Hamilton v. Noble Energy, Inc.

Opinion by Chief

Judge DAVIDSON.

This action concerns subsurface mineral interests, currently leased by defendant, Noble Energy, Inc., located in Weld County. The issue raised is whether a "Declaration of Land Patent," filed here by plaintiffs, Mark and Melvin Hamilton, can alter or affect ownership of those mineral interests. Although there is no reported case in Colorado, numerous jurisdictions have held that such a "land patent" is a legal nullity which has no effect on existing ownership interests. The trial court agreed with those jurisdictions and dismissed plaintiffs' complaint seeking…