McConnell Judge Shopping Bill Targets Patent, Bankruptcy Suits

Techniques used by patent owners and bankrupt companies to get their cases in front of specific judges could be at risk with legislation from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

The bill, introduced by McConnell (R-Ky.) Wednesday, diverges from guidance issued by the federal judiciary’s policymaking body and a competing proposal from Majority Leader Chuck Schumer by tweaking rules for establishing venue in patent and bankruptcy suits.

The practice called “judge shopping” by its critics has drawn attention in recent years as conservative attorneys general challenged Biden administrative policies in one-judge divisions in Texas and Louisiana. The practice was popularized ...