U.S. District Court of Maryland Local Rules (December 1, 2025)
d) Joint Claim Construction Statement
Within seven (7) days after the completion of claim construction briefing, the parties,
having met and conferred on claim construction, shall file a Joint Claim Construction
Statement which shall contain the following information:
i. The construction of those claims and terms on which the parties agree;
ii. Each party’s proposed construction of each disputed claim and term;
iii. Each party’s position on whether a technical tutorial is necessary; and
iv. For any party who proposes to call one or more witnesses at any claim
construction hearing, the identity of each such witness, the subject
matter of his or her testimony, and an estimate of the time required for
the testimony.
2. Cases Seeking Correction of Inventors (35 U.S.C. § 256) and Cases Alleging
False Marking (35 U.S.C. § 292)
Fifty-six (56) days from the date of the Scheduling Order, the parties, having met and
conferred on claim construction, shall report to the Court as to whether there are any
contested issues of claims construction and, if so, shall propose a schedule for serving Claim
Construction Statements and Responsive Claim Construction Statements and filing a Joint
Claim Construction Statement, opening claim construction briefs, and responsive claim
construction briefs.
RULE 806. CERTIFICATION OF DISCLOSURES
All statements, disclosures, and charts served in accordance with L.R. 804 and 805 shall
be dated and signed by counsel of record. Counsel’s signature shall constitute a certification
that to the best of his or her knowledge, information, and belief – formed after an inquiry
that is reasonable under the circumstances – the information contained in the statement,
disclosure, or chart is complete and correct at the time it is made.
Local Admiralty Rule (a): Scope, Citation, and Definitions
LAR(a)(1) Scope
Local Admiralty Rule (b): Maritime Attachment and Garnishment
LAR(b)(1) “Found Within the District”
U.S. District Court of Maryland Local Rules (December 1, 2025)
IX. SUPPLEMENTAL ADMIRALTY AND
MARITIME RULES
LOCAL ADMIRALTY RULE (A): SCOPE, CITATION, AND DEFINITIONS
LAR(a)(1) Scope
These local admiralty rules apply only to civil actions that are governed by the
Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims (Supplemental Rule or
Rules). All other local rules are applicable in these cases, but to the extent that another local
rule is inconsistent with the applicable local admiralty rules, the local admiralty rules shall
govern.
LAR(a)(2) Citation
The local admiralty rules may be cited by the letters “LAR” and the lower case letters
and numbers in parentheses that appear at the beginning of each section. The lower case
letter is intended to associate the local admiralty rule with the Supplemental Rule that bears
the same capital letter.
LAR(a)(3) Definitions
As used in the local admiralty rules, “Court” means the United States District Court for
the District of Maryland; “judicial officer” means a United States District Judge or a United
States Magistrate Judge; “Clerk of Court” means the Clerk of the United States District
Court and includes deputy clerks of court; “Marshal” means the United States Marshal and
includes deputy marshals; “keeper” means any person or entity appointed by the Marshal to
take physical custody of and maintain the vessel or other property under arrest or
attachment; and “substitute custodian” means the individual or entity who, upon motion and
order of the Court, assumes the duties of the Marshal or keeper with respect to the vessel or
other property arrested or attached.
LOCAL ADMIRALTY RULE (B): MARITIME ATTACHMENT AND
GARNISHMENT
LAR(b)(1) “Found Within the District”
A defendant is not found within the District unless the defendant can be personally
served therein by delivering process (i) in the case of an individual, to the individual
personally, or by leaving a copy thereof at the individual’s dwelling house or usual place of
abode with some person of suitable age and discretion; (ii) in the case of a corporation, trust
or association, to an officer, trustee, managing, or general agent thereof; (iii) in the case of a
partnership, to a general partner thereof; and (iv) in the case of a limited liability company, to
a manager thereof.
Local Admiralty Rule (b): Maritime Attachment and Garnishment
LAR(b)(2) Affidavit that Defendant is Not Found Within the District
Local Admiralty Rule (c): Actions In Rem: Special Provisions
LAR(c)(2) Publication of Notice of Action and Arrest
U.S. District Court of Maryland Local Rules (December 1, 2025)
LAR(b)(2) Affidavit that Defendant is Not Found Within the District
The affidavit required by Supplemental Rule B(1) to accompany the complaint shall
specify with particularity the efforts made by and on behalf of the plaintiff to find and serve
the defendant within the District.
LAR(b)(3) Use of State Procedure
When the plaintiff invokes a state procedure in order to attach or garnish under Fed. R.
Civ. P. 4(n)(2), the process of attachment or garnishment shall so state.
LAR(b)(4) Notice to Defendant
In default applications, the affidavit or other proof required by Supplemental Rule
B(2)(c) from the plaintiff or the garnishee shall specify with particularity the efforts made to
give notice of the action to the defendant.
LOCAL ADMIRALTY RULE (C): ACTIONS IN REM: SPECIAL PROVISIONS
LAR(c)(1) Intangible Property
The summons to show cause why property should not be deposited in the Court, issued
pursuant to Supplemental Rule C(3)(c), shall direct the person having control of intangible
property to show cause no later than fourteen (14) days after service why the intangible
property should not be delivered to the Court to abide further order of the Court. A judicial
officer for good cause shown may lengthen or shorten the time. Service of the warrant shall
have the effect of arresting the intangible property and bringing it within the control of the
Court. Service of the summons to show cause requires a garnishee wishing to retain
possession of the property to establish grounds for doing so, including specification of the
measures taken to segregate and safeguard the intangible property arrested. Upon order of
the Court, the person who is served may deliver or pay over to the Clerk of Court the
intangible property proceeded against to the extent sufficient to satisfy the plaintiff’s claim.
If such delivery or payment is made, the person served is excused from the duty to show
cause.
LAR(c)(2) Publication of Notice of Action and Arrest
The notice required by Supplemental Rule C(4) shall be published at least once in a
newspaper of general circulation in the division of the District where the property has been
seized. The Clerk of Court shall maintain and make available a list of newspapers of
general circulation for each division of the District. The plaintiff’s attorney shall file with
the Clerk of Court a copy of the notice as it was published. The notice shall contain:
a. The court, title, and number of the action;
Local Admiralty Rule (c): Actions In Rem: Special Provisions
LAR(c)(2) Publication of Notice of Action and Arrest
Local Admiralty Rule (c): Actions In Rem: Special Provisions
LAR(c)(3) Notice Requirements
U.S. District Court of Maryland Local Rules (December 1, 2025)
b. The date of the arrest;
c. The identity of the property arrested;
d. The name, address, telephone number, and bar number of the attorney for
the plaintiff;
e. A statement that a person asserting ownership interest in the property or a
right of possession pursuant to Supplemental Rule C(6) must file a
statement of such interest with the Clerk and serve it on the attorney for
the plaintiff within fourteen (14) days after publication;
f. A statement that an answer to the complaint must be filed and served
within twenty-one (21) days after the filing of the statement of interest and
that otherwise default may be entered and condemnation ordered;
g. A statement that motions to intervene under Fed. R. Civ. P. 24 by persons
asserting maritime liens or other interests shall be filed within a time fixed
by the Court; and
h. The name, address, and telephone number of the Marshal and the keeper
or substitute custodian.
LAR(c)(3) Notice Requirements
a) Default Judgments
i) Notice Given. A party seeking a default judgment in an action in rem must satisfy the
judge that due notice of the action and arrest of the property has been given (1) by
publication as required in LAR(c)(2); (2) by service of the complaint and warrant of arrest
upon the Marshal and keeper, substitute custodian, master, or other person having custody
of the property; and (3) by mailing such notice to every other person who has not appeared
in the action and is known to the party seeking the default judgment to have an ownership
interest in the property.
ii) Notice Attempted.
(1) If the defendant property is a vessel documented under the laws of the
United States, the plaintiff must attempt to notify all persons identified
as having an interest in the vessel in the United States Coast Guard
Certificate of Ownership or the General Index or Abstract of Title.
Local Admiralty Rule (c): Actions In Rem: Special Provisions
LAR(c)(3) Notice Requirements
Local Admiralty Rule (d): Possessory, Petitory, and Partition Actions
LAR(d) Return Date
U.S. District Court of Maryland Local Rules (December 1, 2025)
(2) If the defendant property is a vessel numbered as provided in the
Federal Boat Safety Act, the plaintiff must attempt to notify the owner
as named in the records of the issuing authority.
b) Ship Mortgage Act
For purposes of the Ship Mortgage Act, 46 U.S.C. § 31325, notice to the Master of a
vessel, or the person having physical custody thereof, by service of the Warrant of Arrest
and Complaint shall be deemed in compliance with the notice requirements of such Act, as
to all persons, except as to those who have recorded a notice of claim of lien.
c) Mailing
The notification requirement is satisfied by mailing copies of the warrant of arrest and
complaint to the person’s address using any form of mail requiring a return receipt.
LAR(c)(4) Entry of Default and Default Judgment
After the time for filing a claim or answer has expired, the plaintiff may move for entry
of default under Fed. R. Civ. P. 55(a). Default will be entered upon showing by affidavit or
certificate of counsel that:
Notice has been given as required by LAR(c)(3)(a)(i); and
a. Notice has been attempted as required by LAR(c)(3)(a)(ii), where
appropriate; and
b. The time to answer by any person asserting a right of possession or any
ownership interest in the property has expired; and
c. No answer has been filed and no one has appeared to defend on behalf of
the property.
The plaintiff may move for judgment under Fed. R. Civ. P. 55(b) at any time after default
has been entered.
LOCAL ADMIRALTY RULE (D): POSSESSORY, PETITORY, AND PARTITION
ACTIONS
LAR(d) Return Date
In an action under Supplemental Rule D, a judicial officer may order that the statement
of interest and answer be filed on a date earlier than twenty-one (21) days after arrest. The
order may also set a date for expedited hearing of the action.
Local Admiralty Rule (e): Actions In Rem and Quasi In Rem: General
Provisions
LAR(e)(1) Itemized Demand for Judgment
Local Admiralty Rule (e): Actions In Rem and Quasi In Rem: General
Provisions
LAR(e)(5) Exigent Circumstances
U.S. District Court of Maryland Local Rules (December 1, 2025)
LOCAL ADMIRALTY RULE (E): ACTIONS IN REM AND QUASI IN REM:
GENERAL PROVISIONS
LAR(e)(1) Itemized Demand for Judgment
The demand for judgment in every complaint filed under Supplemental Rules B or C
shall allege the dollar amount of the debt or damages for which the action was commenced.
The demand for judgment shall also allege the nature of other items of damage.
LAR(e)(2) Salvage Action Complaints
In an action for a salvage award, the complaint shall allege the dollar value of the vessel,
cargo, freight, and other property salved or any other basis for an award. The complaint
shall also state the dollar amount of the award claimed.
LAR(e)(3) Verification of Pleadings
Every complaint in Supplemental Rules B, C, and D actions shall be verified upon oath
or solemn affirmation, or in the form provided by 28 U.S.C. § 1746, by a party or by an
authorized officer of a corporate party. If no party or authorized corporate officer is readily
available, verification of a complaint may be made by an agent, attorney in fact, or attorney
of record, who shall state the sources of the knowledge, information, and belief contained
in the complaint; declare that the document verified is true to the best of that knowledge,
information, and belief; state why verification is not made by the party or an authorized
corporate officer; and state that the affiant or declarant is authorized so to verify. If the
verification was not made by a party or authorized corporate officer, any interested party
may move, with or without requesting a stay, for the personal oath of a party or an
authorized corporate officer, which shall be procured by commission or as otherwise
ordered.
LAR(e)(4) Review by Judicial Officer
Unless otherwise required by the judicial officer, the review of complaints and papers
called for by Supplemental Rules B(1) and C(3) does not require the affiant or declarant,
party, or attorney to be present. Any complaint presented to a judicial officer for review
shall be accompanied by a form of order to the Clerk which, upon signature by the judicial
officer, shall direct the arrest, attachment, or garnishment sought by the applicant.
LAR(e)(5) Exigent Circumstances
The certification of exigent circumstances by the plaintiff or his attorney under
Supplemental Rules B and C shall consist of an affidavit or a declaration pursuant to 28
U.S.C. § 1746 describing in detail the facts establishing the exigent circumstances.
Local Admiralty Rule (e): Actions In Rem and Quasi In Rem: General
Provisions
LAR(e)(6) Instructions to the Marshal
Local Admiralty Rule (e): Actions In Rem and Quasi In Rem: General
Provisions
LAR(e)(10) Intervenors’ Claims and Sharing of Marshal’s Fees and
Expenses
U.S. District Court of Maryland Local Rules (December 1, 2025)
LAR(e)(6) Instructions to the Marshal
The party who requests a warrant of arrest or process of attachment or garnishment
shall provide instructions to the Marshal.
LAR(e)(7) Property in Possession of United States Officer
When the property to be attached or arrested is in the custody of an employee or officer
of the United States, the Marshal shall deliver a copy of the complaint and warrant of arrest
or summons and process of attachment or garnishment to that officer or employee if
present, and otherwise to the custodian of the property. The Marshal shall instruct the
officer or employee or custodian to retain custody of the property until ordered to do
otherwise by a judicial officer.
LAR(e)(8) Adversary Hearing
An adversary hearing provided for in Supplemental Rule E(4)(f) following arrest or
attachment or garnishment shall be conducted by the Court within three (3) days after a
request for such hearing, unless otherwise ordered.
LAR(e)(9) Security Deposit for Seizure of Vessels
The party(ies) who seek(s) arrest or attachment of a vessel or property aboard a vessel
shall deposit with the Marshal $3,000 for vessels more than sixty-five (65) feet in length
overall or $500 for vessels sixty-five (65) feet in length overall or less. These deposits shall
be used to cover the expenses of the Marshal including, but not limited to, dockage, keepers,
maintenance, and insurance. The party(ies) shall advance additional sums from time to time
as requested by the Marshal to cover the estimated expenses until the property is released or
disposed of as provided in Supplemental Rule E.
LAR(e)(10) Intervenors’ Claims and Sharing of Marshal’s Fees and Expenses
a) Intervention Before Sale
When a vessel or other property has been arrested, attached, or garnished, and is in the
hands of the Marshal or custodian substituted therefore, anyone having a claim against the
vessel or property is required to present the claim by filing an intervening complaint under
Fed. R. Civ. P. 24, and not by filing an original complaint, unless otherwise ordered by a
judicial officer. An order permitting intervention may be signed ex parte at the time of filing
the motion, subject to the right of any party to object to such intervention within fourteen
(14) days after receipt of a copy of the motion and proposed pleading. Such motions shall
not be subject to the provisions of L.R. 105. Upon the signing of an order permitting
intervention, the Clerk shall forthwith deliver a conformed copy of the intervening
Local Admiralty Rule (e): Actions In Rem and Quasi In Rem: General
Provisions
LAR(e)(10)Intervenors’ Claims and Sharing of Marshal’s Fees and
Expenses
Local Admiralty Rule (e): Actions In Rem and Quasi In Rem: General
Provisions
LAR(e)(11) Custody of Property
U.S. District Court of Maryland Local Rules (December 1, 2025)
complaint to the Marshal, who shall deliver the copy to the vessel or custodian of the
property. Intervenors shall thereafter be subject to the rights and obligations of parties, and
the vessel or property shall stand arrested, attached, or garnished by the intervenor. An
intervenor shall not be required to advance a security deposit to the Marshal for seizure of a
vessel as required by LAR(e)(9). Property arrested, attached, or garnished by an intervenor
shall be released in accordance with Supplemental Rule E(5).
b) Sharing Marshal’s Fees and Expenses Before Sale
Upon motion by any party, security deposits may be ordered to be paid or shared by any
party who has arrested, attached, or garnished a vessel or property aboard a vessel in amount
or proportions to be determined by a judicial officer.
c) Intervention After Sale
After ratification of sale and payment of the purchase price, any person having a claim
against the vessel or property that arose before ratification must present the same by
intervening complaint, pursuant to LAR(e)(10)(a), against the proceeds of the sale and may
not proceed against the vessel unless a judicial officer shall otherwise order for good cause
shown. Where an intervening complaint prays service of process in rem, the filing of such
intervening complaint with the Clerk shall be deemed to be a claim against such proceeds
without the issuance of an in rem process, unless a judicial officer shall otherwise order for
good cause shown. The judicial officer shall allow a period of at least thirty (30) days after
due ratification of the sale for the submission of such claims.
LAR(e)(11) Custody of Property
a) Safekeeping of Property
When a vessel or other property is brought into the Marshal’s custody by arrest or
attachment, the Marshal shall arrange for adequate safekeeping, which may include the
placing of keepers on or near the vessel. A substitute custodian in place of the Marshal may
be appointed by order of the Court.
b) Insurance
The Marshal may order insurance to protect the Marshal, his deputies, keepers, and
substitute custodians, from liabilities assumed in arresting and holding the vessel, cargo, or
other property, and in performing whatever services may be undertaken to protect the
vessel, cargo, or other property, and in maintaining the Court’s custody. The premiums
charged for the liability insurance shall be paid out of the security deposits advanced to the
Marshal in accordance with LAR(e)(9).
Local Admiralty Rule (e): Actions In Rem and Quasi In Rem: General
Provisions
LAR(e)(11)Custody of Property
Local Admiralty Rule (e): Actions In Rem and Quasi In Rem: General
Provisions
LAR(e)(12) Sale of Property
U.S. District Court of Maryland Local Rules (December 1, 2025)
c) Employment of Vessel’s Officers and Crew by Marshal
All officers and members of the crew employed on a vessel of 750 gross tons or more
shall be deemed employees of the Marshal for the period of seven (7) days after the
attachment or arrest of the vessel unless the Marshal, pursuant to a court order, has notified
the officers and members of the crew that they are not so employed or unless the vessel is
released from attachment or arrest. If the vessel is not released within seven (7) days, the
Marshal shall, on request of the seizing party, immediately thereafter designate which, if any,
officers and members of the crew he is continuing to employ to preserve the vessel and shall
promptly notify the remaining officers and members of the crew that they are no longer in
his employ and are no longer in the service of the vessel and are free to depart from the
vessel. The notice required by the preceding sentence shall be by written notice posted in a
prominent place in each of the mess rooms or dining salons used by the officers and
unlicensed personnel aboard the vessel.
d) Normal Vessel Operations and Movement of the Vessel
Following arrest, attachment, or garnishment of a vessel or property aboard a vessel,
normal vessel operations shall be permitted to commence or continue unless otherwise
ordered by the Court. No movement of the vessel shall take place unless authorized by
order of a judicial officer.
e) Procedure for Filing Claims by Suppliers for Payment of Charges
A person who furnishes supplies or services to a vessel, cargo, or other property in
custody of the Court who has not been paid and claims the right to payment as an expense
of administration shall submit an invoice to the Clerk in the form of a verified claim within
the time period set by the Court for intervention after sale pursuant to LAR(e)(10)(c). The
supplier must serve copies of the claim on the Marshal, substitute custodian if one has been
appointed, and all parties of record. The Court may consider the claims individually or
schedule a single hearing for all claims.
LAR(e)(12) Sale of Property
a) Notice
Notice of sale of property in an action under Supplemental Rules B or C shall be
published under such terms and conditions as set by the Court.
b) Payment of Bid
These provisions apply unless otherwise ordered in the order of sale: The person whose
bid is accepted shall immediately pay the Marshal the full purchase price if the bid is $1,000
or less. If the bid exceeds $1,000, the bidder shall immediately pay a deposit of at least
Local Admiralty Rule (e): Actions In Rem and Quasi In Rem: General
Provisions
LAR(e)(12)Sale of Property
Local Admiralty Rule (e): Actions In Rem and Quasi In Rem: General
Provisions
LAR(e)(12) Sale of Property
U.S. District Court of Maryland Local Rules (December 1, 2025)
$1,000 or 10% of the bid, whichever is greater, and shall pay the balance within seven (7)
days after the day on which the bid was accepted. If an objection to the sale is filed within
that seven (7) day period, the bidder is excused from paying the balance of the purchase
price until seven (7) days after the sale is confirmed. Payment shall be made by certified
check, by cashier’s check drawn on banks insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation, or as otherwise
authorized by the Marshal.
c) Default
If the successful bidder does not pay the balance of the purchase price within the time
allowed, the bidder shall be in default. In such a case, the judicial officer may accept the
second highest bid or arrange a new sale. The defaulting bidder’s deposit shall be forfeited
and applied to any additional costs incurred by the Marshal because of the default, the
balance being retained in the registry of the Court awaiting its order.
d) Report of Sale by Marshal
At the conclusion of the sale, the Marshal shall forthwith file a written report with the
Court of the fact of sale, the date, the price obtained, the name and address of the
successful bidder, and any other pertinent information.
e) Time and Procedure for Objection to Sale
An interested person may object to the sale by filing a written objection with the Clerk
within seven (7) days following the sale, serving the objection on all parties of record, the
successful bidder, and the Marshal, and depositing such sum with the Marshal as determined
by him to be sufficient to pay the expense of keeping the property for at least seven (7) days.
Payment to the Marshal shall be made by certified check, by cashier’s check drawn on banks
insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the Federal Savings and Loan
Insurance Corporation, or as otherwise authorized by the Marshal.
f) Confirmation of Sale
A sale shall be confirmed by order of the Court within seven (7) days, but no sooner
than three (3) days, after the sale. If an objection to the sale has been filed pursuant to
LAR(e)(12)(e), the Court shall hold a hearing on the confirmation of the sale. The Marshal
shall transfer title to the purchaser upon the order of the Court.
Local Admiralty Rule (e): Actions In Rem and Quasi In Rem: General
Provisions
LAR(e)(12)Sale of Property
Local Admiralty Rule (f): Limitation of Liability
LAR(f)(2) Order of Proof at Trial
U.S. District Court of Maryland Local Rules (December 1, 2025)
