Court Name: Small Claims Court or Municipal Court

Dollar Limit: $3,000.

Where To Sue: Where defendant resides, has a place of business or where breach or injury occurred. Nonresident defendants Where plaintiff resides. Corporation resides where it has principal place of business or an agent.

Service: Certified mail by clerk, return receipt, sheriff, bailiff or court-approved adult.

Hearing Date: 30 days from filing of complaint.

Attorneys: Allowed. A corporation may proceed through an officer or employee, but may not cross-examine, argue or advocate except through attorney.

Transfer: If either side requests, if defendant counterclaims for more than $3,000 or at court's discretion, case tried under regular civil procedure of appropriate court.

Appeals: By either side for review of law, not facts; to Court of Appeals within 30 days.

Special Provisions: No equitable relief. No jury trial. No discovery. No libel or slander cases. Right to sue may not be transferred. Limit of 24 claims a year per plaintiff. Court may order arbitration. Mediation is available in some jurisdictions. Municipal Court cases limited to recovery of personal property, taxes, and money. No assignees (except to recover taxes).

Entity to Sue: Sony BMG is a Delaware-based General Partnership with its principal place of business in New York. It, however, does business in all fifty states. The Court should serve a copy of the complaint on:

  • SONY BMG Music Entertainment
  • c/o Corporation Service Company, Registered Agent
  • 2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400
  • Wilmington, DE 19808
  • (302) 636-5401

 

Court rules may change at any time. Contact the Clerk of your local Court to verify the accuracy of this information and to get copies of any necessary forms.