(a) The rules of procedure in any proceeding in this court are those prescribed by the laws of
the United States, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, these local rules, and any orders
entered by the court. These local rules shall be construed as consistent with Acts of
Congress and rules of practice and procedure prescribed by the Supreme Court of the
United States and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
(b) Admiralty Rules. The Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims,
as adopted by the Supreme Court of the United States, shall govern all admiralty and
maritime actions in this court.
(c) Patent Rules. The “Rules of Practice for Patent Cases before the Eastern District of Texas”
shall apply to all civil actions filed in or transferred to this court which allege infringement
of a utility patent in a complaint, counterclaim, cross-claim, or third party claim, or which
seek a declaratory judgment that a utility patent is not infringed, is invalid, or is
unenforceable.
Judges may opt out of this rule by entering an order.
