- Zhuhai Cosmx Battery Co., Ltd. v. Ningde Amperex Technology LimitedInstitution deniedPTAB · Sep 3, 2025 · IPR2025-00722 · APJ Coke Morgan Stewart · IPR · Director review
The Director denied institution of IPR2025-00722 under §314(a), citing the repeat challenge to the same patent and Petitioner’s lower ranking of this petition.
RulingsDirector review decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › General Plastic (serial petitions)Institution denied general plasticInstitution denied
“IPR2025-00722 presents different circumstances. The Petition in IPR2025-00722 is the second petition filed by Petitioner against U.S. Patent No. 11,799,131, which is also the subject of IPR2025-00431. Repeat challenges weigh against institution. In addition, Petitioner ranks the 1 Citations are to papers in IPR2025-00524. The parties filed similar papers in IPR2025-00722. petition in IPR2025-00431 above the Petition in IPR2025-00722. See IPR2025-00722, Paper 3, 5. These considerations favor discretionary denial.” slip op. at 2
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 11,799,131 - Resmed Corp. v. Cleveland Medical Devices, Inc.Institution deniedPTAB · Jun 10, 2025 · IPR2025-00157 · APJ Cynthia M Hardman · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution of ResMed’s challenge to claims 1–3, 6, and 12–20 under General Plastic because the follow-on petition followed an earlier petition challenging the same claims.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › General Plastic (serial petitions)Institution denied general plasticInstitution denied
“We find that in view of Petitioner’s prior petition, this factor favors discretionary denial. Code200 is distinguishable. There, the Board exercised its discretion to deny institution of the earlier petitions under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a) based on Fintiv. Code200, Paper 18, 2 n.3. Here, the Board did not discretionarily deny the previous petition, but rather denied it because Petitioner failed to carry its burden of demonstrating a threshold requirement for post-grant review, namely that the patent is eligible for postgrant review. See PGR Dec. 9–10, 24. In evaluating the eligibility issue, the Board thoroughly addressed the merits of Petitioner’s arguments that the ’284 patent claims lack adequate written description and enablement support in the priority applications such that the claims are not entitled to any of the pre-2013 priority dates listed on the face of the patent. See PGR Dec. 10–24. This issue extensively overlapped with Petitioner’s grounds of unpatentability based on lack of written description and enablement in the post-grant petition, which Petitioner included together with prior art challenges. See PGR Dec. 6–7. As such, contrary to Petitioner’s argument, it did have “the opportunity to pursue a decision on the merits,” but failed to carry its burden to secure postgrant review. Prelim. Reply 1 (emphasis added).” slip op. at 8
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied general plasticInstitution denied
“institute review. An inter partes review may not be instituted unless the information presented in the Petition and the Preliminary Response shows “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). For the reasons explained below, we exercise our discretion to deny institution of this follow-on petition because Petitioner previously filed a post-grant review petition challenging the same claims of the same patent.” slip op. at 2
- BurdenNot reached
“III. REMAINING ISSUES Because we deny the Petition under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a) and General Plastic, we need not reach the parties’ additional arguments regarding discretionary denial or the merits of Petitioner’s unpatentability challenges.” slip op. at 15
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 11,602,284 - Wiz, Inc. v. Orca Security Ltd.Institution deniedPTAB · May 5, 2025 · IPR2025-00092 · APJ Garth D Baer · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution because Orca disclaimed all challenged claims 1–19 before institution.
RulingsInstitution decision- Adverse judgmentAdverse judgmentOther
“Under 37 C.F.R. § 42.107(e), “[t]he patent owner may file a statutory disclaimer under 35 U.S.C. 253(a) in compliance with § 1.321(a) of this chapter, disclaiming one or more claims in the patent” and, if the statutory disclaimer is filed properly, “[n]o [IPR] will be instituted based on disclaimed claims.” A statutory disclaimer is “considered as part of the original patent” as of the date on which it is “recorded” in the USPTO. 35 U.S.C. § 253(a). “A statutory disclaimer under 35 U.S.C. § 253 has the effect of canceling the claims from the patent and the patent is viewed as though the disclaimed claims had never existed in the patent.” Guinn v. Kopf, 96 F.3d 1419, 1422 (Fed. Cir. 1996); see also Raytheon Techs. Corp. v. General Elec. Co., 993 F.3d 1374, n.4 (Fed. Cir. 2021) (“Disclaimed claims are treated as if they never existed.”)” slip op. at 2
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 11,516,231 - MPL Brands NV, Inc. v. Buzzballz, LLCInstitution deniedPTAB · Dec 18, 2024 · IPR2024-01000 · APJ Cynthia M Hardman · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution because the IPR petition was premature while the patent remained within its nine-month post-grant review window and the parallel PGR was instituted.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › §315(b) time barInstitution denied time barDenied
“For AIA patents like the ’441 patent, a petition for inter partes review “shall be filed after the later of either (1) the date that is 9 months after the grant of a patent; or (2) if a post-grant review is instituted . . . , the date of the termination of such post-grant review.” 35 U.S.C. § 311(c); see also 37 C.F.R. § 42.102(a). Here, the ’441 patent issued on March 19, 2024 (see Ex. 1001, code (45)), and PGR2024-00035 is instituted. Petitioner filed the instant Petition on June 7, 2024. As such, the instant Petition is premature because it was filed within nine months of the grant of the ’441 patent and before termination of PGR2024-00035. For this reason, we deny institution of this inter partes review.” slip op. at 3
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied
“For AIA patents like the ’441 patent, a petition for inter partes review “shall be filed after the later of either (1) the date that is 9 months after the grant of a patent; or (2) if a post-grant review is instituted . . . , the date of the termination of such post-grant review.” 35 U.S.C. § 311(c); see also 37 C.F.R. § 42.102(a). Here, the ’441 patent issued on March 19, 2024 (see Ex. 1001, code (45)), and PGR2024-00035 is instituted. Petitioner filed the instant Petition on June 7, 2024. As such, the instant Petition is premature because it was filed within nine months of the grant of the ’441 patent and before termination of PGR2024-00035. For this reason, we deny institution of this inter partes review.” slip op. at 3
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 11,932,441 - Cambridge Mobile Telematics, Inc. v. Sfara, Inc.Institution deniedPTAB · Dec 13, 2024 · IPR2024-00966 · APJ John F Horvath · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution because the Petition did not explain whether the component limitations invoke § 112(f) or identify corresponding structure, as required by Rule 42.104(b)(3).
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied
“The Consolidated Trial Practice Guide[1,2](“CTPG”) . . . instructs that “[w]here claim language may be construed according to 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), a petitioner must provide a construction.” CTPG 45 (emphases added) (citing 37 C.F.R. § 42.104(b)(3)). The CTPG advises that a party “may choose to elaborate why § 112(f) should or should not apply to the limitation at issue.” Id. Notably, the CTPG warns that “[a] petitioner who chooses not to address construction under § 112(f) risks failing to satisfy the requirement of 37 C.F.R. § 42.104(b)(3).” Id.” slip op. at 6
- BurdenDenied
“Given these facts, we determine that rule 104(b)(3) mandates that the Petition either identify “the specific portions of the specification that describe the structure, material, or acts corresponding to each claimed function” recited in the “component” term limitations or explain why the “component” term limitations are not subject to a means-plus-function construction. This, it fails to do. To be clear, we note that our rules do not prohibit a petitioner from taking inconsistent claim construction positions before the Board and a district court. See 10x Genomics, Inc. v. Bio-Rad Labs, Inc., IPR2020- 00086, Paper 8 at 18 (PTAB Apr. 27, 2020). However, where, as here, a petitioner has proposed a claim term be construed solely as a means-plus-function limitation in a district court proceeding and emphasized that the issue is not only “most significant” but potentially “case . . . dispositive,” we determine the petition is obliged to either apply that construction in this proceeding or explain why that construction is not applicable. Accordingly, we find the Petition to be deficient under rule 104(b)(3).4” slip op. at 8
- Claim Construction › Functional claiming / §112(f) means-plus-function › Whether §112(f) applies (Williamson, nonce words)Other
“connote a definite structure. See Williamson, 792 F.3d at 1350 (identifying words such as “mechanism,” “element,” “device,” and others as verbal constructs that do not connote sufficiently definite structures). Indeed, the Specification discloses all of the “components” recited in claims 1, 8, and 15, including the “comparing component,” can be “implemented as a computer having tangible computer-readable media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon.” Ex. 1001, 5:35–43. Thus, like the word “module,” a recognized nonce word, each of the recited “components” is nothing more than “a generic description for software or hardware that performs a specified function” and their recitation “operate[s] as a substitute for ‘means’ in the context of § 112, para. 6.” Williamson, 792 F.3d at 1350. Accordingly, we construe the “comparing component” limitation recited in claims 1, 8, and 15 as a meansplus-function limitation whose function is “generating a comparison signal.”2” slip op. at 14
- Skill levelNot reached
Claim constructionDiscretionary denialcites MarkmanPatents in suitUS 9,333,946 - Cambridge Mobile Telematics, Inc. v. Sfara, Inc.Institution deniedPTAB · Dec 13, 2024 · IPR2024-00952 · APJ Brent M Dougal · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution on claims 1–18 because the Petition failed to satisfy 37 C.F.R. § 42.104(b)(3) by omitting required claim-construction analysis.
RulingsInstitution decision- BurdenDenied
“Under these facts we determine that 37 C.F.R. § 42.104(b)(3) mandates that the Petition “identify the specific portions of the specification that describe the structure, material, or acts corresponding to each claimed function.” The Petition failed to do so. At a minimum, the Petition should have explained why the plain and ordinary meaning of the “component” terms should apply in this proceeding (why the inconsistent positions are warranted) or set forth an alternative means-plus-function claim construction. CTPG 45.” slip op. at 8
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied discretionary otherInstitution denied
“Under these facts we determine that 37 C.F.R. § 42.104(b)(3) mandates that the Petition “identify the specific portions of the specification that describe the structure, material, or acts corresponding to each claimed function.” The Petition failed to do so. At a minimum, the Petition should have explained why the plain and ordinary meaning of the “component” terms should apply in this proceeding (why the inconsistent positions are warranted) or set forth an alternative means-plus-function claim construction. CTPG 45.” slip op. at 8
- Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)No construction neededDecided for patent owner
“Under these facts we determine that 37 C.F.R. § 42.104(b)(3) mandates that the Petition “identify the specific portions of the specification that describe the structure, material, or acts corresponding to each claimed function.” The Petition failed to do so. At a minimum, the Petition should have explained why the plain and ordinary meaning of the “component” terms should apply in this proceeding (why the inconsistent positions are warranted) or set forth an alternative means-plus-function claim construction. CTPG 45.” slip op. at 8
Claim constructionDiscretionary denialcites MarkmanPatents in suitUS 8,989,952 - Juniper Networks, Inc. v. Orckit CorporationInstitution deniedPTAB · Dec 11, 2024 · IPR2024-00895 · APJ Brent M Dougal · IPR · Institution
Institution was denied for claims 32–54 because the General Plastic factors favored discretionary denial of Juniper’s follow-on petition.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › General Plastic (serial petitions)Institution denied general plasticInstitution denied
“Thus, under the first General Plastic factor, we determine that the same petitioner previously filed a petition directed to materially3 the same claims of the ’111 patent, as all claims include language that is either identical to previously challenged claims or is not materially different from the previously challenged claims.” slip op. at 7
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 10,652,111 - Dental Imaging Technologies Corporation v. 3shape A/SInstitution deniedPTAB · Oct 29, 2024 · IPR2024-00849 · APJ James J Mayberry · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution of review for claims 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 10, and 12–17 under General Plastic discretion and denied joinder; it did not reach the merits.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › General Plastic (serial petitions)Institution denied general plasticInstitution denied
“g. Summary and Conclusion In summary, we determine that factors 1, 3, and 6 weigh in favor of discretionary denial, factors 2, and 4 weigh against discretionary denial, and factors 5 and 7 are neutral. Considering these factors as a whole, and on this record, we determine that the facts here weigh in favor of exercising discretion under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a) to deny institution. Significant to our analysis is that the similarities in the facts in the instant proceeding and Uniloc outweigh the differences. Specifically, the primary difference between the facts here and the facts in Uniloc is that Petitioner explained its knowledge of the prior art and, as to Lehmann II, Petitioner demonstrated that it was not aware of Lehmann II prior to filing the first petition. In Uniloc, Apple made no such showing. As we discuss above, however, the significance of Lehmann II in this proceeding may be limited, given our initial determination of the merits of Patent Owner’s arguments against Lehmann II in the Medit IPR. As such, the lack of knowledge of Lehmann II is insufficient to counter the similarities between this proceeding and Uniloc.” slip op. at 24
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied
“2. Merits Analysis Having decided to exercise discretion to deny institution, we need not turn to the merits of the Petition and Motion. III. CONCLUSION We determine that exercising our discretion to not institute this proceeding is warranted based on our precedential decisions in General Plastic and Uniloc. Accordingly, the Petition and Motion are denied.” slip op. at 24
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Joinder §315(c) / SAS all-or-nothingJoinder, deniedDenied
“(c) JOINDER.—If the Director institutes an inter partes review, the Director, in his or her discretion, may join as a party to that inter partes review any person who properly files a petition under section 311 that the Director, after receiving a preliminary response under section 313 or the expiration of the time for filing such a response, determines warrants the institution of an inter parties review under section 314. “To join a party to an instituted [inter partes review (IPR)], the plain language of § 315(c) requires two different decisions.” Facebook, Inc. v. Windy City Innovations, LLC, 973 F.3d 1321, 1332 (Fed. Cir. 2020). “First, the statute requires that the Director (or the Board acting through a delegation of authority) . . . determine whether the joinder applicant’s petition for IPR ‘warrants’ institution under § 314.” Id. “Second, to effect joinder, § 315(c) requires the Director to exercise h[er] discretion to decide whether to ‘join as a party’ the joinder applicant.” Id. As the moving party, Petitioner bears the burden of proving that it is entitled to joinder. 37 C.F.R. § 42.20(c). A motion for joinder should: (1) set forth the reasons joinder is appropriate; (2) identify any new grounds of unpatentability asserted in the petition; and (3) explain what impact (if any) joinder would have on the trial schedule for the existing review. See Kyocera Corp. v. Softview LLC, IPR2013-00004, Paper 15 at 4 (PTAB Apr. 24, 2013).” slip op. at 14
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 10,695,151 - Aylo Freesites Ltd. v. DISH Technologies L.L.C.Institution deniedPTAB · Aug 13, 2024 · IPR2024-00519 · APJ Juliet Mitchell Dirba · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution of IPR challenging claims 1–21 under § 314(a), finding the General Plastic factors favored or were neutral toward discretionary denial.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › General Plastic (serial petitions)Institution denied general plasticInstitution denied
“We agree with Patent Owner (Prelim. Resp. 7) that Petitioner fails to provide any evidence or testimony to substantiate the manner and timing of its search efforts. All we can glean from Petitioner’s attorney argument is that Petitioner discovered Leaning almost three months after it filed the petition in IPR2024-00048. See Pet. 63–64. Petitioner makes no attempt to 10 On this basis, Patent Owner also argues that we should exercise our discretion to deny institution under 35 U.S.C. § 325(d). Prelim. Resp. 14– 21. We need not reach this issue. petition or that it could not have found Leaning by exercising reasonable diligence at that time. Furthermore, Petitioner’s allusion to the allegedly fruitless search efforts of USPTO examiners and other litigants (see Pet. 64) does not justify Petitioner’s actions. Thus, we find that Petitioner has not sufficiently explained why it could not have found Leaning in earlier searches through the exercise of reasonable diligence before it filed the petition in IPR2024-00048. See General Plastic at 20.” slip op. at 12
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 8,868,772 - Aylo Freesites Ltd. v. DISH Technologies L.L.C.Institution deniedPTAB · Aug 13, 2024 · IPR2024-00518 · APJ Juliet Mitchell Dirba · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution of IPR on claims 1–16 under § 314(a), exercising discretion based on the General Plastic factors.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › General Plastic (serial petitions)Institution denied general plasticInstitution denied
“We agree with Patent Owner (Prelim. Resp. 7) that Petitioner fails to provide any evidence or testimony to substantiate the manner and timing of its search efforts. All we can glean from Petitioner’s attorney argument is 9 On this basis, Patent Owner also argues that we should exercise our discretion to deny institution under 35 U.S.C. § 325(d). Prelim. Resp. 14– 21. We need not reach this issue. petition in IPR2024-00047. See Pet. 62. Petitioner makes no attempt to establish that it could not have known of Leaning at the time of the earlier petition or that it could not have found Leaning by exercising reasonable diligence at that time. Furthermore, Petitioner’s allusion to the allegedly fruitless search efforts of USPTO examiners and other litigants (see Pet. 62) does not justify Petitioner’s actions. Thus, we find that Petitioner has not sufficiently explained why it could not have found Leaning in earlier searches through the exercise of reasonable diligence before it filed the petition in IPR2024-00047. See General Plastic at 20.” slip op. at 12
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 9,407,564
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.