Court Rules
Judge

Judge Ernest Gonzalez

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Western District of Texas

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Discovery Dispute Summary
500 wds
Discovery Dispute Response
500 wds
Motion To Transfer Brief
15 pgs
Opening Brief
20 pgs
Response Brief
20 pgs
Reply Brief
10 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Brief, Summary Judgment Motion, Daubert Motion

Courtesy copies

  • Email
  • Hand Delivery • Before Hearing

Adjournments

  • The Court may extend the response to the Complaint by up to 45 days if the parties agree; longer extensions are disfavored and require a motion.

Communication

Email

Clerk

Scheduling
Email

Chambers

Scheduling
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingMemorandaPage LimitsDiscoveryExhibitsProposed OrdersSummary JudgmentTypography

Page & Word Limits14 rules

Page LimitsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

For motions to transfer, the Complaint and Response are limited to 15 pages each and the Reply to 5 pages; the Response and Reply deadlines are 14 days after the specified triggering filing or event.

The following page limits and briefing schedule apply to motions to transfer: 1. Complaint – 15 pages 2. Response – 15 pages, due 14 days after the completion of venue or jurisdictional discovery if conducted; otherwise, 14 days after the Complaint 3. Reply – 5 pages, due 14 days after the Response

Complaint

15 pages

Response

15 pages

Reply

5 pages

Patent-Standing-Order-1 0 EG-1 · p. 5
|SecVI. MOTIONS FOR TRANSFER
Page LimitsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Page limits apply collectively in coordinated and consolidated cases.

The page limits apply collectively for coordinated and consolidated cases;

Patent-Standing-Order-1 0 EG-1 · p. 6
|SecIX. CLAIM CONSTRUCTION
Page LimitsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Reply briefs are subject to local-rule page limits and may not cumulatively exceed 20 pages per side for all MSJs, 20 pages per side for all Daubert motions, or 10 pages for all MILs.

Reply brief page limits shall be governed by the local rules, but in no event shall the cumulative pages of Reply briefs exceed 20 pages per side for all MSJs, 20 pages per side for all Daubert motions, and 10 pages for all MILs.

Reply Brief

20 pages

Reply Brief

20 pages

Reply Brief

10 pages

Page LimitsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The 10-page limit for case-management motions applies, among other examples, to motions to stay, for continuance, and to amend pleadings, contentions, or scheduling orders.

With respect to calculating page limits for motions not otherwise addressed in this Order, at least the following are examples of motions the Court considers to be "case management motions" where the 10-page limit applies: Motions to Stay, Motions for Continuance, and Motions to Amend Pleadings, Contentions, or Scheduling Orders.

Case Management Motion

10 pages

Page LimitsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Cumulative responsive-brief pages may not exceed the cumulative pages used in the opening briefs.

The cumulative pages for responsive briefs shall be no more than cumulative pages utilized in the opening briefs.

Responsive Brief

Page LimitsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Responsive MSJs, Daubert motions, and MILs are limited to whichever is greater: the pages used in the opening brief or the local-rule limit.

Each responsive MSJ, Daubert motion, and MIL is limited to the pages utilized in the opening brief or by the local rules, whichever is greater.

Responsive Brief

Page LimitsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

The responding party has three business days⁵ to provide an email response, also not to exceed 500 words for one issue or 1,000 words for multiple issues.

Summary: The responding party must email its response within three business days, limited to 500 words for one issue or 1,000 words for multiple issues.

Single Issue Response

500 words

Multiple Issue Response

1,000 words

Patent-Standing-Order-1 0 EG-1 · p. 4
|SecIV. DISCOVERY DISPUTES
Page LimitsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

The summary of the issue shall not exceed 500 words for one issue or 1,000 words for multiple issues.

Summary: The requesting party’s issue summary is limited to 500 words for one issue or 1,000 words for multiple issues.

Single Issue Summary

500 words

Multiple Issue Summary

1,000 words

Patent-Standing-Order-1 0 EG-1 · p. 4
|SecIV. DISCOVERY DISPUTES
Page LimitsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

| Opening (Defendant) | 20 pages | 30 pages | 30 pages, plus 5 additional pages for each patent over 5 up to a maximum of 45 pages |

Summary: Defendant's opening brief page limit is 20 pages for 1–2 patents, 30 pages for 3–5 patents, and 30 pages plus 5 pages per patent over 5, capped at 45 pages.

Opening Brief

20 pages

30 pages

45 pages

Page LimitsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

| Sur-Reply (Plaintiff) | 10 pages | 15 pages | 15 pages, plus 2 additional pages for each patent over 5 up to a maximum of 21 pages |

Summary: Plaintiff's sur-reply page limit is 10 pages for 1–2 patents, 15 pages for 3–5 patents, and 15 pages plus 2 pages per patent over 5, capped at 21 pages.

Sur Reply

10 pages

15 pages

21 pages

Page LimitsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

| Reply (Defendant) | 10 pages | 15 pages | 15 pages, plus 2 additional pages for each patent over 5 up to a maximum of 21 pages |

Summary: Defendant's reply brief page limit is 10 pages for 1–2 patents, 15 pages for 3–5 patents, and 15 pages plus 2 pages per patent over 5, capped at 21 pages.

Reply Brief

10 pages

15 pages

21 pages

Page LimitsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

| Response (Plaintiff) | 20 pages | 30 pages | 30 pages, plus 5 additional pages for each patent over 5 up to a maximum of 45 pages |

Summary: Plaintiff's response brief page limit is 20 pages for 1–2 patents, 30 pages for 3–5 patents, and 30 pages plus 5 pages per patent over 5, capped at 45 pages.

Response Brief

20 pages

30 pages

45 pages

Page LimitsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

7. The Court does not limit the number of Motions for Summary Judgment (MSJs) or Daubert motions⁶ a party may file. Absent leave of Court, the cumulative page limit for opening briefs for all MSJs is 40 pages per side, for all Daubert motions is 40 pages per ⁶ Including any motion filed after opening expert reports that seeks to strike or preclude any part of an expert report for any reason, including procedural reasons.

Summary: Parties may file any number of MSJs or Daubert motions; absent leave, cumulative opening briefs are limited to 40 pages per side for MSJs and the provided text states a 40-page limit for Daubert motions but ends before specifying its scope.

Case Dispositive Motion

40 pages

Page LimitsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

When exceptional circumstances warrant, the Court will consider reasonable requests to adjust these limits.

Summary: The Court will consider reasonable requests to adjust the Markman page limits when exceptional circumstances warrant.

Patent-Standing-Order-1 0 EG-1 · p. 6
|SecIX. CLAIM CONSTRUCTION

Document Format Requirements5 rules

FormattingCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The parties must send the proposed order in editable form and show disputed language in red and blue text.

Parties shall send an editable version of the proposed order to the Court's law clerks with any disputed language in red and blue text.

Patent-Standing-Order-1 0 EG-1 · p. 4
|SecIV. DISCOVERY DISPUTES
FormattingCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Pleadings, motions, and other submissions must use at least 12-point type, be double-spaced on 8½-by-11-inch paper with one-inch margins, and identify the case style and document name.

A pleading, motion, or other submission shall be typed or printed in 12-point or larger font (including footnotes), double-spaced, on paper sized 8½" x 11" with one-inch margins on all sides and shall be endorsed with the style of the case and the descriptive name of the document.

Typography
Size12 pt
Line SpacingDouble
Layout & Binding
Margins
Top:1"
Left:1"
Right:1"
Bottom:1"
FormattingCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

Technology tutorials are optional; submitted tutorials should be electronic, include voiceovers, and be submitted at least 10 days before the Markman hearing.

Technology tutorials are optional. If the parties submit one, the tutorial should be in electronic ===== PAGE 8 ===== form, with voiceovers, and submitted at least 10 days before the Markman hearing.

Patent-Standing-Order-1 0 EG-1 · p. 8
|SecTechnology Tutorials and Conduct of the Markman Hearing
FormattingCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Note?

The Court encourages the parties to provide their submission in a Word document in the following table format:

Summary: The Court encourages, but does not require, parties to submit their dispute materials in a Word document using the provided table format.

Required Format

DOCX

Patent-Standing-Order-1 0 EG-1 · p. 4
|SecIV. DISCOVERY DISPUTES
FormattingCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Note?

Headings, footnotes, and quotations more than two lines long may be single-spaced.

Summary: Headings, footnotes, and quotations longer than two lines may be single-spaced.

Document Filing Requirements29 rules

Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The parties must meet and confer before jointly filing the CRSR.

Document Type

Case Readiness Status Report

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Patent-Standing-Order-1 0 EG-1 · p. 2
|SecI. NOTICE OF READINESS
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The Defendant's § 101 contention must identify the alleged ineligible concept and conventional elements and produce supporting prior art to the extent it is not duplicative of §§ 102 and 103 contentions.

The § 101 contention shall: (1) identify the alleged abstract idea, law of nature, and/or natural phenomenon in each challenged claim; (2) identify each claim element alleged to be well-understood, routine, and/or conventional; and (3) produce prior art for the contention that claim elements are well-understood, routine, and/or conventional to the extent not duplicative of §§ 102 and 103 prior art contentions.

Document Type

Invalidity Contentions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

If the parties cannot agree on a Scheduling Order, they must submit a joint motion briefly stating their scheduling disagreements.

If the parties cannot agree, the parties shall submit a joint motion for entry of a Scheduling Order briefly setting forth their scheduling disagreement(s).

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Within seven days after a discovery hearing, the parties must email the law clerk a joint proposed order containing the positions, requested relief, and their understanding of the ruling.

Within seven days of a discovery hearing, the parties shall email a Joint Proposed Order to the Court's law clerk including the parties' positions from their dispute chart, the parties' requested relief, and the parties' understanding of the Court's ruling so that the arguments and outcome can be docketed.

Document Type

Joint Proposed Order

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Patent-Standing-Order-1 0 EG-1 · p. 4
|SecIV. DISCOVERY DISPUTES
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Failure to provide a proposed written order for the docket waives the dispute for appeal.

Failure to provide a proposed written order for the docket will result in waiver of the dispute for appeal.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Patent-Standing-Order-1 0 EG-1 · p. 4
|SecIV. DISCOVERY DISPUTES
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Parties must file a notice of venue or jurisdictional discovery when that discovery will delay a response to a transfer or jurisdictional motion.

Parties shall file a notice of venue or jurisdictional discovery if the discovery will delay a response to a transfer or jurisdictional motion.

Document Type

Notice Of Venue Or Jurisdictional Discovery

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Patent-Standing-Order-1 0 EG-1 · p. 5
|SecV. VENUE & JURISDICTIONAL DISCOVERY
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

For jurisdictional discovery, each party is limited to five interrogatories, 10 requests for production, and 10 hours of deposition testimony.

jurisdiction: each party is limited to five interrogatories, 10 Requests for Production, and 10 hours of deposition testimony.

Document Type

Jurisdictional Discovery

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Patent-Standing-Order-1 0 EG-1 · p. 5
|SecV. VENUE & JURISDICTIONAL DISCOVERY
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

An agreement to dismiss under this section must be filed as a Joint Notice, not as a motion.

An agreement to dismiss under this section shall be filed as a Joint Notice rather than a motion.

Document Type

Joint Notice

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Patent-Standing-Order-1 0 EG-1 · p. 6
|SecVII. MEET AND CONFER REQUIREMENT FOR EARLY MOTIONS TO DISMISS INDIRECT AND WILLFUL INFRINGEMENT
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

A motion to dismiss under this section must include a Certification of Compliance with the OGP.

The party moving to dismiss must attach a Certification of Compliance with this OGP to its motion to dismiss.

Document Type

Motion To Dismiss

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Patent-Standing-Order-1 0 EG-1 · p. 6
|SecVII. MEET AND CONFER REQUIREMENT FOR EARLY MOTIONS TO DISMISS INDIRECT AND WILLFUL INFRINGEMENT
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

If a party has no outside attorney, confidential material may be disclosed only to one designated in-house attorney, whose identity and job functions must be disclosed to the producing party five days before disclosure.

If a party is not represented by an outside attorney, disclosure of the confidential document or information is limited to one designated “in-house” attorney, whose identity and job functions must be disclosed to the producing party five days prior to any such disclosure to permit any motion for protective order or other relief regarding such disclosure.

Document Type

Confidentiality Disclosure

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Patent-Standing-Order-1 0 EG-1 · p. 6
|SecVIII. INTERIM PROTECTIVE ORDER
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

After briefing concludes, the parties must file a Joint Claim Construction Statement and email an editable copy to the Court's law clerks.

After briefing concludes, the parties shall file a Joint Claim Construction Statement and email an editable copy to the Court's law clerks.

Document Type

Joint Claim Construction Statement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Each non-dispositive motion must include a proposed Order whose title omits the word “Proposed.”

For all non-dispositive motions, the parties must submit a proposed Order (omitting the word "Proposed" from the title).

Document Type

Non Dispositive Motion

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Motions must pin cite the sections of cases or exhibits on which they rely.

When citing cases or exhibits in a motion, parties must pin cite the sections relied upon.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Amendments adding patent claims require leave of court to allow consideration of scheduling issues.

Any amendment to add patent claims requires leave of court so that the Court can address any scheduling issues.

Document Type

Amendment To Add Patent Claims

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Patent-Standing-Order-1 0 EG-1 · p. 11
|SecXII. APPENDIX A – MODEL SCHEDULE
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

Parties filing a motion to transfer should provide status reports at the specified readiness and pre-Markman milestones.

All parties that file a motion to transfer should provide the Court with a status report indicating whether the motion has been fully briefed at each of the following times: (1) when the motion to transfer becomes ready for resolution; (2) four weeks before the Markman hearing date if the motion to transfer remains unripe for resolution; and (3) if there are multiple Markman hearings, six weeks before the first scheduled Markman hearing.

Document Type

Status Report

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Patent-Standing-Order-1 0 EG-1 · p. 5
|SecVI. MOTIONS FOR TRANSFER
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

Each side may request construction of claim terms up to the presumed limit without further leave of Court.

The “presumed limit” is the maximum number of terms that each side may request the Court to construe without further leave of Court.

Document Type

Claim Construction Request

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Patent-Standing-Order-1 0 EG-1 · p. 6
|SecIX. CLAIM CONSTRUCTION
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

The Joint Claim Construction Statement should identify who proposed each term or whether the proposal was joint, in addition to listing the term and proposed constructions.

When the parties submit their Joint Claim Construction Statement, in addition to the term and the parties’ proposed constructions, the parties should indicate which proposed a term, or if there was a joint proposal.

Document Type

Joint Claim Construction Statement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Patent-Standing-Order-1 0 EG-1 · p. 6
|SecIX. CLAIM CONSTRUCTION
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

Tutorials should generally focus on the underlying technology rather than infringement or validity arguments and be limited to 15 minutes per side.

In general, tutorials should be: (1) directed to the underlying technology (rather than argument related to infringement or validity); and (2) limited to 15 minutes per side.

Document Type

Technology Tutorial

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Patent-Standing-Order-1 0 EG-1 · p. 8
|SecTechnology Tutorials and Conduct of the Markman Hearing
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

Parties may amend preliminary infringement or invalidity contentions without leave if counsel certifies reasonable preparation efforts and the amendment is based on material identified after service.

The parties may amend preliminary infringement contentions and preliminary invalidity contentions without leave of court so long as counsel certifies that it undertook reasonable efforts to prepare its preliminary contentions, and the amendment is based on material identified after those preliminary contentions were served.

Document Type

Amended Preliminary Contentions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Patent-Standing-Order-1 0 EG-1 · p. 11
|SecXII. APPENDIX A – MODEL SCHEDULE
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important

The parties must file a joint notice identifying remaining objections to pretrial disclosures and disputes on motions in limine three business days before the Final Pretrial Conference.

3 business days before Final Pretrial Conference. | File joint notice identifying remaining objections to pretrial disclosures and disputes on motions *in limine*.

Document Type

Joint Notice

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Note

A party may re-plead the allegations with specificity if they are supported by a good-faith basis under Rule 11.

The party will have leave to re-plead those allegations with specificity if supported by a good faith basis under Rule 11.

Document Type

Pleading

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Patent-Standing-Order-1 0 EG-1 · p. 5
|SecVII. MEET AND CONFER REQUIREMENT FOR EARLY MOTIONS TO DISMISS INDIRECT AND WILLFUL INFRINGEMENT
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Note

The Court encourages parties to highlight or annotate relied-upon sections of exhibits or expert reports.

The Court also encourages parties to highlight and/or annotate the relied-upon sections of exhibits or expert reports (e.g., patents, transcripts, contracts) to facilitate the Court's analysis of the motion.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Note

A supporting declaration should identify any highlighted or annotated exhibit.

A supporting declaration should identify if any exhibit is highlighted or annotated.

Document Type

Supporting Declaration

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

5. The Plaintiff must file a notice informing the Court when an IPR is filed, the expected time for an institution decision, and the expected time for a final written decision, within two weeks of the filing of the IPR.

Summary: Within two weeks after an IPR is filed, the Plaintiff must file a notice stating the filing date and expected decision timelines.

Document Type

Ipr Notice

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

For any motion referencing an expert report (e.g., motions to strike, Daubert motions, and summary judgment motions), the Court requires full copies of the expert report attached as an exhibit.

Summary: A motion referencing an expert report must attach a full copy of the report as an exhibit.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Exhibit List
Filing RequirementsProposed or draft document; may not be in force

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

If counsel utilizes generative artificial intelligence to draft or assist in drafting a pleading, counsel must include with the pleading a “Certificate of Generative Artificial Intelligence Usage,” an example of which is appended to this Standing Order as Appendix C. The certificate must disclose the use of generative artificial intelligence and certify that counsel has independently verified the accuracy of any portion of the document drafted or assisted by the tool. Counsel must further certify that the use of generative artificial intelligence has not resulted in the disclosure of confidential or privileged information to an unauthorized party. The Court hereby extends the certification requirements of Section 11(a) to parties appearing before the Court in all cases, including civil cases. An example of such certificate is appended to this Order as Appendix A.

Summary: All parties using generative AI to draft or assist in drafting pleadings must include a Certificate of Generative Artificial Intelligence Usage disclosing AI use, certifying accuracy verification, and certifying no confidential disclosure; applies to civil, criminal, and pro se cases.

Document Type

Certificate

Content & Formatting
Ai Disclosure
EG-Standing-Order-on-AI-1st-draft-6-24-2026 · Jun 2026 · p. 2
|SecSTANDING ORDER CONCERNING THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE PREPARATION OF FILINGS BEFORE U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE ERNEST GONZALEZ
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

The specific relief requested should propose the exact language to be issued in a court order for each part of every disputed issue. The specific relief requested does not count toward the word limit.

Summary: For each disputed issue, the requested relief should propose exact court-order language, and that relief text is excluded from the word limit.

Document Type

Discovery Dispute Summary

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Patent-Standing-Order-1 0 EG-1 · p. 4
|SecIV. DISCOVERY DISPUTES
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

The Court will enforce presumed limits on the number of claim terms to be construed.

Document Type

Claim Construction Statement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Patent-Standing-Order-1 0 EG-1 · p. 6
|SecIX. CLAIM CONSTRUCTION
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Note?

For Markman briefs, the parties should also include a copy of all patents-in-suit and an editable copy of the Joint Claim Construction Statement.

Summary: For Markman briefs, the parties are encouraged to include all patents-in-suit and an editable Joint Claim Construction Statement.

Document Type

Markman Brief

Content & Formatting
Caption

Filing & Service rules

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

The parties must file a motion to enter an agreed Scheduling Order two weeks after the CMC, generally tracking the attached model schedule.

Two weeks after the CMC: the parties shall file a motion to enter an agreed Scheduling Order that generally tracks the model schedule attached as Exhibit A.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | II. GENERAL DEADLINES

The responding party must provide its email response within three business days.

The responding party has three business days⁵ to provide an email response, also not to exceed 500 words for one issue or 1,000 words for multiple issues.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 4 | IV. DISCOVERY DISPUTES

The Reply to a motion to transfer is due 14 days after the Response.

3. Reply – 5 pages, due 14 days after the Response

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 5 | VI. MOTIONS FOR TRANSFER

The Defendant’s reply is due two weeks after the response is filed.

The deadline for the Defendant's Reply is two weeks after the filing of the response.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 5 | VI. MOTIONS FOR TRANSFER

When a Markman hearing is postponed under the OGP, fact discovery begins one day after the hearing’s originally scheduled date.

Whenever a Markman hearing is postponed pursuant to this OGP, fact discovery will begin one day after the originally scheduled Markman hearing date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 5 | VI. MOTIONS FOR TRANSFER

A motion to transfer must be filed by the later of three weeks after the CMC or eight weeks after receiving or waiving service of the Complaint.

Any motion to transfer must be filed within three weeks after the CMC or within eight weeks of receiving or waiving service of the Complaint, whichever is later.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 5 | VI. MOTIONS FOR TRANSFER

The Plaintiff must update AO 120 with relevant case changes within 10 days of any new changes.

4. Within 10 days of any new changes relevant to AO 120 (Report on the Filing or Determination of an Action Regarding a Patent or Trademark), the Plaintiff must update the form with any new changes to the case, such as amended complaints or new claims.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 8 | X. GENERAL ISSUES

Within three business days after the sur-reply is submitted, parties must submit the Joint Claim Construction Statement and email an editable copy to the law clerks.

3 business days after submission of sur-reply | Parties submit Joint Claim Construction Statement and email the law clerks an editable copy.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 12 | XII. APPENDIX A – MODEL SCHEDULE

From the specified date, parties must file notice of changes to asserted patents or claims within seven days, including a complete listing; when leave is required, the seven-day period begins when leave is granted.

From this date onwards, the parties are obligated to notify the Court of any changes to the asserted patents or claims. Such notification shall be filed on the docket within seven days of the change and shall include a complete listing of all asserted patents and claims. If a change to the asserted patents or claims requires leave of court, notification shall not be required until the Court grants leave, at which point the notification must be filed within seven days.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 14

The parties must jointly file the CRSR within seven days after the applicable defendant or defendant group responds to the initial pleadings.

(a) within seven days after the Defendant (or at least one Defendant among a group of related Defendants sued together) responds to the initial pleadings in cases where there are no CRSR Related Cases; or (b) when there are CRSR Related Cases, within seven days after the last Defendant (or last Defendant group when at least one Defendant among the group has responded) among the CRSR Related Cases responds to the initial pleadings.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 1 | I. NOTICE OF READINESS

The joint proposed order must be emailed to the Court’s law clerk within seven days after the discovery hearing.

Within seven days of a discovery hearing, the parties shall email a Joint Proposed Order to the Court's law clerk including the parties' positions from their dispute chart, the parties' requested relief, and the parties' understanding of the Court's ruling so that the arguments and outcome can be docketed.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 4 | IV. DISCOVERY DISPUTES

After the filing deadline, a movant must show good cause for delay and seek leave of court.

Thereafter, a movant must show good cause for any delay and seek leave of court.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 5 | VI. MOTIONS FOR TRANSFER

The Plaintiff’s response to a motion to transfer is due two weeks after venue or jurisdictional discovery is completed.

The deadline for the Plaintiff's Response is two weeks after the completion of venue or jurisdictional discovery.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 5 | VI. MOTIONS FOR TRANSFER

Venue or jurisdictional discovery opens automatically when an initial venue or jurisdictional motion is filed and must be completed within 10 weeks of filing.

Venue or jurisdictional discovery automatically opens upon the filing of an initial venue or jurisdictional motion and shall be completed no later than 10 weeks after the filing of such motions.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 5 | V. VENUE & JURISDICTIONAL DISCOVERY

The Response to a motion to transfer is due 14 days after venue or jurisdictional discovery is completed, if conducted, or otherwise 14 days after the Complaint.

2. Response – 15 pages, due 14 days after the completion of venue or jurisdictional discovery if conducted; otherwise, 14 days after the Complaint

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 5 | VI. MOTIONS FOR TRANSFER

Responses to venue or jurisdictional discovery requests are due within 20 days.

The time to respond to such discovery requests is reduced to 20 days.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 5 | V. VENUE & JURISDICTIONAL DISCOVERY

The patent owner may re-plead the allegations within three months after fact discovery opens, and fact discovery on those allegations is permitted during that period.

Under this agreement, the patent owner may re-plead those ===== PAGE 6 ===== allegations within three months after fact discovery opens, and the parties agree to permit fact discovery on indirect and willful infringement during those three months.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 6 | VII. MEET AND CONFER REQUIREMENT FOR EARLY MOTIONS TO DISMISS INDIRECT AND WILLFUL INFRINGEMENT

The parties must file a Joint Report about the meet-and-confer results within five business days.

The parties shall file a Joint Report within five business days regarding the results of the meet and confer.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 14

If the parties do not agree, the Plaintiff is responsible for timely submitting the Scheduling Order motion and other joint filings.

Absent agreement of the parties, the Plaintiff shall be responsible for the timely submission of this and other joint filings.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 2 | II. GENERAL DEADLINES

If a motion to transfer remains pending, the Court will resolve it before the Markman hearing or postpone the hearing.

If a motion to transfer remains pending, the Court will either promptly resolve the pending motion before the Markman hearing or postpone the hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 5 | VI. MOTIONS FOR TRANSFER

Parties should amend preliminary contentions seasonably after identifying new material.

The parties should do so seasonably upon identifying any such material.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 11 | XII. APPENDIX A – MODEL SCHEDULE

Service and Proof of Service Rules

Seven weeks after the CMC, the Defendant must serve preliminary invalidity contentions containing the specified prior-art chart and identifications.

Seven weeks after the CMC: the Defendant shall serve preliminary invalidity contentions in the form of: (1) a chart setting forth where in the prior art references each element of the asserted claim(s) are found; (2) an identification of any limitations the Defendant contends are indefinite or lack written description under § 112; and (3) an identification of any claims the Defendant contends are directed to ineligible subject matter under § 101.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | II. GENERAL DEADLINES

No later than seven days before the CMC, the plaintiff must serve a Preliminary Infringement Contentions chart and identify and produce the specified claim-related information and documents.

Not later than seven days before the CMC: the Plaintiff shall serve a Preliminary Infringement Contentions chart setting forth where, in the accused product(s), each element of the asserted claim(s) is found. The plaintiff must identify the priority date (i.e., the earliest date of invention) for each asserted claim and produce: (1) all documents evidencing conception and reduction to practice for each claimed invention; and (2) a copy of the file history for each patent in suit.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | II. GENERAL DEADLINES

Courtesy Copy Requirements

If a technical advisor is appointed, each party must deliver the referenced materials to the advisor on a USB drive 10 days before the hearing.

If the Court appoints a technical advisor, each party shall deliver the same to the technical advisor on a USB drive 10 days before the hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 9

Unless the parties agree otherwise, the Plaintiff must provide the electronic copies via Box.

Absent agreement to the contrary, the Plaintiff shall be responsible for providing the electronic copies via Box.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 9

Physical copies of Markman briefs, summary judgment motions, and Daubert motions are no longer required.

The Court no longer requires physical copies of Markman briefs, summary judgment motions, and Daubert motions.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 9

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Before seeking dismissal of indirect or willful infringement claims before fact discovery, a party must meet and confer about dismissing the allegations without prejudice.

Any party seeking to dismiss claims of indirect or willful infringement before fact discovery must first meet and confer with the opposing party to discuss dismissing those allegations without prejudice.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 5 | VII. MEET AND CONFER REQUIREMENT FOR EARLY MOTIONS TO DISMISS INDIRECT AND WILLFUL INFRINGEMENT

Markman briefing must be non-simultaneous and is subject to the stated default page limits.

The Court will require non-simultaneous *Markman* briefings with the following default page limits.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 6 | IX. CLAIM CONSTRUCTION

If the Court grants leave to construe additional terms, it may split the Markman hearing into multiple hearings depending on the terms’ complexity and number.

If leave is granted for additional terms to be construed, depending on the complexity and number of terms, the *Markman* hearing may be split into multiple hearings.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 6 | IX. CLAIM CONSTRUCTION

Before filing a motion to compel discovery, lead counsel must meet and confer in good faith and the party must contact the Court’s law clerks to summarize the dispute and the parties’ positions.

A party may not file a Motion to Compel Discovery unless: (1) lead counsel with decision-making authority has met and conferred in good faith to resolve the dispute; and (2) the party has contacted the Court's law clerks to summarize the dispute and the parties' respective positions.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 3 | IV. DISCOVERY DISPUTES

A party seeking expanded discovery limits must meet and confer; if the parties reach an impasse, the requesting party contacts the Court’s law clerks for a telephonic hearing.

If a party believes these limits should be expanded, the party shall meet and confer with opposing counsel and, if there is an impasse, the requesting party will contact the Court's law clerks for a telephonic hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 5 | V. VENUE & JURISDICTIONAL DISCOVERY

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

After a trial date is set, the Court will move it only in extreme situations; parties who believe a continuance is warranted should contact the Court's law clerks.

6. After the trial date is set, the Court will not move the trial date except in extreme situations. If a party believes that the circumstances warrant a continuance, the parties should contact the Court's law clerks.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 8 | X. GENERAL ISSUES

The Court may extend the response to the Complaint by up to 45 days if the parties agree; longer extensions are disfavored and require a motion.

2. The Court may extend the response to the Complaint up to 45 days if agreed by the parties. Extensions beyond 45 days from the filing the original Answer are disfavored and require a motion.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 8 | X. GENERAL ISSUES

Chambers Communication Rules

After receiving the response, the requesting party must email the issue summaries to the Court’s law clerks and copy opposing counsel.

Once the opposing party provides a response, the requesting party shall email the summaries of the issues to the Court's law clerks with opposing counsel copied.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 4 | IV. DISCOVERY DISPUTES

A party intending to present confidential information at a remote hearing must email the law clerks to request a private virtual setup.

Any party who intends to present confidential information in a remote hearing must email and notify the Court's law clerks to request a private, virtual setup.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 9

When filing any of the specified documents, the parties must email a Word version to the Court's law clerks.

When filing the Joint Claim Construction Statement, proposed Protective Order, or proposed Scheduling Order, the parties must email the Court's law clerks a Word version.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 9

At least 10 days before the hearing, the parties must jointly contact the law clerks for a Box link to provide electronic copies of the briefs and exhibits; the technology tutorial is optional.

Instead, the parties shall jointly contact the Court's law clerks, at least 10 days before the hearing, for a Box link to provide an electronic copy of the briefs,⁷ exhibits, and the optional technology tutorial.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 9

Within three business days after the sur-reply is submitted, parties must email an editable copy of the Joint Claim Construction Statement to the law clerks.

3 business days after submission of sur-reply | Parties submit Joint Claim Construction Statement and email the law clerks an editable copy.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 12 | XII. APPENDIX A – MODEL SCHEDULE

Parties must email the law clerks to confirm the Markman date and report any venue or jurisdictional motions that remain unripe.

Parties email the law clerks (see OGP at 1) to confirm their Markman date and to notify if any venue or jurisdictional motions remain unripe for resolution.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 12 | XII. APPENDIX A – MODEL SCHEDULE

Parties must jointly email the Court’s law clerks eight weeks before trial to confirm the pretrial conference and trial dates.

8 weeks before trial | Parties to jointly email the Court's law clerks (*See* OGP at 1) to confirm their pretrial conference and trial dates.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 15

Parties should generally email inquiries to the Court's law clerks.

Parties should generally email any inquiries to the Court's law clerks, noted below:

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1

When filing a Scheduling Order, the parties must jointly send an editable copy to the Court's law clerks.

When filing any Scheduling Order, the parties shall also jointly send an editable copy to the Court's law clerks.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 2 | II. GENERAL DEADLINES

If pre-Markman issues require resolution, the parties must email the Court a joint statement of their positions after filing the CRSR.

If the parties have any pre-Markman issues requiring resolution, the parties must email the Court a joint submission of the parties' positions after filing the CRSR so that the Court may consider whether to hold a hearing to resolve the issues.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 2 | I. NOTICE OF READINESS

If a motion to transfer remains undecided one week before the Markman hearing, the moving party must email the Court’s law clerks and, if appointed, the technical advisor to report that it is pending.

If by one week before the Markman hearing the Court has not ruled on any pending motion to transfer, the moving party is directed to email the Court's law clerks (and the technical advisor, when appointed), and indicate that the motion to transfer is pending.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 5 | VI. MOTIONS FOR TRANSFER

Parties must promptly notify the Court of a settlement and request a stay of any deadlines.

Parties will promptly notify the Court if they reach a settlement and request to stay any deadlines.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 9

About United States District Judge Ernest Gonzalez

**U.S. District Judge Ernest Gonzalez** was appointed to the Western District of Texas by President Joseph R. Biden in 2024. Before his federal appointment, Judge Gonzalez served as a Senior Attorney Advisor in the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section of the Criminal Division at the U.S. Department of Justice (2023–2024), as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Texas (2004–2023), and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Texas (2000–2004). He began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Bexar County (1994–2000). Judge Gonzalez is fluent in English and Spanish. **Education** - Thurgood Marshall School of Law, J.D., 1993 - University of Texas at San Antonio, B.B.A. with Concentration in Accounting, 1987 **Career** - U.S. District Judge, Western District of Texas (2024–present) - Senior Attorney Advisor, Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, DOJ Criminal Division (2023–2024) - Assistant U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Texas (2004–2023) - Assistant U.S. Attorney, Western District of Texas (2000–2004) - Assistant District Attorney, Bexar County (1994–2000)

**Courthouse:** 111 East Broadway, Del Rio, TX 78840 **Chambers Staff** - Courtroom Deputy: Ms. Jessica Patino, (830) 308-6410 - Court Reporter: Ms. Ziyacdah Atkinson Coleman, (830) 308-6431 - Judicial Assistant: Ms. Janie Ward, (830) 308-6465

Common questions about Judge Ernest Gonzalez's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Ernest Gonzalez?

Details: delivery before hearing, by hand delivery. If a technical advisor is appointed, each party must deliver the referenced materials to the advisor on a USB drive 10 days before the hearing.

View ruleSource: page 9

Does Judge Ernest Gonzalez require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Ernest Gonzalez's rules set a pre-motion procedure for discovery. Before filing a motion to compel discovery, lead counsel must meet and confer in good faith and the party must contact the Court’s law clerks to summarize the dispute and the parties’ positions.

View ruleSource: page 3, section IV. DISCOVERY DISPUTES

What page or word limits apply to discovery dispute summary before Judge Ernest Gonzalez?

Judge Ernest Gonzalez's rule states these limits: 500 words; 1000 words. The requesting party’s issue summary is limited to 500 words for one issue or 1,000 words for multiple issues.

View ruleSource: page 4, section IV. DISCOVERY DISPUTES

What page or word limits apply to discovery dispute response before Judge Ernest Gonzalez?

Judge Ernest Gonzalez's rule states these limits: 500 words; 1000 words. The responding party must email its response within three business days, limited to 500 words for one issue or 1,000 words for multiple issues.

View ruleSource: page 4, section IV. DISCOVERY DISPUTES

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Ernest Gonzalez?

Judge Ernest Gonzalez's formatting rule includes 12 point type, double spacing, letter paper, margins top 1 inches, bottom 1 inches, left 1 inches, right 1 inches, typed or printed; font size must be 12-point or larger, including footnotes., and endorse with the style of the case and the descriptive name of the document.. Pleadings, motions, and other submissions must use at least 12-point type, be double-spaced on 8½-by-11-inch paper with one-inch margins, and identify the case style and document name.

View ruleSource: page 9

What must be included with proposed order filings before Judge Ernest Gonzalez?

The rule requires proposed order. Failure to provide a proposed written order for the docket waives the dispute for appeal.

View ruleSource: page 4, section IV. DISCOVERY DISPUTES

What must be included with case readiness status report filings before Judge Ernest Gonzalez?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. The parties must meet and confer before jointly filing the CRSR.

View ruleSource: page 2, section I. NOTICE OF READINESS

How may parties contact Judge Ernest Gonzalez's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Ernest Gonzalez's clerk. When filing any of the specified documents, the parties must email a Word version to the Court's law clerks.

View ruleSource: page 9

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Ernest Gonzalez?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. The Court may extend the response to the Complaint by up to 45 days if the parties agree; longer extensions are disfavored and require a motion.

View ruleSource: page 8, section X. GENERAL ISSUES

What filing deadlines does Judge Ernest Gonzalez set?

The responding party must provide its email response within three business days.

View ruleSource: page 4, section IV. DISCOVERY DISPUTES

What service or proof of service rules apply before Judge Ernest Gonzalez?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. No later than seven days before the CMC, the plaintiff must serve a Preliminary Infringement Contentions chart and identify and produce the specified claim-related information and documents.

View ruleSource: page 2, section II. GENERAL DEADLINES
Complete rules summary for Judge Ernest Gonzalez

If the parties do not agree, the Plaintiff is responsible for timely submitting the Scheduling Order motion and other joint filings.

When filing any of the specified documents, the parties must email a Word version to the Court's law clerks.

Failure to provide a proposed written order for the docket waives the dispute for appeal.

The parties must jointly file the CRSR within seven days after the applicable defendant or defendant group responds to the initial pleadings.

The parties must meet and confer before jointly filing the CRSR.

If pre-Markman issues require resolution, the parties must email the Court a joint statement of their positions after filing the CRSR.

Parties should generally email inquiries to the Court's law clerks.

No later than seven days before the CMC, the plaintiff must serve a Preliminary Infringement Contentions chart and identify and produce the specified claim-related information and documents.

The parties must file a motion to enter an agreed Scheduling Order two weeks after the CMC, generally tracking the attached model schedule.

If the parties cannot agree on a Scheduling Order, they must submit a joint motion briefly stating their scheduling disagreements.

When filing a Scheduling Order, the parties must jointly send an editable copy to the Court's law clerks.

Seven weeks after the CMC, the Defendant must serve preliminary invalidity contentions containing the specified prior-art chart and identifications.

The Defendant's § 101 contention must identify the alleged ineligible concept and conventional elements and produce supporting prior art to the extent it is not duplicative of §§ 102 and 103 contentions.

Before filing a motion to compel discovery, lead counsel must meet and confer in good faith and the party must contact the Court’s law clerks to summarize the dispute and the parties’ positions.

The requesting party’s issue summary is limited to 500 words for one issue or 1,000 words for multiple issues.

The responding party must email its response within three business days, limited to 500 words for one issue or 1,000 words for multiple issues.

For Markman briefs, the parties are encouraged to include all patents-in-suit and an editable Joint Claim Construction Statement.

The responding party must provide its email response within three business days.

For each disputed issue, the requested relief should propose exact court-order language, and that relief text is excluded from the word limit.

The Court encourages, but does not require, parties to submit their dispute materials in a Word document using the provided table format.

After receiving the response, the requesting party must email the issue summaries to the Court’s law clerks and copy opposing counsel.

Within seven days after a discovery hearing, the parties must email the law clerk a joint proposed order containing the positions, requested relief, and their understanding of the ruling.

The joint proposed order must be emailed to the Court’s law clerk within seven days after the discovery hearing.

The parties must send the proposed order in editable form and show disputed language in red and blue text.

For jurisdictional discovery, each party is limited to five interrogatories, 10 requests for production, and 10 hours of deposition testimony.

Responses to venue or jurisdictional discovery requests are due within 20 days.

A party seeking expanded discovery limits must meet and confer; if the parties reach an impasse, the requesting party contacts the Court’s law clerks for a telephonic hearing.

Venue or jurisdictional discovery opens automatically when an initial venue or jurisdictional motion is filed and must be completed within 10 weeks of filing.

Parties must file a notice of venue or jurisdictional discovery when that discovery will delay a response to a transfer or jurisdictional motion.

A motion to transfer must be filed by the later of three weeks after the CMC or eight weeks after receiving or waiving service of the Complaint.

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