(a) Defined. Related cases are cases which: (1) arise from substantially the same
transaction or event; (2) involve substantially the same parties or property; (3) involve the
same patent, trademark, or copyright; (4) call for the resolution of substantially the same
questions of law; or (5) would entail substantial duplication of labor if heard by different
judges.
(b) Notice. Whenever a civil action filed in or removed to this court involves a related case
pending before another court or an administrative agency, counsel for the filing party shall
identify the related case or proceeding on the civil cover sheet filed in this court. The duty to
notify the court of any related proceeding continues throughout the time an action is before
this court.
(c) Consolidation by Court. When it appears that two (2) or more cases may be related
cases, the court may enter an initial consolidation order on its own initiative directing that,
unless an objection is filed within a specified time, the cases will be consolidated.
(d) Consolidation by Parties. If related cases are pending before a single judge or
different judges, any party may move to consolidate the actions. The motion shall list each
case in the caption, beginning with the oldest case, and shall be heard by the judge to whom
that case is assigned.
(e) Order of Consolidation. Upon motion of the parties or in the absence of an objection
to the initial consolidation order, the court may issue an order of consolidation.
The court will transfer any motions pending in the former related cases to the main case. Such
motions will be treated as if they were refiled as of the date of the consolidation order.
