- Viance, LLC v. Koppers Performance Chemicals, Inc.Institution deniedPTAB · Aug 19, 2026 · PGR2026-00023 · APJ John A Squires · PGR · Director review
The Director denied the PGR petition and instituted no trial because Petitioner failed to identify Venator as a real party in interest within the statutory filing period.
RulingsDirector review decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Real party in interest / privityInstitution denied rpiDecided for patent owner
“However, as I previously explained, RPIs are not limited to entities that are actually funding and controlling the proceeding but include entities that have the ability to control the proceeding. See Tianma, IPR2025-01579, Paper 12 at 9–10. Petitioner argues that its two owners do not have unilateral control of Petitioner. However, unilateral control is not the standard, and control of Petitioner is vested solely in its two owners as members of the Board of Directors. See Moyes Decl. ¶ 7. Accordingly, I am not persuaded that Venator and Lanxess do not have the ability to control” slip op. at 3
- PTAB / AIA Trials › §315(b) time barDecided for patent owner
“Patent Owner further argues that Petitioner cannot correct its RPI listing because adding an RPI would require a new filing date that places the Petition outside the 9-month window for filing a PGR. DD Opp. 11–12 (citing Corning, IPR20214-00440, Paper 68 at 24). Patent Owner is correct. See Sun Pharm. Indus., Inc. v. Biofrontera, Inc., PGR2026-00021, Paper 12 at 4 (Director May 26, 2026) (denying PGR petition because Petitioner did not meet the requirement to name all RPI within the statutory timeframe for filing a PGR petition). Accordingly, this Petition is denied, and Petitioner may file an IPR petition listing the appropriate real parties in interest.3” slip op. at 4
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied rpiInstitution denied
“listing because adding an RPI would require a new filing date that places the Petition outside the 9-month window for filing a PGR. DD Opp. 11–12 (citing Corning, IPR20214-00440, Paper 68 at 24). Patent Owner is correct. See Sun Pharm. Indus., Inc. v. Biofrontera, Inc., PGR2026-00021, Paper 12 at 4 (Director May 26, 2026) (denying PGR petition because Petitioner did not meet the requirement to name all RPI within the statutory timeframe for filing a PGR petition). Accordingly, this Petition is denied, and Petitioner may file an IPR petition listing the appropriate real parties in interest.3 In consideration of the foregoing, it is: ORDERED that the Petition is denied, and no trial is instituted.” slip op. at 4
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 12,370,716 - Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. v. Biofrontera Inc.Institution deniedPTAB · May 26, 2026 · PGR2026-00021 · APJ John A Squires · PGR · Director review
The Director denied Sun Pharmaceutical Industries’ PGR petition because it failed to show that it had identified all real parties in interest.
RulingsDirector review decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Real party in interest / privityInstitution denied rpiDecided for patent owner
“As I previously explained, RPIs are not limited to entities that are actually funding and controlling the proceeding, but include entities that have the ability to control the proceeding. See Tianma Microelectronics (Director Mar. 18, 2026) (precedential) (“With its identification of RPIs in dispute, it is Petitioner’s burden to bring forth evidence or arguments demonstrating that it had named all RPIs—and that none were foreign governments or entities a foreign government had the ability to control.”); see also Worlds Inc. v. Bungie, Inc., 903 F.3d 1237, 1244–45 (Fed. Cir. 2018) (remanding to the Board to further consider RPI where the patent owner identified an unnamed party with the “opportunity to control” the proceeding). Petitioner has not provided sufficient evidence that SPI Ltd., the corporate parent and 100% owner of SPI Inc., does not have the ability to control the proceeding. Rather, Petitioner’s declaration evidence is focused on whether SPI Inc. is actually funding or controlling the proceeding. See Ex. 1021 ¶ 4 (“SPI Inc. is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd.”). On this record, Petitioner fails to carry its burden to establish that it has identified all RPIs.” slip op. at 2
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied
“(Director Mar. 18, 2026) (precedential) (“With its identification of RPIs in dispute, it is Petitioner’s burden to bring forth evidence or arguments demonstrating that it had named all RPIs—and that none were foreign governments or entities a foreign government had the ability to control.”); see also Worlds Inc. v. Bungie, Inc., 903 F.3d 1237, 1244–45 (Fed. Cir. 2018) (remanding to the Board to further consider RPI where the patent owner identified an unnamed party with the “opportunity to control” the proceeding). Petitioner has not provided sufficient evidence that SPI Ltd., the corporate parent and 100% owner of SPI Inc., does not have the ability to control the proceeding. Rather, Petitioner’s declaration evidence is focused on whether SPI Inc. is actually funding or controlling the proceeding. See Ex. 1021 ¶ 4 (“SPI Inc. is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd.”). On this record, Petitioner fails to carry its burden to establish that it has identified all RPIs.” slip op. at 3
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 12,280,146 - Tianma Microelectronics Co., Ltd. v. LG Display Co., Ltd.Institution deniedPTAB · Mar 18, 2026 · IPR2025-01579 · APJ John A Squires · IPR · Director review
The Director denied institution because Petitioner failed to establish that a foreign government was not an RPI, making Petitioner ineligible to file the IPR.
RulingsDirector review decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Real party in interest / privityInstitution denied rpiInstitution denied
“Patent Owner’s evidence is sufficient to put into dispute whether the Petition identified all RPIs and whether there is an RPI who is not a “person” eligible to file an IPR. See Worlds Inc. v. Bungie, Inc., 903 F.3d 1237, 1244 (Fed. Cir. 2018) (“[A] patent owner must produce some evidence that tends to show that a particular third party should be named a real party in interest.”); Yangtze Memory Techs. Co. v. Micron Tech., Inc., IPR2025- 00098, Paper 38 at 7 (Director Jan. 15, 2026) (informative) (explaining that the Office’s “mandate to protect the public interest is especially compelling” where a petitioner does not identify all RPIs). Patent Owner’s evidence that Petitioner is owned by AVIC Innovation and AVIC, AVIC is owned by a foreign government, and AVIC is included on the entity list is particularly persuasive. DD Req. 7–8 (citing Exs. 2013–19).” slip op. at 9
- Other 314aInstitution denied discretionary otherInstitution denied
“Today’s decision is consistent with Return Mail and—even if Return Mail reached the opposite conclusion—would be comfortably within the Office’s settled broad discretion in deciding whether to use its limited resources to institute IPR in any given case. Apple Inc. v. Squires, No. 2024- 1864, 2026 WL 406495, at *7 (Fed. Cir. Feb. 13, 2026) (“[T]he Director has broad and protected discretion not to launch an IPR, even when the statutory pre-conditions are met.”). Indeed, as to the exercise of discretion, as I stated in the Memorandum, “the integrity of PTAB proceedings depends on knowing who is behind a petition—who funds it, directs it, and/or benefits from it. Any opacity in that chain of control invites exploitation, may facilitate technology transfer contrary to U.S. law, regulation, and interests, and serves only to undermine public confidence in the integrity of the patent system.” Memorandum 4. Notions of fundamental fairness dictate no other result.” slip op. at 7
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 11,251,394 - Pgr2025-00080Institution deniedPTAB · Feb 3, 2026 · PGR2025-00080 · APJ John A Squires · PGR · Director review
The Director denied institution of PGR2025-00080 after reviewing discretionary considerations.
RulingsDirector review decision- Settled expectationsInstitution denied settled expectationsInstitution denied
“NOTICE Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 314(a) and § 324(a), after review of discretionary considerations, institution of inter partes review or post-grant review is denied in the following proceedings: IPR2025-01510 IPR2026-00016 IPR2026-00035 IPR2025-01563 IPR2026-00019 IPR2026-00040 IPR2025-01596 IPR2026-00022 IPR2026-00041 IPR2025-01605 IPR2026-00023 IPR2026-00042 IPR2026-00008 IPR2026-00024 IPR2026-00043 IPR2026-00014 IPR2026-00031 PGR2025-00080 IPR2026-00015 IPR2026-00032” slip op. at 1
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 12,268,265 - Intel Corp. / Dell Inc. et al. v. General Video, LLCInstitution deniedPTAB · Oct 17, 2025 · IPR2025-01039 · APJ Coke Morgan Stewart · IPR · Director review
The Director granted Patent Owner’s discretionary-denial request and denied the petitions under § 314(a), instituting no trial based on a holistic assessment emphasizing settled expectations.
RulingsDirector review decision- Settled expectationsInstitution denied settled expectationsInstitution denied
“particular, the challenged patents have been in force for approximately seven, ten, and seventeen years, creating strong settled expectations for Patent Owner, and Petitioner does not provide any persuasive reasoning why an inter partes review is an appropriate use of Board resources. Dabico Airport Sols. Inc. v. AXA Power ApS, IPR2025-00408, Paper 21 at 2–3 (Director June 18, 2025); Intel Corp. v. Proxense LLC, IPR2025-00327, Paper 12, 2–3 (Director June 26, 2025). Additionally, Dell appears to have been notified of the challenged patents in 2016, 2017, and 2021. See, e.g., DD Req. 46–47; DD Reply 1–3. Accordingly, in the absence of sufficient explanation by Petitioner, Patent Owner’s strong settled expectations tip the balance in favor of discretionary denial. Although certain arguments are highlighted above, the determination to exercise discretion to deny institution is based on a holistic assessment of all of the evidence and arguments presented. Accordingly, the Petitions are denied under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a).” slip op. at 3
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 7,359,437 - Intel Corp. / Dell Inc. et al. v. General Video, LLCInstitution deniedPTAB · Oct 17, 2025 · IPR2025-01038 · APJ Coke Morgan Stewart · IPR · Director review
The Director granted Patent Owner’s discretionary-denial request and denied the petitions under § 314(a), declining to institute IPR based on the holistic record and strong settled expectations.
RulingsDirector review decision- Settled expectationsGranted
“Other considerations, however, favor discretionary denial. In particular, the challenged patents have been in force for approximately seven, ten, and seventeen years, creating strong settled expectations for Patent Owner, and Petitioner does not provide any persuasive reasoning why an inter partes review is an appropriate use of Board resources. Dabico Airport Sols. Inc. v. AXA Power ApS, IPR2025-00408, Paper 21 at 2–3 (Director June 18, 2025); Intel Corp. v. Proxense LLC, IPR2025-00327, Paper 12, 2–3 (Director June 26, 2025). Additionally, Dell appears to have been notified of the challenged patents in 2016, 2017, and 2021. See, e.g., DD Req. 46–47; DD Reply 1–3. Accordingly, in the absence of sufficient explanation by Petitioner, Patent Owner’s strong settled expectations tip the balance in favor of discretionary denial.” slip op. at 3
- Other 314aInstitution denied settled expectationsInstitution denied discretionary otherInstitution denied
“particular, the challenged patents have been in force for approximately seven, ten, and seventeen years, creating strong settled expectations for Patent Owner, and Petitioner does not provide any persuasive reasoning why an inter partes review is an appropriate use of Board resources. Dabico Airport Sols. Inc. v. AXA Power ApS, IPR2025-00408, Paper 21 at 2–3 (Director June 18, 2025); Intel Corp. v. Proxense LLC, IPR2025-00327, Paper 12, 2–3 (Director June 26, 2025). Additionally, Dell appears to have been notified of the challenged patents in 2016, 2017, and 2021. See, e.g., DD Req. 46–47; DD Reply 1–3. Accordingly, in the absence of sufficient explanation by Petitioner, Patent Owner’s strong settled expectations tip the balance in favor of discretionary denial. Although certain arguments are highlighted above, the determination to exercise discretion to deny institution is based on a holistic assessment of all of the evidence and arguments presented. Accordingly, the Petitions are denied under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a).” slip op. at 3
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 7,359,437 - Intel Corp. / Dell Inc. et al. v. General Video, LLCInstitution deniedPTAB · Oct 17, 2025 · IPR2025-01037 · IPR · Director review
The Director granted Patent Owner’s discretionary-denial request and denied the petitions under § 314(a); no inter partes review was instituted.
RulingsDirector review decision- Settled expectationsInstitution denied settled expectationsInstitution denied
“particular, the challenged patents have been in force for approximately seven, ten, and seventeen years, creating strong settled expectations for Patent Owner, and Petitioner does not provide any persuasive reasoning why an inter partes review is an appropriate use of Board resources. Dabico Airport Sols. Inc. v. AXA Power ApS, IPR2025-00408, Paper 21 at 2–3 (Director June 18, 2025); Intel Corp. v. Proxense LLC, IPR2025-00327, Paper 12, 2–3 (Director June 26, 2025). Additionally, Dell appears to have been notified of the challenged patents in 2016, 2017, and 2021. See, e.g., DD Req. 46–47; DD Reply 1–3. Accordingly, in the absence of sufficient explanation by Petitioner, Patent Owner’s strong settled expectations tip the balance in favor of discretionary denial. Although certain arguments are highlighted above, the determination to exercise discretion to deny institution is based on a holistic assessment of all of the evidence and arguments presented. Accordingly, the Petitions are denied under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a).” slip op. at 3
- Other 314aInstitution denied discretionary otherInstitution denied
“Although certain arguments are highlighted above, the determination to exercise discretion to deny institution is based on a holistic assessment of all of the evidence and arguments presented. Accordingly, the Petitions are denied under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a). In consideration of the foregoing, it is: ORDERED that Patent Owner’s request for discretionary denial is granted; and FURTHER ORDERED that the Petitions are denied, and no trial is instituted.” slip op. at 3
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 9,843,786 - Micron Technology, Inc. / Micron Semiconductor Products, Inc. v. Palisade Technologies, LLPInstitution deniedPTAB · Oct 17, 2025 · IPR2025-01009 · APJ Kalyan K Deshpande · IPR · Director review
The Director granted Patent Owner’s discretionary-denial requests and denied the petitions; no trial was instituted under § 314(a).
RulingsDirector review decision- Settled expectationsInstitution denied settled expectationsInstitution denied
“Some considerations, however, favor discretionary denial. In particular, the challenged patents have been in force for approximately twelve and nine years, creating settled expectations for Patent Owner, and Petitioner does not provide persuasive reasoning why an inter partes review is an appropriate use of Board resources. Dabico Airport Sols. Inc. v. AXA Power ApS, IPR2025-00408, Paper 21 at 2–3 (Director June 18, 2025). Additionally, Petitioner’s arguments that the Office made a material error” slip op. at 2
- Other 314aInstitution denied discretionary otherInstitution denied
“Although certain arguments are highlighted above, the determination to exercise discretion to deny institution is based on a holistic assessment of all of the evidence and arguments presented. Accordingly, the Petitions are denied under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a). In consideration of the foregoing, it is: ORDERED that Patent Owner’s requests for discretionary denial are granted; and FURTHER ORDERED that the Petitions are denied, and no trial is instituted.” slip op. at 3
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 9,281,314 - Micron Technology, Inc. / Micron Semiconductor Products, Inc. v. Palisade Technologies, LLPInstitution deniedPTAB · Oct 17, 2025 · IPR2025-01008 · APJ Kalyan K Deshpande · IPR · Director review
The Director denied institution of IPR on the challenged patents under § 314(a), citing settled expectations and the holistic assessment of the parties’ arguments and evidence.
RulingsDirector review decision- Settled expectationsInstitution denied settled expectationsInstitution denied
“Some considerations, however, favor discretionary denial. In particular, the challenged patents have been in force for approximately twelve and nine years, creating settled expectations for Patent Owner, and Petitioner does not provide persuasive reasoning why an inter partes review is an appropriate use of Board resources. Dabico Airport Sols. Inc. v. AXA Power ApS, IPR2025-00408, Paper 21 at 2–3 (Director June 18, 2025). Additionally, Petitioner’s arguments that the Office made a material error 2 Citations are to papers in IPR2025-01008. The parties filed similar papers in IPR2025-01009. during prosecution are not persuasive. Under these circumstances, discretionary denial is appropriate.” slip op. at 2
- Other 314aInstitution denied discretionary otherInstitution denied
“Although certain arguments are highlighted above, the determination to exercise discretion to deny institution is based on a holistic assessment of all of the evidence and arguments presented. Accordingly, the Petitions are denied under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a). In consideration of the foregoing, it is: ORDERED that Patent Owner’s requests for discretionary denial are granted; and FURTHER ORDERED that the Petitions are denied, and no trial is instituted.” slip op. at 3
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 8,327,051 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. / Samsung Electronics America, Inc. et al. v. W&Wsens Devices Inc.Institution deniedPTAB · Oct 17, 2025 · IPR2025-00996 · APJ Kalyan K Deshpande · IPR · Director review
The Director denied institution of the IPR petitions under § 314(a), citing likely district court trial before the final written decision and Patent Owner’s settled expectations.
RulingsDirector review decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › Fintiv (parallel litigation)Institution denied fintivInstitution denied
“In particular, the projected final written decision due date in the Board proceedings is December 24, 2026. DD Req. 12. The district court trial is scheduled to begin August 3, 2026, and time-to-trial statistics suggest trial could begin between August 2026 and early December 2026. Id. at 12–13; DD Opp. 15. As such, it is unlikely that a final written decision in these proceedings will issue before the district court trial occurs, resulting in significant duplication of effort, additional expense for the parties, and a risk of inconsistent decisions. This favors discretionary denial.” slip op. at 2
- Settled expectationsInstitution denied settled expectationsInstitution denied
“Additionally, the challenged patents have been in force for approximately six years, creating settled expectations for Patent Owner. Further, Patent Owner provides evidence demonstrating Petitioner was aware of the challenged patents as early as 2020. Ex. 2001; Ex. 2002; Ex. 2003; Ex. 2004. This further favors discretionary denial.” slip op. at 2
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 10,446,700
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.