Texas Judge Scolds Patent Owner in Volkswagen Fees Dispute

Nonpracticing entity VDPP LLC can’t complain about paying nearly $208,000 in attorneys’ fees for filing and continuing to litigate a “meritless” lawsuit against Volkswagen Group of America Inc. concerning an expired patent, a Texas judge said.

VDPP’s misconduct “infected” the litigation that ended in a dismissal, according to an order filed by Judge Lee Rosenthal Tuesday in the US District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Rosenthal said the patent owner’s actions fit the definition of “chutzpah,” which can mean audacity, gall, or extreme self-confidence.

“VDPP displays some nerve in asking this court to relieve it of the consequences ...