Exxon Mobil Corporation, Petitioner v. Corporación Cimex, S.A. (Cuba), et al.

ExxonMobil is suing a Cuban state-owned company for using the Esso trademark on gas stations in Cuba after property was seized from Exxon following the Cuban revolution. The Supreme Court heard argument on whether the Helms-Burton Act lets suits like this go forward against Cuban instrumentalities even when the plaintiffs do not fit an exception in the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act.

The case was argued on February 23, 2026. The key dispute is whether the Helms-Burton Act itself removes foreign sovereign immunity for Cuban instrumentalities, or whether a plaintiff must also satisfy an exception under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (the main law governing when foreign states can be sued).

The case could shape whether U.S. companies can seek damages from Cuban state-owned entities in American courts. For example, it matters to businesses trying to recover for trademarks or property they say Cuba took and later used.

The fight is over whether the Helms-Burton Act alone lets Exxon sue a Cuban state-owned company in U.S. court. The case asks if Exxon must also fit a Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act exception.

U.S. companies claiming Cuba or Cuban state-owned entities used seized property or trademarks could be affected. The answer may determine whether those claims can proceed in American courts.

The Supreme Court will issue an opinion after argument. The prompt says a decision is generally expected by late June or early July of the term.