In a federal question case involving a patent claim, is a separate amount in controversy requirement applicable to establish jurisdiction?

• A. Yes, an amount in controversy is required for any federal question case
• B. No, federal question jurisdiction does not require a monetary threshold
• C. Only if the defendant challenges the amount in controversy
• D. Only for appellate review

Answer: (B)

Federal question jurisdiction is triggered when a claim arises under federal law, such as patent law, and there is no separate monetary threshold to establish that jurisdiction. The amount in controversy rule applies to diversity jurisdiction, not to federal question cases. So for a patent claim—where the dispute centers on a federal patent statute—the case can proceed in federal court regardless of the size of damages or the monetary claim. Even if damages are minimal or the relief sought is non-monetary (like an injunction), the federal issue itself keeps the case within federal jurisdiction.