(a) Definition of Related Cases.
Cases may be related when:
(1) the cases concern substantially the same parties, transactions, or
events;
(2) the cases call for a determination of the same or substantially
related or similar questions of law and fact; or
(3) it appears likely that there will be an unduly burdensome
duplication of labor and expense or conflicting results if the cases
are conducted before different judges.
(b) Notice.
Whenever a party knows or learns that a case filed in or removed to this
district is (or the party believes that the case may be) related to a case that is
or was pending in this district as defined in subsection (a) of this rule, the
party must promptly file in the earliest-filed open case a notice identifying
all cases pending in this district that are related to the case. The notice must
contain (1) the title and case number of each case and (2) a brief statement
of the relationship of cases according to the criteria set forth in subsection
(a) of this rule.
(c) Filing of Notice Does Not Constitute a General Appearance.
A notice filed pursuant to this rule shall not constitute a general appearance
in the action.
