SGB – Lead and Local Counsel for Patent Cases in the Western District of Texas (Austin and Waco)

Slayden Grubert Beard is a trusted partner of clients and law firms involved in patent infringement cases in our home forum, the Waco and Austin Divisions of the Western District of Texas.  We are experienced lead and local counsel, and we welcome the opportunity to help you navigate the unique procedures and personalities of our district.

February 5, 2024 Update: Judge Albright’s move to the Austin Division begins, and is confirmed by orders entered today in certain JDII cases.  According to the Order dated February 3, 2025, the reassignment of the JDII docket will be: Judge Pitman 40%, Judge Albright 40%, Judge Ezra 20%.

Below are links to standing orders and local procedures we’ve found helpful in the initial stages of litigation in the Waco and Austin Divisions.  We look forward to working with you the next time you find yourselves in the Western District of Texas.   

Local Rules for the Western District of Texas

• Local Court Rules for the Western District of Texas

Order RE: Assignment of Patent Cases filed in Waco: All patent cases filed in the Waco Division will go on the “wheel” to be reassigned randomly to twelve (12) participating WDTX judges. See Order.

Judge Albright’s Order Governing Proceedings for Patent Cases (OGP Version 3.5) (includes default infringement/invalidity contention deadlines, interim protective order, default discovery limits, and claim construction procedures)

• OGP Version 4.4 (January 23, 2024)

Judge Albright’s Orders Related to Venue and Jurisdiction

• Second Amended Standing Order Regarding Motions For Inter-District Transfer (August 18, 2021) (motions to transfer should be filed at least 8 weeks prior to the scheduled Markman hearing or, alternatively, require a showing of good cause and leave of court)
• Amended Standing Order Regarding Venue and Jurisdictional Discovery Limits for Patent Cases (June 8, 2021)

Pro Hac Vice and ECF Registration Forms

• Pro Hac Vice Motion for all Divisions Except Austin

• Austin Division Pro Hac Vice Motion and Order

• E-Filing and E-Noticing Registration Form

Judge Albright’s Notice of Readiness (Waco)

• Standing Order Regarding Notice of Readiness for Patent Cases (March 7, 2022)

Judge Albright’s Standing Order for Discovery Hearings in Patent Cases

• Standing Order for Discovery Hearings in Patent Cases (June 17, 2021)

Judge Albright’s Form Scheduling Order (Waco)

• Scheduling Order

Judge Albright’s Form Protective Order for Patent Cases

• Default Protective Order

Judge Albright’s Microsoft Excel Scheduling Date Calculator Tool (Waco)

• Scheduling Date Calculator Tool

Judge Albright’s Patent Case FAQs (Waco) (includes telephonic hearing procedures for discovery disputes)

• Judge Albright Patent FAQs