Bikkina v. Mahadevan

Opinion

RUVOLO, P. J.

I

INTRODUCTION

Appellant Jagan Mahadevan (Mahadevan) appeals from the denial of his special motion to strike pursuant to California’s anti-SLAPP statute (Code Civ. Proc., § 425.16) 1 filed in response to respondent Prem Bikkina’s (Bikkina) complaint alleging that Mahadevan made false and libelous statements about Bikkina’s research. The trial court denied the motion, finding Mahadevan’s statements did not arise from protected activity. We agree with the trial court and further conclude that, even if the conduct arose from protected activity, the claims have sufficient merit…