James Barlow Family Ltd. Partnership v. David M. Munson, Inc.

SEYMOUR, Chief Judge.

This action involves a dispute between the Barlow Family Limited Partnership and others (the Barlows), owners of overriding royalty interests in certain federal oil and gas leases located in western Colorado, and David M. Munson, Inc. (Munson), as lessee and operator, over whether the Barlows are entitled to royalty payments from the federal leases. On cross motions for summary judgment, the district court held in favor of the Barlows. On Munson’s appeal, we reverse and grant summary judgment in favor of Munson.

I

The leases at issue in this case cover federal lands in…