Business Court Enforces Seven-Day Summary Judgment Evidence Deadline and Parses Expectancy Versus Reliance Damages in Oil and Gas Contract Dispute

In Slant Operating v. Octane Energy Operating, Judge Bullard granted Octane's motion to strike untimely summary judgment evidence filed one day late and granted partial summary judgment on lost revenue claims, holding that the operator plaintiff lacks standing to recover lost production damages but may proceed on redesign costs and expectancy damages. The December 22, 2025 memorandum opinion underscores strict enforcement of Rule 166a deadlines and clarifies which plaintiff entities may recover which categories of contract damages in oil and gas breach-of-contract cases.