One source claims that patent holders win 88% of the time in Ward's court, compared to an average of 68% nationwide.[3] Another source claims that patent cases in Marshall are won by patent holders 78% of the time versus 59% nationwide.[1] A third source claims that in 90% of cases patent holders win jury verdicts.[6]

Ward believes the problem of patent trolls is overstated and that his record of only being overturned once supports this view.[5] Between taking the bench in 1999 and June of 2006, Ward was only overturned in one patent case.[8][5]

Ward has been described as pushing cases through quickly.[7] His court has been described as a "rocket docket" for its speed.[1][4][9] To speed things up, Ward has adopted a set of rules. These include strict timetables, page limits on documents, and the use of a chess clock to time opening and closing arguments.[1] Each side in a case might receive between 9 and 15 hours for evidence, compared to other courts where it might take a month or more.[8] Ward's rules are based on rules from the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.[8][5] Lawyers who do not move quickly enough are sanctioned.[6] Ward credits his rules and resulting speed with causing the increase in patent suits filed in the district.[1] Fast cases reduce expenses for financially strapped plaintiff patent holders.[3] Attorney Henry Bunsow claims that the fast cases can "cut legal fees in half."[4]

Defendants have incentive to settle rather than risk larger expenses