- : Nicholas Papp
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The recent ClickFunnels GoHighLevel lawsuit has stirred considerable attention among digital marketers and software users alike.
July 2026 Update
Since this article was originally published, the ClickFunnels vs. HighLevel patent lawsuit has reached a significant milestone.
On July 2, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the dismissal of ClickFunnels’ patent infringement claims against HighLevel. Although the appeals court found a procedural issue with part of the lower court’s analysis, it concluded that the issue did not affect the outcome.
As of July 2026, the dismissal remains in place, and HighLevel remains the prevailing party in this patent litigation.
The remainder of this article explains the background of the lawsuit, the original allegations, and what the latest court decision means for businesses using either platform.
We’ll look into the details of the lawsuit, exploring its technical basis, potential motivations behind it, and practical advice for existing GoHighLevel users.
Table of Contents
Overview of the ClickFunnels GoHighLevel Lawsuit
The lawsuit specifically targets the funnel builder technology used by GoHighLevel, claiming infringement on patents held by ClickFunnels.
Legal expert Peter Hoppenfeld offers insights suggesting that the lawsuit may not be aimed at a protracted legal battle but rather at positioning ClickFunnels advantageously for settlement negotiations.
This perspective aligns with the common industry tactic where litigation is used more as a strategic lever rather than for outright victory.
Insights from Julie Chennel
Julie Chennel, heading one of the largest GoHighLevel white label agencies and a former ClickFunnels manager, provides a unique perspective on the lawsuit.
According to Chennel, “HighLevel is a strong, healthy, well-funded company. I am sure they have the cash flow and expertise to navigate any litigation. Even in the worst-case scenario, where HighLevel is found guilty by a jury for infringing on this patent, HighLevel won’t go under, won’t be set back. Nothing about your business should change.”
“I believe that patents for software are difficult to prove since you have to basically show the code was copied line by line. The builder in High Level VERY closely models ClickFunnels. There is not a doubt. However, I believe it was written in different code (don’t quote me on this). “
“There will be a lot of bluster and money and at the end of the day, you want to consider the company that is focused on high quality support, education, and product development.”
The Lawsuit’s Implications for GoHighLevel Users
For users of GoHighLevel, particularly those who rely on its funnel-building capabilities, the lawsuit certainly raises concerns about the continuity and future usability of their preferred tool.
However, it is important to recognize that such legal processes tend to extend over long periods, often leading to settlements that leave operational aspects intact. Many experts feel this will end in a settlement.
Key Points from the ClickFunnels GoHighLevel Lawsuit
⦿ The Nature of the Dispute: The core of the dispute lies in the specific functionalities of the funnel builder that ClickFunnels claims to have patented.
⦿ Potential Outcomes: Depending on the lawsuit’s progression, outcomes could range from a simple licensing agreement to more complex scenarios involving changes to how GoHighLevel operates its software. Many believe there will be a settlement here.
Strategies for Users Amidst the Lawsuit
GoHighLevel users should consider the following strategies to mitigate any potential impact:
⦿ Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the lawsuit’s developments to anticipate necessary adjustments.
⦿ Explore Alternatives: While not immediately necessary, exploring alternative funnel-building tools could be prudent should there be a disruptive outcome.
⦿ Legal Consultation: Consider consulting with legal experts to understand better the implications of continuing to use GoHighLevel during the lawsuit, especially if you are white-labeling the software.
What Does HighLevel Have to Say?
While there has been little comment from GoHighLevel regarding this lawsuit, Co-Founder Robin Alex commented the following in the HighLevel Official Community Facebook Group:
“There is nothing to worry about. Our legal council (sic) is on it, and will defend our position accordingly.”
Federal Appeals Court Update (July 2026)
Since this article was first published, ClickFunnels appealed the dismissal of its patent infringement claims.
On July 2, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the dismissal. The appeals court agreed that the patents asserted by ClickFunnels are directed to patent-ineligible subject matter under Section 101 of the U.S. Patent Act.
The court did determine that the district court should have separately analyzed two dependent patent claims instead of treating another claim as representative. However, after reviewing those claims, the Federal Circuit concluded that they were also patent-ineligible. Because this procedural issue did not change the outcome, the dismissal was affirmed.
What does this mean?
For existing HighLevel users, there is no action required.
HighLevel continues to operate normally, and the appellate decision provides greater clarity regarding this particular patent dispute.
It is also important to understand what the court did not decide. The ruling was based on patent eligibility under Section 101. The court did not determine whether HighLevel copied ClickFunnels or whether the platforms share similar functionality.
Lawsuit Timeline
April 2024
ClickFunnels files a patent infringement lawsuit against HighLevel.
↓
HighLevel asks the Delaware federal court to dismiss the patent claims.
↓
The district court dismisses the lawsuit after finding the asserted patents are not patent-eligible under Section 101.
↓
ClickFunnels appeals the decision.
↓
July 2, 2026
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirms the dismissal.
↓
Current Status
HighLevel remains the prevailing party in this litigation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Did HighLevel win the ClickFunnels lawsuit?
As of July 2026, the Federal Circuit has affirmed the dismissal of ClickFunnels’ patent infringement claims. While additional legal options may still exist, the dismissal remains in place and HighLevel is currently the prevailing party in this litigation.
What did the Federal Appeals Court decide?
The Federal Circuit agreed that the patents asserted by ClickFunnels are not eligible for patent protection under Section 101 of the U.S. Patent Act. Although the court found a procedural issue in the district court’s analysis, it concluded that the issue was harmless and affirmed dismissal of the lawsuit.
Did the court decide that HighLevel copied ClickFunnels?
No.
The appeal focused on patent eligibility under Section 101. The Federal Circuit did not decide whether HighLevel copied ClickFunnels’ software, features, or business model.
Does this ruling affect existing HighLevel users?
No.
HighLevel users do not need to take any action. The platform continues operating normally, and the court’s decision does not change the way customers use HighLevel.
Does this affect ClickFunnels users?
No.
The ruling concerns patent claims between the two companies and does not change how ClickFunnels customers use the platform.
Can ClickFunnels still appeal?
Following the Federal Circuit’s decision, ClickFunnels may seek additional review through available legal procedures. However, as of this update, the Federal Circuit has affirmed dismissal of the patent claims.
What is Section 101?
Section 101 of the U.S. Patent Act defines what types of inventions are eligible for patent protection. In this case, the Federal Circuit agreed that the patents asserted by ClickFunnels were directed to patent-ineligible subject matter under Section 101.
Conclusion
The ClickFunnels vs. HighLevel lawsuit has reached an important milestone with the Federal Circuit affirming dismissal of the patent claims asserted against HighLevel.
While additional legal proceedings remain possible, the current appellate decision leaves the dismissal in place and provides greater clarity for businesses using HighLevel.
For existing users, there are no changes required. HighLevel continues to develop and support its platform while this litigation currently stands resolved in HighLevel’s favor at the appellate level.
GHL Central will continue monitoring the case and update this article if there are any significant future developments.
Editor’s Note
Last Updated: July 2026
This article was originally published in May 2024 and has been updated following the Federal Circuit’s July 2026 decision affirming dismissal of the ClickFunnels patent claims against HighLevel. We will continue updating this page if there are any future developments in the litigation.
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