California Non-Party Discovery

__________________________________________________
NON-PARTY DISCOVERY
IN CALIFORNIA
__________________________________________________
LUCAS A. MESSENGER
ROBINS KAPLAN LLP
2049 CENTURY PARK EAST, SUITE 3400
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90067
TEL: (310) 229-5824
March 30, 2015
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CONTENTS
I.
Which Discovery Tools Are Available For Non-Parties? .................................................. 1
II.
Responding To Deposition Subpoenas ............................................................................... 4

A.
III.
First Things First: Personal Jurisdiction, California Subpoena Jurisdiction,

And Residency ........................................................................................................ 4
1.
Personal Jurisdiction v. Subpoena Jurisdiction ........................................... 4
2.
Residency Of Natural Persons .................................................................... 6
3.
Residency Of Organizations ....................................................................... 7
4.
Whose Residency Controls When A Business Records Deposition

Subpoena Seeks Testimony From An Organization? The
Organization Or Its Designated Witness? ................................................... 8
B.
Is There A Protective Order In Place And Are Non-Parties Covered?................. 10
C.
Does A Non-Party Have A Duty To Preserve Documents? ................................. 11
D.
Special Consumer Records Requirements ............................................................ 14
E.
Special Employee Records Requirements ............................................................ 14
Methods Of Responding To Deposition Subpoenas ......................................................... 15

A.
Serve Only Objections .......................................................................................... 16
B.
Motion For Protective Order ................................................................................. 17
C.
Motion To Quash .................................................................................................. 17
D.
Do Parties Also Have A Right To Challenge Non-Party Deposition

Subpoenas? ........................................................................................................... 17
IV.
The Subpoenaing Partys Response: The Motion To Compel......................................... 18
V.
General Non-Party Deposition Subpoena Provisions ....................................................... 19

A.
Who may issue a deposition subpoena, and does it have to be sealed? ................ 19
B.
Who is allowed to serve a deposition subpoena?.................................................. 20
C.
What type of service is required?.......................................................................... 20

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VI.
D.
How early in the proceedings may a deposition subpoena first be issued? .......... 20
E.
How quickly must a non-party respond to the deposition subpoena? .................. 21
F.
When must objections be filed? ............................................................................ 21
G.
When do the parties have to complete discovery? ................................................ 21
H.
Does the deposition subpoena have to be filed with the court? ............................ 21
Oral Deposition Subpoenas............................................................................................... 22

A.
B.
VII.
Notice Provisions For Oral Deposition Subpoenas .............................................. 22

1.
What information must the oral deposition subpoena contain? ................ 22
2.
Who must receive notice of the oral deposition subpoena? ...................... 23
3.
What documents must be served along with the deposition notice? ........ 23
4.
What information must the deposition notice contain? ............................ 23
5.
How quickly may an oral deposition be scheduled?................................. 23
6.
Does the deponent have to appear at the oral deposition in person? ........ 24
7.
Who is authorized to conduct an oral deposition? .................................... 24
8.
Does the deposition subpoena have to be accompanied by a good

cause affidavit? ......................................................................................... 24
9.
What happens if a non-party fails to comply with an oral

deposition subpoena? ................................................................................ 24
The Location Of The Oral Deposition .................................................................. 25

1.
Deponent As Natural Person ..................................................................... 25
2.
Deponent As Organization ........................................................................ 25
C.
Witness Fees For Oral Depositions....................................................................... 25
D.
Designating A Witness ......................................................................................... 26
Business Records Deposition Subpoenas For Copying Business Records ....................... 28

A.
Business Records Deposition Subpoena ProvisionsError! Bookmark not defined.

1.
The Manner In Which A Non-Party May Be Directed To Respond ........ 28

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2.
3.
4.
B.
Provisions Applicable To All Business Records Deposition

Subpoena For Copying Business Records ................................................ 29
a.
How do the business records sought by the subpoena have

to be described?..............................................................................29
b.
To whom must the subpoena be directed? .....................................30
c.
Does the subpoena have to be accompanied by an affidavit

showing good cause? .....................................................................30
d.
Is a deposition notice required? .....................................................30
e.
How quickly must the non-party produce the documents? ............31
f.
Does the non-partys production have to be accompanied

by an affidavit? ..............................................................................31
g.
What should a non-party do if there are no responsive

business records? ...........................................................................32
Provisions Applicable Only To Records Delivered To A

Deposition Officer .................................................................................... 32
a.
What documents must be delivered to the deposition

officer? ...........................................................................................32
b.
When does the production to a deposition officer have to be

sealed? ............................................................................................32
c.
What provisions for copying have to be made for the

deposition officer? .........................................................................32
Provisions Applicable Only To Records Made Available For

Inspection And Copying By The Subpoenaing Attorney Or The
Attorneys Representative ......................................................................... 33
a.
When does CCP 2020.430 (Delivery for copying;

requirements; time to deliver; application of Evidence Code
concerning inspection of records) apply to business
deposition subpoenas? ...................................................................33
b.
When and where do the records have to be made available

for copying? ...................................................................................33
E-Discovery Procedures........................................................................................ 33
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1.
Are the provisions applicable to other subpoenas applicable to

business records deposition subpoenas that seek ESI? ............................. 34
2.
In what format must the ESI be produced? ............................................... 34
3.
What if ESI is not reasonably accessible? ................................................ 34
4.
What happens if the court determines the ESI is not reasonably

accessible?................................................................................................. 35
5.
How are non-parties protected from often unreasonable demands

of non-party ESI discovery? ..................................................................... 35
6.
Is the clawback provision for ESI applicable to non-parties?................... 36
7.
Is there a safe harbor provision for non-parties? ...................................... 36
C.
Consumer/Employee Business Records ............................................................... 36
D.
Recoverable Costs Associated With The Production Of Business Records

In Response To A Subpoena ................................................................................. 37
1.
What constitutes reasonable costs where the custodian copies and

produces the business records? ................................................................. 37
2.
What constitutes reasonable costs where the custodian delivers the

business records for copying? ................................................................... 37
3.
When do reasonable costs have to be paid? .............................................. 37
E.
Custody Or Control: What Documents Need To Be Produced?.......................... 38
F.
Opposing The Deposition Subpoena Based On The Location Of The

Business Records .................................................................................................. 39
1.
2.
U.S. Organization Created Under California Law .................................... 39

a.
Business Records Located In California ........................................39
b.
Business Records Located Outside California ...............................40
c.
Business Records Located In Foreign Country .............................40
U.S. Organization Not Created Under California Law ............................. 40

a.
Business Records Located In California ........................................40
b.
Business Records Located Outside California ...............................40

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3.
U.S. Organization Not Created Under California Law And

Conducts No Business In California ......................................................... 41
VIII. Business Records Deposition Subpoenas For Both Production Of Business

Records And Testimony ................................................................................................... 42
A.
Provisions Applicable To Business Records Deposition Subpoena For

Production And Testimony ................................................................................... 42
1.
Who must receive notice of the subpoena for production and

testimony? ................................................................................................. 42
2.
What documents must be served along with the deposition notice? ........ 42
3.
What information must the deposition notice contain? ............................ 42
4.
What information must the subpoena contain? ......................................... 43
5.
How do the documents sought by the subpoena have to be

described? ................................................................................................. 44
6.
When must the non-party witness appear to be deposed and

produce documents?.................................................................................. 44
7.
Does the deponent have to appear at the oral deposition in person? ........ 45
8.
Who is authorized to conduct the oral deposition? ................................... 45
9.
Does the subpoena have to be accompanied by an affidavit

showing good cause? ................................................................................ 45
10.
Does the non-partys production have to be accompanied by an

affidavit? ................................................................................................... 45
11.
Does the non-party have to provide a privilege log?............................. 45
B.
Consumer/Employee Business Records ............................................................... 46
C.
Location Of The Deposition ................................................................................. 46
D.
Witness Fees And Reasonable Costs .................................................................... 46
E.
Opposing The Jurisdiction Of A Deposition Subpoena For Business

Records And Testimony Based On The Location Of The Records ...................... 46
1.
Organization .............................................................................................. 46
a.
Custodian Is A Resident Of California ..........................................46

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b.
2.
Custodian Is A Non-Resident Of California ..................................47
Natural Persons ......................................................................................... 47

a.
Non-Resident .................................................................................47
b.
Resident And Records Located In California ................................47
c.
Resident And Records Located Outside California .......................47
IX.
Written Deposition Subpoenas ......................................................................................... 47
X.
Non-Party Discovery In California Arbitrations............................................................... 48
XI.
Non-Party Discovery Outside California For Use In A California Action ....................... 50

A.
California Provisions For Obtaining Discovery Outside California ..................... 50

1.
Does the subpoenaing party have to obtain a commission? ..................... 50
2.
How does the subpoenaing party obtain a commission? .......................... 50
3.
Before whom may the deposition take place? .......................................... 51
B.
California Procedure To Obtain Discovery From Foreign Countries ................... 51
C.
Witness Fees And Reasonable Costs .................................................................... 51
D.
Choice-Of-Law Issues .......................................................................................... 51
E.
F.
1.
California Discovery Law Applies To The Conduct Of Oral

Depositions For Use In A California Matter............................................. 51
2.
Discovery Law Of State That Issued The Subpoena Is Also

Applicable ................................................................................................. 52
Procedures For Opposing Discovery Outside California...................................... 52

1.
Motion To Quash ...................................................................................... 52
2.
Objections And Motion For Protective Order .......................................... 53
Membership In California Bar .............................................................................. 53
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Non-Party Discovery In California

Non-party discovery is an effective tool when used properly. Parties often fail to do so,
however, and choose instead to serve discovery that is inconsistent with the requirements of
Californias Civil Discovery Act (the CDA), Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2016.010-2036.050.
This is not particularly surprising considering the fact that the rules for parties and non-parties
overlap in a number of significant ways, and attorneys are often unfamiliar with the slight, yet
important, differences between the two.
Regardless of the reason, the end result is that a great deal of non-party discovery is
defective in some way, shape, or form. Among other things, non-party discovery often will be
served incorrectly, seek to depose non-resident witnesses, or cite to inapplicable sections of the
CDA. And even more so than discovery requests to parties, non-party requests almost
universally are substantially overbroad and unduly burdensome. This article attempts to provide
an overview of the Californias non-party discovery rules and identify how those rules differ
from party discovery.
I.
Which Discovery Tools Are Available For Non-Parties?
In California, if a witness is a non-party i.e., not a party to the action or a partyaffiliated witness a deposition subpoena must be served to compel that witnesss attendance,
testimony, or production of documents and things pursuant to Chapter 6, Nonparty Discovery,
of the CDA, Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.010-2020.510. See, e.g., California ex rel Lockyer v.
Super. Ct., 122 Cal. App. 4th 1060, 1076-78 (2004) (finding that service of deposition subpoenas
is required to compel the attendance of witnesses and produce documents at deposition who are
not parties to a civil action).1 Thus, in a California proceeding,2 a deposition subpoena is the
1
The CDA was reorganized in 2004 at the recommendation of the Law Revision Commission.
Ten years later, this is noteworthy because a number of important discovery cases were decided
prior to the 2004 reorganization and therefore refer to the former CDA sections. Thankfully, the
California Law Revision Commission compiled a disposition table showing each former
subsection and corresponding current subsection. See Civil Discovery: Nonsubstantive Reform,
33 Cal. Revision Commn Reports 789, 1073-1087 (2003). This table, for example, can be
found at the beginning of the CDA in Wests California Civil Practice and Rules.
For discovery to be used in an out-of-state proceeding, California has adopted a modified

version of the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act (2007), which became effective
as of January 1, 2010. Under these rules, in order to obtain a subpoena from a California court to
compel discovery in California for use in an out-of-state proceeding, the out-of-state party must:
(1) submit the original subpoena from the foreign jurisdiction where the case is pending (or a
true and correct copy), see Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2029.300(a); (2) pay a fee of $20 per subpoena
(which is comparable to the fee for issuing a commission to take an out-of-state deposition, see
Cal. Gov. Code 70626(b)(5)); and (3) submit an application for a subpoena on the prescribed
Judicial Council form, see Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2029.300(b), 2029.390. The application
should be submitted to the clerk of the superior court of the county in California where the
discovery is to be taken. See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2029.300(a). If a party complies with these
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only method by which to obtain discovery from a non-party in civil litigation.3 Cal. Civ. Proc.
Code 2020.010, 2020.020; Naser v. Lakeridge Athletic Club, 227 Cal. App. 4th 571, 577
(2014) (finding process by which a nonparty is required to provide discovery is a deposition
subpoena); Unzipped Apparel, 156 Cal. App. 4th at 127 (In civil litigation, discovery may be
obtained from a nonparty only through a deposition subpoena.).
There are four different types of deposition subpoenas that may be served on non-parties:
1.
a subpoena for an oral deposition pursuant to CCP 2020.310 and 2025.010;
requirements, the clerk shall promptly issue a subpoena for service that complies with the
requirements of California Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) 2029.300(d). See Cal. Civ. Proc.
Code 2029.300(c).
Alternatively, an out-of-state party may retain a licensed California attorney to issue a deposition
subpoena for purposes of the out-of-state proceeding so long as the subpoena complies with CCP
2029.350(b) and the attorney is provided with an original subpoena from the foreign
jurisdiction (or a true and correct copy). See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2029.350. A party
represented by an out-of-state attorney in an out of-state proceeding is not required to retain local
counsel in order to depose a California witness. Cal. R. Ct. 9.47(c)(1); see Deposition in Out-ofState Litigation, 37 Cal. L. Revision Commn Reports 99, 119 (2007).
If a discovery dispute arises regarding discovery conducted in California for use in an out-ofstate proceeding, any request for relief should be filed in the superior court of the county in
California where the discovery is to be conducted, and an appeal of the superior courts decision
may be brought by means of an extraordinary writ in the appropriate court of appeal. See Cal.
Civ. Proc. Code 2029.600, 2029.650. California law should govern the dispute. See
Unzipped Apparel, LLC v. Bader, 156 Cal. App. 4th 123, 130 (2007) (finding that although
dispute arose from a New York action, California law governed a discovery dispute where a New
York party sought discovery from a California non-party through the mechanisms provided by
California courts); cf. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2029.600, Law Revision Commission Comments
(observing that objective is to ensure that if a dispute arises relating to discovery under this
article, California is able to protect its policy interests and the interests of the person located in
the state).
3
In California, a deposition is defined as a written declaration, under oath, made upon notice to
the adverse party, for the purpose of enabling him to attend and cross-examine. Cal. Civ. Proc.
Code 2004. Moreover, a subpoena is [t]he process by which the attendance of a witness is
required. It is a writ or order directed to a person requiring the persons attendance at a
particular time and place to testify as a witness. It may also require a witness to bring any books,
documents, or other things under the witnesss control which the witness is bound by law to
produce in evidence. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985(a).
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2.
a subpoena for a business records deposition commanding only the production of

business records for copying pursuant to CCP 2020.410;4
3.
a subpoena for a business records deposition commanding both the production of

business records5 and testimony pursuant to CCP 2020.510; and
4.
a subpoena for a written deposition pursuant to CCP 2028.010.6
See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.010, 2020.020; Naser, 227 Cal. App. 4th at 577 (finding party
may obtain discovery from non-party through an oral deposition subpoena, written deposition
subpoena, deposition subpoena for production of business records, and deposition subpoena for
production of business records and testimony); Unzipped Apparel, 156 Cal. App. 4th at 127.
Although entitled Persons within the state; approved methods, CCP 2020.010 does
not create any new or additional tools of discovery for non-parties in California.7 Rather, it
merely sets forth the mechanisms that may be used to obtain discovery from non-parties and the
different procedures, if any, that are involved. See California Shellfish, Inc. v. United Shellfish
Co., 56 Cal. App. 4th 16, 21 (1997) (former Section 2020 merely specifies the methods of
discovery that may be used against nonparties, the process to bring nonparties under the courts
jurisdiction, and the form of notice and requirements for service of a deposition on a nonparty).
California courts repeatedly have stated that non-parties should not be subjected to a greater
burden than parties, and indeed should be somewhat protected. See, e.g., Catholic Mutual Relief
Society v. Super. Ct., 42 Cal. 4th 358, 366 n.6 (2007) (The permissible scope of discovery in
general is not as broad with respect to nonparties as it is with respect to parties.); Unzipped
4
This can be thought of as the functional equivalent of an inspection demand made to a party.
James E. Hogan & Gregory S. Weber, 1-7 California Civil Discovery 7.1 (2d ed. 2008).
As opposed to a business records only deposition subpoena, here, the term business records
encompasses not only business records, but the production of documents and tangible things as
well. Compare Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.510(a), with Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.410(a).
Thus, the discovery that is responsive here is arguably broader than with solely a business
records deposition subpoena.
While CCP 2020.020 does not list written depositions as a form of discovery that a deposition
subpoena can command, CCP 2020.010(a)(2) clearly lists written depositions as a mechanism
that can be used to obtain discovery from a non-party. Moreover, CCP 2028.010 states that
[a]ny party may obtain discovery by taking a deposition by written questions instead of by oral
examination. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2028.010.
It is important not to place undue reliance on the chapter titles for California statutes because
the title of a chapter does not make the law and does not alter the explicit scope, meaning, or
intent of a statute. Monarch Healthcare v. Super. Ct., 78 Cal. App. 4th 1282, 1288 (2000)
(citing DaFonte v. Up-Right, Inc., 2 Cal. 4th 593, 602 (1992)); Unzipped Apparel, 156 Cal. App.
4th at 134. In other words, the title of this chapter probably should not be a central argument in
any opposition to a motion to compel the production of business records located outside of
California.
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Apparel, 156 Cal. App. 4th at 133 (nonparty witness should be somewhat protected from the
burdensome demands of litigation (citation omitted)). Thus, to the extent a party attempts to
impose discovery burdens on a non-party witness equivalent to, if not greater than, what could be
imposed on a party, there is ample authority to support the argument that such discovery is
improper.
II.
Responding To Deposition Subpoenas

A.
First Things First: Personal Jurisdiction, California Subpoena Jurisdiction,

And Residency
1.
Personal Jurisdiction v. Subpoena Jurisdiction
Although very much related, personal jurisdiction and subpoena jurisdiction are not
equivalent legal concepts. See St. Sava Mission Corp. v. Serbian Eastern Orthodox Diocese, 223
Cal. App. 3d 1354, 1365 (1990) (finding the term jurisdiction has different meanings in different
situations).8 Personal jurisdiction is the power to bring a party into a states court system, render
judgment, and then impose liability. See Cal. Civ. Proc. 410.10; see, e.g., Burns v. Municipal
Ct., 195 Cal. App. 2d 596, 599 (1961) (jurisdiction is generally construed to mean the power of
a court to hear and determine, or power to act in a certain manner); Mueller v. Elba Oil Co., 21
Cal. 2d 188, 206 (1942) (finding jurisdiction is the power to hear and determine). By
comparison, subpoena jurisdiction is the power to compel witnesses to come into court not as
parties but simply to testify and produce evidence. John Sink, California Subpoena
Handbook 3:2 at 66 (Thomson/West 2011-2012).9
8
It is now recognized that the term jurisdiction does not have a single, fixed meaning, but has
different meanings in different situations. 2 Witkin, Cal. Procedure (5th), Jurisdiction 1
(2014).
9
Subpoena jurisdiction may be thought of as a convenient set of loosely related problems the
solution of which may variously depend on the identity of the court which issues the subpoena,
where it is served, the residence of the person on whom it is served, the nature and location of
physical evidence subpoenaed, whether the testimony or physical evidence sought relates to
events which previously occurred in California, and whether the subpoena will require any action
to be taken outside California or (by requiring actions inside California) will affect the rights of
persons residing elsewhere. Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 3:1 at 64; see Abelleira v.
District Ct. of Appeal, 17 Cal. 2d 280, 291 (1941) (The concept of jurisdiction embraces a large
number of ideas of similar character, some fundamental to the nature of any judicial system,
some derived from the requirement of due process, some determined by the constitutional or
statutory structure of a particular court, and some based upon mere procedural rules originally
devised for convenience and efficiency, and by precedent made mandatory and jurisdictional.
Speaking generally, any acts which exceed the defined power of a court in any instance, whether
that power be defined by constitutional provision, express statutory declaration, or rules
developed by the courts and followed under the doctrine of stare decisis, are in excess of
jurisdiction, in so far as that term is used to indicate that those acts may be restrained by
prohibition or annulled on certiorari.).
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Thus, a courts subpoena jurisdiction should be more narrowly construed than its
personal jurisdiction because a subpoenaed, non-party witness has no stake in the litigation or
any control over it. See Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. v. Monsanto Co., 908 So. 2d 121, 127
(Miss. 2005) (the basic concepts of personal jurisdiction and subpoena power are vastly
different).10 As such, only California residents are subject to the subpoena jurisdiction of
California courts, and a non-resident witness cannot be compelled to appear in California or
produce documents. See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1989 (A witness is not obligated to attend as
a witness before any court, judge, justice or any other officer, unless the witness is a resident
within the state at the time of service.).11 Although perhaps slight, the distinction between the
two personal and subpoena jurisdiction can be important. Accordingly, after receiving a
deposition subpoena, one of the first steps should be to determine whether the witness is indeed a
resident of California.12
10
Cf. In re Natl Contract Poultry Growers Assn, 771 So.2d 466, 469 (Ala. 2000) (The fact
that NCPGA may have sufficient contacts with the State of Alabama to subject it to the
jurisdiction of the Alabama courts under the Alabama long-arm personal-jurisdiction provisions
is irrelevant to the question presented in this case. However, a finding that NCPGA is subject to
the personal jurisdiction of Alabama courts would not necessarily mean that it was obligated to
respond to a subpoena by having to appear and produce documents in an Alabama court in a
lawsuit to which it is not a party. The underlying concepts of personal jurisdiction and subpoena
power are entirely different. Personal jurisdiction is based on conduct that subjects the
nonresident to the power of the Alabama courts to adjudicate its rights and obligations in a legal
dispute. For example, a foreign corporation that qualifies to do business in Alabama subjects
itself to the jurisdiction of an Alabama court, even if it is not a party to a lawsuit. By contrast,
the subpoena power of an Alabama court over an individual or a corporation that is not a party to
a lawsuit is based on the power and authority of the court to compel the attendance of a person at
a deposition or the production of documents by a person or entity. (citations omitted)); Phillips
Petroleum Co. v. OKC Ltd. Partnership, 634 So. 2d 1186, 1187-88 (La. 1994) (same).
11
While CCP 1989 prevents a non-resident witness from being compelled to appear for
deposition in California, this section has no effect where a business records deposition subpoena
is served upon a custodian of records and only requires the production of business records for
copyingnot the custodians personal attendance and testimony. See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
1987.3.
12
When responding to a deposition subpoena, it also should be determined whether the court
actually possesses subject matter jurisdiction because a courts subpoena jurisdiction cannot be
greater than its subject matter jurisdiction. See, e.g., United States Catholic Conference v.
Abortion Rights Mobilization, Inc., 487 U.S. 72, 76-78 (1988) ([T]he subpoena power of a court
cannot be more extensive than its [subject matter] jurisdiction. It follows that if a district court
does not have subject-matter jurisdiction over the underlying action, and the process was not
issued in aid of determining that jurisdiction, then the process is void.); Adams v. Johnson &
Johnson Co., 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 35000, at *4, 2010 WL 1462947 (D.N.J. Apr. 9, 2010)
(finding a district courts subpoena power cannot be more extensive than its jurisdiction).
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Ultimately, if a witness is not a California resident, the procedure to obtain discovery in a

California action follows a different set of rules.13 See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2026.010. For a
non-party, non-resident witness, parties must use any process and procedures required and
available under the laws of the state where the deposition is to be taken to compel the
deponent to attend and to testify, as well as to produce any document or tangible thing for
inspection, copying, and any related activity. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2026.010(c).14
2.
Residency Of Natural Persons
For purposes of subpoena jurisdiction, the issue of residency in California is by no means

clear-cut. See In re Morelli, 11 Cal. App. 3d 819, 830-31 (1970) (We find no California
decisions construing residency for purposes of subpoena power.). In Morelli, for example, the
court of appeal discussed at length the meaning of residency for purposes of the CDA in general,
as well as subpoena powers under CCP 1989 in particular. Id. at 830-32. The court of appeal
began by noting that residence is a most elusive and indefinite term, possessing various
meanings depending on the statute and the legal concept involved. Id. at 830. The court of
appeal then expressly observed that residence can be different from domicile and stated that
it was unable to find any California decisions construing residency for the purposes of subpoena
power. Id. at 831. Ultimately, the court of appeal determined that under CCP 1989, residence
is residence in fact and not domicile. Id.; National Auto. & Cas. Ins. Co. v. Underwood, 9 Cal.
App. 4th 31, 39 (1992) (cases recognize that a person may have several residences at the same
time and for different purposes).15
For purposes of subpoena jurisdiction, the Morelli court concluded that residency
envisages nothing more than an abode, possibly with a professional base of operations, which
gives the resident a sojourning connection with the area of a type and duration related to the
status of a witness and which makes it not a hardship for him to attend the legal proceedings at
which he is commanded to appear. Morelli, at 831. Based on this approach to residency, the
court of appeal found that a subpoenaed witness was indeed a resident where the witness: (1)
had a California post office address and local phone number; (2) carried the title of Dr. and
was available at the California Institute of Technology; and (3) when served, demanded and
received witness fees. Id. at 832. By describing the witness a non-party expert as
13
See Part XI infra.
14
If required by the foreign jurisdiction, the clerk of the court may issue a commission
authorizing the deposition in another state. See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2026.010(f); Judicial
Council Official For DISC-030 (Commission to Take Deposition Outside California). If,
however, a court order is required, an order for a commission may be obtained by ex parte
application. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2026.010(d).
15
A person may have several residences at one time for personal jurisdiction purposes but only
one domicile, which consists of both a presence at a location and an intent to remain there
indefinitely. See In re Marriage of Tucker, 226 Cal. App. 3d 1249, 1258-59 (1991). The party
asserting residence has the burden of establishing it. See In re Marriage of Dick, 15 Cal. App.
4th 144, 153 (1993).
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available, the court of appeal apparently was making reference to the witnesss employment at
the California Institute of Technology. See id. at 830.
Although somewhat unclear, to determine whether a natural person is a resident of
California for purposes of subpoena jurisdiction when California is not their domicile, courts
may consider whether the person: (1) spends time working in California; (2) spends time living
in California; (3) has a California mailing address or phone number; and (4) demands witness
fees. See Morelli, at 831-32. The answer to the question of residency therefore appears to
involve a kind of minimum contacts analysis. See Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 3:2 at
67-69 ([W]hen a California court asserts long-range subpoena jurisdiction the result tends
increasingly to be influenced by the minimum contacts rule.);16 Hogan & Weber, 1-2 California
Civil Discovery 2.9 (regarding whether a California court possesses the power subpoena a
nonparty foreign corporation or other organizational entity that has not qualified to do business
in California. Case law is scant, but what there is suggests that the organizations contacts with
California must at least be sufficient to make it subject to personal jurisdiction). And this is
consistent with how California courts analyze personal jurisdiction questions. See Vons
Companies, Inc. v. Seabest Foods, Inc., 14 Cal. 4th 434, 444 (1996) (A state courts assertion of
personal jurisdiction over a nonresident defendant who has not been served with process within
the state comports with the requirements of the due process clause of the federal Constitution if
the defendant has such minimum contacts with the state that the assertion of jurisdiction does not
violate traditional notions of fair play and substantial justice.) (citing Internat. Shoe Co. v.
Washington, 326 U.S. 310, 316 (1945)).17
3.
Residency Of Organizations
It is similarly unclear when an organization18 should be considered a resident of

California for purposes of subpoena jurisdiction. See Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 3:9
16
California possesses the broadest long arm statute possible to assert personal jurisdiction
through minimum contacts. California courts are authorized to exercise jurisdiction over parties
on any basis not inconsistent with the Constitution of this state or the United States. Cal. Civ.
Proc. Code 410.10.
17
See also In re Automobile Antitrust Cases I & II, 135 Cal. App. 4th 100, 122 (2005) (When
determining whether California courts have specific jurisdiction over a nonresident defendant,
the question of whether the defendant purposefully availed itself of the benefits of conducting
activities in this state focuses on that defendant's intent. A plaintiff may establish purposeful
availment based on the effects of the defendant's out-of-state conduct in this state.).
18
Organization probably should be viewed as any legal entity, other than a natural person, that
can be sued. See Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 1:8 at 21-22. For example, the CDA
describes organization as including a public or private corporation, a partnership, an
association. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.010. Moreover, CCP 2020.310 provides that an
organization is an entity that can be compelled to designate an employee or agent to testify on
its behalf. Thus, this term includes corporations as well as businesses, which is defined as
every kind of business, governmental activity, profession, occupation, calling, or operation of
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at 104-06. While doing business in California, by itself, does not automatically subject an
organization to Californias subpoena jurisdiction, it generally will make an organization subject
to a courts personal jurisdiction. Id. 3:9 at 109. As discussed above, subpoena jurisdiction is
narrower than personal jurisdiction, and factors that a California court might consider include:
(1) whether the organization conducts intrastate business in California; (2) whether the
organization conducts inter-state business that involves California; (3) whether the organization
has registered with the California Secretary of State;19 (4) the organizations state of
incorporation; (5) the location of the organizations principal place of business; and (6) whether
the organization maintains an office in California. Again, the answer to this question appears to
involve a sort of minimum contacts analysis. See Hogan & Weber, 1-2 California Civil
Discovery 2.9 (observing that although case law is scant, subpoena jurisdiction likely occurs
where an organizations minimum contacts would be sufficient to make it subject to suit in
California were it named as a defendant).
4.
Whose Residency Controls When A Business Records Deposition

Subpoena Seeks Testimony From An Organization? The
Organization Or Its Designated Witness?
If the deponent is an organization, it also is unclear whose residency determines subpoena

jurisdiction: (1) the organization; or (2) the employee designated to testify on the organizations
behalf. For example, it could be argued that where an organization is a non-party and its
designated witness as a non-resident of California can only be forced to testify via a
deposition subpoena directed to the organization, the jurisdictional bar of CCP 198920 should
apply and the non-resident designee cannot be required to testify in California. See Sink,
California Subpoena Handbook 3:8 at 95-96 (concluding that to allow substitution of business
entitys residency for residency of witness would subvert CCP 1989). This position makes
sense because an organization can only testify through a natural person its employees or agents
and the jurisdictional bar of CCP 1989 applies to natural persons.
In interpreting the analogous provision of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Fifth
Circuit has observed that a non-officer employee designated by an organizational deponent
could not be required to travel outside the limits that would apply if that person was personally
institutions, whether carried on for profit or not. Cal. Evid. Code 1270; see Sink, California
Subpoena Handbook 1:8 at 21.
19
A foreign corporation shall not transact intrastate business without having first obtained from
the Secretary of State a certificate of qualification. Cal. Corp. Code 2105. In and of itself,
registration with the Secretary of State is likely not overly significant. See Sink, California
Subpoena Handbook, 3:9 at 105-06 (concluding that since secretary of states office does not
consider subpoenas to be the kind of process which it is required to accept on behalf of a
certified entity the factor of registration probably does not carry as much weight in determining
subpoena jurisdiction as it might first appear).
20
A witness is not obligated to attend as a witness before any court, judge, justice or any
other officer, unless the witness is a resident within the state at the time of service. Cal. Civ.
Proc. Code 1989.
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served with a subpoena. Cates v. LTV Aerospace Corp., 480 F.2d 620, 623 (5th Cir. 1973)
(interpreting Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 30(b)(6) and 45 and the limits of federal subpoena
jurisdiction of non-parties);21 see also Wultz v. Bank of China Ltd., 293 F.R.D. 677, 679
(S.D.N.Y. 2013) (finding under Rule 45(c)(3)(A)(ii), a court must quash or modify a subpoena
that requires a person who is neither a party nor a partys officer to travel more than 100 miles
from where that person resides, is employed, or regularly transacts business in person because
rules purpose is to protect non-party witnesses from being subjected to excessive discovery
burdens).
On the other hand, the argument could be made that it really is the organizations
residency that matters not that of its employees or agents because it is the organization that is
named as the deponent in the subpoena. To date, there does not appear to be any cases on point
regarding this issue as to non-parties.
There is, however, conflicting case law involving parties to an action and whether a
natural person (even if not a resident of California) may be compelled to attend an oral
deposition in California because that person is an officer or employee of a corporate party doing
business in California. See Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 3:4 at 75-79 (stating that
California courts are divided over the applicability of CCP 1989 to the production of persons
residing outside California). Compare Boal v. Price Waterhouse & Co., 165 Cal. App. 3d
806, 810-11 (1985) (finding that subpoena duces tecum served on a partys Los Angeles office to
obtain records from custodian located in New York required their production regardless of
location), and Glass v. Super. Ct., 204 Cal. App. 3d 1048, 1052-53 (1988) (holding that a foreign
corporation may not file suit in California and then contend that its management team may not be
required to attend depositions in California pursuant to CCP 1989 because they were not
residents of California), with Amoco Chem. Co. v. Certain Underwriters at Lloyds of London,
34 Cal. App. 4th 554, 559-62 (1995) (holding that a witness who resides outside California
cannot be compelled to testify in California, even when the witness is a party to the action,
unless the witness is a resident of California at the time of service because of CCP 1989),
Toyota Motor Corp. v. Super. Ct., 197 Cal. App. 4th 1107, 1114 (2011), as modified, (July 28,
2011) (finding that CCP 1989 prohibits the trial court from compelling a foreign resident to
attend a deposition in California), and Lund v. Olson, G046537, 2013 Cal. App. Unpub. LEXIS
1323, at *1, 2013 WL 648628, at*4 (Cal. Ct. App. Feb. 22, 2013) (finding non-Californian
residents cannot be compelled to testify as witnesses or provide deposition testimony in
California in context of evaluating proper forum for trial).
Of course, all of these cases are distinguishable because they involve parties. Toyota
Motor Corp. discussed the history of the applicable statutes at length and concluded that [t]he
plain language of the statutory scheme and the legislative history of that language fully support
21
This conclusion is further supported by the most recent amendment to Rule 45 (effective
December 1, 2013), which makes clear that a partys officers may not be compelled to travel
more than 100 miles or to another state to testify at trial. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 45 advisory
committees note, 2013 Amendment (Rule 45(c)(1)(A) does not authorize a subpoena for trial
to require a party or party officer to travel more than 100 miles unless the party or party officer
resides, is employed, or regularly transacts business in person in the state.).
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the conclusion that a trial court cannot order a non-resident to appear at a California deposition.
197 Cal. App. 4th at 1125 (finding that hat notwithstanding courts authority under CCP
2025.260 to order a deponents attendance at a deposition to be taken beyond CCP 2025.250s
mileage limitations, court has no authority to compel the attendance at a deposition of a deponent
who was not a California resident at the time of service of the deposition notice or subpoena
under CCP 1989). The court of appeal expressly declined to decide whether its analysis
would or should extent or apply to a court order made pursuant to [CCP] 2025.230 which
provides for the circumstances where [] the deponent named is not a natural person . Id.;
see also Hon. William F., Rylaarsdam, Hon. Lee Smalley Edmon, Cal. Prac. Guide: Civ. Proc.
Before Trial 8:628.4 (The Rutter Group 2013) (describing it as unclear whether a party can
rely on CCP 2025.250(d) to force a non-party corporation that has no officers or employees
resident in the state to testify in the county where the action is pending). More recently,
however, in an unpublished decision, a court of appeal affirmed a trial courts determination that
it had no power to compel the deposition of a partys non-resident personal most knowledgeable
witness or production of a non-resident partys financial records. See I-Ca Enters. v. Palram
Ams., 2015 Cal. App. Unpub. LEXIS 1067, at *41 (Feb. 18, 2015).
Thus, it remains unclear whose residency controls with respect to parties. Suffice it to
say that in response to any non-party deposition subpoena, the initial position should be that no
deposition of a non-resident, non-party witness shall go forward in Californiawhether as a
designated witness for an organization or as natural person witness. Quite simply, [CCP
1989] means what it says - a witness is not obliged to appear in court [or as a witness] in
California unless he is a resident of the state at the time of service. Amoco Chem. Co., 34 Cal.
App. 4th at 556.22
B.
Is There A Protective Order In Place And Are Non-Parties Covered?
Before a non-party produces a witness or documents in response to a deposition

subpoena, there should be an appropriate protective order entered in the case.23 While the parties
22
Interestingly, in Amoco Chem. Co., the court of appeal concluded that it lacked authority to
compel the production of documents from a party pursuant to a notice because CCP 1987(c)
makes that right contingent upon the requesting partys right to request the appearance of a party.
Amoco Chem. Co., 34 Cal. App. 4th at 560.
23
The terms protective order and confidentiality agreement are often used interchangeably,
but they are in fact different animals. A protective order is an order obtained from the court after
a showing of good cause to protect against disclosure of specific information pursuant to CCP
2025.420, 2030.090, 2031.060, or 2033.080. Cf. Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(c). While a protective
order is backed by the courts authority and the power of contempt, a confidentiality agreement
is an agreement by and between the parties regarding the designation and handling of
confidential materials that may be enforced solely as a matter of contract law. Like many other
courts, the Los Angeles County Superior Court has adopted a form stipulated protective order
that is useful for determining whether a draft stipulated protective order is adequate. See
http://www.lacourt.org/division/civil/pdf/FormProtectiveOrder1Confidential_1.pdf. Cf.
http://www.cand.uscourts.gov/stipprotectorder. Significantly, the form order does not include a
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usually will have a protective order in place by the time they serve non-party discovery, their
protective order sometimes only applies to parties.
Therefore, during the first meet and confer with the subpoenaing party, a responding nonparty should request a copy of any applicable protective order and determine whether it extends
to non-parties. If the protective order does not contemplate non-parties, either the existing
protective order should be amended to include non-parties or an additional protective order
applicable to non-parties must be negotiated and executed. Even if the existing protective order
contemplates non-parties, it may still need to be amended in order to fully protect the non-partys
interests.
C.
Does A Non-Party Have A Duty To Preserve Documents?
The quick answer is that for non-parties, a duty to preserve generally does not arise until
served with a deposition subpoena. A duty to preserve also may arise for a non-party by statute,
contract, or a voluntary undertaking to preserve evidence. As always, the long answer is a bit
more complicated than that.
While federal law recognizes a partys duty to preserve relevant evidence whenever
litigation is pending or probable, California does not have a similar explicit requirement.
Compare Zubulake v. UBS Warburg LLC, 220 F.R.D. 212, 216 (S.D.N.Y. 2003) (finding duty to
preserve evidence arises when (a) the party has notice that the evidence is relevant to litigation or
(b) should have known that the evidence may be relevant to future litigation), with New
Albertsons Inc. v. Super. Ct., 168 Cal. App. 4th 1403, 1430-31 (2008) (rejecting sanctions for the
destruction of video recordings where there was no failure to obey an order compelling
discovery), and Dodge, Warren & Peters Ins. Servs., Inc. v. Riley, 105 Cal. App. 4th 1414, 1419
(2003) (finding CDA does not provide a mechanism for the preservation of evidence before a
lawsuit is filed or before a discovery request).
The 2009 amendments to the CDA acknowledge that a duty to preserve exists, and the
California Supreme Court has stated that (a) a prudent attorney should take affirmative steps to
instruct the client to preserve and maintain any potentially relevant evidence because it is
right for the client to do so and (b) the destruction of evidence in anticipation of litigation or
after receiving a discovery request is a misuse of discovery. See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
1985.8(m)(2) (This subdivision shall not be construed to alter any obligation to preserve
discoverable information.); Cedars-Sinai Medical Center v. Super. Ct., 18 Cal. 4th 1, 12-13
(1998) (Destroying evidence in response to a discovery request after litigation has commenced
statement of good cause. While such a showing may not be necessary or even practical in the
context of a stipulated blanket protective order, parties should be aware that some courts at
least at the federal level will require a particularized statement of good cause. Compare
Kamakana v. City and County of Honolulu, 447 F.3d 1172, 1176 (9th Cir. 2006) (parties must
make a particularized showing under Rule 26(c)s good cause showing for court to enter
protective order); with In re Roman Catholic Archbishop of Portland in Oregon, 661 F.3d 417,
424 (9th Cir. 2011) (While courts generally make a finding of good cause before issuing a
protective order, a court need not do so where (as here) the parties stipulate to such an order.).
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would surely be a misuse of discovery within the meaning of section 2023, as would such
destruction in anticipation of a discovery request.). But neither the CDA nor the California
Supreme Court explicitly identify what the duty to preserve is, when it arises, or how far it
extends.
Non-parties presumably possess some duty to preserve documents as well, but again,
when and in what context this duty arises in California is even murkier than it is with parties.
For non-parties, awareness of a lawsuit alone absent some special duty arising from contract or
imposed by statute (i.e., record-retention statutes and regulations) is probably insufficient to
trigger a duty to preserve. See Temple Cmty. Hosp. v. Super. Ct., 20 Cal. 4th 464, 476-77 (1999).
Moreover, while a duty of care may not be imposed on non-parties, they nonetheless may elect to
assume a duty to preserve and be held accountable if they breach that duty under a theory of
promissory estoppel. See Cooper v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 177 Cal. App. 4th 876, 892
(2009) (finding non-party State Farm owed plaintiff a duty to preserve evidence because it was
independently assumed by State Farm when it made the promise to preserve the tire and plaintiff
relied thereon). Since there do not appear to be any California decisions that address when a
duty arises for parties or non-parties, federal case law may be instructive. See Liberty Mut. Ins.
Co. v. Super. Ct., 10 Cal. App. 4th 1282, 1288 (1992) (Because of the similarity of California
and federal discovery law, federal decisions have historically been considered persuasive absent
contrary California decisions.).
Several commentators assume that parties in California have a duty to preserve that is
comparable to the one described in Zubulake: While a litigant is under no duty to keep or retain
every document in its possession ... it is under a duty to preserve what it knows, or reasonably
should know, is relevant in the action, is reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of
admissible evidence, is reasonably likely to be requested during discovery and/or is the subject
of a pending discovery request. See, e.g., Matthew Bender Practice Guide: California EDiscovery and Evidence 5.05[1] (2012) (quoting Zubulake, 220 F.R.D. at 217).
For non-parties, it is safe to assume that a duty to preserve arises after receipt of a
subpoena.24 See In re Napster, Inc. Copyright Litig., 462 F.Supp.2d 1060, 1068 (N.D. Cal. 2006)
(finding non-party is under duty to preserve upon service of subpoena). Receipt of a written
request to preserve also may trigger a duty to preserve because it presumably puts a non-party on
notice that: 1) litigation has commenced or will commence; 2) a non-party may have relevant
information; and 3) the party issuing the notice anticipates a reasonable likelihood of using that
information.25 This is especially the case where the written request is coupled with a court order
24
That is, unless the non-party has reason to suspect that it will become a party to the litigation.
In that case, the general duty to preserve that exists for parties would apply.
25
But see In re Heckmann Corp. Sec. Litig., 10-378-LPS-MPT, 2010 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 141663,
at *19, 2011 WL 10636718, at *5 (D. Del. Feb. 28, 2011) (under PSLRA, [s]ending
preservation letters is distinct from serving preservation subpoenas because the latter imposes
a legal obligation on third parties to take reasonable steps to preserve relevant documents.);
Koncelik v. Savient Pharm., Inc., 08 CIV. 10262 (GEL), 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 73607, at *5,
2009 WL 2448029, at *2 (S.D.N.Y. Aug. 10, 2009) (finding in context of PSLRA that only
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directing counsel for the parties to identify nonparties in possession of possibly relevant
materials and provide them with notice of the court order. See In re Natl Sec. Agency
Telecommunications Records Litig., MDL. 06-1791VRW, 2007 WL 3306579, at *1 (N.D. Cal.
Nov. 6, 2007) (finding duty to preserve extends to any employees, agents, contractors, carriers,
bailees or other non-parties who possess materials reasonably anticipated to be subject to
discovery in this action and counsel are under an obligation to exercise efforts to identify and
notify such non-parties, including employees of corporate or institutional parties).
Thus, while a written request to preserve may not technically trigger a duty to preserve
for a non-party, attorneys still should consider whether complying with the request makes sense
under the circumstances after consultation with a client. Moreover, a non-party affiliated with a
party to a lawsuit should evaluate whether it may possess relevant evidence, which the partyaffiliate would be obligated to produce, and consider instituting preservation measures to ensure
that the party-affiliate is not subject to future spoliation claims or adverse inference instructions.
In terms of liability arising from a failure to preserve, according to the California
Supreme Court, unless a special statutory or contractual relationship exists, there can be no
violation of a non-partys duty to preserve evidence absent a specific request by a party to
preserve made before the evidences destruction. The California Supreme Court has made it
abundantly clear that no tort cause of action will lie for intentional third party spoliation of
evidence. Temple Cmty. Hosp., 20 Cal. 4th at 466; see also Cedars-Sinai, 18 Cal. 4th at 17
(we hold that there is no tort remedy for the intentional spoliation of evidence by a party to the
cause of action to which the spoliated evidence is relevant, in cases in which, as here, the
spoliation victim knows or should have known of the alleged spoliation before the trial or other
decision on the merits of the underlying action). Although the California Supreme Court has
not addressed the tort of negligent spoliation, a number of court of appeals have found that there
is no cause of action for negligent spoliation based on the same policy reasons articulated in
CedarsSinai and Temple. Rosen v. St. Joseph Hosp. of Orange Cnty., 193 Cal. App. 4th 453,
460 (2011).
Of course, this does not mean that non-parties face no potential repercussions whatsoever
if they fail to preserve possibly relevant evidence. While there may be no cause of action in tort,
a non-party still may be sanctioned for suppressing or destroying evidence. Temple Cmty. Hosp.,
20 Cal. 4th at 476-77 (finding monetary and contempt sanctions may be imposed against nonparties and their attorneys who flout the discovery process by suppressing or destroying
evidence); Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.240, 2023.030(a), 2025.440(b). Criminal sanctions
also are a possibility, and attorneys face possible discipline as well to the extent they may be
involved in spoliation. Temple Cmty. Hosp., 20 Cal. 4th at 477; Cal. Penal Code 135. Parties
also may be able to establish a connection between a party and non-party sufficient to invoke
the sanctions applicable to spoliation by a party. Temple Cmty. Hosp., 20 Cal. 4th at 477.
Finally, [t]o the extent third parties may have a contractual obligation to preserve evidence,
contract remedies, including agreed-upon liquidated damages, may be available for breach of the
contractual duty. Id.
thing that is certain is that without preservation subpoenas, the third party corporations in
possession of potentially relevant information are free to destroy that information).
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D.
Special Requirements For Consumer Records
The CDA contains specialized procedures for obtaining consumer records from a nonparty witness. See Cal. Civ. Proc. 2020.410(d). In this context, personal records are the
original, any copy of books, documents, other writings, or electronically stored information
pertaining to a consumer and which are maintained by any witness. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
1985.3(a)(1). A witness is defined as most health care providers, professionals, financial
institutions, and schools. Id. In turn, consumer is defined as any individual, partnership of
five or fewer persons, association, or trust which has transacted business with, or has used the
services of, the witness or for whom the witness has acted as agent of fiduciary. Cal. Civ. Proc.
Code 1985.3(a)(2). Before producing consumer records, a non-party must ensure that the
subpoenaing party has included either (a) written authorization from the consumer or (b) a proof
of service showing that notice was given to the consumer. See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2020.410(d); Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.3(b) (10 days prior to date of production, plus the
additional time provided by Section 1013 if service is by mail, and 5 days prior to service upon
custodian of records, plus the additional time provided by Section 1013 if service is by mail,
subpoenaing party must serve consumer with a copy of the subpoena and notice). A non-party
may decline to produce the requested documents if the statutory procedure has not been
followed. Foothill Fed. Credit Union v. Super. Ct., 155 Cal. App. 4th 632, 639 (2007); Cal.
Civ. Proc. Code 1985.3(k) (Failure to comply with this section shall be sufficient basis for the
witness to refuse to produce the personal records sought by a subpoena duces tecum.). A nonparty, however, does not face liability for failure to comply with the statute, though it still may
face sanctions. Foothill, 155 Cal. App. 4th at 642 (Not permitting subsequent suits based on a
custodians overbroad response to a subpoena or response to a subpoena that was deficient
because of insufficient notice to the affected consumers does not eviscerate the statutes function
or its purpose.).
Significantly, [w]hen a subpoena is served seeking the personal records of a nonparty
consumer under section 1985.3, the party seeking discovery is not required to obtain the
consumers affirmative consent to the release of those records. If the nonparty consumer wishes
to object to the release of the records, he or she must serve on the subpoenaing party, the
witness, and the deposition officer, a written objection that cites the specific grounds on which
production of the personal records should be prohibited. Puerto v. Super. Ct., 158 Cal. App.
4th 1242, 1257 (2008) (quoting Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.3(g)).
E.
Special Requirements For Employee Records
The CDA also contains specialized procedures for obtaining employment records from a
non-party witness. See Cal. Civ. Proc. 2020.410(d). In this context, employee is defined as
any individual who is or has been employed by a witness subject to a subpoena duces tecum or
any individual who is or has been represented by a labor organization that is a witness subject to
a subpoena duces tecum. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.6(a)(2). In turn, employment records
consist of the original or any copy of books, documents, other writings, or electronically stored
information pertaining to the employment of any employee maintained by the current or former
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employer of the employee, or by any labor organization that has represented or currently
represents the employee. See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.6(a)(3).
Before producing employment records, a non-party must ensure that the subpoenaing
party has included either (a) written authorization from the consumer or (b) a proof of service
showing that notice was given to the consumer. See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.410(d); Cal.
Civ. Proc. Code 1985.6(b) (10 days prior to date of production, plus the additional time
provided by Section 1013 if service is by mail, and 5 days prior to service upon custodian of
records, plus the additional time provided by Section 1013 if service is by mail, subpoenaing
party must serve consumer with a copy of the subpoena and notice). A non-party may decline
to produce the requested documents if the statutory procedure has not been followed. Foothill,
155 Cal. App. 4th at 639; Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.6(j) (Failure to comply with this section
shall be sufficient basis for the witness to refuse to produce the employment records sought by a
subpoena duces tecum.). A non-party, however, does not face liability for failure to comply
with the statute, though it still may face sanctions. Foothill, 155 Cal. App. 4th at 642 (Not
permitting subsequent suits based on a custodians overbroad response to a subpoena or response
to a subpoena that was deficient because of insufficient notice to the affected consumers does not
eviscerate the statutes function or its purpose.).
As with consumer records, when a subpoena is served that seeks the production of a
nonparty employees employment records, a nonparty employee contesting the release of those
records must serve a specific, written objection on the subpoenaing party, the deposition officer,
and the witness that articulates the grounds on which the nonparty employee contends production
of the employment records should be prohibited. Puerto, 158 Cal. App. 4th at 1257 (citing Cal.
Civ. Proc. Code 1985.6(f)(2)).
III.
Methods Of Responding To Deposition Subpoenas
A non-party served with a deposition subpoena may choose to substantively respond, as

well as any one of the following options: (1) serve only objections; (2) move for a protective
order; or (3) move to quash. See Monarch Healthcare, 78 Cal. App. 4th at 1284, 1290 (holding
that a non-party may simply object to a business records only deposition subpoena where the
request sought privileged information);26 Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.410. While objecting has
the advantage of putting the burden on the subpoenaing party to bring a motion to compel, it also
has the disadvantage of allowing the subpoenaing party to frame the issue. At the same time,
filing a motion to compel in California is an arduous and expensive process that most parties
26
The discovery rules do not discriminate against nonparty deponents. They need not scramble
to retain a lawyer to file a motion to quash in order to challenge records only discovery
requests that seek privileged information. It is sufficient to simply object. Monarch Healthcare,
78 Cal. App. 4th at 1284 (emphasis added). In Monarch Healthcare, the non-party produced
some of the requested documents but objected to producing the rest. The plaintiff moved to
compel on the basis that any objections had been waived because the non-party did not move to
quash or obtain a protective order. The court denied the motion, holding that while a non-party
may seek relief from the trial court before production, a non-party is not required to do so. Id.,
78 Cal. App. 4th at 1288-90.
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would rather avoid. See, e.g., Cal. R. Ct. 3.1345-3.1346. Thus, it makes sense at the beginning
of the process to ask the subpoenaing party: What is it that you really want?
A.
Serve Only Objections
Written objections may be served in response to all discovery mechanisms suitable for
non-parties at least three calendar days before the date of the oral deposition or the production is
due. See Monarch Healthcare, 78 Cal. App. 4th at 1289 (holding that provisions for oral
depositions apply to deposition subpoenas for business records as well); Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2025.410(a) (objections to defective notice are waived if not timely raised). However, if the
respondent waits to serve written objections until exactly three calendar days before the
applicable response date, then the objections must be personally served on the party who gave
notice of the deposition pursuant to CCP 1011. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.410(b).
Prior to January 1, 2013, parties and non-parties alike were not required to serve a
privilege log or provide sufficient information to support the claim of privilege at the time they
served their objections. See Best Products, Inc. v. Super. Ct., 119 Cal. App. 4th 1181, 1188
(2004) (finding there is absolutely no requirement that a privilege log be served at the time
responses asserting boilerplate privilege and work product objections are served); Hernandez v.
Super. Ct., 112 Cal. App. 4th 285, 891 (2003) (waiver is not an appropriate sanction for a late
privilege log so long as the privilege itself is invoked in a timely manner).
CCP 2031.240 was amended to include the following additional language as of January
1, 2013:
(c)(1) If an objection is based on a claim of privilege or a claim that the information
sought is protected work product, the response shall provide sufficient factual
information for other parties to evaluate the merits of that claim, including, if necessary, a
privilege log.
(2) It is the intent of the Legislature to codify the concept of a privilege log as that term is
used in California case law. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to constitute a
substantive change in case law.
This amendment has altered the timing involved with providing a privilege log and
requires that a responding party provide information supporting the asserted privilege at the time
the objection is made. See Assembly Committee On Judiciary, AB 1354 Assembly Bill
Analysis, Summary (amendment expressly require[s] a responding party, when that party
objects to a discovery demand on the basis of a claim of privilege or work product, to provide
sufficient factual information in its response for other parties to evaluate the merits of that claim,
including, if necessary, a privilege log). As indicated in the amended language, the responding
partys substantive obligation remains unaltered. See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2031.240(c)(2)
(Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to constitute a substantive change in case law.);
Hernandez v. Super. Ct., 112 Cal. App. 4th 285, 292 (2003) (purpose of a privilege log is to
provide a specific factual description of documents in aid of substantiating a claim of privilege in
connection with a request for document production); Blue Ridge Ins. Co. v. Super. Ct., 202 Cal.
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App. 3d 339, 346 (1988) (purpose of providing a specific factual description of documents is to
permit a judicial evaluation of the claim of privilege).
In the only case to date that has discussed this amendment, the court of appeal recognized
that prior to the amendment becoming effective on January 1, 2013, the Code of Civil
Procedure did not require preparation of a privilege log to preserve objections based on privilege
or attorney work product, as well as that the amendment only applies to inspection demands.
Bank of Am., N.A. v. Super. Ct. of Orange Cnty., 212 Cal. App. 4th 1076, 1098 (2013).
B.
Move For Protective Order
Alternatively, a non-party may file a motion for a protective order. See Cal. Civ. Proc.
Code 2017.020(a), 2019.020(b), 2019.030, 2025.420(a), (b) (providing non-exhaustive list of
16 different types of appropriate protective orders).27 This motion must be accompanied by a
meet and confer declaration pursuant to CCP 2016.040 showing that the parties engaged in a
reasonable and good faith attempt at informally resolving each issue presented by the motion.
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.420(a). The motion may be made before, during, or after a
deposition. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.420. To defeat a motion for protective order, the
subpoenaing party must show good cause for having sought the production. Cf. Calcor Space
Facility, Inc. v. Thiem Industries, Inc., 53 Cal. App. 4th 216, 223-24 (1997) (observing that the
requesting party on a motion to compel must demonstrate good cause for the discovery sought).
C.
Move To Quash
A non-party also may move for an order that stays the taking of an oral deposition and
quashes the notice. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.410(c); see Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1987.1 (the
court, upon motion reasonably made by the witness may make an order quashing the
subpoena entirely, modifying it, or directing compliance with it upon such terms or conditions as
the court shall declare, including protective order). As with a motion for protective order, any
such motion must be accompanied by a meet and confer declaration pursuant to CCP
2016.040. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.410(c). To successfully oppose a motion to quash, the
subpoenaing party must show good cause for having sought the production in the first place. Cf.
Calcor, 53 Cal. App. 4th at 223-24.
D.
Who Can Challenge A Non-Party Deposition Subpoena?
While there do not appear to be any California decisions on point, parties have the ability
to challenge subpoenas directed at non-parties. See Civ. Proc. Code 1987.1(b) (in addition to
a witness, consumer, or employee, a party to the litigation may seek to quash a subpoena),
2017.020(a) (motion for protective order may be filed by a party or other affected person); see
also Johnson v. Super. Ct., 80 Cal. App. 4th 1050, 1062 (2000) (finding CCP 2017.020 is
equally applicable to discovery of information from a nonparty as it is to parties in the pending
27
Indeed, any party, any deponent, or any other affected natural person or organization may
move for a protective order in response to an oral deposition subpoena. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2025.420(a).
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suit). Moreover, consumers or employees also possess the right to challenge subpoenas
directed at non-parties seeking their consumer or employee records. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
1985.3(g), 1985.6(f).
In federal courts, however, [t]he law is clear, absent a claim of privilege, a party has no
standing to challenge a subpoena to a nonparty. The party to whom the subpoena is directed is
the only party with standing to oppose it. Novovic v. Greyhound Lines, Inc., 2:09CV00753,
2012 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 9203, at *23, 2012 WL 252124, at *8 (S.D. Ohio Jan. 26, 2012) (quoting
Donahoo v. Ohio Dept of Youth Servs., 211 F.R.D. 303, 306 (N.D. Ohio 2002) (internal
citations omitted); see also Waite, Schneider, Bayless & Chesley Co. L.P.A. v. Davis, No. 1:11
cv0851, 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 5253, at *14, 2013 WL 146362 (S.D. Ohio Jan. 14, 2013)
(The only basis upon which a party could have standing to quash a non-party subpoena would
be a claim or personal right or privilege.); Green v. Baca, CV 02-204744MMMMANX, 2005
WL 283361, at *1 (C.D. Cal. Jan. 31, 2005) (finding defendant does not have standing to quash
because parties ordinarily lack standing to quash a subpoena directed at a non-party unless the
party is seeking to protect a personal privilege or right); Clayton Brokerage Co., Inc. v. Clement,
87 F.R.D. 569, 571 (D.Md. 1980) (a party typically has no standing to challenge a subpoena
issued to his or her bank seeking discovery of financial records because bank records are the
business records of the bank, in which the party has no personal right); 9A Charles Alan Wright
and Arthur R. Miller, Federal Practice and Procedure 2459 (1995) (noting that ordinarily a
party has no standing to seek to quash a subpoena issued to someone who is not a party to the
action unless the party claims some personal right or privilege with regard to the documents
sought).
IV.
The Subpoenaing Partys Response: Move To Compel
If the subpoenaing party is dissatisfied with the non-partys response, it has only one
option: the motion to compel. A subpoenaing party has 60 days after the completion of the
record of the deposition to file a motion to compel.28 Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.480(b). For
non-parties, however, objections to a subpoena constitute a record of deposition for purposes
of CCP 2025.480(b). Unzipped Apparel, 156 Cal. App. 4th at 127 (holding that the 60-day
limit applies because a response to a business records subpoena, namely, objections, is a record
of the deposition.). Thus, once the subpoenaing party is served with a non-partys objections,
the record is complete, and the 60-day period within which to file a motion to compel begins.29
See Unzipped Apparel, 156 Cal. App. 4th at 127.
28
By way of comparison, parties have 45 days from the deadline to respond and/or produce to
bring a motion to compel. See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2031.310(c). A motion to enforce a
subpoena for production of a consumers personal records or employment records must be
brought within 20 days of service of written objections. See Cal. Cal. Civ. Proc. Coe
1985.3(g), 1985.6(f)(4).
29
Any motion to compel must be personally served on the non-party deponent unless the nonparty agrees to accept service by mail. Cal. R. Ct. 3.31346.
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If the subpoenaing party chooses to proceed with a motion to compel, the motion must be
accompanied by a meet and confer declaration pursuant to CCP 2016.040. See Cal. Civ. Proc.
Code 2025.480(b). Notice of the motion must be given to all parties either orally at the
deposition30 or by subsequent service in writing. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.480(c). In
addition, [a] written notice and all moving papers supporting a motion to compel an answer to a
deposition question or to compel production of a document or tangible thing from a nonparty
deponent must be personally served on the nonparty deponent unless the nonparty deponent
agrees to accept service by mail at an address specified on the deposition record. Cal. R. Ct.
3.1346.
Although the CDA does not explicitly provide for this option, a non-party may oppose a
motion to compel by seeking protective relief just like in federal court. See Fed. R. Civ. P.
37(a)(5)(B) (If the motion [to compel discovery] is denied, the court may issue any protective
order authorized under Rule 26(c).). Some judges will entertain a non-partys request for a
protective order by way of an opposition to a motion to compel. While the safest course by far
remains to move for a protective order, it also is more expensive and could lead to motion
practice where the subpoenaing party otherwise may not have moved to compel.
V.
General Non-Party Deposition Subpoena Provisions
The answers to the following questions and their corresponding California Code
provisions are applicable to all deposition subpoenas served on non-parties:31
A.
Who may issue a deposition subpoena, and does it have to be sealed?
The subpoena may be issued by: (1) the clerk of the court where the
action is pending, Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.210(a), or (2) the attorney
of record for any party, Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.210(b).
If the clerk of the court issues the subpoena, the subpoena should be
signed and sealed. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.210(a).
If the attorney of record issues the subpoena, the subpoena does not have
to be sealed. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.210(b).
30
If notice is given orally, the deposition officer must tell the non-party deponent to appear in
court on the date and time set forth in the notice. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.480(c).
31
Except as modified by the rules and procedures applicable to non-parties, the CDAs
provisions regarding subpoenas in general (CCP 1985 et seq.) and the California Evidence
Codes provisions regarding the production of business records (Cal. Evid. Code 1560 et seq.)
remain applicable to non-party deposition subpoenas. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.030.
Usually, to the extent either the CCP or the Evidence Code is applicable, non-party discovery
rules explicitly reference them. Nevertheless, this exception must be considered whenever
dealing with non-party discovery to see how other code provisions might apply.
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B.
Who may serve a deposition subpoena?
C.
D.
Regardless of who issues the subpoena (the clerk or attorney of record), a

form subpoena must be used. See Cal. R. Ct. 1.31(b). Judicial Council
forms that are mandatory are listed in Appendix A to the California Rules
of Court and are identified by an *.32 See Cal. R. Ct. 1.31(b).
Any person may serve a deposition subpoena. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2020.220(b).33
What method of service is required?
If the deponent is a natural person, service is effective if the subpoena is

personally delivered to that person. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2020.220(b)(1).
If the deponent is an organization, service is effective if the subpoena is

personally delivered to any officer, director, custodian of records, or to
any agent or employee authorized by the organization to accept service of
a subpoena. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.220(b)(2).34
When may a deposition subpoena first be issued?
As with all forms of discovery in California, a plaintiff must wait until at

least 20 days after the defendant is served with the summons or has
entered an appearance before issuing deposition subpoenas to nonpartiesthe so-called deposition hold rule. See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2025.210(b); California Shellfish, 56 Cal. App. 4th at 24-25 (finding the
deposition hold rule applies to non-parties).
By token of the same reasoning, a defendant therefore may serve a

deposition subpoena at any time after being served or after first appearing
32
This list is available on the California Judicial Branchs website at:

http://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm.
33
While the CCP does not explicitly preclude parties from serving a deposition subpoena, it
probably is best not to use a party because if a dispute over validity of service, it may be difficult
arises for a party to convince a court that the party is unbiased and that service was in fact made.
Cf. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 414.10 (A summons may be served by any person who is at least 18
years of age and not a party to the action.).
34
A foreign organization that conducts business in California must designate an agent upon
whom process directed to the corporation may be served within this state. Cal. Corp. Code
2105(a)(4). If, however, an organization does not have a designated agent, the court may order
substitute service of process. Hogan & Weber, 1-2 California Civil Discovery 2.9.
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in the action. See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.220(a); California

Shellfish, 56 Cal. App. 4th at 24-25.
E.
F.
G.
H.
When must a non-party respond to the deposition subpoena?
The deposition subpoena must allow sufficient time for the deponent to
have a reasonably opportunity to locate and produce any designated
business records, documents, or tangible things and a reasonable time to
travel to the deposition location. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.220(a).
With oral depositions, the date for the deposition must be set at least 10
days after service of the deposition notice. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2025.270(a).
With business records depositions, a subpoena may command production

either (a) 20 days after issuance of the subpoena or (b) 15 days after
service of the subpoena, whichever is later. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2020.410(c).
When must objections be served?
Written objections to a deposition subpoena must be served at least three

calendar days before the date of the oral deposition or the production is
due. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.410(a); Monarch Healthcare, 78 Cal.
App. 4th at 1289 (finding written objections may be served in response to
all discovery mechanisms suitable for non-parties).
If a non-party respondent waits to serve written objections until exactly

three calendar days before the applicable response date, then the
objections must be personally served on the party who gave notice of the
deposition pursuant to CCP 1011. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.410(b).
When are parties required to complete discovery?
The discovery cutoff is 30 days before the date initially set for the trial of
an action. See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code. 2024.020(a).
A continuance or postponement of the trial date will not reopen discovery.

See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code. 2024.020(b). The only exception to this rule is
where a party successfully moves to reopen discovery or complete
discovery closer to the initial trial date. See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2024.050.
Does the deposition subpoena have to be filed with the court?
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VI.
No. The original deposition subpoena and proof of service are not filed
with the court, but are retained by the subpoenaing party. Cal. R. Ct.
3.250(a)(1); Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.210(b).
Oral Deposition Subpoenas
An oral deposition subpoena may be used to take the oral deposition of any non-party
witness (natural person, organization, or governmental agency). Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2020.310, 2025.010. Practitioners must utilize Judicial Council Official Form SUBP-015
(Deposition Subpoena For Personal Appearance).35 Sections 2025 and 2028 of the CCP are the
general sections governing the procedures for oral and written depositions, and are applicable to
depositions of party deponents and nonparty witnesses alike. California Shellfish, 56 Cal. App.
4th at 23.
A.
Notice Provisions For Oral Deposition Subpoenas

1.
What information is an oral deposition subpoena required to contain?
The subpoena must specify the time and location of the deposition.
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.310(a).
The subpoena must describe: (1) the nature of the deposition; (2)
the rights and duties of the deponent; and (3) the penalties for any
failure to comply with the subpoena. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2020.310(b).
If, in addition to the stenographic recording of the deposition, the

subpoenaing party wants to record the deposition with audio or
video, the subpoena must state that the deposition will be recorded
in that manner. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.310(c).
If the deposition is going to be conducted using instant visual

display, the subpoena must state that as well. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2020.310(d).
If the deponent is an organization, the subpoena must: (1) describe

with reasonable particularity the matters upon which the
organization will be examined; and (2) advise the organization of
its duty to designate an employee who is the most qualified to
attend the deposition and testify on its behalf respecting any
information known or reasonably available to the deponent.36 Cal.
Civ. Proc. Code 2020.310(e).
35
http://www.courts.ca.gov/13889.htm.
36
For designating a witness as the responding party, see the discussion below at Part VI.D.
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2.
3.
What information it a notice of oral deposition subpoena required to

contain?37
The notice must list all of the parties that were served. Cal. Civ.
Proc. Code 2025.240(a). This list may appear in either the body
of the notice or the accompanying proof of service. Id.
The notice must identify the deponent, including address and

telephone number (if known). Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2025.220(a)(3).
The notice must specify the time and location of the deposition.
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.220(a)(1), (2).
If the subpoenaing party wants to record the deposition with audio

or video,38 then the notice must state that the deposition will be
recorded in that manner. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.220(a)(5).
If the deponent is an organization, the notice must describe with

reasonable particularity the matters upon which it will be
examined. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.230.
Who must be served with notice of oral deposition subpoena?
4.
What documents must be with the oral deposition notice?
5.
All parties who have appeared in the action must be provided with
notice by the subpoenaing party. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2025.240(a).
An identical copy of the deposition subpoena must be served with

the deposition notice. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.240(c).
When may an oral deposition be scheduled?
A reasonable amount of time must be allowed for the deponent to

travel to the place of deposition, Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2020.220(a), and the deposition date must be scheduled at least 10
37
The required contents of a deposition notice and oral deposition subpoena are substantially
similar. Compare Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.220-2025.240, with Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2020.310.
38
Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties or ordered by the court, all depositions must be
recorded by a stenographer who is a person certified pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with
Section 8020) of Chapter 13 of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code. Cal. Civ.
Proc. Code 2020.330(b).
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days after service of the deposition notice, Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2025.270.
6.
Does the deponent have to appear at the oral deposition in person?
7.
8.
Who is authorized to conduct an oral deposition?
An oral deposition must be conducted and supervised by an officer

authorized to administer an oath. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2025.320.
The officer cannot have a financial interest in the action and cannot
be a relative or an employee of any of the parties or their attorneys.
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.320(a).
Any objections to the deposition officers qualifications must be

made before the deposition begins or as soon after that as the basis
for the objection becomes known or could have reasonably become
known. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.320(e).
Must a deposition subpoena be accompanied by a good cause

affidavit?
9.
No. A non-party deponent may appear telephonically or by

videoconference with the courts approval after demonstrating
good cause and no prejudice to any party. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2025.310(b); Cal. R. Ct. 3.1010(d).
No. There is no requirement that a good cause affidavit be served

with an oral deposition subpoena. See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2020.310; Terry v. SLICO, 175 Cal. App. 4th 352, 357 (2009).
What happens if a non-party fails to comply with an oral deposition

subpoena?
A non-party who fails to comply with an oral deposition subpoena

exposes itself to contempt sanctions without the necessity of a
prior order of court directing compliance by the witness. Cal.
Civ. Proc. Code 2020.240; see also Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2023.010; Gregori v. Bank of America, 207 Cal. App. 3d 291, 311
(1989) (Deliberate refusal to obey a lawfully issued subpoena to
attend a deposition is punishable as a contempt without the
necessity of a prior order directing compliance.).
A non-party also must pay $500 to the party noticing the

deposition and may be liable for any other damages the noticing
party may have incurred. See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.240.
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B.
The Location Of The Oral Deposition
The location of the deposition depends on whether the deponent is a natural person or an
organization.39
1.
Deponent As Natural Person
Depositions of a natural person may be taken either: (1) within 75 miles of the
deponents residence; or (2) within the county where the action is pending, if the deposition
location is within 150 miles of the deponents residence. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.250(a).
The party seeking the deposition may choose between either of these two options. Id. A nonparty deponent may seek a court order, based on a finding of good cause and no prejudice to
any party, to appear by telephone, videoconference or other remote electronic means. Cal. Civ.
Proc. Code 2025.310; Cal. R. Ct. 3.1010(d). Significantly, regardless of what the parties may
stipulate or what a court may order, nothing can extend these geographical limits for a non-party
witness. Rylaarsdam & Edmon, Cal. Prac. Guide: Civ. Proc. Before Trial 8:626.40
2.
Deponent As Organization
Where an organization has designated a principal executive or business office in

California, its deposition must be taken within 75 miles of the designated officeunless it
consents to a more distant place. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.250(c). If, however, the
organization has not made a designation, the party seeking the deposition may take the
deposition either: (1) within the county where the action is pending; or (2) within 75 miles of
any executive or business office the organization might have in California. Cal. Civ. Proc.
Code 2025.250(d). The subpoenaing party may choose either option. Id.
C.
Witness Fees For Oral Depositions
Any witness required by a subpoena to attend a deposition is entitled to witness fees from
the subpoenaing party.41 Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1986.5, 2020.230(a). Regardless of whether
the witness makes a demand for payment, the subpoenaing party must pay the witness fees either
when the deposition subpoena is served or at the beginning of the deposition. Cal. Civ. Proc.
Code 2020.230(a). Witness fees are calculated by statute and are currently set at $.20 per mile
actually and reasonably traveled and $35 per day of testimony. Cal. Gov. Code 68093. To
ensure that a deposition is not disrupted by this issue, best practices require that the subpoenaing
party have check in hand at the beginning of the deposition if witness fees were not paid at the
time of service.
39
This issue is also addressed in a chart attached hereto as Appendix A.
40
Courts, however, may order a party or a party-affiliated witness (officer, director, managing
agent or employee of a party) to appear for deposition at a location beyond the limits set forth in
the CDA. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.260(a).
41
These witness fees therefore apply to both oral depositions and business record depositions
that require testimony.
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D.
The Non-Party Organizations Duty To Designate A Witness
When an organization is required to designate a person most qualified to testify pursuant

to CCP 2025.230, that witness must familiarize themselves with any documents they are
instructed to produce and be able to testify about information that is readily available to one in
the position they hold within the organization. Hogan & Weber, 1-2 California Civil Discovery
2.14 (citing Maldonado v. Super. Ct., 94 Cal. App. 4th 1390, 1396 (2002)); see Sink,
California Subpoena Handbook 2.3 at 53 n.1 (citing Maldonado, 94 Cal. App. 4th at 1398). A
corporations duty is limited to producing the most knowledgeable person currently in its
employ and making sure that person has access to information and documents reasonably
available within the corporation. Maldonado, 94 Cal. App. 4th at 1398 (finding that
organization was not required to produce former employees for deposition even if former
employees were more knowledgeable than any current ones). Maldonado makes it clear that a
witness should have some familiarity with the documents produced at the deposition. Id. at 1396
(disapproving of the cavalier attitude displayed at the depositions concerning information that
should have been readily available to the witnesses). Moreover, when a request for documents
is made, the witness is expected to make an inquiry of everyone who might be holding
responsive documents or everyone who knows where such documents might be held. Id. at
1396-97 (witnesses ordered to return with the documents requested and with proof that the
witnesses had undertaken some effort to familiarize themselves with the areas of their supposed
knowledge).42
42
Some federal district courts have found that the federal rules regarding PMK depositions of
organizations are even more demanding. For example, regardless of whom the organization
designates, the organization must fully educate the witness to testify to the best of the
organizations ability about what is known or reasonably available to the organization, including
all available documents responsive to the subpoena. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 30(b)(6); see, e.g.,
Booker v. Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health, 246 F.R.D. 387, 389 (D. Mass. 2007) (finding
corporation had obligation to prepare designees so that they may give knowledgeable and
binding answers for the corporation); Calazturficio S.C.A.R.P.A. S.P.A. v. Fabiano Shoe Co., 201
F.R.D. 33, 36-37 (D. Mass. 2001) (holding that organizations designee has an affirmative duty
to educate himself or herself about the designated topics). A designee should therefore be
prepared to testify about the organizations subjective belief, opinion, and interpretation of
documents, events, and prior testimony. See Icon Enters. Intl, Inc. v. Am. Prods. Co., No. CV
04-1240 SVW (PLAx), 2004 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 31080, at *16-17, 2004 WL 5644805, at *6 (C.D.
Cal. Oct. 7, 2004) (finding federal rules obligate a corporate party to prepare its designee to be
able to give binding answers on its behalf); U.S. v. Taylor, 166 F.R.D. 356, 359-63 (M.D.N.C.
1996) (holding that corporation is obligated to produce a witness that can testify to the best of the
corporations ability based on the knowledge it still retains even if corporation no longer
employs an individual independently knowledgeable of that issue).
As the designee, the deponent is testifying as to the organizations knowledge and not his own,
and an organization cannot fail to designate anyone on the basis that all potential designees are
outside of the organizations control. See Ecclesiastes 9:10-11-12, Inc. v. LMC Holding Co., 497
F.3d 1135, 1146-47 (10th Cir. 2007). In other words, at the very least, an organization must
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It should be remembered that a person most qualified deponent is the voice of the
organization, and his or her testimony is binding on the organization and may be read at any time
at trial for any reason pursuant to California Evidence Code section 1220. Moreover, the failure
to designate, prepare, and produce an appropriate witness to testify on behalf of an organization
may result in sanctions, including payment of costs, sanctions barring the introduction of certain
evidence, sanctions deeming that certain issues are determined against the offending party, and
sanctions terminating an action in favor of the aggrieved party. See Karlsson v. Ford Motor
Co., 140 Cal. App. 4th 1202, 1209, 1214-18 (2006) (citing Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2023.020,
2023.030).
designate someone without personal knowledge and then attempt to educate that person as best
as it cani.e., create a witness from the organizations responsive knowledge. But see Wultz v.
Bank of China Ltd., 293 F.R.D. at 680-81 (finding non-party would be unduly burdened if
required to educate employee regarding topics where they have no knowledge about them
whatsoever). If no one exists and there is no way in which to educate the remaining members
of the organization, then the organization should timely inform the subpoenaing party that such
is the case. Calazturficio S.C.A.R.P.A. S.P.A., 201 F.R.D. at 38.
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VII.
Business Records Deposition Subpoenas For Production Of Business Records For

Copying
Non-parties also may be served with a business records deposition for copying business
records. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.010(a)(3), 2020.410; California Shellfish, 56 Cal. App.
4th at 21 (A deposition subpoena which seeks only business records simply allows a party to
obtain these records without the formality of requiring the testimony of the custodian.). The
CDA does not define business records, but the term includes: (1) every kind of record, (2)
maintained by every kind of business, governmental activity, profession, or occupation, (3)
whether carried on for profit or not. See Cal. Evid. Code 1270,43 1560(a);44 Cooley v. Super.
Ct., 140 Cal. App. 4th 1039, 1044 (2006). Accordingly, as used in CCP 2020.410, business
records likely encompasses documents such as journals, account books, reports, and other
similar items; i.e., an item, collection or grouping of information about a business entity.
Urban Pac. Equities Corp. v. Super. Ct., 59 Cal. App. 4th 688, 692-93 (1997) (holding that a
business records deposition subpoena cannot be used to subpoena a deposition transcript from a
court reporter because it was not a business record but rather a product of business).
A.
How Must A Non-Party Respond To A Deposition Subpoena For Production

Of Business Records For Copying?
There are three ways in which a business record deposition subpoena for production of
business records for copying may direct a non-partys custodian to respond: (1) prepare a copy
of the requested records for delivery to the deposition officer, Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2020.430(a); (2) make the requested records available for inspection and copying by the
deposition officer45 at the organizations place of business, Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.430(c);
or (3) make the requested records available for inspection and copying by a representative of the
subpoenaing attorney at the organizations place of business, Cal. Evid. Code 1560(e); Cal.
Civ. Proc. Code 2020.430(e). See also Unzipped Apparel, 156 Cal. App. 4th at 127 (observing
that a business records deposition subpoena may direct a non-partys custodian of records to
either make the requested business records available for copying or deliver a copy to a deposition
43
[A] business includes every kind of business, governmental activity, profession, occupation,
calling, or operation of institutions, whether carried on for profit or not. Cal. Evid. Code
1270.
44
A record includes every kind of record maintained by a business as described in California

Code of Evidence 1270. Cal. Evid. Code 1560(a)(2). This would not include, for example,
documents generated by the businesssuch as deposition transcript generated by a transcription
service.
45
A deposition officer is a professional photocopier registered under Chapter 20 (commencing

with Section 22450) of Division 8 of the Business and Professions Code, or a person exempted
from the registration requirements of that chapter under Section 22451 of the Business and
Professions Code. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.420. Significantly, these exemptions include
[a] member of the State Bar or his or her employees, agents, Cal. Bus. Prof. Code 22451(b),
but do not include a relative or employee of any attorney of the parties. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2020.420.
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officer). It is mandatory that practitioners use Judicial Council Official Form SUBP-010
(Deposition Subpoena for Production of Business Records).46
B.
Provisions Applicable To All Business Records Deposition Subpoenas For

Production Of Business Records For Copying
1.
46
How must the deposition subpoena describe the business records?
The subpoena must designate the records to be produced by

specifically describing each individual item or by reasonably
particularizing each category of item. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2020.410(a).47
Moreover, the categories of documents must be reasonably

particularized from the standpoint of the non-party to whom the
demand is made.48
Although the requests have to be reasonably particularized, they

are not required to include specific information identifiable only
to the deponents records system, like a policy number or the date
http://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm.
47
This is not an empty requirement for non-party discovery. Courts retain broad discretion to
protect parties from the burden and expense of overreaching discovery demands. See Cal. Civ.
Proc. Code 2017.020, 2019.030, 2023.030. And since [d]iscovery procedures are generally
less onerous for strangers to the litigation, Monarch Healthcare, 78 Cal. App. 4th at 1289-90,
these protections apply with even greater force to non-parties. California courts have
consistently emphasized that particularly when dealing with an entity which is not even a party
to the litigation, the court should attempt to structure discovery in a manner which is least
burdensome to such an entity, Calcor, 53 Cal. App. 4th at 222 (holding that discovery demand
was unduly burdensome because it was so broad that it in effect asked for everything in the
custodians possession relating to the subject of litigation); see Monarch, 78 Cal. App. 4th at
1289-90 (observing that while parties should be subject to the full panoply of discovery devices
nonparty witnesses should be somewhat protected from the burdensome demands of
litigation). Thus, the concerns for avoiding undue burdens on the adversary in the litigation
apply with even more weight to a nonparty. Calcor, 53 Cal. App. 4th at 225 (acknowledging
the tremendous burdens promiscuous discovery has placed on litigants and nonparties alike);
see Obregon v. Super. Ct., 67 Cal. App. 4th 424, 431 (1998) (When discovery requests are
grossly overbroad on their face, and hence do not appear reasonably related to a legitimate
discovery need, a reasonable inference can be drawn of an intent to harass and improperly
burden.).
48
The reasonably in the statute implies a requirement such categories be reasonably

particularized from the standpoint of the party who is subjected to the burden of producing the
materials. Any other interpretation places too great a burden on the party on whom the demand
is made. Calcor, 53 Cal. App. 4th at 222.
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when a consumer interacted with the witness. Cal. Civ. Proc.

Code 2020.410(b).
2.
3.
To whom must the business records deposition subpoena be directed?
The subpoena must be directed to (a) the custodian of records or

(b) another person qualified to certify the records. Cal. Civ. Proc.
Code 2020.410(c); Cal. Evid. Code 1561(a).49 Significantly,
certification is more than a clerical task. Cooley, 140 Cal. App.
4th at 1044. In other words, it is not enough for the records to be
in the witnesss possession; the witness must be capable of
certification. See Cooley, 140 Cal. App. 4th at 1045 (Santa
Monica District Attorney could not be required to produce records
in its possession generated by other law enforcement agencies
because they could not be certified pursuant to California Evidence
Code 1561).
If the subpoena is directed to a witness as defined by CCP

1985.350 and seeks consumer or employment records, then service
of the deposition subpoena must be accompanied by either: (1) a
copy of the proof of service to the consumer as described in CCP
1985.3(e) or CCP 1985.6(b) as appropriate; or (2) the consumers
written authorization of release as described in CCP
1985.3(c)(2). Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.410(d).
Does the business records deposition subpoena have to be

accompanied by an affidavit showing good cause?
4.
A deposition subpoena does not have to be accompanied by a

declaration or affidavit showing good cause for the production of
documents and things designated as generally required by CCP
1985(b). Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.410(c), 2020.510(b); Terry,
175 Cal. App. 4th at 357 (finding CCP sections 1985 and 1987.5
are superseded by CCP 2020.510).
Is a deposition notice required for deposition subpoenas for copying

business records?
49
In order to be certified, an affidavit must describe how the records were prepared and affirm:
(1) the affiant is the custodian of the records and has the authority to certify them; (2) the records
delivered or made available are a true copy of those described in the subpoena; (3) the records
were prepared in the ordinary course of business; and (4) the identity of the records. Cal. Evid.
Code 1561(a).
50
CCP 1985.3 provides an extensive definition of witness that includes most health care
providers, professionals, financial institutions, and schools. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.3(a)(1).
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5.
Technically, a deposition notice is not required. Unlike a

deposition subpoena that requires testimony, a deposition subpoena
that only seeks business records does not require a deposition
notice. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.220(b).
In lieu of a notice, however, the subpoenaing party is required to

serve a copy of the business records deposition subpoena on every
party who has appeared in the action. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2025.220(b), 2025.240(a).
How soon must a non-party produce documents in response to a

deposition subpoena for production and copying of business records?
6.
Documents are to be produced no earlier than 20 days after

issuance of the subpoena or 15 days after service of the subpoena,
whichever is later. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.410(c).51 This
date is extended 5 calendar days if the subpoena is served by U.S.
mail and 2 court days if served by express mail. See Cal. Civ.
Proc. Code 1013(a), (b).

affidavit?
Yes. The production must be accompanied by an affidavit from

the custodian (or other qualified witness) that complies with
California Evidence Code 1561(a). Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2020.430(a)(2). Essentially, this affidavit describes the mode of
preparation for the production and affirms: (1) the affiant is the
custodian of the records and has the authority to certify them; (2)
the records delivered or made available are a true copy of those
described in the subpoena; (3) the records were prepared in the
ordinary course of business; and (4) the identity of the records.
Cal. Evid. Code 1561(a).
In addition to the custodians affidavit, if the records were

delivered at the custodians or the witnesss place of business for
copying to (a) the attorney, (b) the attorneys representative, or (c)
a deposition officer, then (i) the attorney, (ii) the attorneys
representative, or (iii) a deposition officer also must provide an
affidavit stating that the copy is indeed a true copy of the records
delivered to them. Cal. Evid. Code 1561(c).
51
The subpoenaing party and the custodian may agree on a different date for production. Cal.
Evid. Code 1560(b)(3).
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7.
What if the non-party does not possess any responsive business

records?
C.
If a non-party is served with a business records deposition

subpoena and does not possess any responsive records, the nonparty must provide an affidavit stating that fact. See Cal. Evid.
Code 1561(b); Unzipped Apparel, 156 Cal. App. 4th at 131. A
non-party may not simply ignore the deposition subpoena.
Provisions Applicable Only To Business Records Delivered To A Deposition

Officer For Copying
1.
What additional notice is required?
2.
What documents must be delivered to the deposition officer?
3.
The production must consist of a true, legible, and durable copy of

the requested records. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.430(a)(1).
When does the production to a deposition officer have to be sealed?
4.
A special notice must be affixed to the deposition subpoena

warning against early delivery of the business records.52 Cal. Civ.
Proc. Code 2020.430(d). This notice is required to give parties
time to move for a protective order. Unless stipulated by the
parties (and the consumer/employee if consumer/employee records
as defined by CCP 1985.3 or 1985.6 are involved), the
custodian may not deliver the records before the time specified in
the subpoena. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.430(d).
The business records must be enclosed, sealed, and directed as

described in California Evidence Code 1560(c) if they are
delivered to the office of the deposition officer. Cal. Civ. Proc.
Code 2020.430(b).
What provisions for copying have to be made for the deposition

officer?
If business records are delivered to a deposition officer at the

office of the business producing the records, then the custodian
must either: (1) permit the deposition officer to make a copy of the
52
The following legend must appear in boldface immediately following the date and time
specified for production: Do not release the requested records to the deposition officer
prior to the date and time stated above. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.430(d).
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originals during normal business hours;53 or (2) deliver to the

deposition officer a true, legible, and durable copy of the records
upon receipt of payment for the reasonable costs of production.
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.430(c).
D.
Provisions Applicable Only To Business Records Made Available For

Inspection And Copying By The Subpoenaing Attorney Or The Subpoenaing
Attorneys Representative
1.
When is CCP 2020.430 (Delivery for copying; requirements; time

to deliver; application of Evidence Code concerning inspection of
records) inapplicable to a business deposition subpoena?
2.
E.
CCP 2020.430 does not apply if the documents are made

available for copying at the witness organizations address
pursuant to California Rule of Evidence 1560(e). Cal. Civ. Proc.
Code 2020.430(e).
When and where do the business records have to be made available

for copying?
The organization must permit the attorneys representative to make

a copy of the originals during normal business hours at its business
address. Cal. Evid. Code 1560(e).
If the custodian is provided with at least five business days

advance notice, the custodian shall designate a time period of not
less than six continuous hours on a date certain for copying. Cal.
Evid. Code 1560(e).
E-Discovery Procedures Applicable To Business Records Deposition

Subpoenas
Effective as of June 29, 2009, California amended the CCP to specifically address the
unique issues presented by electronically stored information (ESI).54 The amendments
expressly permit parties to use subpoenas in order to obtain ESI from both parties and nonparties. See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(a)(1) (A subpoena in a civil proceeding may require
that [ESI] be produced and that the party serving the subpoena be permitted to inspect,
53
If the custodian is provided with at least five business days advance notice, the custodian shall
designate a time period of not less than six continuous hours on a date certain for copying. Cal.
Evid. Code 1560(e).
54
ESI mean information that is stored in an electronic medium. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2016.020(e). Electronic means relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic,
wireless, optical, electromagnetic, or similar capabilities. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2016.020(d).
By comparison, the FRCP does not have a specific definition of ESI.
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copy, test, or sample the information.). Similar in many ways to Federal Rule of Civil
Procedure 45, Californias ESI amendments: (1) allow the subpoenaing party to specify the
production format, Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(b); (2) place the burden of proving that the ESI
is inaccessible on the responding party,55 Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(e); (3) provide the court
with authority to shift production expenses to the subpoenaing party, Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
1985.8(g); and (4) recognize the courts authority to place limitations on ESI discoveryeven if
accessible, see Cal. Civ. Proc. Code. 1985.8(i).
1.
Do the ESI provisions applicable to subpoeanas in general also apply

to business records deposition subpoenas?
2.
3.
Yes. To the extent a business records deposition subpoena seeks

ESI, it must comply with the general requirements for subpoenas
seeking ESI. See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(a)(2) ([a]ny
subpoena seeking [ESI] shall comply with the requirements of this
chapter).
In what format must the ESI be produced?
The subpoenaing party may specify the form or forms in which

each type of ESI is to be produced. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
1985.8(b), 2031.030(a)(2).
If the subpoenaing party fails to specify the form of production,

and unless the subpoenaing party and responding party otherwise
agree or the court orders, the responding party may produce the
information in the form or forms in which it is ordinarily
maintained or in a form that is reasonably usable. Cal. Civ. Proc.
Code 1985.8(d)(1).
If the responding party objects to the specified form of production,

the responding party should identify the format in which it intends
to produce ESI. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(c), 2031.280(c)
(rules for objecting to requests for production of ESI).
A responding party is not required to produce the same ESI in

more than one format. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(d)(2).
What if ESI is not reasonably accessible?
55
One difference between the Federal Rules regarding ESI and Californias is that the CCP
presumes all media to be accessible. Compare Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(e), with Fed. R.
Civ. P. 26(b)(2)(B). As technology advances, however, it will become progressively more
difficult in federal court to argue that media is inaccessible.
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4.
5.
If ESI is inaccessible because of undue expense or burden, the

burden is on the responding party. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
1985.8(e).
Although unclear for non-parties, a party responding to a request

for production of ESI must, in the first instance, either move for a
protective order or make specific written objections on the ground
that the requested ESI is not reasonably accessible. By doing so,
the responding party preserves any objections it may have
related to ESI. See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2031.210(d) (the
responding party shall identify in its response the types of
categories of sources of [ESI] that it asserts are not reasonably
accessible. By objecting and identifying information of a type or
category or source or sources that are not reasonably accessible,
the responding party preserves any objections it may have relating
to that [ESI]).
What happens if the court determines the ESI is not reasonably

accessible?
Even if the responding party demonstrates that the ESI is not

reasonably accessible, a court nonetheless may require production
if the subpoenaing party demonstrates good causesubject to any
limitations under CCP 1985.8(i) that the court may impose. Cal.
Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(f).
If a court finds good cause exists that warrants production of

inaccessible ESI, the court may set various conditions for the
production of the ESI, including allocation of the expense of
discovery. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(g) (emphasis added).
How are non-parties protected from often unreasonable demands of

non-party ESI discovery?
The subpoenaing party is required to take reasonable steps to

avoid imposing an undue expense or burden on the non-party. Cal.
Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(k).
Courts are supposed to limit the frequency or extent of discovery

of ESI from any source where any of the following conditions
exist: (1) there is another more convenient, less burdensome, or
less expensive source; (2) the discovery is unreasonably
cumulative or duplicative; (3) the subpoenaing party has had
ample opportunity to obtain the ESI through discovery; and (4) the
likely burden or expense of the proposed ESI discovery outweighs
the likely benefitwhen taking into account the amount in
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controversy, the resources of the parties, the importance of the

issues in the litigation, and the importance of the requested ESI in
resolving the issues. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(i)(1-4).
6.
7.
If the court issues an order to compel production of ESI to a nonparty under this section, then the court is obligated to protect that
non-party from undue burden or expense resulting from
compliance. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(l).
If it is necessary to translate a data compilation into a reasonably

usable form, then the subpoenaing party shall pay any reasonable
expenses incurred by the non-party to accomplish that task. Cal.
Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(h).
Is the clawback provision for ESI applicable to non-parties?
Yes. As with parties, a non-party may clawback an inadvertently

produced ESI document that is subject to a claim of privilege or
attorney work product via the process set forth at CCP 2031.285.
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(j).56
The responding party must notify the subpoenaing party that

certain ESI produced is subject to a claim of privilege or of
protection as attorney work product. The subpoenaing party must
then immediately sequester the information and either return the
information or present it to the court under seal for a ruling on the
claim of privilege. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2031.285(b). The
subpoenaing party may not use the inadvertently produced
materials or disclose it until the claim of privilege or protection is
resolved by the court. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2031.285(c)(1),
(d)(2).
Is there a safe harbor provision for non-parties?
F.
Yes. As with parties, absent extraordinary circumstances, a nonparty will not be sanctioned for the failure to provide ESI that has
been lost, damaged, altered, or overwritten as the result of the
routine, good faith operation of an ESI system. Cal. Civ. Proc.
Code 1985.8(m)(1).
Consumer/Employee Business Records
56
The CCPs rules on clawback are similar to those found in Federal Rule of Civil Procedure
26(b)(5)(B).
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In order to protect the privacy interests of consumers and workers, CCP 1985.3 and
CCP 1985.6 establish special notification procedures for consumers and workers where their
information could be discovered by a subpoena, which are also discussed in Parts II.D. and II.E
above. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.3, 1985.6, 2025.240(b). The CDA incorporates these
provisions for business records deposition subpoenas to non-parties. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2020.030, 2020.410(d). For non-parties, however, as set forth above, the process is modified in
two ways: (1) an affidavit demonstrating good cause is not required; and (2) production must
occur no earlier than either 20 days after issuance of the subpoena or 15 days after service of the
subpoena, whichever is later.
Moreover, if the subpoena is directed to a witness as defined by CCP 1985.3 and the
records are consumer records, then service of the deposition subpoena must be accompanied by
either: (1) a copy of the proof of service to the consumer as described in CCP 1985.3(e); or (2)
the consumers written authorization of release as described in CCP 1985.3(c)(2). Cal. Civ.
Proc. Code 2020.510(c).
G.
Recoverable Costs Associated With The Production Of Business Records In

Response To A Deposition Subpoena
A non-party is entitled to be reimbursed for all reasonable costs incurred in a civil

proceeding with respect to the production of all or any part of business records in response to
a subpoena. Cal. Evid. Code 1563(b).
1.
What constitutes reasonable costs where the custodian copies and

produces the business records?
The California Evidence Code provides a non-exhaustive list of specific recoverable

costs and the amount to which a non-party witness is entitlede.g., ten cents ($0.10) per page
for standard reproduction of documents of a size 8 by 14 inches or less. See Cal. Evid. Code
1563(b)(1) (Reasonable cost, as used in this section, shall include, but not be limited to, the
following specific costs. (emphasis added)). Accordingly, even if an expense associated with
responding to a deposition subpoena is not listed, a non-party still may be able to recover for that
expense.
2.
What constitutes reasonable costs where the custodian delivers the

business records for copying?
If the custodian delivers the business records for copying to the deposition officer, the
subpoenaing attorney, or the subpoenaing attorneys representative at the custodians place of
business, the custodian must be paid a fee not to exceed $15 for complying with the subpoena,
as well as any fees actually paid by the custodian to an outside vendor for retrieval and return of
records held offsite. Cal. Evid. Code 1563(b)(6). To the extent the records need to be
retrieved from microfilm, the reasonable costs as set forth in California Code of Evidence
1563(b)(1) are applicable. Cal. Evid. Code 1563(b)(6).
3.
When do reasonable costs have to be paid?
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While the requesting party is not required to pay the reasonable costs before the business
records are ready for delivery, a non-party witness is under no obligation to deliver the business
records pursuant to the subpoena until these costs are actually paid. Cal. Evid. Code
1563(b)(2). In order to obtain payment, the non-party witness must submit an itemized statement
of the reasonable costs to the requesting party. Cal. Evid. Code 1563(b)(3). Even though the
requesting party may challenge the reasonable costs listed on the statement by filing a petition
with the court, if the court finds that the costs were not excessive, the court is required to order
the requesting party to pay the non-party witnesss reasonable expenses incurred in defending the
challenge, including attorneys fees. Cal. Evid. Code 1563(b)(4).
H.
Custody Or Control: What Documents Have To Be Produced?
CCP 1985 allows subpoenas to require that a witness produce all business records
under his control.57 CCP 2020.030, in turn, makes CCP 1985 applicable to all deposition
subpoenas. Accordingly, a non-party custodian served with a deposition subpoena must produce
all business records under his control regardless of their location.
The Rutter Guide takes the position that [w]hether custodian requires actual custody of
the records is unclear. If it does, serving an officer or agent in California would not compel
production of business records located elsewhere [outside California]. Rylaarsdam & Edmon,
Cal. Prac. Guide: Civ. Proc. Before Trial 8:540.4. The Rutter Guides position appears to be
based on the premise that CCP 1985(a) is only applicable to a records and testimony deposition
subpoena. But CCP 2020.030 does not make a distinction between the two types of deposition
subpoenas; it makes CCP 1985 applicable to all deposition subpoenasboth business records
only as well as business records and testimony. Id. at 8:540.5.58
57
A subpoena may require the persons attendance at a particular time and place to testify as a
witness. It may also require a witness to bring any books, documents, electronically stored
information, or other things under the witnesss control . Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985(a). A
copy of an affidavit shall be served with a subpoena duces tecum showing good cause for the
production of the matters and things described in the subpoena and stating that the witness has
the desired matters or things in his or her possession or under his or her control. Cal. Civ. Proc.
Code 1985(b).
58
By way of comparison, under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, it is unnecessary for the
documents sought by the subpoena to be in the physical custody of the party; rather, control
is sufficientlegal right, authority, or ability to obtain the documents upon demand. SEC v.
Credit Bancorp, Ltd., 194 F.R.D. 469, 471 (2000) (applying the meaning of control under
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 34). Courts have found control by a parent corporation over
documents held by its subsidiary, [] by a subsidiary corporation over documents held by its
parent, [] and by one sister corporation over documents held by another sister corporation, [].
Id. at 472 (citations omitted).
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Therefore, contrary to the Rutter Guides distinction, the better view is that CCP 1985
requires the production of any documents within the custodians control and not only documents
over which the custodian has actual custody. This approach also would prevent, for example, the
possibility of an organization moving documents from its branch in California to a branch in
another state in an effort to avoid subpoena jurisdiction. Cf. In re Jee, 104 B.R. 289, 294-95
(Bankr. C.D. Cal. 1989) (holding under Federal Rules of Civil Procedure that to the extent there
is subpoena jurisdiction over a deponent, the deponent must produce all documents within his
control regardless of location unless deponent can prove that production would violate the laws
of the state where the documents are located).
I.
Opposing The Deposition Subpoena Based On The Location Of The Business

Records
A non-party witness may attempt to oppose subpoena jurisdiction based on whether the
witness is an organization created under California law and the location of the records.
While CCP 1989 prevents a non-resident witness from being compelled to appear in
California for deposition and produce documents, CCP 1989 does not apply in cases where a
business records deposition subpoena is served upon a custodian and only requests the
production of business records for copyingnot the custodians personal attendance and
testimony. See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1987.3. Accordingly, CCP 1987.3 probably applies
only where the nonresident custodian is employed by a business entity subject to California
jurisdiction. Otherwise, there would be no way for the court to enforce compliance with a
subpoena served on a nonresident [custodian]. Amoco Chem. Co., 34 Cal. App. 4th at 561 n.9
(citing Wegner, et al., Cal. Prac. Guide: Civil Trials & Evidence 1:58 (The Rutter Group
1994)). Thus, the residency of the custodian may be immaterial when dealing with a business
records only deposition subpoena.
1.
U.S. Organization Created Under California Law

a.
Business Records Located In California
If the non-party witness is an organization created under California law and the records
are located in California, then the records likely must be produced for copying. Sink, California
Subpoena Handbook 3:9 at 106-07. Of all the possible hypothetical situations, Californias
subpoena jurisdiction most clearly would encompass the records in this scenario.
Nonetheless, a California court still may decline to enforce a business records deposition
subpoena where the records concern transactions that occurred in another state and where the
other states laws would be violated if those records were produced for copying. Sink,
California Subpoena Handbook 3:9 at 103. For example, another states laws could be
violated if a subpoena sought medical records of patients in Arizona, but Arizona has a consumer
protection statute in place that entitles patients to notice and an opportunity to object in Arizona
courts if their records are subpoenaed. Id. 3.9 at 99; In re Jee, 104 B.R. at 294-95 (holding
under Federal Rules of Civil Procedure that to the extent there is subpoena jurisdiction over a
deponent, the deponent must produce all documents within his control regardless of location
unless the deponent can prove that production would violate the laws of the state where the
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documents are located). But see Cates v. LTV Aerospace Corp., 480 F.2d at 623 (holding that
the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure cannot be used to force a non-party deponent to produce
documents located outside the judicial district).
b.
Business Records Located Outside California
If the witness is an organization created under California law and the records are located
outside of California, then the records likely would have to be produced. Sink, California
Subpoena Handbook 3:9 at 104. This result largely is because jurisdiction over the
organization stems from the organizations choice to be created under the laws of California and
not from some delicate form of transactional analysis. Id. Therefore, subpoena jurisdiction
over the records should not depend on whether the records pertain to transactions that occurred
in California. Id. Again, courts could make an exception where production of the records would
violate the law of another jurisdiction. Id.
c.
Business Records Located In Foreign Country
There do not appear to be any California cases on point, but where the records are located
in a foreign country, courts in other jurisdictions tend to require organizations created under the
laws of their jurisdiction to produce those records so long as the records are related to the
transactions at issue in the case and where the law of the foreign country would not be violated.
Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 3:9 at 107-08. Other courts have stressed that any
discovery of records located in a foreign country from a non-party requires application of the
Hague Convention. Id. at 108.
2.
U.S. Organization Not Created Under California Law

a.
Business Records Located In California
If the witness is not an organization created under California law but the records are
located in California, then the records likely would have to be produced because they are, at
least presumptively, within the jurisdiction of local courts. Sink, California Subpoena
Handbook 3.9 at 109-110. An even stronger case for requiring production of the business
records exists where the evidence also concerns transactions which occurred in, or significantly
affected persons in California to the extent that these transactions would (in the absence of
registration) have sustained in personam jurisdiction over [an] out-of-state organization under
International Shoe []. Id. at 110.59
b.
Business Records Located Outside California
59
In International Shoe, the Supreme Court allowed personal jurisdiction where there were
sufficient minimum contacts between the party and the forum state such that it would not
offend traditional notions of fair play and substantial justice to subject that party to the states
jurisdiction. International Shoe, 326 U.S. 310, 316 (1945).
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If the witness is not an organization created under California law and the records are
located outside of California, then whether the records must be produced depends on the extent
to which the records pertain to transactions that occurred in or affected California. See Sink,
California Subpoena Handbook 3:9 at 106-07. In other words, under a minimum contacts
analysis, for there to be even a chance that the records would have to be produced, the records at
a minimum would have to relate to California transactions. Courts also take into account
whether production would violate the laws of the state or the foreign country where the records
were located or where the organization was incorporated. See Sink, California Subpoena
Handbook 3:9 at 106-12.
The California Subpoena Handbook concludes that this situation represents the outer
limits of a California courts subpoena jurisdiction over business records, and the analysis should
progress according to the International Shoe test for minimum contacts sufficient to establish
personal jurisdiction. Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 3:2 at 65, 3:9 at 106-07 (citing
International Shoe Co., 326 U.S. at 315-20). The Rutter Guide takes no position on this issue,
and simply states that it is unclear whether a business records deposition subpoena served on a
non-party corporation with California contacts compels production of its records located outside
of state California. See Rylaarsdam & Edmon, Cal. Prac. Guide: Civ. Proc. Before Trial
8:540.4.
3.
U.S. Organization Not Created Under California Law And Conducts

No Business In California
If an organization is not created under California law and does not conduct any business
in California, then its records should not be subject to Californias subpoena jurisdiction. Sink,
California Subpoena Handbook 3:9 at 113 (citing Coopman v. Super. Ct., 237 Cal. App. 2d
656, 661-62 (1965)). For example, in Coopman, the court of appeal concluded that there was no
subpoena jurisdiction over a Nevada corporations business records located in Nevada where the
subpoena was served on a corporate officer who resided in California because: (1) the
corporation did not conduct business in California; (2) the business records did not affect
California; and (3) the officer served with the subpoena was not a California resident for
business purposes.60 Id. at 660; 16-195 California Forms of Pleading and PracticeAnnotated
195.34 (In absence of jurisdiction over foreign corporation, California courts are unable to
60
The California Subpoena Handbook observes that California courts are divided over the
applicability of CCP 1989 to parties and the production of documents located outside of
California. Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 3:4 at 78-79 (citing Boal, 165 Cal. App. 3d
at 810-11 (holding that party may be required to produce documents regardless of their location
where the documents sought were in the presence of a party over whom the court had personal
jurisdiction), Glass, 204 Cal. App. 3d at 1052-53 (holding that a foreign corporation may not file
suit in California, and then contend that its management may not be required to attend
depositions in California pursuant to CCP 1989 because they were not residents of California),
and Amoco Chem. Co., 34 Cal. App. 4th at 559-62 (holding that a witness who resides outside
California cannot be compelled to testify in California, even when the witness is a party to the
action, unless the witness is a resident of California at the time of service because of CCP
1989)).
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compel officer over whom only personal and not representative jurisdiction has been acquired to
produce corporate records. (citing Coopman, 237 Cal. App. 2d at 661)). In reaching this
conclusion, the court observed that where courts have ordered the production of business records
located outside of California, those cases involved situations where: (1) the records belonged to
a party to the action; or (2) the owner of the records was doing business within the jurisdiction of
the court. Id. at 661. The court also recognized that even where the corporation was doing
business within the state, some restraint has been exercised where the records did not apply to
transactions that occurred within the state. Id.
VIII. Business Records Deposition Subpoenas For Both Testimony And Production Of
Business Records For Copying
California law permits business records deposition subpoenas of non-parties that require
both the testimony of the non-party deponent and the production of business records.61 Cal. Civ.
Proc. Code 2020.010, 2020.510. Not only must this type of subpoena comply with the
provisions contained in CCP 2020.510, but it also must comply with all of the requirements for
an oral deposition subpoena set forth in CCP 2020.310 as well. See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2020.510(a)(1). Again, it is mandatory that a practitioner use Judicial Council Form SUBP-020
(Deposition Subpoena For Personal Appearance And Protection Of Documents And Things).62
A.
Provisions Applicable To Business Records Deposition Subpoena For

Testimony And Production Of Business Records For Copying
1.
Who must receive notice of the subpoena for production and

testimony?
2.
What documents must be served along with the deposition notice?
3.
The subpoenaing party must serve all parties who have appeared in
the action with a notice. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.240(a).
An identical copy of the deposition subpoena must be served with

the deposition notice. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.240(c).
What information must the deposition notice contain?63
61
Here, a non-party deponent is required to produce not only business records (journals, account
books, reports, etc.) as discussed above (supra at 20) but also documents and tangible things.
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.510. It is therefore arguable that this encompasses a broader range
of documents than those required for business records only deposition subpoenas. See Cal.
Civ. Proc. Code 2020.410(a).
62
http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/forms.cgi.
63
Again, as with oral deposition subpoenas, the required contents of a deposition notice and a
deposition subpoena for the production of business records and testimony of a non-party
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4.
The deposition notice must list all the parties that are to be served
with it. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.240(a). This list may appear
either in the body of the notice or the accompanying proof of
service. Id.
The subpoena must identify the deponent, including address and

telephone number (if known). Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2025.220(a)(3).
If, in addition to the stenographic recording of the deposition,64 the

subpoenaing party wants to record the deposition with audio or
video, then the notice must state that the deposition will be
recorded in that manner. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.220(a)(5).
If the deponent is an organization, the notice must describe with

reasonable particularity the matters upon which it will be
examined. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.230.
What information must the subpoena contain?
The subpoena must specify for the witness the time and place for
the deposition. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.310(a).
The subpoena must describe: (1) the nature of the deposition; (2)
the rights and duties of the deponent; and (3) the penalties for any
failure to comply with the subpoena. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2020.310(b).
If in addition to the stenographic recording of the deposition,65 Cal.

Civ. Proc. Code 2020.310(b), the requesting party wants to
record the deposition with audio or video, the subpoena must state
that the deposition will be recorded in that manner, Cal. Civ. Proc.
Code 2020.310(c).
deponent are substantially similar. Compare Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.220-2025.240, with
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.310 and 2020.510.
64
Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties or ordered by the court, all depositions must be
recorded by a stenographer who is a person certified pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with
Section 8020) of Chapter 13 of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code. Cal. Civ.
Proc. Code 2020.330(b).
65
If taken stenographically, it shall be by a person certified pursuant to Article 3 (commencing

with Section 8020) of Chapter 13 of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code. Cal. Civ.
Proc. Code 2020.330(b).
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5.
6.
If the deposition is going to be conducted using instant visual

display, the subpoena must contain that information as well. Cal.
Civ. Proc. Code 2020.310(d).
If the deponent is an organization, the subpoena must: (1) describe

with reasonable particularity the matters upon which the deponent
is to be examined; and (2) advise the organization of its duty to
designate an employee who is the most qualified to attend the
deposition and testify on its behalf respecting any information
known or reasonably available to the deponent.66 Cal. Civ. Proc.
Code 2020.310(e).
The subpoena must specify any testing or sampling that is being

sought. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.510(a)(3).
How do the documents sought by the subpoena have to be described?
The subpoena must designate the records to be produced by

specifically describing each individual item or by reasonably
particularizing each category of item. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2020.510(a)(2).
Again, the categories of documents must be reasonably

particularized from the standpoint of the non-party to whom the
demand is being made. Calcor, 53 Cal. App 4th at 222.
When must the non-party witness appear to be deposed and produce

documents?
Since this subpoena also compels the production of documents, a

sufficient time to comply with the subpoena is probably at least
that established for a business records only subpoena20 days
after issuance of the subpoena or 15 days after service of the
subpoena, whichever is later. See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2020.220(a), 2020.410(c). This date is extended 5 calendar days if
the subpoena is served by U.S. mail and 2 court days if by express
mail. See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1013(a), (b).
66
As discussed previously in the context of a testimony only deposition subpoena (supra note
24), an organizations responsibility is not entirely clear, but at the very least, the designated
witness should have some familiarity with the documents produced at the deposition.
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7.
Does the deponent have to appear at the oral deposition in person?
8.
9.
Who is authorized to conduct the oral deposition?
An oral deposition must be conducted and supervised by an officer

authorized to administer an oath. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2025.320.
That officer cannot have a financial interest in the action and

cannot be a relative or an employee of any of the parties or their
attorneys. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.320(a).67
Does the subpoena have to be accompanied by an affidavit showing

good cause?
10.
If the subpoena seeks the production of documents for copying, it

does not have to be accompanied by a declaration or affidavit
showing good cause as generally is required by CCP 1985(b). Cal.
Civ. Proc. Code 2020.510(b); Terry, 175 Cal. App. 4th at 357
(finding CCP sections 1985 and 1987.5 are superseded by CCP
2020.510).

affidavit?
11.
A non-party deponent may appear telephonically or by

videoconference with the courts approval after demonstrating
good cause and no prejudice to any party. See Cal. R. Ct.
3.1010(d).
Yes. The production must be accompanied by an affidavit from

the custodian (or other qualified witness) that complies with
California Code of Evidence 1561(a). Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2020.430(a)(2). Essentially, this affidavit describes the mode of
preparation for the production and affirms: (1) the affiant is the
custodian of the records and has the authority to certify them; (2)
the records delivered or made available are a true copy of those
described in the subpoena; (3) the records were prepared in the
ordinary course of business; and (4) the identity of the records.
Cal. Evid. Code 1561(a).
Does the non-party have to provide a privilege log?
67
Any objections to the deposition officers qualifications must be made before the deposition
begins or as soon after that as the basis for the objection becomes known or could have
reasonably become known. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.320(e).
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B.
If a non-party withholds a document on the basis of privilege or

that the information sought is protected work product, the
objection/response must include sufficient factual information for
other parties to evaluate the merits of that claim, including, if
necessary, a privilege log. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2031.240.
Consumer/Employee Business Records
In order to protect the privacy interests of consumers and workers, CCP 1985.3 and
CCP 1985.6 establish special notification procedures for consumers and workers where their
information could be discovered by a subpoena. Thus, if the subpoena is directed to a witness
as defined by CCP 1985.3 and the records are consumer records, then service of the deposition
subpoena must be accompanied by either: (1) a copy of the proof of service to the consumer as
described in CCP 1985.3(e); or (2) the consumers written authorization of release as described
in CCP 1985.3(c)(2). Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.510(c). Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.3,
1985.6, 2025.240(b). The CDA incorporates these provisions for business records deposition
subpoenas to non-parties. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.030, 2020.410(d). For non-parties,
however, as set forth above, the process is modified in two ways: (1) an affidavit demonstrating
good cause is not required; and (2) production must occur no earlier than either 20 days after
issuance of the subpoena or 15 days after service of the subpoena, whichever is later. If the
subpoenaing party fails to comply with notice and timing procedures set forth in CCP 1985.3,
the non-party may refuse to produce the consumer records. See Sasson v. Katash, 146 Cal. App.
3d. 119, 125, 125 n.4 (1983).
C.
Location Of The Deposition
The rules regarding the location of the testimonial portion of the deposition are the same
as they are for oral deposition subpoenas (supra at 19-20). See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2025.250(c).
D.
Witness Fees And Reasonable Costs
In return for responding to this type of deposition subpoena, a non-party witness is

entitled to a reimbursement for both witness fees and the reasonable costs associated with
production (supra at 19-20, 31-32). See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1986.5, 2020.230(a); Cal. Evid.
Code 1563.
E.
Opposing The Jurisdiction Of A Deposition Subpoena For Business Records

And Testimony Based On The Location Of The Records
A non-party can attempt to oppose the subpoena jurisdiction of a deposition subpoena for
business records and testimony based on whether: (1) the non-party is an organization or a
natural person; and (2) the location of the records. See Part VII.F. supra.
1.
Organization
a.
Custodian Is A Resident Of California

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If the custodian is a resident of California, then the custodian must testify. The custodian
also must produce business records located in California, and probably has to produce records
located outside of California depending on their relation to California. Thus, as to the records
sought, the analysis is much the same as with a business records deposition subpoena.
b.
Custodian Is A Non-Resident Of California
Regardless of the location of the records, if the organizations custodian of records is not
a resident of California, the custodian cannot be compelled to appear at a deposition or to
produce documents pursuant to CCP 1989.68
2.
Natural Persons
a.
Non-Resident
If the witness is a non-resident natural person and the subpoena seeks to obtain private
records unrelated to business, then CCP 1989 applies, and the witness cannot be required to
produce the records. Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 3:9 at 98-99.
b.
Resident And Records Located In California
If the witness is a natural person resident of California and the records are located in
California, then the records likely are subject to the subpoena jurisdiction of California courts
and must be produced. Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 3:9 at 95-96, 99. Again, a
California court may still decline to enforce the subpoena where the records concern transactions
that occurred in another state or where the other states laws would be violated if those records
were produced for copying. Id.
c.
Resident And Records Located Outside California
If the witness is a natural person resident and the records are not located in California, a
deposition subpoena likely cannot compel their production. Sink, California Subpoena
Handbook 3:9 at 96-97. Although there is no case on point to date, a California court would
probably not attempt to force a non-party natural person to go to another state in order to retrieve
and produce the records. Id. 3:9 at 97. This is especially true under an International Shoe
minimum contacts analysis where the witness demonstrates that the business records are
concerned solely with transactions unrelated to, or unconnected with, California. Id. A
California court might also consider whether the production of those records would violate the
laws of the state where the business records are located. Id.
IX.
Written Deposition Subpoenas
68
A witness is not obligated to attend as a witness before any court, judge, justice or any
other officer, unless the witness is a resident within the state at the time of service. Cal. Civ.
Proc. Code 1989.
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California law permits written depositions of non-parties. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2020.010(a), 2028.010. Subject to the following modifications regarding notice, all provisions
for taking oral depositions CCP 2025.010 et seq. (supra at 16-20) also apply to written
depositions:
The notice shall include the name, address, and descriptive title of the
deposition officer. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2028.020(a).
The date, time, and place for the deposition may be left to the future
determination of the deposition officer. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2028.020(b).
See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2028.010.

As opposed to other forms of non-party discovery, any objections to the form of a
question contained in the written deposition subpoena must be served within 15 days after
service of the question on all parties entitled to notice of the deposition. See Cal. Civ. Proc.
Code 2028.040(a).
X.
Non-Party Discovery In California Arbitrations
There is a limited right to non-party discovery in California contractual arbitrations. See

Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1282.2(a)(2) (parties may demand exchange of witness lists and copies of
the documents to be presented at the hearing where amount in controversy exceeds $50,000);
Armendariz v. Foundation Health Psychcare Services, Inc., 24 Cal. 4th 83, 106 n.11 (2000) (a
limitation on discovery is one important component of the simplicity, informality, and
expedition of arbitration), abrogated in part on another ground in ATT Mobility LLC. v.
Concepcion, 563 U.S. __, 131 S.Ct. 1740, 1746 (2011). The CDAs full range of discovery
devices only are available: (1) where the contracts arbitration agreement expressly incorporates
CCP 1283.05; or (2) where the dispute involves a tort claim for personal injury. See Cal. Civ.
Proc. Code 1283.1; Alexander v. Blue Cross of Cal., 88 Cal. App. 4th 1082, 1088 (2001)
(finding that broad discovery pursuant to CDA is only available where provided for in the
arbitration agreement or in an arbitration arising from injury or wrongful death).
Under certain circumstances, non-party discovery also may be available in contractual
arbitration for certain statutory claims. Armendariz, 24 Cal. 4th at 106. For example, in the
context of a sex discrimination case brought under Californias Fair Employment and Housing
Act, the California Supreme Court concluded it is undisputed that some discovery is often
necessary for vindicating a FEHA claim. Accordingly, whether or not the employees in this case
are entitled to the full range of discovery provided in Code of Civil Procedure section 1283.05,
they are at least entitled to discovery sufficient to adequately arbitrate their statutory claim.
Id.
Parties to contractual arbitration separately may agree to permit additional discovery or
discovery pursuant to the rules of the arbitration organization handling the matter (AAA or
JAMS). But incorporation of CCP 1283.05 into the arbitration agreement is the only clearly
permissible basis for non-party discovery. Quite simply, a contractual provision providing for
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non-party discovery whether by agreement between the parties or through an arbitration

organizations rules is insufficient because one must be a party to an arbitration agreement to
be bound by it. Buckner v. Tamarin, 98 Cal. App. 4th 140, 142 (2002). Similarly, an
arbitration organization has no authority to require discovery of a non-party unless authorized by
statute. Just as a non-party cannot be compelled to arbitrate a dispute that he has not agreed to
resolve by arbitration, that same non-party cannot be compelled to comply with discovery
demands he has not agreed to subject himself to absent some statutory authority requiring him to
do soCCP 1283.05. See id.
Arbitrators still possess authority to order non-party witnesses to attend and produce
documents at an arbitration hearing or attend a deposition for use later as evidence. See Cal. Civ.
Proc. Code 1282.6(a), 1283. This, however, is not discovery and is comparable to a trial
courts authority to issue subpoenas requiring witnesses to appear at trial and bring documents.
See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.69
Notwithstanding this limited avenue for obtaining non-party discovery incorporation of
CCP 1283.05 or possibly to vindicate a statutory claim parties involved in an arbitration
routinely seek non-party discovery even though they failed to incorporate CCP 1283.05. Many
non-parties will respond in good faith to such subpoenas issued by an arbitrator because they are
unaware that the subpoena is defective unless CCP 1283.05 is incorporated. See Cal. Civ.
Proc. Code 1283.1.
Thus, an initial step for any non-party responding to an arbitration subpoena should be to
request a copy of the applicable arbitration agreement and determine whether CCP 1283.05
was incorporated. The subpoenaing party may try to argue that regardless of what actually is set
forth in the arbitration agreement, now that the arbitration has begun, the parties have determined
that non-party discovery is essential to resolving their claims and defenses. But parties cannot
reach an agreement to permit non-party discovery after the fact regardless of whether their
arbitrator concurs because [i]t goes without saying that a contract cannot bind a nonparty.
EEOC v. Waffle House, Inc., 534 U.S. 279, 294 (2002); see Goldman v. SunBridge Healthcare,
LLC, 220 Cal. App. 4th 1160, 1169 (2013) (a person who is not a party to an arbitration
agreement is not bound by it).
Significantly, non-parties are not penalized for taking a hard line when it comes to
discovery in contractual arbitration because, as opposed to parties, they are entitled to full
judicial review of the arbitrators decision. See Berglund v. Arthroscopic & Laser Surgery
Center of San Diego, L.P., 44 Cal. 4th 528, 534-39 (2008) (non-party must first oppose
discovery requests before arbitrator, but then is entitled to full judicial review of the
arbitrators order because limited judicial review of arbitration decisions is inapplicable to nonparties). Moreover, monetary sanctions are available to non-parties consisting of attorneys
fees and costs for successfully moving for a protective order or opposing a motion to compel.
See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2031.060(h), 2031.320(b).
69
As opposed to the corresponding provision of the Federal Arbitration Act (9 U.S.C. 7), no
California court has construed CCP 1282.6 as allowing arbitrators to order pre-hearing
discovery.
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XI.
Non-Party Discovery Outside California For Use In A California Action
A party may obtain discovery including the production of documents from nonparties outside of California by taking an oral or written deposition. See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2026.010(a), 2026.010(c), 2028.010.70 However, since a subpoena issued by a California court
and served outside California has no legal effect, California parties have to rely on the power of
the courts of the state where the deposition is to be taken. Sink, California Subpoena Handbook
3:3 at 68; Hogan & Weber, 1-4 California Civil Discovery 4.2.71
Thus, in order to compel the oral or written deposition of a non-resident/non-party
witness and the production of documents, a subpoena must be issued and served on that witness
pursuant to the laws of the state where the deposition or production is to occur. See Cal. Civ.
Proc. Code 2026.010(c) (If the deponent is not a party to the action a party serving a
deposition notice under this section shall use any process and procedures required and available
under the laws of the state where the deposition is to be taken to compel the deponent to
testify, as well as to produce any document or tangible thing .).
A.
California Provisions For Obtaining Discovery Outside California

1.
2.
Does the subpoenaing party have to obtain a commission?72
California does not require the subpoenaing party to obtain a

commission for discovery outside California. See Cal. Civ. Proc.
Code 2026.010.
While California does not require a commission, other foreign

jurisdictions may, and in that case, a subpoenaing party may obtain
a commission from the clerk of the court where the action is
pending that authorizes the deposition in another state. See Cal.
Civ. Proc. Code 2026.010(f).
How does the subpoenaing party obtain a commission?
70
For out-of-state discovery, [t]he only discovery devices available against a nonparty are oral
and written depositions. Hogan & Weber, 1-4 California Civil Discovery 4.2 (citation
omitted).
71
California courts cannot compel a nonparty located beyond the states borders to appear for a
deposition in California or any other state, including the state of his residence. Instead, they
must rely on the courts at the deposition site to issue a subpoena. Hogan & Weber, 1-4
California Civil Discovery 4.2.
72
The commission gives the out-of-state court a foundation to issue a subpoena to compel the
wit-ness to attend the deposition. California Civil Discovery Practice 12.34-12.35, 12.4012.41.
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3.
Before whom may the deposition take place?
B.
If the foreign jurisdiction requires a commission, an order may be

obtained by an ex parte application. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code
2026.010(f).
The deposition must be taken before a person: (1) authorized to

administer oaths under the laws of the United States or the place
where the deposition is to take place; or (2) appointed by the
California court in which the action is pending. Cal. Civ. Proc.
Code 2026.010(d).
California Procedure To Obtain Discovery From Foreign Countries
In order to obtain discovery from a non-party in a foreign country, a party serving a

deposition notice under this section shall use any process and procedures required and available
under the laws of the foreign nation where the deposition is to be taken to compel the deponent
to attend and to testify, as well as to produce any document or tangible thing for inspection,
copying, and any related activity. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2027.010(c). The forum court in
California may issue a commission, letters rogatory, or a letter of request in order to help
facilitate the discovery process if it determines it is necessary or convenient. Cal. Civ. Proc.
Code 2027.010(e).
C.
Witness Fees And Reasonable Costs
It is unclear whether a non-resident, non-party witness would be entitled to witness fees

or the reasonable costs associated with production under the California Code of Evidence.
However, witness fees and costs also may be available under the laws of the state where the
subpoena was issued.
D.
Choice-Of-Law Issues
1.
California Discovery Law Applies To The Conduct Of Oral

Depositions For Use In A California Matter
Even though the oral deposition of a non-party may take place outside of California, that
deposition is conducted according to California law.73 See Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2026.010(a)
73
In essence, [CCP] Sections 2025.010, 2026.010 and 2028.010 collectively say that, as
far as California is concerned, a party who wishes to depose a nonparty outside California is to
follow the same procedures used for a nonpartys deposition within California. 1-4
California Civil Discovery 4.2; Snyder v. Superior Court, 9 Cal. App. 3d 579, 584 (1970) (In
designating the procedure to be followed for such out-of-state depositions as that set forth in
[CCP] section 2019, the Legislature has thus provided that the procedure for taking depositions
out of this state, but within the United States, is identical to taking them within this state.).
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(except as modified by CCP 2026.010, out-of-state depositions are taken in the same manner as
a deposition in California pursuant to CCP 2025.010); California Civil Discovery Practice (4th
ed. Cal CEB 2008) 12.11 (Although CCP 2026.010(c) requires a party to notice an out-ofstate deposition according to the other states laws, California law governs discovery disputes
between the parties in California cases.).
Thus, while the deposition of a non-resident/non-party witness is compelled by the law of
the state in which the witness resides, see California Civil Discovery Practice 12.9, the
deposition itself is taken in the same manner as if it were taken in California, id. 12.45; Hogan
& Weber, 1-4 California Civil Discovery 4.2 (observing that the CCP collectively demonstrate
that as far as California is concerned, California procedures apply to an out-of-state deposition);
International Ins. Co. v. Montrose Chemical Corp. of Calif., 231 Cal. App. 3d 1367, 1371 (1991)
(holding that although procedure for compelling attendance at a deposition of a nonresident is
governed by the foreign states laws, California law governed a discovery dispute between the
parties to a California litigation regarding a motion to compel production of documents used to
refresh a deponents memory, so that parties could not seek protection from Californias liberal
discovery laws).
2.
Discovery Law Of State That Issued The Subpoena Is Also Applicable
The laws of the state where the deposition or production is to occur will apply to: (1) the
issuance of the subpoena; (2) compelling the attendance of a deponent or production of
documents; (3) sanctions; and (4) issues regarding privileges. California Civil Discovery
Practice 12.9-12.10; see Rylaarsdam & Edmon, Cal. Prac. Guide: Civ. Proc. Before Trial
8:642.1 (any issue as to privileges claimed by the nonresident witness is apparently determined
by the law of the place where the deposition is taken); see Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2026.010(c)
(deposing party shall use process and procedures available under the laws of the state
where the deposition is to be taken). Although no California court has ruled on this exact issue,
in a situation where a party to an out-of-state action sought discovery from a non-party in
California, a court of appeal has ruled that the CDA applied. Unzipped Apparel, 156 Cal. App.
4th at 130 (holding that although dispute arose from a New York action, California law governed
a discovery dispute where a New York party sought discovery from a California non-party
through the mechanisms provided by California courts). Practically speaking, the laws of both
states are applicable to some degree because while the courts of the foreign state may have
jurisdiction over the responding party, the California courts have jurisdiction over the
subpoenaing party.
E.
Procedures For Opposing Discovery Outside California

1.
Motion To Quash
A motion to quash must be made in the state court that issued the subpoena pursuant to
that states procedures. California Civil Discovery Practice 12.44. Thus, if the deponent seeks
to oppose the subpoena in the state court that issued the subpoena, then that states laws control
the procedure to be followed and the grounds for objecting and obtaining protective orders.
California Civil Discovery Practice 12.44.
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2.
Objections And Motion For Protective Order
Any objections or motions related to the deposition or production should be made in the
California court in which the action is pending. See California Civil Discovery Practice 12.43.
Moreover, the procedures and grounds for making such objections and obtaining protective
orders should follow California discovery lawCCP 2025.010. California Civil Discovery
Practice 12.43.
F.
Membership In California Bar
Significantly, an attorney who defends the deposition of a non-resident/non-party witness in a California matter does not have to be a member of the California bar. Cf. California
Civil Discovery Practice 12.21, 12.24 (observing that local counsel can appear at the
deposition on behalf of California counsel and advising that local counsel should be familiarized
with California rules of procedure and evidence regarding depositions). Nevertheless, since
California law applies to the taking of the deposition, it probably would be beneficial if local
counsel were advised of the California rules of procedure and evidence regarding depositions.
____
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Appendix
GEOGRAPHIC LIMITS FOR THE LOCATION OF ORAL DEPOSITIONS
Deponent
Party
Non-Party
Deposition in California
Natural person.
CCP 2025.250(a)
1) Within 75 miles of deponents

residence; or 2) within county
where action is pending and within
150 miles of deponents residence.
1) Within 75 miles of deponents

residence; or 2) within county
where action is pending and
within 150 miles of deponents
residence.
Organization
CCP 2025.250(b), (c)
With a designated
principal executive
office in California
1) Within 75 miles of principal

executive office; or 2) in county
where action is pending and within
150 miles of the principal
executive office.
Within 75 miles of principal

executive office, unless
deponent consents to a more
distant place.
Without such a
designated office
1) Within 75 miles of any business

or executive office; or 2) (at
option of party noticing
deposition) in county where action
is pending.
1) Within 75 miles of any

business or executive office; or
2) (at option of party noticing
deposition) in county where
action is pending.
Deposition in Another State

Natural person or entity
CCP 2026.010(b)
{00092499 v1}
60966137.1
Within 75 miles of deponents

residence or business office.
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Depends on law of state in

which deposition is taken.
Index of Authorities
Page(s)
CASES
Abelleira v. District Ct. of Appeal,
17 Cal. 2d 280 (1941) ................................................................................................................4
Alexander v. Blue Cross of Cal.,
88 Cal. App. 4th 1082 (2001) ..................................................................................................46
Amoco Chem. Co. v. Certain Underwriters at Lloyds of London,
34 Cal. App. 4th 554 (1995) ............................................................................................8, 9, 37
Armendariz v. Foundation Health Psychcare Services, Inc.,
24 Cal. 4th 83 (2000) .........................................................................................................46, 47
ATT Mobility LLC. v. Concepcion,
563 U.S. __, 131 S.Ct. 1740 (2011) .........................................................................................46
Bank of Am., N.A. v. Super. Ct. of Orange Cnty.,
212 Cal. App. 4th 1076 (2013) ................................................................................................15
Berglund v. Arthroscopic & Laser Surgery Center of San Diego, L.P.,
44 Cal. 4th 528 (2008) .......................................................................................................47, 48
Best Products, Inc. v. Super. Ct.,
119 Cal. App. 4th 1181 (2004) ................................................................................................15
Blue Ridge Ins. Co. v. Super. Ct.,
202 Cal. App. 3d 339 (1988) ...................................................................................................15
Boal v. Price Waterhouse & Co.,
165 Cal. App. 3d 806 (1985) .....................................................................................................8
Booker v. Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health,
246 F.R.D. 387 (D. Mass. 2007) ..............................................................................................25
Buckner v. Tamarin,
98 Cal. App. 4th 140 (2002) ....................................................................................................47
Burns v. Municipal Ct.,
195 Cal. App. 2d 596 (1961) .....................................................................................................4
Calazturficio S.C.A.R.P.A. S.P.A. v. Fabiano Shoe Co.,
201 F.R.D. 33 (D. Mass. 2001) ................................................................................................25
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Calcor Space Facility, Inc. v. Thiem Industries, Inc.,

53 Cal. App. 4th 216 (1997) ........................................................................................16, 27, 42
California ex rel Lockyer v. Super. Ct.,
122 Cal. App. 4th 1060 (2004) ..................................................................................................1
California Shellfish, Inc. v. United Shellfish Co.,
56 Cal. App. 4th 16 (1997) ............................................................................................3, 19, 20
Cates v. LTV Aerospace Corp.,
480 F.2d 620 (5th Cir. 1973) ...............................................................................................8, 37
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center v. Super. Ct.,
18 Cal. 4th 1 (1998) ...........................................................................................................10, 12
Clayton Brokerage Co., Inc. v. Clement,
87 F.R.D. 569 (D.Md. 1980)....................................................................................................17
Cooley v. Super. Ct.,
140 Cal. App. 4th 1039 (2006) ..........................................................................................26, 28
Cooper v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co.,
177 Cal. App. 4th 876 (2009) ..................................................................................................11
Coopman v. Super. Ct.,
237 Cal. App. 2d 656 (1965) .............................................................................................39, 40
Dodge, Warren & Peters Ins. Servs., Inc. v. Riley,
105 Cal. App. 4th 1414 (2003) ................................................................................................10
Donahoo v. Ohio Dept of Youth Servs.,
211 F.R.D. 303, 306 (N.D. Ohio 2002) ...................................................................................16
Ecclesiastes 9:10-11-12, Inc. v. LMC Holding Co.,
497 F.3d 1135 (10th Cir. 2007) ...............................................................................................25
EEOC v. Waffle House, Inc.,
534 U.S. 279 (2002) .................................................................................................................47
Foothill Fed. Credit Union v. Super. Ct.,
155 Cal. App. 4th 632 (2007) ..................................................................................................13
Glass v. Super. Ct.,
204 Cal. App. 3d 1048 (1988) ...................................................................................................8
Goldman v. SunBridge Healthcare, LLC,
220 Cal. App. 4th 1160 (2013) ................................................................................................47
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Green v. Baca,
2005 WL 283361 (C.D. Cal. Jan. 31, 2005) ...........................................................................47
In re Heckmann Corp. Sec. Litig.,
2011 WL 10636718 (D. Del. Feb. 28, 2011) ...........................................................................11
Hernandez v. Super. Ct.,
112 Cal. App. 4th 285 (2003) ..................................................................................................15
Icon Enters. Intl, Inc. v. Am. Prods. Co.,
2004 WL 5644805 (C.D. Cal. Oct. 7, 2004) ............................................................................25
International Ins. Co. v. Montrose Chemical Corp. of Calif.,
231 Cal. App. 3d 1367 (1991) .................................................................................................50
International Shoe Co. v. Washington,
326 U.S. 310, 316 (1945). ........................................................................................................38
Johnson v. Super. Ct.,
80 Cal. App. 4th 1050 (2000) ..................................................................................................16
Kamakana v. City and County of Honolulu,
447 F.3d 1172 (9th Cir. 2006) .................................................................................................10
Karlsson v. Ford Motor Co.,
140 Cal. App. 4th 1202 (2006) ................................................................................................25
Koncelik v. Savient Pharm., Inc.,
2009 WL 2448029 (S.D.N.Y. Aug. 10, 2009) .........................................................................11
Liberty Mut. Ins. Co. v. Super. Ct.,
10 Cal. App. 4th 1282 (1992) ..................................................................................................11
Lund v. Olson,
2013 WL 648628 (Cal. Ct. App. Feb. 22, 2013) .......................................................................9
Maldonado v. Super. Ct.,
94 Cal. App. 4th 1390 (2002) ..................................................................................................24
In re Marriage of Dick,
15 Cal. App. 4th 144 (1993) ......................................................................................................6
In re Marriage of Tucker,
226 Cal. App. 3d 1249 (1991) ...................................................................................................6
Michelman v. Hanil Bank, LTD,
104 B.R. 289 (Bankr. C.D. Cal. 1989).....................................................................................37
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Monarch Healthcare v. Super. Ct.,

78 Cal. App. 4th 1282 (2000) ............................................................................3, 14, 15, 20, 27
In re Morelli,
11 Cal. App. 3d 819 (1970) .......................................................................................................6
Mueller v. Elba Oil Co.,
21 Cal. 2d 188 (1942) ................................................................................................................4
In re Napster, Inc. Copyright Litig.,
462 F.Supp.2d 1060 (N.D. Cal. 2006) .....................................................................................11
National Auto. & Cas. Ins. Co. v. Underwood,
9 Cal. App. 4th 31 (1992) ..........................................................................................................6
In re Natl Contract Poultry Growers Assn,
771 So.2d 466 (Ala. 2000) .........................................................................................................4
In re Natl Sec. Agency Telecommunications Records Litig.,
2007 WL 3306579 (N.D. Cal. Nov. 6, 2007) ....................................................................11, 12
Novovic v. Greyhound Lines, Inc.,
2012 WL 252124 (S.D. Ohio Jan. 26, 2012) ...........................................................................16
Obregon v. Super. Ct.,
67 Cal. App. 4th 424 (1998) ....................................................................................................27
Phillips Petroleum Co. v. OKC Ltd. Partnership,
634 So. 2d 1186 (La. 1994) .......................................................................................................5
Puerto v. Super. Ct.,
158 Cal. App. 4th 1242 (2008) ..........................................................................................13, 14
In re Roman Catholic Archbishop of Portland in Oregon,
661 F.3d 417 (9th Cir. 2011) ...................................................................................................10
Sasson v. Katash,
146 Cal. App. 3d. 119 (1983) ..................................................................................................44
SEC v. Credit Bancorp, Ltd.,
194 F.R.D. 469 (2000) .............................................................................................................36
St. Sava Mission Corp. v. Serbian Eastern Orthodox Diocese,
223 Cal. App. 3d 1354 (1990) ...................................................................................................4
Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. v. Monsanto Co.,
908 So. 2d 121 (Miss. 2005) ......................................................................................................4
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Temple Cmty. Hosp. v. Super. Ct.,

20 Cal. 4th 464 (1999) .......................................................................................................11, 12
Temple. Rosen v. St. Joseph Hosp. of Orange Cnty.,
193 Cal. App. 4th 453 (2011) ..................................................................................................12
Terry v. SLICO,
175 Cal. App. 4th 352 (2009) ......................................................................................23, 28, 43
Toyota Motor Corp. v. Super. Ct.,
197 Cal. App. 4th 1107 (2011) ..................................................................................................9
U.S. v. Taylor,
166 F.R.D. 356 (M.D.N.C. 1996) ............................................................................................25
United States Catholic Conference v. Abortion Rights Mobilization, Inc.,
487 U.S. 72 (1988) .....................................................................................................................5
Unzipped Apparel, LLC v. Bader,
156 Cal. App. 4th 123 (2007) .......................................................................................... passim
Urban Pac. Equities Corp. v. Super. Ct.,
59 Cal. App. 4th 688 (1997) ....................................................................................................26
Waite, Schneider, Bayless & Chesley Co. L.P.A. v. Davis,
2013 WL 146362 (S.D. Ohio Jan. 14, 2013) ..........................................................................16
Wultz v. Bank of China Ltd.,
293 F.R.D. 677 (S.D.N.Y. 2013) .........................................................................................8, 25
Zubulake v. UBS Warburg LLC,
220 F.R.D. 212 (S.D.N.Y. 2003) .......................................................................................10, 11
STATUTES
9 U.S.C. 7 ....................................................................................................................................47
Cal. Bus. Prof. Code 8020 ....................................................................................................22, 41
Cal. Bus. Prof. Code 22450 ........................................................................................................26
Cal. Bus. Prof. Code 22451 ........................................................................................................26
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 410.10 .....................................................................................................4, 7
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 414.10 .......................................................................................................18
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1011 ....................................................................................................14, 20
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Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1013 ....................................................................................................29, 42

Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1282.2 .......................................................................................................46
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1282.6 .......................................................................................................47
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1283 ..........................................................................................................47
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1283.05 ...............................................................................................46, 47
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1283.1 .................................................................................................46, 47
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985 ........................................................................................28, 36, 43, 47
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985(a) ..................................................................................................2, 36
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985(b) ..........................................................................................28, 36, 43
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.3 .....................................................................................28, 30, 35, 44
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.3(a)(1) ..................................................................................12, 13, 28
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.3(b) ...................................................................................................13
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.3(c) .......................................................................................28, 35, 44
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.3(e) .......................................................................................28, 35, 44
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.3(g) .............................................................................................16, 17
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.3(k) ...................................................................................................13
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.6 .................................................................................................35, 44
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.6(a) ...................................................................................................13
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.6(b) .............................................................................................13, 28
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.6(f) .............................................................................................16, 17
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.6(j) ....................................................................................................13
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(a) ...................................................................................................32
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(b) ...................................................................................................32
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(c) ...................................................................................................32
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(d)(1) ..............................................................................................32
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Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(d)(2) ..............................................................................................32

Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(e) .............................................................................................32, 33
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(f) ...................................................................................................33
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(g) .............................................................................................32, 33
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(h) ...................................................................................................34
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code. 1985.8(i) .......................................................................................32, 33, 34
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(j) ....................................................................................................34
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(k) ...................................................................................................33
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(l) ....................................................................................................34
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1985.8(m) ............................................................................................10, 34
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1986.5 .................................................................................................24, 44
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1987.1 .......................................................................................................16
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1987.3 ...................................................................................................5, 37
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1987.5 .................................................................................................28, 43
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 1989 .................................................................................................. passim
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2004 ............................................................................................................2
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2016.020 ...................................................................................................31
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2016.040 .......................................................................................15, 16, 17
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2017.020 .......................................................................................15, 16, 27
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2019.020 ...................................................................................................15
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2019.030 .............................................................................................15, 27
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.010 .................................................................................................2, 3
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.010(a) .........................................................................................26, 46
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.020 .................................................................................................2, 3
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.030 .................................................................................18, 35, 36, 44
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Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.210 .............................................................................................18, 20

Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.220(a) ...................................................................................19, 22, 42
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.220(b) .........................................................................................18, 19
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.230 ...................................................................................................24
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.240 ...................................................................................................12
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.310 ...................................................................2, 7, 20, 22, 23, 40, 41
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.310(c) .........................................................................................21, 42
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.310(d) .........................................................................................21, 42
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.310(e) .........................................................................................21, 42
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.410 ...............................................................................................2, 26
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.410(a) .....................................................................................3, 27, 40
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.410(b) ...............................................................................................27
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.410(c) .............................................................................19, 28, 29, 42
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.410(d) .......................................................................12, 13, 28, 35, 44
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.420 ...................................................................................................26
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.430 ...................................................................................................31
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.430(a) .............................................................................26, 29, 30, 43
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.430(c) ...............................................................................................31
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.430(d) ...............................................................................................30
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.430(e) .........................................................................................26, 31
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.510 ...................................................................................3, 40, 41, 43
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Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2020.510(a) .....................................................................................3, 40, 42

Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2023.030 .............................................................................................12, 27
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code. 2024.020 ..................................................................................................20
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2024.050 ...................................................................................................20
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.010 .........................................................................2, 7, 20, 46, 49, 50
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.210 ...................................................................................................19
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.220 .................................................................................19, 22, 29, 41
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.230 .............................................................................9, 22, 24, 41, 44
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.240 .............................................................................................22, 41
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.240(a) .......................................................................21, 22, 29, 40, 41
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.250(b) ...............................................................................................52
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.250(c) ...................................................................................24, 44, 52
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.250(d) ...........................................................................................9, 24
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.260 ...................................................................................................23
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.420 .....................................................................................................9
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.270 .............................................................................................19, 22
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.310 .............................................................................................22, 23
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.320 .............................................................................................23, 43
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.410 .......................................................................................14, 16, 20
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.420 .............................................................................................15, 16
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Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.440 ...................................................................................................12

Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2025.480 ...................................................................................................17
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2026.010 ...................................................................................5, 48, 49, 50
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2027.010 ...................................................................................................49
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2028.010 .............................................................................3, 20, 26, 46, 48
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2028.020 ...................................................................................................46
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2028.040 ...................................................................................................46
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2029.010 .....................................................................................................2
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2029.300 .................................................................................................1, 2
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2029.350 .....................................................................................................2
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2029.390 .....................................................................................................2
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2029.600 .....................................................................................................2
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2029.650 .....................................................................................................2
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2030.090 .....................................................................................................9
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2031.030 ...................................................................................................32
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2031.060 ...............................................................................................9, 47
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2031.210 ...................................................................................................33
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2031.240 .............................................................................................15, 44
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2031.280 ...................................................................................................32
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2031.285 ...................................................................................................34
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2031.310 ...................................................................................................17
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2031.320 ...................................................................................................47
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code 2033.080 .....................................................................................................9
Cal. Corp. Code 2105..............................................................................................................7, 19
Cal. Evid. Code 1220 ..................................................................................................................25
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Cal. Evid. Code 1270 ..............................................................................................................7, 26

Cal. Evid. Code 1560. .................................................................................................................18
Cal. Evid. Code 1560(a)..............................................................................................................26
Cal. Evid. Code 1560(b) .............................................................................................................29
Cal. Evid. Code 1560(c)..............................................................................................................30
Cal. Evid. Code 1560(e)........................................................................................................26, 31
Cal. Evid. Code 1561 ................................................................................................28, 29, 30, 43
Cal. Evid. Code 1563 ..................................................................................................................44
Cal. Evid. Code 1563(b) .......................................................................................................35, 36
Cal. Gov. Code 68093.................................................................................................................24
Cal. Gov. Code 70626...................................................................................................................1
Cal. Penal Code 135 ....................................................................................................................12
OTHER AUTHORITIES
Matthew Bender Practice Guide: California E-Discovery and Evidence 5.05[1] (2012)...........11
Cal. R. Ct. 1.31(b) ..........................................................................................................................18
Cal. R. Ct. 3.250(a)(1) ...................................................................................................................20
Cal. R. Ct. 3.1010(d) ..........................................................................................................22, 23, 43
Cal. R. Ct. 3.1345-3.1346 ..............................................................................................................14
Cal. R. Ct. 3.1346...........................................................................................................................17
Cal. R. Ct. 3.31346.........................................................................................................................17
Cal. R. Ct. 9.47(c)(1) .......................................................................................................................2
California Civil Discovery Practice (4th ed. Cal CEB 2008) 12.9 ............................................49
California Civil Discovery Practice 12.9-12.10 .......................................................................50
California Civil Discovery Practice 12.11 .................................................................................49
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California Civil Discovery Practice 12.34-12.35 .....................................................................48
California Civil Discovery Practice 12.40-12.41 .....................................................................48
Civil Discovery: Nonsubstantive Reform, 33 Cal. Revision Commn Reports 789, 10731087 (2003) ................................................................................................................................1
Deposition in Out-of-State Litigation, 37 Cal. L. Revision Commn Reports 99 119
(2007) .........................................................................................................................................2
Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(b) ................................................................................................................32, 34
Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(c) ............................................................................................................9, 10, 17
Fed. R. Civ. P. 30 .......................................................................................................................8, 25
Fed. R. Civ. P. 34 ...........................................................................................................................36
Fed. R. Civ. P. 37 ...........................................................................................................................18
Fed. R. Civ. P. 45 .......................................................................................................................8, 32
James E. Hogan & Gregory S. Weber, California Civil Discovery at 2-18 (2d ed. 2008) ..............7
Hogan & Weber, California Civil Discovery at 2-31 ....................................................................24
Hogan & Weber, California Civil Discovery at 2-19 ....................................................................19
Hogan & Weber, California Civil Discovery at 4-4 ......................................................................48
Hogan & Weber, California Civil Discovery at 4-4, 4-6 ...............................................................50
Hogan & Weber, California Civil Discovery at 7-1 ........................................................................2
John Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 3:2 at 66 (Thomson/West 2011-2012) ....................4
Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 1:8 at 21 ...........................................................................7
Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 1:8 at 21-22 ......................................................................7
Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 2.3 at 53 .........................................................................24
Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 3:1 at 64 ...........................................................................4
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Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 3:2 at 65 .........................................................................39

Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 3:3 at 68 .........................................................................48
Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 3:4 at 78-79 ....................................................................39
Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 3:9 at 95-96, 99 ..............................................................45
Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 3:9 at 96-97 ..............................................................45, 46
Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 3:9 at 103 .......................................................................37
Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 3:9 at 104 .......................................................................38
Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 3:9 at 106-07 ..................................................................39
Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 3.9 at 109-110 ................................................................38
Sink, California Subpoena Handbook, 3:9 at 105-06 ...................................................................7
Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 3:9 at 106-07 ............................................................37, 39
Sink, California Subpoena Handbook 3:9 at 113 .................................................................39, 40
Hon. William F. Rylaarsdam, Hon. Lee Smalley Edmon,
Cal. Prac. Guide: Civ. Proc. Before Trial 8:540.4 (The Rutter Group 2013) ................36, 39
Cal. Prac. Guide: Civ. Proc. Before Trial 8:626 ........................................................................23
Cal. Prac. Guide: Civ. Proc. Before Trial 8:628.4 .......................................................................9
Cal. Prac. Guide: Civ. Proc. Before Trial 8:642.1 .....................................................................50
Charles Alan Wright and Arthur R. Miller,
9A Federal Practice and Procedure 2459 (1995) .................................................................17
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California Non-Party Discovery

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Which Discovery Tools Are Available For Non-Parties? .................................................. 1

Responding To Deposition Subpoenas ............................................................................... 4

First Things First: Personal Jurisdiction, California Subpoena Jurisdiction,

Personal Jurisdiction v. Subpoena Jurisdiction ........................................... 4

Residency Of Natural Persons .................................................................... 6

Residency Of Organizations ....................................................................... 7

Whose Residency Controls When A Business Records Deposition

Is There A Protective Order In Place And Are Non-Parties Covered?................. 10

Does A Non-Party Have A Duty To Preserve Documents? ................................. 11

Special Consumer Records Requirements ............................................................ 14

Special Employee Records Requirements ............................................................ 14

Methods Of Responding To Deposition Subpoenas ......................................................... 15

Serve Only Objections .......................................................................................... 16

Motion For Protective Order ................................................................................. 17

Motion To Quash .................................................................................................. 17

Do Parties Also Have A Right To Challenge Non-Party Deposition

The Subpoenaing Partys Response: The Motion To Compel......................................... 18

General Non-Party Deposition Subpoena Provisions ....................................................... 19

Who is allowed to serve a deposition subpoena?.................................................. 20

What type of service is required?.......................................................................... 20

How quickly must a non-party respond to the deposition subpoena? .................. 21

When must objections be filed? ............................................................................ 21

When do the parties have to complete discovery? ................................................ 21

Oral Deposition Subpoenas............................................................................................... 22

Notice Provisions For Oral Deposition Subpoenas .............................................. 22

What information must the oral deposition subpoena contain? ................ 22

Who must receive notice of the oral deposition subpoena? ...................... 23

What information must the deposition notice contain? ............................ 23

How quickly may an oral deposition be scheduled?................................. 23

Who is authorized to conduct an oral deposition? .................................... 24

Does the deposition subpoena have to be accompanied by a good

What happens if a non-party fails to comply with an oral

The Location Of The Oral Deposition .................................................................. 25

Deponent As Natural Person ..................................................................... 25

Deponent As Organization ........................................................................ 25

Witness Fees For Oral Depositions....................................................................... 25

Designating A Witness ......................................................................................... 26

Business Records Deposition Subpoenas For Copying Business Records ....................... 28

Business Records Deposition Subpoena ProvisionsError! Bookmark not defined.

The Manner In Which A Non-Party May Be Directed To Respond ........ 28

Provisions Applicable To All Business Records Deposition

How do the business records sought by the subpoena have

To whom must the subpoena be directed? .....................................30

Does the subpoena have to be accompanied by an affidavit

Is a deposition notice required? .....................................................30

How quickly must the non-party produce the documents? ............31

Does the non-partys production have to be accompanied

What should a non-party do if there are no responsive

Provisions Applicable Only To Records Delivered To A

What documents must be delivered to the deposition

When does the production to a deposition officer have to be

What provisions for copying have to be made for the

Provisions Applicable Only To Records Made Available For

When does CCP 2020.430 (Delivery for copying;

When and where do the records have to be made available

Are the provisions applicable to other subpoenas applicable to

In what format must the ESI be produced? ............................................... 34

What if ESI is not reasonably accessible? ................................................ 34