IBM’s British subsidiary has initiated legal proceedings in a Texas federal court to enforce a $24.6 million judgment issued by an English court against Houston-based software entrepreneur John Jay Moores. This action seeks to recover litigation costs awarded after Moores was found to have breached IBM software licenses.
The English High Court’s ruling in March 2025 determined that Moores’ company, LzLabs, unlawfully obtained and utilized IBM’s proprietary mainframe software. The court found that LzLabs’ UK subsidiary, Winsopia, had breached its IBM software license by reverse-engineering IBM’s mainframe technology. Judge Finola O’Farrell stated that Winsopia violated the terms of its IBM software license and that “LzLabs and Mr. Moores unlawfully procured (those) breaches.” ([thestar.com.my](https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2025/03/10/ibm-wins-uk-lawsuit-against-lzlabs-over-alleged-theft-of-mainframe-technology?utm_source=openai))
IBM’s legal action in Texas aims to enforce the English court’s judgment, reflecting the company’s commitment to protecting its intellectual property rights across jurisdictions. The case underscores the complexities involved in cross-border enforcement of legal decisions, particularly in the technology sector where intellectual property is a critical asset.
John Jay Moores, known for founding BMC Software in 1980 and previously owning Major League Baseball’s San Diego Padres, has not publicly commented on the enforcement action. The outcome of IBM’s efforts in the Texas court will be closely watched by legal professionals and corporations, as it may set a precedent for the enforcement of foreign judgments in the United States.
IBM’s stock performance remains a point of interest for investors. As of February 4, 2026, IBM’s stock price stood at $289.05, reflecting a decrease of $5.28 from the previous close. The day’s trading saw a high of $296.10 and a low of $279.13, with an opening price of $287.72 and a volume of 8,703,611 shares. The latest trade was recorded at 10:22 PM UTC.
The legal proceedings in Texas will be monitored for their implications on international contract enforcement and the protection of intellectual property rights in the technology industry.