- Ecofasten Solar, LLC / Wencon Development, Inc. D/B/A Quickmount PV Corporation et al. v. Unirac, Inc.Institution deniedPTAB · Feb 8, 2022 · IPR2021-01379 · APJ Barry L Grossman · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution of IPR for claims 3–7, 9, 10, 13, and 15–23 under § 325(d), finding the same or substantially the same art or arguments had previously been presented to the Office.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsInstitution denied 325dDenied
“and Nobuyuki[] are the same or substantially the same as art previously considered by the Office, in either original prosecution or during reexamination.” Prelim. Resp. 30. Patent Owner asserts that the first part of the Advanced Bionics two-part framework for determining if denial of institution under § 325(d) is proper is satisfied. We agree, based on our analysis above. Specifically, we determine that under Becton, Dickinson factors (a), (b), and (d), the same or substantially the same art or arguments previously were presented to the Office. Turning to the second part of the Advanced Bionics framework, Petitioner also argues that the “Examiner erred in a manner material to patentability by adopting a narrow construction of ‘one or more clamps variably positionable on the dual track rail and footing grid’ that is inconsistent with the term’s plain and ordinary meaning.” Pet. 19. We disagree. We discussed the Board’s appeal decision in the previous section of this Decision. The Board affirmed the entirety of the RAN decision by the Reexamination Examiner, including construction of the phrase Petitioner argues was construed in error. We are not persuaded that Petitioner has met its burden to show error. Thus, under Becton, Dickinson factors (c), (e), and (f), Petitioner has not demonstrated a material error by the Office.” slip op. at 41
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied
“Accordingly, based on our analysis of the Becton, Dickinson factors and the guidelines in Advanced Bionics, we exercise our discretion and deny institution under 35 U.S.C. § 325(d) because the same or substantially the same prior art or arguments previously were presented to the Office. III. CONCLUSION Taking into consideration the arguments in the Petition, the Preliminary Response, and the evidence of record, we exercise our discretion and deny institution of an inter partes review under 35 U.S.C. § 325(d).” slip op. at 42
- BurdenDecided for patent owner
“Petitioner also argues that the “Examiner erred in a manner material to patentability by adopting a narrow construction of ‘one or more clamps variably positionable on the dual track rail and footing grid’ that is inconsistent with the term’s plain and ordinary meaning.” Pet. 19. We disagree. We discussed the Board’s appeal decision in the previous section of this Decision. The Board affirmed the entirety of the RAN decision by the Reexamination Examiner, including construction of the phrase Petitioner argues was construed in error. We are not persuaded that Petitioner has met its burden to show error. Thus, under Becton, Dickinson factors (c), (e), and (f), Petitioner has not demonstrated a material error by the Office.” slip op. at 41
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 7,434,362 - Intel Corporation v. Acqis LLCInstitution deniedPTAB · Feb 2, 2022 · IPR2021-01095 · APJ Robert J Weinschenk · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution of review of claims 10–16 and 22–27 under § 325(d), finding substantially the same arguments were previously presented and no material Office error was shown.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsInstitution denied 325dDenied
“the following two-part framework: (1) whether the same or substantially the same art previously was presented to the Office or whether the same or substantially the same arguments previously were presented to the Office; and (2) if either condition of [the] first part of the framework is satisfied, whether the petitioner has demonstrated that the Office erred in a manner material to the patentability of challenged claims.” slip op. at 6
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied
“An inter partes review may not be instituted unless “the information presented in the petition . . . and any response . . . shows that there is a reasonable likelihood that the petitioner would prevail with respect to at least 1 of the claims challenged in the petition.” 35 U.S.C. § 314(a). In determining whether to institute an inter partes review, we “may take into account whether, and reject the petition or request because, the same or substantially the same prior art or arguments previously were presented to the Office.” 35 U.S.C. § 325(d). After considering the parties’ arguments and evidence, we exercise our discretion under § 325(d) to deny the Petition.” slip op. at 2
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 8,756,359 - Intel Corporation v. Acqis LLCInstitution deniedPTAB · Feb 2, 2022 · IPR2021-01094 · APJ Robert J Weinschenk · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution under § 325(d), finding substantially the same arguments had been presented to the Office and Intel had not shown material error.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsInstitution denied 325dDenied
“Section 325(d) provides that in determining whether to institute an inter partes review, we “may take into account whether, and reject the petition or request because, the same or substantially the same prior art or arguments previously were presented to the Office.” To determine whether to deny institution under § 325(d), we use the following two-part framework: (1) whether the same or substantially the same art previously was presented to the Office or whether the same or substantially the same arguments previously were presented to the Office; and (2) if either condition of [the] first part of the framework is satisfied, whether the petitioner has demonstrated that the Office erred in a manner material to the patentability of challenged claims.” slip op. at 6
- Obviousness (§103) › Graham factors (scope of art, differences, level of skill)Not reached
“3. Summary We determine, on this record, that substantially the same arguments previously were presented to the Office. Further, we also disagree with Petitioner that the Office’s purported treatment of the arguments were unreasonable. As set forth under Advanced Bionics, if reasonable minds can disagree regarding the purported treatment of the art or arguments, it cannot be said that the Office erred in a manner material to the patentability of challenged claims. As a result, we exercise our discretion under § 325(d) to deny the Petition in this case. III. CONCLUSION For the foregoing reasons, we exercise our discretion under § 325(d) to deny the Petition. IV. ORDER It is hereby ORDERED that the Petition is denied, and no trial is instituted.” slip op. at 20
§ 103 obviousnessDiscretionary denialPatents in suitUS 8,756,359 - Palo Alto Networks, Inc. v. Centripetal Networks, Inc.Institution deniedPTAB · Jan 24, 2022 · IPR2021-01270 · APJ Lynne E Pettigrew · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution of review of claims 2–5, 11–14, 22, 23, and 26–28 under § 325(d) because substantially the same prior art was previously presented and material Office error was not shown.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsInstitution denied 325dDenied
“applicant, such as on an [IDS].” Advanced Bionics, Paper 6 at 7–8. Because it was submitted in an IDS during prosecution of the ’380 patent, Sourcefire qualifies as art that was “previously presented” to the Office.” slip op. at 14
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied
“Bionics framework, and based on the particular circumstances here, we conclude that the same or substantially the same prior art as in the Petition was presented previously to the Office, and Petitioner has not demonstrated that the Office erred in a manner material to patentability of the challenged claims. Accordingly, we determine that discretionary denial of the Petition under 35 U.S.C. § 325(d) is appropriate. IV. CONCLUSION For the foregoing reasons, we exercise our discretion to deny institution under 35 U.S.C. § 325(d). V. ORDER Accordingly, it is ORDERED that the Petition is denied, and no inter partes review is instituted.” slip op. at 18
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 10,735,380 - Palo Alto Networks, Inc. v. Centripetal Networks, Inc.Institution deniedPTAB · Jan 24, 2022 · IPR2021-01156 · APJ Lynne E Pettigrew · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution of IPR challenging claims 1, 6–10, 15–21, 24, 25, 29, and 30, because the same prior art was previously presented and no material Office error was shown.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsInstitution denied 325dInstitution denied
“presented to the Office. Section 325(d) states, in relevant part, “[in] determining whether to institute or order a proceeding under this chapter, chapter 30, or chapter 31, the Director may take into account whether, and reject the petition or request because, the same or substantially the same prior art or arguments previously were presented to the Office.” The Board uses the following two-part framework in determining whether to exercise discretion under § 325(d) to deny institution: (1) whether the same or substantially the same art previously was presented to the Office or whether the same or substantially the same arguments previously were presented to the Office; and (2) if either condition of the first part of the framework is satisfied, whether the petitioner has demonstrated that the Office erred in a manner material to the patentability of challenged claims.” slip op. at 9
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 10,735,380 - Atrium Medical Corporation v. Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc.Institution deniedPTAB · Jan 20, 2022 · IPR2021-01200 · APJ James A Tartal · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution on all challenged claims and grounds under § 325(d), finding substantially the same art had been presented to the Office and no material error was shown.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsInstitution denied 325dDenied
“Section 325(d), the Board uses the following two-part framework: (1) determining whether the same or substantially the same art previously was presented to the Office or whether the same or substantially the same arguments previously were presented to the Office; and (2) if either condition of the first part of the framework is satisfied, determining whether the petitioner has demonstrated that the Office erred in a manner material to the patentability of challenged claims. Advanced Bionics, Paper 6 at 8.” slip op. at 20
- Expert testimonyPetitioner expert discountedOther
“Pet. vi. Although both citations above refer to “Herts” as an author, it is apparent that the citations to the two articles provide different article titles, different publications, and different publication dates. Accordingly, Petitioner’s assertion that “Bardport specifically identifies Herts as ‘on the subject’ of, and ‘of help’ regarding, the use of power injectors with Bard’s venous access port assembly,” is incorrect, because the article Petitioner relies on as Herts is not the article cited in Bardport authored by “Herts.” See Pet. 22 (citing Ex. 1012, 27–28; Ex. 1038, 1–2). Mr. Leschinsky’s testimony regarding Bardport on this point is likewise incorrect. See Ex. 1003 ¶ 94. Mr. Leschinsky states that “[i]t is my opinion that a [person of ordinary skill in the art] would have been motivated to combine the 9 The identical question and answer appears on multiple pages of Exhibit 1012. See Ex. 1012, 21–22, 27–28, 33–34. teachings of Herts . . . because Bardport itself acknowledges Herts’ findings,” and “in response to a ‘frequently asked question’ titled ‘[c]an catheters be used in the Radiology Department with the Power Injector?’ Bardport cites to Herts.” Id. (citing Ex. 1012, 21–22). As explained above, Bardport does not cite to Herts, the reference relied upon by Petitioner, but instead refers to a different article identifying “Herts” as the author.” slip op. at 14
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 7,947,022 - Atrium Medical Corporation v. Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc.Institution deniedPTAB · Jan 20, 2022 · IPR2021-01199 · APJ James A Tartal · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution on all challenged claims and grounds under § 325(d), finding the art previously presented to the Office and no material Office error.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsInstitution denied 325dInstitution denied
“Section 325(d), the Board uses the following two-part framework: (1) determining whether the same or substantially the same art previously was presented to the Office or whether the same or substantially the same arguments previously were presented to the Office; and (2) if either condition of the first part of the framework is satisfied, determining whether the petitioner has demonstrated that the Office erred in a manner material to the patentability of challenged claims. Advanced Bionics, Paper 6 at 8.” slip op. at 20
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied
“review. 35 U.S.C. § 314(b) (2018); 37 C.F.R. § 42.4(a) (2019). An inter partes review may not be instituted “unless . . . the information presented in the petition . . . shows that there is a reasonable likelihood that the petitioner would prevail with respect to at least 1 of the claims challenged in the petition.” 35 U.S.C. § 314(a). The Board has discretion to deny a request for institution when the information presented shows that the petitioner raises “the same or substantially the same prior art or arguments previously presented to the Office,” for example, during patent examination or” slip op. at 2
- Expert testimonyPetitioner expert discountedOther
“See Pet. 54 (citing Ex. 1012, 27–28; Ex. 1038, 2). Mr. Leschinsky’s testimony regarding Bardport on this point is likewise incorrect. See Ex. 1003 ¶ 100. Mr. Leschinsky states that “[i]t is my opinion that a [person of ordinary skill in the art] would have been motivated to combine the teachings of Herts . . . because Bardport itself acknowledges Herts’ findings,” and “in response to a ‘frequently asked question’ titled ‘[c]an catheters be used in the Radiology Department with the Power Injector?’ Bardport cites to Herts.” Id. (citing Ex. 1012, 21–22). As explained above, Bardport does not cite to Herts, the reference relied upon by Petitioner, but instead refers to a different article identifying “Herts” as the author.” slip op. at 15
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 7,785,302 - Palo Alto Networks, Inc. v. Centripetal Networks, Inc.Institution deniedPTAB · Jan 20, 2022 · IPR2021-01155 · APJ Jon M Jurgovan · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution of IPR challenging claims 1–20 under § 325(d), finding the asserted art and arguments were previously presented and Petitioner failed to show material Office error.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsInstitution denied 325dInstitution denied
“Examiner during prosecution of the ’343 patent and that Mantripragada is cumulative to Buck, which was considered during prosecution of the ’343 patent. We further find that Patent Owner’s argument during prosecution that the packet transformation function is configured “to prevent an exfiltration operation” resulted in allowance of the claims of the ’343 patent, which overlaps with the argument that Patent Owner makes in this case against Petitioner’s challenges. Prelim. Resp. 35–36. Petitioner has not shown that the two-stage filtering process was a basis for the Examiner’s allowance of the claims of the ’343 patent over the cited prior art. We, therefore, find that the same or substantially the same prior art, and the same or substantially the same arguments, previously were presented to the Office under the first part of the Advanced Bionics framework.” slip op. at 16
- Expert testimonyPetitioner expert discountedDecided for patent owner
“extent to which additional evidence and facts presented in the Petition warrant reconsideration of the prior art or arguments. Petitioner’s declarant testifies regarding the prosecution history of the ’343 patent. Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 85–90. He concludes that “the ’343 Patent claims were apparently allowed because the Examiner concluded that the prior art of record failed to disclose a two-stage packet filtering process,” mirroring Petitioner’s argument. Id. ¶ 90. Petitioner’s declarant does not indicate how the facts support this conclusion. As mentioned, Patent Owner’s argument during prosecution leading to allowance was that the ’343 patent’s claims recite applying the packet transformation function configured to prevent an exfiltration operation. Ex. 1002, 1614–1615, 1639. Petitioner’s declarant does not explain sufficiently where in the prosecution history Patent Owner argued that a two-stage packet filtering process distinguished the ’343 patent’s claims over the prior art, or where the Examiner allowed the claims because of two-stage packet filtering. Accordingly, lacking evidentiary support, the declarant’s testimony is entitled to little or no weight on this point. 37 C.F.R. § 42.65(a). Thus, we see no additional evidence or facts in the Petition that warrant reconsideration of the prior art. Therefore, we find that Petitioner has not demonstrated that the Office erred in a manner material to the patentability of the challenged claims under the second part of the Advanced Bionics framework.” slip op. at 18
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 10,567,343 - Nespresso USA, Inc. v. K-Fee System GMHBInstitution deniedPTAB · Jan 18, 2022 · IPR2021-01222 · APJ James J Mayberry · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution under § 325(d), finding substantially the same prior art or arguments had been presented to the Office and no material examiner error was shown.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsInstitution denied 325dDenied
“stated in the Petition, standing alone, supports a finding of material examiner error, that argument is not developed adequately and, therefore, is unpersuasive on this record. Pet. 84–85. Petitioner bears the burden of showing that the Office erred, for example, by “misapprehending or overlooking specific teachings of the relevant prior art whose teachings impact patentability of the challenged claims.” Advanced Bionics, Paper 6 at 8. Where “the record of the Office’s previous consideration of the art is not well developed or silent, then a petitioner may show the Office erred by overlooking something persuasive under” Becton, Dickinson factors (e) and (f). Advanced Bionics, Paper 6 at 10. As explained above, when assessing factor (e), we consider whether Petitioner “point[s] out sufficiently how the examiner erred in its evaluation of the asserted prior art.” Supra 8. When assessing factor (f), in turn, we look for some explanation of how or why “the extent to which additional evidence and facts presented in the petition warrant reconsideration of the prior art or arguments.” Id. Petitioner addresses neither of those issues adequately, if at all. Pet. 81–85; Prelim. Reply 5–10. The closest Petitioner comes to addressing those issues is by observing, “the obviousness analysis” in the Petition “is supported by expert testimony, which the Examiner did not have.” Pet. 85. That observation is undeveloped by further analysis and, therefore, is ineffective to show that the Examiner materially erred by failing to discuss the same prior art combinations advanced in the Petition, or that “additional evidence and facts presented in the Petition warrant reconsideration of the prior art” previously presented to the Office. Becton, Dickinson, Paper 8 at 18.” slip op. at 26
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied
“institute review. See also 37 C.F.R. § 42.4(a) (2021) (permitting the Board to institute trial on behalf of the Director). To institute an inter partes review, we must determine that the information presented in the Petition shows “a reasonable likelihood that the petitioner would prevail with respect to at least [one] of the claims challenged in the petition.” 35 U.S.C. § 314(a) (2018). For the reasons set forth below, upon considering the Petition, Preliminary Response, Preliminary Reply, Preliminary Sur-reply, and evidence of record, we exercise discretion under 35 U.S.C. § 325(d) and do not institute an inter partes review.” slip op. at 2
- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Priority / effective filing date / continuation supportPriority date, deniedDecided for patent owner
“namely, whether the claimed invention is entitled to a priority date of July 22, 2010, based on certain German priority documents, thereby disqualifying Jarisch as prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(e). See Pet. 15–18 (discussing priority to the German applications), 22–23 (asserting Jarisch as prior art under § 102(e)), 85 (arguing that the examiner did not consider Jarisch because of an error in priority); Ex. 1002–176, Part 1, 278. Pet. 15–18 (arguing that the challenged claims are not entitled to priority based on the German priority documents), 85 (arguing the examiner applied an incorrect priority date, based on the German priority documents, to antedate Jarisch); Prelim. Resp. 4–6, 16–22; Prelim. Reply 8–10; Prelim. Sur-reply 7–10. Petitioner focuses only on whether the examiner erred in assessing that argument. Pet. 85. Petitioner does not, and cannot, submit that the Office never considered the issue during patent prosecution, at least with respect to applications in the priority chain of the ’177 patent. The Office, in fact, expressly considered whether “Jarisch is not prior art” because the challenged claims are “entitled to a priority date of 22 July 2010” based on the German priority documents. Ex. 1002–176, Part 1, 278 (prosecution history for the grandparent application). The Office also expressly responded to Patent Owner’s argument on that point as follows: “This urging is not deemed persuasive.” Id. This issue represents a second, significant argument previously presented to the Office.” slip op. at 20
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › Fintiv (parallel litigation)Not reached
“B. Discretionary Denial under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a) Patent Owner also argues that we should exercise our discretion under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a) in light of parallel district court litigation involving the parties and the ’177 patent. Prelim. Resp. 36–44; Prelim. Sur-reply 1–4. Because we exercise our discretion under § 325(d) and deny the Petition, we do not reach this issue.” slip op. at 28
§ 102 anticipationDiscretionary denialPatents in suitUS 10,858,177 - Nespresso USA, Inc. v. K-Fee System GmbHInstitution deniedPTAB · Jan 18, 2022 · IPR2021-01223 · APJ Grace Karaffa Obermann · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution of IPR on claims 1–16 under § 325(d), finding substantially the same art or arguments had been presented to the Office and no material Examiner error was shown.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsInstitution denied 325dDenied
“First, we assess whether the Examiner considered the same or substantially the same prior art or arguments asserted in the Petition and, if so, we resolve whether Petitioner shows sufficiently that the Examiner erred in a manner material to the patentability of the challenged claims. Advanced Bionics, LLC v. MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geräte GmbH, IPR2019-01469, Paper 6 at 8 (PTAB Feb. 13, 2020) (precedential) (“Advanced Bionics”). In applying the two-part framework articulated in Advanced Bionics,” slip op. at 9
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 10,870,531
Holdings, summaries, rulings, issues, outcomes, winners and claim constructions shown for a decision were generated by a large language model reading the opinion. They are a guide to the decision, not the decision. Confirm every one against the court's own text before relying on it. Outcomes read from the patent owner’s side. Party names are extracted from the decision and are missing on about 900 short Director denials and scans, which carry the trial number instead.