Why is this circuit so influential in technology law?

It reviews the Northern and Central Districts of California, where much US technology, privacy and entertainment litigation is filed.

How long do appeals take here?

The Ninth Circuit carries the largest caseload in the federal system, and timelines are correspondingly longer. Ask counsel for a realistic estimate for your case type.

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals - Technology, Immigration & Appeals

United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

The Ninth Circuit is the largest federal circuit by population and caseload, covering nine western states and two Pacific territories. Because it reviews the Northern District of California and the Central District of California, its docket is unusually weighted toward technology, intellectual property, privacy, entertainment, immigration and environmental litigation.

What it does

Hears appeals from district courts across nine states and two territories
Reviews federal agency decisions within its jurisdiction
Decides a large share of the national immigration appellate docket

Matters it hears

Technology, privacy and intellectual property appeals
Immigration petitions for review
Environmental and public lands appeals
Entertainment and copyright appeals
Civil and criminal appeals generally

Appeals & review

Appeals generally go to Supreme Court of the United States.

Appeal and review deadlines are short and strictly applied. Treat the decision date as the start of a clock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this circuit so influential in technology law?: It reviews the Northern and Central Districts of California, where much US technology, privacy and entertainment litigation is filed.
How long do appeals take here?: The Ninth Circuit carries the largest caseload in the federal system, and timelines are correspondingly longer. Ask counsel for a realistic estimate for your case type.

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General information about jurisdiction and process, not legal advice. LegalCounselNearMe is not a law firm and is not affiliated with United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Procedures, forms and fees change — the official site is authoritative.