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Patent Litigation Sees Surge in Texas

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Texas Patent Litigation

News Summary

In Texas, patent litigation is experiencing a remarkable increase, particularly in the Eastern District of Texas, which has become the leading venue for patent disputes. Notably, Judge Rodney Gilstrap has presided over a staggering number of new patent lawsuits, while the Western District is witnessing a significant decline. With a surge in damages awarded in patent disputes and a growing number of top law firms engaged, Texas is redefining the landscape of patent litigation, indicating a trend that could persist in the future.

Texas has reclaimed its dominance in patent litigation, with the Eastern District of Texas (EDTX) emerging as the preferred venue for patent disputes in the United States. A recent report from legal analytics firm Lex Machina highlights a significant resurgence in patent cases in EDTX, contrasting with the decline experienced in the Western District of Texas (WDTX).

In 2024, U.S. District Judge Rodney Gilstrap of Marshall, EDTX, received a staggering 795 new patent lawsuits, outperforming any other federal judge in the country by a margin of six times. By comparison, U.S. District Judge Alan Albright of WDTX saw only 124 new patent disputes, a sharp decline from over 700 new cases in the previous year.

Additionally, other Texas federal judges—including Robert Schroeder III (Texarkana), Robert Pitman (Austin), and Amos L. Mazzant (Sherman)—also rank among the top 10 judges nationwide for handling patent lawsuits. Notably, Judge Schroeder’s patent docket saw a remarkable increase of 600%, rising from 25 cases in 2022 to 153 cases in 2023.

Nationally, patent infringement litigation has been decreasing over the last three years, with a drop from 5,805 cases in 2015 to 3,115 cases in 2023. However, patent cases experienced a rebound in 2024, with the total rising to 3,806 cases. In contrast, the WDTX faced a 57% decrease in patent cases, plummeting from 878 new cases in 2022 to 375 new cases in 2023.

Changes in Patent Litigation Trends

The WDTX’s prominence in patent litigation stemmed from Judge Albright’s appointment in 2019, which made the court more accessible for patent filings. However, a notable rule change in July 2022, where the chief judge implemented a system that randomly assigned new patent cases to all judges in WDTX, has contributed to the current decline in the court’s patent docket.

Conversely, the EDTX’s patent filings have soared, rising from 470 new cases in 2022 to an impressive 1,069 cases in 2024. This growth indicates that one in five U.S. patent lawsuits were filed in EDTX last year, solidifying its status as a central hub for patent litigation.

Financial Impact and Top Law Firms

The financial implications of patent litigation in Texas are also noteworthy. In 2024, over $4.3 billion was awarded in damages across 90 patent cases, marking an impressive 20% increase year-over-year. This surge in damages reflects the heightened stakes involved in patent infringement disputes.

Several top Texas-based law firms, including Garteiser Honea in Tyler, Devlin Law Firm in Dallas, and McKool Smith in Dallas, are leading in the number of filed patent cases, all ranking within the top 10 nationwide. Additionally, nine of the top ten law firms defending patent disputes in Texas are concentrated in North Texas, among them are Fish & Richardson, Gillam & Smith, and DLA Piper.

Future Trends in Texas Patent Litigation

The ongoing trends suggest that the Eastern District of Texas is likely to continue solidifying its leadership in patent litigation, with expectations for further increases in both filings and damages. Moreover, recent decisions from the Federal Circuit, such as the case of EcoFactor v. Google, have led to increased scrutiny of patent cases emerging from the WDTX, further reinforcing EDTX’s prominence in the enforcement of intellectual property rights.

This shift in patent litigation dynamics showcases Texas’s evolving role in the U.S. legal landscape, highlighting the importance of specialized courts in handling the complexities of patent infringement cases.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN

About the HERE Georgetown Staff Writers The HERE Georgetown Staff Writers are a dedicated team of local journalists and contributors focused on delivering accurate, timely news to the Georgetown, SC community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network—which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com—we cover everything from waterfront development and small business news to dining and local culture. Local Expertise Our team includes lifelong Georgetown residents and South Carolina natives with deep knowledge of the region’s history, economy, and coastal identity. We’ve reported on topics like Front Street revitalization, maritime heritage, and local education initiatives. Trusted Journalism With decades of combined experience, we prioritize fact-based reporting, drawing from city records, chamber data, and community voices. Every article is a team effort, researched and verified to meet high editorial standards.

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