Recent litigation over statute of limitations issues in the context of oil and gas leases highlights the importance of diligence when analyzing ownership of mineral rights in the context of the validity of oil and gas leases. Landowners, who would otherwise be entitled to recover, protect, and lease their mineral rights, may be barred from challenging what would be an expired oil and gas lease. It is vital that landowners and mineral owners seek counsel from an experienced oil and gas attorney to advise them as to their rights under an existing oil and gas lease and to carefully review any oil and gas lease or related document before signing.