Pooling Disputes

BHP Billiton Petroleum Properties, in the 143rd Judicial District Court, Loving County, Texas

Represented BHP in a lawsuit against Double Eagle related to ownership of mineral rights in the Permian Basin. The dispute concerned BHP’s rights to drill and produce from valuable depths on one of its leases that had been pooled with an adjacent lease. Filed, argued, and won motion for summary judgment granting all of BHP Billiton’s claims and confirming ownership of the mineral rights in dispute.

Type of Case: Lease Ownership Litigation, Pooling Disputes

BPX Properties, in the 143rd Judicial District Court, Reeves County, Texas

Represented BPX in a lawsuit against Rio Oil & Gas and a variety of other parties related to ownership of valuable mineral rights. BPX owned oil and gas leases in the Delaware Basin, and later Rio executed leases that conflicted with BPX’s original leases for certain valuable depths. Filed suit against Rio based on pooling agreement that confirmed ownership of the disputed depths. Following a hearing on BPX’s Motion for Summary Judgment, the case was settled.

Type of Case: Lease Ownership Litigation, Pooling Disputes 

BPX Properties, in the 143rd Judicial District Court, Loving County, Texas

Represented BPX in a lawsuit filed against it by the General Land Office (the “GLO”) related to ownership of certain depths on a lease located in the Delaware Basin. Moved to dismiss and for summary judgment based on applicable pooling agreement. Following hearing on these motions, the GLO dismissed its case against BPX.

Type of Case: Lease Ownership Litigation, Pooling Disputes 

Escondido Resources II, in the 111th Judicial District Court, Webb County, Texas

Representing Escondido in a lawsuit related to an Eagle Ford Shale lease in Webb County, Texas. Filed suit to confirm interpretation of overriding royalty interest assignment and defending claims related to post-production deductions and pooling of units. Case is ongoing.

Type of Case: Royalty Litigation, Pooling Disputes