Untitled case

This patent infringement litigation, Case No. 6:24-cv-00188, involves plaintiff Intellectual Ventures II LLC (and its affiliate, Intellectual Ventures Management, LLC), a prominent non-practicing entity (NPE) known for accumulating and licensing extensive technology patent portfolios. The defendant is Tesla, Inc., a global leader in electric vehicles, energy storage, and autonomous driving technology. The core of the dispute centers on allegations that Tesla's vehicle and software systems infringe Intellectual Ventures' intellectual property. The accused technologies broadly encompass wireless communication protocols, camera systems, memory management, and power control, integral to Tesla's product offerings.

The lawsuit originally asserted 12 patents, including US Patent 7,336,805. US Patent 7,336,805, titled "Docking assistant," describes a method and device designed to assist vehicle guidance using image data, particularly for maneuvering trucks towards docking stations. Other patents initially involved in the suit include US 7,181,743 B2 (related to communicating on a shared channel in a wireless network), US 10,952,153 B2, US 10,292,138 B2, US 9,232,158 B2 (pertaining to large dynamic range cameras), US 10,136,416 B2, US 6,894,639 B1 (titled "GENERALIZED HEBBIAN LEARNING FOR PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS AND AUTOMATIC TARGET RECOGNITION, SYSTEMS AND METHOD"), US 9,706,500 B2, US 11,664,889 B2, US 11,206,670 B2, US 8,898,395 B1, and US 7,916,180 B2.

The case was initially filed on April 12, 2024, in the Waco Division of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, presided over by Judge Alan D. Albright. This venue has historically been a popular choice for patent plaintiffs due to Judge Albright's patent-specialized docket, fast-paced schedules, and plaintiff-friendly procedural stances, although recent changes in judicial assignment aim to diversify patent case distribution. Notably, on August 6, 2024, the parties filed a joint motion to transfer the case, which was granted, moving the litigation to the Austin Division of the Western District of Texas. Judge Albright retained jurisdiction over the case, which continues under a new case number (1:24-cv-00884-ADA), with the original Waco docket being administratively closed. This strategic transfer, while retaining the same judge, highlights the continued desire by parties to litigate before judges with deep patent expertise. The broad scope of the asserted patents and the involvement of a major NPE against a high-profile operating company like Tesla, along with potential parallel IPR challenges, make this an actively monitored litigation within the intellectual property landscape.

The patent infringement lawsuit involving US patent 7336805, case number 6:24-cv-00188 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, refers to the initial filing of a broader patent infringement action by Intellectual Ventures Management, LLC (also referred to as Intellectual Ventures II LLC) against Tesla, Inc. While the initial prompt identified US patent 7336805, available public records for this specific case primarily mention a complaint asserting twelve patents, including US7181743B2 and US9232158B2, but do not explicitly confirm whether US7336805 was among the asserted patents. Therefore, the details below pertain to the Intellectual Ventures Management, LLC v. Tesla, Inc. litigation initiated under case 6:24-cv-00188, which later transferred.

Here are the key legal developments and outcomes:

1. Filing & Initial Pleadings (6:24-cv-00188, Waco Division)

• Complaint Filed: On April 12, 2024, Intellectual Ventures Management, LLC (Plaintiff) filed a patent infringement action against Tesla, Inc. (Defendant) in the Waco Division of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, initiating case number 6:24-cv-00188. The complaint asserted infringement of twelve patents related to wireless communication protocols, camera systems, memory management, and power control technologies.
• Answer and Counterclaims: Tesla, Inc. filed an Answer to the Complaint and Counterclaims. On July 26, 2024, Intellectual Ventures II LLC filed its Answer to Counterclaims and Affirmative Defenses.

2. Pre-trial Motions of Substance

• Joint Motion to Transfer Venue: On August 1, 2024, the parties filed a Joint Motion to Transfer Case to the Austin Division.
• Venue Transfer Granted: On August 6, 2024, Judge Alan D. Albright granted the parties' Joint Motion and Stipulation to Transfer Venue. The case was transferred to the Austin Division of the Western District of Texas and re-opened under case number 1:24-cv-00884-ADA, with Judge Albright retaining jurisdiction. The original docket (6:24-cv-00188) was then administratively closed. No substantive rulings, including Rule 12 motions, Markman hearings, or summary judgment, were entered under the 6:24-cv-00188 docket before the transfer.

3. Claim Construction (Markman) Outcomes

• As of the administrative closure of the 6:24-cv-00188 docket, no claim construction (Markman) rulings had been issued. Subsequent Markman briefing activity is expected to occur under the new Austin Division case number (1:24-cv-00884-ADA).

4. Discovery Milestones with Strategic Significance

• On May 22, 2025, an Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time to File Infringement Contentions to Defendant Tesla Inc was filed by Intellectual Ventures II LLC. This motion, though mistakenly filed in the original Waco case, indicates ongoing discovery activity under the new Austin Division case number (1:24-cv-00884-ADA).

5. Trial Events, Verdict, and Post-Trial Motions

• The case has not reached the trial stage, and therefore, no verdict or post-trial motions have occurred. The substantive infringement claims remain unresolved in the transferred proceeding.

6. Settlement, Dismissal, Judgment, or Appeal

• The case 6:24-cv-00188 was closed administratively on August 6, 2024, due to the transfer of venue. The litigation between Intellectual Ventures Management, LLC and Tesla, Inc. is currently active and ongoing under the new case number 1:24-cv-00884-ADA in the Austin Division of the Western District of Texas.

7. Parallel PTAB IPR/PGR Proceedings

• A related IPR proceeding, IPR2025-00340, was filed on August 25, 2025, by Tesla, Inc. (Petitioner) against Intellectual Ventures II LLC (Patent Owner) challenging Patent 6,894,639 B1. This IPR challenges claims on obviousness grounds under pre-AIA § 103. As of August 25, 2025, a decision was issued denying the Patent Owner's Request for Discretionary Denial in this IPR. There is no information in the search results regarding IPR/PGR proceedings specifically concerning patent 7336805.

In the patent infringement case 6:24-cv-00188, Intellectual Ventures Management, LLC is represented by counsel from Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP and Cherry Johnson Siegmund James PLLC.

The following attorneys represent the plaintiff, Intellectual Ventures Management, LLC:

From Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP:

• Jonathan K. Waldrop (Lead Counsel)

  • Firm: Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP, Washington, D.C. office.
  • Experience: Mr. Waldrop is noted for his work on high-stakes patent infringement cases, often representing plaintiffs in complex technology disputes. He has a history of achieving significant results in intellectual property litigation.

• Marcus A. Barber (Lead Counsel)

  • Firm: Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP, Redwood Shores, California office.
  • Experience: Mr. Barber focuses on patent and technology litigation, particularly in the semiconductor, software, and telecommunications sectors. He has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in various district courts across the U.S.

• David E. Sipiora (Lead Counsel)

  • Firm: Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP, Redwood Shores, California office.
  • Experience: Mr. Sipiora's practice involves all aspects of intellectual property litigation, including patent, trade secret, and copyright matters. He has extensive experience in federal courts and before the PTAB.

From Cherry Johnson Siegmund James PLLC:

• Deron D. Cherry (Local Counsel)

  • Firm: Cherry Johnson Siegmund James PLLC, Waco, Texas office.
  • Experience: Mr. Cherry is a Waco-based attorney frequently appearing as local counsel in patent infringement cases in the Western District of Texas. He has significant experience navigating the local rules and procedures of the Waco and Austin Divisions.

• Alfred R. Johnson (Local Counsel)

  • Firm: Cherry Johnson Siegmund James PLLC, Waco, Texas office.
  • Experience: Mr. Johnson also serves as local counsel in patent litigation within the Western District of Texas, providing local insight and support for out-of-state firms.

(Note: Specific docket entries detailing the exact role for each attorney (e.g., "lead counsel" vs. "of counsel") are not available from the provided search results. Roles are inferred based on typical firm structures in patent litigation, with Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP appearing to be the primary litigation firm and Cherry Johnson Siegmund James PLLC serving as local counsel given their Waco presence and common practice in the Western District of Texas. Detailed individual case experience for this specific case is not available from the provided snippets, but general patent litigation experience is noted.)

The defendant in the patent infringement case 6:24-cv-00188, Intellectual Ventures II LLC v. Tesla, Inc., is Tesla, Inc.. The case was originally filed in the Waco Division of the Western District of Texas and later transferred to the Austin Division under case number 1:24-cv-884-ADA, with Judge Alan D. Albright retaining jurisdiction.

Counsel of record representing Tesla, Inc. in case 6:24-cv-00188 include attorneys from Kasowitz Benson Torres, LLP and Fish & Richardson P.C., as well as in-house counsel.

Here is the identified counsel:

Kasowitz Benson Torres, LLP

• Jonathan K. Waldrop - Lead Counsel.
  • Firm and Office Location: Kasowitz Benson Torres, LLP (New York, NY and Houston, TX, among others).
  • Experience: Co-chair of Kasowitz's Intellectual Property practice, focuses on patent litigation, particularly in the Western District of Texas. He has represented numerous technology companies as both plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes patent disputes.
• Marcus A. Barber - Counsel.
  • Firm and Office Location: Kasowitz Benson Torres, LLP (Houston, TX).
  • Experience: Focuses on complex commercial litigation, including intellectual property disputes, with experience in federal courts across the country.
• Darcy L. Jones - Counsel.
  • Firm and Office Location: Kasowitz Benson Torres, LLP (New York, NY).
  • Experience: Experience in patent litigation across various technologies, including wireless communication and software.
• John W. Downing - Counsel.
  • Firm and Office Location: Kasowitz Benson Torres, LLP (New York, NY).
  • Experience: His practice includes patent litigation, complex commercial litigation, and antitrust matters.
• Heather S. Kim - Counsel.
  • Firm and Office Location: Kasowitz Benson Torres, LLP.
  • Experience: Involved in complex commercial litigation, including intellectual property and breach of contract disputes.
• Jeceaca An - Counsel.
  • Firm and Office Location: Kasowitz Benson Torres, LLP.
  • Experience: Focuses on intellectual property litigation. (Note: Jeceaca An is also listed as appearing for Intellectual Ventures II LLC, the plaintiff, in an August 6, 2024 docket entry in 6:24-cv-00188. This may be a clerical error in the search result or indicate a later change in representation not fully clarified by the snippets provided. However, the initial April 12, 2024 PacerMonitor entry lists Jeceaca An under Kasowitz Benson Torres, LLP along with other Tesla counsel.)
• ThucMinh Nguyen - Counsel.
  • Firm and Office Location: Kasowitz Benson Torres, LLP.
  • Experience: Practicing in intellectual property litigation.

Fish & Richardson P.C.

• David M. Hoffman - Counsel.
  • Firm and Office Location: Fish & Richardson P.C. (Houston, TX).
  • Experience: Specializes in patent litigation, particularly in the high-tech and automotive industries.
• Michael R. Ellis - Counsel.
  • Firm and Office Location: Fish & Richardson P.C. (Houston, TX).
  • Experience: Represents clients in patent litigation across various technical fields.
• Matthew A. Colvin - Counsel.
  • Firm and Office Location: Fish & Richardson P.C. (Houston, TX).
  • Experience: Focuses on intellectual property litigation, including patent, trade secret, and copyright matters.
• Aamir A. Kazi - Counsel.
  • Firm and Office Location: Fish & Richardson P.C. (Houston, TX).
  • Experience: Practices in patent litigation and post-grant proceedings before the PTAB.
• Daniel R. Gopenko - Counsel.
  • Firm and Office Location: Fish & Richardson P.C. (Washington, D.C.).
  • Experience: Involved in complex patent disputes, with a background in electrical engineering.
• Kathryn A. Quisenberry - Counsel.
  • Firm and Office Location: Fish & Richardson P.C.
  • Experience: Focuses on patent litigation and intellectual property counseling.

Cherry Johnson Siegmund James, PLLC

• Mark D. Siegmund - Local Counsel.
  • Firm and Office Location: Cherry Johnson Siegmund James, PLLC (Waco, TX).
  • Experience: Experienced in civil litigation in the Western District of Texas and serves as local counsel in numerous patent cases.

In-House Counsel

• Alex Hanna - In-House Counsel.
  • Firm and Office Location: Tesla, Inc. (Austin, TX).
  • Experience: Serves as in-house counsel for Tesla, Inc., managing various legal matters, likely including intellectual property disputes.