Patriot Scientific

There will be a Markman hearing in virtually every case, especially those filed in different courts. The Markman ruling from Judge Ward in the J3 cases is what is referred to as "persuasive authority", meaning that it can be cited to, but is not absolutely binding upon, another judge.

As a result, even if other cases should be filed in the EDoT, there will be still be a Markman hearing unless the parties agree that Ward's prior ruling should be stipulated, or the judge assigned in the new case decides to adopt it. And even in the latter scenario, there would probably be a Markman hearing held in order for the new judge to make that determination.

By the way, I don't know if you saw it or not, but Judge Ward has stepped down from the bench in order to enter practice with his son. Just FYI, not of much importance in the scheme of things.

Best wishes to you and all.