May 12, 2023
National Oilwell Varco, L.P. v. Auto-Dril, Inc.
B&L prevailed at the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on behalf of client NOV, following a successful 2021 jury trial. This victory paved the way for NOV to proceed back in district court to collect from Auto-Dril the unpaid balance due under the 2011 Settlement Agreement.
The Fifth Circuit held that the District Court lacked jurisdiction over defendant Auto-Dril’s fraud and fraudulent inducement counterclaims. The Fifth Circuit further held that the District Court had twice abused his discretion, and reinstated NOV’s breach of contract claims against Auto-Dril for failure to pay the full settlement amount.
See National Oilwell Varco, L.P. vs. Auto-Dril, Inc., 68 F.4th 206 (5th Cir. 2023).