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  • PTAB · Aug 20, 2025 · IPR2025-00385 · APJ Debra L Dennett · IPR · Institution

    The Board denied institution because Petitioner did not show a reasonable likelihood that claims 1–10 were anticipated by Nishikawa or obvious over the asserted combinations.

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

      “review under 35 U.S.C. § 314 (2018); 37 C.F.R. § 42.4(a). 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 the Director determines . . . there is a reasonable likelihood that the petitioner would prevail with respect to at least [one] of the claims challenged in the petition.” For the reasons set forth below, upon considering the Petition and Preliminary Response, we determine that Petitioner has not established a reasonable likelihood of prevailing with respect to at least one challenged claim. Accordingly, we deny the Petition and decline to institute an inter partes review.” slip op. at 2

    • Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedOther

      “Petitioner contends that A person of ordinary skill in the relevant art would typically hold an advanced degree in chemistry, material science, and/or a related discipline, and have at least two years of experience with designing and/or fabricating battery separators or have an equivalent level of education, training, and experience. Pet. 5. Patent Owner “adopts the definition proposed by Petitioner” for the purposes of the Preliminary Response. Prelim. Resp. 22. In light of the record before us, and for purposes of this Decision, we adopt Petitioner’s unopposed definition because it is consistent with the specification. We note that neither party indicated that the result would change under any different definition.” slip op. at 9

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

      “Absolute plastic deformation rate” and “relative plastic deformation rate” are the only claim terms disputed in this proceeding, and are clearly defined in the Specification and in claim 1. See Spec. 4:22–27, 4:47–54; 25:31–37. Because we determine that claim construction is not necessary to decide whether to institute, we do not expressly construe any claim terms. See Vivid Techs., Inc. v. Am. Sci. & Eng’g, Inc., 200 F.3d 795, 803 (Fed. Cir. 1999) (holding that “only those terms need be construed that are in controversy, and only to the extent necessary to resolve the controversy”); see also Nidec Motor Corp. v. Zhongshan Broad Ocean Motor Co., 868 F.3d 1013, 1017 (Fed. Cir. 2017) (citing Vivid Techs. in the context of an inter partes review). slip op. at 11

    • Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Anticipation standard (single reference, every element)Not shown unpatentableNot shown unpatentable

      “Petitioner’s arguments are unconvincing. Petitioner points to nothing in Nishikawa that allows a POSITA to determine L2 (defined as “a length of 4 Tensile strength is measured as force per units area, such as MPa or psi. One MPa equals one N/mm2. Nishikawa Table 1 discloses tensile strength in N/cm. Ex. 1004 Table 1. Petitioner makes calculations to convert the reported N/cm into N/m2 and then to GPa, but provides no explanation for why tensile strength is reported in N/cm or how it was measured. See Pet. 31. the porous substrate after the porous substrate is stretched to breakage and docked along the fracture caused by the breakage and flattened”) or L2 – L0. See generally Pet., Ex. 1004. Petitioner and its expert, Dr. Pecht, fail to adequately explain why tensile strength divided by Young’s modulus is “a proxy for L1 – L2” or why such a proxy is sufficient to disclose the limitation as stated. Instead, we are required to rely on “approximations” and “estimates” with insufficient explanation of why such they are appropriate or adequate. See Pet. 26, 30, 32; see also Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 97, 105–108, 111.” slip op. at 13

    Claim construction§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousnesscites Phillips · KSR · Graham
    Patents in suitUS 10,964,927
  • PTAB · Aug 14, 2025 · PGR2025-00036 · APJ Coke Morgan Stewart · PGR · Director review

    The Director granted Patent Owner’s discretionary-denial request and denied the petitions under § 314(a); no trial was instituted.

    RulingsDirector review decision
    • Other 314aInstitution denied discretionary otherInstitution denied

      “particular, the projected final written decision due date in these proceedings is October 14, 2026. See DD Req. 16. The district court’s scheduled trial date is November 17, 2025. Id.; Ex. 2002, 2–3. Additionally, both parties agree that the district court is unlikely to stay its proceeding. DD Req. 15– 16; DD Opp. 12. As such, it is unlikely that a final written decision in these proceedings will issue before the trial in the district court, resulting in significant duplication of effort, additional expense for the parties, and a risk 1 Citations are to papers in PGR2025-00035. The parties filed similar papers in PGR2025-00036. of inconsistent decisions.2 Furthermore, there has been substantial investment by the parties in the district court proceeding. DD Req. 18. For example, the parties have exchanged invalidity and infringement contentions, conducted all fact depositions, completed all document production, and expert discovery will close prior to the due date for an institution decision in these proceedings. Id.; Ex. 2002, 2–3. On balance, the circumstances in these cases favor 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 2

    • Director reviewOther

      “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 denial
    Patents in suitUS 12,115,255
  • PTAB · Aug 13, 2025 · IPR2025-00068 · APJ Neil T Powell · IPR · Remand

    On remand, the Board denied institution of IPR challenging claims 1–21, applying the construction of “association” used in the parallel petition.

    RulingsRemand decision
    • RemandOther

      “The Director Review Decision determined that we should not have instituted inter partes review in both proceedings. DR 1. Instead, we “should have construed [‘association’] and instituted review of, at most, one of the petitions.” Id. at 3. Given this, the Director Review Decision vacated this proceeding’s Institution Decision and the 70 Institution Decision, remanding “to the Board panel to determine which of the two proceedings, if Board should construe the term ‘association,’” the Director Review Decision instructed us to “consider the parties’ claim construction arguments in making [our] determination.” Id. at 4. As we explain in a concurrently issued decision in IPR2025-00070, the parties have persuaded us that the correct construction of the ’872 patent claims’ recitation of “association” is the construction advanced and applied in the 70 Petition, not the narrower, possible construction addressed in this proceeding’s Petition. IPR2025-00070, Paper 28. Accordingly, we deny institution of inter partes review in this proceeding.” slip op. at 2

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

      “As we explain in a concurrently issued decision in IPR2025-00070, the parties have persuaded us that the correct construction of the ’872 patent claims’ recitation of “association” is the construction advanced and applied in the 70 Petition, not the narrower, possible construction addressed in this proceeding’s Petition. IPR2025-00070, Paper 28. Accordingly, we deny institution of inter partes review in this proceeding.” slip op. at 3

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

      “As we explain in a concurrently issued decision in IPR2025-00070, the parties have persuaded us that the correct construction of the ’872 patent claims’ recitation of “association” is the construction advanced and applied in the 70 Petition, not the narrower, possible construction addressed in this proceeding’s Petition. IPR2025-00070, Paper 28. Accordingly, we deny institution of inter partes review in this proceeding. II. ORDER It is: ORDERED that, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 314(a), the petitioned institution of inter partes review of the ’872 patent is denied.” slip op. at 3

    Claim construction
    Patents in suitUS 9,954,872
  • PTAB · Aug 8, 2025 · IPR2025-00245 · APJ Michael T Cygan · IPR · Institution

    Institution was denied because Petitioner did not show a reasonable likelihood that claims 11, 13, and 15–17 would have been obvious over Costa or Costa and Oh.

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

      “§ 42.4(a), we may only institute an inter partes review 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); see also 37 C.F.R. § 42.108(c). Based upon our review of the present record, Petitioner has not sufficiently shown a reasonable likelihood it will prevail with respect to at least one of the challenged claims. Accordingly, we do not institute inter partes review.” slip op. at 2

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

      “Petitioner states that none of the claims require express construction and the claims should receive their plain and ordinary meaning. Pet. 23. Patent Owner argues that no claim construction is necessary for the institution determination, and that the Petition “still fails if the claim term ‘on’ receives its plain and ordinary meaning -- e.g., physically in contact with or directly on top of with intervening objects therebetween.” Prelim. Resp. 20 (citing Ex. 2006 ¶ 66). Although Patent Owner argues that Petitioner has construed “on” as including indirectly on; i.e., where there is no physical contact, the Petition addressed now-disclaimed claim 18, and the Petition does not advance any construction for the remaining claims. See id. at 16–17 (citing Pet. 92; Ex. 1003 ¶ 258). Consequently, we determine that no construction is required to resolve the issues for institution.” slip op. at 7

    • Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedOther

      “we consider the level of ordinary skill at the time of filing. 35 U.S.C. § 103; see also Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 17 (1966) (discussing pre- AIA obviousness). Petitioner contends that a person of ordinary skill in the art (“POSITA”) would have had “a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a similar discipline, along with 2–3 years of professional experience working with (e.g., researching, designing, or teaching) monolithic 3D structures and NAND memory devices, or an equivalent level of skill, knowledge, and experience (e.g., an advanced degree may replace 1 The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, Pub. L. No. 112-29, 125 Stat. 284 (2011) (“AIA”), amended 35 U.S.C. § 103. The earliest claimed priority date for the ’241 patent is after the effective date of the applicable AIA amendment. See Ex. 1001, (63). Thus, we refer to the AIA version of 35 U.S.C. § 103. 2 Costa, US 2018/001282771 (filed Feb. 28, 2017, published June 28, 2018) (Ex. 1005, “Costa”). 3 Oh, US 2017/0154892 A1 (filed June 10, 2016, published June 1, 2017) (Ex. 1006, “Oh”). some of the professional experience). Pet. 23–24. Petitioner also asserts that a POSITA “would have been aware of and generally knowledgeable about 3D NAND’s structure, how it is manufactured, and its component parts.” Id. (citing Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 36–40). Patent Owner does not take a position on the level of ordinary skill in the art. Prelim. Resp. 11; see also Ex. 2006 ¶ 34 (applying Petitioner’s definition of a POSITA to the opinions set forth in the declaration but reserving the right to opine to an alternative level of a POSITA). At this stage of the proceeding, we adopt Petitioner’s definition of a POSITA as it appears consistent with the level of ordinary skill in the art that is reflected by the prior art of record.” slip op. at 6

    • Obviousness (§103) › Graham factors (scope of art, differences, level of skill)Not shown unpatentableNot shown unpatentable

      “We agree with Patent Owner that the Petition fails to sufficiently show that Costa teaches a “second stacked layer disposed on the third channel structure” as required by apparatus claim element [11.E]. The Petition asserts that Costa’s second alternating stack 232, 242 is formed “on the top surface of joint-level material layers.” Pet. 64. However, Costa refers to the term “joint-level material layers” as representing layers 175–177, not the asserted third channel structure 173. Ex. 1005 ¶¶ 166, 178, 184–85; see Ex. 2006 ¶ 77. Thus, under Petitioner’s characterization, which is consistent with Costa, Costa’s second alternating stack is not formed on the third channel structure, but instead, “on the top surface of the joint level material layers” that surround the third channel structure. Because Petitioner has not explained how a second alternating stack on the surface of the joint material layers teaches a second alternating stack disposed on the third channel structure, Petitioner has not met its obviousness burden for limitation [11.E].” slip op. at 11

    Claim construction§ 103 obviousnesscites Phillips · KSR · Graham
    Patents in suitUS 11,482,532
  • PTAB · Aug 4, 2025 · IPR2025-00457 · APJ Kalyan K Deshpande · IPR · Director review

    The Director granted Patent Owner’s discretionary-denial request and denied institution under § 314(a) because the district court trial is scheduled before the projected final written decision.

    RulingsDirector review decision
    • Director reviewDirector review, deniedOther

      “After considering the parties’ arguments and the record, and in view of all relevant considerations, discretionary denial of institution is appropriate in this proceeding. This determination is based on the totality of the evidence and arguments the parties have presented. In particular, the projected final written decision due date in the Board proceeding is October 8, 2026. The district court’s scheduled trial date is April 20, 2026. DD Req. 6. As such, it is unlikely that a final written decision in this proceeding 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. Additionally, there is insufficient evidence that the district court is likely to stay its proceeding even if the Board were to institute trial. DD Opp. 1–2. These considerations favor 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 Petition is denied under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a).” slip op. at 2

    • PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › Fintiv (parallel litigation)Institution denied fintivInstitution denied

      “In particular, the projected final written decision due date in the Board proceeding is October 8, 2026. The district court’s scheduled trial date is April 20, 2026. DD Req. 6. As such, it is unlikely that a final written decision in this proceeding 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. Additionally, there is insufficient evidence that the district court is likely to stay its proceeding even if the Board were to institute trial. DD Opp. 1–2. These considerations favor 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 Petition is denied under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a).” slip op. at 2

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

      “to exercise discretion to deny institution is based on a holistic assessment of all of the evidence and arguments presented. Accordingly, the Petition is denied under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a).” slip op. at 2

    Discretionary denial
    Patents in suitUS 7,680,334
  • PTAB · Jul 29, 2025 · IPR2025-00434 · APJ Monica S Ullagaddi · IPR · Institution

    Institution was denied for claims 1–7 because the Petition did not show a reasonable likelihood that either Shen or Soldano anticipates any challenged claim.

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

      “The standard for institution is set forth in 35 U.S.C. § 314, which provides that an inter partes review may not be instituted unless the information presented in the Petition and the Preliminary 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 (2019); see also 37 C.F.R § 42.4(a) (2019) (“The Board institutes the trial on behalf of the Director.”). Upon consideration of the parties’ contentions and the evidence of record, we conclude that Petitioner has not established a reasonable likelihood of prevailing in demonstrating the unpatentability of at least one challenged claim of the ’301 patent. Accordingly, we deny Petitioner’s request and do not institute an inter partes review.” slip op. at 2

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

      “C. Claim Construction We interpret a claim “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. § 42.100(b). Under this standard, we construe the claim “in accordance with the ordinary and customary meaning of such claim as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art and the prosecution history pertaining to the patent.” Id.” slip op. at 8

    • Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Anticipation standard (single reference, every element)Not shown unpatentableNot shown unpatentable

      “onset to show with particularity why the patent it challenges is unpatentable.” Harmonic Inc. v. Avid Tech., Inc., 815 F.3d 1356, 1363 (Fed. Cir. 2016) (citing 35 U.S.C. § 312(a)(3)). “A claim is anticipated only if each and every element as set forth in the claim is found, either expressly or inherently described, in a single prior art reference.” Verdegaal Bros., Inc. v. Union Oil Co. of California, 814 F.2d 628, 631 (Fed. Cir. 1987). We analyze” slip op. at 7

    Claim construction§ 102 anticipation
    Patents in suitUS 10,379,301
  • PTAB · Jul 25, 2025 · IPR2025-00237 · APJ Annette R Reimers · IPR · Institution

    The Board denied institution because Petitioner did not show a reasonable likelihood that claims 1, 2, 5, 6, 11, 12, 17, 21, 23, 27, 28, or 30 were unpatentable.

    RulingsInstitution 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) (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 Petition and the evidence of record, we determine that Petitioner has not demonstrated a reasonable likelihood of success in proving that at least 1 claim of the ’879 patent is unpatentable.” slip op. at 2

    • Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedOther

      “Patent Owner does not contest the level of ordinary skill in the art set forth in the Petition. Prelim. Resp. 19. Because Petitioner’s unopposed definition is consistent with the ’879 patent and the prior art of record, we adopt that definition. See Okajima v. Bourdeau, 261 F.3d 1350, 1354–55 (Fed. Cir. 2001); In re GPAC Inc., 57 F.3d 1573, 1579–80 (Fed. Cir. 1995); In re Oelrich, 579 F.2d 86, 91 (CCPA 1978).” slip op. at 10

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

      “In particular, we agree with Patent Owner that Cantor does not teach or suggest contacting a ‘tissue section’ with its beads, let alone that its beads could be contacted with a tissue section to identify spatial location. Prelim. Resp. 36–48. In this case, we are persuaded by the testimony of Dr. Cantor, sole inventor of Cantor (Ex. 2002 ¶ 29), that Cantor’s nucleic acid samples are made in bulk from the extraction of nucleic acids from a biological sample and mixed together “to create the sample nucleic acid prior to mixing that with the solid phase nucleic acids to capture molecule(s) from the sample nucleic acid.” Id. at ¶ 36 (citing EX.1031 1:5–6). More specifically, according to Dr. Cantor, “[f]or bulk-analysis methods, nucleic acids are extracted from the different types of cells within a tissue sample without preserving their spatial distribution.” Id. at ¶ 19. Dr. Cantor further explains that in bulk-analysis methods, the mixture is analyzed to determine if a particular nucleic acid was present in the tissue sample or not. They cannot, however, determine where the molecule was in the tissue sample. As such, bulk-analysis techniques provide no information about spatial location of biological molecules in tissue samples. This is in contrast to spatial analysis methods such as those claimed in the ’879 patent which can determine both if a biological molecule was present in a tissue sample and where the molecule was in the tissue sample. Id. at ¶¶ 16–17. Although we recognize that Cantor discloses “providing the beads according to an (X,Y) array” (Pet. 24, 30–31 (citing to Dr. Puglisi, Ex. 1102 ¶¶ 133, 155, respectively), this disclosure makes no mention of using this array to map where the nucleic acids of Cantor came from relative to the original sample, let alone when that original sample is a tissue. See e.g. Ex. 1031, 17. The only mention of “tissue” made in Cantor is in reference to where the sample may be obtained, for example, “[t]he biological sample can be in any form, including without limitation a solid material such as a tissue.” Id. at 6. Cantor provides no teaching, however, regarding how to use a tissue sample with the probes and methods described in Cantor to identify where the target nucleic acids of Cantor were spatially located within the tissue section itself. See Ex. 2002 ¶¶ 142, 143 (Dr. Cantor testifying that (1) “a POSA would only be able to determine where on the array a target nucleic acid was captured, but not where in the original tissue section the nucleic acid came from,” because “all information about the spatial location of a target nucleic acid in a tissue sample is lost when the nucleic acid sample is prepared as Cantor teaches”; and (2) “Cantor [] does not teach or suggest contacting its solid supports (e.g. beads) with a tissue section and certainly not with its beads at known locations to obtain spatial information.”).” slip op. at 23

    • Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Priority / effective filing date / continuation supportPriority date awardedDecided for patent owner

      “3. Discussion Petitioner challenges whether certain elements of independent claim 1 are supported by the’124 provisional and/or whether the ’879 patent’s priority chain is intact. Pet. 57–66. Having considered the parties’ positions and evidence of record, however, we agree with Patent Owner’s written description analysis, summarized above, and find that (1) the’124 provisional provides adequate written description support for each of the challenged claim elements; (2) the ’879 patent’s priority chain is intact; and (3) the ’879 patent is therefore entitled to the priority date of April 5, 2010. Consequently, Frisen is not prior art to the challenged claims. Because Frisen is not prior art, we do not specifically comment on its teachings, nor the factual assertions regarding its teachings provided by Petitioner or Patent Owner. 4. Conclusion For the foregoing reasons, we determine that Petitioner has not established a reasonable likelihood of showing that Frisen anticipates any of claims 1, 2, 5, 6, 11, 12, 17, 21, 23, 27, 28, and 30.” slip op. at 32

    § 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousness
    Patents in suitUS 11,001,879
  • PTAB · Jul 25, 2025 · IPR2025-00441 · APJ Garth D Baer · IPR · Institution

    The Board denied institution because Patent Owner disclaimed all challenged claims 1–34.

    RulingsInstitution decision
    • Adverse judgmentAdverse judgmentOther

      “22, 2025, after Petitioner filed its Petition, Patent Owner filed a statutory disclaimer, disclaiming claims 1–34 of the ’798 patent. Ex. 2001. Under our rules, “[n]o inter partes review will be instituted based on disclaimed claims.” 37 C.F.R. § 42.107(e); see Gen. Elec. Co. v. United Techs. Corp., IPR2017-00491, Paper 9 (PTAB July 6, 2017) (explaining how Rule 42.107(e) operates in the case of a pre-institution disclaimer of all claims) (precedential). Because we cannot institute trial on disclaimed claims and Patent Owner has disclaimed all of the challenged claims, we do not institute an inter partes review of claims 1–34.” slip op. at 2

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

      “22, 2025, after Petitioner filed its Petition, Patent Owner filed a statutory disclaimer, disclaiming claims 1–34 of the ’798 patent. Ex. 2001. Under our rules, “[n]o inter partes review will be instituted based on disclaimed claims.” 37 C.F.R. § 42.107(e); see Gen. Elec. Co. v. United Techs. Corp., IPR2017-00491, Paper 9 (PTAB July 6, 2017) (explaining how Rule 42.107(e) operates in the case of a pre-institution disclaimer of all claims) (precedential). Because we cannot institute trial on disclaimed claims and Patent Owner has disclaimed all of the challenged claims, we do not institute an inter partes review of claims 1–34. III. ORDER Accordingly, it is: ORDERED that the Petition is denied as to the challenged claims of the ʼ798 patent; and FURTHER ORDERED that no inter partes review is instituted.” slip op. at 2

    None
    Patents in suitUS 11,868,798
  • PTAB · Jul 24, 2025 · IPR2025-00601 · APJ Coke Morgan Stewart · IPR · Director review

    The Director denied institution in IPR2025-00601 and IPR2025-00602 based on Patent Owner’s strong settled expectations; IPR2025-00603 was referred to the Board.

    RulingsDirector review decision
    • Settled expectationsInstitution denied settled expectationsDenied

      “The patents challenged in IPR2025-00601 and IPR2025-00602 present different circumstances. In particular, the challenged patents have been in force for seven and six years, respectively, creating strong 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). In the absence of any such information, the Office is disinclined to disturb the strong settled expectations of Patent Owner.” slip op. at 3

    • Director reviewOther

      “Before COKE MORGAN STEWART, Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Acting Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. DECISION Denying Institution of Inter Partes Review in IPR2025-00601 and IPR2025-00602 and Referring the Petition in IPR2025-00603 to the Board” slip op. at 1

    Discretionary denial
    Patents in suitUS 9,856,320
  • PTAB · Jul 17, 2025 · IPR2025-00527 · APJ Kalyan K Deshpande · IPR · Director review

    The Director denied institution of inter partes review under § 314(a), finding discretionary denial appropriate based on the totality of the evidence and arguments.

    RulingsDirector review decision
    • Other 314aInstitution denied discretionary otherInstitution denied

      “In particular, the projected final written decision due date for each of these cases is October 9, 2026. DD Req. 6. The district court’s scheduled trial date is April 20, 2026, and the time-to-trial statistics suggest trial will begin in May 2026. DD Req. 3–4. As such, it is unlikely that a final written decision in these proceedings will issue before district court trial occurs. Additionally, there is insufficient evidence that the district court is likely to stay its proceeding even if the Board were to institute trial, and there has been meaningful investment in the parallel proceeding by the parties. Id. at 2–3, 5–6. For example, the parties are engaged in the Markman process and fact discovery is nearly closed. Id. at 5–6. 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 2

    • Director reviewOther

      “Before KALYAN K. DESHPANDE,1 Acting Deputy Chief Administrative Patent Judge. DECISION Denying Institution of Inter Partes Review” slip op. at 1

    Discretionary denial
    Patents in suitUS 10,976,922

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.