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  • PTAB · Feb 10, 2025 · IPR2024-01054 · APJ Michael T Cygan · IPR · Institution

    Institution denied for claims 1–15 because Petitioner did not show Seet was prior art, defeating the reasonable-likelihood showing for every asserted obviousness ground.

    RulingsInstitution decision
    • PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied

      “review. See 35 U.S.C. § 314 (2018); 37 C.F.R. § 42.4(a) (2023). The standard for instituting an inter partes review is set forth in 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.” For the reasons given below, on this record, Petitioner has not established a reasonable likelihood that it would prevail in showing the unpatentability of any one of claims 1–15 of the ’768 patent. Accordingly, we do not institute an inter partes review of the ’768 patent.” slip op. at 2

    • Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Prior-art status of a reference › Patents / published applications (effective date, provisional support)Reference not prior artDecided for patent owner

      “Petitioner fails to show that the full scope of claim 9 of Seet is described in the Seet provisional. Seet expressly defines the claim term “media,” stating that, as it is “used herein,” “media” includes audio, video, software, and pictures. Ex. 1006 ¶ 50 (“Media content may include one . . . of audio . . ., video . . ., software . . ., and pictures”). Such a statement provides a clear definition of the term “media” that includes video, software, and pictures, in addition to audio. In addition to the express definition, Seet elsewhere indicates that its media includes video and other non-audio signals and databases. See, e.g., Ex. 1006 ¶¶ 26 (“if the media stream 102 is a video broadcast, each media item may comprise a television show or segment, an advertisement, or any other type of video”), 42–46 (creating databases of “videos,” “faces,” and “files”), 49 (“any signal that contains repeating content over any broadcast medium can benefit from the procedure described herein.”). Accordingly, the use of media in claim 9 for its claimed “media content database” and “media stream[s]” also includes both audio and non-audio media.” slip op. at 14

    • Disclosure Requirements (§112) › Written description (Ariad)Not entitled to earlier dateNot shown unpatentable

      “We agree with Patent Owner that Petitioner has not met its burden to show that Seet is prior art. Seet is not entitled to the benefit of its provisional filing date unless a claim in Seet has written description support in the Seet provisional. See Dynamic Drinkware, 800 F.3d at 1381–82. As the “‘hallmark’ of written description, . . . the disclosure must be considered as a whole, as the person of ordinary skill in the art would read it to determine if it reasonably conveys possession” of the claimed invention. Allergan USA, Inc. v. MSN Laboratories Private Ltd., 111 F.4th 1358, 1375 (Fed. Cir. 2024) (citation and emphasis omitted).” slip op. at 12

    • Skill levelSkill level board ownDecided for patent owner

      “B. Level of Ordinary Skill in the Art Petitioner asserts that a person of ordinary skill in the art [“POSITA”] at the critical time would have had “a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or equivalent degree with at least two years of relevant industry experience, including in digital media content delivery.” Pet. 2 (citing Ex. 1003 ¶ 32). Patent Owner argues that the level of ordinary skill should include persons lacking a formal degree but possessing considerable industry experience designing and implementing automated content recognition systems, and that such systems are the relevant industry experience. Prelim. Resp. 6–7. For purposes of this Decision, we adopt Petitioner’s proposed level of ordinary skill, modified by the more inclusive standards of Patent Owner, as it appears to be consistent with the specification of the ’768 patent and the prior art of record.” slip op. at 7

    Claim construction§ 102 anticipation§ 112 disclosurecites Phillips · KSR · Graham
    Patents in suitUS 8,510,768
  • PTAB · Nov 1, 2024 · PGR2024-00025 · APJ Jeffrey W Abraham · PGR · Institution

    The Board denied institution because Petitioner did not show that claims 1–20 were more likely than not unpatentable over either obviousness ground, for lack of utility, or as indefinite.

    RulingsInstitution decision
    • PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsDenied

      “Institution of a post-grant review is authorized by statute when “the information presented in the petition filed under [35 U.S.C. §] 321 . . . demonstrates that it is more likely than not that at least 1 of the claims challenged in the petition is unpatentable.” 35 U.S.C. § 324(a). For the reasons set forth below, we determine that Petitioner has failed to demonstrate that it is more likely than not that at least one of claims 1–20 of the ’033 patent is unpatentable. Accordingly, we deny institution of a postgrant review of claims 1–20 based on the grounds set forth in the Petition.” slip op. at 2

    • Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner

      “level of skill, with a doctoral degree in plant breeding or a related field, at least five years of experience with corn breeding, and additional experience interfacing with laboratory-side personnel (including a computational biologist along with genetics specialists) and field-side personnel.” Pet. 15 (citing Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 19–22, 44–45). Petitioner also states that, “[a]lternatively, additional experience could take the place of an advanced degree.” Pet. 15. Patent Owner states that it “does not dispute Petitioner’s definition of the qualifications of person of skill in the art” and “reserves its right to challenge Petitioner’s definition and to provide its own definition, should trial be instituted.” Prelim. Resp. 25. Petitioner’s unopposed proposed definition is consistent with the cited prior art and the disclosure of the ’033 patent, and we adopt it for purposes of this Decision. See Okajima v. Bourdeau, 261 F.3d 1350, 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2001) (explaining that the prior art itself may “reflect[] an appropriate level”” slip op. at 6

    • Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)No construction neededOther

      “Petitioner does not offer a specific construction for any claim terms. Pet. 19–20. Rather, Petitioner contends that “the outer boundary of the Challenged Claims lacks reasonable certainty,” and, therefore, “the Challenged Claims are unpatentable as indefinite under §112(b).” Pet. 20. Petitioner further contends that the challenged claims are unpatentable as obvious “regardless of the outer boundary of the claims.” Pet. 21. Patent Owner disagrees with Petitioner’s arguments regarding indefiniteness, and does not construe any claim terms. See generally Prelim. Resp. As explained in detail below, based on the record before us, we are not persuaded by Petitioner’s indefiniteness arguments, and determine that none of the claim terms require an explicit construction to determine whether to institute post-grant review. See Nidec Motor Corp. v. Zhongshan Broad Ocean Motor Co., 868 F.3d 1013, 1017 (Fed. Cir. 2017) (“[W]e need only construe terms ‘that are in controversy, and only to the extent necessary” slip op. at 7

    • Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successNot shown unpatentableReasonable expectation not foundNot shown unpatentable

      “Patent Owner is correct that Petitioner focuses its obviousness challenge on 1PNZQ23’s phenotype, and does not address its genotype. Prelim. Resp. 41–42; see Pet. 26–32 (comparing 1PNZQ23’s phenotype with the phenotypes of the asserted prior art). Petitioner does not direct us to, nor do we discern, any information in the Petition or Reply regarding 1PNZQ23’s genotype that supports Petitioner’s arguments regarding obviousness. Furthermore, Patent Owner offers information suggesting that “the breeding of 1PNZQ23 was unpredictable even with both parents being known in the art.” Prelim. Resp. 47. Dr. Schnable addresses unpredictability in the breeding process, stating: distinct even when the F1 plant itself results from a cross of two inbreds. A [person of ordinary skill in the art] would not expect that a cross of the same parents will produce F2 or D1 progeny identical to 1PNZQ23. . . . [T]he genome of a progeny plant is the result of genetic segregation and recombination in the F1 plant of the two parental genomes and the chance of the exact same child resulting from that initial biparental cross is infinitesimally small. Ex. 2004 ¶ 123. This information undermines Petitioner’s arguments regarding an expectation of success in achieving the claimed invention.” slip op. at 13

    Claim construction§ 101 eligibility§ 103 obviousness§ 112 disclosureDiscretionary denialcites Phillips
    Patents in suitUS 11,707,033
  • PTAB · Oct 15, 2024 · PGR2024-00023 · APJ Jeffrey W Abraham · PGR · Institution

    The Board denied institution on claims 1–20 because the petition did not show they were unpatentable on any asserted obviousness, utility, written-description, or enablement ground.

    RulingsInstitution decision
    • PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied

      “Institution of a post-grant review is authorized by statute when “the information presented in the petition filed under [35 U.S.C. §] 321 . . . demonstrates that it is more likely than not that at least 1 of the claims challenged in the petition is unpatentable.” 35 U.S.C. § 324(a). For the reasons set forth below, we determine that Petitioner has failed to demonstrate that it is more likely than not that at least one of claims 1–20 of the ’545 patent is unpatentable. Accordingly, we deny institution of a postgrant review of claims 1–20 based on the grounds set forth in the Petition.” slip op. at 2

    • Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner

      “level of skill, with a doctoral degree in plant breeding or a related field, at least five years of experience with corn breeding, and additional experience interfacing with laboratory-side personnel (including a computational biologist as along with genetics specialists) and field-side personnel.” Pet. 16 (citing Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 50–51). Petitioner also states that, “[a]lternatively, additional experience could take the place of an advanced degree.” Pet. 16. Patent Owner states that it “does not dispute Petitioner’s definition of the qualifications of person of skill in the art” and “reserves its right to challenge Petitioner’s definition and to provide its own definition, should trial be instituted.” Prelim. Resp. 24. Petitioner’s unopposed proposed definition is consistent with the cited prior art and the disclosure of the ’545 patent, and we adopt it for purposes” slip op. at 6

    • Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)No construction neededOther

      “using the same claim construction standard that would be used to construe the claim in a civil action under 35 U.S.C. [§] 282(b).” 37 C.F.R. § 42.200(b) (2019). Under that standard, the words of a claim are generally given their “ordinary and customary meaning,” which is the meaning the term would have to a person of ordinary skill at the time of the invention, in the context of the entire patent including the specification. Phillips v. AWH Corp., 415 F.3d 1303, 1312–13 (Fed. Cir. 2005) (en banc). Petitioner contends that “[b]ecause Petitioner’s grounds plainly render the claims unpatentable under any plausible construction, no outer boundary constructions are necessary.” Pet. 21. Patent Owner also does not construe any claim terms. See generally Prelim. Resp. For purposes of this Decision, and based on the record before us, we determine that none of the claim terms require an explicit construction to determine whether to institute post-grant review. See Nidec Motor Corp. v. Zhongshan Broad Ocean Motor Co., 868 F.3d 1013, 1017 (Fed. Cir. 2017) (“[W]e need only construe terms ‘that are in controversy, and only to the extent necessary to resolve the controversy.’” (quoting Vivid Techs., Inc. v. Am. Sci. & Eng’g, Inc., 200 F.3d 795, 803 (Fed. Cir. 1999))). slip op. at 7

    • Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successNot shown unpatentableReasonable expectation not foundNot shown unpatentable

      “additional reasons. For example, we agree with Patent Owner that Petitioner fails to demonstrate sufficiently that a person of ordinary skill in the art would have had a reasonable expectation of success in arriving at PH4CYJ based on Smalley’s disclosure alone. Prelim. Resp. 51–52. According to the ’545 patent specification, the claimed PH4CYJ inbred maize variety is a cross between inbred line PH1VNA and inbred line PH1KTF. Ex. 1001, 37:62–64. In the simplest terms, PH1VNA and PH1KTF are the parents, and their cross ultimately resulted in the inbred variety PH4CYJ. The ’545 patent explains that after the initial crossing of the parental lines, the” slip op. at 14

    Claim construction§ 101 eligibility§ 103 obviousness§ 112 disclosurecites Phillips
    Patents in suitUS 11,696,545
  • PTAB · Sep 30, 2024 · PGR2024-00022 · APJ Michael G Mcmanus · PGR · Institution

    The Board denied institution on claims 1–24 because Voltage did not show that any challenged claim was more likely than not unpatentable under the asserted grounds.

    RulingsInstitution decision
    • PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied

      “We have authority to determine whether to institute a post-grant review. See 37 C.F.R. § 42.4(a) (“The Board institutes the trial on behalf of the Director.”). A post-grant review may not be instituted “unless. . . the information presented in the petition . . . if such information is not rebutted, would demonstrate that it is more likely than not that at least 1 of the claims challenged in the petition is unpatentable.” 35 U.S.C. § 324(a). Upon consideration of the evidence and arguments in the Petition (including its supporting testimonial evidence) and the evidence and arguments in the Preliminary Response (including its supporting testimonial evidence), we determine that Petitioner has not demonstrated that the ’153 patent is eligible for post-grant review. Accordingly, we decline to institute a post-grant review of claims 1–24 based on the grounds articulated in the Petition.” slip op. at 2

    • Skill levelOther

      “In determining the level of ordinary skill in the art, various factors may be considered, including the “type of problems encountered in the art; prior art solutions to those problems; rapidity with which innovations are made; sophistication of the technology; and educational level of active workers in the field.” In re GPAC, Inc., 57 F.3d 1573, 1579 (Fed. Cir. 1995) (citing Custom Accessories, Inc. v. Jeffrey-Allan Indus., Inc., 807 F.2d 955, 962 (Fed. Cir. 1986)). “These factors are not exhaustive but are merely a guide to determining the level of ordinary skill in the art.” Daiichi Sankyo Co. v. Apotex, Inc., 501 F.3d 1254, 1256 (Fed. Cir. 2007). We determine that no express finding is necessary, on the present record, and that the level of ordinary skill in the art is reflected by the prior art of record. See Okajima v. Bourdeau, 261 F.3d 1350, 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2001); In re GPAC Inc., 57 F.3d 1573, 1579 (Fed. Cir. 1995); In re Oelrich, 579 F.2d 86, 91 (CCPA 1978). Further, for purposes of this institution decision, and on the present record, we determine that the adoption of either party’s proposal regarding requisite work experience would not change our analysis or conclusions. C. Claim Construction” slip op. at 12

    • Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)No construction needed

      “The parties put forward several terms for construction. Pet. 14–17; Prelim. Resp. 9–12. With respect to Grounds I through VII, we have determined that no claim constructions are required in order to address the points at issue. See Nidec Motor Corp. v. Zhongshan Broad Ocean Motor Co., 868 F.3d 1013, 1017 (Fed. Cir. 2017) (noting that “we need only construe terms that are in controversy, and only to the extent necessary to resolve the controversy” (internal citation omitted)). Claim construction is required to resolve certain issues arising in connection with Ground VIII. Accordingly, we construe certain terms in our discussion of that ground, infra.” slip op. at 13

    • Claim Construction › Intrinsic evidence (Phillips canons) › Plain and ordinary meaning to a POSITATerm construed board ownDecided for patent owner

      “through the undermold.” The term “aperture only partially extending through said undermold” was added to the claims of the ’254 parent application by amendment. Ex. 1021, 103–105; Ex. 1020, 6:60–8:47. With this amendment, the claims of the ’254 patent align with Figure 7, reproduced below. Figure 7 of the ’254 Patent (Figure 7 of the ’153 patent is identical to Figure 7 of the ’254 patent except for minor stylistic changes). As can be seen, the aperture occupied by drop line 12 extends partially through the undermold to compression lug 20 while the aperture occupied by feeder cable 14 extends completely through the undermold. This suggests a construction of “aperture extending partially through the undermold” where such aperture does not extend completely through the undermold. Such a construction of “aperture extending partially through the undermold” is consistent with the plain meaning of “extending partially.”” slip op. at 62

    Claim construction§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousness§ 112 disclosureDiscretionary denialcites KSR · Graham · Nautilus
    Patents in suitUS 11,689,153
  • PTAB · Sep 20, 2024 · IPR2024-00726 · APJ Erica A Franklin · IPR · Institution

    The Board denied institution because Petitioner did not show a reasonable likelihood that claims 1–21 were unpatentable under any of the three asserted obviousness grounds.

    RulingsInstitution decision
    • Claim Construction › Intrinsic evidence (Phillips canons) › Plain and ordinary meaning to a POSITATerm construed patent owner constructionDecided for patent owner

      “Based upon our review of the arguments and an examination of the claim language itself, the written description, and the prosecution history, we determine that the record supports finding that the entire “wherein” clause recited in independent claim 1 is limiting. This clause recites, wherein the effective amount of ganaxolone is administered as an intravenous bolus plus continuous infusion to produce and maintain a ganaxolone plasma concentration of about 500 ng/ml to about 1000 ng/ml for about 8 hours to about 12 hours.” slip op. at 10

    • Skill levelOther

      “Petitioner asserts that a person of ordinary skill in the art (“POSA”) at the time the application for the ’100 patent was filed “would have had a medical degree or a Ph.D. in pharmacology or fields related to the development of pharmaceuticals and would have been familiar with the PK [pharmacokinetics] and PD [pharmacodynamics] of pharmaceuticals.” Pet. 18. Additionally, Petitioner asserts “[a] POSA also would have had several years of experience as a practicing neurologist treating patients who suffer from seizure disorders, including SE, and/or several years of experience in researching treatments for such seizure disorders.” Id. (citing Ex. 1002 ¶ 50). According to Patent Owner, a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time the application for the ’100 patent was filed, “would have had a medical degree, or a Ph.D. in pharmacology or other field related to the development of pharmaceuticals, or equivalent degree, and several years of with Refractory Status Epilepticus, Poster Abstract F53, 37 J. CLIN. NEUROPHYSIOLOGY 332 (July 2020) (Ex. 1009, “Husain 2020”). experience as a practicing neurologist treating patients who suffer from seizure disorders including status epilepticus and/or several years of experience in researching treatments for such seizure disorders.” Prelim. Resp. 17–18 (citing Ex. 2011 ¶ 44). We note that the parties’ proposed definitions are largely similar, except that Patent Owner additionally recognizes “an equivalent degree” as an alternative to a medical degree or Ph.D. in pharmacology or other field related to the development of pharmaceuticals. Compare Pet. 18 with Prelim. Resp. 17–18. We do not need to resolve this issue as our findings and conclusion in this Decision would be the same under either proposed definition.” slip op. at 7

    • PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied

      “agree with Patent Owner that Petitioner has not shown sufficiently for institution that the claimed invention would have been obvious over the combined teachings of During and NCT03350035. As discussed above, in Section II.B., we have determined that the “wherein” clause of independent claim 1 is liming. In other words, the claim requires that the effective amount of ganaxolone is administered as an IV bolus plus continuous infusion and that such administration produces and maintains a ganaxolone plasma concentration of about 500 to 1000 ng/ml for about 8 to 12 hours. With respect to the recited plasma concentration limitation, Petitioner has alleged only that it is met inherently. Dr. Sankar has only offered the same conclusory position in his declaration. See Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 113, 115. While “inherency may supply a missing claim limitation in an obviousness analysis,” this doctrine “must be carefully circumscribed in the context of obviousness.” PAR Pharmaceutical, Inc. v. TWI Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 773 F.3d 1186, 1194–1195 (Fed. Cir. 2014). As the Federal Circuit has explained: The mere fact that a certain thing may result from a given set of circumstances is not sufficient. If, however, the disclosure is sufficient to show that the natural result flowing from the operation as taught would result in the performance of the questioned function, it seems to be well settled that the disclosure should be regarded as sufficient. Id. at 1195 (quoting In re Oelrich, 666 F.2d, 578, 581 (C.C.P.A. 1981). Here, Petitioner and Dr. Sankar have not explained or demonstrated why or how the natural result of administering the dosages in During according to the method disclosed in NCT03350035 would produce and maintain a ganaxolone plasma concentration of about 500 to 1000 ng/ml for about 8 to 12 hours. This deficit is more pronounced in view of the Specification disclosure of a Phase 2 Open-Label Dose Range Study that exemplifies how some ganaxolone dosages that suppressed SE did not produce and maintain ganaxolone plasma concentrations ≥ 500 ng/ml for about 8 to 12 hours. See Ex. 1001, Fig 15; see also Ex. 1001, 55:13–56:30. Thus, because Petitioner relies on inherency for the plasma concentration limitation without providing evidence that such inherency exists, Petitioner has failed to establish sufficiently for institution that During and NCT03350035 teach or suggest each limitation of the claim 1. Accordingly, we determine that Petitioner has not shown a reasonable” slip op. at 17

    • Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successNot reached

      “agree with Patent Owner that Petitioner has not shown sufficiently for institution that the claimed invention would have been obvious over the combined teachings of During and NCT03350035. As discussed above, in Section II.B., we have determined that the “wherein” clause of independent claim 1 is liming. In other words, the claim requires that the effective amount of ganaxolone is administered as an IV bolus plus continuous infusion and that such administration produces and maintains a ganaxolone plasma concentration of about 500 to 1000 ng/ml for about 8 to 12 hours. With respect to the recited plasma concentration limitation, Petitioner has alleged only that it is met inherently. Dr. Sankar has only offered the same conclusory position in his declaration. See Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 113, 115. While “inherency may supply a missing claim limitation in an obviousness analysis,” this doctrine “must be carefully circumscribed in the context of obviousness.” PAR Pharmaceutical, Inc. v. TWI Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 773 F.3d 1186, 1194–1195 (Fed. Cir. 2014). As the Federal Circuit has explained: The mere fact that a certain thing may result from a given set of circumstances is not sufficient. If, however, the disclosure is sufficient to show that the natural result flowing from the operation as taught would result in the performance of the questioned function, it seems to be well settled that the disclosure should be regarded as sufficient. Id. at 1195 (quoting In re Oelrich, 666 F.2d, 578, 581 (C.C.P.A. 1981). Here, Petitioner and Dr. Sankar have not explained or demonstrated why or how the natural result of administering the dosages in During according to the method disclosed in NCT03350035 would produce and maintain a ganaxolone plasma concentration of about 500 to 1000 ng/ml for about 8 to 12 hours. This deficit is more pronounced in view of the Specification disclosure of a Phase 2 Open-Label Dose Range Study that exemplifies how some ganaxolone dosages that suppressed SE did not produce and maintain ganaxolone plasma concentrations ≥ 500 ng/ml for about 8 to 12 hours. See Ex. 1001, Fig 15; see also Ex. 1001, 55:13–56:30. Thus, because Petitioner relies on inherency for the plasma concentration limitation without providing evidence that such inherency exists, Petitioner has failed to establish sufficiently for institution that During and NCT03350035 teach or suggest each limitation of the claim 1.” slip op. at 17

    Claim construction§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousness§ 112 disclosureDiscretionary denialcites Phillips · KSR · Graham
    Patents in suitUS 11,110,100
  • PTAB · Sep 3, 2024 · IPR2023-00797 · APJ Stephen E Belisle · IPR · Remand

    The Board denied institution because Honda did not show a reasonable likelihood that claims 23, 24, 26, or 27 were obvious over either asserted combination.

    RulingsRemand decision
    • 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) (2022). We may not institute an inter partes review “unless . . . 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 “reasonable likelihood” standard is “a higher standard than mere notice pleading” but “lower than the ‘preponderance’ standard to prevail in a final written decision.” Hulu, LLC v. Sound View Innovations, LLC, IPR2018-01039, Paper 29 at 13 (PTAB Dec. 20, 2019) (precedential). When instituting inter partes review, the Board will authorize the review to proceed on all of the challenged claims and on all grounds of unpatentability asserted for each claim. 37 C.F.R. § 42.108(a). Applying those standards, and upon consideration of the information presented in the Petition and Preliminary Response, we determine that Petitioner has not demonstrated a reasonable likelihood of prevailing with respect to any of challenged claims 23, 24, 26, and 27 of the ’302 patent. Accordingly, constrained by the record before us, we deny institution of an inter partes review of the ’302 patent.” slip op. at 2

    • Disclosure Requirements (§112) › Written description (Ariad)Written description adequateEntitled to earlier dateDecided for patent owner

      “We find Patent Owner’s arguments persuasive, and the above testimony of its technical expert, Mr. Alberth, even more so. Based on the foregoing and the record before us, we find Petitioner fails to sufficiently show that the ’586 Provisional lacks written description support for the feature of a transmitter configured to form and transmit, in response to a received request, “the probing signal with a code sequence modulated in the frequency domain,” as recited in independent claim 23. Although not its burden, we find Patent Owner sufficiently evidences that the disclosure of the ’586 Provisional would have reasonably conveyed to skilled artisans that the inventor possessed the features of the subject limitation. 5. Conclusion For the reasons expressed above, and based on the record before us, we determine Petitioner has not sufficiently shown that Koo is prior art to the Challenged Claims. Accordingly, we determine that Petitioner has not established a reasonable likelihood that it would prevail in showing that any of the Challenged Claims is unpatentable as obvious over the combination of 802.16a-2003, 802.16-2001, and Koo.” slip op. at 21

    • Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successMotivation not foundNot shown unpatentable

      “But in doing so, Petitioner ignores the context in which the skilled artisan would have read Kitroser: where IEEE, the governing body issuing the Call for Contributions, itself explicitly questioned “if [implementing 802.16a in a mobile systems environment] is technically feasible and, if so, at what level” (Ex. 2007, 1 (emphasis added)), and where, as noted above, Kitroser provides no explanation, support, or other commentary for its “no changes” statements, and admits such statements are “subject to change in form and content after further study” and subject to amendment and withdrawal entirely (Ex. 1007, 1–4 (emphasis added)). Based on the foregoing, although Petitioner may have identified a “reason” that the skilled artisan allegedly would have combined 802.16a with Kitroser, we are not persuaded that it is a rational reason, i.e., a reason sufficiently shown to have a rational underpinning at the time of the invention of the Challenged Claims. See KSR, 550 U.S. at 418 (To support the legal conclusion of obviousness, “there must be some articulated reasoning with some rational underpinning” for combining elements in the manner claimed. (quoting In re Kahn, 441 F.3d at 988)).” slip op. at 29

    • Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner

      “In determining the level of ordinary skill in the art, various factors may be considered, including the “type of problems encountered in the art; prior art solutions to those problems; rapidity with which innovations are made; sophistication of the technology; and educational level of active workers in the field.” In re GPAC Inc., 57 F.3d 1573, 1579 (Fed. Cir. 1995) (citation omitted). The level of ordinary skill in the art also may be reflected by the prior art of record. See Okajima v. Bourdeau, 261 F.3d 1350, 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2001). Neither party argues that the outcome of this case would differ based on our adoption of any particular definition of the level of ordinary skill in the art. Considering the subject matter of the ’302 patent, the background technical field, the prior art, and Petitioner’s proposed and unopposed definition of the skilled artisan, we apply the level of skill set forth above, which is consistent with the testimony of Dr. Buehrer (Ex. 1003 ¶ 23), except that we omit the two instances of “at least” to remove the unbounded nature of the definition.” slip op. at 13

    § 103 obviousness§ 112 disclosurecites KSR · Graham
    Patents in suitUS 10,771,302
  • PTAB · Aug 1, 2024 · IPR2024-00507 · APJ Jameson Lee · IPR · Institution

    The Board denied institution because Apple did not show a reasonable likelihood of proving claims 2, 4–6, 12, 15, 21, 23–25, 31, and 34 obvious.

    RulingsInstitution decision
    • PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied

      “review. See 35 U.S.C. § 314 (2018); 37 C.F.R. § 42.4(a) (2024). 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). Upon consideration of the contentions and the evidence of record before us, we conclude Petitioner has not shown a reasonable likelihood that it would prevail in establishing the unpatentability of at least one challenged claim of the ’105 patent. Accordingly, we decline to institute inter partes review.” slip op. at 2

    • Disclosure Requirements (§112) › Written description (Ariad)Not entitled to earlier dateDecided for petitioner

      “The test for written description support is whether the application reasonably would have conveyed to one with ordinary skill in the art “the inventor possessed the invention at the time of that original disclosure.” Pandrol USA, LP v. Airboss Ry. Prods., Inc., 424 F.3d 1161, 1165 (Fed. Cir. 2005); see also Vas-Cath Inc. v. Mahurkar, 935 F.2d 1555, 1563–64 (Fed. Cir. 1991) (“the applicant must also convey with reasonable clarity to those skilled in the art that, as of the filing date sought, she or he was in possession of the invention”). The disclosure in the provisional application as cited by Patent Owner regarding policies is broad and does not convey with reasonable clarity what specifically are the policies, such as a policy for backup based on whether the first and second devices are of the same brand. The broad disclosure does not provide written description support for the narrow and specific limitation recited in independent claims 1, 18, and 25, i.e., “based at least in part on the first device being a same brand as a second device, initiating a backup, to the second device, of at least a portion of the at least one record.” Ex. 1001, 25:7–10, 26:30–32, 28:23–25.” slip op. at 14

    • Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner

      “ordinary skill in the art “would have had a bachelor’s degree in [] electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a related field, and at least two years of experience in the research, design, development, and/or testing of authentication techniques, and related firmware and software, or the equivalent, with additional education substituting for experience and vice versa.” Pet. 8 (citing Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 18–22). On this record, we adopt Petitioner’s statement of the level of ordinary skill in the art, except for the qualifier “at least” which applies to experience and which would improperly extend the scope of experience to the realm of an expert. It is supported by the testimony of Dr. McDaniel and not disputed by Patent Owner (Prelim. Resp. 11). Further, it appears consistent with what is reflected by the content of the applied prior art. Cf. Okajima v. Bourdeau, 261 F.3d 1350, 1354–55 (Fed. Cir. 2001) (the applied prior art may reflect an appropriate level of skill).” slip op. at 16

    • Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successMotivation not found

      “and assuming that Cheng discloses backing up of data from a first user device to a second, new user device, without any user service bureau in between, Petitioner has not shown sufficient motivation to combine the teachings of Kodama with the teachings of Kesanupalli and Cheng to account for the remainder of limitation [1.8], i.e., initiate the backup “based at least in part on the first device being a same brand as a second device.” Ex. 1001, 25:7–10. Petitioner explains:” slip op. at 40

    § 103 obviousness§ 112 disclosureDiscretionary denialcites KSR · Graham
    Patents in suitUS 11,475,105
  • PTAB · Aug 1, 2024 · IPR2024-00333 · APJ Jameson Lee · IPR · Institution

    The Board denied institution because Petitioner did not show a reasonable likelihood that any challenged claim was obvious over the asserted prior-art combinations.

    RulingsInstitution decision
    • Disclosure Requirements (§112) › Written description (Ariad)Not entitled to earlier dateDecided for petitioner

      “The test for written description support is whether the application reasonably would have conveyed to one with ordinary skill in the art “the inventor possessed the invention at the time of that original disclosure.” Pandrol USA, LP v. Airboss Ry. Prods., Inc., 424 F.3d 1161, 1165 (Fed. Cir. 2005); see also Vas-Cath Inc. v. Mahurkar, 935 F.2d 1555, 1563–64 (Fed. Cir. 1991) (“the applicant must also convey with reasonable clarity to those skilled in the art that, as of the filing date sought, he or she was in possession of the invention”). The disclosure in the provisional application as cited by Patent Owner regarding policies is broad and does not convey with reasonable clarity what specifically are the policies, such as a policy for backup based on whether the first and second devices are of the same brand. The broad disclosure does not indicate possession by the inventor the narrow and specific limitation recited in independent claims 1, 18, and 25, i.e., “based at least in part on the first device being a same brand as a second device, initiating a backup, to the second device, of at least a portion of the at least one record.” Ex. 1001, 25:7–10, 26:30–32, 28:23–25. Patent Owner states: “A determination ‘based on’ policies and the identity of the device would have conveyed to a POSITA that the backup could have been based on a policy including the device being of the same brand as the second device.” Prelim. Resp. 46 (emphasis in original). The assertion is misplaced because it refers to what “could have been” a policy, rather than what policy the provisional application disclosure conveys the inventor actually possessed. What potentially “could have been” is mere speculation, not written description indicating possession.” slip op. at 14

    • Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner

      “Level of Ordinary Skill in the Art Citing testimony from Dr. McDaniel, Petitioner asserts a person of ordinary skill in the art “would have had a bachelor’s degree in [] electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a related field, and at least two years of experience in the research, design, development, and/or testing of authentication techniques, and related firmware and software, or the equivalent, with additional education substituting for experience and vice versa.” Pet. 8 (citing Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 18–22). 9 The record does not include any evidence of secondary considerations of nonobviousness. On this record, we adopt Petitioner’s statement of the level of ordinary skill in the art, except for the qualifier “at least” which applies to experience and which would improperly extend the scope of experience to the realm of an expert. It is supported by the testimony of Dr. McDaniel and not disputed by Patent Owner (Prelim. Resp. 12). Further, it appears consistent with what is reflected by the content of the applied prior art. Cf. Okajima v. Bourdeau, 261 F.3d 1350, 1354–55 (Fed. Cir. 2001) (the applied prior art may reflect an appropriate level of skill). C.” slip op. at 16

    • PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied

      “review. See 35 U.S.C. § 314 (2018); 37 C.F.R. § 42.4(a) (2024). 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). Upon consideration of the contentions and the evidence of record before us, we conclude Petitioner has not shown a reasonable likelihood that it would prevail in establishing the unpatentability of at least one challenged claim of the ’105 patent. Accordingly, we decline to institute inter partes review.” slip op. at 2

    • Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successMotivation not foundNot shown unpatentable

      “Petitioner asserts: Kodama recognizes “if data restoration is to be performed to a different product or a different manufacturer, the format and product proprietary information of data between the products will differ.” APPL-1010, [0157]. POSITA would recognize this differing format can create compatibility issues and thus would recognize an advantage of, and reason for, basing the initiation of data transfer to the second device on brand and thereby avoiding these compatibility issues as taught by Kodama. APPL- 1003, ¶190. Pet. 60. But the same brand requirement of Kodama is not provided to solve any problem with differing formats. Kodama states: At Step 1313 of the restoration processing, if data restoration is to be performed to a different product of a different manufacturer, the format and product proprietary information of data between the products will differ. Thus, before the restoration processing function of the online backup service system 0128 sends the data read at Step 1318 to the HDD recorder 0116, the data format is converted into the file format of the HDD recorder 0116 of the restoration destination. Ex. 1010 ¶ 157. Kodama does not describe format compatibility as presenting any problem. Requiring brand identity between the first device and the other devices of the user in Jakobsson ’351 to synchronize data among all of the user’s devices is also not an advantage. The devices of the user in Jakobsson ’351 are devices the user already owns, possesses, and uses. They are not a new device as in the case of Kodama, where a broken device may be expected to lead to the user acquiring a new device of the same brand as replacement. Petitioner provides no explanation as to why one would expect all of the user’s devices in Jakobsson ’351 would be of the same brand. Applying a same-brand requirement would substantially undermine and may even render inoperative Jakobsson ’351’s feature of synchronizing user data among all of the user’s devices. We do not see this result as either an advantage or an improvement.” slip op. at 51

    § 103 obviousness§ 112 disclosureDiscretionary denialcites KSR · Graham
    Patents in suitUS 11,475,105
  • PTAB · Jun 24, 2024 · PGR2024-00012 · APJ Ulrike W Jenks · PGR · Institution

    The Board denied institution of PGR on claims 1–20 because Petitioner did not show the patent was PGR-eligible, having failed to show inadequate written-description support or lack of enablement in the pre-AIA priority applications.

    RulingsInstitution decision
    • PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied

      “Petitioner has the burden of establishing eligibility for post-grant review. See Mylan Pharms. Inc. v. Yeda Res. & Dev. Co., PGR2016-00010, Paper 9 at 10 (PTAB Aug. 15, 2016). To show that the ’284 patent is eligible for post-grant review, Petitioner bears the burden of proving that the challenged claims lack the priority benefit of the filing date of an earlier 7 The ’284 patent issued from a transition application. A “transition application” is a patent application filed on or after March 16, 2013 (the effective date of the AIA), but which claims priority to an application that was filed prior to the effective date of the AIA. See, e.g., MPEP § 2159.04. challenged claims, or a claim pending during examination of the ’266 application, “was not disclosed in compliance with the written description and enablement requirements of § 112(a) in the earlier application for which the benefit of an earlier filing date prior to March 16, 2013 was sought.” Inguran, LLC v. Premium Genetics (UK) Ltd., PGR2015-00017, Paper 8 at 11 (PTAB Dec. 22, 2015).” slip op. at 9

    • Disclosure Requirements (§112) › Written description (Ariad)Written description adequateNot shown unpatentable

      “Thus, the ’284 patent specification explains that the system can adjust the positive airway pressure supplied to the subject without human intervention. The system gathers information from the sensors and uses it to “monitor the condition of the subject” and “determine a level of severity of the subject’s sleeping disorder.” Ex. 1001, 23:20–41. Based on this the subject,” for example by adjusting the positive airway pressure provided to the subject. See id. at 19:3–17, 3:37–55. In this way, the ’284 patent specification discloses generating “an index of treatment efficacy” where “the index [is] based in part on data of severity of sleep disorder symptoms of the subject and data of usage of the PAP device by the subject,” because the system uses data collected from the sensors to evaluate the severity of the subject’s sleeping disorder and efficacy of the current treatment, and can adjust the treatment without human intervention as needed. Accordingly, Petitioner has not demonstrated that it is more likely than not that the ’284 patent claims lack written description support in the pre-AIA priority applications for “an index of treatment efficacy” claim term.” slip op. at 13

    • Disclosure Requirements (§112) › Enablement (Wands, Amgen full scope)EnabledNot shown unpatentable

      “’284 patent claims are not enabled. Prelim. Resp. 24–30. We find that Petitioner has failed to demonstrate, more likely than not, that any experimentation would have been undue in view of the Wands factors. Prelim. Resp. 25 (citing Wands, 858 F.2d at 737). On this record, Petitioner has not demonstrated that the claimed subject matter is unpredictable or would require undue experimentation. Petitioner argues that “the challenged claims are not enabled regarding the ‘index of treatment efficacy’ claim elements.” Pet. 24. But as Patent Owner establishes, Petitioner acknowledges that determining treatment efficacies was merely applying a known technique. See Prelim. Resp. 26 (citing Pet. 36 (determining treatment efficacy “would amount to merely applying a known technique (i.e., determining treatment efficacy based on multiple factors) to a known device ready for improvement (e.g., CPAP treatment system comprising multiple devices) to yield predictable results (i.e., improve operation of CPAP treatment to better treat the patient and its disorder)”). On this record, Patent Owner further demonstrates that “it was well- known in the art [] how to determine indices of treatment efficacy based on breathing metric data over a period of time.” Prelim. Resp. 26; Ex. 2001 at 175 (“Efficacy, in the context of [obstructive sleep apnea] OSA, reflects the ability of treatment to prevent the occurrence of obstructive breathing events during periods when the treatment is being physically applied.”); Ex. 2002 at 1–2 (based on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can be calculated); Ex. 2003 at 1 (“ResLink presents this efficacy information along with integrated oximetry data for simultaneous onscreen viewing and analysis.”)). index of treatment efficacy on a cell phone or transmitting it to a remote internet site.” Pet. 25. Petitioner, however, has not demonstrated, more likely than not, that it would take undue experimentation to carry out such display or transmission. The Petition merely suggests that the specification lacks enablement of these claim limitations, but fails to provide any analysis of pertinent factors, such as the state of the prior art, the level of ordinary skill, or the level of predictability in the art with regard to displaying and transmitting data on a cell phone at the time of the invention. In sum, we conclude that Petitioner has failed to show that it is more likely than not that the challenged claims are not enabled.” slip op. at 23

    • Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)No construction neededOther

      “In this post-grant review, we construe the claims of the ’284 patent “using the same claim construction standard that would be used to construe the claim in a civil action under 35 U.S.C. § 282(b).” 37 C.F.R. § 42.200(b) (2019). Under that standard, the words of a claim are generally given their “ordinary and customary meaning,” which is the meaning the term would have to a person of ordinary skill at the time of the invention, in the context of the entire patent including the specification. Phillips v. AWH Corp., 415 F.3d 1303, 1312–13 (Fed. Cir. 2005) (en banc). Petitioner contends that “[n]o claim term needs formal construction for purposes of evaluating the prior art in this Petition.” Pet. 16. Patent Owner also does not construe any claim terms. See generally Prelim. Resp. For purposes of this Decision, and based on the record before us, we determine that none of the claim terms requires an explicit construction to determine whether to institute post-grant review. See Nidec Motor Corp. v. Zhongshan Broad Ocean Motor Co., 868 F.3d 1013, 1017 (Fed. Cir. 2017) (“[W]e need only construe terms ‘that are in controversy, and only to the extent necessary to resolve the controversy.’” (quoting Vivid Techs., Inc. v. Am. Sci. & Eng’g, Inc., 200 F.3d 795, 803 (Fed. Cir. 1999))).” slip op. at 8

    Claim construction§ 112 disclosure
    Patents in suitUS 11,602,284
  • PTAB · Mar 29, 2024 · PGR2023-00052 · APJ Matthew S Meyers · PGR · Institution

    Institution was denied because Petitioner did not show it was more likely than not that claims 1–41 were unpatentable under any asserted ground.

    RulingsInstitution decision
    • PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied

      “review. 35 U.S.C. § 324 (2018); 37 C.F.R. § 42.4(a) (“The Board institutes the trial on behalf of the Director.”). Section 324(a) provides that a post-grant review may not be instituted “unless . . . the information presented in the petition . . . , if such information is not rebutted, would demonstrate that it is more likely than not that at least 1 of the claims challenged in the petition is unpatentable.” Upon considering the Petition, Preliminary Response, and the cited evidence, we conclude that Petitioner has not satisfied its burden under 35 U.S.C. § 324 to show that it is more likely than not that claim 1 is unpatentable.” slip op. at 2

    • Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner

      “Patent Owner disagrees with Petitioner’s articulation of the level of ordinary skill in the art, but does not offer a definition of its own. Prelim. Resp. 5. According to Patent Owner, “[t]his Petition and related declaration propose two alternative levels of ordinary skill in the art, where the second alternative does not require any formal education or any experience in the field of oil or gas production.” Id. While Patent Owner disagrees with Petitioner’s characterization of the level of ordinary skill in the art, Patent Owner does not explain how a different level of skill is likely to alter Petitioner’s analysis. Instead, Patent Owner contends that it “applied Petitioner’s articulation and confirmed the analysis detailed below would not change based on disagreements over the level of ordinary skill in the art.” Id. (citing Ex. 2101 ¶¶ 16–17). 8 To the extent necessary, and for purposes of this Decision, we accept Petitioner’s statement on the level of skill in the art. See Daiichi Sankyo Co. v. Apotex, Inc., 501 F.3d 1254, 1256 (Fed. Cir. 2007) (listing the type of problems encountered in the art, prior art solutions to those problems, and the sophistication of the technology as factors that may be considered in determining the level of ordinary skill in the art). The prior art itself may be sufficient to demonstrate the level of skill in the art at the time of the invention. See Okajima, 261 F.3d at 1355 (explaining that specific findings regarding ordinary skill level are not required “where the prior art itself reflects an appropriate level and a need for testimony is not shown”) (quoting Litton Indus. Prods., Inc. v. Solid State Sys. Corp., 755 F.2d 158, 163 (Fed. Cir. 1985)).” slip op. at 8

    • Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)No construction neededOther

      “Because the meanings of the claim terms “blockchain mining devices,” “mining processor,” and “adapted to mine transactions” are inextricably linked with Petitioner’s indefiniteness grounds, we will address the meaning of those terms in the context of the parties’ arguments to the extent necessary to resolve the controversy as set forth below in Section III.C. Similarly, we will address the parties’ arguments regarding the disputed means-plus-function limitations in our discussion of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) as set forth below in Section III.E. See Nidec Motor Corp. v. Zhongshan Broad Ocean Motor Co., 868 F.3d 1013, 1017 (Fed. Cir. 2017) (noting that “we need only construe terms ‘that are in controversy, and only to the extent necessary to resolve the controversy’”) (quoting Vivid Techs., Inc. v. Am. Sci. & Eng’g, Inc., 200 F.3d 795, 803 (Fed. Cir. 1999)).” slip op. at 11

    • Disclosure Requirements (§112) › Definiteness (Nautilus)Not shown unpatentable

      “To satisfy the definiteness requirement of § 112(b), a patent’s claims must, when “viewed in light of the specification and prosecution history, inform those skilled in the art about the scope of the invention with reasonable certainty.” Nautilus, 572 U.S. at 910. We are not persuaded that the Petition shows that it is more likely than not that Petitioner would prevail in demonstrating that the term “blockchain mining devices,” as recited by independent claims 1 and 24, is indefinite. As an initial matter, we agree with Patent Owner that “Petitioner’s indefiniteness theory is flawed because its ‘alternative interpretations’ are of its incorrect claim construction rather than the claim language in view of the specification as required by Nautilus.” Prelim. Resp. 13. We find the Specification informs, with reasonable certainty, those skilled in the art about the meaning of the term “blockchain mining devices.” The 18 Specification informs us that “each blockchain mining device 12 may be composed of suitable components. The blockchain mining device 12 may have a network interface, such as network equipment 88, and one or a plurality of mining processors 92 (92A-92E for example).” Ex. 1001, 15:21–25. And, claim 1 recites that the “blockchain mining devices [are] connected to the generator” and “each have a mining processor and are connected to a network interface.” Id. at 19:59–62. Thus, reading the term “blockchain mining devices” in light of the language of the claim and the Specification, an ordinarily skilled artisan would have understood “blockchain mining devices” to mean a device composed of, for example, a network interface and one or more processors. Id. at 15:21–25, 19:59–62.” slip op. at 18

    Claim construction§ 112 disclosureDiscretionary denial
    Patents in suitUS 11,574,372

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.