Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against Johnson & Johnson, its spinoff Kenvue Inc., and Kenvue Brands LLC for failing to comply with Texas business registration laws. A court hearing on Monday will determine whether the companies must cease operations in the state.
In a statement, Attorney General Paxton said, "I will not allow Big Pharma to operate above the law or put their greed ahead of Texans' well-being." According to his office, J&J’s registration became inactive, and Kenvue was never registered, despite significant business activity in Texas.
The case centers on Chapter 9 of the Texas Business Organizations Code, which requires foreign companies to register and maintain active status in the state. Compliance ensures they are subject to the same legal obligations as local businesses.
Attorney General Paxton stated, "Kenvue and J&J have shown themselves to be corporations focused on seeking profits above all else. The reign of these foreign corporations operating in Texas without even registering or acknowledging our laws ends now." The case highlights the Texas AG’s effort to enforce business registration laws and hold pharmaceutical companies accountable.
