Compaq Computer Corporation v. Michael Albanese

• Court: Court of Appeals of Texas
• Decided: December 22, 2004
• Docket: 09-03-00523-CV
• Status: Published

Opinion

In The

Court of Appeals

Ninth District of Texas at Beaumont

____________________

NO. 09-03-523 CV

COMPAQ COMPUTER CORPORATION, Appellant

V.

MICHAEL ALBANESE, Appellee

On Appeal from the 136th District Court

Jefferson County, Texas

Trial Court Cause No. D-164,939

OPINION

This is an interlocutory appeal by Compaq Computer Corporation from an order certifying a class under Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 42(b)(1)(A) and 42(b)(2). With some exceptions, the class generally consists of all United States residents and citizens who, on or after April 1, 1997, purchased certain Compaq products and received a written limited warranty.

The class representative, Michael Albanese, bought a Compaq laptop computer in April 1999 from Best Buy. After experiencing problems with the laptop, Albanese returned it to Best Buy on a number of occasions. Efforts to repair the computer were not successful. Albanese says Best Buy told him the problem was not covered under the warranty and could not be fixed. When Albanese telephoned Compaq, a recorded message said he might be charged a fee. Albanese hung up. Albanese sued Compaq on behalf of himself and a putative nationwide class of purchasers of certain Compaq products. The Compaq products were sold with a written limited warranty against "defects in materials or workmanship during normal use[.]" The petition asserts (1) a declaratory judgment action and asks for supplemental relief and (2) a claim for equitable and legal relief, other than damages, for violation of the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act (MMWA). See 15 U.S.C.A. §§ 2301-2312 (West 1998).

The limited warranty includes language substantially as follows, which Albanese says violates the MMWA:

Except as expressly set forth in this [warranty], Compaq makes no other warranties, express or implied, including any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Compaq expressly disclaims all warranties not stated in this [limited warranty]. Any implied warranties that may be imposed by law are limited to the terms of this [express limited warranty].

Albanese seeks a declaration that the warranty violates the MMWA's prohibition against disclaiming or modifying implied warranties. See 15 U.S.C.A. § 2308 (West 1998). Although he does not seek damages in this suit either for himself or the class members, Albanese has filed a separate breach of warranty lawsuit. In his brief on appeal he says: "This is not a breach of warranty lawsuit. Breach of warranty is not even an element of any claim in this lawsuit."

Albanese explains he seeks a declaratory judgment under the Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act, Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann. §§ 37.001-37.011 (Vernon 1997 & Supp. 2004). He cites to the following language in section 37.004 of the Texas Civil Practices and Remedies Code in support of this cause of action:

§ 37.004. Subject Matter of Relief

(a) A person interested under a deed, will, written contract, or other writings constituting a contract or whose rights, status, or other legal relations are affected by a statute, municipal ordinance, contract, or franchise may have determined any question of construction or validity arising under the instrument, statute, ordinance, contract, or franchise and obtain a declaration of rights, status, or other legal relations thereunder.

(b) A contract may be construed either before or after there has been a breach.

The requested declaratory relief sought by Albanese is described in his fourth amended petition as follows:

that: [1] the stated limitation, disclaimer, modification, or exclusion of implied warranties stated in the Affected Warranty is prohibited by, and made ineffective by, 15 U.S.C. § 2308 and is void; [2] when the Affected Products were sold, the Plaintiff and class had valid implied warranties that apply to all Affected Compaq Products and the duration of the implied warranties was and is not limited to the duration of the express warranty; [3] Compaq may not deny or impede implied warranty claims with respect to Affected Compaq Products on the ground that the Affected Warranty excludes, disclaims, or modifies implied warranties; [4] Compaq is required to notify all persons with an Affected Warranty [i] of the foregoing declarations, [ii] that they possess more expansive rights than provided under the Affected Warranty, and [iii] that the duration of the implied warranty is not limited to the duration of the Affected Warranty; [5] while Plaintiff does not seek reformation under state law, Compaq is required to provide the class members with a substitute warranty or other appropriate notice that omits the language that excludes implied warranties and which substitute warranty or other notice otherwise comports with the foregoing and the Magnuson Moss Act: and [6] such other more particular or ancillary judgments regarding the construction or validity of the Compaq warranty or said laws or the rights, status, or legal relations affected by the Compaq warranty or said laws, regarding implied warranties and the other matters pleaded above, as may be subsumed or related by or to any of the foregoing or as may be required to make relief effective and complete or end these controversies . . . .

. . . Plaintiff and all members of the class are further entitled to supplemental relief under CPRC § 37.011, as may be necessary or proper after adjudication by declaratory judgment.

Under the Declaratory Judgments Act, a person interested under a written contract, or whose rights are affected by a statute, may have determined a question of construction or validity arising under the contract or statute and obtain a declaration of rights. See Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann. § 37.004 (Vernon 1997).

The second cause of action, alternatively pleaded by Albanese, is under 15 U.S.C.A. § 2310(d) of the MMWA, which provides:

§2310. Remedies in consumer disputes

. . . .

(d) Civil action by consumer for damages, etc.; jurisdiction; recovery of costs and expenses; cognizable claims

(1) Subject to subsections (a)(3) and (e) of this section, a consumer who is damaged by the failure of a supplier, warrantor, or service contractor to comply with any obligation under this chapter, or under a written warranty, implied warranty, or service contract, may bring suit for damages and other legal and equitable relief[.]

15 U.S.C.A. § 2310(d) (West 1998). The relief requested by Albanese under section 2310(d) in his fourth amended petition is as follows:

For Plaintiff and the class, alternatively seek "legal and equitable relief," other than damages, directly under 15 U.S.C. § 2310(d); being: declaratory and equitable relief substantially similar to the relief sought in the First Cause of Action pleaded above and appropriate legal and equitable orders implementing said remedial judgments and assuring compliance.

The statute provides that a consumer who is damaged may sue a supplier for its failure to comply with an obligation under the MMWA; and the obligations under the Act include the substantive requirements in section 2308. See Gorman v. Saf-T-Mate, Inc., 513 F.Supp. 1028, 1031 (N.D. Ind. 1981) (Individual consumers are authorized by separate provisions [section 2310(c)(d)] of the Act to sue to enforce the substantive obligations under the Act). Albanese is not precluded by the Act from suing for a declaratory judgment to determine warranty rights affected by the MMWA.

The trial court's class certification order includes findings of fact, conclusions of law, and a trial plan. The order anticipates declaratory, equitable, and legal relief other than damages. The order provides that no breach of warranty will be permitted to be asserted and "damages are not sought." The order is not explicit as to the applicability of notice and opt-out protection for class members. However, a claims process identifying the members of the class is anticipated and the order references "special notice and a right of appearance" granted by Rule 42(c). ⁽¹⁾

After the parties filed their first briefs, the Supreme Court issued its opinion in Compaq Computer Corp. v. LaPray, 135 S.W.3d 657 (Tex. 2004). Compaq says LaPray requires reversal of this certification order because the order does not rigorously analyze the cohesiveness of the class or notice and opt-out rights. Albanese says we should not remand the case because the class does not assert a breach of warranty claim, the trial court did perform a rigorous analysis of cohesiveness and choice of law, the trial court found the substantive law permits declaratory and equitable relief without the need to show a breach of warranty, and notice and opt-out rights are not required because the class does not seek damages.

The record reflects the trial court's careful review of numerous issues presented by the parties, but it is not apparent from the certification order the court focused on the necessity of providing opt-out rights to class members if more than declaratory relief is to be provided. This is a mandatory class certification order that anticipates providing nationwide legal and equitable relief to the exclusion of damages. For example, in the section of the order listing the issues to be tried, the court lists, in quotes, "Other legal and equitable relief" under 15 U.S.C. § 2301(d). It is clear from the order that those remedies will not include damages. In LaPray the Supreme Court said that an appellate court cannot effectively review a certification order that does not say how, if any, notice and opt-out rights will be provided. LaPray, 135 S.W.3d at 668. The Court stated that "if damage claims are implicated, constitutional considerations will likely mandate such protections." Id. Damages may be "implicated" though not asserted by the class representative. We conclude it is necessary to remand this case for further analysis of the cohesiveness of the class, choice of law, joinder of the declaratory relief and the Section 2310(d) relief, and notice and opt-out rights by the trial court in light of LaPray.

The cohesiveness of the class is a due process concern. Mandatory classes -- classes with no possibility of exit -- require the class members' interests be homogenous. See id., 135 S.W.3d at 670. A mandatory class member is thought not to have an individual right to a result independent of any other class member. See generally Dairyland County Mut. Ins. Co. of Texas v. Casburg, 63 S.W.3d 590, 592 (Tex. App.--Beaumont 2001, pet. dism'd w.o.j.) ("If significant individual issues pervade the action, certification of a (b)(2) class might prejudice the class members. . . ."). Because of the presumed cohesiveness of the class, no opportunity to exit is mandated by Rule 42 for a (b)(1) or (b)(2) class. See LaPray, 135 S.W.3d at 664, 670. ⁽²⁾

The degree of cohesiveness of the mandatory class -- its unity -- is the rationale for the lack of opt-out rights. An adjudication of absent class members' interests may be unfair if those interests conflict with those of the class representative, and the absent parties are given no opportunity to exclude themselves from the class action. See generally LaPray, 135 S.W.3d at 668 (If some purchasers suffered damages disclaimed by the class, their inclusion in a mandatory class may be improper.). The requirements for certification of a mandatory class must be strictly followed to assure the necessary class cohesiveness. ⁽³⁾

The certification order says "[i]f proof of claims are required," "the Court can fashion a proof of claim process[,]" and says "[a]t this point, the only issue that will be covered by the proofs of claim is membership in the class." The order explains that "[a]s damages are not sought, the only purpose of the proof of claim is to further identify the members of the class and confirm that a particular person obtains the declaratory, supplemental, and equitable relief that may be recovered." And "[i]f disputes arise concerning any issue covered by the proof of claim for any individual or individuals, then the dispute could be resolved by the Court or a jury."

If the only remedy sought here is declaratory relief, it is unclear why a claims process with individual proof of claim is anticipated or what "other legal and equitable relief" is to be provided in that process. On the other hand, if the intent of the claims process here is to confirm that individual class members obtain repair, replacement, refund or other relief (other than damages) enforced by an injunction, it is unclear how liability will be determined on an individual claim basis, and it is unclear why a monetary damages remedy would not be preferable by some or would not be precluded by the final judgment in this case. ⁽⁴⁾

The trial court considered the preclusive effect of the judgment on absent class members and stated, "Compaq made a strong objection based on the potential that the judgment in this case would be impermissible claims splitting and that res judicata may preclude the claims of absent class members for breach of warranty." The Court stated it was "concerned with the objection," but found that the concerns and objections "are not a reason to deny certification." The trial court concluded any claims, other than the same claims "for declaratory and equitable relief that are being litigated in this lawsuit," would not be barred "in a subsequent action." However, it is unclear what relief under the MMWA the trial court anticipates in its trial plan by use of the terms "other legal and equitable relief,""supplemental" relief, and "corresponding" relief. ⁽⁵⁾ If more than a declaratory judgment is anticipated, and a remedy other than damages is to be provided to an individual consumer with a defective product, that elected remedy may foreclose a later damage remedy by the same consumer for the same product and notice and opt-out rights will likely be required.

The trial judge did not have the benefit of the Supreme Court's opinion in LaPray. The certification order suggests the trial court would certify a statewide class if a nationwide class is inappropriate, and the alternative nature of the two causes of action and the description of the anticipated claims process indicate the trial court may consider only declaratory relief rather than a nationwide claims process for "other legal and equitable relief," "supplemental," and "corresponding" relief. ⁽⁶⁾ As LaPray says, it is difficult for an appellate court to effectively review a certification order that does not address notice and opt-out rights. Here, without written analysis, the order does not provide opt-out rights. If notice and opt-out rights are provided to a 42(b)(2) class, the class cohesion analysis often "will be identical to the 'predominance and superiority' directive undertaken by the trial courts certifying (b)(3) classes." LaPray, 135 S.W.3d at 671. But where the class is mandatory, as here, the trial court must apply a more rigorous standard of class cohesion, because the members will be bound by the judgment without the opportunity to opt out. Id. (citing John C. Coffee, Jr., Class Action Accountability: Reconciling Exit, Voice, and Loyalty in Representative Litigation, 100 Colum. L. Rev. 370, 435 (2000)). Rather than determine the issues in this appeal on this record, we reverse the certification order and remand to the trial court for further analysis, considering LaPray, of the appropriateness of the joinder of the two claims asserted here, the cohesiveness of the (b)(2) class, the choice of law, and the due process requirements of notice and opt-out opportunities for the proposed (b)(2) class.

The trial court also certified the class under 42(b)(1)(A). Schein makes clear a court must not certify a mandatory class under (b)(1)(A) unless there is a palpable risk the defendant will be placed in a position of being incapable of complying with one judgment without violating the terms of another. Henry Schein, Inc. v. Stromboe, 102 S.W.3d 675, 691-92 (Tex. 2002). Rule 42(b)(1)(A)'s criteria is not met merely by showing that different courts might reach different results on similar claims. Id. There is an insufficient showing of a palpable risk that Compaq's conduct, absent certification of this class, would be bound by irreconcilably conflicting judgments. Regardless, the certification under (b)(1)(A) should be analyzed the same as under (b)(2) for purpose of notice and opt-out rights and the effect of the judgment on absent class members. The class must be cohesive. We reverse and remand the (b)(1)(A) certification to the trial court for further analysis in light of LaPray, and for required further development of the record if separate certification under (b)(1)(A) is to be considered by the trial court.

Appellant's other arguments and issues likely will be impacted by the trial court's additional proceedings. We therefore do not reach them in this appeal. The certification order is reversed and this case is remanded for proceedings consistent with this opinion.

REVERSED AND REMANDED.

__________________________________

DAVID GAULTNEY

Justice

Submitted on September 23, 2004

Opinion Delivered December 22, 2004

Before McKeithen, C.J., Burgess and Gaultney, JJ.

1. We note the following footnote in

Compaq Computer Corp. v. LaPray, 135 S.W.3d 657 (Tex. 2004) applicable here:

"At the time the class was certified, rule 42 (unlike its federal counterpart) required individual notice to members of (b)(2) classes. Compare Tex. R. Civ. P. 42(c)(2), 553-554 S.W.2d (Tex. Cases) XXXVI-XXXVII (1977, amended 2004), with Fed. R. Civ. P. 23(c)(2) (individual notice required only for (b)(3) classes). Rule 42 was recently amended to conform more closely to federal rule 23 and no longer mandates individual notice for (b)(2) classes. See Tex. R. Civ. P. 42(c)(2)(A) ('For any class certified under Rule 42(b)(1) or (2), the court may direct appropriate notice to the class.')(emphasis added)." LaPray, 135 S.W.3d at 668 n.11.

2.

Nevertheless, due process concerns may arise. See generally LaPray, 135 S.W.3d at 667 (Due process concerns associated with individual notice and opt-out rights must be considered in a (b)(2) class.). A final judgment in an action generally determines the interests of the parties and is binding on them. See Gibraltar Sav. Ass'n v. Kilpatrick, 770 S.W.2d 14, 18 (Tex App.--Texarkana 1989, writ denied). Principles of claim preclusion may operate to bar a party from subsequently asserting claims that were raised or could have been raised in the first action. See generally Parklane Hosiery Co. v. Shore, 439 U.S. 322, 332, 99 S.Ct. 645, 58 L.Ed.2d 552 (1979) (general principles of res judicata); see generally LaPray, 135 S.W.3d at 664 (noting that defendants attempting to effect res judicata may prefer (b)(2) certification over (b)(3)); see also Sanders v. Blockbuster, Inc., 127 S.W.3d 382, 386 (Tex. App.--Beaumont 2004, pet. denied) (applying res judicata or claims preclusion principles in class action settlement context).

3.

Notice and opt-out rights will likely be required in a (b)(2) class where damage claims are implicated, and damage claims are clearly implicated where they may be barred by the judgment. A significant conflict among the class members or between the class representative and class members regarding claims and remedies precludes a mandatory Rule 42(b)(2) certification and would necessarily impact on the Rule 42(a) adequacy of representation and typicality analysis. On remand the trial court must consider all the requirements of Rule 42 if a class is to be certified.

4.

The interests of a consumer with a working product and a consumer with a defective product may conflict. Rather than pursue a claim seeking a declaration that a warranty disclaimer is invalid and requesting legal or equitable relief other than damages, a consumer with a defective product may have an interest in asserting a claim for damages under the MMWA.

5.

The order does not explain fully what that other relief will be. It is conceivable, though the MMWA is federal law, that relief available to class members may vary, because courts may look to state law in providing enforcement remedies under the MMWA with respect to limited warranties. See Schimmer v. Jaguar Cars, Inc., 384 F.3d 402, 405 (7^th Cir. 2004). The certification order concludes the differences in state law are not "outcome determinative," essentially because federal law governs the effect of the disclaimer language, and the order also concludes without written analysis that the differences in state law do not make Albanese's claim atypical. But LaPray requires an analysis of the law applicable to the nationwide remedies to be provided in any claims process. See generally LaPray, 135 S.W.3d at 672-681. Even if the remedies are the same nationwide, this mandatory class is selecting remedies other than damages. The class representative here seeks alternatively legal and equitable relief for a violation of the MMWA as well as declaratory relief. In Texas it is at least unusual for a declaratory judgment action to be joined with a mature liability claim on the same issues. See Texas A & M Univ. Sys. v. Luxemburg, 93 S.W.3d 410, 425 (Tex. App.--Houston [14^th Dist.] 2002, pet. denied). In a mandatory (b)(2) class action, joining the two types of causes and electing a claim and a remedy for a nationwide class while abandoning the remedy of damages raises cohesiveness concerns. See LaPray, 135 S.W.3d at 670.

6.

Though efficient adjudication is one of the aims of a class action, the class action procedure cannot be used in a way that modifies substantive law or deprives absent class members of due process. See Southwestern Ref. Co. v. Bernal, 22 S.W.3d 425, 437 (Tex. 2000). The determination of the applicable substantive law in a nationwide class action is therefore "of paramount importance." LaPray, 135 S.W.3d at 672. The trial court must know what the possible applicable remedies will be so that it can determine the cohesiveness of the class. See id. at 673-75; see Union Pac. Resources Group, Inc. v. Hankins, 111 S.W.3d 69, 73 (Tex. 2003); see also Bernal, 22 S.W.3d at 435-36.