Cedarwood Ventures, Inc. v. Google LLC

Case Overview and Background

Parties and Accused Technology

In a lawsuit filed on May 6, 2026, Cedarwood Ventures, Inc. has sued Google LLC, alleging that the Android Auto feature on Google Pixel phones infringes on three of its patents. The plaintiff, Cedarwood Ventures, Inc., appears to be a non-practicing entity (NPE), a company that holds patents but does not manufacture or sell products based on them; its primary activity seems to be patent licensing and enforcement. This assertion is supported by its recent litigation campaign, which includes a similar lawsuit filed against Apple in April 2026 over the same patents, and another against Verizon Wireless filed concurrently with the Google suit. The defendant, Google LLC, is a multinational technology giant, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., known for its search engine, online advertising technologies, cloud computing, and consumer electronics, including the Pixel smartphone line. The accused technology, Android Auto, is a Google platform that allows a smartphone to mirror a simplified user interface on a car's infotainment screen, providing access to navigation, music, and messaging apps while driving.

Asserted Patents and Procedural Posture

The three patents-in-suit—U.S. Patent Nos. 11,516,643; 9,979,826; and 10,841,248—generally relate to technology for automatically replying to text messages when a user is driving. The case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas (W.D. Tex.), a venue that has been a focal point for patent litigation in the United States. For several years, Judge Alan Albright, based in the Waco division, attracted a significant percentage of all U.S. patent cases due to his patent-specific rules and reluctance to transfer cases. However, a 2022 standing order now mandates the random assignment of patent cases filed in Waco among a dozen judges in the district, a change intended to curb the concentration of cases before a single judge. While the judge for this specific case is not yet publicly confirmed, the choice of this district remains significant due to its experienced judiciary in patent matters and its history as a preferred venue for patent plaintiffs.

Notability and Context

This case is notable as part of a broader assertion campaign by an NPE targeting major technology companies that offer "driving mode" or "auto-reply" functionalities. The sequential filing against Apple, and then Google and Verizon simultaneously, suggests a coordinated strategy to license this patent portfolio across the mobile and automotive technology sectors. The litigation lands in the Western District of Texas at a time of transition; Judge Albright recently announced he will be stepping down in August 2026, and the effects of the random case assignment order are still reshaping the district's dynamics. The outcome of this case, and any parallel validity challenges at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) that Google will likely file, will be watched closely as it could impact the features offered in widely used products that integrate smartphone and vehicle technology.

Key Legal Developments and Outcome

As of May 8, 2026, the patent infringement litigation Cedarwood Ventures, Inc. v. Google LLC is in its nascent stages, having been filed only two days prior. Consequently, there have been no significant legal developments beyond the initial complaint.

Filing & Initial Pleadings

• 2026-05-06: Complaint Filed. Cedarwood Ventures, Inc. ("Cedarwood") filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Google LLC ("Google") in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, docketed as Case No. 1:26-cv-01202. The complaint alleges that the Android Auto feature, as used on Google Pixel phones, infringes on three patents: U.S. Patent Nos. 11,516,643, 9,979,826, and 10,841,248. The technology covered by the patents relates to systems for automatically replying to text messages when a user is driving.
• Answer/Responsive Pleadings: Google has not yet filed an answer or any counterclaims. A response is not yet due.

Pre-trial Motions, Claim Construction, and Discovery

• Given the recent filing date, no substantive pre-trial motions have been filed. There have been no motions to dismiss, transfer, or stay the case.
• The case has not progressed to claim construction (Markman hearing), discovery, or trial.

Trial, Verdict, and Post-Trial Motions

• The case is not scheduled for trial.

Settlement, Dismissal, or Judgment

• The case remains active and pending. There has been no settlement, dismissal, or final judgment.

Parallel PTAB Proceedings

• A search of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) dockets shows no inter partes review (IPR) or post-grant review (PGR) petitions have been filed against the asserted patents as of May 8, 2026. Defendants in patent litigation often file IPR petitions as a defensive measure, but this typically occurs several months into a case.

Context and Related Litigation

Cedarwood's lawsuit against Google appears to be part of a broader litigation campaign. The company filed a similar lawsuit against Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless (Case No. 1:26-cv-01204) in the same court on the same day, asserting the same three patents against Verizon's "Driving Mode Auto-Reply" feature. Additionally, Cedarwood filed a suit against Apple Inc. (Case No. 7:2026cv00152) in the Western District of Texas in April 2026, also asserting infringement of the same patents. This series of lawsuits indicates an ongoing effort by Cedarwood to enforce this patent portfolio against major technology and telecommunications companies.

As the patent infringement lawsuit Cedarwood Ventures, Inc. v. Google LLC is in its initial stages, having been filed on May 6, 2026, formal appearances for all counsel may not have been entered on the public docket. However, based on the filing information available, the following attorney has been identified representing the plaintiff, Cedarwood Ventures, Inc.

Based on the initial complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, the following counsel has been identified for the plaintiff:

Nicholas E. Najera

• Role: Likely serving as local counsel.
• Firm: Ni, Wang & Massand, PLLC, located in Dallas, Texas.
• Note on Experience: Mr. Najera's practice focuses on patent litigation and prosecution; he previously served as an extern in the Western District of Texas, Waco Division, the court in which this case is filed.

It is common practice in significant patent litigation for a team of attorneys from multiple specialized firms to represent the plaintiff. While the initial filing was made by Mr. Najera, additional lead and co-counsel are expected to formally appear as the case progresses. At present, no other attorneys for Cedarwood Ventures, Inc. have been officially recorded on the public docket. Further details will be added as notices of appearance are filed. Information regarding other potential firms known for handling similar patent cases, such as Buether Joe & Counselors, Ward, Smith & Hill, or Lex Lumina, has been reviewed, but no direct connection to this specific case has been publicly documented at this time.

Counsel for Defendant Google LLC Not Yet on Record

As of May 8, 2026, counsel for defendant Google LLC has not yet filed a notice of appearance in this case. The lawsuit was filed on May 6, 2026, and typically a defendant is allowed at least 21 days to respond to a complaint, which would include an appearance by their legal counsel.

Given Google's history in patent litigation, particularly in the Western District of Texas, the company is expected to retain experienced counsel. While the specific attorneys for this case are not yet known, law firms that have recently represented Google in similar patent infringement cases include:

• Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP: This firm is frequently used by Google for major patent litigation. For instance, partners Kevin Hardy and Sean Pak represented Google in a patent dispute with Proxense in the Western District of Texas, which settled in early 2025.
• Jones Day: This firm has also secured significant wins for Google in the Western District of Texas. In a case brought by WSOU Investments, Jones Day achieved a trial victory for Google, which was later affirmed by the Federal Circuit in 2026.

In-house counsel at Google who oversee patent litigation include:

• Mike Lee: Director, Head of Patents at Google LLC. He manages a global team responsible for all of Google's patent matters.
• Laura Sheridan: Head of Patent Policy at Google. She has extensive experience in patent litigation from her time in private practice.

This report will be updated once Google's counsel files a notice of appearance on the public docket.