JPML Refuses to Create Coordinated Docket for The Gap Inc. Rent Nonpayment Lawsuits

WASHINGTON, D.C. –– The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has denied efforts by The Gap Inc. to create a coordinated docket for lawsuits arising out of the clothing giant’s decision to withhold rent payments as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, concluding that the overlap in the cases is “limited and overshadowed by the many individual questions in each action.”

In the Oct. 2 order, the JPML elaborated, saying that there are different circumstances in each case concerning the unique properties, leases, and negotiating parties.

“We are not persuaded that centralized proceedings here will serve the convenience of the …