Glossary
Summary judgment
A court ruling that decides all or part of a case without a trial, because the key facts are not genuinely in dispute.
A party can ask a judge for summary judgment after discovery, arguing that the important facts are not in real dispute and that the law favors it. If the judge agrees, the case or some claims are decided without a trial. Partial summary judgment resolves only some issues.
Several major AI copyright rulings, including decisions on fair use, have come at this stage, which is why it attracts attention.
Summary judgment rulings are based on the record and arguments in that case. They can be appealed, and other courts are not bound to follow a trial court's decision.
Read more: our explainer