News Summary

The Texas Business Court is set to expand its jurisdiction to include intellectual property matters, following the passage of House Bill 40. This change allows the court to handle a variety of IP disputes that were previously assigned to other courts, marking a significant shift in Texas’s legal landscape. The new provisions will take effect on September 1, providing businesses with a more efficient venue to resolve conflicts related to ownership, licensing, and trade secrets. Texas aims to enhance its role as a leader in business litigation, ensuring accessible solutions for companies involved in intellectual property cases.

Exciting Changes Coming to Texas Business Court!

Have you heard the buzz about the Texas Business Court? It seems like big things are happening in the Lone Star State, especially for anyone tangled up in intellectual property disputes. That’s right! The Texas Legislature held its biennial session in 2025, and one of the highlights was the passage of House Bill 40 (HB 40), which expands the jurisdiction of the Texas Business Court to cover a whole new area: intellectual property matters.

What’s the Scoop on HB 40?

First things first: why does this matter? Well, before HB 40, the Business Court primarily focused on high-value business and commercial litigation. But now, Texas is stepping up its game. With this new amendment, the court can handle a variety of intellectual property disputes that were previously left to other courts.

The change means that the Business Court can now look at cases related to the ownership, use, licensing, lease, installation, or performance of intellectual property. It’s all about making things more efficient and ensuring that expert decisions are made when tackling complex business disputes.

What Does This Mean for Businesses?

Now, if you find yourself in a spat over IP ownership, wrestling with licensing issues, or dealing with accusations of trade secret misappropriation, you might want to consider the Texas Business Court as a potential venue for your case. Sure, you still have the option to file these matters in other courts, but the Business Court is quickly becoming a go-to place for IP-related cases.

It’s worth noting that specific cases, like patent infringement lawsuits, will still remain in the arms of federal courts, which maintain authority over issues related to patent validity and infringement. But don’t fret! The expanded jurisdiction of the Business Court includes a robust range of contract disputes that could pop up in fields like software, data security, and biotechnology.

Mark Your Calendars

Wondering when all this goes into action? Mark September 1, 2025, on your calendars! That’s when the provisions of HB 40 officially take effect. Thanks to good ol’ Governor Greg Abbott’s signature on June 20, 2025, Texas is ramping up efforts to become a prominent forum for business and intellectual property litigation.

Texas Leads the Charge

These legislative changes aren’t just about legal jargon; they’re about solidifying Texas’s place as a leader in handling complex issues that arise in today’s fast-paced business world. As more companies and innovators flock to the state, it’s crucial that they have accessible avenues for resolving their intellectual property disputes. With HB 40, the Texas Business Court is ready to rise to the occasion!

In a world where ideas can make or break a business, the ability to resolve conflicts quickly and efficiently is essential. So whether you’re a startup looking to protect your latest breakthrough or an established firm safeguarding your intellectual assets, the Texas Business Court has got your back now more than ever.

What’s Next?

As the September 2025 start date approaches, it will be interesting to see how businesses adapt to these changes and take advantage of this new venue for litigating intellectual property matters. This is a thrilling time for Texas and its business community, and we can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!

Texas Business Court Expands Jurisdiction