KVHP TV PARTNERS, LTD. v. Channel 12 of Beaumont, Inc.
Plaintiffs, KVHP TV Partners, Ltd. d/b/a Fox 29 and Calcasieu Communications, Inc., filed a motion to remand their case to state court after defendants, Channel 12 of Beaumont, Inc., Texas Television Inc., Viacom International, Inc., and Multimedia Entertainment, Inc., removed it to federal court. The plaintiffs had originally sued in state court alleging tortious interference with business relations, civil conspiracy, and violations of Texas antitrust and deceptive trade practices acts. Defendants asserted federal question jurisdiction as the basis for removal. The court analyzed the well-pleaded complaint rule, the artful pleading doctrine, and the complete preemption doctrine. Finding no federal question on the face of the complaint and no applicable exceptions, the court granted the plaintiffs' motion to remand the case to the 58th Judicial District Court, Jefferson County, Texas, and ordered Viacom International, Inc. and Multimedia Entertainment, Inc. to reimburse the plaintiffs for costs and attorneys' fees incurred due to the removal.