U.S. District Court in New Jersey

The U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (D.N.J.) is a federal court within the Third Circuit, though appeals for patent claims are directed to the Federal Circuit. The court operates across three vicinages: Camden, Newark, and Trenton. In recent years, the D.N.J. has emerged as a prominent venue for patent litigation, particularly for cases involving Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDA). In 2024, it was the fifth most popular patent venue in the country, seeing 232 patent cases filed, marking a 77% year-over-year increase. By Q1 2026, it remained among the top venues for patent litigation filings.

The District of New Jersey has gained a reputation as a patentee-friendly venue and has been identified as one of the "Top 5 Districts Most Favorable to the Patentee." This shift is partly attributed to a full complement of active judges, offering a more predictable and efficient litigation environment compared to other traditionally busy patent districts that have faced judicial vacancies. However, some analyses list the D.N.J. among the "Top 5 Slowest Districts for Patent Litigation" overall, suggesting that while efficient for certain case types like ANDA, its general time-to-disposition may vary. The court strictly enforces patent venue rules under 28 U.S.C. § 1400(b) following TC Heartland, as demonstrated by a recent ruling transferring a case due to improper venue.

The D.N.J. employs comprehensive Local Patent Rules (L. Pat. R.) under Local Civil Rule 9.3, adopted in December 2008 and effective January 1, 2009. These rules provide specific procedures and timings for infringement and invalidity contentions, as well as claim construction. For Hatch-Waxman cases, L. Pat. R. 3.6 places the responsibility on generic defendants to provide early contentions of non-infringement and invalidity. Additionally, Chief Judge Renée Marie Bumb issued a standing order in September 2025, specifically addressing "e-seller" litigation by requiring plausible allegations of personal jurisdiction and limiting complaints to a single defendant or closely related group.

Among the cases tracked by this site is Halozyme, Inc. v. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. et al., an ongoing patent infringement lawsuit filed on April 24, 2025. Halozyme alleges willful infringement of 15 patents related to modified human hyaluronidase PH20 enzymes by Merck's subcutaneous KEYTRUDA formulation. Other noteworthy rulings include U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton's April 2026 decision in Skull Shaver LLC v. The Cut Buddy, which transferred a patent action for improper venue, and U.S. District Judge Edward S. Kiel's May 2026 dismissal of patent claims in Al "Bubba" Baker, et al. v. Rastelli Foods LLC, et al. due to a lack of standing. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen also issued opinions in Jazz Pharmaceuticals v. Lupin in January 2026, addressing the standards for striking expert theories based on Local Patent Rule 3.7.

Key judges involved in patent litigation within the District of New Jersey include Chief Judge Renée Marie Bumb, who has taken action on standing orders impacting e-seller patent cases. U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton and Magistrate Judges Stacey D. Adams and Jose R. Almonte are also prominent. Judge Wigenton recently handled a significant venue transfer, and Magistrate Judge Adams clarified aspects of the Local Patent Rules. Magistrate Judge Almonte is actively involved in the ongoing Halozyme v. Merck litigation.