Cives Corp. v. George A. Fuller Co., 97 A.D.3d 713 (N.Y. App. Div. 2012). · Go Syfert
Cives Corp. v. George A. Fuller Co., 97 A.D.3d 713 (N.Y. App. Div. 2012). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
93 citation events (93 in the last 25 years) across 4 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Janover, LLC v. Smith (nyappdiv, 2026-01-28)
Treatment trajectory · 2013 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
2013 2019 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 41 distinct citers. How cited ↗
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Janover, LLC v. Smith
N.Y. App. Div. · 2026 · confidence medium
"In order for evidence submitted under a CPLR 3211(a)(1) motion to qualify as documentary evidence, it must be unambiguous, authentic, and undeniable" ( Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc. , 97 AD3d 713, 714 [internal quotation marks omitted]; see Granada Condominium III Assn. v Palomino , 78 AD3d at 996-997 ).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Kliger-Weiss Infosystems, Inc. v. Darien Sport Shop, Inc.
N.Y. App. Div. · 2025 · confidence medium
"In order for evidence submitted under a CPLR 3211(a)(1) motion to qualify as documentary evidence, it must be unambiguous, authentic, and undeniable" ( Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc. , 97 AD3d 713, 714 [internal quotation marks omitted]).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Patel v. Edmund
N.Y. App. Div. · 2025 · confidence medium
Here, in addition to unsuccessfully raising the defense of usury with respect to the promissory note, the defendant relied on a "Gift Letter," which did not constitute documentary evidence within the meaning of CPLR 3211(a)(1) ( see Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc. , 97 AD3d 713, 714; Granada Condominium III Assn. v Palomino , 78 AD3d 996).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Bondarevsky v. Shamis Chiropractic P.C.
N.Y. Sup. Kings · 2024 · confidence medium
Critical in this context, the Second Department has repeatedly held that, as a condition sine qua non for the grant of a motion to dismiss under CPLR 3211 (a) (1): The evidence submitted in support of such motion must be " 'documentary' " or the motion must be denied (Fontanetta v John Doe 1, 73 AD3d at 84, quoting Siegel, Practice Commentaries, McKinney's Cons Laws of NY, Book 7B, CPLR C3211:10, at 22). ( Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc. , 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2d Dept 2012].) Consistent with the Second Department's restrictive approach motions to dismiss under [*4]CPLR 3211 (a) (1), it h…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) S & J Serv. Ctr., Inc. v. Commerce Commercial Group, Inc. (2×) also: Cited "see"
N.Y. App. Div. · 2019 · confidence medium
"The evidence submitted in support of such motion must be documentary or the motion must be denied" ( Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc. , 97 AD3d 713, 714 [internal quotation marks omitted]; see Attias v Costiera , 120 AD3d 1281 ; Fontanetta v John Doe 1 , 73 AD3d 78, 84 ).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Elite Laser Hair, Inc. v. Perfect Body Image, LLC
N.Y. App. Div. · 2018 · confidence medium
"The evidence submitted in support of such motion must be documentary or the motion must be denied" ( Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc. , 97 AD3d 713, 714 [internal quotation marks omitted]; see Fontanetta v John Doe 1 , 73 AD3d 78, 84 ).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Gorbatov v. Tsirelman
N.Y. App. Div. · 2017 · confidence medium
Further, the affidavits, letters, and spreadsheets submitted by the defendants in support of their motions did not constitute documentary evidence pursuant to CPLR 3211 (a) (1) (see Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2012]; Berger v Temple Beth-El of Great Neck, 303 AD2d 346, 347 [2003]), and, in any event, did not conclusively establish a lack of legal malpractice or deception.
examined Cited as authority (rule) Ralex Services, Inc. v. Southwest Marine & General Insurance Co. (3×) also: Cited "see"
N.Y. App. Div. · 2017 · confidence medium
“The evidence submitted in support of such motion must be documentary or the motion must be denied” (Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2012] [internal quotation marks omitted]; see Attias v Costiera, 120 AD3d 1281, 1282 [2014]; Fontanetta v John Doe 1, 73 AD3d 78, 84 [2010]).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Feldshteyn v. Brighton Beach 2012, LLC (3×) also: Cited "see"
N.Y. App. Div. · 2017 · confidence medium
“The evidence submitted in support of such motion must be documentary or the motion must be denied” (Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2012] [internal quotation marks omitted]; see Attias v Costiera, 120 AD3d 1281, 1282 [2014]; Fontanetta v John Doe 1, 73 AD3d 78, 84 [2010]).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) 221 Middle Neck Owners Corp. v. Paris
nydistctnassau · 2017 · confidence medium
For evidence to qualify as “documentary evidence” under this section, “it must be ‘unambiguous, authentic and undeniable’ ” (see Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2d Dept 2012]).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Reiss v. Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. (3×) also: Cited "see"
N.Y. Sup. Ct. · 2016 · confidence medium
Trust, Inc., 109 AD3d 495 [2013]): Further, the evidence submitted in support of a motion pursuant to CPLR 3211 (a) (1) to dismiss a complaint on the ground that a defense is founded on documentary evidence ‘must be documentary or the motion must be denied’ (Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2012], quoting Fontanetta v John Doe 1, 73 AD3d 78, 84 [2010] [internal quotation marks omitted]; see Rodolico v Rubin & Licatesi, P.C., 112 AD3d at 610). ‘“[N]either affidavits, deposition testimony, nór letters are considered documentary evidence within the intendment o…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Anderson v. Armentano
N.Y. App. Div. · 2016 · confidence medium
“The evidence submitted in support of a [CPLR 3211 (a) (1)] motion must be ‘documentary’ or the motion must be denied” (Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2012], quoting Fontanetta v John Doe 1, 73 AD3d 78, 84 [2010]; see Attias v Costiera, 120 AD3d 1281, 1282 [2014]; Rodolico v Rubin & Licatesi, P.C., 114 AD3d 923, 925 [2014]).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Eisner v. Cusumano Construction, Inc. (2×) also: Cited "see"
N.Y. App. Div. · 2015 · confidence medium
“The evidence submitted in support of such motion must be ‘documentary’ or the motion must be denied” (Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2012], quoting Fontanetta v John Doe 1, 73 AD3d 78, 84 [2010] [internal quotation marks omitted]; see Attias v Costiera, 120 AD3d 1281, 1282 [2014]).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Darby Group Companies, Inc. v. Wulforst Acquisition, LLC
N.Y. App. Div. · 2015 · confidence medium
Amotion to dismiss pursuant to CPLR 3211 (a) (1) is properly-granted where the documentary evidence submitted utterly refutes the factual allegations of the pleading and conclusively establishes a defense to the claim as a matter of law (see Attias v Costiera, 120 AD3d 1281 [2014]; Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2012]; Kappa Dev.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Darby Group Companies, Inc. v. Wulforst Acquisition, LLC
N.Y. App. Div. · 2015 · confidence medium
Amotion to dismiss pursuant to CPLR 3211 (a) (1) is properly-granted where the documentary evidence submitted utterly refutes the factual allegations of the pleading and conclusively establishes a defense to the claim as a matter of law (see Attias v Costiera, 120 AD3d 1281 [2014]; Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2012]; Kappa Dev.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) 25-01 Newkirk Avenue, LLC v. Everest National Insurance
N.Y. App. Div. · 2015 · confidence medium
“In order for evidence submitted under a CPLR 3211 (a) (1) motion to qualify as ‘documentary evidence,’ it must be ‘unambiguous, authentic, and undeniable’ ” (Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2012], quoting Granada Condominium III Assn. v Palomino, 78 AD3d 996, 996-997 [2010]; see Treeline 1 OCR, LLC v Nassau County Indus.
examined Cited as authority (rule) Attias v. Costiera (4×) also: Cited "see"
N.Y. App. Div. · 2014 · confidence medium
“The evidence submitted in support of such motion must be documentary or the motion must be denied” (Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2012] [internal quotation marks omitted]; see Fontanetta v John Doe 1, 73 AD3d 78, 84 [2010]; see also David D.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Zellner v. Odyl, LLC
N.Y. App. Div. · 2014 · confidence medium
Co. v North Shore Risk Mgt., 114 AD3d 408 [2014]; Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2012]; Fontanetta v John Doe 1, 73 AD3d 78, 83-84 [2010]).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Zellner v. Odyl, LLC
N.Y. App. Div. · 2014 · confidence medium
Co. v North Shore Risk Mgt., 114 AD3d 408 [2014]; Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2012]; Fontanetta v John Doe 1, 73 AD3d 78, 83-84 [2010]).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Leading Insurance Group Insurance v. Greenwich Insurance
N.Y. Sup. Ct. · 2014 · confidence medium
Deposition transcripts are not “documentary evidence” for purposes of CPLR 3211 (a) (1) (see Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2d Dept 2012]); and, assuming that deposition testimony is admissible on a motion pursuant to CPLR 3211 (a) (7) for “fail[ure] to state a cause of action” (see Quiroz v Zottola, 96 AD3d 1035, 1037-1038 [2d Dept 2012]), the deposition testimony submitted here does not demonstrate that no significant dispute exists with respect to any pleaded fact (see id. at 1037 ).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Rodolico v. Rubin & Licatesi, P.C. (2×) also: Cited "see"
N.Y. App. Div. · 2014 · confidence medium
Further, the evidence submitted in support of a motion pursuant to CPLR 3211 (a) (1) to dismiss a complaint on the ground that a defense is founded on documentary evidence “must be documentary or the motion must be denied” (Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2012], quoting Fontanetta v John Doe 1, 73 AD3d 78, 84 [2010] [internal quotation marks omitted]; see Rodolico v Rubin & Licatesi, P.C., 112 AD3d at 610 ). “ ‘[N]either affidavits, deposition testimony, nor letters are considered documentary evidence within the intendment of CPLR 3211 (a) (1)’ ” (Cives …
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Rodolico v. Rubin & Licatesi, P.C. (2×) also: Cited "see"
N.Y. App. Div. · 2014 · confidence medium
Further, the evidence submitted in support of a motion pursuant to CPLR 3211 (a) (1) to dismiss a complaint on the ground that a defense is founded on documentary evidence “must be documentary or the motion must be denied” (Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2012], quoting Fontanetta v John Doe 1, 73 AD3d 78, 84 [2010] [internal quotation marks omitted]; see Rodolico v Rubin & Licatesi, P.C., 112 AD3d at 610 ). “ ‘[N]either affidavits, deposition testimony, nor letters are considered documentary evidence within the intendment of CPLR 3211 (a) (1)’ ” (Cives …
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Rodolico v. Rubin & Licatesi, P.C.
N.Y. App. Div. · 2013 · confidence medium
The evidence submitted in support of a motion pursuant to CPLR 3211 (a) (1) to dismiss a complaint on the ground that a defense is founded on documentary evidence “must be documentary or the motion must be denied” (Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2012], quoting Fontanetta v John Doe 1, 73 AD3d 78, 84 [2010] [internal quotation marks omitted]). “ ‘[N] either affidavits, deposition testimony, nor letters are considered documentary evidence within the intendment of CPLR 3211 (a) (1)’ ” (Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d at 714 , quoting Gran…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Rodolico v. Rubin & Licatesi, P.C.
N.Y. App. Div. · 2013 · confidence medium
The evidence submitted in support of a motion pursuant to CPLR 3211 (a) (1) to dismiss a complaint on the ground that a defense is founded on documentary evidence “must be documentary or the motion must be denied” (Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2012], quoting Fontanetta v John Doe 1, 73 AD3d 78, 84 [2010] [internal quotation marks omitted]). “ ‘[N] either affidavits, deposition testimony, nor letters are considered documentary evidence within the intendment of CPLR 3211 (a) (1)’ ” (Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d at 714 , quoting Gran…
cited Cited as authority (rule) Approved Oil Co. of Brooklyn, Inc. v. Realty
N.Y. App. Div. · 2013 · confidence medium
Univ., 106 AD3d 794 , 795 [2013]; Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2012]; Jones v Rochdale Vil., Inc., 96 AD3d 1014 , 1017 [2012]).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Approved Oil Co. of Brooklyn, Inc. v. Realty
N.Y. App. Div. · 2013 · confidence medium
Univ., 106 AD3d 794 , 795 [2013]; Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2012]; Jones v Rochdale Vil., Inc., 96 AD3d 1014 , 1017 [2012]).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Palmieri v. Biggiani
N.Y. App. Div. · 2013 · confidence medium
In support of that branch of his motion which was pursuant to CPLR 3211 (a) (1) to dismiss the cause of action alleging legal malpractice, the defendant failed to present documentary evidence conclusively establishing a defense as a matter of law (see Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2012]; Granada Condominium III Assn. v Palomino, 78 AD3d 996, 997 [2010]; Fontanetta v John Doe 1, 73 AD3d 78, 85-86 [2010]; Holman v City of New York, 19 Misc 3d 600, 602 [2008]; David D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Palmieri v. Biggiani
N.Y. App. Div. · 2013 · confidence medium
In support of that branch of his motion which was pursuant to CPLR 3211 (a) (1) to dismiss the cause of action alleging legal malpractice, the defendant failed to present documentary evidence conclusively establishing a defense as a matter of law (see Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2012]; Granada Condominium III Assn. v Palomino, 78 AD3d 996, 997 [2010]; Fontanetta v John Doe 1, 73 AD3d 78, 85-86 [2010]; Holman v City of New York, 19 Misc 3d 600, 602 [2008]; David D.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Yue Fung USA Enterprises, Inc. v. Novelty Crystal Corp.
N.Y. App. Div. · 2013 · confidence medium
Co. of N.Y., 98 NY2d 314, 326 [2002]; Bua v Purcell & Ingrao, P.C., 99 AD3d 843 , 844-845 [2012], lv denied 20 NY3d 857 [2013]; Midorimatsu, Inc. v Hui Fat Co., 99 AD3d 680, 681-682 [2012]; Yusin v Saddle Lakes Home Owners Assn., Inc., 73 AD3d 1168, 1170 [2010]), resolves all factual issues as a matter of law, and conclusively disposes of the claims at issue (see Rodeo Family Enters., LLC v Matte, 99 AD3d 781 , 782 [2012]; does Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2012]; Parekh v Cain, 96 AD3d 812, 814-815 [2012]).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Yue Fung USA Enterprises, Inc. v. Novelty Crystal Corp.
N.Y. App. Div. · 2013 · confidence medium
Co. of N.Y., 98 NY2d 314, 326 [2002]; Bua v Purcell & Ingrao, P.C., 99 AD3d 843 , 844-845 [2012], lv denied 20 NY3d 857 [2013]; Midorimatsu, Inc. v Hui Fat Co., 99 AD3d 680, 681-682 [2012]; Yusin v Saddle Lakes Home Owners Assn., Inc., 73 AD3d 1168, 1170 [2010]), resolves all factual issues as a matter of law, and conclusively disposes of the claims at issue (see Rodeo Family Enters., LLC v Matte, 99 AD3d 781 , 782 [2012]; does Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2012]; Parekh v Cain, 96 AD3d 812, 814-815 [2012]).
cited Cited "see" U.S. Bank N.A. v. Kahn Prop. Owner, LLC
N.Y. App. Div. · 2022 · signal: see · confidence high
Bank , 198 AD3d 855, 855-856 ; see Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc. , 97 AD3d 713, 714 ).
discussed Cited "see" Garcia v. Shah
N.Y. App. Div. · 2022 · signal: see · confidence high
Bank , 198 AD3d 855, 855-856 ; see Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc. , 97 AD3d 713, 714 ). "[J]udicial records, as well as documents reflecting out-of-court transactions such as mortgages, deeds, contracts, and any other papers, the contents of which are essentially undeniable, would qualify as documentary evidence in the proper case" ( Bath & Twenty, LLC v Federal Sav.
discussed Cited "see" Giambrone v. Arnone, Lowth, Wilson, Leibowitz, Adriano & Greco (2×)
N.Y. App. Div. · 2021 · signal: see · confidence high
Thus, the defendant bears the burden of demonstrating that the proffered documentary evidence conclusively refutes the plaintiff's factual allegations ( see Kolchins v Evolution Mkts., Inc. , 31 NY3d 100, 106 ). "[T]o be considered 'documentary,' evidence must be unambiguous and of undisputed authenticity" ( Fontanetta v John Doe 1 , 73 AD3d 78, 86 ; see Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc. , 97 AD3d 713, 714 ). "[J]udicial records, as well as documents reflecting out-of-court transactions such as mortgages, deeds, contracts, and any other papers, the contents of which are essentially unde…
discussed Cited "see" Financial Assistance, Inc. v. Graham (2×)
N.Y. App. Div. · 2021 · signal: see · confidence high
In this context, "to be considered 'documentary,' evidence must be unambiguous and of undisputed authenticity" ( Fontanetta v John Doe 1 , 73 AD3d 78, 86 ; see Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc. , 97 AD3d 713, 714 ).
discussed Cited "see" Edward Horton Bldrs., Inc. v. Arch Specialty Ins. Co.
N.Y. App. Div. · 2020 · signal: see · confidence high
Co. of N.Y. , 98 NY2d 314, 326 ; Rodolico v Rubin & Licatesi, P.C. , 114 AD3d 923, 924 ). "[T]o be considered 'documentary,' evidence must be unambiguous and of undisputed authenticity" ( Fontanetta v John Doe 1 , 73 AD3d 78, 86 ; see Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc. , 97 AD3d 713, 714 ; Granada Condominium III Assn. v Palomino , 78 AD3d 996, 997 ).
discussed Cited "see" Bonavita v. Government Employees Ins. Co. (2×)
N.Y. App. Div. · 2020 · signal: see · confidence high
Co. of N.Y. , 98 NY2d 314, 326 ; Leon v Martinez , 84 NY2d 83, 88 ; Rodolico v Rubin & Licatesi, P.C. , 114 AD3d 923, 924 ). "[T]o be considered documentary,' evidence must be unambiguous and of undisputed authenticity" ( Fontanetta v John Doe 1 , 73 AD3d 78, 86 ; see Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc. , 97 AD3d 713, 714 ). "[J]udicial records, as well as documents reflecting out-of-court transactions such as mortgages, deeds, contracts, and any other papers, the contents of which are essentially undeniable, would qualify as documentary evidence in the proper case" ( Fontanetta v John Do…
discussed Cited "see" Leader v. Steinway, Inc.
N.Y. App. Div. · 2020 · signal: see · confidence high
In order for evidence submitted in support of a CPLR 3211(a)(1) motion to qualify as "documentary evidence," it must be "unambiguous, authentic, and undeniable" ( Granada Condominium III Assn. v Palomino , 78 AD3d 996, 997 ; see Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc. , 97 AD3d 713, 714 ). "[J]udicial records, as well as documents reflecting out-of-court transactions such as mortgages, deeds, contracts, and any other papers, the contents of which are essentially undeniable, would qualify as documentary evidence in the proper case" ( Fontanetta v John Doe 1 , 73 AD3d 78, 84-85 [internal quotat…
discussed Cited "see" JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. v. Klein
N.Y. App. Div. · 2019 · signal: see · confidence high
A motion pursuant to CPLR 3211(a)(1) to dismiss a counterclaim may be granted only if the documentary evidence submitted by the moving party utterly refutes the factual allegations underlying the counterclaim and conclusively disposes of the counterclaim as a matter of law ( see Shah v Mitra , 171 AD3d 971 , 973). "[T]o be considered documentary, evidence must be unambiguous and of undisputed authenticity" ( Fontanetta v John Doe 1 , 73 AD3d 78, 86 [internal quotation marks omitted]), "that is, it must be essentially unassailable" ( Rabos v R & R Bagels & Bakery, Inc. , 100 AD3d 849 , 851 [int…
discussed Cited "see" Minchala v. 829 Jefferson, LLC (2×)
N.Y. App. Div. · 2019 · signal: see · confidence high
Co. of N.Y. , 98 NY2d 314, 326 ; Rodolico v Rubin & Licatesi, P.C. , 114 AD3d 923, 924 ). "[T]o be considered documentary,' evidence must be unambiguous and of undisputed authenticity" ( Fontanetta v John Doe 1 , 73 AD3d 78, 86 [internal quotation marks omitted]; see Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc. , 97 AD3d 713, 714 ; Granada Condominium III Assn. v Palomino , 78 AD3d 996, 997 ). "[J]udicial records, as well as documents reflecting out-of-court transactions such as mortgages, deeds, contracts, and any other papers, the contents of which are essentially undeniable,' would qualify as d…
discussed Cited "see" Phoenix Grantor Trust v. Exclusive Hospitality, LLC (2×)
N.Y. App. Div. · 2019 · signal: see · confidence high
Co. of N.Y. , 98 NY2d 314, 326 ). "[T]o qualify as documentary evidence,' it must be unambiguous, authentic, and undeniable'" ( Attias v Costiera , 120 AD3d 1281, 1282 , quoting Granada Condominium III Assn. v Palomino , 78 AD3d 996, 996 ; see Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc. , 97 AD3d 713, 714 ; see also Nero v Fiore , 165 AD3d 823 , 826; Feldshteyn v Brighton Beach 2012, LLC , 153 AD3d 670, 670-671 ; Parekh v Cain , 96 AD3d 812, 815 ; Flushing Sav.
discussed Cited "see" Prott v. Lewin & Baglio, LLP
N.Y. App. Div. · 2017 · signal: see · confidence high
The evidence submitted in support of such motion must be “ ‘documentary’ ” or the motion must be denied (Fontanetta v John Doe 1, 73 AD3d 78, 84 [2010], quoting Siegel, Practice Commentaries, McKinney’s Cons Laws of NY, Book 7B, CPLR C3211:10 at 22; see Cives Corp. v George A. Fuller Co., Inc., 97 AD3d 713, 714 [2012]).
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
Cives Corporation
v.
George A. Fuller Company, Inc., and Liberty Mutual Insurance Company
Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York.
Jul 18, 2012.
97 A.D.3d 713
Cited by 290 opinions  |  Published

The defendant George A. Fuller Company, Inc. (hereinafter Fuller), was the general contractor on a construction project known as the Concord Hotel & Casino-Retail-Event Center-Ballroom, located in Kiamesha Lake (hereinafter the Project). The plaintiff contracted with Fuller to provide labor and materials for the Project. The defendant Liberty Mutual Insurance Company (hereinafter Liberty) allegedly issued a payment bond in connection with the Project.

After supplying labor and materials for the Project, the plaintiff submitted invoices to Fuller in the amount of $8,952,294, but Fuller allegedly failed to pay the invoices. The plaintiff then submitted a claim to Liberty for payment under the payment bond, but Liberty refused to pay the claim. The plaintiff then commenced this action, inter alia, to recover damages for Liberty’s breach of its obligations under the payment bond. It attached a copy of Liberty’s alleged payment bond to its summons and complaint.

Liberty moved pursuant to CPLR 3211 (a) (1) to dismiss the complaint insofar as asserted against it, arguing that the bond had no legal effect. It claimed that it had only released the bond to Fuller to be held in escrow subject to certain conditions in an[*714] escrow agreement, that those conditions had never been met and, thus, the bond had never been released from escrow, never become effective, and was returned to it by Fuller. To establish the existence of the escrow agreement and the fact that the terms of the agreement were never met, Liberty submitted, inter alia, various letters and emails. The Supreme Court granted Liberty’s motion. The plaintiff appeals and we reverse.

“A motion to dismiss pursuant to CPLR 3211 (a) (1) will be granted only if the documentary evidence resolves all factual issues as a matter of law, and conclusively disposes of the plaintiff’s claim” (Fontanetta v John Doe 1, 73 AD3d 78, 83 [2010] [internal quotation marks omitted]; see Reid v Gateway Sherman, Inc., 60 AD3d 836, 837 [2009]). The evidence submitted in support of such motion must be “ ‘documentary’ ” or the motion must be denied (Fontanetta v John Doe 1, 73 AD3d at 84, quoting Siegel, Practice Commentaries, McKinney’s Cons Laws of NY, Book 7B, CPLR C3211:10, at 22). In order for evidence submitted under a CPLR 3211 (a) (1) motion to qualify as “documentary evidence,” it must be “unambiguous, authentic, and undeniable” (Granada Condominium III Assn. v Palomino, 78 AD3d 996, 996-997 [2010] [internal quotation marks omitted]). “[J]udicial records, as well as documents reflecting out-of-court transactions such as mortgages, deeds, contracts, and any other papers, the contents of which are essentially undeniable, would qualify as documentary evidence in the proper case” (Fontanetta v John Doe 1, 73 AD3d at 84-85 [internal quotation marks omitted]). At the same time, “[n]either affidavits, deposition testimony, nor letters are considered documentary evidence within the intendment of CPLR 3211 (a) (1)” (Granada Condominium III Assn. v Palomino, 78 AD3d at 997 [internal quotation marks omitted]; see Suchmacher v Manana Grocery, 73 AD3d 1017 [2010]; Fontanetta v John Doe 1, 73 AD3d at 86).

Here, the letters and emails submitted by Liberty did not constitute “documentary evidence” under CPLR 3211 (a) (1) and, thus, should not have been considered by the Supreme Court (see Integrated Constr. Servs., Inc. v Scottsdale Ins. Co., 82 AD3d 1160, 1163 [2011]; Granada Condominium III Assn. v Palomino, 78 AD3d at 997; Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP v Fashion Boutique of Short Hills, Inc., 10 AD3d 267, 271 [2004]). Without these materials, Liberty did not establish the existence of the escrow agreement or the fact that the terms of the agreement were never met. Accordingly, the Supreme Court erred in granting Liberty’s motion pursuant to CPLR 3211 (a) (1) to dismiss the complaint insofar as asserted against it. Skelos, J.P., Leventhal, Belen and Roman, JJ., concur.