We are so close. So very, very, VERY close.

Yesterday, after a hearing about Goldman’s amended claims and Disney’s second motion to dismiss, Judge Michael Fitzgerald tentatively ruled to dismiss with prejudice Goldman’s claim. To quote an article from Law360.com, Judge Fitzgerald is reported to have said:

“I would love to kick the can down the road and have it be decided on summary judgement or by a jury, but I just don’t see it here … They just aren’t very much alike.”

HOWEVER. Before you get too excited, know that this isn’t the judge’s final ruling. This statement came before the hearing, and Goldman’s lawyers argued heavily in favor of amending the complaint further, saying “The subjective nature of the works requires the collective analysis of a jury” and that “his client could add further details about alleged infringement via Disney’s marketing and merchandising of it’s Zootopia”.

(And if Goldman’s Lawyers are reading this, I’m going to say now, good luck going down that route- Disney barely did any marketing or merchandising for Zootopia)

So… the ruling isn’t final. There’s still a small chance that the Judge could change his mind and allow the case to go further. But it’s 99{fc17e15ed6c8f701884a899a735d4ed94fc8cfa66fc2f404dd33f42f9afeb7a1} of the way there. Come on, Judge Fitzgerald… we trust you’ll make the right call.

I’m Andy Lagopus, and this is my face right now:

Check out the full article on Law360.com or read it on reddit, where someone has posted the full text in the comments (no trial needed).