Ratification of Subsidiary’s In-District Facility Qualifies as Regular and Established Place of Business

The court denied a defendant's motion to dismiss plaintiffs' patent infringement action for improper venue because defendant had a regular and established place of business in the district by ratifying its subsidiary's manufacturing and research facility as its own place of business. "⁠[Defendant's] own corporate announcement and reports from San Antonio media reflect that [defendant] announced its move to San Antonio . . . more than 8 years ago. The court concludes that an 8-year presence reflects a regular and established place of business. . . . [W]hatever the lease arrangements are, the court concludes that [defendant] has ratified the San Antonio facility as its place of business. Also, [defendant] represents that it has a place of business in the district, as it lists the San Antonio facility as a place of business on its website, in the telephone and other web-based directories, and has placed its name on a large sign on the exterior of building."

Board of Regents, The University of Texas System et al v. Medtronic, Inc. et al, 1-17-cv-00942 (TXWD May 17, 2018, Order) (Yeakel, USDJ)