AML IP LLC v. Marriott International Inc

In a case reflecting ongoing patent assertion campaigns targeting e-commerce infrastructure, AML IP LLC, a Texas-based non-practicing entity (NPE), has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Marriott International, Inc. The suit, filed on April 17, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, alleges that the global hospitality giant infringes on a patent related to online transactions. AML IP has a history of asserting its patent portfolio against the digital commerce platforms of large retailers and service providers. The defendant, Marriott International, is a leading operator and franchisor of hotels and lodging facilities worldwide, heavily reliant on its online and mobile booking platforms.

The lawsuit accuses Marriott's online reservation systems, including the Marriott.com website and the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app, of infringement. These platforms allow customers to book rooms, manage reservations, and utilize loyalty points, which AML IP contends uses its patented technology. The single patent-in-suit is U.S. Patent No. 7,177,838, titled "Method and apparatus for conducting electronic commerce transactions using electronic tokens." The patent, filed in 2000, generally describes a system for purchasing or renting goods and services online using electronic tokens, a foundational concept in e-commerce payment architectures. Given the patent's age and subject matter, its validity could be challenged under 35 U.S.C. § 101 as an abstract idea, a common defense in cases involving business method patents following the Supreme Court's Alice v. CLS Bank decision.

The case (2:26-cv-00307) is proceeding in the Marshall Division of the Eastern District of Texas, a venue that has regained its status as the nation's busiest and most favored forum for patent plaintiffs. The district is known for its experienced patent judges, local rules that favor plaintiffs, and a tendency to move cases toward trial relatively quickly. While a judge has not been formally assigned in the available docket information, cases filed in the Marshall Division are frequently assigned to Judge Rodney Gilstrap, who manages one of the largest patent dockets in the United States. The case is notable as it represents a typical NPE assertion strategy: targeting a fundamental business process of a large, high-revenue operating company with a broad, early-vintage e-commerce patent. No parallel validity challenges at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) have been noted for the '838 patent at this time.

Legal Developments in AML IP LLC v. Marriott International Inc.

As of May 4, 2026, the patent infringement litigation between AML IP LLC and Marriott International Inc. is in its nascent stages, with no significant legal developments beyond the initial filing of the lawsuit. The case was initiated less than a month ago, and the court docket reflects only the preliminary proceedings.

Filing and Initial Pleadings

2026-04-17: AML IP LLC, a Texas-based entity, filed a complaint for patent infringement against Marriott International Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The case is designated as 2:26-cv-00307.

The lawsuit alleges that Marriott's systems for conducting online commercial transactions using electronic tokens infringe upon U.S. Patent No. 7,177,838, titled "Method and apparatus for conducting electronic commerce transactions using electronic tokens." The patent was granted on February 13, 2007, and is held by AML IP, LLC. AML IP LLC is identified as a Non-Practicing Entity (NPE). The complaint seeks a jury trial and relief from the alleged infringement.

As of this date, Marriott International Inc.'s answer to the complaint has not yet been filed on the public docket. Typically, a defendant has 21 days to respond to a complaint after being served, a deadline which may be extended by stipulation or court order.

Ongoing Status and Future Outlook

Given the recent filing date, there have been no substantive motions, claim construction hearings, or discovery milestones. The case is currently considered "Open."

A search of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) records indicates that no Inter Partes Review (IPR) or other post-grant proceedings have been initiated against U.S. Patent No. 7,177,838 at this time. It is common for defendants in patent litigation to file such challenges, which could potentially lead to a stay of the district court case pending the PTAB's review.

Future developments will likely include Marriott's response to the complaint, which could involve an answer, counterclaims, and/or motions to dismiss or transfer the case. Subsequently, the parties will proceed with a scheduling conference to set deadlines for the various stages of litigation, including claim construction, discovery, and trial.

As of May 4, 2026, the counsel of record for plaintiff AML IP LLC is from the law firm Ramey LLP. The case is in its initial stages, and further attorney appearances, including local counsel, may be filed as the litigation progresses.

Plaintiff's Counsel

• Name: William P. Ramey III
  • Role: Lead Counsel
  • Firm: Ramey LLP (Houston, Texas)
  • Note: William "Bill" Ramey is the founding partner of Ramey LLP and a prolific patent litigator who frequently represents patent assertion entities in infringement campaigns across the country.

Information available from the public docket and news sources indicates that William P. Ramey III filed the original complaint in this case. His firm, Ramey LLP, has issued press releases regarding its representation of AML IP LLC in other recent patent infringement lawsuits concerning the same patent, U.S. Patent No. 7,177,838.

Based on currently available docket information, no other attorneys, including local counsel in the Eastern District of Texas, have formally appeared on behalf of the plaintiff. It is common for out-of-district firms to retain local counsel, so additional attorneys may appear on the docket as the case proceeds.

As of May 4, 2026, counsel for the defendant, Marriott International, Inc., has not yet filed a notice of appearance in the case of AML IP LLC v. Marriott International Inc., Case No. 2:26-cv-00307, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

The complaint was filed on April 17, 2026. A review of the publicly available docket shows no entries indicating that an attorney or law firm has formally appeared to represent the defendant. Service of process on the defendant may still be pending, or the defendant may be in the process of retaining counsel who has not yet entered an appearance.

Information on defense counsel will become available on the public docket once they file their first documents, such as a notice of appearance, an answer to the complaint, or a motion to dismiss.