- Google LLC v. Jawbone Innovations, LLCInstitution deniedPTAB · Nov 28, 2022 · IPR2022-00888 · APJ Steven M Amundson · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution: Petitioner failed to show a reasonable likelihood of unpatentability for claims 1–13, and trying claim 42 alone would be inefficient.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsDenied
“institution that Elko discloses a “first virtual microphone” according to claim 1 and Petitioner does not rely on Boll or Buck for teaching a “first virtual microphone” according to claim 1, Petitioner does not establish sufficiently for purposes of institution that the combined disclosures in Elko, Boll, and Buck teach claim 1’s subject matter. See Pet. 23–25; Prelim. Reply 1–2; Ex. 1007 ¶¶ 55–58; supra § IV.D.4(a). Hence, Petitioner does not demonstrate a reasonable likelihood of prevailing in proving claim 1 unpatentable under § 103(a) as obvious over Elko, Boll, and Buck.” slip op. at 35
- Obviousness (§103) › Graham factors (scope of art, differences, level of skill)Not shown unpatentableNot shown unpatentable
“for purposes of institution that Elko discloses a “first virtual microphone” according to claim 1. See Pet. 23–25, 36–38; Prelim. Reply 1–2; Ex. 1007 ¶¶ 55–58, 81–82. For forming the “first virtual microphone” and the “second virtual microphone” claim 1 recites three different signals: “a first signal,” “a second signal,” and “a first intermediate signal” formed by applying a filter to “the first signal.” Ex. 1001, 37:5–9, 37:16–19. “Different claim terms are presumed to have different meanings.” Bd. of Regents of the Univ. of Tex. Sys. v. BENQ Am. Corp., 533 F.3d 1362, 1371 (Fed. Cir. 2008); see Innova/Pure Water, Inc. v. Safari Water Filtration Sys.,” slip op. at 30
- Claim Construction › Intrinsic evidence (Phillips canons) › Plain and ordinary meaning to a POSITAPlain and ordinary meaningDecided for patent owner
“for purposes of institution that Elko discloses a “first virtual microphone” according to claim 1. See Pet. 23–25, 36–38; Prelim. Reply 1–2; Ex. 1007 ¶¶ 55–58, 81–82. For forming the “first virtual microphone” and the “second virtual microphone” claim 1 recites three different signals: “a first signal,” “a second signal,” and “a first intermediate signal” formed by applying a filter to “the first signal.” Ex. 1001, 37:5–9, 37:16–19. “Different claim terms are presumed to have different meanings.” Bd. of Regents of the Univ. of Tex. Sys. v. BENQ Am. Corp., 533 F.3d 1362, 1371 (Fed. Cir. 2008); see Innova/Pure Water, Inc. v. Safari Water Filtration Sys.,” slip op. at 30
- Other 314aInstitution denied discretionary otherDenied
“the ’213 patent. Pet. 3, 23–83. As discussed above, Petitioner fails to satisfy the “reasonable likelihood” institution standard for four of the five challenges and thirteen of the fourteen challenged claims. See supra §§ IV.D–IV.E. At best, Petitioner satisfies the “reasonable likelihood” institution standard for only one of the five challenges and only one of the 6 Available at https://www.uspto.gov/TrialPracticeGuideConsolidated. fourteen challenged claims. See supra § IV.F. These circumstances weigh in favor of exercising our discretion under § 314(a) to deny institution. See, e.g., Netscout Sys., Inc. v. Longhorn HD LLC, IPR2021-01258, Paper 11 at 23–24 (PTAB Feb. 10, 2022) (exercising discretion to deny institution); Sling TV L.L.C. v. Uniloc 2017 LLC, IPR2019-01391, Paper 7 at 25–27 (PTAB Feb. 25, 2020) (exercising discretion to deny institution).” slip op. at 38
Claim construction§ 103 obviousnessDiscretionary denialcites Phillips · KSR · GrahamPatents in suitUS 8,321,213 - Ideavillage Products Corp. v. Koninklijke Philips N.VInstitution deniedPTAB · Oct 25, 2022 · IPR2022-00904 · APJ Grace Karaffa Obermann · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution on the sole claim, finding the obviousness challenges inadequate and exercising discretion to deny the marginal anticipation challenge.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied
“An obviousness analysis involves two steps; first, “one must find a single reference, a something in existence, the design characteristics of which are basically the same as the claimed design”; second, “once this primary reference is found, other references may be used to modify it to create a design that has the same overall visual appearance as the claimed design.” High Point Design, 730 F.3d at 1311 (internal quotation and citations omitted). Even when secondary references are not used, however, the analysis still requires an explanation as to how and why the primary reference (something having design characteristics basically the same as the claimed design) would have been modified to arrive at a design that has the same overall visual appearance as the claimed design. See, e.g., In re Nalbandian, 661 F.2d at 1217 (involving single-reference obviousness rejection and addressing the differences between the reference and the claimed design); In re Lamb, 286 F.2d 610, 611 (CCPA 1961) (affirming the Board in a case involving a single-reference obviousness rejection where “the board observed that it is conventional to use relatively slimmer handles with slim blades and that therefore, ‘it would be expected that a designer skilled in the cutlery art would use a somewhat narrower or slimmer handle with a slim blade’”). None of the 42 obviousness challenges advanced in the Petition is supported by an adequate analysis of those two steps. See id. at 64–88. In particular, none sufficiently discusses both the differences between the been modified (alone or in view of any other reference) to have the same visual appearance as the claimed design. Id.” slip op. at 12
- Obviousness (§103) › Graham factors (scope of art, differences, level of skill)Not shown unpatentableNot shown unpatentable
“An obviousness analysis involves two steps; first, “one must find a single reference, a something in existence, the design characteristics of which are basically the same as the claimed design”; second, “once this primary reference is found, other references may be used to modify it to create a design that has the same overall visual appearance as the claimed design.” High Point Design, 730 F.3d at 1311 (internal quotation and citations omitted). Even when secondary references are not used, however, the analysis still requires an explanation as to how and why the primary reference (something having design characteristics basically the same as the claimed design) would have been modified to arrive at a design that has the same overall visual appearance as the claimed design. See, e.g., In re Nalbandian, 661 F.2d at 1217 (involving single-reference obviousness rejection and addressing the differences between the reference and the claimed design); In re Lamb, 286 F.2d 610, 611 (CCPA 1961) (affirming the Board in a case involving a single-reference obviousness rejection where “the board observed that it is conventional to use relatively slimmer handles with slim blades and that therefore, ‘it would be expected that a designer skilled in the cutlery art would use a somewhat narrower or slimmer handle with a slim blade’”). None of the 42 obviousness challenges advanced in the Petition is supported by an adequate analysis of those two steps. See id. at 64–88. In particular, none sufficiently discusses both the differences between the been modified (alone or in view of any other reference) to have the same visual appearance as the claimed design. Id.” slip op. at 12
- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Anticipation standard (single reference, every element)
“Specifically, on that crucial issue, Mr. Peyser testifies “that the multiple perspective views are informative enough to prov[id]e me an understanding of what the front and rear views of the shaver head would look like.” Ex. 1003 ¶ 60 (emphasis added). Mr. Peyser neither explains why the perspective views are sufficient to disclose the missing front and rear views of the Philips OneBlade shaver head, nor keys his testimony, with sufficient clarity, to the understanding of an ordinary observer. Ex. 1003 ¶ 60 (referring to “me,” not the ordinary observer). When Mr. Peyser does turn to the relevant inquiry, therefore, focusing on the ordinary observer, his opinions are not tethered adequately to supporting facts. Ex. 1003 ¶ 61. Stated somewhat differently, his ultimate opinion is conclusory. See id.; see also In re Magnum Oil Tools Int’l, Ltd., 829 F.3d 1364, 1380 (Fed. Cir. 2016) (a petitioner’s burden of proving obviousness cannot be satisfied by employing “mere conclusory statements”).” slip op. at 15
- Expert testimonyPetitioner expert discountedOther
“Specifically, on that crucial issue, Mr. Peyser testifies “that the multiple perspective views are informative enough to prov[id]e me an understanding of what the front and rear views of the shaver head would look like.” Ex. 1003 ¶ 60 (emphasis added). Mr. Peyser neither explains why the perspective views are sufficient to disclose the missing front and rear views of the Philips OneBlade shaver head, nor keys his testimony, with sufficient clarity, to the understanding of an ordinary observer. Ex. 1003 ¶ 60 (referring to “me,” not the ordinary observer). When Mr. Peyser does turn to the relevant inquiry, therefore, focusing on the ordinary observer, his opinions are not tethered adequately to supporting facts. Ex. 1003 ¶ 61. Stated somewhat differently, his ultimate opinion is conclusory. See id.; see also In re Magnum Oil Tools Int’l, Ltd., 829 F.3d 1364, 1380 (Fed. Cir. 2016) (a petitioner’s burden of proving obviousness cannot be satisfied by employing “mere conclusory statements”).” slip op. at 15
§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousnessDiscretionary denialcites Phillips - The Hillman Group, Inc. v. Hy-Ko Products Co. LLCInstitution deniedPTAB · May 9, 2022 · IPR2022-00168 · APJ Richard H Marschall · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution on all challenged claims under § 314(a), relying on its holistic assessment of the Fintiv factors and the advanced Texas Litigation.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › Fintiv (parallel litigation)Institution denied fintivInstitution denied
“Fintiv, Paper 11 at 5‒6. “These factors relate to whether efficiency, fairness, and the merits support the exercise of authority to deny institution in view of an earlier trial date in the parallel proceeding.” Id. at 6. There is some overlap among these factors and some facts may be relevant to more than one factor. Id. In evaluating the factors, the Board takes a holistic view of whether efficiency and integrity of the system are best served by denying or instituting review. Id.” slip op. at 7
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 9,656,332 - Solaredge Technologies Ltd. v. Koolbridge Solar, Inc.Institution deniedPTAB · Apr 19, 2022 · IPR2022-00008 · APJ Brian J Mcnamara · IPR · Institution
The Board declined to institute IPR on claims 1–13 and 20, exercising its discretion because Petitioner’s multiple petitions did not justify reviewing this petition.
RulingsInstitution decision- Parallel petitionsInstitution denied discretionary otherDenied
“As to the Group 1 claims, we agree with Patent Owner. The instant Petition contends that Mori anticipates challenged claims 1–3, 8–10, and 12 and that all the challenged claims are at least obvious. For example, Petition 1 asserts that Tracy anticipates claims 1–3 and 8–10 and that all the claims are obvious. Petition 3 asserts that Schmidt anticipates claims 1–3 and 8–10 and that all the claims are obvious. Petitioner contends that the question of which of the Petitions is most paramount could also depend upon the constructions applied to the claims, particularly if the claims are construed to include means-plus-function limitations. Ranking 3. As an example, Petitioner argues that, if independent claim 8 is construed “to allow for the single-phase output and control scheme of the Fig. 15 inverter, Schmidt (Petition 3) provides the most straightforward teaching of the claim 8 ‘sequence.’ But if claim 8 requires multiple phases and in Fig. 16, Tracy (Petition 1) would be the only reference to address this construction.” Id. We decline Petitioner’s invitation to provide advisory opinions by entertaining different Petitions advancing alternative claim constructions. As Petitioner has expressed its preference for Petition 1, which cites Tracy We decline to institute inter partes review based on Petitions 2 and 3.” slip op. at 12
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 8,937,822 - Solaredge Technologies Ltd. v. Koolbridge Solar, Inc.Institution deniedPTAB · Apr 19, 2022 · IPR2022-00015 · APJ Patrick M Boucher · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution of review of claims 1–17 because three petitions challenging the same patent were not justified under § 314(a).
RulingsInstitution decision- Parallel petitionsDenied
“Based on the Board’s experience, one petition should be sufficient to challenge the claims of a patent in most situations.” Patent Trial and Appeal Board Consolidated Trial Practice Guide (Nov. 2019), 59, available at https://www.uspto.gov/TrialPracticeGuideConsolidated (“Trial Practice Guide”). The Board recognizes that there may be “rare” circumstances in which two petitions by a petitioner may be needed, but “finds it unlikely that circumstances will arise where three or more petitions by a petitioner with respect to a particular patent will be appropriate.” Id. Accordingly, the Board asks a petitioner who files two or more petitions challenging the same patent to identify: (1) a ranking of the petitions in the order in which it wishes the Board to consider the merits, . . . and (2) a succinct explanation of the differences between the petitions, why the issues addressed by the differences are material, and why the Board should exercise its discretion to institute additional petitions if it identifies one petition that satisfies petitioner's burden under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a). slip op. at 8
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied
“improperly incorporates declarant testimony by reference. See id. at 10–16. But these are contentions that bear on the sufficiency of the Petition rather than on whether we should deny the Petition as a matter of discretion. We accordingly address those issues in a concurrently issued decision in IPR2022-00013, where we institute review of the ’710 patent after determining that Petitioner’s highest-ranked petition demonstrates a reasonable likelihood of prevailing on the merits.4 But for the reasons expressed above, we otherwise exercise our discretion under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a) to deny the instant petition. III. ORDER In consideration of the foregoing, it is ORDERED that the Petition is denied, and no trial is instituted.” slip op. at 11
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 10,784,710 - Facebook, Inc. v. Palo Alto Research Center Inc.Institution deniedPTAB · Mar 29, 2022 · IPR2021-01536 · APJ Sheila F Mcshane · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution on all challenged claims and grounds because a parallel IPR had already begun on the same claims and grounds, making another trial inefficient.
RulingsInstitution decision- Other 314aInstitution denied discretionary otherInstitution denied
“§ 314(a). Here, it is unnecessary to institute review of claims 1, 4, 6, 7, 9–12, 15, 17, and 18 of the ’599 patent because trial has already been commenced on these claims on the same grounds in the -01294 IPR. Compare Pet. 3–4, with -01294 Dec. 6. Neither party advocates that trial be instituted under these circumstances. Stmt. 5; Prelim. Resp. 26. To institute inter partes review under these circumstances would not be an efficient use of the parties’ or the Board’s resources. Accordingly, we exercise our discretion under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a) to deny inter partes review.” slip op. at 6
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied
“Institution of an inter partes review is authorized by statute when “the information presented in the petition . . . and any response . . . 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) (2018). For the reasons described below, we do not institute an inter partes review of the challenged claims.” slip op. at 2
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 8,489,599 - Ideavillage Products Corp. v. Koninklijke Philips N.VInstitution deniedPTAB · Mar 24, 2022 · PGR2021-00116 · APJ Ken B Barrett · PGR · Institution
The Board denied institution because eight grounds failed the threshold showing and the remaining lack-of-ornamentality ground was marginal, making trial inefficient.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied
“Here, Petitioner advances nine challenges against the claim of the ’346 patent. Pet. 8. As discussed above, we determine that, on this record, Petitioner has not met its burden for institution under eight grounds—an on-sale bar ground, six obviousness grounds, and an indefiniteness ground. Additionally, we determine that the ninth ground— the challenge based on the alleged lack of ornamentality—is marginal, at 5 We acknowledge that SAS and Harmonic address inter partes reviews, but see no reason to interpret differently § 324(a), the statute governing post-grant reviews. 6 Available at https://www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab/trials/guidance-impact-sas-aia-trial. 7 Available at https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ tpgnov.pdf best. Based on the particular facts of this proceeding, instituting a trial with respect to all grounds based on evidence and arguments directed only to the one ornamentality ground would not be an efficient use of the Board’s time and resources. Cf. Chevron Oronite Co. LLC v. Infineum USA L.P., IPR2018-00923, Paper 9, 10–11 (PTAB Nov. 7, 2018) (informative); Deeper, UAB v. Vexilar, Inc., IPR2018-01310, Paper 7 (PTAB Jan. 24, 2019) (informative). Thus, we do not institute a post-grant review.” slip op. at 26
- Other 314aInstitution denied discretionary otherInstitution denied
“Under the Office Guidance, “if the PTAB institutes a trial, the PTAB will institute on all challenges raised in the petition.” Guidance on the Impact of SAS on AIA Trial Proceedings (April 26, 2018).6 When a petition fails to satisfy the “more likely than not” institution standard as to some challenges, the Board evaluates “all the challenges and determine[s] whether, in the interests of efficient administration of the Office and integrity of the patent system, the entire petition should be denied.” Patent Trial and Appeal Board Consolidated Trial Practice Guide7 64 (Nov. 2019) (citing 37 C.F.R. §§ 316(b), 326(b)). Here, Petitioner advances nine challenges against the claim of the ’346 patent. Pet. 8. As discussed above, we determine that, on this record, Petitioner has not met its burden for institution under eight grounds—an on-sale bar ground, six obviousness grounds, and an indefiniteness ground. Additionally, we determine that the ninth ground— the challenge based on the alleged lack of ornamentality—is marginal, at 5 We acknowledge that SAS and Harmonic address inter partes reviews, but see no reason to interpret differently § 324(a), the statute governing post-grant reviews. 6 Available at https://www.uspto.gov/patents/ptab/trials/guidance-impact-sas-aia-trial. 7 Available at https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ tpgnov.pdf best. Based on the particular facts of this proceeding, instituting a trial with respect to all grounds based on evidence and arguments directed only to the one ornamentality ground would not be an efficient use of the Board’s time and resources. Cf. Chevron Oronite Co. LLC v. Infineum USA L.P., IPR2018-00923, Paper 9, 10–11 (PTAB Nov. 7, 2018) (informative); Deeper, UAB v. Vexilar, Inc., IPR2018-01310, Paper 7 (PTAB Jan. 24, 2019) (informative). Thus, we do not institute a post-grant review.” slip op. at 26
- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner
“The POSITA relating to the subject matter of the D’346 patent would possess [a] Bachelor’s degree in industrial design (or a related or equivalent field) and at least ten (10) years of research or work experience related to designing, developing, specifying, testing or analyzing multi-component consumer products (or supervising the same), with experience related to handheld consumer electronic products. Pet. 14. For purposes of this decision, we assume Petitioner is referring to the designer of ordinary skill in the art. See In re Nalbandian, 661 F.2d 1214, 1216 (CCPA 1981) (“In design cases we will consider the fictitious person identified in § 103 as ‘one of ordinary skill in the art’ to be the designer of ordinary capability who designs articles of the type presented in the application.”). Patent Owner has not filed a preliminary response and therefore, at this stage, does not disagree or propose a different definition of the designer of ordinary skill in the art. Based on the limited record in front of us, we determine that Petitioner’s definition is consistent with the level of ordinary skill reflected in the prior art references of record. See Okajima v. Bourdeau, 261 F.3d 1350, 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2001) (recognizing that the prior art itself may reflect an appropriate level of skill in the art). For purposes of this decision, we apply Petitioner’s definition of the designer of ordinary skill in the art.” slip op. at 13
- Expert testimonyPetitioner expert discountedDecided for patent owner
“incorrect standard, but also lacks credibility because it is internally inconsistent with other parts of his testimony. Mr. Fletcher testifies that it is his understanding that indefiniteness is viewed through the perspective of the ordinary observer, stating the following: I understand that an ordinary observer must be able to understand the scope of an invention with reasonable certainty. If not, a design is indefinite under 35 U.S.C. § 112. It is my understanding that errors and inconsistencies between drawings of a design patent can be indefinite, and thus invalid, if an ordinary observer cannot discern the overall appearance of the claimed design without resorting to conjecture or speculation. Ex. 1003 ¶ 27 (emphasis added). However, his opinions regarding indefiniteness all are in terms of the “POSITA.” Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 32–58; see, e.g., id. ¶ 32 (“The D’346 Patent is indefinite due to the inclusion of conflicting views, which would prevent a POSITA from understanding the claimed design as drawn. . . . A POSITA cannot discern from the D’346 Patent figures what design is actually being claimed.”). Casting further doubt on the reliability of his testimony, Mr. Fletcher does not articulate any definition for the POSITA, which is a necessary foundation for his opinions.4 Mr. Fletcher does not refer to the perspective of the ordinary observer (or even one skilled in the art, viewing the design as would an ordinary observer) in his opinions regarding indefiniteness (Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 32– 58), and we decline to assume his references to the unadorned “POSITA” implicitly encompass the perspective of the ordinary observer. Thus, Mr. Fletcher’s testimony regarding indefiniteness is unhelpful because it utilizes the incorrect perspective.” slip op. at 20
§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousness§ 112 disclosureDiscretionary denialcites Phillips - Netscout Systems, Inc. v. Longhorn HD LLCInstitution deniedPTAB · Feb 10, 2022 · IPR2021-01258 · APJ Matthew S Meyers · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution on all grounds and claims, finding no reasonable likelihood for at least claims 1–11 and that trying all 12 claims would be inefficient.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied
“The problem with Petitioner’s contention is that limitation 1[f] does not require an “anomaly detector” to detect anomalous correlations between input vectors, but instead, an “anomaly detector . . . to detect anomalous correlations between individual ones of said clusters.” Ex. 1001, 10:66– 11:3. In this regard, the’846 patent’s specification discloses [o]nce sufficient data has be stored in the database, multi-dimensional vectors can be constructed and reduced from the stored data. The reduced multi-dimensional vectors can be processed using one or more conventional multi-variate analysis methods and the output sets produced by the multi-variate analysis methods can be correlated against one another according to one or more selected metrics. Id. at 4:34–40; see also id. at 9:15–19 (“Once, the reduced vectors have been processed by the multiple clustering methodologies in block 270, one or more metrics can be selected in block 280 for purposes of establishing a correlation between the output sets of the processed reduced multi-dimensional vectors.”). In contrast, the portions of Rhodes relied upon by Petitioner to address the argued limitation disclose that Rhodes detects anomalous behavior based on a correlation between input vectors, i.e., a “‘comparison function’ to measure ‘how different two vectors are.’” Pet. 39 (citing Ex. 1004, 3); see also id. at 40 (citing Ex. 1004, 8 (“The most obvious measure of vector similarity is somehow aggregating the differences among their several coordinates.”).” slip op. at 17
- Other 314aInstitution denied discretionary otherInstitution denied
“Here, the Petition challenges 12 claims of the ’846 patent. Pet. 1. As discussed above, Petitioner fails to demonstrate a likelihood of prevailing with respect to its challenges to at least 11 of these claims. Were we to institute review, the resulting trial would nonetheless go forward on all 12 claim challenges. We find that instituting trial, therefore, would not be an efficient use of the Board’s time and resources. Consequently, we exercise our discretion to deny institution of the entire Petition under 35 U.S.C. § 314.10” slip op. at 24
- Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)No construction neededOther
“For purposes of this Decision, we determine that no construction of any term is necessary to resolve the issues presented by the arguments and evidence of record to reach a decision on institution. See Nidec Motor Corp. 8 The Petition in this case was accorded a filing date of August 11, 2021. See Paper 3, 1. v. Zhongshan Broad Ocean Motor Co., 868 F.3d 1013, 1017 (Fed. Cir. 2017) (per curiam) (claim terms need to be construed “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 10
- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner
“Based on our review of the record at this stage, we find that Petitioner’s proposal is consistent with the level of skill reflected in the prior art references of record. 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 v. Bourdeau, 261 F.3d 1350, 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2001) (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)). Thus, for purposes of this decision, we adopt Petitioner’s proposed definition of the level of ordinary skill in the art.” slip op. at 9
Claim constructionDiscretionary denialcites Phillips · KSR · GrahamPatents in suitUS 7,260,846 - Lumenis Be Ltd. v. BTL Healthcare Technologies A.S.Institution deniedPTAB · Feb 8, 2022 · IPR2021-01275 · APJ Barbara A Parvis · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution, finding the petition deficient on most challenged claims and declining review because it could at best succeed on two of fourteen claims and two of three grounds.
RulingsInstitution decision- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedOther
“On the current record, we find Petitioner’s contentions that the skilled artisan would have had “two or more” years of experience to be too vague as it encompasses skill levels beyond the proposal level without a defined limit. We, therefore, adopt Petitioner’s proposal except we do not adopt the “or more” terminology above. We determine that with our changes Petitioner’s proposal is consistent with the level of skill reflected in the ’321 patent Specification and the prior art of record. See Okajima v. Bourdeau, 261 F.3d 1350, 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2001).” slip op. at 10
- Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)Plain and ordinary meaningOther
“C. Claim Construction We construe the challenged claims by applying the standard used in federal courts, in other words, “the same claim construction standard that would be used to construe the claim in a civil action under 35 U.S.C. [§] 282(b),” which is articulated in Phillips v. AWH Corp., 415 F.3d 1303 (Fed. Cir. 2005) (en banc). 37 C.F.R. § 42.100(b) (2020). Neither party seeks claim construction other than the plain and ordinary meaning of claim terms. See Pet. 9; see generally Prelim. Resp.” slip op. at 10
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied
“to deny a petition “even when the petition includes at least one claim subject to a challenge that otherwise meets the criteria for institution.” Consolidated Trial Practice Guide11 at 64; see also 84 Fed. Reg. 64,280 (Nov. 21, 2019). The Petition consists of challenges to fourteen claims, each challenged under at least two different grounds of unpatentability, and a total of three grounds of unpatentability. See Pet. 6. For the reasons discussed above, Petitioner has not established a reasonable likelihood of prevailing in demonstrating (1) obviousness of claims 1–7 and 10–14 over Simon alone; (2) obviousness of claims 1–7 and 10–14 over the combination of Burnett ’870 and Magstim; and (3) obviousness of claims 10–14 over the combination of Simon and Burnett ’870. See supra §§ III.D–III.E. Assuming without deciding that Petitioner has demonstrated that there is a reasonable likelihood that claims 8 and 9 would have been obvious over Simon alone or Simon and Burnett ’870, Petitioner at best could succeed in two of fourteen challenged claims and in two of three grounds. Under the circumstances presented—where 11 Available at http://www.uspto.gov/TrialPracticeGuideConsolidated. grounds even though Petitioner could at best succeed in two of fourteen challenged claims and in two of three grounds—we determine it would not be an efficient use of the Board’s time and resources to institute review. See Chevron Oronite Co. v. Infineum USA L.P., IPR2018-00923, Paper 9 at 10– 11 (PTAB Nov. 7, 2018) (informative); see also Deeper, UAB v. Vexilar, Inc., IPR2018-01310, Paper 7 at 41–43 (PTAB Jan. 24, 2019) (informative). Accordingly, we exercise discretion under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a) to decline to institute inter partes review.” slip op. at 33
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successMotivation not foundNot shown unpatentable
“Upon consideration of Burnett ’870, including Burnett ’870’s description of “activating two coils ‘differentially’” and the disclosures of Magstim relied on by Petitioner, we are not persuaded that they support using two capacitors or energy storage devices. Instead, the disclosures of Burnett ’870, Burnett ’185, and Magstim are consistent with Patent Owner’s assertions that the Petition demonstrates a teaching of only a single capacitor.” slip op. at 28
Claim construction§ 103 obviousnessDiscretionary denialcites Phillips · KSR · GrahamPatents in suitUS 10,632,321
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.