Nissan Dodges Car-Fuel Patent Case Due to Improper Texas Venue

Nissan North American Inc. escaped an infringement suit, for now, over two fuel-injection valve patents after a Texas judge ruled that the carmaker’s ties to dealerships in the region weren’t enough to justify Westport Fuel Systems Canada Inc.'s claims in the venue.

Because Nissan is incorporated in Delaware, Westport would have to prove that the automaker has a “regular and established place of business” in the Eastern District of Texas in order to pursue its lawsuit there.

Judge Rodney Gilstrap adopted a magistrate judge’s report that Nissan didn’t make that showing, dismissing the case Sept. 29. Westport could choose to ...