New Standing Order Makes It Easier To File Documents Under Seal and Requires Redacted Pleadings on the Public Docket

On February 12, 2021, Judge Albright issued a new standing order regarding filing documents under seal. This order applies to all patent cases pending in the Waco division of the Western District of Texas.

In short, the new order simplifies sealed filings in Judge Albright’s patent cases in Waco by eliminating the need for parties to seek leave prior to filing under seal materials containing confidential information. Instead, parties will have seven days to file a redacted version of any motion or pleadings that has been filed under seal. Parties are not required to file redacted versions of exhibits to such documents.

The order requires parties to coordinate to ensure that the public version redacts information that any party deems confidential, but notes that “[c]ooperating to file the public version shall not be deemed as agreeing that the redacted information is actually confidential.”

We provide a quick reference guide below for filing documents under seal pursuant to this new procedure.