⚖ Oral Arguments, with Context

The Ninth Circuit hears LA Tech and Consulting versus American Express. LA Tech says third parties used its bank-account information to pay their own American Express accounts without permission. It says it told American Express that the funds were stolen and demanded the money back, but American Express kept the funds. LA Tech sued under California Penal Code Section 496, which allows a civil claim against someone who knowingly receives or withholds stolen property. An earlier Ninth Circuit panel upheld dismissal of LA Tech's receipt-of-stolen-property and conversion claims, but revived its withholding claim because the notice letter plausibly alleged actual knowledge. After the remand, LA Tech appealed again. The question now is whether the evidence leaves a genuine dispute for a jury over whether the money was stolen and whether American Express actually knew it.

LA Tech and Consulting, LLC v. American Express Company, et al. (No. 25-944) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, argued September 17, 2026.