- Toyota Motor Corporation v. Cellport Systems, Inc.Institution deniedPTAB · Dec 16, 2015 · IPR2015-01422 · APJ Scott C Moore · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution on all claims: claims 1–11 lacked a sufficient showing of the claimed network protocol converter structure, and claims 12–21 were denied as a second, delayed petition.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied
“network communication means” claim limitation. Claims 2, 6, and 8–11 depend from claim 1 and, thus, incorporate this limitation by way of dependence. A petition for inter partes review “must specify where each element of the claim is found in the prior art patents or printed publications relied upon.” 37 C.F.R. § 42.104(b)(4). Because the “first standard network communication means” is a means-plus-function claim limitation, Petitioner is required to show that both the recited function of this claim limitation and the corresponding structure or an equivalent are present in the applied references. Fresenius USA, Inc. v. Baxter Int’l, Inc., 582 F.3d 1288, 1299 (Fed. Cir. 2009) (“[A] challenger who seeks to demonstrate that a means-plus-function limitation was present in the prior art must prove that the corresponding structure—or an equivalent—was present in the prior art.”). The Petition does not identify any structure in the applied references that is allegedly identical or equivalent to the corresponding structure of the “first standard network communication means” claim limitation, i.e., network protocol converter 26. Petitioner’s entire argument concerning the “first standard network communication means” of claims 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7, is reproduced below: Cao discloses a “first standard network communications means” (i.e., wireless Proxim radio link with base station) that uses Internet Protocol for “presenting information for transmission over the airlink in a first format that is acceptable to a first standardized network that includes the airlink” (i.e., TCP/IP format). See Ex. 1019 at 6; see also supra Section VIII.A.4. Pet. 40. Though Petitioner alleges that the “wireless Proxim radio link with base station” of Cao performs the recited function of the “first standard network communication means,” Petitioner does not compare the structure of the “wireless Proxim radio link with base station” of Cao to the structure of network protocol converter 26. Cited Section VIII.A.4 of the Petition similarly does not address the structure of the “wireless Proxim radio link with base station” of Cao. See Pet. 18–20. Thus, the Petition does not identify any structure in the applied references that is allegedly identical or equivalent to the corresponding structure of the “first standard network communication means” claim limitation. For the foregoing reasons, the Petition fails to show persuasively that the “first standard network communication means” claim limitation is found in the references that Petitioner relies upon with respect to claims 1–11. Thus, the information presented in the Petition is not sufficient to demonstrate a reasonable likelihood that Petitioner will prevail in demonstrating that claims 1–11 are unpatentable. 3.” slip op. at 18
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › General Plastic (serial petitions)Institution denied general plasticInstitution denied
“The 4½ month delay between Petitioner’s first and second Petitions is problematic for several reasons. First, the timing of this Petition makes consolidation impractical, and, thus, frustrates the interest of judicial economy. The oral hearing in IPR2015-00633 is set for April 14, 2016. IPR2015-00633, Paper 12. Thus, it would not be practical to institute a second inter partes review and consolidate that proceeding with IPR2015- 00633. See 35 U.S.C. § 315(d). Assuming that Petitioner has shown here a reasonable likelihood that claims 12–21 are unpatentable, two separate trials would be necessary, requiring the parties, as well as the Board, to expend significant additional resources. Second, even if we were to institute a second inter partes review involving claims 12–21, Petitioner might be unable to “maintain” the second inter partes review upon issuance of a final written decision in IPR2015-00633. 35 U.S.C. § 325(e)(1) provides that any final written decision in IPR2015-00633 on the patentability of claims 12–21 would preclude Petitioner from “maintain[ing] a proceeding before the Office . . . on any ground that the petition raised or reasonably could have raised during [the earlier] post-grant review.” Thus, instituting a second inter partes review may result in a significant waste of time and resources for the parties and for Board. See 37 C.F.R. § 42.1(b) (“This part shall be construed to secure a just, speedy, and inexpensive resolution of every proceeding.”). Third, the timing of the second Petition raises the potential for gamesmanship. Petitioner did not file this Petition until one month after Patent Owner filed its Preliminary Response in IPR2015-00633. The timing of the second Petition gave Petitioner the opportunity to preview the arguments set forth in the Patent Owner Preliminary Response in IPR2015- 00633. Petitioner also has not provided an adequate explanation for the 4½ month delay between the filing of this Petition and the filing of its previous Petition. Though Petitioner alleges that it was not aware of Cao “at the time it filed Petition No. 2015-00633” (Pet. 2), Petitioner does not state when and under what circumstances, during the 4½ months that preceded the filing of the current Petition, it became aware of Cao. Cao is a technical paper that was published by a major research university in the United States, and, thus, it is not clear on this record why Petitioner was unable to locate Cao at an earlier date. See Ex. 1019, 1. We further note that Petitioner has not identified any meaningful distinctions between the arguments regarding claims 12–21 in this Petition and the arguments Petitioner set forth in its earlier Petition. For instance, Petitioner does not explain in what ways the grounds asserted against claims 12–21 in this proceeding are superior to the grounds against the same claims and on the basis of which we instituted trial in IPR2015-00633. In view of the foregoing, we exercise our discretion and decline to” slip op. at 20
- Claim Construction › Functional claiming / §112(f) means-plus-function › Whether §112(f) applies (Williamson, nonce words)§112(f) does not applyDecided for patent owner
“Despite the rebuttable presumption, we do not construe “controller means” as a means-plus-function claim limitation. The presumption is overcome because the claim language does not link the “controller means” to a specific recited function. See York Prod., Inc. v. Cent. Tractor Farm & Family Ctr., 99 F.3d 1568, 1574 (Fed. Cir. 1996) (“Without a ‘means’ sufficiently connected to a recited function, the presumption in use of the word ‘means’ does not operate.”). In addition, the presumption is overcome when the claim specifies detailed structure sufficient to perform any recited or implicit function, e.g., controlling. See TriMed, Inc. v. Stryker Corp., 514 F.3d 1256, 1259–60 (Fed. Cir. 2008) (“Sufficient structure exists when the claim language specifies the exact structure that performs the functions in question without need to resort to other portions of the specification or extrinsic evidence for an adequate understanding of the structure.”); Altiris, Inc. v. Symantec Corp., 318 F.3d 1363, 1376 (Fed. Cir. 2003). Each of independent claims 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7 recites that the “controller means” includes the “processing means” and the “first standard network communication means.” As discussed herein, the processing means and the first standard network communication means are means-plus-function claim limitations that are defined in terms of specific structures disclosed in the Specification. Moreover, the recited “controller” is also a structure that is sufficient to perform any recited or implicit function of the “controller means.” The rebuttable presumption also is overcome because the controller means claim limitation is associated with these structures. Thus, in accordance with the ordinary and customary meaning of the claim language, and consistent with the Specification (see Ex. 1001, 2:66–3:29, 6:11–37, 8:1–45), for purposes of this Decision, we construe “controller means” as “a controller.” 3.” slip op. at 12
- Claim Construction › Functional claiming / §112(f) means-plus-function › Corresponding structure / algorithm (indefinite if none)§112(f) appliesDecided for patent owner
“is a means-plus-function limitation is overcome because this limitation lacks an associated function. Prelim. Resp. 13. We agree. The grammatical structure of the claim and, in particular, the fact that the functional language cited by Petitioner appears immediately after the recitation of the “processing means” evidences an intent to associate this functional language with the “processing means” claim limitation. Thus, for purposes of this Decision, we construe “processing means” as a means-plus-function claim limitation having a recited function of “controlling the sending and receiving of said information using said wireless device between said first remote station and the vehicle.” “Structure disclosed in the specification qualifies as ‘corresponding structure’ if the intrinsic evidence clearly links or associates that structure to the function recited in the claim.” Williamson, 792 F.3d at 1352. The Specification of the ’074 Patent indicates that the sending and receiving of vehicle information between the remote station and the vehicle is controlled by processor 90 in conjunction with real time operating system 94. See Ex. 1001, 8:1–23, 13:54–56. Data memory 106 is not linked clearly to the recited function because data memory 106 merely stores information, and does not control the sending and receiving of information. See id. 8:45–58, 9:31–45, 10:58–64, 13:8–10, 23–26. Thus, the structure in the Specification that corresponds to the “processing means” is “processor 90 in conjunction with real time operating system 94.”” slip op. at 11
Claim constructionDiscretionary denialcites GrahamPatents in suitUS 5,732,074 - Unified Patents Inc. v. Olivistar, LLCInstitution deniedPTAB · Nov 20, 2015 · IPR2015-01216 · APJ Scott C Moore · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution because the petition did not show a reasonable likelihood of prevailing on anticipation by Monroe or obviousness over Mangasarian and Walker for any challenged claim.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied
“1–8, 11–14, 16–23, 29–32, 37, 47, and 48 (Paper 2; “Pet.”) of U.S. Patent No. 7,606,843 B2 (Ex. 1001; “the ’843 Patent”). Patent Owner filed a Preliminary Response (Paper 12; “Prelim. Resp.”). We have jurisdiction under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a), which provides that an inter partes review may not be instituted “unless . . . there is a reasonable likelihood that the petitioner would prevail with respect to at least 1 of the claims challenged in the petition.” On this record and for the reasons discussed below, we do not institute an inter parties of any claim of the ’843 Patent. The Petition is denied.” slip op. at 2
- Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)Term construed board ownNo construction neededDecided for patent owner
“We agree with Patent Owner’s position that Petitioner’s constructions are overbroad. The challenged claims all relate to the archival of monitoring device data either by an archive server (i.e., a computer), or according to according to computer-executable instructions. See Ex. 1001, 13:10–33, 14:61–15:17, 15:20–47, 16:35–61. In the context of computers and computer systems, the term “archival” ordinarily and customarily refers to long-term, persistent storage of computer data.2 In contrast, the term “buffer” ordinarily and customarily refers to memory that temporarily holds information, for example, to account for differences in data flow rates between computer components.3 Similarly, random access memory (“RAM”) is non-persistent memory that temporarily stores data while that” slip op. at 7
- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Anticipation standard (single reference, every element)Not shown unpatentableNot shown unpatentable
“characterized by one or more archival attributes.” Ex. 1001, 13:15–17, 14:65–67. Claims 1 and 29 also require “determining whether the archival profile is associated with one or more archival attributes of the incoming monitoring data,” and if so, “processing the incoming monitoring device data . . . into a compressed format” and “selectively storing the incoming monitoring device data . . . on a storage medium.” Id. at 13:20–29, 15:3–12. Claims 1 and 29 further require that the “archival attribute from which the archival profile selectively stores incoming monitoring device data is one selected from the group of file type, monitoring device identifier, and monitoring device type that collected the incoming monitoring device data.” Id. at 13:29–33, 15:13–17. Thus, the “one or more archival attributes” recited in the “determining” step of claims 1 and 29 must be “selected from the group of file type, monitoring device identifier, and monitoring device type that collected the incoming monitoring device data.” slip op. at 11
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successMotivation not foundNot shown unpatentableNot shown unpatentable
“We are not persuaded that Petitioner has “articulated reasoning with some rational underpinning to support the legal conclusion of obviousness.” See KSR Int’l Co. v. Teleflex Inc., 550 U.S. 398, 418 (2007). For example, Petitioner does not provide a persuasive explanation of why a skilled artisan would have found it obvious to modify the system and method of Mangasarian to include unique data channel identifiers of the type described in Walker. Petitioner’s argument that “both references are directed to monitoring data on a network and storing such monitoring data for later analysis” (Pet. 44, citation omitted) does not explain why it would have been obvious to make the specific modification that Petitioner proposes. The fact that two references both describe monitoring data on a network and storing such data does not, without more, demonstrate that specific combinations of teachings from these references would have been obvious. Petitioner also has not provided a persuasive explanation of why a skilled artisan would have found it obvious to use unique data channel identifiers of the type described in Walker as an archival attribute that determines whether the data of Mangasarian is selectively stored. Petitioner’s assertion that a “person of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that Walker describes an additional attribute of the monitoring data . . . and would have found it obvious to combine such teachings with the teachings of Mangasarian to selectively collect and archive data based on this specific attribute of the data” (Pet. 44, citation omitted) is conclusory in nature, and is not supported by persuasive evidence or argument.8 For the foregoing reasons, Petitioner has not shown a reasonable likelihood that it would prevail on its obviousness challenge to claims 1 and 29. Dependent Claims 2, 3, 8, 12–14, 16, 17, 21, 22, 29, and 30” slip op. at 20
Claim construction§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousnesscites KSR · GrahamPatents in suitUS 7,606,843 - Unified Patents Inc. v. Olivistar, LLCInstitution deniedPTAB · Nov 20, 2015 · IPR2015-01217 · APJ Scott C Moore · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution because the petition did not show a reasonable likelihood of prevailing on its Monroe anticipation or Mangasarian-Walker obviousness challenges to claims 1, 3, 4, 8–12, and 17–20.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied
“review of claims 1, 3, 4, 8–12, and 17–20 of U.S. Patent No. 8,239,347 B2 (Ex. 1001; “the ’347 Patent”). Patent Owner filed a Preliminary Response (Paper 12; “Prelim. Resp.”). We have jurisdiction under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a), which provides that an inter partes review may not be instituted “unless . . . there is a reasonable likelihood that the petitioner would prevail with respect to at least 1 of the claims challenged in the petition.” On this record and for the reasons discussed below, we do not institute an inter parties of any claim of the ’347 Patent. The Petition is denied.” slip op. at 2
- Claim Construction › Intrinsic evidence (Phillips canons) › Plain and ordinary meaning to a POSITATerm construed patent owner constructionDecided for patent owner
“We agree with Patent Owner’s position that Petitioner’s constructions are overbroad. The challenged claims all relate to a system employs “archival attributes” and “archival profiles” to determine whether to store data in a “data repository,” or a method of “selectively archiving” data that employs “archival attributes” and “archival profiles.” Ex. 1001, 13:11–33, 14:28–46. In the context of computers and computer systems, the term “archival” refers to long-term, persistent storage of computer data.2 In contrast, the term “buffer” ordinarily and customarily refers to memory that temporarily holds information, for example, to account for differences in data flow rates between computer components.3 Similarly, random access memory (“RAM”) is non-persistent memory that temporarily stores data while that data is being processed.4 Thus, the plain and ordinary meaning of 2 See Ex. 3001 (definition from Academic Press Dictionary of Science and Technology, defining “archival storage” as “[s]torage media, such as off-line magnetic tapes or disks, used for long-term storage of data seldom accessed, such as transaction history or backup copies of working programs”); Ex. 3002 (definition from Webster’s New World Computer Dictionary, defining “archive” as “an infrequently used but comprehensive collection of data”). 3 See Ex. 3003 (definition from Webster’s New World Computer Dictionary, defining “buffer” as “a unit of memory given the task of holding information temporarily, especially while waiting for slower components to catch up”); Ex. 3004 (definition from Academic Press Dictionary of Science and Technology, defining “buffer” as “[a]n intermediate storage area used to compensate for differences in rates of data flow when information is being transmitted from one computer device to another”). 4 See, e.g., Ex. 3005 (definition from Webster’s New World Computer Dictionary, defining “random access memory” as “[t]he computer’s primary working memory . . . . In RAM, the CPU can write and read data. Most programs set aside a portion of RAM as a temporary workspace for data so that one can modify (rewrite) as needed until the data is ready for printing or storage on secondary storage media, such as a hard or floppy disk. RAM does not retain its contents when the power to the computer is switched off.”). “archival” does not encompass the storage of data in buffer memory or RAM. This interpretation of “archival” is consistent with the Specification. In particular, the Specification indicates that “archival” data is data that “needs to be maintained for a number of possible uses,” and does not include data that “can be generated, processed, and discarded after its intended purpose.” Id. at 1:20–23. The Specification also provides several examples of “archival” storage, all of which are types of long-term, persistent storage. See id. at 1:26–36 (indicating that archived data may be stored in “storage devices, such as magnetic media and optical media that are directly attached to a computing device generating the data to be archived,” “special-purpose file management server-computing devices [that] function as a storage destination for a number of computing devices,” and “multiple file management servers functioning[] as a storage location for a number of networked computing devices.”). Independent claims 1 and 17 both require selectively storing monitoring device data “if the archival profile is associated with one or more archival attributes.” Ex. 1001, 13:26–33; 14:39–46. For the reasons set forth above, based on the current record, and for purposes of this Decision, we are persuaded that the claim term “archival attribute” does not encompass an attribute relating to the storage of data in buffer memory or RAM, and that the claim term “archival profile” does not encompass a profile relating to the storage of data in buffer memory or RAM. No further construction of these claim terms is necessary at this time. See Wellman, Inc. v. Eastman Chem. Co., 642 F.3d 1355, 1361 (Fed. Cir. 2011) (quoting Vivid Techs., Inc. v. Am. Sci. & Eng’g, Inc., 200 F.3d 795, 803 (Fed. Cir. 1999)) (“[C]laim terms need only be construed ‘to the extent necessary to resolve the controversy.’”).” slip op. at 6
- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Anticipation standard (single reference, every element)Not shown unpatentableNot shown unpatentable
“processor.” Ex. 1001, 13:16. The fourth element of claim 1 recites that “the monitoring device data processor determines whether the archival profile is associated with one or more archival attributes of the monitoring device data.” Id. at 13:22–24. The final element of claim 1 recites that “the monitoring device data processor . . . selectively stores the monitoring device data in the compressed format on the at least one data repository.” Ex. 1001, 13:11–33. In order to demonstrate anticipation, Petitioner must demonstrate that Monroe discloses “not only all of the limitations claimed but also all of the limitations arranged or combined in the same way as recited in the claim.” Net MoneyIN, 545 F.3d at 1371. Thus, Petitioner cannot demonstrate anticipation by picking and choosing different “monitoring device data processors” when discussing different elements of claim 1. Instead, Petitioner must identify a “monitoring device data processor” that performs all of the steps recited above. Petitioner fails to do so.” slip op. at 12
- Obviousness (§103) › Graham factors (scope of art, differences, level of skill)Not shown unpatentableNot shown unpatentable
“As discussed above, however, we construe “archival attributes” and “archival profiles” to not include attributes and profiles that relate to the storage of data in buffer memory. The Petition also does not provide any persuasive evidence or argument that one of ordinary skill would consider storage of information in packet buffer 208 of Mangasarian to be “archival” storage. Thus, viewing Mangasarian through the lens of Petitioner’s First Perspective, we are not persuaded that the reference teaches an “archival attribute” or “archival profile.” In the Second Perspective, Petitioner alleges that remote probe 107 is a “monitoring device,” and that the processor of protocol analyzer/host 111 connected to the host network interface is a “monitoring device data processor.” Id. at 27. Petitioner also alleges that the network data packets of Mangasarian correspond to the “monitoring device data” of the claims (see id. at 33), that the class code information for data packets corresponds to the “archival attributes” of the claims (id. at 34), and that the filter, classification, and upload routines of Mangasarian correspond to the “archival profiles” of the claims (id.). Petitioner alleges that host 111 (i.e., the monitoring device data processor) uses the class code information (i.e., archival attributes) and upload routines (i.e., the archival profile) to “enable intelligent selection of portions of packet buffer to be downloaded” to host 111. 35 (citing Ex. 1004, 6:3–5; Jawadi Decl. ¶¶ 78–79, 95, and Ex. B cl. 1(b))). Petitioner also asserts that the processor of host 111 “includes sufficient memory and mass storage to store and manipulate the portions of packet buffer 208 that are downloaded for analysis.” Pet. 35 (citing Ex. 1004, 6:15–26, 4:61–65; Jawadi Decl. ¶¶ 75, 78, 81, 95, and Ex. B cl. 1(b) & 1(e)). But Mangasarian makes clear that the filter, classification, and upload routines are software that executes on remote probe 108. See Ex. 1004, 5:5, 5:16–33, 5:66–6:13, Fig. 2. Petitioner has not pointed to any description in Mangasarian of filter, classification, and upload routines that control how or where host 111 stores data. See Pet. 40. Petitioner merely alleges that the “upload routines” of Mangasarian cause network data packets to be uploaded to host 111. The uploading of data to host 111 may cause data to be stored in the “working memory (e.g., random access memory or ‘RAM’)” of the host. See Ex. 1004 at 2:17–19, 6:23–31. Petitioner, however, does not allege that this uploading would cause data to be stored in the separate “mass storage” of host 111. Thus, viewing Mangasarian through the lens of Petitioner’s Second Perspective, we are not persuaded that the reference teaches an “archival attribute” or “archival profile.” For the foregoing reasons, Petitioner has not shown a reasonable” slip op. at 19
Claim construction§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousnesscites GrahamPatents in suitUS 8,239,347 - Apple Inc. v. Opentv, Inc.Rehearing deniedPTAB · Oct 22, 2015 · IPR2015-00969 · APJ David C Mckone · IPR · Rehearing
The Board denied Apple's rehearing request, leaving in place the denial of institution because Baker ’898 did not show the claimed immediate and deferred filters.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, deniedDenied
“decision for an abuse of discretion. See 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(c). An abuse of discretion may be indicated if a decision is based on an erroneous interpretation of law, if a factual finding is not supported by substantial evidence, or if the decision represents an unreasonable judgment in weighing relevant factors. See Star Fruits S.N.C. v. U.S., 393 F.3d 1277, 1281 (Fed. Cir. 2005); Arnold P’ship v. Dudas, 362 F.3d 1338, 1340 (Fed. Cir. 2004); In re Gartside, 203 F.3d 1305, 1315-16 (Fed. Cir. 2000). The burden of showing that the Decision should be modified is on Petitioner, the party challenging the Decision. See 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(d). In addition, “[t]he request must specifically identify all matters the party believes the Board misapprehended or overlooked, and the place where each matter was previously addressed in a motion, an opposition, or a reply.” Id.” slip op. at 2
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied
“filters specifying immediate action” means “filters that, once they are retrieved, specify whether to allow or block a transmission immediately and unconditionally” and “filters specifying deferred action” means “filters that, once they are retrieved, defer the specification of whether to allow or block a transmission until additional conditions are satisfied.” Dec. 11. Although Petitioner did not present arguments applying Baker ’898 under these preliminary constructions, we, nevertheless, considered the evidence presented by Petitioner in light of our constructions. Id. at 16. Evaluating Petitioner’s evidence, we found that Baker ’898 describes two ways of storing data specifying web sites that particular users are permitted to view: a stored list of URLs and a tree structure that facilitates comparison to regular expressions. Id. at 17. We found that Baker ’898 describes these as alternatives. In other words, these two types of information are not stored together. Id. Thus, we found that Baker ’898 does not disclose or teach storage of two separate types of filters, as recited by claims 1, 15, and 23. Id. slip op. at 4
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successNot reached
§ 103 obviousnessPatents in suitUS 5,884,033 - Toyota Motor Corporation v. Cellport Systems, Inc.Institution deniedPTAB · Aug 14, 2015 · IPR2015-00634 · APJ Jameson Lee · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution because Toyota did not show a reasonable likelihood of proving any challenged claim unpatentable under the asserted § 103 grounds.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied
“III. CONCLUSION Petitioner has not established a reasonable likelihood that it would prevail in showing the unpatentability of any of claims 1–29 of the ’479 patent. IV. ORDER It is ORDERED that the Petition is denied, and no inter partes review is instituted as to any claim of the ’479 patent.” slip op. at 29
- Claim Construction › Functional claiming / §112(f) means-plus-function › Whether §112(f) applies (Williamson, nonce words)§112(f) appliesOther
“said peripheral device controller.” The phrase includes the word “means.” Thus, the phrase presumptively is a means-plus-function element under 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6,6 and is construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof. Williamson v. Citrix Online, LLC, 2015 WL 3687459, at *9 (en banc) (Fed. Cir. June 16, 2015). First, we identify the recited function performed by this means-plus-function element. It is “interconnecting said circuitry with said peripheral device controller.” The corresponding structure in the Specification of the ’479 patent is the interconnect cable shown in Figures 14 and 15, together with connector 48 at one end configured to attach to particular circuitry and universal connector 45 for attaching to parts having different connecting configurations. Ex. 1001, 6:36–40, 7:15–20, 9:59–61, 10:10–18. Each of the disclosed embodiments in the ’479 patent includes the universal connector. We determine that the corresponding structure for this means is a cable with a connector at each of two ends, one of the two connectors being a universal connector having a structure as described in the Specification of the ’479 patent, such as that 6 Paragraphs 1 through 6 of § 112 was replaced with §§ 112(a) through 112(f) when § 4(c) of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, Pub. L. No. 112–29, 125 Stat. 284, 329 (2011)(“AIA”) took effect on September 16, 2012. Because the patent application resulting in the ’479 patent was filed before the effective date of the AIA, we will refer to the pre-AIA version of 35 U.S.C. § 112. shown in Figure 9. A more specific construction is not necessary for this decision.” slip op. at 10
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successMotivation not found
“We are not persuaded by Petitioner’s argument, which is misplaced in several respects. Mansell does not disclose that an RS-485 compatible bus is preferred for communicating with the keypad, as Petitioner states, in the sense that other peripheral units are expected to communicate with the keypad. Instead, Mansell states: Preferably, line driver 240 employs the RS-485 interface standard, allowing substantial noise tolerance over the pathway from the keypad in the passenger compartment to the Mobile Unit controller in the trunk of the vehicle. Ex. 1014, 13:27–31 (emphasis added). The above-quoted text concerns only line driver 240, which is illustrated in Figure 2A. The electrical characteristics adopted within the driver, according to Mansell, are for reducing noise and do not change the direct connection between the keyboard 340 and microcomputer 202 to a common bus also making a connection to all other peripheral units.” slip op. at 26
Claim construction§ 103 obviousnesscites PhillipsPatents in suitUS 5,479,479
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.