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Areas of Practice
Bar Admissions
- New Jersey
- New York
- District of Columbia
- U.S. District Court
- District of New Jersey
- Southern District of New York
- Eastern District of New York
- Western District of New York
- U.S. Court of Appeals
- Second Circuit
- Third Circuit
- Federal Circuit

Education
- Boston College Law School
- Boston College
- B.A., magna cum laude, 1994
Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association
- New Jersey State Bar Association
- New Jersey Supreme Court Committee
- The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
News
Upcoming Events
Publications
- "Competing Interests: Policing Workplace Email Use in the Face of Employee Privacy Expectations," NMM Labor & Employment Law Alert, June 2010
- "Policing Workplace e-Mail Use," The Corporate Counselor, June 2010
- "As Local As Law Gets: Navigating NJ's Unique Legal Landscape," Metropolitan Corporate Counsel, June 2010
- "New Jersey Supreme Court Rules That Employees Retain Privacy and Privilege of Attorney-Client Communications Made From Work," The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc., April 15, 2010
- "The Reverse-Morals Clause: The Unique Way to Save Talent's Reputation and Money in a New Era of Corporate Crimes and Scandals," Cardozo Arts & Entertainment Law Journal, Spring 2010
- "Zubulake Revisited: Ineffective Lit Holds and Sloppiness Lead to Wheel of Sanctions," National Law Review, March 5, 2010
- "New Jersey and Stengart: Perfect Together?" Discovery Resources, February 16, 2010
Press Coverage, Quotes and Interviews
- Fordham Intellectual Property Media & Entertainment Law Blog
- Law360
- Los Angeles Times
- "Morality clauses in contract enable companies to drop Woods, others; started with Hollywood," Dave Carpenter and Emily Fredrix (AP), December 17, 2009
Presentations
- "Litigating in the Public Eye: How to Deal With the Press When Crisis Hits," Meritas Law Firms Worldwide, Los Angeles, California, April 9, 2010
- "Cloud Computing: Navigating Cross-Boarder Data Protection Conflicts and Jurisdiction," Meritas Law Firms Worldwide, Los Angeles, California, April 9, 2010
- "The Water Cooler Effect: How The Social Media Sensation Offers Businesses Risks and Rewards," Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, April 16, 2010
- The Tiger Woods Effect: The Uncertain and Turbulent Future of Endorsement Deals, Morals Clauses, and Reverse-Morals Clauses, The Cardozo Arts & Entertainment Law Journal Annual Spring Symposium, March 4, 2010
- "Emerging Issues in eDiscovery: How Are Company Legal Departments Positioning to Deal With eDiscovery In the Event of Further Litigation,"Campbell Law Review Symposium, Raleigh, North Carolina, January 22, 2010
Languages
Fernando M. Pinguelo, a member of the firm and Co-Chair of its Response to Electronic Discovery and Information Group, devotes his practice to complex litigation with an emphasis on business disputes, electronic discovery, and media and employment matters.
Fernando has experience in all facets of litigation (trial, mediation, and appellate) in both federal and state courts. As a former prosecutor, he tried numerous cases. Today, Fernando handles a broad spectrum of disputes including copyright infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets, fraud, breach of non-compete covenants, and business torts; and he knows how to address a rapidly evolving crisis or emergency.
Fernando sits on federal and state court committees, including the Third Circuit Bar Association Committee on Rules of Procedure and a Supreme Court of New Jersey Committee, where he contributes to court rule revisions and policy changes. He clerked for the Honorable Edwin H. Stern, currently the Presiding Judge of Administration for the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division.
A leader in the emerging area of electronic discovery, Fernando works with business owners, C-level executives, in-house counsel, and human resources, IT, and risk managers to develop strategies to manage business and legal issues related to electronic documents. He recognizes that complex contract and statutory considerations impact the evolving business environment. This understanding enables him to help clients comply with the broad array of laws that regulate document management. Fernando focuses on preventing claims and pursues strategies that enhance a client’s ability to manage electronic documents because he is keenly aware of the financial and public relations fallout that can result from high-profile electronic discovery abuses and negligence.
Notably, Fernando was involved in New Jersey’s first case addressing its new electronic discovery rule amendments, and has lectured numerous times on the topic, including at the Judicial College of New Jersey which provides judges with a wide range of academic programs to keep abreast of developments. He has designed a state-of-the-art electronic discovery law course and teaches one of only a few of such courses in the country at Seton Hall University School of Law. Fernando created e-lessons Learned, an award-winning educational blog about e-discovery and technology best practices.
Recently, the Fulbright Program, the U.S. government's flagship international exchange program, designated Pinguelo a Fulbright Specialist for his work in eDiscovery; and he will guest lecture at Mackenzie University in São Paulo, Brazil. Fernando was invited to be a member of The Sedona Conference® Working Group Series, a prestigious series of think-tanks consisting of leading jurists, lawyers, experts and consultants brought together by a desire to address various "tipping point" issues in each area under consideration. Specifically, Fernando joined The Sedona Conference Working Group on Electronic Document Retention and Production, which is dedicated to the development of principles and best practices recommendations for electronic document retention and production.
As Chair of the firm’s Entertainment Law Group, Fernando counsels a host of diverse talent. He represents television personalities, including Emmy Award-winning talent, music performers, and writers on a variety of legal issues. Fernando serves as a judge of the Emmy Awards®, sponsored by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, New York Chapter and is an active member of the entertainment and media sections of the New York, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., and Beverly Hills Bar Associations.
Fernando publishes extensively and has lectured on a variety of topics, including electronic discovery, contracts, employment law, copyright, and entertainment law. He has appeared on television as a legal commentator on various high-profile trials. He has also been quoted and cited in newspapers and magazines and on radio and television reports regarding cases he has handled.
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Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association
- Third Circuit Bar Association
- New Jersey State Bar Association
- New York State Bar Association
- District of Columbia Bar Association
- Beverly Hills Bar Association
- New Jersey Supreme Court Committee
- Meritas Leadership Institute
- Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey
- The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
- Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
Recent Successes
- Successfully defended prominent music manager in his opposition to a motion to dismiss filed by Taylor Swift and her parents; presently prosecuting claims - restitution, unjust enrichment, quantum meruit - against Ms. Swift and her parents that seek payment of commissions due and owing in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York.
- Successfully addresed breach of security issues for client related to New Jersey's Identity Theft Prevention Act.
- Obtained a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in the Supreme Court of New York, Commercial Division - Buffalo against client's former employee for his breach of restrictive covenants and theft of trade secretes and confidential information. Matter resulted in favorable settlement shortly thereafter.
- Obtained a reversal of an adverse ruling in a lawsuit first to challenge New Jersey's Domestic Partnership Act on important policy issues related to veterans and minorities. Subsequently, the court published its decision and the issues implicated in the case prompted the state legislature to amend the statute to address the issues raised in the lawsuit.
- Obtained a reversal of an adverse ruling against a client that implicated his free speech and assembly rights.
- Prosecuted a copyright infringement claim on behalf of a screenwriter against a television network regarding its popular reality-TV show. Matter resulted in a favorable settlement.
- Defended client in responding to a subpoena issued by the Department of Justice - Health Care Fraud Division regarding its federal investigation into alleged wrongdoing by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. Case involved significant issues related to electronic documents and eDiscovery and resulted in grand jury testimony.
- Successfully tried and reduced plaintiff's damages claim in a breach of contract lawsuit filed against telecom client.
- Defended, prosecuted, and brokered a settlement in an insurance fraud/breach of contract matter which had spanned the course of more than six years (having been filed in one form or another in four different courts and administrative agencies), and implicated dozens of parties.
- Successfully tried and defended health care provider/doctor against a statewide consumer fraud action filed by the New Jersey Attorney General.
- Successfully addressed online social networking (OSN) issues for employer whose employees abused the use of OSN sites during work hours.
- Secured a favorable settlement on behalf of a client in a right-to-publicity case against a major television network.
- Represents award-winning broadcast news anchors and reporters, meterologists, sports casters, and behind-the-scenes talent in negotiating favorable contract terms with agents and broadcasting companies.
- Represented singer/actress in a music and video production deal with a five-time Grammy award-winning producer.
- Represented a LPGA professional golfer in a television production deal.
- Represented singer, who was a contestant on a previous season of American Idol, in a production agreement with a noted producer.
- Represent a trio of screenwriters who found success by selling their screenplay, "Midnight Special," to actor/director Craig Sheffer, who used scenes from their script to write and produce his own movie, American Crude, starring Michael Clark Duncan, Rob Schneider and Ron Livingston.
- Negotiated the story rights to a former NBA player's life.
- Negotiated a favorable video distribution transaction for an International Master of Chess.
- Represented a public figure against press attacks impugning her reputation; and spearheaded her media strategy.
- Successfully prosecuted DUI and criminal matters as a prosecutor.
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Current News
- Taylor Swift Loses Bid To Nix Ex-Manager's Restitution Claim
- Fernando Pinguelo Moderates Symposium Exploring the ‘Tiger Woods Effect’ on Endorsement Contracts
- Fernando Pinguelo Speaks on eDiscovery Implications for In-House Counsel at Law Review Symposium
- E-Lessons Learned Selected as One of the ABA Journal’s Top 100 Law Blogs
- "Morality clauses in contract enable companies to drop Woods, others; started with Hollywood," Dave Carpenter and Emily Fredrix (AP), Los Angeles Times, December 17, 2009
- "Haven't Seen a Tiger Woods Ad Lately?" Elizabeth Strott, Market Dispatches MSN - Money, December 9, 2009
- "eDiscovery Blog 'Where law, techonolgoy, and human error collide' makes it to the ABA Journal's Top 100," Seton Hall Univeristy School of Law, December 11, 2009
- Where's Tiger on TV? His ads have been jerked
- Will "Morals" Clauses Impact Tiger's Endorsements?
- Fernando Pinguelo Speaks About eDiscovery At Annual Insurance Conference
- Fernando Pinguelo Crosses Border to Discuss E-Discovery Trends
- Fernando M. Pinguelo To Speak On Morals Clauses in Sports & Entertainment Contracts
- Norris McLaughlin & Marcus Member To Speak at Meritas Annual Meeting
- Norris McLaughlin & Marcus Member Chosen to be a Fellow in Meritas’ Leadership Institute
- Fernando M. Pinguelo Speaks at Mercer County Bar Association e-Discovery Seminar
- Fernando M. Pinguelo Recognized Among New Jersey’s Top 40 Under 40
- Fernando M. Pinguelo Represents Local Screenwriters in Upcoming DVD Release
- Norris McLaughlin Member Participates In Entertainment Law Panel Discussion
- Fernando M. Pinguelo To Speak Before Mercer County Bar Association
- Fernando M. Pinguelo Featured as Faculty Member of Lawline.com
- NJBIZ Selects Fernando M. Pinguelo As A Forty Under 40 Award Winner
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Publications
- "Competing Interests: Policing Workplace Email Use in the Face of Employee Privacy Expectations," NMM Labor & Employment Law Alert, June 2010
- "Policing Workplace e-Mail Use," The Corporate Counselor, June 2010
- "As Local As Law Gets: Navigating NJ's Unique Legal Landscape," Metropolitan Corporate Counsel, June 2010
- "New Jersey Supreme Court Rules That Employees Retain Privacy and Privilege of Attorney-Client Communications Made From Work," The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc., April 15, 2010
- "The Reverse-Morals Clause: The Unique Way to Save Talent's Reputation and Money in a New Era of Corporate Crimes and Scandals," Cardozo Arts & Entertainment Law Journal, Spring 2010
- "Zubulake Revisited: Ineffective Lit Holds and Sloppiness Lead to Wheel of Sanctions," National Law Review, March 5, 2010
- "New Jersey and Stengart: Perfect Together?" E-Lessons Learned, February 15, 2010
- "Morals? Who Cares About Morals? An Examination of Morals Clauses in Talent Contracts and What Talent Needs to Know," Seton Hall University School of Law Journal of Sports and Entertainment Law, November 2009
- "eDiscovery & Immigration? How eDiscovery Lurks in Nearly Every Case," Interpreter Releases, October 19, 2009
- "An Aside: Sifting Trhough The "Fog"," E-Lessons Learned, October 9, 2009
- "NJ Appellate Court Reserves Course: Attorney-Client Privilege Revived," Discovery Resources, October 16, 2009
- "Use of the Internet in Employee Backgroud Checks," Labor & Employment Law Alert, July 2009
- "BREAKING NEWS: Employer's "Cyber-Snooping" on MySpace Results in Verdict in Ex-employee's Favor," E-Lessons Learned, June 18, 2009
- "Pre-Zubulake: Email Litigation Hold? Sure, Just Do It Right To Avoid Sanctions," E-Lessons Learned, May 28, 2009
- "Employers Beward: 'Cyber Snooping' An Employee's Private MySpace Account May Not Fit The Bill," E-Lessons Learned, May 14, 2009
- "eDiscovery Plain & Simple," Metropolitan Corporate Counsel, April 2009
- "eDiscovery Special Masters - The New Kid on the Block is Here to Stay," E-Lessons Learned, April 21, 2009
- "New Jersey Court Finds Waiver of Privilege in 'Loving' Way," Discovery Resources, April 14, 2009
- "Are YOU a Public Figure? Defamation claims and how today's world of instant celebrity can convert average citizens into public figures," National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, New York, April 6, 2009
- "Know your jurisdiction...or your client will be pointing their "index" finger at you," E-Lessons Learned, March 13, 2009
- "Rules Governing Fax and E-mail Ads, Offer an Opt-out, or Prepare to Pay Out," The Corporate Counselor, February 2009
- "Death Of The Noncompete For NY Broadcasters?," Law 360, February 2009
- "No Privacy For Employee Info On Office Computers," NMM Labor & Employment Law Alert, November 2008
- "No Privacy For Employee Info On Office Computers," Law360, September 19, 2008
- "The Internet & Digital Downloading Are Changing The Music Industry," Commerce Magazine, September 2008
- "Protecting Sources in America," School of Journalism, The University of British Columbia, June 2008
- "Satisfy Your Company's E-Discovery Obligations," New Jersey Law Journal, June 16, 2008
- "Why Your Business May Be At Risk...Seven misconceptions businesses have about electronically stored information, the electronic discovery amendments to federal and state court rules, and the direct impact these issues have on a business," The Metropolitan Corporate Counsel, June 2008
- "Many Struggle to Keep the Right Electronic Records," NJ Biz, May 5, 2008
- "Write It Right: From A to Z," New Jersey Law Journal, October 15, 2007
- "The First Step To Meeting The E-Discovery Challenge? Have A Document Management Protocol In Place And Comply with It!" The Metropolitan Corporate Counsel, November 2007
- "E-Discovery Rule Amendments: Have They Created the Need For You to Learn a New Language?" Norris McLaughlin & Marcus Business Practices Alert, October 2007
- "9 Things Businesses Need to Know About Jury Waiver Clauses in Employment Contracts," Legal TIP, Association of Corporate Counsel Website, July 2007
- "A Reporter's Confidential Source ... Revealed?" The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (New York Chapter) Website, June 2007
- "Why your business may be at risk: Seven misconceptions businesses have about electronically stored information and the direct impact this issue has on businesses," Norris McLaughlin & Marcus Business Practices Alert, June 2007
- "Non-Compete Clauses: Are They Fair?" The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (New York Chapter) Website, August 2006
- "Your Contract: Sign on the dotted line?" TVSpy.com, December 1, 2004
- "Wait! Don't Sign That Contract: The Effect of the Liquidated Damages Clause," TVSpy.com, September 29, 2003
- "The Need for Peace Talks in the War on File-Sharing," TVSpy.com, July 21, 2003
- "HIPAA - OUCH! What Every Reporter Should Know," TVSpy.com, June 12, 2003
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Press Coverage, Quotes and Interviews
- Fordham Intellectual Property Media & Entertainment Law Blog
- Law360
- Los Angeles Times
- "Morality clauses in contract enable companies to drop Woods, others; started with Hollywood," Dave Carpenter and Emily Fredrix (AP), December 17, 2009
- Seton Hall University School of Law
- Market Dispatches MSN - Money
- KansasCity.com
- Where's Tiger on TV? His ads have been jerked, Keith Robinson, December 9, 200
- The Business Insider
- Metropolitan Corporate Counsel
- New Jersey Law Journal
- Penn. Firm Sued Over Shaky Grasp of N.J. Lien Law, Henry Gottlieb, August 21, 2009
- New Jersey Law Journal
- Devoted to the Law: Richard Norris to get Justice O'Hern Award, August 21, 2009
- GC Mid-Atlantic
- Tami Kamin-Meyer, April 2009
- The New York Times
- John Sullivan, March 21, 2007
- The Star Ledger
- Article by Claire Heininger, April 19, 2007
- Article by Ralph R. Ortega, March 21, 2007
- Article by Ted Sherman and Josh Margolin, February 16, 2007
- Article by Nyier Abdou, September 26, 2006
- Article by Claire Heininger, August 29, 2006
- Article by Matthew Reilly, May 23, 2006
- Article by Jennifer Weiss, February 28, 2006
- Article by Nyier Abdou, December 16, 2005
- New Jersey Law Journal
- Article by Charles Toutant, September 27, 2004
- New Jersey Lawyer
- NJSBA Report, May 21, 2007
- "Quick Takes," March 21, 2005
- Article by Robert G. Seidenstein, March 15, 2004
- National Public Radio (WBGO and WHYY)
- 1010 WINS
- Asbury Park Press
- Article by Associated Press, March 21, 2007
- Article by Larry Higgs, May 1, 2004
- City Belt Magazine
- Article by Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg, September 29, 2006
- Courier News
- Business Section, July 10, 2007
- Article by Kara L. Richardson, May 11, 2007
- Article by Pamela Sroka, March 21, 2007
- Article by Christa Regalini, August, 2005
- Article by Associated Press, January 22, 2005
- First Amendment Center
- Article by Associated Press, November 28, 2006
- Gloucester County Times
- Article by Associated Press, March 21, 2007
- Home News Tribune
- Article by Christa Regalini, August 2005
- Jaffe Legal News Service
- Article dated December 5, 2007
- Article dated July 11, 2007
- Article dated May 23, 2007
- Today’s Sunbeam
- Article by Associated Press, March 21, 2007
- Hunterdon County Democrat
- Article by Blair Barbieri, March 22, 2007
- Article by Editor, November 9, 2006
- Article by Blair Barbieri, March 2, 2006
- Article by Blair Barbieri, December 22, 2005
- The Express-Times
- Article by Andrea Eilenberger, March 21, 2007
- The Montclair Times
- Article by Paul Brubaker, March 24, 2005
- Article by Paul Brubaker, April 22, 2004
- New York Newsday
- Article by Jeffrey Gold, March 20, 2007
- The Trentonian
- Article by Associated Press, March 21, 2007
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Presentations
- "Litigating in the Public Eye: How to Deal With the Press When Crisis Hits," Meritas Law Firms Worldwide, Los Angeles, California, April 9, 2010
- "Cloud Computing: Navigating Cross-Boarder Data Protection Conflicts and Jurisdiction," Meritas Law Firms Worldwide, Los Angeles, California, April 9, 2010
- "The Water Cooler Effect: How The Social Media Sensation Offers Businesses Risks and Rewards," Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, April 16, 2010
- The Tiger Woods Effect: The Uncertain and Turbulent Future of Endorsement Deals, Morals Clauses, and Reverse-Morals Clauses, The Cardozo Arts & Entertainment Law Journal Annual Spring Symposium, March 4, 2010
- "Emerging Issues in eDiscovery: How Are Company Legal Departments Positioning to Deal With eDiscovery In the Event of Further Litigation,"Campbell Law Review Symposium, Raleigh, North Carolina, January 22, 2010
- "Hot Topics in Venue Construction, Licensing and the Challenges Presented by Instant News," Sports Media & Entertainment Law Panel at the Third Annual Corporate Counsel Roundtable, Newark, New Jersey, November 17, 2009
- "E-Discovery: Trends and Development Two Years After the New Rule," Hispanic National Bar Association Annual Convention, Albuquerque, New Mexico, September 4, 2009
- "eData & Information Security: Friend of Foe?" Association of Corporate Counsel and Meritas, August 19, 2009
- "Fernando Pinguelo Delievers eData Security Lecture To Association of Corporate Counsel," Association of Corporate Counsel, August 19, 2009
- "Hot Topics in Labor & Employment Law 2009: Employment Implications of Online Social Networking," Norris McLaughlin & Marcus, P.A., Bridgewater, New Jersey, June 18, 2009
- "The Rise of E-Discovery," The Insurance Accounting & Systems Association, Orlando, Florida, June 8, 2009
- "Email Manners: Watch What You Say or You'll Be Watched," St. Regis Hotel, New York City, June 2009
- "E-Discovery: Forging Client Relationships Through Technical Expertise," MERITAS Law Firms Worldwide, Orlando, Florida, April 24, 2009
- "E-Discovery and its Impact on Corporate Governance and Litigation," Rutgers University School of Law Symposium, Newark, New Jersey, April 2, 2009
- 2008 Sports & Entertainment Law Symposium: From the Arena to the Streets: The Pressures Placed on Athletes, Entertainers and Management, Seton Hall University School of Law, Journal of Sports and Entertainment Law, November 7, 2008
- E-Discovery - What You "Technically" Should Know and More, Mercer County Bar Association, November 6, 2008
- "2008 Hot Topics in Labor & Employment Law," Norris McLaughlin & Marcus, P.A., Bridgewater, New Jersey, June 17, 2008
- "The Impact of Law in Today's Music Industry: Digital Downloading and What It Means for the Future of Music," Seton Hall University School of Law, March 13, 2008
- "What You 'Technically' Should Know and More," Mercer County Bar Association, February 13, 2008
- "Electronically Stored Information: Where Technology Meets The Law - If It Hasn't Been In Your Courtroom Yet, It Will!" The Judicial College of the Administrative Office of the Courts, New Jersey Superior Court, November 20, 2007
- Podcast: "9 Things Businesses Need to Know About Jury Waiver Clauses in Employment Contracts," Lawline.com, November 19, 2007
- "E-Discovery: Is Your Business Ready To Navigate Through The Minefield?" HalfMoon Seminar, November 1, 2007
- "E-Discovery Federal and State Rule Amendments: What To Expect and How To Prepare," Construction Law Section Meeting, New Jersey State Bar Association, October 17, 2007
- "E-Discovery: Is Your Business Ready To Navigate Through The Minefield?" Norris McLaughlin & Marcus Seminar, September 19, 2007
- "Drafting and Reviewing Legal Documents," HalfMoon Seminar entitled New Jersey Legal Assisting Fundamentals, August 29, 2007
- "Nine Things Businesses Need to Know About Jury Waiver Clauses in Employment Contracts," Association of Corporate Counsel, July 12, 2007
- "E-Discovery: What Is It and What It Should Mean To You?" The New Jersey Educational Opportunity Fund, 2007 Legal Program, Seton Hall Law School, June 29, 2007
- "E-Discovery: Action Plan: What to Expect and How to Prepare," Annual Meeting of the National Association of Water Companies, New Jersey Chapter, June 22, 2007
- "Contract Basics: What every journalist should know before you sign," South Asian Journalists Association's 2007 SAJA Convention and Job Fair, Columbia University, June 19, 2007
- "E-Discovery Federal and State Rule Amendments: What To Expect And How To Prepare," New Jersey State Bar Association, June 6, 2007
- "Real Life: You’re A Lawyer," Student Bar Association of Widener University Law School, March 22, 2006
- "A day in the life of an entertainment & sports law professional," Seton Hall Law School Entertainment & Sports Law Society, Spring 2004
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