District Court, E.D. Texas

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (EDTX), part of the Fifth Circuit, is geographically diverse, with divisions in cities including Beaumont, Lufkin, Marshall, Sherman, Texarkana, and Tyler. Historically, and increasingly in recent years, the EDTX has maintained its status as one of the most active federal districts for patent litigation in the United States, attracting a disproportionately high volume of cases.

The EDTX has long been known as a "rocket docket" due to its reputation for fast-paced litigation and quick progression to trial, a factor that traditionally appealed to patent plaintiffs. It has also gained a reputation as a plaintiff-friendly venue, with juries often perceived as favorable to patent holders, leading to significant damage awards. While some data suggests median damage awards may be in line with other jurisdictions, this perception of plaintiff-friendliness endures. Historically, EDTX judges were often reluctant to grant transfer motions, prioritizing the plaintiff's chosen forum. However, the Supreme Court's 2017 TC Heartland decision, which tightened patent venue requirements, initially led to a decline in filings, though the district has seen a notable resurgence since then.

The Eastern District of Texas has comprehensive Local Patent Rules (LPRs), outlined in Section V of its Local Rules, which govern patent civil actions. These rules dictate strict timelines for disclosures related to infringement and invalidity contentions, claim construction, and opinions of counsel. Notably, in October 2019, the court implemented new local rules concerning patent eligibility challenges, requiring eligibility contentions to be filed concurrently with invalidity contentions, which typically benefits patent owners. The court also offers an optional "Track B" fast-track schedule for accelerated case resolution. Judges in the district often issue specific standing orders, such as those related to scheduling conferences and motions in limine, to manage their patent dockets efficiently.

Among the prominent cases currently tracked are Damaka, Inc. v. The Cigna Group et al. (filed May 29, 2025), involving five patents, and HyperQuery LLC v. LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc. (filed January 8, 2023), involving three patents. The EDTX continues to be a venue for high-stakes patent litigation, with six of the ten largest patent damage awards issued by juries in 2025 coming from East Texas. However, outcomes can vary, as demonstrated in a 2025 Maxell v. Samsung case where District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III overturned a $112 million jury verdict post-trial, finding noninfringement and invalidity.

A central figure in EDTX patent litigation is District Judge Rodney Gilstrap, frequently cited as the nation's busiest patent judge. He presided over 19% of all new patent litigation in 2025 and Q1 2026, and has handled over nine thousand patent cases in the last decade. Both Damaka, Inc. v. The Cigna Group et al. and HyperQuery LLC v. LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc. are assigned to Judge Gilstrap, with Magistrate Judge Roy S. Payne also referred in the HyperQuery case. Other active patent judges include District Judge Robert W. Schroeder III, who was among the top district judges for patent litigation in 2025, and Judge Amos Mazzant, who became Chief Judge on March 1, 2025.