IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS

WACO DIVISION

WSOU INVESTMENTS, LLC d/b/a 

BRAZOS LICENSING AND 

DEVELOPMENT,

Plaintiff,

v.

DELL TECHNOLOGIES INC., DELL

INC., AND EMC CORPORATION,

Defendants.

Case No. 6:20-cv-00482-ADA

DEFENDANTS’ REPLY IN SUPPORT OF

OPPOSED MOTION FOR INTRA-DISTRICT TRANSFER OF VENUE 

TO THE AUSTIN DIVISION OF THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS

Case 6:20-cv-00482-ADA Document 56 Filed 11/25/20 Page 1 of 12
i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

I. ARGUMENT...................................................................................................................... 1

A. Relative Ease of Access to Sources of Proof Favors Transfer (Factor 1)............... 1

B. Cost of Attendance for Willing Witnesses Favors Transfer (Factor 3) .................. 2

C. All Other Practical Problems Favor Transfer (Factor 4) ........................................ 4

D. Localized Interests Favor Transfer (Factor 6) ........................................................ 4

E. Court Congestion/Familiarity of the Forum Factors Are Neutral (Factors 5 

and 7) ...................................................................................................................... 5

II. CONCLUSION................................................................................................................... 5

Case 6:20-cv-00482-ADA Document 56 Filed 11/25/20 Page 2 of 12
ii

TABLE OF AUTHORITIES

Page(s)

Cases

In re Adobe,

545 F. App’x 929 (Fed. Cir. 2020) ............................................................................................5

In re Apple Inc.,

2020 WL 6554063 (Fed Cir. Nov. 9, 2020)...........................................................................2, 4

In re Genentech, Inc.,

566 F.3d 1338 (Fed. Cir. 2009)..................................................................................................2

In re Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.,

587 F.3d 1333 (Fed. Cir. 2009)..................................................................................................1

Mimedx Grp., Inc. v. Texas Human Biologics, Ltd.,

No. 1:14-CV-464-LY, 2014 WL 12479284 (W.D. Tex. Aug. 12, 2014)..................................4

Moskowitz Family LLC. v. Globus Med., Inc.,

No. 6:19-CV-00672-ADA, 2020 WL 4577710 (W.D. Tex. July 2, 2020)................................1

In re Nintendo Co., Ltd.,

589 F.3d 1194 (Fed. Cir. 2009)..................................................................................................2

Peteski Prods., Inc. v. Rothman,

No. 5:17-CV-00122-JRG, 2017 WL 8943154 (E.D. Tex. Nov. 13, 2017)................................3

In re Toyota Motor Corp.,

747 F.3d 1338 (Fed. Cir. 2014)..................................................................................................2

VLSI Tech. LLC v. Intel Corp.,

No. 6:19-CV-00254-ADA, 2019 WL 8013949 (W.D. Tex. Oct. 7, 2019)................................3

Rules

Fed. R. Evid. 803 .............................................................................................................................2

Case 6:20-cv-00482-ADA Document 56 Filed 11/25/20 Page 3 of 12
iii

TABLE OF ABBREVIATIONS

Abbreviation Term/Document(s)

Patent U.S. Patent No. 8,402,129

Amended 

Complaint or 

Am. Compl.

Amended Complaint (D.I. 36)

Crantz Decl. Declaration of Kellie Crantz, D.I. 44-1

Dell or 

Defendants Dell Technologies Inc., Dell Inc., and EMC Corporation

Hogan Decl. Declaration of Matt Hogan, Case No. 20-cv-473, D.I. 51-5

Motion or 

Mot.

Defendants’ Opposed Motion for Intra-District Transfer of Venue to the 

Austin Division of the Western District of Texas (D.I. 44)

Opposition or 

Opp. Response Opposing Motion to Transfer (D.I. 54)

WSOU or 

Plaintiff WSOU Investments, LLC d/b/a Brazos Licensing and Development

Case 6:20-cv-00482-ADA Document 56 Filed 11/25/20 Page 4 of 12
iv

TABLE OF EXHIBITS1

Exhibit Description

20 Declarations of Matt Hogan from Cases 20-cv-454 through -465, -473 through -482, 

and -485 through -497 (W.D. Tex.)

21 News Articles Referencing Aqua Licensing and WSOU (last retrieved Nov. 23, 2020)

22 Docket Report from Data Scape Limited v. Dell Technologies, Inc. et al., Case No. 

1:19-cv-00605-ADA (W.D. Tex.)

23

WSOU Investments, LLC d/b/a Brazos Licensing and Development’s Response 

Opposing ZTE (USA), Inc.’s Motion to Dismiss or in the Alternative Transfer 

Venue, Case No. 20-cv-487, D.I. 36 (W.D. Tex.)

24 Federal District Court Cases from Lex Machina (obtained Nov. 22, 2020)

25 2019 Fiscal Year Report for the Western District of Texas (last retrieved Nov. 23, 

2020)

26 Microsoft Corporation’s Reply in Support of its Opposed Motion to Transfer Venue to 

Austin Division and Exhibit 19, Case No. 20-cv-454, D.I. 34, 34-3 (W.D. Tex.)

1

 Exhibits are attached to the Supplemental Declaration of Brian A. Rosenthal in Support of

Defendants’ Reply.

Case 6:20-cv-00482-ADA Document 56 Filed 11/25/20 Page 5 of 12
1

Defendants explained why this lawsuit’s unique facts demonstrate that Austin is clearly

more convenient than Waco. WSOU does not address this lawsuit’s specific circumstances, but

misrepresents the law and facts, and recycles an old declaration inapplicable to this case. Viewing

the facts under the correct standard, this case should be transferred to Austin.

I. ARGUMENT

A. Relative Ease of Access to Sources of Proof Favors Transfer (Factor 1)

Contrary to WSOU’s argument, the ease of access to proof strongly favors transfer. The

law is clear: “[T]he bulk of the relevant evidence usually comes from the accused infringer.” 

Moskowitz Family LLC. v. Globus Med., Inc., No. 6:19-CV-00672-ADA, 2020 WL 4577710, at

*3 (W.D. Tex. July 2, 2020); Mot. at 6. WSOU ignores this reality and focuses on its own

documents. Opp. at 6. Yet, it does not dispute that it did not develop the patent or the technology,

nor ever employ the inventors. Mot. at 2–3, 6–7. In the face of this motion (at id.), WSOU’s

refusal to explain the nature of its (few) documents for this case is telling. Indeed, it recycles the

same Hogan declaration generically referencing documents in 35 different patent cases. Ex. 20.

Additionally, WSOU obscures the timing of when and why its documents were moved. 

WSOU does not dispute that all of WSOU’s activities related to the Patent occurred outside

Texas.2

 Mot. at 1–3. Instead, WSOU argues this is irrelevant. Opp. at 6–7. The Federal Circuit

disagrees. “[T]he assertion that these documents are ‘Texas’ documents is a fiction which appears

to [have] been created to manipulate the propriety of venue . . . attempts to manipulate venue in

anticipation of litigation or a motion to transfer falls squarely within these prohibited activities.” 

In re Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., 587 F.3d 1333, 1337 (Fed. Cir. 2009).

2 WSOU states, without any supporting declaration, that Defendants “falsely claim” that WSOU

hired Aqua Licensing to sell its patents. Opp. at 3. WSOU’s naked denial is inconsistent with the

available public information as set forth in several online articles. See Ex. 21.

Case 6:20-cv-00482-ADA Document 56 Filed 11/25/20 Page 6 of 12
2

Unable to rely on the situs of its own documents, WSOU ignores Dell’s Austin Division

headquarters and hypocritically attacks Defendants’ declaration explaining that Dell’s financial

documents are expected to be situated at its headquarters.

3

 Opp. at 7–8. Unlike Data Scape,

4

Defendants’ ability to identify specific documents (or witnesses) is hampered by WSOU’s

deficient allegations and contentions. Mot. at 6 n.5. Nevertheless, Defendants identified where

documents are likely stored,

5 and identified potential third-party sources such as Aqua Licensing

and Broadcom. WSOU misconstrues In re Toyota Motor Corp., 747 F.3d 1338, 1341 (Fed. Cir.

2014) to argue these outside documents are irrelevant. But in Toyota, the Federal Circuit found,

under the specific facts there, the outside documents did not alter the outcome. Id. Toyota did not

create a rule that outside documents are irrelevant—indeed, Toyota cited two cases that considered

outside documents and witnesses. Id. (citing In re Genentech, Inc., 566 F.3d 1338, 1346 (Fed. Cir.

2009) (discussing documents in Europe) and In re Nintendo Co., Ltd., 589 F.3d 1194, 1199 (Fed.

Cir. 2009) (discussing witnesses in Japan)). Here, outside documents are not irrelevant, but further

reinforce that WSOU’s documents are minimal, and like Toyota, these outside documents do not

alter, but provide more support, that this factor favors transfer.

B. Cost of Attendance for Willing Witnesses Favors Transfer (Factor 3)

Defendants explained how it is more convenient for each nonparty witness, including the

3

 WSOU, withoutsupport, argues portions of Crantz’s declaration are hearsay. WSOU is wrong—

Crantz’s declaration falls under the business records exception. Fed. R. Evid. 803. WSOU’s

unfounded attacks are an attempt to distract from Hogan’s declaration, which is necessarily based

on hearsay as he was not employed at WSOU during the relevant activities giving rise to the suit.

4

 In Data Scape, there were no deficiencies raised with the complaint. See Ex. 22. Here,

Defendants have filed motions to dismiss. See, e.g., D.I. 39.

5

 WSOU does not dispute that Defendants do not have facilities in Waco. WSOU could have

sought discovery into the location of Defendants’ documents as it has asked for venue discovery

in other cases. Ex. 23 at 9. Not surprisingly, WSOU instead argues alternatively that if the Court

credits Defendants’ documents, the Court should credit Mr. Hogan in Waco. The Federal Circuit

foreclosed this argument. In re Apple Inc., 2020 WL 6554063, at *4 (Fed Cir. Nov. 9, 2020).

Case 6:20-cv-00482-ADA Document 56 Filed 11/25/20 Page 7 of 12
3

inventors, past owners and prior sellers of the Patent, and other third parties to have this case tried

in Austin. Mot. at 7–8. Defendants also explained how it is more convenient for both parties’

witnesses to have the case transferred to Austin. Mot. at 8–9. WSOU does not dispute any of

Defendant’s factual support, including the flight availability, duration, and cost. Instead, WSOU

propounds three generic arguments and then concludes that this factor “weighs heavily” against

transfer. Opp. at 9–10. WSOU’s conclusion rests on a thrice-flawed foundation.

First, WSOU argues that Austin and Waco are equally convenient for out-of-state

witnesses. See Opp. at 9. Despite Defendants’ factual support to the contrary, WSOU fails to

support its statement with any evidence. Nor can it in view of the significant burden witnesses

would suffer in time and/or cost if this stayed in Waco. Although WSOU cites VLSI, this Court’s

statement regarding the convenience of Austin and Waco was based on limited record evidence

assessing travel to Austin and Waco but only from the Austin and Dallas airports. VLSI Tech. LLC

v. Intel Corp., No. 6:19-CV-00254-ADA, 2019 WL 8013949, at *5 (W.D. Tex. Oct. 7, 2019)

(discussing travel from AUS and DFW). Even under a limited record, the Court found that this

factor “strongly weighsin favor of transfer” to Austin. Id. at 5. Here, the evidence is even stronger.

Second, WSOU argues that witnesses should not be given weight without evidence about

willingness. Opp. at 10. WSOU’s position—requiring a party to ascertain “willingness” before

initial disclosures and pleadings are settled—is unreasonable and unprecedented. WSOU’s sole

case does not say a party must prove “willingness.” In Peteski ̧ the court analyzed a transfer from

where it had subpoena power of a potential witness to a court that did not. Peteski Prods., Inc. v.

Rothman, No. 5:17-CV-00122-JRG, 2017 WL 8943154, at *3 (E.D. Tex. Nov. 13, 2017) (witness

subject to E.D. Tex.’s subpoena power but not C.D. Cal.’s). This is why the court discussed

whether the witness was willing to appear in California. Id. at *3–4. No such issue exists here.

Case 6:20-cv-00482-ADA Document 56 Filed 11/25/20 Page 8 of 12
4

Third and finally, WSOU argues that Defendants “forgot” about Dallas. Opp. at 10. It is

unclear how Dallas impacts a transfer analysis between Austin and Waco, and tellingly, WSOU

could have provided, but chose not to provide any evidence about Dallas.

6

C. All Other Practical Problems Favor Transfer (Factor 4)

Despite WSOU’s protestations, this factor weighs in favor of transfer. As explained, this

factor analyzes whether a case is in its early stages. Mot. at 9 (citing Mimedx Grp., Inc. v. Texas

Human Biologics, Ltd., No. 1:14-CV-464-LY, 2014 WL 12479284, at *2 (W.D. Tex. Aug. 12,

2014)); see also In re Apple, 2020 WL 6554063, at *7 (discussing “significant steps”).7 WSOU

does not dispute that this case is in its early stages, meaning the case schedule is unlikely to be

disrupted. Nor could it; this is not a transfer to a different district or judge. Mot. at 9–10. This

case will remain with Your Honor but simply be heard in Austin. Id.

D. Localized Interests Favor Transfer (Factor 6)

Contrary to WSOU’s arguments, localized interests favor transfer. WSOU admits this

factor analyzes the connection of each forum to both the parties and events giving rise to the suit. 

Opp. at 11. It does not dispute Defendants’ long ties to the Austin Division. See id. Its sole

dispute is if the events giving rise to the suit favor Austin. They indisputably do. Mot. at 9–10.

WSOU mischaracterizes Defendants’ activities by stating that no Austin employees were

6

 WSOU also argues that Defendants’ Austin witnesses should be overlooked because it “merely

shifts convenience.” Opp. at 10. But WSOU has not established that its Waco witness has relevant

knowledge, merely that it may strategically designate its Waco employee as a corporate witness.

7

 WSOU unilaterally interprets factor 4 as dealing with court congestion, but it is factor 5 where

congestion is considered. Infra § I.E. It then relies on 2019 statistics to claim Waco is “less

congested” than Austin. Current statistics indicate Waco has more civil cases per judge. Ex. 24. 

Defendants have not located current criminal statistics, but WSOU’s claim that Austin has more

criminal cases, Opp. at 10–11, is circumspect. Per the 2019 Report, cited by WSOU, Opp. at 10

n.14, more criminal cases were filed in Waco in 2019, see Ex. 25 at 3. Thus, WSOU has not

supported its position under its erroneous view of the law. Moreover, as this case will remain with

Your Honor, such statistics are meaningless. Mot. at 9–10.

Case 6:20-cv-00482-ADA Document 56 Filed 11/25/20 Page 9 of 12
5

identified. Opp. at 12. WSOU is wrong. See Crantz Decl. ¶ 6. WSOU also does not dispute that

its activities relating to this suit occurred before it established a presence in Waco. Mot. at 2–3. 

Unable to avoid these clear facts, WSOU focuses on its recent connection to Waco, stating: it “is

a company headquartered in downtown Waco and has strong ties to Waco.” Opp. at 12. WSOU’s

“ties” to Waco being “strong” are hyperbole; its statement does not reveal how Waco relates to the

events giving rise to this suit. WSOU cites Mr. Hogan’s declaration; he does not discuss this suit

but only other “business[es] and inventors.” Hogan Decl. ¶ 6. Neither is relevant here.

WSOU next pivots to self-serving, and conclusory attorney argument about “the work and

reputation of WSOU’s employees in Waco.” Opp. at 12. It makes this unsupported statement

without explaining who is involved in this case. Despite referencing a plurality of employees, it

named only Mr. Hogan in Waco.8

 The Court should reject WSOU’s unsupported assertions.

E. Court Congestion/Familiarity of the Forum Factors Are Neutral (Factors 5 and 7)

WSOU argues these two factors do not favor transfer. Opp. at 11, 12. WSOU is wrong. 

Your Honor will retain control. Mot. at 10. Thus, congestion/familiarity will be the same.9

II. CONCLUSION

Because four factors collectively strongly favor transfer, and the remaining four factors are

neutral,10 this case should be transferred to Austin, which is a clearly more convenient forum.

8

 WSOU references Baylor students but it has not identified any student actually hired. Opp. at 2. 

WSOU mentions job postings, but neglects to mention these postings were posted only after a

different company sued by WSOU stated it was moving to transfer. See Ex. 26 at 4–5. Finally,

WSOU states that it hired an attorney, Opp. at 3, but she was not hired before this lawsuit, and is

irrelevant to the events giving rise to the lawsuit.

9

 WSOU ignores that Your Honor will retain jurisdiction. Instead, WSOU repeats its erroneous

argument about Austin having a higher caseload per judge. See supra note 6. Next, WSOU’s

assertion that another court could not handle a federal case, see Opp. at 11–12, is unprecedented

and unsupported. Finally, WSOU relies on Solas, Opp. at 11, but the Federal Circuit disapproved

of this reasoning. See In re Adobe, 545 F. App’x 929, 932 (Fed. Cir. 2020).

10 WSOU does not dispute the compulsory process/conflict of laws factors are neutral. Opp. at 8.

Case 6:20-cv-00482-ADA Document 56 Filed 11/25/20 Page 10 of 12
6

Dated: November 25, 2020 By: /s/ Barry K. Shelton

Barry K. Shelton

Texas State Bar No. 24055029

bshelton@sheltoncoburn.com

SHELTON COBURN LLP

311 RR 620, Suite 205

Austin, TX 78734-4775 

Telephone: 512.263.2165

Facsimile: 512.263.2166 

Benjamin Hershkowitz

bhershkowitz@gibsondunn.com

Brian A. Rosenthal

brosenthal@gibsondunn.com 

Allen Kathir

akathir@gibsondunn.com

Kyanna Sabanoglu

ksabanoglu@gibsondunn.com

GIBSON, DUNN & CRUTCHER LLP

200 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10166-0193 

Telephone: 212.351.4000

Facsimile: 212.351.4035 

Y. Ernest Hsin

ehsin@gibsondunn.com

Jaysen S. Chung

jschung@gibsondunn.com

GIBSON, DUNN & CRUTCHER LLP

555 Mission Street, Suite 3000

San Francisco, CA 94105-0921

Telephone: 415.393.8200

Facsimile: 415.393.8306

Ryan K. Iwahashi

riwahashi@gibsondunn.com

GIBSON, DUNN & CRUTCHER LLP

1881 Page Mill Road

Palo Alto, CA 94304-1211

Telephone: 650.849.5300

Facsimile: 650.849.5333

Attorneys for Defendants

Case 6:20-cv-00482-ADA Document 56 Filed 11/25/20 Page 11 of 12
7

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

The undersigned certifies that on this 25th day of November 2020, all counsel of record 

who are deemed to have consented to electronic service are being served with a copy of this 

document through the Court’s CM/ECF system under Local Rule CV-5(b)(1). 

/s/ Barry K. Shelton

Barry K. Shelton

Case 6:20-cv-00482-ADA Document 56 Filed 11/25/20 Page 12 of 12