Intellectual Property Exhibits for California Courts
California is a leading jurisdiction for intellectual property litigation, with the Northern District (Silicon Valley, San Francisco) and Central District (Los Angeles) handling major tech patent, trade secret, and trademark cases. The N.D. Cal. Patent Local Rules provide detailed procedures for patent cases. This guide covers exhibit preparation for IP cases in California federal and state courts.
- California's primary exhibit rule is N.D. Cal. Patent L.R., C.D. Cal. L.R..
- Intellectual Property cases in California e-file through CM/ECF (Federal) / File & Serve (State).
- CM/ECF (Federal) / File & Serve (State) caps each uploaded document at 50 MB (federal).
- The exhibit exchange deadline in California is Per scheduling order and Patent Local Rules.
- Common Intellectual Property exhibits in California include Patent claims and specifications and Claim construction charts.
- ExhibitPrep stamps exhibits in the browser, so case files never leave the computer.
Before you file
ExhibitPrep formats documents. It does not provide legal advice, submit filings, or determine whether evidence is admissible or a filing meets court requirements.
Some guidance has not been verified against current official sources. A citation supports only its stated claim and scope. Compare the finished PDF with current court instructions and orders in your case. Follow the filing review checklist.
Opens the tool set up for California — plaintiff: Numbers starting at 1; defendant: Letters starting at A.
California Quick Reference
| E-Filing System | CM/ECF (Federal) / File & Serve (State) ↗ |
| File Size Limit | 50 MB (federal) |
| Exchange Deadline | Per scheduling order and Patent Local Rules |
| Primary Rule | N.D. Cal. Patent L.R., C.D. Cal. L.R. |
Common Intellectual Property Exhibits in California
California Intellectual Property Tips
- 1N.D. Cal. Patent Local Rules govern patent cases in Silicon Valley
- 2C.D. Cal. has separate IP procedures for Los Angeles cases
- 3Patent Pilot Program applies to designated judges
- 4Markman hearings follow specific local rule requirements
- 5Trade secret cases often involve California UTSA claims
- 6Many cases involve tech companies with complex technical exhibits
- 7Consider technical tutorials for claim construction hearings
Common Intellectual Property Filing Mistakes in California
Intellectual Property Exhibits in California: FAQ
What are the N.D. Cal. Patent Local Rules?
The Patent Local Rules govern patent cases in the Northern District of California. They require early disclosure of infringement and invalidity contentions, claim charts, and set specific timelines for claim construction and expert discovery.
How do I prepare exhibits for Silicon Valley patent cases?
Silicon Valley cases often involve complex technology. Prepare claim charts, technical tutorials, expert declarations, and product teardowns. Follow Patent Local Rules for format and timing requirements.
What exhibits are needed for California trade secret cases?
Trade secret exhibits include: identification of trade secrets, employee agreements, confidentiality measures, evidence of misappropriation, and damages calculations. California UTSA and Defend Trade Secrets Act claims have specific requirements.
How do I handle source code exhibits in California IP cases?
Source code requires special handling under protective orders. File under seal, provide access in secure review rooms, and prepare summary exhibits for court presentation. Redact as needed.
What is the difference between NDCAL and CDCAL IP procedures?
N.D. Cal. (San Francisco/San Jose) has comprehensive Patent Local Rules. C.D. Cal. (Los Angeles) follows general federal rules with local variations. Check district-specific requirements.
Related Resources
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Opens the tool set up for California — plaintiff: Numbers starting at 1; defendant: Letters starting at A.
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