Rhinoceros Ventures Group has filed suit against Dominion Exploration and Production, XTO Energy and Pogo Producing Co., claiming the companies no longer have rights to the land because of an expired lease.
Rhinoceros claims it executed an Oil, Gas and Liquid Hydocarbons Lease of 12,872 acres of land in which it owns mineral interests, according to the complaint filed Oct. 22 in Jefferson County District Court.
The lease was made with Dominion on May 19, 2005, then later transferred to XTO before it expired, the suit states.
Rhinoceros claims neither company has rights to the lease anymore.
"Plaintiff has made demand on Defendants to release the Lease and thereby remove the cloud on Plaintiff's title, but Defendants have failed and refused to do so," the suit states.
In addition, Rhinoceros claims at least one of the defending companies has continued to use the property.
Rhinoceros is seeking a declaration of its rights in the property.
The company is also seeking unspecified damages, costs and other relief the court deems appropriate.
Robert Keith Wade of the Law Offices of Robert Keith Wade in Beaumont will be representing the company.
The case has been assigned to Judge Donald Floyd of the 172nd District Court.
Case No. E182-577
Companies in legal dispute over property, mineral rights
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