699: Title:Exxon Mobil Corporation, Petitioner v. Corporación Cimex, S.A. (Cuba), et al.  United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit Petition for a writ of certiorari Party name: Corporación CIMEX, S.A. (Cuba), Corporación CIMEX, S.A (Panama), Unión Cuba-Petróleo

LINK To: 20241227105128755_Exxon_PETITION FOR A WRIT OF CERTIORARI

Title:    Exxon Mobil Corporation, Petitioner v. Corporación Cimex, S.A. (Cuba), et al.
Docketed:    December 31, 2024
Linked with 24A330    
Lower Ct:    United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
Case Numbers:    (21-7127, 22-7019, 22-7020)
Decision Date:    July 30, 2024

Oct 03 2024- Application (24A330) to extend the time to file a petition for a writ of certiorari from October 28, 2024 to December 27, 2024, submitted to The Chief Justice.

Oct 10 2024- Application (24A330) granted by The Chief Justice extending the time to file until December 27, 2024.
    
Dec 27 2024- Petition for a writ of certiorari filed. (Response due January 30, 2025)
 
Jan 06 2025- Motion to extend the time to file a response from January 30, 2025 to March 3, 2025, submitted to The Clerk.

Jan 07 2025- Motion to extend the time to file a response is granted and the time is extended to and including March 3, 2025.
    
Jan 30 2025- Brief amici curiae of King Ranch Inc., et al. filed.

Jan 30 2025- Brief amicus curiae of Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America filed.

Jan 31 2025- Motion to extend the time to file a response from March 3, 2025 to April 2, 2025, submitted to The Clerk.

Feb 03 2025- Motion to extend the time to file a response is granted and the time is further extended to and including April 2, 2025.
    
Attorneys for Petitioner
Jeffrey B. Wall
Counsel of Record
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
1700 New York Ave NW
Suite 700
Washington, DC 20006
wallj@sullcrom.com    (202) 956-7660

Exxon Mobil Corporation
Attorneys for Respondents
Michael Robert Krinsky
Counsel of Record    
Rabinowitz Boudin Standard Krinsky Lieberman, P.C.
320 West 85th Street
New York, NY 10024
mkrinsky@rbskl.com    19179296051

Party name: Corporación CIMEX, S.A. (Cuba), Corporación CIMEX, S.A (Panama), Unión Cuba-Petróleo
Jared Robert Butcher
Counsel of Record    
Berliner Corcoran & Rowe LLP
1101 17th St Nw
Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20036
jbutcher@bcrlaw.com    2022931074

King Ranch Inc., Vertientes-Camaguey Sugar Company, and Grant Manheim
Ilana Hope Eisenstein
Counsel of Record    
DLA Piper LLP (US)
1650 Market Street
Suite 5000
Philadelphia, PA 19103
ilana.eisenstein@dlapiper.com    215-656-3300
The Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America

Docket for 24A330: Title:Exxon Mobil Corporation, Applicant v. Corporación Cimex, S.A. (Cuba), et al.  United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit Application (24A330) to extend the time to file a petition for a writ of certiorari from October 28, 2024 to December 27, 2024

Title:    Exxon Mobil Corporation, Applicant v.cCorporación Cimex, S.A. (Cuba), et al.
Docketed:    October 7, 2024
Linked with 24-699    
Lower Ct:    United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
Case Numbers:    (21-7127, 22-7019, 22-7020)

Oct 03 2024- Application (24A330) to extend the time to file a petition for a writ of certiorari from October 28, 2024 to December 27, 2024, submitted to The Chief Justice.

Oct 10 2024- Application (24A330) granted by The Chief Justice extending the time to file until December 27, 2024.

Attorneys for Petitioner
Steven Keith Davidson
Counsel of Record    
Steptoe LLP
1330 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036
sdavidson@steptoe.com    202-429-8077
Party name: Exxon Mobil Corporation

Certified Claims Background

There are 8,821 claims of which 5,913 awards valued at US$1,902,202,284.95 were certified by the United States Foreign Claims Settlement Commission (USFCSC) and have not been resolved for nearing sixty years (some assets were officially confiscated in the 1960’s, some in the 1970’s and some in the 1990’s).  The USFCSC permitted simple interest (not compound interest) of 6% per annum (approximately US$114,132,137.10); with the approximate current value of the 5,913 certified claims is more than US$8,750,130,510.77.

The first asset (along with 382 enterprises the same day) to be expropriated by the Republic of Cuba was an oil refinery on 6 August 1960 owned by White Plains, New York-based Texaco, Inc., now a subsidiary of San Ramon, California-based Chevron Corporation (USFCSC: CU-1331/CU-1332/CU-1333 valued at US$56,196,422.73).

From the certified claim filed by Texaco: “The Cuban corporation was intervened on June 29, 1960, pursuant to Resolution 188 of June 28, 1960, under Law 635 of 1959.  Resolution 188 was promulgated by the Government of Cuba when the Cuban corporation assertedly refused to refine certain crude oil as assertedly provided under a 1938 law pertaining to combustible materials.  Subsequently, this Cuban firm was listed as nationalized in Resolution 19 of August 6, 1960, pursuant to Cuban Law 851.  The Commission finds, however, that the Cuban corporation was effectively intervened within the meaning of Title V of the Act by the Government of Cuba on June 29, 1960.”

LINK TO LIBERTAD ACT TITLE III LAWSUIT FILING STATISTICS

U.S. Ag/Food Exports To Cuba Increase .80% In January 2025. Other Exports: US$303,869.00 In Cement; US$1,907,350.00 In Used Vehicles; US$250,920.00 In Motorcycles

ECONOMIC EYE ON CUBA©
March 2025

January 2025 Ag/Food Exports To Cuba Increase .80% - 1
44th Of 203 January 2025 U.S. Food/Ag Export Markets- 2
Cuba Ranked 44th Of 203 U.S. Ag/Food Export Markets - 2
January 2025 Healthcare Product Exports US$479,334.00 - 2
January 2025 Humanitarian Donations US$5,394,610.00 - 3
Obama Administration Initiatives Exports Continue To Increase - 3
U.S. Port Export Data- 19

JANUARY 2025 FOOD/AG EXPORTS TO CUBA INCREASE .80% - Exports of food products and agricultural commodities from the United States to the Republic of Cuba in January 2025 were US$45,532,183.00 compared to US$45,168,873.00 in January 2024 and US$32,394,196.00 in January 2023.

The data contains information on exports from the United States to the Republic of Cuba- products within the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act (TSREEA) of 2000, Cuban Democracy Act (CDA) of 1992, and regulations implemented (1992 to present) for other products by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the United States Department of the Treasury and Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the United States Department of Commerce.

The TSREEA re-authorized the direct commercial (on a cash basis) export of food products (including branded food products) and agricultural commodities from the United States to the Republic of Cuba, irrespective of purpose. The TSREEA does not include healthcare products, which remain authorized and regulated by the CDA.

The data represents the U.S. Dollar value of product exported from the United States to the Republic of Cuba under the TSREEA, CDA, and other regulations, specifically including products exported from the United States to the re-emerging private sector in the Republic of Cuba.

The data does not include transportation charges, bank charges, or other costs associated with exports; the government of the Republic of Cuba reports unverifiable data that includes transportation charges, bank charges, and other costs.

LINK TO COMPLETE REPORT IN PDF FORMAT

Havana Club Rum Available In Ukraine At Upscale Kyiv And Kharkiv Supermarket.

US$1.00 equals 42.28 Ukrainian Hryvni