No TCPA today

August 26, 2024

Ostteen v. Holmes presented a conflict between a developer and a neighborhood activist. The Fifth Court affirmed the trial court’s denial of Ostteen’s motion to dismiss under the TCPA, concluding that Holmes’s claims were not based on or in response to TCPA-protected activity: “Holmes’s allegations and claims indicate his suit was based on or in response to Ostteen’s trespassing, interference or harassment of Holmes’s agents and contractors, and disparaging remarks about Holmes or the property allegedly made to locals or social media followers.”

The Court also reversed the trial court’s award of attorney’s fees because Homes did not provide sufficient detail about the particular services performed, who performed them, and the reasonable amount of time required for those services. No. 05-23-01150-CV, Aug. 22, 2024 (mem. op.).