Shamrock v. Cobra Resources, L.L.C.

[Cite as Shamrock v. Cobra Resources, L.L.C., 2022-Ohio-1998.]
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
ELEVENTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
TRUMBULL COUNTY
STEVEN H. SHAMROCK, et al., CASE NOS. 2020-T-0075
2020-T-0076
Plaintiffs-Appellees,
Civil Appeals from the
-v- Court of Common Pleas
COBRA RESOURCES, LLC,
Trial Court No. 2016 CV 00690
Defendant-Appellant,
and
STEVEN H. SHAMROCK, et al.,
Plaintiffs-Appellants,
-v-
COBRA RESOURCES, LLC,
Defendant-Appellee.
OPINION
Decided: June 13, 2022
Judgment: Affirmed in part and reversed in part; remanded
Ned C. Gold, Jr., The Gold Law Firm, 7011 East Market Street, Warren, OH 44484 (For
Plaintiffs-Appellees/Plaintiffs-Appellants).
J. Michael Thompson, Henderson, Covington, Messenger, Newman & Thomas Co.,
LPA, 6 Federal Plaza Central, Suite 1300, Youngstown, OH 44503 (For Defendant-
Appellant/Defendant-Appellee).
MARY JANE TRAPP, J.
{¶1} In this consolidated appeal, Plaintiffs-appellants/appellees, Steven
Shamrock (“Steven”), Victoria Shamrock (“Victoria”) (collectively, “the Shamrocks”), and
Emerald S. Enterprises, LLC (“Emerald”) (collectively, “the plaintiffs”), and defendant-
appellee/appellant, Cobra Resources, LLC (“Cobra”), appeal from the following judgment
entries of the Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas: (1) the February 23, 2018,
judgment entry granting summary judgment to Cobra on the plaintiffs’ claims and on
Cobra’s counterclaims against Emerald; (2) the August 23, 2019, judgment entry
awarding damages to Cobra on its counterclaims against Emerald; and (3) the September
11, 2020, judgment entry granting summary judgment to the Shamrocks on Cobra’s
counterclaims.
{¶2} The plaintiffs assert five assignments of error, contending that the trial court
erred (1) by finding that the mineral and surface estates of the property at issue in this
case merged; (2) by finding that the “hereafter acquired” provision in the Shamrocks’
mortgage encompassed the property’s mineral estate; (3) by failing to find that the oil and
gas lease between Emerald and Cobra was invalid as a result of undue influence and
unconscionability; (4) by awarding Cobra its legal fees and expenses in contravention of
the American Rule; and (5) by denying their request to amend their pleadings.
{¶3} Cobra asserts three assignments of error, contending that the trial court
erred (1) by granting summary judgment sua sponte to the Shamrocks on Cobra’s
counterclaims; (2) by granting summary judgment to the Shamrocks based on lack of
direct privity when the Shamrocks waived lack of privity as an affirmative defense; and
(3) by denying summary judgment to Cobra based on lack of privity because the relevant
contractual provisions are real covenants that run with the land and because horizontal
and direct privity exist.
{¶4} After a careful review of the record and pertinent law, we find as follows:
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{¶5} The trial court did not err (1) by denying the plaintiffs’ request to amend their
pleadings; (2) by finding that the mortgage’s “hereafter acquired” provision encompassed
the property’s mineral estate; (3) by allegedly misapplying the doctrine of merger; (4) by
failing to invalidate the oil and gas lease based on undue influence and/or
unconscionability; (5) by granting summary judgment to the Shamrocks due to their
alleged waiver of an affirmative defense; (6) by denying summary judgment to Cobra on
its counterclaims against the Shamrocks; or (7) by awarding Cobra its legal fees and
expenses incurred in defending against the plaintiffs’ claims.
{¶6} However, the trial court did err (1) by granting summary judgment sua
sponte to the Shamrocks on Cobra’s counterclaims and (2) by awarding Cobra its
attorney fees and expenses incurred in prosecuting its counterclaims against Emerald.
{¶7} Thus, we affirm the trial court’s February 23, 2018, judgment entry; reverse
the trial court’s September 11, 2020, judgment entry; and affirm in part and reverse in part
the trial court’s August 23, 2019, judgment entry. We remand this matter to the trial court
for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
Substantive Facts and Procedural History
{¶8} This matter involves disputes over the mineral rights to approximately 69.36
acres of real property located on Shafer Road in Champion Township, Trumbull County,
Ohio (“the Shafer Road property”).
Initial Conveyances; Mortgage
{¶9} In December 2002, the trustees of the Hentosh Family Revocable Living
Trust (“the Hentosh trustees”) conveyed the Shafer Road property to the Shamrocks via
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a general warranty deed. The Hentosh trustees expressly retained “all oil, gas and
mineral rights” to the Shafer Road property.
{¶10} In June 2003, the Shamrocks borrowed funds from Geauga Savings Bank
(“Geauga”) and executed an “Open-End Mortgage and Security Agreement” (“the
Geauga mortgage”) encumbering several properties, including the Shafer Road property.
{¶11} In January 2004, the Hentosh trustees conveyed “all oil, gas, and mineral
rights” relating to the Shafer Road property to the Shamrocks via a quit claim deed.
{¶12} The Shamrocks subsequently defaulted on their loan. Geauga foreclosed
on its mortgage and purchased the Shafer Road property at a sheriff’s sale in December
2007. The sheriff conveyed the Shafer Road property to Geauga pursuant to a “Deed on
Decree of Order of Sale” recorded in April 2008. Geauga subsequently conveyed the
Shafer Road property to Emerald via a limited warranty deed. Emerald’s principal is
Marlene Shamrock (“Ms. Shamrock”), who is Steven’s mother.
Oil and Gas Leases
{¶13} In January 2011, Julie Wessling (“Ms. Wessling”), a leasing agent for Cobra
Leasing, LLC (“Cobra Leasing”), visited Ms. Shamrock’s home and offered to lease the
oil and gas rights to the Shafer Road property. Ms. Shamrock later testified during her
deposition that she informed Ms. Wessling that she had just undergone surgery; she was
taking pain medication (i.e., Oxycontin); and she did not believe she owned the mineral
rights. Ms. Wessling later testified in her deposition that she did not recall talking to Ms.
Shamrock about the property’s title or being informed that Ms. Shamrock was on pain
medication. Ms. Shamrock, on behalf of Emerald, ultimately signed a “Paid-Up Oil and
Gas Lease” (“the Cobra lease”) in favor of Cobra Leasing and received $400. The Cobra
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lease was recorded in February 2011. Cobra Leasing subsequently assigned the lease
to Cobra.
{¶14} According to Steven, he was unaware that his mother had signed the Cobra
lease. He believed that he and Victoria still owned the Shafer Road property’s mineral
estate because Geauga’s mortgage only encumbered the surface estate and not the
mineral estate that the Shamrocks subsequently acquired. Thus, after foreclosing on its
mortgage, Geauga only obtained ownership of the surface estate, which it then
transferred to Emerald.
{¶15} According to Steven, BP America Production Company (“BP”) began
purchasing “deep-well” rights throughout Trumbull County and other parts of northeast
Ohio. In April 2012, the Shamrocks entered into an “Oil and Gas Lease” with BP
regarding the Shafer Road property. Pursuant to this lease, BP agreed to pay the
Shamrocks a signing bonus of $3,900 per acre, subject to BP’s determination that the
Shamrocks had defensible title.
{¶16} At the end of September 2012, BP sent a letter to the Shamrocks notifying
them of two title defects it had identified. The first title defect was the existence of the
Cobra lease. BP requested that the Shamrocks obtain a partial release from Cobra. The
second title defect was a gap in the chain of title. Emerald, as the successor in interest
to Geauga, was the current record title owner of the Shafer Road property. BP requested
that the Shamrocks record an instrument conveying the Shafer Road property to
themselves. BP informed the Shamrocks that they had 60 days from their receipt of the
letter to clear all title defects at their own cost and expense. Upon expiration of the 60
days, BP had 20 days to elect to waive the title defects or decline the lease.
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{¶17} According to Steven, he angrily confronted Ms. Shamrock about the Cobra
lease and ordered her to “undo” it. According to Ms. Shamrock, she “went on a quest”
and “frantically” tried to get Cobra to quickly release the Cobra lease. Following
negotiations, Cobra eventually agreed to release its “deep well” rights in exchange for
$30,000. On January 31, 2013, Ms. Shamrock tendered payment, and Emerald and
Cobra entered into a “Settlement and Release Agreement.” On the same day, Emerald
and Cobra signed and recorded a “Partial Surrender and Cancellation of Oil and Gas
Lease,” pursuant to which Cobra surrendered its rights to “subsurface depths 100 feet
below the base of the Clinton-Medina formation and all deeper formations” but retained
all other rights under the Cobra lease.
{¶18} On February 8, 2013, Emerald conveyed to the Shamrocks via warranty
deed “all of [its] interest to all minerals of every kind and description, including but not
limited to oil and gas, underlying” the Shafer Road property. According to Steven,
however, BP had rescinded its offer to pay the signing bonus because the cure period
had expired.
The Litigation
{¶19} In 2016, the plaintiffs filed a complaint in the Trumbull County Court of
Common Pleas, asserting claims against Cobra for promissory estoppel, extortion,
slander of title, lost opportunity, interference with a business relationship, and breach of
contract. The Shamrocks requested damages in the amount of $270,660 based on their
inability to fulfill their agreement with BP. Emerald requested damages in the amount of
$30,000 that Cobra “wrongfully extorted” and an order directing Cobra to release the
Cobra lease.
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{¶20} Cobra filed an answer, affirmative defenses, and counterclaims against the
plaintiffs for breach of the warranty of title in the Cobra lease, breach of the covenant of
quiet enjoyment in the settlement agreement, and breach of the release in the settlement
agreement. Cobra alleged that the Cobra lease and the settlement agreement were
binding on Emerald and “its successors.” Cobra sought reimbursement of its costs,
including attorney fees, in defending against the plaintiffs’ claims and in bringing its
counterclaims.
{¶21} The plaintiffs filed a reply to Cobra’s counterclaims and asserted the
affirmative defense of lack of consideration for the warranties.
{¶22} Cobra filed a motion for summary judgment on the plaintiffs’ claims and on
its counterclaims. Cobra contended that each of the plaintiffs’ claims were based on the
mistaken premise that the Shamrocks owned the Shafer Road property’s mineral estate.
Cobra asserted that the public records and the plaintiffs’ complaint demonstrated, as a
matter of law, that Emerald owned the mineral estate when it entered into the Cobra lease.
{¶23} Following a status conference, the trial court granted the plaintiffs leave of
several months to complete sufficient discovery to respond to Cobra’s motion for
summary judgment. During this time period, the plaintiffs took the depositions of Ms.
Wessling and Diane Wentzel, one of Cobra’s owners, and subpoenaed documents from
BP. Cobra took the depositions of Steven and Ms. Shamrock.
{¶24} The plaintiffs filed a brief in opposition to Cobra’s motion for summary
judgment. Within this document, they included a “motion to amend the pleadings to
conform to the evidence” pursuant to Civ.R. 15(B). The plaintiffs sought to delete the first
claim in their complaint, i.e., promissory estoppel, and to add claims to their complaint
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and affirmative defenses to their reply alleging that the Cobra lease was voidable as a
contract of adhesion and because Ms. Shamrock lacked mental capacity to contract.
{¶25} Cobra filed a reply brief and a brief in opposition to the plaintiffs’ motion to
conform the pleadings.
Judgment Entry of February 23, 2018
{¶26} On February 23, 2018, the trial court filed a judgment entry denying the
plaintiffs’ motion to conform the pleadings and granting summary judgment to Cobra on
the plaintiffs’ claims and on Cobra’s counterclaims against Emerald.
{¶27} With respect to the plaintiffs’ Civ.R. 15(B) motion, the trial court found that
it was not proper at that stage of the proceedings. Rather, a party must file such a motion
post-trial “when issues not raised by the pleadings are tried by express or implied
consent.”
{¶28} With respect to the plaintiffs’ claims, the trial court found that the Geauga
mortgage encompassed “after-acquired interests.” Thus, when the Shamrocks
subsequently acquired the mineral rights to the Shafer Road property, those rights
became subject to the Geauga mortgage and were included in the foreclosure and the
sheriff’s sale. The trial court also found that the Shafer Road property’s mineral rights
merged with the surface rights pursuant to the January 2004 quit claim deed from the
Hentosh trustees to the Shamrocks.
{¶29} With respect to Cobra’s counterclaims, the trial court determined there was
“no question” that by filing the complaint, Emerald breached the warranty of title, the
covenant of quiet enjoyment, and the release provision.
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Judgment Entry of August 23, 2019
{¶30} The parties waived an evidentiary hearing, and the trial court determined
Cobra’s damages on the briefs and evidence. On August 23, 2019, the trial court filed a
judgment entry finding that Cobra was entitled to reimbursement of its attorney fees and
expenses incurred in defending against the plaintiffs’ complaint and in prosecuting its
counterclaims. The trial court further found that Cobra was limited to recovering against
Emerald only because there was “no direct privity” between Cobra and the Shamrocks.
It granted judgment in favor of Cobra and against Emerald in the amount of $99,423.28
and interest at the statutory rate.
{¶31} The plaintiffs appealed. This court dismissed the appeal for lack of a final
appealable order because the trial court did not explicitly rule on Cobra’s counterclaims
with respect to the Shamrocks. See Shamrock v. Cobra Resources, LLC, 11th Dist.
Trumbull No. 2019-T-0064, 2020-Ohio-3856, ¶ 6-10.
Judgment Entry of September 11, 2020
{¶32} On September 11, 2020, Cobra filed a motion for limited reconsideration,
requesting that the trial court grant summary judgment in its favor on its counterclaims
against the Shamrocks. Two days later, the trial court filed a judgment entry granting
summary judgment to the Shamrocks on Cobra’s counterclaims.
{¶33} The trial court determined that “no cause of action” was “sustainable”
against the Shamrocks because there was no privity between them and Cobra. While
the Shamrocks were Emerald’s successors-in-interest, the lack of “direct privity” between
Cobra and the Shamrocks limited Cobra to recovering against Emerald only.
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{¶34} Cobra and the plaintiffs both appealed, which we have consolidated for
disposition.
{¶35} In case no 2020-T-0075, Cobra sets forth the following three assignments
of error:
{¶36} “[1.] The trial court erred by granting summary judgment sua sponte to the
Shamrocks on Cobra’s counterclaims against them.
{¶37} “[2.] The trial court erred by denying Cobra’s Motion for Summary Judgment
on its counterclaims against the Shamrocks and by granting summary judgment to the
Shamrocks thereon based on a lack of direct privity between Cobra and the Shamrocks
when the Shamrocks waived lack of privity as an affirmative defense.
{¶38} “[3.] The trial court erred by denying Cobra’s Motion for Summary Judgment
on its counterclaims against the Shamrocks and by granting summary judgment to the
Shamrocks based on lack of privity when the covenants at issue are real covenants that
run with the land, and horizontal and vertical privity clearly exist.”
{¶39} In case no. 2020-T-0076, the plaintiffs set forth the following five
assignments of error:
{¶40} “[1.] The trial court erred in its application of the merger doctrine because
(1) there was insufficient evidence of intent to sustain summary judgment and (2) the
estates at issue were both fee estates so that there was no ‘greater’ estate and no ‘lesser’
estate.
{¶41} “[2.] The trial court erred in holding that the ‘hereafter acquired’ property
clause of the Mortgage Deed transferred title of the mineral rights to Geauga Savings
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Bank which, in turn, led to the transfer of those mineral rights to Emerald S Enterprises,
LLC.
{¶42} “[3.] The trial court erred in not finding that the lease agreement between
Marlene Shamrock and Cobra was invalid because that lease agreement was the product
of undue influence and was unconscionable.
{¶43} “[4.] The trial court erred in awarding Cobra its legal fees and case
expenses from Emerald because that award violated the ‘American Rule’ and there is no
exception to the ‘American Rule’ that is applicable in this case.
{¶44} “[5.] The trial court erred in denying plaintiffs the right to amend their
Complaint because, even though Rule 15(B), Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure may not have
been applicable, the trial court should have analyzed the situation in accordance with
Rule 15(A), Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure which Rule would have warranted amending
the Complaint.”
{¶45} We address the parties’ respective assignments of error out of order and,
at times, collectively for ease of discussion.
Motion to Amend Pleadings
{¶46} We first address the plaintiffs’ fifth assignment of error, where they contend
that the trial court erred in denying their motion to amend their pleadings.
{¶47} “Civ.R. 15 governs a motion for leave to amend the pleadings, and we
review the trial court’s decision for an abuse of discretion.” Kent State Univ. v. Bradley
Univ., 2019-Ohio-2088, 136 N.E.3d 774, ¶ 109 (11th Dist.). An abuse of discretion is the
trial court’s “‘failure to exercise sound, reasonable, and legal decision-making.’” State v.
Beechler, 2d Dist. Clark No. 09-CA-54, 2010-Ohio-1900, ¶ 62, quoting Black’s Law
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Dictionary 11 (8th Ed.Rev.2004). Where the issue on review has been confided to the
discretion of the trial court, the mere fact that the reviewing court would have reached a
different result is not enough, without more, to find error. Id. at ¶ 67.
{¶48} The plaintiffs moved to amend the pleadings to conform to the evidence
pursuant to Civ.R. 15(B), which applies “[w]hen issues not raised by the pleadings are
tried by express or implied consent of the parties * * *.” (Emphasis added.) This court
has recognized that “when there has been no trial, the use of Civ.R. 15(B) to amend the
pleadings is improper since it is only applicable where there has been a trial.” Kent State
at ¶ 111. Rather, pretrial amendments to the pleadings are governed by Civ.R. 15(A),
which states in relevant part, as follows:
{¶49} “A party may amend its pleading once as a matter of course within twenty-
eight days after serving it or, if the pleading is one to which a responsive pleading is
required within twenty-eight days after service of a responsive pleading or twenty-eight
days after service of a motion under Civ.R. 12(B), (E), or (F), whichever is earlier. In all
other cases, a party may amend its pleading only with the opposing party’s written
consent or the court’s leave. The court shall freely give leave when justice so requires.”
See Kent State at ¶ 112.
{¶50} The plaintiffs acknowledge that Civ.R. 15(B) was not applicable but contend
that the trial court should have considered their motion under Civ.R. 15(A). However, the
case that the plaintiffs cite undermines their contention. In Suriano v. NAACP, 7th Dist.
Jefferson No. 05 JE 30, 2006-Ohio-6131, the Seventh District found that since the
appellant used “an improper form to request an amendment to her complaint,” i.e., a
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Civ.R. 15(B) motion, the trial court was justified in overruling the motion “for this reason
alone.” Id. at ¶ 83.
{¶51} Even assuming, arguendo, that the trial court should have considered the
plaintiffs’ motion under Civ.R. 15(A), the trial court’s denial was within its discretion.
Although Civ.R. 15(A) allows for “liberal amendment,” such motions are properly denied
“if there is a showing of bad faith, undue delay, or undue prejudice to the opposing party.”
Turner v. Cent. Local School Dist., 85 Ohio St.3d 95, 99, 706 N.E.2d 1261 (1999). Cobra
opposed the plaintiffs’ motion on the basis of undue delay and undue prejudice,
contending that there was a lengthy period of time between the filing of the plaintiffs’
complaint and their motion to amend; the evidence underlying the plaintiffs’ proposed
amendments, i.e., Ms. Shamrock’s testimony, would have been known to the plaintiffs
before discovery had even occurred; and Cobra’s motion for summary judgment had been
pending for over a year. These assertions contain support in the record.
{¶52} Courts have found no abuse of discretion under similar circumstances. For
example, in Pintagro v. Sagamore Hills Twp., 9th Dist. Summit No. 25697, 2012-Ohio-
2284, the Ninth District found that the trial court properly exercised its discretion in
denying the motion to amend where the appellant moved to amend her complaint 14
months after its filing, three months after she learned about the potential claim, two
months after discovery closed, and six weeks after the defendants moved for summary
judgment. Id. at ¶ 23. The court noted that an attempt to amend a complaint following
the filing of a motion for summary judgment raises the spectre of prejudice. Id. at ¶ 22.
{¶53} Accordingly, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying the
plaintiffs’ motion to amend.
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{¶54} The plaintiffs’ fifth assignment of error is without merit.
Summary Judgment to Cobra
{¶55} We next address the plaintiffs’ first, second, and third assignments of error,
which involve the trial court granting summary judgment to Cobra on the plaintiffs’ claims
and on Cobra’s counterclaims against Emerald.
Standard of Review
{¶56} We review a trial court’s order granting summary judgment de novo. Sabo
v. Zimmerman, 11th Dist. Ashtabula No. 2012-A-0005, 2012-Ohio-4763, ¶ 9. A reviewing
court will apply the same standard a trial court is required to apply, which is to determine
whether any genuine issues of material fact exist and whether the moving party is entitled
to judgment as a matter of law. Id.After-acquired Property
{¶57} In their second assignment of error, the plaintiffs contend that the trial court
erred in construing the Geauga mortgage as encompassing the Shafer Road property’s
mineral estate.
{¶58} Pursuant to the Geauga mortgage, Shamrocks conveyed a mortgage lien
and security interest to Geauga on “described real and personal property” collectively
referred to as the “Mortgaged Property.” The “Mortgaged Property” consisted of the
“Premises,” which were defined as “[a]ll the right, title and interest which the Borrower
has or may have in and to that certain parcel(s) of real estate described on Exhibit A
attached hereto and made a part hereof,” and seven classes of items described in lettered
paragraphs. (Emphasis added.) The seven classes may be summarized as (a) buildings
and improvements, (b) right and title “in and to the land within the streets,” (c) rents and
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income, (d) tenements and easements, (e) right to leases for equipment and personal
property, (f) eminent domain awards, and (g) permits, licenses, and franchises.
{¶59} The mortgage’s next paragraph states, “TO HAVE AND TO HOLD, all and
singular, the above-granted Mortgaged Property, real and personal, whether now owned
or held or hereafter acquired by the Borrower, unto the Bank, its successors and
assignments, forever.” (Emphasis added.)
{¶60} The plaintiffs first argue that the Geauga mortgage’s “hereafter acquired”
provision is ambiguous because it is susceptible to two or more reasonable
interpretations. The plaintiffs cite this court’s decision in Rudzik Excavating, Inc. v.
Mahoning Valley Sanit. Dist., 2017-Ohio-8630, 101 N.E.3d 38 (11th Dist.), for the
proposition that “[w]hether a contract provision is capable of two or more reasonable
interpretations is a question of fact.”
{¶61} This court in Rudzik stated that “‘[t]he determination of whether provisions
in a contract are ambiguous is a legal issue that we review de novo. * * * [I]f the contract
language is capable of two reasonable interpretations, there is an issue of fact [for the
jury] as to the parties’ intent.’” (Emphasis added.) Id. at ¶ 37, quoting Career & Technical
Assn. v. Auburn Vocational School Dist. Bd. of Edn., 11th Dist. Lake No. 2013-L-010,
2014-Ohio-1572, ¶ 18. If we determine that a contract is unambiguous, its application is
a question of law. See Time Warner Entertainment Co., L.P. v. Kleese-Beshara-Kleese,
11th Dist. Trumbull No. 2009-T-0010, 2009-Ohio-6712, ¶ 29.
{¶62} The plaintiffs next argue that only the seven enumerated classes were
subject to the Geauga mortgage’s “hereafter acquired” provision. Since mineral rights
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were not enumerated as a class, the Geauga mortgage did not grant Geauga an interest
in the Shafer Road property’s mineral estate.
{¶63} The Geauga mortgage’s plain language does not support the plaintiffs’
proposed construction. As indicated, the term “Mortgaged Property” included the
“Premises.” The “Premises” included the Shamrocks’ interests in the Shafer Road
property. Thus, the “hereafter acquired” provision applied not only to the seven
enumerated classes but also to real estate interests.
{¶64} The Shafer Road property’s mineral estate constituted a real estate interest.
According to the Supreme Court of Ohio, oil and gas can be viewed as realty or as
personalty depending on the location of the oil and gas relative to the land in which it lies.
Chesapeake Exploration, L.L.C., v. Buell, 144 Ohio St.3d 490, 2015-Ohio-4551, 45
N.E.3d 185, ¶ 20. Ohio has long recognized, along with the majority of the states, that
minerals underlying the surface, including oil and gas, are part of the realty. Id. at ¶ 21.
While the mineral remains underground, it is “‘in place’” and is “‘the same as any part of
the realty.’” Id., quoting Pure Oil Co. v. Kindall, 116 Ohio St. 188, 201, 156 N.E. 119(1927).
{¶65} The Shafer Road property’s mineral estate also constituted a “hereafter
acquired” real estate interest. The exhibit attached to the Geauga mortgage contained
the complete legal description of the Shafer Road property without any reservation or
exception of the mineral estate. Although the Shamrocks did not own the mineral estate
when the Geauga mortgage was recorded, the mortgage expressly contemplated such a
scenario. The Geauga mortgage encumbered “[a]ll the right, title and interest which the
Borrower has or may have in” the Shafer Road property “whether now owned or held or
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hereafter acquired.” Under the plain meaning of these words, real estate interests that
Shamrocks did not own but later acquired became subject to the Geauga mortgage. The
Shamrocks subsequently acquired the Shafer Road property’s mineral estate pursuant to
the 2004 quit claim deed from the Hentosh trustees. As a result, the mineral estate
became subject to the mortgage.
{¶66} The trial court’s construction of the Geauga mortgage was consistent with
its plain language and Ohio law. Accordingly, the trial court did not err in determining that
the Geauga mortgage’s “hereafter acquired” provision encompassed the Shafer Road
property’s mineral estate.
{¶67} The plaintiffs next argue that the trial court’s construction of the Geauga
mortgage was contrary to R.C. 5301.25(A), which governs the recording of transfers and
encumbrances of property. It provides, in relevant part, as follows:
{¶68} “All deeds, * * * and instruments of writing properly executed for the
conveyance or encumbrance of lands, tenements, or hereditaments, other than as
provided in * * * section 5301.23 of the Revised Code [mortgages], shall be recorded in
the office of the county recorder of the county in which the premises are situated. Until
so recorded or filed for record, they are fraudulent insofar as they relate to a subsequent
bona fide purchaser having, at the time of purchase, no knowledge of the existence of
that former deed * * * or instrument.”
{¶69} According to the plaintiffs, there is nothing of record showing that the Shafer
Road property’s mineral estate was transferred to Geauga. However, the plaintiffs’
reliance on R.C. 5301.25(A) is misplaced. R.C. 5301.25(A) is a recording statute for the
benefit of a “bona fide purchaser” that lacks knowledge of an unrecorded conveyance.
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This matter involves the legal effect of recorded documents. As explained above, the
Shafer Road property’s mineral estate became subject to the Geauga mortgage upon the
Shamrocks’ acquisition of ownership. The Geauga mortgage and the two deeds from the
Hentosh trustees were all recorded. Following foreclosure of its mortgage, Geauga
acquired the Shafer Road property pursuant to a sheriff’s deed, which was also recorded.
{¶70} R.C. 2329.37 governs the effect of a sheriff’s deed and provides as follows:
{¶71} “The deed provided for in section 2329.36 of the Revised Code [deed of
sheriff, master] shall be prima facie evidence of the legality and regularity of the sale. All
the estate and interest of the person whose property the officer so professed to sell and
convey, whether it existed at the time the property became liable to satisfy the judgment,
or was acquired afterward, shall be vested in the purchaser by such sale.” (Emphasis
added.)
{¶72} As the Supreme Court of Ohio explained long ago, a sheriff’s deed
completely transfers to the purchaser the title and right of possession as would a joint
deed made by both mortgagor and mortgagee. Kerr v. Lydecker, 51 Ohio St. 240, 251,
37 N.E. 267 (1894).
{¶73} Accordingly, the trial court’s construction of the Geauga mortgage was not
contrary to R.C. 5301.25(A).
{¶74} The plaintiffs’ second assignment of error is without merit.
Merger Doctrine
{¶75} In their first assignment of error, the plaintiffs contend that the trial court
erred in its application of the doctrine of merger.
{¶76} The doctrine of merger holds that a servitude may not be impressed upon
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an estate of another estate when both estates are owned by the same person. Lone Star
Steakhouse & Saloon of Ohio, Inc. v. Ryska, 11th Dist. Lake No. 2003-L-192, 2005-Ohio-
3398, ¶ 52. For example, an easement is extinguished by merger when the dominant
and servient tenements come into the ownership of the same party, irrespective of the
manner in which the easement was created. Id.{¶77} The trial court found that the Shafer Road property’s mineral estate merged
with the surface estate pursuant to the January 2004 quit claim deed from the Hentosh
trustees to the Shamrocks. The plaintiffs argue that the parties’ intent to merge interests
was an issue of fact that was not appropriately determined on summary judgment. They
also argue that the merger doctrine is inapplicable in the context of severed surface and
mineral estates.
{¶78} As explained above, the Shafer Road property’s mineral estate was subject
to the Geauga mortgage based on its plain language and Ohio law. In addition, Cobra
asserted the merger doctrine as an alternative theory. Thus, any error in the trial court’s
application of the merger doctrine was harmless. See Civ.R. 61 (“The court at every
stage of the proceeding must disregard any error or defect in the proceeding which does
not affect the substantial rights of the parties”).
{¶79} The plaintiffs’ first assignment of error is without merit.
Undue Influence; Unconscionability
{¶80} In their third assignment of error, the plaintiffs contends that the trial court
erred by not invalidating the Cobra lease based on undue influence and unconscionability.
{¶81} A principle of appellate jurisdiction is that a party ordinarily may not present
an argument on appeal that it failed to raise below. State v. Wintermeyer, 158 Ohio St.3d
19Case Nos. 2020-T-0075, 2020-T-0076
513, 2019-Ohio-5156, 145 N.E.3d 278, ¶ 10. The plaintiffs did not assert that the Cobra
lease was invalid based on undue influence or unconscionability at any time in the trial
court. Rather, the plaintiffs argued in their opposition to Cobra’s motion for summary
judgment that Ms. Shamrock lacked mental capacity to contract and that the Cobra lease
was a contract of adhesion.
{¶82} At most, the latter issues implicate procedural unconscionability. See, e.g.,
Wascovich v. Personacare of Ohio, 190 Ohio App.3d 619, 2010-Ohio-4563, 943 N.E.2d
1030, ¶ 31 (11th Dist.). However, unconscionability of a contract is an affirmative
defense. Frenchtown Square Partnership v. Nick Ents., Inc., 11th Dist. Trumbull No.
2020-T-0038, 2021-Ohio-663, ¶ 10. Affirmative defenses other than those listed in Civ.R.
12(B) are waived if not raised in the pleadings or in an amended pleading. Jim’s Steak
House v. Cleveland, 81 Ohio St.3d 18, 20, 688 N.E.2d 506 (1998); Frenchtown at ¶ 10.
Thus, a party may not oppose a motion for summary judgment by raising a new affirmative
defense in its opposition to summary judgment. Frenchtown at ¶ 10; see Stanwade Metal
Prods. Inc. v. Heintzelman, 158 Ohio App.3d 228, 2004-Ohio-4196, 814 N.E.2d 572, ¶ 22
(11th Dist.) (“[A] response to a Civ.R. 56 motion for summary judgment is not one of the
methods recognized to assert an affirmative defense”).
{¶83} As explained above, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying
the plaintiffs’ motion to amend their pleadings to add claims and affirmative defenses of
adhesion and lack of mental capacity. Since the plaintiffs did not properly raise the issues
of undue influence or unconscionability in the trial court, the trial court did not err by failing
to invalidate the Cobra lease on either basis.
{¶84} The plaintiffs’ third assignment of error is without merit.
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Summary Judgment to the Shamrocks
{¶85} We next address Cobra’s three assignments of error, which involve the trial
court granting summary judgment to the Shamrocks on Cobra’s counterclaims. Our
standard of review is de novo. See Sabo, supra, at ¶ 9.
Waiver of Affirmative Defense
{¶86} In its second assignment of error, Cobra contends that the trial court erred
by granting summary judgment to the Shamrocks based on lack of privity because it is an
affirmative defense that the Shamrocks waived.
{¶87} In general, privity is “‘[t]he connection or relationship between two parties,
each having a legally recognized interest in the same subject matter.’” Shoemaker v.
Gindlesberger, 118 Ohio St.3d 226, 2008-Ohio-2012, 887 N.E.2d 1167, ¶ 10, quoting
Black’s Law Dictionary 1337 (8th Ed.2004). “Privity of contract” is “[t]he relationship
between the parties to a contract, allowing them to sue each other but preventing a third
party from doing so.” Black’s Law Dictionary, PRIVITY (11th Ed.2019). “Privity of estate”
or “privity of title” is “a mutual or successive relationship to the same right in property, as
between grantor and grantee or landlord and tenant.” Id.{¶88} It is undisputed that the Shamrocks did not raise lack of privity as an
affirmative defense in their reply to Cobra’s counterclaims. As explained above,
affirmative defenses other than those listed in Civ.R. 12(B) are waived if not raised in the
pleadings or in an amended pleading. Jim’s Steak House, supra, at ¶ 10. Therefore, we
must determine whether lack of privity constitutes an affirmative defense.
{¶89} Civ.R. 8(C) provides, in relevant part, that “[i]n pleading to a preceding
pleading, a party shall set forth affirmatively accord and satisfaction, arbitration and
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award, assumption of risk, contributory negligence, discharge in bankruptcy, duress,
estoppel, failure of consideration, want of consideration for a negotiable instrument, fraud,
illegality, injury by fellow servant, laches, license, payment release, res judicata, statute
of frauds, statute of limitations, waiver, and any other matter constituting an avoidance or
affirmative defense.” (Emphasis added.)
{¶90} Lack of privity is not expressly listed in Civ.R. 8(C), and there is no Ohio
authority holding that lack of privity constitutes an affirmative defense. It appears that
litigants often raise lack of privity in this manner. See, e.g., Delta Fuels, Inc. v. DLZ Ohio,
Inc., 6th Dist. Lucas No. L-15-1001, 2016-Ohio-970, ¶ 8; Cobb v. Mantua Twp. Bd. of
Trustees, 11th Dist. Portage No. 2003-P-0112, 2004-Ohio-5325, ¶ 9. However, the form
of a pleading is not necessarily determinative of its legal effect. See, e.g., Civ.R. 8(C)
(“When a party has mistakenly designated a defense as a counterclaim or a counterclaim
as a defense, the court, if justice so requires, shall treat the pleading as if there had been
a proper designation”); Civ.R. 8(F) (“All pleadings shall be so construed as to do
substantial justice”).
{¶91} The Supreme Court of Ohio has described an affirmative defense as one
that “assumes establishment of a prima facie case.” Gallagher v. Cleveland Browns
Football Co., 74 Ohio St.3d 427, 432, 659 N.E.2d 1232 (1996), fn. 3; see State ex rel.
The Plain Dealer Publishing Co. v. Cleveland, 75 Ohio St.3d 31, 33, 661 N.E.2d 187(1996) (“An affirmative defense is a new matter which, assuming the complaint to be true,
constitutes a defense to it”). In other words, “‘[a]n affirmative defense is any defensive
matter in the nature of a confession and avoidance. It admits that the plaintiff has a claim
(the “confession”) but asserts some legal reason why the plaintiff cannot have any
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recovery on that claim (the “avoidance”).’” Plain Dealer at 33, quoting 1 Klein, Browne &
Murtaugh, Baldwin’s Ohio Civil Practice, Section 13.03 (1988). By contrast, a defense
that directly attacks an element of a prima facie case rather than accepting the allegations
of the complaint as true is not an affirmative defense. Gallagher at 432, fn. 3.
{¶92} Cobra contends that the relevant contractual provisions are binding on the
Shamrocks as covenants that run with the land. A party alleging that a covenant runs
with the land must establish “(1) that the parties to the underlying agreement intend the
burden to be binding on successors in interest; (2) that the burden touch and concern the
land; (3) that the covenant be created as part of a conveyance of property between parties
in privity (horizontal privity); (4) that successors in interest to the burdened land be in
privity (vertical privity); and (5) that the purchaser of the burdened property take it with
notice of the restrictions.” (Emphasis added.) Head v. Evans, 1st Dist. Hamilton No. C-
790831, 1981 WL 9628, *3 (Feb. 11, 1981), fn. 4; see also BM-Clarence Cardwell, Inc. v.
Cocca Dev., Ltd., 2016-Ohio-7751, 65 N.E.3d 829, ¶ 41 (5th Dist.) (“Ohio law recognizes
two ‘types’ of privity for purposes of enforcing restrictive covenants: horizontal privity, and
vertical privity”).
{¶93} Since privity was an essential element of Cobra’s counterclaims against the
Shamrocks, lack of privity was not an affirmative defense under Civ.R. 8(C). Accordingly,
we find no reversible error on the basis of the Shamrocks’ alleged waiver of an affirmative
defense.
{¶94} Cobra’s second assignment of error is without merit.
Sua Sponte
{¶95} In its first assignment of error, Cobra contends that the trial court erred by
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granting summary judgment to the Shamrocks sua sponte and based on an issue that the
Shamrocks never raised, i.e., lack of direct privity.
{¶96} The Supreme Court of Ohio has held that Civ.R. 56 does not authorize
courts to enter summary judgment in favor of a non-moving party. Todd Dev. Co. v.
Morgan, 116 Ohio St.3d 461, 2008-Ohio-87, 880 N.E.2d 88, ¶ 15. However, the court
has recognized the following exception:
{¶97} “‘“While Civ.R. 56 does not ordinarily authorize courts to enter summary
judgment in favor of a non-moving party, * * * an entry of summary judgment against the
moving party does not prejudice his due process rights where all relevant evidence is
before the court, no genuine issue as to any material fact exists, and the non-moving
party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.”’” Id. at ¶ 16, quoting State ex rel. J.J.
Detweiler Ents., Inc. v. Warner, 103 Ohio St.3d 99, 2004-Ohio-4659, 814 N.E.2d 482, ¶
13, quoting State ex rel. Cuyahoga Cty. Hosp. v. Ohio Bur. of Workers’ Comp., 27 Ohio
St.3d 25, 28, 500 N.E.2d 1370 (1986).
{¶98} The exception applies in “factual situations in which the court has all the
relevant evidence before it and the summary judgment standard is met.” Id. at ¶ 17.
According to the court, “[t]he reason for this exception is that the parties have had an
opportunity to submit all evidence to the court, and the parties have notice that the court
is considering summary judgment. As a result, neither party’s due process rights are
violated.” Id. at ¶ 17. Conversely, we have held that it is reversible error for a trial court
to sua sponte grant summary judgment premised on issues not raised by the parties.
Mannion v. Lake Hosp. Sys., Inc., 11th Dist. Lake No. 2016-L-015, 2016-Ohio-8428, ¶
22.
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{¶99} Based on our review of the record, the exception was not applicable in this
case. As explained above, privity was an essential element of Cobra’s counterclaims
against the Shamrocks. In its motion for summary judgment, Cobra asserted that it was
entitled to judgment as a matter of law on its counterclaims against both Emerald and the
Shamrocks. However, Cobra’s arguments were directed solely to Emerald. Cobra did
not assert that the Shamrocks were bound by the agreements or articulate its theory of
liability.
{¶100} In its reply brief, Cobra asserted that the Shamrocks were liable as
Emerald’s “successors.” However, Cobra did not articulate how this purported status
entitled it to judgment as a matter of law. Further, reply briefs are generally limited to
matters in rebuttal, and a party may not raise new issues for the first time. See Ranallo
v. First Energy Corp., 11th Dist. Lake No. 2005-L-187, 2006-Ohio-6105, ¶ 25.
{¶101} Cobra first addressed privity after the summary judgment proceedings,
when it filed a motion for limited reconsideration of the trial court’s prior judgment entries.
The trial court did not expressly address Cobra’s motion for reconsideration in its
September 11, 2020, judgment entry. In fact, the court stated that it was “sua sponte”
revisiting “the unresolved matter” of Cobra’s “summary judgment motion” on its
counterclaims against the Shamrocks.
{¶102} The Shamrocks also did not discuss privity on summary judgment. Rather,
the plaintiffs opposed Cobra’s motion on the basis of Ms. Shamrock’s alleged lack of
mental capacity to contract and the alleged adhesiveness of the Cobra lease.
{¶103} Since the parties did not discuss privity on summary judgment, they
necessarily did not point to evidentiary quality material in the record or cite relevant legal
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authority. The trial court could not have properly determined that all the relevant evidence
was before it or that the summary judgment standard was met. See Todd Dev. Co.,
supra, at ¶ 17.
{¶104} Accordingly, the trial court erred in sua sponte granting summary judgment
to the Shamrocks on Cobra’s counterclaims.
{¶105} Cobra’s first assignment of error has merit.
Horizontal/Vertical Privity
{¶106} In its third assignment of error, Cobra contends that the trial court erred by
failing to grant summary judgment in its favor because its counterclaims involve “real
covenants that run with the land” and because horizontal and vertical privity “clearly” exist.
{¶107} Cobra’s argument does not acknowledge its burden on summary judgment.
“Where a party seeks affirmative relief on its own counterclaims as a matter of law, it
bears the burden of affirmatively demonstrating that there are no genuine issues of
material fact with respect to every essential element of its claims.” Firor v. Lydon, 2018-
Ohio-1662, 110 N.E.3d 1021, ¶ 41 (1st Dist.). “Its motion for summary judgment must be
denied if the party fails to satisfy this initial burden.” Id.{¶108} As explained above, Cobra did not articulate its theory of liability against the
Shamrocks on summary judgment. Therefore, it did not satisfy its initial burden to
demonstrate the absence of genuine issues of material fact regarding the essential
elements of its counterclaims. We decline to address the merits of Cobra’s privity
arguments for the first time on appeal.
{¶109} Accordingly, the trial court did not err in failing to grant summary judgment
to Cobra.
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{¶110} Cobra’s third assignment of error is without merit.
Damages Award to Cobra
{¶111} Lastly, we address the plaintiffs’ fourth assignment of error, where they
contend that the trial court erred in awarding Cobra its attorney fees and expenses in
contravention of the American Rule.
{¶112} As indicated, the trial court determined that Emerald breached the warranty
of title in the Cobra lease, the covenant of quiet enjoyment in the settlement agreement,
and the release provision in the settlement agreement. The trial court assessed damages
against Emerald for Cobra’s attorney fees and expenses incurred in (1) defending against
the plaintiffs’ complaint and (2) prosecuting its counterclaims against Emerald.
{¶113} Since the trial court did not find the Shamrocks liable or assess damages
against them, we review this assignment of error solely in relation to Emerald.
Standard of Review
{¶114} An award of attorney fees is generally reviewed for an abuse of discretion.
See Ivancic v. Enos, 2012-Ohio-3639, 978 N.E.2d 927, ¶ 70 (11th Dist.). However, where
a case presents a legal issue regarding the availability of attorney fees, our review is de
novo. See 2-J Supply, Inc. v. Garrett & Parker, L.L.C., 4th Dist. Highland No. 13CA29,
2015-Ohio-2757, ¶ 9.
The American Rule and its Exceptions
{¶115} Ohio has long adhered to the “American Rule” with respect to recovery of
attorney fees: a prevailing party in a civil action may not recover attorney fees as a part
of the costs of litigation. Wilborn v. Bank One Corp., 121 Ohio St.3d 546, 2009-Ohio-306,
906 N.E.2d 396, ¶ 7. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Id. Attorney fees may
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be awarded when a statute or an enforceable contract specifically provides for the losing
party to pay the prevailing party’s attorney fees or when the prevailing party demonstrates
bad faith on the part of the unsuccessful litigant. Id.{¶116} In Gahanna v. Eastgate Properties, Inc., 36 Ohio St.3d 65, 521 N.E.2d 814(1988), the Supreme Court of Ohio acknowledged an additional long-standing exception
to the American Rule, which is applicable when a grantee “is compelled to defend his
grantor’s title in the land.” Id. at 67. This exception is based on a pair of cases the court
decided in the 1800s.
{¶117} In McAlpin v. Woodruff, 11 Ohio St. 120 (1860), the trial court awarded a
lessee attorney fees for defending a dower claim brought by the lessor’s widow. Gahanna
at 66. The lessor’s estate was held liable because the lessee was forced to defend the
lessor’s title to the property. Id. The court observed that the trial court “‘rightfully gave
the plaintiff his costs and counsel fees in defending against the claim of the widow.’” Id.
at 66, fn. 3, quoting McAlpin at 130.
{¶118} In Lane v. Fury, 31 Ohio St. 574 (1877), Mary Ward and her husband sold
real estate to John Lane. Gahanna at 66-67. However, the deed was fatally defective
due to an improper acknowledgement by Mrs. Ward. Id. at 67. John Lane subsequently
conveyed the property to Cornelius Lane, who in turn sold it to Anna Fury. Id. This
conveyance included the grantor’s warranty to defend the premises against the claims of
others. Id. After Mary Ward’s death, her heirs brought a suit for possession of the real
estate, prompting Mrs. Fury to bring an action which successfully corrected Mrs. Ward’s
acknowledgement. Id. Mrs. Fury then sued her grantor, and obtained a judgment for her
expenses, including attorney fees, incurred in defending against the Ward heirs’ action
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and in her action to reform the deed. See id.; Lane at 575-576. The Supreme Court of
Ohio refused to reverse that portion of the judgment awarding attorney fees. Gahanna at
67.
Defense of Title
{¶119} Based on the foregoing authority, the trial court was legally permitted to
award Cobra its attorney fees and expenses incurred in defending against the plaintiffs’
complaint.
{¶120} The warranty provision in the Cobra lease provides, “[Emerald] hereby
warrants and agrees to defend title to the lands herein described.” This is an example of
a general warranty covenant. See Kuelnle, Levey & Bower, Baldwin’s Ohio Practice Real
Estate Law, Section 21:6 (Rev.Nov.2021) (“A modern form of the covenant of general
warranty is: ‘Grantor does warrant and will defend the title against the claims of all
persons whomsoever’”). Ohio law provides that “[i]n a conveyance of real estate, or any
interest therein, the words ‘general warranty covenants’ have the full force, meaning, and
effect of the following words: ‘The grantor covenants with the grantee, his heirs, assigns,
and successors, that he is lawfully seized in fee simple of the granted premises; that they
are free from all encumbrances; that he has good right to sell and convey the same, and
that he does warrant and will defend the same to the grantee and his heirs, assigns, and
successors, forever, against the lawful claims and demands of all persons.’” (Emphasis
added.) R.C. 5302.06.
{¶121} As discussed above, the plaintiffs’ claims were premised on their incorrect
view that they had retained ownership of the Shafer Road property’s mineral estate. As
a result, Cobra was forced to defend Emerald’s title to the Shafer Road property’s mineral
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estate to defend against the plaintiffs’ claims. Pursuant to the exception acknowledged
in Gahanna, the trial court was authorized to award the attorney fees and expenses that
Cobra incurred in defending Emerald’s title. Accord Ligget v. Chesapeake Energy Corp.,
591 Fed.Appx. 305, 312-313 (6th Cir.2014) (finding that lessees of an oil and gas lease
were entitled to attorney fees incurred in defending against an ejectment action as
damages in claim for breach of warranty of title).
Prosecution of Counterclaims
{¶122} We reach a different conclusion regarding the attorney fees and expenses
that Cobra incurred in prosecuting its counterclaims against Emerald.
{¶123} In Lane, supra, the Supreme Court of Ohio recognized the principle that a
party’s recovery may not include “expenses and attorney’s fees ‘in any remote or other
suit than that by which the paramount title was established.’” (Emphasis added.) Id. at
578, quoting Rawle on Covenants 312 (4th Ed.). In Lane, the court found that this
principle was inapplicable because the attorney fees and expenses Ms. Fury incurred in
her action to reform the deed were “expended in obtaining the paramount title.” Id.
{¶124} Here, Cobra did not file a separate suit to obtain “paramount title.” Cobra
established on summary judgment that there was no defect in Emerald’s title to the Shafer
Road property’s mineral estate. Rather, Cobra’s counterclaims were breach of contract
claims for compensatory damages, which the Gahanna/Lane exception does not
encompass.
{¶125} Emerald cites this court’s decision in Don Keyser Co., Inc. v. Niles Mfg. &
Finishing, Inc., 11th Dist. Trumbull No. 2003-T-0089, 2004-Ohio-7228, as requiring a
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contrary conclusion. In that case, we quoted the Supreme Court of Ohio and stated as
follows:
{¶126} “‘When an indemnitor wrongfully refuses to defend an action against an
indemnitee, the indemnitor is liable for the costs, including attorney fees and expenses,
incurred by the indemnitee in defending the initial action and in vindicating its right to
indemnity in a third-party action brought against the indemnitor.’” (Emphasis added.) Id.
at ¶ 32, quoting Allen v. Standard Oil Co., 2 Ohio St.3d 122, 443 N.E.2d 497 (1982),
paragraph two of the syllabus.
{¶127} We find Don Keyser and Allen to be distinguishable because they involved
a party’s breach of its contractual obligations to defend and indemnify another party
against third-party claims, not a party’s breach of a warranty of title to real property. Since
there is no indication that the Supreme Court of Ohio has overruled Lane, we decline to
extend Allen to this factual setting. See Templeton v. Sheets, 4th Dist. Lawrence No.
00CA33, 2001 WL 1287142, *5 (Sept. 21, 2001) (“It is axiomatic that the opinions of the
Supreme Court of Ohio, until overruled, are binding on all Ohio courts and should not be
disregarded simply because the opinion is old”).
{¶128} To the extent Cobra argues that such damages were permissible based on
Emerald’s breaches of the covenant of quiet enjoyment and/or the release provision, we
disagree.
{¶129} Cobra cites Jean-Gil, Inc. v. Babin, 8th Dist. Cuyahoga No. 39178, 1980
WL 354310 (Sept. 25, 1980), in which the Eighth District held that “[r]easonable attorney
fees are allowable as part of compensatory damages in an action for breach of covenant
of quiet enjoyment of a leasehold * * *.” Id. at *3. The Eighth District, in turn, cited
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McAplin, supra, in support of this holding. See Babin at *3. However, the plaintiff in
McAplin was awarded his “costs and counsel fees in defending against the claim of the
widow.” (Emphasis added.) Id. at 130. McAplin did address the plaintiff’s attorney fees
and expenses, if any, incurred in prosecuting his claim against the widow.
{¶130} Cobra also cites Rayco Mfg., Inc. v. Murphy, Rogers, Sloss & Gambel,
2019-Ohio-3756, 142 N.E.3d 1267 (8th Dist.), appeal allowed, 157 Ohio St.3d 1535,
2020-Ohio-122, 137 N.E.3d 1207, in which the Eighth District, sitting en banc, held that
“attorney fees can be awarded as compensatory damages to the prevailing party on a
motion to enforce a settlement agreement when the attorney fees are incurred as a direct
result of a breach of the settlement agreement.” Id. at ¶ 4. This purported exception to
the American Rule originates from the Tenth District’s decision in Shanker v. Columbus
Warehouse Ltd. Partnership, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 99AP-772, 2000 WL 726786 (June
6, 2000), where that court drew a distinction between attorney fees awarded as costs and
attorney fees awarded as compensatory damages. See Shanker at *4; Tejada-Hercules
v. State Auto Ins. Co., 10th Dist. Franklin No. 08AP-150, 2008-Ohio-5066, ¶ 9.
{¶131} As the lead dissenting opinion in Rayco aptly observed:
{¶132} “In every breach of contract litigation, the expenditure of attorney fees by
the nonbreaching party to enforce the contract is a direct result of the other party’s breach;
the nonbreaching party is forced to incur attorney fees to enforce the contract. Whether
attorney fees are labeled compensatory damages or costs is a distinction without a
difference. Attorney fees are attorney fees. Calling them compensatory damages does
not change the nature of the fees.” Id. at ¶ 31 (Sheehan, J., dissenting).
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{¶133} The Eleventh District has not adopted the Shanker exception, and we
decline to do so in the present case. Rather, we agree with the following statement from
the lead dissenting opinion in Rayco:
{¶134} “Unfortunately, our sister districts * * * applied the broad proposition in
Shanker that attorney fees are recoverable for breach of a settlement agreement without
any authority or guidance from the Ohio Supreme Court or the legislature. In other words,
appellate courts have now carved out a narrow exception and placed settlement
agreements on a pedestal, above all other types of contracts. With a stroke of a pen,
appellate courts now allow any party that disputes a settlement agreement and succeeds
to gain a windfall in attorney fees and in effect encourages pursuit of further litigation over
any minor breach or discrepancy involving a settlement agreement.” Id. at ¶ 27 (Sheehan,
J., dissenting); see also Sorin v. Bd. of Edn. of Warrensville Hts. School Dist., 46 Ohio
St.2d 177, 179-180, 347 N.E.2d 527 (1976) (“We are well aware that the ‘American rule’
has been criticized in recent years, but, in our view any departure from such a deeply-
rooted policy as the exclusion of attorney fees as costs is a matter of legislative concern”)
(Footnote omitted.)
{¶135} Finding no applicable exception to the America Rule, we conclude that the
trial court erred in awarding Cobra its attorney fees and expenses incurred in prosecuting
its counterclaims against Emerald.
Conclusion
{¶136} In sum, the trial court did not err by denying the plaintiffs’ motion to amend
their pleadings; by granting summary judgment to Cobra on the plaintiffs’ claims; or by
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granting summary judgment to Cobra on its counterclaims against Emerald. The trial
court’s February 23, 2018, judgment entry is affirmed.
{¶137} The trial court erred by sua sponte granting summary judgment to the
Shamrocks on Cobra’s counterclaims. The trial court’s September 11, 2020, judgment
entry is reversed.
{¶138} The trial court did not err by awarding Cobra its attorney fees and expenses
incurred in defending against the plaintiffs’ complaint. However, the trial court did err by
awarding Cobra its attorney fees and expenses incurred in prosecuting its counterclaims
against Emerald. The trial court’s August 23, 2019, judgment entry is affirmed in part and
reversed in part.
{¶139} We remand this matter to the trial court for further proceedings (1) to
determine the Shamrocks’ liability, if any, with respect to Cobra’s counterclaims; and (2)
to recalculate Cobra’s damages award against Emerald to exclude the attorney fees and
expenses Cobra incurred in prosecuting its counterclaims against Emerald.
THOMAS R. WRIGHT, P.J., concurs,
MATT LYNCH, J., concurs in part and dissents in part, with a Dissenting Opinion.
____________________
MATT LYNCH, J., concurs in part and dissents in part, with a Dissenting Opinion.
{¶140} I concur with the majority’s disposition of this matter with the exception of
the plaintiffs’ fourth assignment of error relating to attorney’s fees. The trial court properly
awarded attorney’s fees to Cobra arising from both its defense of plaintiffs’ claims and
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pursuit of its counterclaims. The majority’s holding is contrary to the well-established and
well-reasoned principle set forth by appellate districts in this state that attorney’s fees can
be awarded in relation to claims arising from a breach of a settlement agreement. Since
an award of attorney’s fees fairly compensates a party for actions taken in clear breach
of a settlement agreement and is consistent with the public policy of this state, the fee
award for pursuit of Cobra’s counterclaims should be affirmed.
{¶141} Ohio appellate courts have held that attorney’s fees arising from the breach
of a settlement agreement can be recovered as compensatory damages since the breach
necessarily results in the expenditure of such fees. Shanker v. Columbus Warehouse
Ltd. Partnership, 10th Dist. Franklin No. 99AP-772, 2000 WL 726786, *5 (June 6, 2000)
(“[b]ecause defendant’s attorney fees are attributable to and were incurred as the result
of plaintiffs’ breach of the settlement agreement, defendant is entitled to recover those
fees in order to make whole and compensate him for losses caused by plaintiffs’ breach”);
Raymond J. Schaefer, Inc. v. Pytlik, 6th Dist. Ottawa No. OT-09-026, 2010-Ohio-4714, ¶
34; Tejada-Hercules v. State Auto. Ins. Co., 10th Dist. Franklin No. 08AP-150, 2008-Ohio-
5066, ¶ 10-23. Under this authority, there is no need to consider the applicability of an
exception to the American Rule: “Ohio law allows a court to award attorney’s fees as
compensatory damages when a party’s breach of a settlement agreement makes
litigation necessary, even where none of the exceptions to the American Rule have been
shown.” Rohrer Corp. v. Dane Elec Corp. USA, 482 Fed.Appx. 113, 117 (6th Cir.). Here,
Cobra brought and prevailed on counterclaims relating to the breach of the release and
settlement agreement executed by Emerald, which supports an award of attorney’s fees
as damages.
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{¶142} The majority dismissively rejects this “purported exception” and its
origination in the Tenth District, citing in support of its conclusion a dissenting opinion in
Rayco Mfg., Inc. v. Murphy, Rogers, Sloss & Gambel, 2019-Ohio-3756, 142 N.E.3d 1267(8th Dist.). In doing so, the majority fails to give any weight to the fact that those Ohio
appellate districts that have addressed this issue have reached the contrary conclusion:
a breach of a settlement agreement entitles a party to attorney’s fees as compensatory
damages. Tejada at ¶ 10-23; Schaefer at ¶ 34; Niederst v. Niederst, 2018-Ohio-5320,
128 N.E.3d 800, ¶ 24 (9th Dist.); Berry v. Lupica, 196 Ohio App.3d 687, 2011-Ohio-5381,
965 N.E.2d 318, ¶ 19 (8th Dist.); Wehr v. Petraglia, 65 N.E.3d 242, 2016-Ohio-3126, ¶ 36
(7th Dist.); Smith v. E.S. Wagner Co., 2016-Ohio-8096, 74 N.E.3d 963, ¶ 76 (3d Dist.);
Brown v. Spitzer Chevrolet Co., 5th Dist. Stark No. 2012 CA 00105, 2012-Ohio-5623, ¶
20. The determination that attorney’s fees can and should be awarded as compensatory
damages in these circumstances is not, therefore, a holding that is based on faulty
analysis from a singular court or an aberration but is instead precedent applied throughout
the state of Ohio.
{¶143} The justification for these courts’ application of this principle is sound: it is
unjust to allow a party to obtain the benefit of signing a release or settlement (here,
mineral rights to the property) and then cause the opposing party to incur significant legal
fees by initiating litigation anyway. It has been observed that, as to settlement
agreements, “one of the express ‘benefits of the bargain’ is the lack of litigation expenses.”
Navarro v. Procter & Gamble Co., 515 F.Supp.3d 718, 785 (S.D.Ohio 2021). Awarding
attorney’s fees as compensatory damages properly recognizes those costs incurred as a
direct result of the breach of the agreement. Further, “[a]llowing the recovery of attorney
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fees as compensatory damages on a motion to enforce a settlement agreement is
consistent with the strong public policy that exists in encouraging * * * and enforcing
settlement agreements” as well as principles of finality. Rayco at ¶ 17, citing Spercel v.
Sterling Industries, Inc., 31 Ohio St.2d 36, 38, 285 N.E.2d 324 (1972) (“‘The law favors
the resolution of controversies and uncertainties through compromise and settlement”
since it “results in a saving of time for the parties, the lawyers, and the courts, and it is
thus advantageous to judicial administration, and, in turn, to government as a whole.’”)
(citation omitted). An award of attorney’s fees in this instance reinforces these principles
since it would prohibit the filing of an action in breach of the agreement not to sue.
{¶144} The passages cited by the majority from the dissenting judge in Rayco to
justify its decision are unconvincing. For example, it asserts that allowing for an award of
attorney’s fees as compensatory damages in settlement agreements places such
agreements “on a pedestal, above all other types of contracts.” However, as noted above,
settlement agreements are encouraged as a matter of public policy for significant reasons
including finality and judicial economy; the majority’s analysis rejects these principles by
failing to disincentivize the violation of a settlement agreement. Further, unlike in the case
of a breach of another type of contract, the act of violating the often unambiguous terms
preventing litigation is dissimilar from those cases where there is a good faith or legitimate
dispute relating to the act causing the breach.
{¶145} To the extent the dissenting opinion in Rayco asserts the foregoing allows
the prevailing party to get a “windfall,” that is not the case. Compensation for costs
actually incurred to compensate an attorney necessitated by the breaching party’s
conduct is hardly a windfall. As to the contention that awarding fees as damages
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“encourages litigation,” it must be emphasized here that Cobra did not bring the lawsuit
and no litigation would have been pursued in the absence of the breach of the settlement
agreement. Finally, the majority and Rayco dissent argue that the award of fees
encourages “pursuit of further litigation over any minor breach or discrepancy.” This
argument is particularly inapplicable to the present matter where there is no “minor
breach” but a clear violation of the agreement not to sue. In sum, the dissenting analysis
of one judge which emphasizes principles that are of limited application does not provide
strong grounds to reject the analysis and holding of the majority of the courts in this state,
particularly where it is consistent with public policy and fairness to the parties.
{¶146} For the foregoing reasons, I respectfully dissent from the conclusion that
attorney’s fees were improperly awarded as to the counterclaims and would affirm the
lower court’s award of attorney’s fees in its entirety. Allowing Cobra to recover for
expenses incurred as a result of Emerald’s choice to violate the clear terms of the
settlement agreement is the only fair result.
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