Untitled case

Case Overview and Background: AQ Corporation v. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. et al.

This patent infringement litigation involves AQ Corporation, an inventor-controlled plaintiff, asserting patent rights against technology giant Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and its American subsidiary, Samsung Electronics America Inc.. The core of the dispute centers on alleged infringement by Samsung's popular smartphone lines, including the Galaxy S, Z, and Z Flip-series smartphones. The asserted patent, US11303011, broadly covers technology related to smartphone antenna modules, specifically those described as a "thin, flexible wireless charging antenna module provided for use in a smartphone".

The case is currently active in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division, with District Judge Rodney Gilstrap presiding. This venue is a well-known hub for patent litigation, often favored by patent holders due to its established patent rules and reputation for moving cases efficiently toward trial. The assignment of Judge Gilstrap, a highly experienced patent judge, further underscores the procedural significance of this forum.

The case is notable as it pits an inventor-controlled entity against a major consumer electronics corporation over technology integral to modern smartphones, specifically wireless charging capabilities and antenna design. While the provided information focuses on US11303011, reports indicate that AQ Corporation has asserted three patents broadly directed to smartphone antenna modules in this action. The ongoing litigation against a prominent market player like Samsung in the Eastern District of Texas highlights the continued assertion of patent rights in the competitive smartphone industry.

Key Legal Developments in AQ Corporation v. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. et al.

This patent infringement litigation, Case Number 2:25-cv-01012, is active in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division, before Judge James Rodney Gilstrap. The case was filed by AQ Corporation against Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Samsung Electronics America Inc., asserting infringement of U.S. Patent No. 11,303,011.

Filing & Initial Pleadings

• Complaint Filed: AQ Corporation initiated the lawsuit on October 7, 2025, in the Eastern District of Texas. The complaint alleges patent infringement against Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Samsung Electronics America Inc.
• The case has progressed, as indicated by a Docket Control Order from February 4, 2026, which references a deadline for a response to amended pleadings by February 24, 2027. Details regarding the specific content of the answer, counterclaims, or initial motions to dismiss are not publicly available in the provided search snippets.

Pre-Trial Motions of Substance

As of the current date, specific substantive pre-trial motions such as motions to dismiss, transfer, or stay pending inter partes review (IPR), or motions for summary judgment, have not been explicitly detailed in the available information. However, the presence of a "Docket Control Order" (Document 23, filed 2026-02-04) suggests that the court is managing the litigation schedule, which would typically follow initial pleadings and potentially address early-stage motions.

Claim Construction (Markman) Outcomes

There is no information available in the provided search results regarding any claim construction (Markman) hearings or orders in this case.

Discovery Milestones

No specific discovery milestones with strategic significance are detailed in the provided search results.

Trial Events, Verdict, and Post-Trial Motions

The case is active and appears to be in its pre-trial phase, with a deadline for a response to amended pleadings set for February 24, 2027. Therefore, no trial events, verdicts, or post-trial motions have occurred yet.

Settlement, Dismissal, Judgment, or Appeal

The litigation remains active. There has been no reported settlement, dismissal, judgment, or appeal.

Parallel PTAB IPR/PGR Proceedings

A search for Inter Partes Review (IPR) or Post-Grant Review (PGR) proceedings related to U.S. Patent No. 11,303,011 on the USPTO's Patent Trial and Appeal Case Tracking System (P-TACTS) did not yield any direct results in the provided snippets. The USPTO's P-TACTS system allows for searching IPRs, PGRs, Covered Business Method (CBM) reviews, and Derivation Proceedings. Without specific results from P-TACTS, it cannot be confirmed whether any such parallel proceedings exist or have had an effect on the litigation.

Here is the counsel of record representing the plaintiff, AQ Corporation, in the patent infringement case 2:25-cv-01012 in the Eastern District of Texas:

• Name: Nicholas F. Lenning
• Role: Counsel
• Firm: K&L Gates LLP
• Office Location: Seattle, WA
• Relevant Experience: Nicholas F. Lenning is a patent litigator with extensive experience in complex cases, guiding them from initial pleadings through trial and appeal. He has represented clients in a wide range of technologies, including media application software, semiconductor devices, data storage, chemical and pharmaceutical processes, and mechanical devices. His experience includes drafting dispositive motions and Markman briefs, working with experts, managing large-scale document discovery, and participating in trial teams for opening statements, closing arguments, and direct/cross-examinations of witnesses. He has litigated in various federal courts across the country, as well as before the International Trade Commission (Section 337 trials) and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (Inter Partes Review petitions).

No specific local counsel for AQ Corporation in this case was identified in the provided search results.

The counsel of record representing the defendant(s), Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and Samsung Electronics America Inc., in the patent infringement case 2:25-cv-01012 in the Eastern District of Texas could not be definitively identified through the provided web search results.

While the court's Docket Control Order (Document 23, filed 2026-02-04) for case 2:25-cv-01012 indicates that "on the first appearance through counsel, each party shall designate a lead attorney," the specific names of the attorneys and their firms representing Samsung in this district court case are not explicitly listed in the available search snippets.

Samsung is a frequent litigant in patent cases in the Eastern District of Texas and is often represented by various prominent law firms, including DLA Piper, McKool Smith, Irell & Manella, and Dentons US LLP in other matters. However, without direct docket entries or specific news reports detailing the appearance of counsel for Samsung in this particular case, the defense team cannot be identified from the current search results.