- Microsoft Corporation v. Almondnet, Inc.Institution deniedPTAB · Jan 30, 2023 · IPR2022-01319 · APJ Thomas L Giannetti · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution for all challenged claims under § 325(d), finding Beyda had been presented to the Office and Microsoft had not shown material Examiner error.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsInstitution denied 325dDenied
“Here, Petitioner does not dispute Patent Owner’s evidence that Beyda was previously presented to the Office. Ex. 1004, 295. Thus, the first criterion of the Advanced Bionics framework (same art or arguments) is met. Advanced Bionics, Paper 6 at 7–8 (“Previously presented art includes art made of record by the Examiner and art provided to the Office by an applicant, such as on an Information Disclosure Statement (IDS),”). The second inquiry in the Advanced Bionics framework asks whether the Petitioner has demonstrated that the Office erred in a manner material to the patentability of challenged claims. Advanced Bionics, Paper 6 at 8–9. As Patent Owner points out, “although the Petition admits that the Examiner considered Beyda during prosecution, it fails to make any allegation whatsoever that the Examiner erred (let alone erred in a material way) in his consideration of Beyda.” Prelim. Resp. 18. As to Narin, Patent Owner argues that Petitioner “does not offer any explanation” why that reference is not “substantially the same” as art considered by the Examiner, “let alone how or why the Examiner materially erred in considering that art to not be invalidating.” Id. We agree that Petitioner has failed to demonstrate that the Office erred in its evaluation of the cited art. See Advanced Bionics, Paper 6 at 8–9 (“If a condition in the first part of the framework is satisfied and the petitioner fails to make a showing of material error, the Director generally will exercise discretion not to institute inter partes review.”). Here, the Beyda prior art that was before the Examiner during the examination is identical to the art cited here.3 There is no argument or evidence before us that Beyda was concealed from the Examiner. The Examiner ultimately made a determination that the claims were patentable. Ex. 1004, 49, 92. As cautioned by Advanced Bionics, “[i]f 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 patentability.” Advanced Bionics, Paper 6 at 9. Advanced Bionics goes on to explain the rationale for this rule: “At bottom, this framework reflects a commitment to defer to previous Office evaluations of the evidence of record unless material error is shown.” Id. Having considered the record presented by Patent Owner and the absence of any substantive showing from Petitioner, we are not persuaded of material Examiner error. Petitioner’s assertion that the prior art references in the Petition “were not substantively considered during the prosecution of the ’139 Patent, or in the prior CBM challenge,” without further explanation, is insufficient. In summary, applying the two-part framework of Advanced Bionics, we are persuaded to deny the Petition under 35 U.S.C § 325(d).” slip op. at 10
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 8,671,139 - Google LLC v. Ecofactor, Inc.Institution deniedPTAB · Aug 1, 2022 · IPR2022-00535 · APJ Brent M Dougal · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution for claims 1–17 under § 325(d), finding no material error in the Examiner’s priority determination and Quam essential to every asserted ground.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsInstitution denied 325dDenied
“2. Conclusion as to 35 U.S.C. § 325(d) As discussed in detail above, the Quam and Modi references only qualify as prior art that can be used against the ’890 patent if the ’890 patent is not entitled to priority. However, the Petition fails to establish that the Examiner erred in determining that the ’890 patent is entitled to its priority claim. We exercise our discretion to decline to reconsider the issue of priority which has already been addressed by the Office. Thus, the Petition cannot show that Quam and Modi are prior art that can be used against the ’890 patent. As Quam is essential to all grounds in the Petition, we exercise our discretion under 35 U.S.C. § 325(d) to decline to institute.” slip op. at 14
- Disclosure Requirements (§112) › Written description (Ariad)Written description adequateEntitled to earlier dateDecided for patent owner
“Petitioner’s argument fails to identify any material errors by the Examiner. First, we determine that Petitioner makes no credible argument that one of skill in the art would not understand the ’554 application to teach that weather data is obtained from outside a building or that the Examiner erred in making such a determination. Petitioner acknowledges that the ’554 application teaches data comprising an outside weather condition. Id. at 12– 14. Data of an outside weather condition necessarily ultimately comes from a source outside of a building; otherwise it would not be an “outside” weather condition. Contrary to Petitioner’s argument, the claim does not require that the outside weather condition be transmitted from a source external to the building to the one or more processors through a network connected to the thermostat. See id. at 14. The claim states that the “outside weather condition [is] collected from a source external to the building,” but then only requires that the outside weather condition be received by the one or more processors from a network connected to the thermostat. Thus, how it is collected and how it is received is not linked or required by the claim language. Secondly, Figure 2 relied on by the Applicant shows that the entire system is set-up on a network. Thus, Figure 2 shows “a network connected to the thermostat” as required by the claim and sharing of data comes across the network, such as would occur when a server having a processor retrieves data, such as an outside weather condition, from a storage database on another server in the network. See e.g., Ex. 1005, 46; Ex. 1007, 399 at ¶¶ 81, 84, 406 at ¶ 110, 440–441.” slip op. at 9
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied
“qualify as prior art that can be used against the ’890 patent if the ’890 patent is not entitled to priority. However, the Petition fails to establish that the Examiner erred in determining that the ’890 patent is entitled to its priority claim. We exercise our discretion to decline to reconsider the issue of priority which has already been addressed by the Office. Thus, the Petition cannot show that Quam and Modi are prior art that can be used against the ’890 patent. As Quam is essential to all grounds in the Petition, we exercise our discretion under 35 U.S.C. § 325(d) to decline to institute. III. CONCLUSION For the foregoing reasons, we do not institute trial. IV. ORDER In consideration of the foregoing, it is hereby: ORDERED that, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 314(a), no inter partes review as to any claim of U.S. Patent 10,584,890 B2 is instituted.” slip op. at 14
§ 112 disclosureDiscretionary denialPatents in suitUS 10,584,890 - Splunk Inc. v. Sable Networks, Inc.Institution deniedPTAB · Apr 14, 2022 · IPR2022-00003 · APJ Juliet Mitchell Dirba · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution of review of claims 1–15, 23–28, 32, 43–51, and 97 under § 325(d) because substantially the same art or arguments were previously presented and Petitioner showed no material Office error.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsInstitution denied 325dInstitution denied
“(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 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 7
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied
“We may institute an inter partes review if the information presented in the Petition and the Preliminary Response shows that there is a reasonable likelihood that Petitioner would prevail with respect to at least one of the challenged claims. See 35 U.S.C. § 314. However, the Board has discretion to deny a petition even if a petitioner meets that threshold. See, e.g., 35 U.S.C. § 325(d); Cuozzo Speed Techs., LLC v. Lee, 579 U.S. 261, 273 (2016) (“[T]he agency’s decision to deny a petition is a matter committed to the Patent Office’s discretion.”).” slip op. at 2
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 7,630,358 - Husky Injection Molding Systems, Ltd. / Husky Injection Molding Systems, Inc. v. Plastipak Packaging, Inc.Rehearing deniedPTAB · Jan 7, 2021 · IPR2020-00439 · APJ Meredith C Petravick · IPR · Rehearing
The Board denied Petitioner’s rehearing request, leaving in place its discretionary denial of institution under § 325(d) because the same or substantially the same art or arguments were previously presented.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, deniedDenied
“STANDARD A party requesting rehearing bears the burden of showing that a decision should be modified. 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(d). The party must identify all matters it believes the Board misapprehended or overlooked, and the place where each matter was addressed previously in a motion, an opposition, or a reply. Id. When rehearing a decision, we review the decision for an abuse of discretion. See generally 37 C.F.R. § 42.71 (b)–(d). An abuse of discretion occurs when a “decision was based on an erroneous conclusion of law or clearly erroneous factual findings, or . . . a clear error of” slip op. at 2
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsInstitution denied 325dInstitution denied
“applied the two-part framework set forth in Advanced Bionics. Inst. Dec. 8–20. The two-part framework is: (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. In applying the two-part framework, we considered several nonexclusive factors, including:” slip op. at 3
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 10,457,437 - Husky Injection Molding Systems, Ltd. / Husky Injection Molding Systems, Inc. v. Plastipak Packaging, Inc.Rehearing deniedPTAB · Jan 7, 2021 · IPR2020-00438 · APJ Meredith C Petravick · IPR · Rehearing
The Board denied Husky’s rehearing request, leaving institution denied under § 325(d) because the petition relied on art or arguments previously presented to the Office.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, deniedDenied
“decision should be modified. 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(d). The party must identify all matters it believes the Board misapprehended or overlooked, and the place where each matter was addressed previously in a motion, an opposition, or a reply. Id. When rehearing a decision, we review the decision for an abuse of discretion. See generally 37 C.F.R. § 42.71 (b)–(d). An abuse of discretion occurs when a “decision was based on an erroneous conclusion of law or clearly erroneous factual findings, or . . . a clear error of” slip op. at 2
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsInstitution denied 325dInstitution denied
“the same prior art or arguments previously were presented to the Office.” 35 U.S.C. § 325(d). In that respect, section 325(d) provides that the Director may elect not to institute a proceeding if the challenge to the patent is based on matters previously presented to the Office. Advanced Bionics, LLC v. Med-El Elektromedizinische Geräte GmbH, IPR2019-01469, Paper 6 at 7 (PTAB Feb. 13, 2020) (precedential) (“Advanced Bionics”).” slip op. at 3
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 10,214,312 - Husky Injection Molding Systems, Ltd. / Husky Injection Molding Systems, Inc. v. Plastipak Packaging, Inc.Rehearing deniedPTAB · Jan 7, 2021 · IPR2020-00437 · APJ Meredith C Petravick · IPR · Rehearing
The Board denied Husky’s rehearing request, leaving in place the discretionary denial of institution under § 325(d) across the related proceedings.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, deniedDenied
“STANDARD A party requesting rehearing bears the burden of showing that a decision should be modified. 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(d). The party must identify all matters it believes the Board misapprehended or overlooked, and the place where each matter was addressed previously in a motion, an opposition, or a reply. Id. When rehearing a decision, we review the decision for an abuse of discretion. See generally 37 C.F.R. § 42.71 (b)–(d). An abuse of discretion occurs when a “decision was based on an erroneous conclusion of law or clearly erroneous factual findings, or . . . a clear error of” slip op. at 2
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsInstitution denied 325dDecided for patent owner
“In evaluating the parties’ contentions concerning section 325(d), we applied the two-part framework set forth in Advanced Bionics. Inst. Dec. 8–20. The two-part framework is: (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. In applying the two-part framework, we considered several nonexclusive factors, including: (a) the similarities and material differences between the asserted art and the prior art involved during examination; (b) the cumulative nature of the asserted art and the prior art evaluated during examination; (c) the extent to which the asserted art was evaluated during examination, including whether the prior art was the basis for rejection; (d) the extent of the overlap between the arguments made during examination and the manner in which Petitioner relies on the prior art or Patent Owner distinguishes the prior art; (e) whether Petitioner has pointed out sufficiently how the Examiner erred in its evaluation of the asserted prior art; and (f) the extent to which additional evidence and facts presented in the Petition warrant reconsideration of the prior art or arguments. Becton, Dickinson & Co. v. B. Braun Melsungen AG, IPR2017-01586, Paper 8 at 17–18 (PTAB Dec. 15, 2017) (precedential as to Section III.C.5, first paragraph) (“Becton, Dickinson”). After review of factors (a), (b), and (d), we determined that the same or substantially the same art or arguments previously were presented to the Office, and addressed factors (c), (e), and (f) as to whether Petitioner demonstrated that the Office erred in a manner material to the patentability of the challenged claims. See Advanced Bionics, Paper 6 at 10.” slip op. at 3
- Strike new argumentNew argument disregardedDecided for patent owner
“Further, we note that Petitioner argued that discretionary denial was unwarranted under § 325(d) in its Reply to Patent Owner’s Preliminary Response. See e.g., Paper 17, 1–6. These arguments focused on Colloud and did not mention The US Standard. See id. We could not have abused our discretion by overlooking an argument that discretionary denial was unwarranted based on the inclusion of The US Standard, when Petitioner did not make such an argument in its Reply.” slip op. at 6
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 10,214,311 - Husky Injection Molding Systems, Ltd. / Husky Injection Molding Systems, Inc. v. Plastipak Packaging, Inc.Rehearing deniedPTAB · Jan 7, 2021 · IPR2020-00436 · APJ Meredith C Petravick · IPR · Rehearing
The Board denied Husky’s rehearing request, leaving institution denied under § 325(d) because the same or substantially the same art or arguments had previously been presented.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, deniedDenied
“STANDARD A party requesting rehearing bears the burden of showing that a decision should be modified. 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(d). The party must identify all matters it believes the Board misapprehended or overlooked, and the place where each matter was addressed previously in a motion, an opposition, or a reply. Id. When rehearing a decision, we review the decision for an abuse of discretion. See generally 37 C.F.R. § 42.71 (b)–(d). An abuse of discretion occurs when a “decision was based on an erroneous conclusion of law or clearly erroneous factual findings, or . . . a clear error of” slip op. at 2
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsInstitution denied 325dInstitution denied
“applied the two-part framework set forth in Advanced Bionics. Inst. Dec. 8–20. The two-part framework is: (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. In applying the two-part framework, we considered several nonexclusive factors, including:” slip op. at 3
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 10,266,299 - Husky Injection Molding Systems, Ltd. / Husky Injection Molding Systems, Inc. v. Plastipak Packaging, Inc.Rehearing deniedPTAB · Jan 7, 2021 · IPR2020-00435 · APJ Meredith C Petravick · IPR · Rehearing
The Board denied rehearing, leaving in place the discretionary denial of institution under § 325(d) because the rehearing request showed no abuse of discretion.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, deniedDenied
“unreasonable judgement in weighing the Becton, Dickinson[] factors underlying Advanced Bionics’[s] framework and thus abuse its discretion.” Req. Reh’g. 1. We have considered all of Petitioner’s allegations of error, but are not persuaded that we abused our discretion by denying institution pursuant to section 325(d). The alleged errors amount to no more than mere disagreement with our weighing of the Becton, Dickinson factors in the Advanced Bionics’s framework. Mere disagreement is not a proper basis for rehearing.” slip op. at 4
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsInstitution denied 325dInstitution denied
“applied the two-part framework set forth in Advanced Bionics. Inst. Dec. 8–20. The two-part framework is: (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. In applying the two-part framework, we considered several nonexclusive factors, including:” slip op. at 3
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 10,023,345 - Husky Injection Molding Systems, Ltd. / Husky Injection Molding Systems, Inc. v. Plastipak Packaging, Inc.Rehearing deniedPTAB · Jan 7, 2021 · IPR2020-00434 · APJ Meredith C Petravick · IPR · Rehearing
The Board denied Husky’s rehearing request, leaving institution denied under § 325(d) because the same or substantially the same art or arguments were previously presented.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, deniedDenied
“decision should be modified. 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(d). The party must identify all matters it believes the Board misapprehended or overlooked, and the place where each matter was addressed previously in a motion, an opposition, or a reply. Id. When rehearing a decision, we review the decision for an abuse of discretion. See generally 37 C.F.R. § 42.71 (b)–(d). An abuse of discretion occurs when a “decision was based on an erroneous conclusion of law or clearly erroneous factual findings, or . . . a clear error of” slip op. at 2
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsInstitution denied 325dInstitution denied
“applied the two-part framework set forth in Advanced Bionics. Inst. Dec. 8–20. The two-part framework is: (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. In applying the two-part framework, we considered several nonexclusive factors, including:” slip op. at 3
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 9,738,409 - Husky Injection Molding Systems, Ltd. / Husky Injection Molding Systems, Inc. v. Plastipak Packaging, Inc.Rehearing deniedPTAB · Jan 7, 2021 · IPR2020-00429 · APJ Meredith C Petravick · IPR · Rehearing
The Board denied Husky’s rehearing request, leaving in place the § 325(d) denial of institution based on previously presented art or arguments.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, deniedDenied
“STANDARD A party requesting rehearing bears the burden of showing that a decision should be modified. 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(d). The party must identify all matters it believes the Board misapprehended or overlooked, and the place where each matter was addressed previously in a motion, an opposition, or a reply. Id. When rehearing a decision, we review the decision for an abuse of discretion. See generally 37 C.F.R. § 42.71 (b)–(d). An abuse of discretion occurs when a “decision was based on an erroneous conclusion of law or clearly erroneous factual findings, or . . . a clear error of” slip op. at 2
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsInstitution denied 325dDecided for patent owner
“Becton, Dickinson & Co. v. B. Braun Melsungen AG, IPR2017-01586, Paper 8 at 17–18 (PTAB Dec. 15, 2017) (precedential as to Section III.C.5, first paragraph) (“Becton, Dickinson”). After review of factors (a), (b), and (d), we determined that the same or substantially the same art or arguments previously were presented to the Office, and addressed factors (c), (e), and (f) as to whether Petitioner demonstrated that the Office erred in a manner material to the patentability of the challenged claims. See Advanced Bionics, Paper 6 at 10.” slip op. at 4
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 9,033,168
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.