Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338 (2d Cir. 1970). · Go Syfert
Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338 (2d Cir. 1970). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
“any plaintiff seeking equitable relief must establish as a threshold matter that he has no adequate remedy at law.”
192 citation events (19 in the last 25 years) across 45 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Phhhoto Inc. v. Meta Platforms, Inc. (ca2, 2024-12-10)
Treatment trajectory · 1970 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
1970 1998 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 50 distinct citers. How cited ↗
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Phhhoto Inc. v. Meta Platforms, Inc.
2d Cir. · 2024 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
he statutory period . . . not await leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.
discussed Cited as authority (quoted) Buchwald v. Renco Group, Inc. (In Re Magnesium Corp.)
Bankr. S.D.N.Y. · 2009 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
any plaintiff seeking equitable relief must establish as a threshold matter that he has no adequate remedy at law.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Cohen v. Cohen
S.D.N.Y. · 2011 · confidence medium
Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Rusyniak v. Gensini
N.D.N.Y. · 2009 · confidence medium
When there is a claim of fraud, “[f]or the purpose of determining when the statute of limitations begins to run, the absence of conclusive evidence of actual knowledge is only the beginning of the inquiry, since the statutory period does not await ‘the leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.’ ” Topps Co., Inc. v. Cadbury Stani S.A.I.C., 380 F.Supp.2d 250, 258 (S.D.N.Y.2005) (citing Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 [2d Cir.1970]).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Bradley v. Phillips Petroleum Co.
S.D. Tex. · 2007 · confidence medium
“The running of the statute of limitations does not await the ‘leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.’ Nor does the discovery rule permit putative RICO plaintiffs to await detection of some ‘vast scheme’ by which they were injured; the [discovery] rule contemplates that plaintiffs will exercise due diligence in the detection of their injury.” Zablocki v. Huber, 743 F.Supp. 626, 629 (D.Wis.1990) (citing Gieringer v. Silverman, 731 F.2d 1272, 1277 (7th Cir.1984), quoting Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) In Re Polaroid Corp. Securities Litigation
S.D.N.Y. · 2006 · confidence medium
Litig., 815 F.Supp. 620, 651 (S.D.N.Y.1993) (citing Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) The Topps Co., Inc. v. Cadbury Stani SAIC
S.D.N.Y. · 2005 · confidence medium
For the purpose of determining when the statute of. limitations begins to run, the absence of conclusive evidence of actual knowledge is only the beginning of the inquiry, since the statutory period does not await “the leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.” Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Malhotra v. Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States
E.D.N.Y · 2005 · confidence medium
Isanaka, 131 F.Supp.2d at 358 (stating that a plaintiff “bears an affirmative duty of diligent inquiry into the facts of the alleged securities fraud and is not entitled to ‘leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.’ ”) (quoting Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Meadowbrook-Richman, Inc. v. Associated Financial Corp.
S.D.N.Y. · 2004 · confidence medium
Aug. 6, 1991) (quoting Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Global Crossing, Ltd. Securities Litigation
S.D.N.Y. · 2003 · confidence medium
As has been stated in the context of securities fraud cases, “the statute is not tolled for a plaintiffs ‘leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.’ Instead, the period runs from the time at which a plaintiff ‘should have discovered the general fraudulent scheme.’ ” In re Integrated Resources, 815 F.Supp. at 637 (quoting Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970) and Robertson v. Seidman & Seidman, 609 F.2d at 587 ).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Isanaka v. Spectrum Technologies USA Inc.
N.D.N.Y. · 2001 · confidence medium
As a result, a rule l'Qb-5 plaintiff bears an affirmative duty of diligent inquiry into the facts of the alleged securities fraud and is not entitled to “leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.” Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Generadora De Electricidad Del Caribe, Inc. v. Foster Wheeler Corp.
D.P.R. · 2000 · confidence medium
The time from which the one year term begins to run is not the time at which a plaintiff becomes aware of all of the elements of the alleged violation, rather the term runs from the time at which plaintiff should have discovered the general fraudulent scheme. “(T)he statutory period ... (does) not await appellant’s leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.” Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Butala v. Agashiwala
S.D.N.Y. · 1996 · confidence medium
Aug. 6, 1991) (quoting Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Doyaga v. Schretter (In re Smith)
Bankr. E.D.N.Y. · 1996 · confidence medium
Furthermore, a plaintiff must seriously endeavor to seek out the truth rather than wait for a “leisurely discovery of the ... [defendant’s] scheme.” Metzeler, 66 B.R. at 981 (quoting Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Reed v. Prudential Securities Inc.
S.D. Tex. · 1995 · confidence medium
Lampf, Pleva, Lipkind, Prupis & Petigrow, 501 U.S. at 363 , 111 S.Ct. at 2782 ; Jensen, 841 F.2d at 607 ; Ohio v. Peterson, Lowry, Rail, Barber & Ross, 651 F.2d 687, 694 (10th Cir.), cert. denied, 454 U.S. 895 , 102 S.Ct. 392 , 70 L.Ed.2d 209 (1981); Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Tab Partnership v. Grantland Financial Corp.
S.D.N.Y. · 1994 · confidence medium
The doctrines of inquiry notice and constructive knowledge evolved precisely to avoid tolling a statute for a plaintiff’s “leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.” Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Majeski v. Balcor Entertainment Co., Ltd.
E.D. Wis. · 1994 · confidence medium
Further, the Majeski plaintiffs need not have discovered the entire alleged “scam” to trigger the one-year filing period, for that period “[does] not await [plaintiffs’] leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.” Hupp v. Gray, 500 F.2d 993, 996 (7th Cir.1974) (quoting Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970)). (2) Home Video Receipts Second, the Majeski plaintiffs assert that the prospectus fraudulently omitted the fact that only 22.5% of the royalties from home videos would go to BFI, and that the rest would remain with New World.
cited Cited as authority (rule) In Re Integrated Resources, Inc. Real Estate Lit.
S.D.N.Y. · 1994 · confidence medium
LEXIS 10831, at *4 (quoting Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970)); accord Global I & II, 815 F.Supp. at 651 .
cited Cited as authority (rule) Kinley Corp. v. Integrated Resources Equity Corp.
S.D.N.Y. · 1994 · confidence medium
LEXIS 10831, at *4 (quoting Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970)); accord Global I & II, 815 F.Supp. at 651 .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Integrated Resources Real Estate Ltd. Partnerships Securities Litigation (2×)
S.D.N.Y. · 1994 · confidence medium
Thus, “the commencement of the statutory period does not await a plaintiffs ‘leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.’ ” Phillips v. Levie, 593 F.2d 459 (2d Cir.1979), quoting Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970); see also *1120 Berry Petroleum Co. v. Adams & Peck, 518 F.2d 402, 410 (2d Cir.1975).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Lenz v. Associated Inns & Restaurants Co. of America
S.D.N.Y. · 1993 · confidence medium
The doctrines of inquiry notice and constructive knowledge evolved precisely to avoid tolling a statute for a plaintiffs “leisurely *374 discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.” Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970).
cited Cited as authority (rule) In Re Integrated Resources Real Estate Ltd. Partnerships Securities Litigation
S.D.N.Y. · 1993 · confidence medium
Thus, the statute is not tolled for a plaintiffs “leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.” Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Morin v. Trupin
S.D.N.Y. · 1993 · confidence medium
It is true that “the statute is not tolled for a plaintiff’s “leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.” Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Bilick v. Eagle Electric Manufacturing Co.
E.D.N.Y · 1992 · confidence medium
The applicable statute of limitations does not “await [a plaintiffs] leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.” Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re Chaus Securities Litigation
S.D.N.Y. · 1992 · confidence medium
Third Quantum Element: Reasonable Diligence The reasonable diligence standard requires a plaintiff to file suit when the possibility of fraud should have been apparent, Ingenito v. Bermec Corp., 441 F.Supp. 525, 554 (S.D.N.Y.1977), and commencement of the statutory time period cannot await the plaintiff’s “leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.” Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Pomeroy v. Schlegel Corp.
W.D.N.Y. · 1991 · confidence medium
The statute of limitations does not, however, “await [a plaintiff’s] leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.” Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Varnberg v. Minnick
S.D.N.Y. · 1991 · confidence medium
As the Second Circuit has admonished, “commencement of the statutory period [of limitations] does not await a plaintiffs ‘leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.’ ” Phillips v. Levie, 593 F.2d 459, 462 (2d Cir.1979) (quoting Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Farr Ex Rel. Estate of Farr v. Shearson Lehman Hutton, Inc.
S.D.N.Y. · 1991 · confidence medium
Thus, the statute is not tolled for a plaintiff’s “leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.” Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970) (quoting Berry Petroleum Co. v. Adams & Peck, 518 F.2d 402, 410 (2d Cir.1975)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Debruyne v. Equitable Life Assurance Society
7th Cir. · 1990 · confidence medium
Once that inquiry notice arose, the one-year statute of limitations "did not await appellant[s'] leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme." Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970). 30 In their argument before this court, plaintiffs implicate not one document, but a series of documents from 1985 to 1987.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) DeBruyne v. Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States
7th Cir. · 1990 · confidence medium
Once that inquiry notice arose, the one-year statute of limitations “did not await appellants’] leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.” Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Wiley v. Hughes Capital Corp.
D.N.J. · 1990 · confidence medium
Sav., 713 F.Supp. at 745 ; see Cook v. Avien, Inc., 573 F.2d 685, 697 (1st Cir.1978); Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970); Gruber, 697 F.Supp. at 863 , the Roberts Defendants argue the Plaintiffs’ claims are time barred because the Plaintiffs were put on inquiry notice of the fraud as early as 13 February 1987 and failed to act on their claims until the SEC issued the Stop Order.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Insurance Consultants of America, Inc., Employee Pension Plan v. Southeastern Insurance Group
D.N.J. · 1990 · confidence medium
Sav., 713 F.Supp. at 745 (quoting Bradford-White Corp., 699 F.Supp. at 1091 ); see Cook v. Avien, Inc., 573 F.2d 685, 697 (1st Cir.1978); Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970); Gruber, 697 F.Supp. at 863 .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Zablocki v. Huber
E.D. Wis. · 1990 · confidence medium
The running of the statute of limitations does not await the “leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.” Gieringer, 731 F.2d at 1277 , quoting Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Landy v. Mitchell Petroleum Technology Corp.
S.D.N.Y. · 1990 · confidence medium
“The commencement of the statutory period does not await a plaintiff’s ‘leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.’ ” Phillips v. Levie, 593 F.2d 459, 462 (2d Cir.1979), quoting Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir. 1970).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Davidson v. Wilson
D. Minnesota · 1990 · confidence medium
The statutory time period for filing claims under § 12(2) commences when plaintiffs have enough facts to be on notice of a potential claim; it does not await “leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.” Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Sterling & Esther Jensen v. George M. Snellings, III & Snellings, Breard, Sartor, Inabnett & Trascher, Defendants-Third Party Granada Corp. v. Appalachian Insurance Co., Third Party
3rd Cir. · 1988 · confidence medium
Plaintiff is not permitted a "leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme." Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Jensen v. Snellings
5th Cir. · 1988 · confidence medium
Plaintiff is not permitted a “leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.” Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Kronfeld v. Advest, Inc.
S.D.N.Y. · 1987 · confidence medium
Thus, the statute is not tolled for a plaintiffs “leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.” Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Zickie Z. Maloley v. R.J. O'Brien & Associates, Inc. Robert Gottsch Clifford Spencer Roberts and Commodity Futures Trading Commission
8th Cir. · 1987 · confidence medium
See CFTC decision at 8 (citing Holmberg v. Armbrecht, 327 U.S. 392, 397 , 66 S.Ct. 582, 585 , 90 L.Ed. 743 (1946); Hoffman v. Estabrook & Co., 587 F.2d 509, 518 (1st Cir.1978); Cook v. Avien, Inc., 573 F.2d 685, 696 (1st Cir.1978); Arneil v. Ramsey, 550 F.2d 774, 780 (2d Cir.1977); Hupp v. Gray, 500 F.2d 993, 996 (7th Cir.1974); Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Blue Sky L. Rep. P 72,496, Fed. Sec. L. Rep. P 93,186 Thorburn Kennedy, Trustee v. Josephthal & Company, Inc., Edward M. Swartz and Fredric Swartz
1st Cir. · 1987 · confidence medium
Sleeper v. Kidder, Peabody & Co., 480 F.Supp. 1264, 1267 (D.Mass.1979), aff'd, 627 F.2d 1088 (1st Cir.1980); see also Cook, 573 F.2d at 696 ; Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Metzeler v. Bouchard Transportation Co. (In Re Metzeler)
Bankr. S.D.N.Y. · 1986 · confidence medium
A statute of limitations will not be tolled to await a plaintiff’s “leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.” Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Norris v. Grosvenor Marketing Ltd.
2d Cir. · 1986 · confidence medium
See Russell v. Todd, 309 U.S. 280, 289 , 60 S.Ct. 527, 532 , 84 L.Ed. 754 (1940); Singleton v. City of New York, 632 F.2d 185, 190 (2d Cir.1980), cert. denied, 450 U.S. 920 , 101 S.Ct. 1368 , 62 L.Ed.2d 347 (1981); Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 344 (2d Cir.1970), Keys v. Leopold, 241 N.Y. 189 , 149 N.E. 828 (1925).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Norris v. Grosvenor Marketing Limited
2d Cir. · 1986 · confidence medium
See Russell v. Todd, 309 U.S. 280, 289 , 60 S.Ct. 527, 532 , 84 L.Ed. 754 (1940); Singleton v. City of New York, 632 F.2d 185, 190 (2d Cir.1980), cert. denied, 450 U.S. 920 , 101 S.Ct. 1368 , 62 L.Ed.2d 347 (1981); Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 344 (2d Cir.1970), Keys v. Leopold, 241 N.Y. 189 , 149 N.E. 828 (1925).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Appel v. Kidder, Peabody & Co. Inc.
S.D.N.Y. · 1986 · confidence medium
Berry Petroleum Co. v. Adams & Peck, 518 F.2d 402, 410 (2d Cir.1975); see also Stull v. Bayard, 561 F.2d 429, 432 (2d Cir.1977), cert. denied, 434 U.S. 1035 , 98 S.Ct. 769 , 54 L.Ed.2d 783 (1978); Arneil v. Ramsey, 550 F.2d 774, 780-81 (2d Cir.1977); Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970). 18 .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Intre Sport Ltd. v. Kidder, Peabody & Co., Inc.
S.D.N.Y. · 1985 · confidence medium
According to Intre Sport, Turner and MacLeod fulfilled their “reasonable diligence” requirements by making repeated demands for an explanation from Brant, who met these inquiries with assurances that the failure to register the private placement shares was merely temporary, and that the shares would be registered as soon as the price of the publicly traded shares “stabilized.” To comply with the reasonable diligence standard, Intre Sport must show that it filed suit when the possibility of suit should have become apparent, Ingenito v. Bermec Corp., 441 F.Supp. 525, 554 (S.D.N.Y.1977) a…
cited Cited as authority (rule) Teamsters Local 282 Pension Trust Fund v. Angelos
N.D. Ill. · 1985 · confidence medium
The statutory period “[does] not await appellant’s leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme.” Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) CPI Crude, Inc. v. Coffman
Temp. Emerg. Ct. App. · 1985 · confidence medium
Given that plaintiff challenged the recertification as early as November 1979 and that “the statutory period ... [does] not await appellant’s leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme;” Berry Petroleum v. Adams & Peck, 518 F.2d 402, 410 (2d Cir.1975) (quoting Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970)); see also Robertson v. Seidman & Seidman, 609 F.2d 583, 587 (2d Cir.1979), any period of tolling would have expired no later than November 26, 1979, when plaintiff received the opinion letter it believed to be based on false information.
cited Cited as authority (rule) McCullough v. Leede Oil & Gas, Inc.
W.D. Okla. · 1985 · confidence medium
Cook, 573 F.2d at 696 ; Ingenito, 441 F.Supp. at 554-55 , citing Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Marathon Enterprises, Inc. v. Feinberg
S.D.N.Y. · 1984 · confidence medium
Ernst & Ernst v. Hochfelder, 425 U.S. 185 , 210 n. 29, 96 S.Ct. 1375 , 1389 n. 29, 47 L.Ed.2d 668 (1976); Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Gieringer v. Silverman (2×)
7th Cir. · 1984 · confidence medium
Klein v. Bower, 421 F.2d 338, 343 (2d Cir.1970).
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
Fed. Sec. L. Rep. P 92,564 Ernest Klein
v.
John J. Bower, William F. O'connor, Bower, O'COnnOr & Taylor, a Partnership, Mary Anna MacUkas Caroline Schiff, Mary Ann Oates, Jerome Ackerman, National Bank of North America, Belgian-American Banking Corporation, Christian Hislaire and Northeastern Pennsylvania National Bank & Trust Co., and Jacques Fisher, Susan Fisher, Andrew Bekefi, Lilian Bekefi, Securities Clearance Corp., Paul Sandrisser and Amalgamated Bank of New York
33754.
Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
Jan 23, 1970.
421 F.2d 338

421 F.2d 338

Fed. Sec. L. Rep. P 92,564
Ernest KLEIN, Plaintiff-Appellant,
v.
John J. BOWER, William F. O'Connor, Bower, O'Connor &
Taylor, a partnership, Mary Anna Macukas, Caroline Schiff,
Mary Ann Oates, Jerome Ackerman, National Bank of North
America, Belgian-American Banking Corporation, Christian
Hislaire and Northeastern Pennsylvania National Bank & Trust
Co., Defendants-Appellees, and Jacques Fisher, Susan Fisher,
Andrew Bekefi, Lilian Bekefi, Securities Clearance Corp.,
Paul Sandrisser and Amalgamated Bank of New York, Defendants.

No. 213, Docket 33754.

United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit.

Argued Nov. 6, 1969.
Decided Jan. 23, 1970.

Israel I. Davidson, Brooklyn, N.Y. (Irving L. Weinberger, New York City, on the brief), for appellant.

Michael M. Maney, New York City (Sullivan & Cromwell, Michael A. Cooper, New York City, on the brief), for appellees Belgian-American Banking Corp. and Christian Hislaire.

Leonard Joseph, New York City (Dewey, Ballantine, Bushby, Palmer & Wood, Francis R. Jones, New York City, on the brief), for appellee Northeastern Pa. Nat. Bank & Trust Co.

John Gardner, New York City (Bower, O'Connor & Gardner, New York City), for appellees John J. Bower, William F. O'Connor, Bower, O'Connor & Taylor, a partnership, Mary Anna Macukas, Caroline Schiff and Mary Ann Oates.

Myron J. Greene, New York City (Millard & Greene, New York City), on the brief for appellee, Jerome Ackerman.

Anthony J. D'Auria, New York City (Cole & Deitz, New York City), on the brief, for appellee, National Bank of North America.

Before WATERMAN, FRIENDLY and SMITH, Circuit Judges.

J. JOSEPH SMITH, Circuit Judge:

[*~338]1

This action was brought by appellant Klein against various banks and individuals (including secretaries and stenographers of defendant law firm), a law partnership and a factor for damages and other relief arising out of loans he obtained using registered securities as collateral. Appellant alleged six 'causes of action': the first charging violations of the margin requirements on loans secured by securities set by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, Regulations T and U, 12 C.F.R. 220, 221 (1969), pursuant to section 7 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 15 U.S.C. 78g (1964);[1] the second charging conversion of his collateral securities; the third praying for an accounting due to alleged overcharges and omitted credits on his loan account; the fourth charging illegal transportation in interstate commerce of his collateral securities; the fifth praying for rescission of the loan transactions and return of his securities due to alleged fraudulent representations by various defendants which induced him to enter the transactions, and due to subsequent alleged breaches of contract terms; and the sixth alleging a conspiracy with fraud and malice by defendants and praying for punitive damages. On motions by defendants under Rules 12(b) and 56 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to dismiss and for summary judgment on various grounds, Judge Tyler of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed appellant's actions on the grounds that the first charge was untimely under the applicable statute of limitations, and that the other charges were barred by collateral estoppel, due to a prior litigation in the courts of New York state. As to one appellee here, Northeastern Pennsylvania National Bank & Trust Co. ('NPNB'), Judge Tyler dismissed the complaint on the ground that venue was improperly laid in the Southern District of New York. From these dismissals appellant appeals against many (but not all) of the defendants below. We agree that venue was improperly laid as to NPNB and we affirm the other dismissals by the court below on the ground that all of appellant's causes of action were barred by applicable statutes of limitations. We need not consider the other argued bases for affirmance.

2

The facts so far as relevant to this appeal are as follows. In early October, 1958, appellant arranged with a factor, Securities Clearance Corp. ('SCC'), to borrow money pledging his securities as collateral. Appellant agreed to maintain his collateral so that the balance on the outstanding loan would not exceed 97% Of the market value of the pledged securities. Under the agreement, SCC was apparently permitted to repledge appellant's securities for loans not to exceed appellant's outstanding debt. Appellant's pledged securities, if not repledged, were to be held for his account with SCC at the Commercial Bank of North America, now National Bank of North America ('CBNA'). One Fisher, an officer of SCC, allegedly told appellant that SCC had $5 million available for loans.

3

Between October 3, 1958 and November 21, 1958, appellant borrowed large sums from SCC on notes secured by various registered securities which he delivered to CBNA. According to appellant's figures, on November 21, 1958, the market value of the pledged securities was $672,150 and the outstanding loan was $639,699.10. According to appellant, during November, 1958, SCC instructed CBNA to transfer some of appellant's pledged securities to the personal accounts of several of the defendants, and some of these defendants either sold the securities or repledged them as collateral on personal loans from several banks including NPNB, Belgian-American Banking Corp. ('B-A'), and Amalgamated Bank of New York ('ABNY'). The amounts borrowed by the sundry individual defendants on the repledged securities allegedly were in excess of appellant's outstanding debt. Moreover, the loans on the repledged securities allegedly had an unlawfully narrow margin under the existing margin regulations.

4

Around November 21, 1958, appellant apparently discovered some of these alleged irregularities, and after negotiation with SCC it was agreed that appellant should phase out his account with SCC by paying off his notes and receiving in return his pledged securities. SCC agreed to instruct the banks holding repledged securities to deliver the securities against appellant's payment. Appellant contends that he thereafter tendered full payment but that B-A and ABNY refused to release the repledged securities.

[*~339]5

Defendants claim that in the latter half of November, 1958, the market value of appellant's collateral fell and that SCC requested appellant to bring up his collateral so as to restore the 3% Margin. On November 25 and 26, 1958, upon appellant's alleged failure to bring up his collateral, SCC ordered the sale of all of appellant's securities except several IT&T bonds worth $3,000. On December 4, 1958, SCC sent appellant the remaining bonds and a check for $3,029.25 closing out what remained in appellant's account.

6

On October 2, 1961, appellant commenced a suit in the Supreme Court of New York, New York County, against SCC, B-A, CBNA, ABNY, and several of the individual defendants in the instant action. The state action alleged conversion of appellant's securities, fraud and intentional violation of agreements, and sought damages and the return of the securities. After extensive discovery, the case went to trial and at the end of appellant's case judgment was entered against appellant, dismissing appellant's complaint and taxing defendants' costs against him. The Appellate Division affirmed and the New York Court of Appeals denied leave to appeal. Klein v. Securities Clearance Corp., Index No. 18651/1961 (N.Y.Sup.Ct., N.Y.County, April 29, 1966), aff'd 27 A.D.2d 801, 280 N.Y.S.2d 348, motion for leave to appeal denied, 20 N.Y.2d 645, 285 N.Y.S.2d 1025, 231 N.E.2d 788 (1967). Thereafter appellant commenced this suit by filing his lengthy complaint on July 1, 1968, nearly ten years after the transactions in question had occurred.

I. Venue

[*~340]7

First we will consider the venue question as to appellee NPNB. NPNB is a national banking association established under the National Bank Act of 1864, 12 U.S.C. 21 er seq. (1945) which has its principal office in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Although NPNB has no offices outside of Pennsylvania, appellant claimed below that it was doing business in New York through an agent, the Hanover Bank. New York law provides for personal jurisdiction over non-domiciliaries if they transact business in the state through an agent.[2] However, section 94 of the National Bank Act, 12 U.S.C. 94 (1945) limits the venue in state and federal court suits against national banks created thereunder.[3] Although this provision could be read as not excluding suits in other locations, the Supreme Court has held that the section permits suits against national banking associations in state or local courts only in the county in which they are located. Mercantile Nat'l Bank at Dallas v. Langdeau, 371 U.S. 555, 83 S.Ct. 520, 9 L.Ed.2d 523 (1963). Therefore to the extent appellant's action is founded in state law and the New York jurisdictional statute, appellant would only have venue in a state or federal court in the county or district in which NPNB is located or established. Michigan Nat'l Bank v. Robertson, 372 U.S. 591, 83 S.Ct. 914, 9 L.Ed.2d 961 (1963). To the extent appellant's action against NPNB is grounded in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the margin regulations pursuant thereto, he might seek to apply the broader venue provisions in section 27 of that Act. 15 U.S.C. 78aa (1963). However, this court recently held in a suit under 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that Congress had not intended to carve out a special exception for securities actions to the narrow venue provisions of the National Bank Act 94. Bruns, Nordeman & Co. v. American Nat'l Bank & Trust Co., 394 F.2d 300 (2d Cir.), cert. denied, 393 U.S. 855, 89 S.Ct. 97 (1968). Although the narrow venue of the National Bank Act imposes inconveniences on plaintiffs, especially in cases of multiple defendants, the remedy for the situation must be provided by Congress. See ALI, Study of Division of Jurisdiction between State and Federal Courts 412-13 (1969). The court properly dismissed appellant's action against NPNB for lack of venue.

II. Statute of Limitations

8

Appellant's action seems to be based partly on federal law and partly on state law. Several of his 'causes of action' appear to be premised entirely on state law: cause number two on conversion of his securities; cause number three for an accounting on alleged overcharges for interest and commissions, etc. and alleged omitted credits; and cause number five for rescission on alleged false representations and intentional breach of contractual obligations. Others appear to be based entirely on federal law: cause number one on alleged violations of securities regulations on margin lending; and cause number four on illegal interstate transportation of securities. Cause number six praying for punitive damages seems to be based on the other causes, adding that the actions alleged were committed with malice.[4]

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The federal aspects of appellant's action are founded in an alleged violation of the margin requirements in Regulations T and U pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 78g (1964). Since section 7 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 does not provide its own statute of limitations (since it does not explicitly provide for a private right of action) we must turn to state laws for the applicable limitations period.[5] The issue here is which New York limitations period should apply as to appellant's causes premised on a violation of federal margin requirements.

10

There are three possibly applicable sections in New York law. First, an action based on fraud must be commenced within six years, computed from the time due diligence would have uncovered the fraud. (N.Y.C.P.A. 48(5) (1939)) N.Y.Civil Practice Law & Rules (CPLR) 213(6), 206(c) (McKinney 1963) (for action accruing prior to 1963; see 218(b)), as amended, CPLR 213(9) (McKinney Supp.1969). Second, an action to recover on a liability created or imposed by statute except as otherwise provided must be brought within three years. CPLR 214(2). Third, a ten-year period is applicable to general equity actions which accrued prior to September 1, 1963. N.Y.C.P.A. 53 (1939), amended by CPLR 213(1) (reducing period to six years after 1963); CPLR 218.

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Appellant's federal claims would appear to be barred if either of the first two provisions apply, and could only succeed if the third applies. If the fraud limitations period applies, then appellant would have to bring this action within six years of the time that he could have discovered the alleged fraud using due diligence. Appellant's own affidavit in the court below admits that by October 2, 1961, at the commencement of the state court action, appellant knew that SCC had procured credit to finance the loans to appellant by using his securities to secure further bank loans to an individual, appellee Ackerman. It also admits that he knew of CBNA's involvement, since it served as the conduit through which the securities allegedly were channeled. Thus, the lower court was correct in finding that appellant or his counsel knew or should have known sufficient facts to recognize the alleged fraud by October 2, 1961, well over six years prior to the commencement of this action. It is of no moment that, as he further claimed in this affidavit, appellant did not discover until after the state trial in 1966 the full 'enormity of SCC's operation' and the alleged fact that SCC was mingling appellant's securities with those of others in order to collateralize 'thin' bank loans for individual accounts. The fact remains that appellant had by his own admission sufficient knowledge in 1961 to put him on notice as to any alleged fraud. Therefore, the statutory period began to run then and did not await appellant's leisurely discovery of the full details of the alleged scheme. Talmadge v. United States Shipping Board, 54 F.2d 240, 243 (2d Cir. 1931) (L. Hand, J.); Sheehan v. Municipal Light & Power Co., 54 F.Supp. 169, 175 (S.D.N.Y.1943), aff'd, 151 F.2d 65 (2d Cir. 1945); Sielcken-Schwarz v. American Factors, Ltd., 265 N.Y. 239, 245-246, 192 N.E. 307, 310 (1934); Kelly v. City of New York, 276 App.Div. 540, 96 N.Y.S.2d 156 (1950), aff'd, 302 N.Y. 589, 96 N.E.2d 893 (1951).

12

Appellant's contention that the question of when with diligence he could have discovered the alleged fraud is a factual one which can only be determined after a trial is inapplicable here, for even accepting appellant's factual assertions as true, he cannot escape the statutory bar. Thus, this case is unlike those cited in which summary judgment on this question was held to be impermissible since on those cases if plaintiffs' versions of the facts were found to be true, they would not have been barred. Saylor v. Lindsley, 391 F.2d 965 (2d Cir. 1968); Shapiro v. Schwamm, 279 F.Supp. 798 (S.D.N.Y.1968).

13

If, as the court held, the three-year limitations period for actions based on statutory liabilities applies, then obviously appellant is barred since more than nine years passed prior to this action.

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Appellant, therefore, seems to argue that the ten-year period in the third provision encompassing equity actions applies. This argument is without merit. New York courts have long held that a prayer for equitable relief will not bring an action under the longer limitations period for equity actions when full relief can be granted at law. Keys v. Leopold, 241 N.Y. 189, 149 N.E. 828 (1925); Schreibman v. Chase Manhattan Bank, 15 A.D.2d 769, 224 N.Y.S.2d 977 (1962); Guild v. Hopkins, 271 A.D. 234, 63 N.Y.S.2d 522 (1946), aff'd, 297 N.Y. 477, 74 N.E.2d 183 (1947); Newton v. Simon, 85 N.Y.S.2d 455 (Sup.Ct. of N.Y. County 1948). The prayer for an accounting in cause number three and the prayer for rescission in cause number five are not enough to bring the action within the longer equity period. Appellant's unsupported allegations to the contrary notwithstanding, damages are sufficient and an accounting and recission are unnecessary to provide full relief. Shultz v. Manufacturers & Traders Trust Co., 128 F.2d 889, 896-897 (2d Cir.), cert. denied, 317 U.S. 674, 63 S.Ct. 79, 87 L.Ed. 541 (1942). Since in choosing among state statutes of limitations to apply in actions under federal law we must look to state court interpretations of the statutes 'to see where the claim fits into the state scheme,' we must conclude that appellant's federal causes do not fit under the longer ten-year equity limitations period. Moviecolor Limited v. Eastman Kodak Co., 288 F.2d 80, 90 A.L.R.2d 252 (2d Cir.), cert. denied, 368 U.S. 821, 82 S.Ct. 39, 7 L.Ed.2d 26 (1961); see 3 Loss, Securities Regulation 1774 (1961 ed.).

15

Appellant's causes based on state law are likewise barred by directly applicable New York statutes of limitations. Cause number two for conversion of his securities is subject to a three-year period. CPLR 214(3)-(4); Guild v. Hopkins, supra, Einhorn v. Einhorn, 20 A.D.2d 914, 249 N.Y.S.2d 439 (1964). Cause number three based on overcharges and omitted credits in appellant's loan account is subject to the six-year period governing actions for an accounting and for breach of contract. CPLR 213(2); Shultz v. Manufacturers & Traders Trust Co., 128 F.2d 889 (2d Cir), cert. denied,317 U.S. 674, 63 S.Ct. 79, 87 L.Ed. 541 (1942); see Sadwith v. Lantry, 219 F.Supp. 171, 178 (S.D.N.Y.1963); Dancy v. Aldhous, 279 App.Div. 1066, 112 N.Y.S.2d 634 (1952). Cause number five based on misrepresentation and breach of contract is subject to the same section. French Evangelical Church of New York v. Borst, 22 A.D.2d 511, 256 N.Y.S.2d 805 (1965). Since this action was brought more than nine years after the causes of action accrued, all of these state causes are barred. Cause number six praying for punitive damages is dependent on the other causes and is therefore also barred.

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Having found that all of appellant's 'causes' are barred by applicable statutes of limitations, we need not examine the other proposed grounds for affirmance. Affirmed.

1

The first cause also alleges fraud, misrepresentation, and conspiracy in connection with the alleged violation of the margin regulations. These allegations are more fully explicated in connection with cause number five, so we will treat them as part of that cause

2

N.Y. Civil Practice Law & Rules 302(a)(1); see Hertz, Newmark & Warner v. Fischman, 53 Misc.2d 418, 279 N.Y.S.2d 97 (Civ.Ct. of the City of New York 1967); cf. Friedr. Zoellner (N.Y.) Corp. v. Tex Metals Co., 278 F.Supp. 52, 55 (S.D.N.Y.1967)

3

'Actions and proceedings against any association under this chapter may be had in any district or Territorial court of the United States held within the district in which such association may be established or in any State, county, or municipal court in the county or city in which said association is located having jurisdiction in similar cases.'

4

Although appellant did not specifically allege a violation of the fraud provisions of the 1934 Act (29 and Rule 10b-5), he might contend that his allegations of fraud and misrepresentation in causes number one and five constitute a valid claim under those provisions. To the extent appellant makes any such claim he would seem to be barred by the applicable state statute of limitations, which would be N.Y. Civil Practice Law & Rules 213(a) and 203(f) (McKinney 1963 and Supp.1969). Fischman v. Raytheon Mfg. Co., 188 F.2d 783, 787 (2d Cir. 1951); Marth v. Industrial Incomes, Inc., 290 F.Supp. 755 (S.D.N.Y.1968); see discussion of limitations period for fraud actions, infra at 343

5

Fischman v. Raytheon Mfg. Co., 188 F.2d 783, 787 (2d Cir. 1951) (action under 10(b) of 1934 Act, and 11 of the Securities Act of 1933); accord, Fratt v. Robinson, 203 F.2d 627, 37 A.L.R.2d 636 (9 Cir. 1953); Marth v. Industrial Incomes, Inc., 290 F.Supp. 755 (S.D.N.Y.1968); 3 Loss, Securities Regulation 1774 (1961 ed.)