A patent licensing company and its owner have urged a Florida federal judge to reject a motion by a Baker Botts LLP attorney seeking to narrow their defamation lawsuit, arguing that the request is premature as discovery has not been completed.
The dispute centers on allegations that the Baker Botts attorney made defamatory statements about the patent executive in news articles related to infringement litigation over a patent for a mobile restaurant ordering app with personalized suggestions. The attorney contends that some of the claims are time-barred and lack factual basis, while the patent executive maintains that the statements were false and damaging.
In March 2025, the patent executive sought a summary judgment in his favor, asserting that the attorney’s comments were defamatory. However, in April 2025, the court determined that it was too early to rule on the matter, citing unresolved material facts.
The attorney has consistently denied the defamation claims, arguing that her statements were truthful and made in the context of ongoing litigation. She has also filed a counterclaim alleging abuse of process by the patent executive.
The case continues to unfold as both parties await further court proceedings to address the outstanding issues.