Eastern District Of Texas Tosses Random Chat's "Random Chat" Patent Under Section 101

If you defend patent lawsuits or have ever been a defendant, you've likely heard from Random Chat LLC – and certainly its counsel, Bill Ramey. Random Chat has sued many companies across technology, retail, e‑commerce, telecommunications and financial services.

Judge Rodney Gilstrap of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas recently dismissed Random Chat's case with prejudice on Section 101 grounds. The court held that the asserted claims merely cover the idea of setting up a random chat and implement that idea with routine internet components.

The Order and the Posture

The decision came down from the Eastern District of Texas on March 6, 2026. Judge Gilstrap resolved eligibility at the pleadings stage – no claim construction needed, the parties agreed claim 1 was representative, and the court found amendment futile. Dismissal with prejudice followed.