- PTAB · Jun 20, 2023 · PGR2023-00008 · APJ Kristina M Kalan · PGR · Institution
The Board instituted post-grant review of claims 1–13 on all petitioned grounds, finding it more likely than not that at least one challenged claim is unpatentable.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)InstitutedInstituted
“To institute post-grant review, we must determine that 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). For the reasons discussed below, after considering the parties’ submissions and the evidence of record, we determine that Petitioner has demonstrated that it is more likely than not that at least one of the challenged claims of the ’624 patent is unpatentable. Thus, we institute post-grant review.” slip op. at 2
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsInstitution denied 325dDenied
“evaluated the subject matter of Riis during examination of the ’624 patent, we agree that Riis was before the Office, as discussed in connection with our analysis of the first part of the Advanced Bionics framework, above. Examiner T presumably was aware of Riis by virtue of having initialed an IDS containing Riis in the ’624 patent’s application and also by virtue of having initialed an IDS containing Riis in the ’067 Application, but Examiner T did not apply Riis in connection with the examination of the ’624 patent. On this record, Patent Owner also fails to show that the claims of the child application leading to the ’624 patent are substantially similar to those of the parent ’814 patent in which Examiner S considered Riis, and, thus, consideration of Riis during the prosecution of the ’814 patent does not equate to consideration of Riis during the prosecution of the ’624 patent. Regarding Patent Owner’s argument (2) that Petitioner fails to sufficiently show how the Examiner erred in evaluating the prior art, we find Petitioner’s arguments demonstrate that Examiner T, the examiner of the ’624 patent, did not apply Riis (or Wypych or Tatarka) during the examination of the’624 patent. As Petitioner argues, the error lies in that “the Examiner failed to consider the relevance of Riis as it applied to the pending method claims,” because although “Riis was considered during examination of the parent ’999 application, Riis was not similarly considered during examination of the ’018 application which led to the ’624 patent.” Pet. 76–77. We determine that the circumstances here demonstrate that the Examiner erred in evaluating the prior art.” slip op. at 12
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Real party in interest / privityNot reached
“35 U.S.C. § 322(a)(2) to deny institution, arguing that the Petition fails to identify every RPI. Prelim. Resp. 10–11, 56–60. Patent Owner argues that the Petition “should also have identified its parent corporation, Huhtamäki Oyj . . . as well as the related corporation Huhtamaki, Inc. . . . as RPIs to comply with the statutory requirements for a PGR.” Id. at 10. On this record, we determine that we need not address whether Huhtamäki Oyj and Huhtamaki, Inc. are unnamed RPIs because, even if they were, it would not create a time bar or estoppel under 35 U.S.C. § 325. See SharkNinja Operating LLC v. iRobot Corp., IPR2020-00734, Paper 11 (PTAB Oct. 6, 2020) (precedential); Lumentum Holdings, Inc. v. Capella Photonics, Inc., IPR2015-00739, Paper 38 at 6 (PTAB Mar. 4, 2016) (precedential) (Board’s jurisdiction to consider a petition does not require a “correct” identification of all RPIs in a petition); see also Blue Coat Sys., Inc. v. Finjan, Inc., IPR2016-01444, Paper 11 at 10 (PTAB July 18, 2017) (“evidence [of failure to identify all RPIs] is, at best, suggestive regarding an issue that is not jurisdictional”); Mayne Pharma Int’l Pty. Ltd. v. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., 927 F.3d 1232, 1240 (Fed. Cir. 2019) (“[I]f a petition fails to identify all real parties in interest . . . the Director can, and does, allow the petitioner to add a real party in interest.” (quoting Wi-Fi One, LLC v. Broadcom Corp., 878 F.3d 1364, 1374 n.9 (Fed. Cir. 2018) (en banc))). Here, notwithstanding the arguments devoted to the RPI issue in the Preliminary Response, Preliminary Reply, and Preliminary Sur-Reply, we are not persuaded that Petitioner is barred or estopped from this proceeding, or that Petitioner purposefully omitted Huhtamäki Oyj or Huhtamaki, Inc. to gain some advantage. As Petitioner argues, the “RPI analysis is not necessary at institution, because Patent Owner has not alleged Petitioner would be time barred or otherwise estopped based on unnamed RPIs.” Prelim. Reply 5 (quoting SharkNinja, IPR2020-00734, Paper 11 at 18). As SharkNinja states, certain Board decisions go through extensive analysis to determine whether parties should have been named as RPIs, whereas other Board decisions determine that “such a lengthy exercise is unnecessary for the purposes of rendering a decision on institution of trial.” SharkNinja, IPR2020-00734, Paper 11 at 19. Here, as in SharkNinja, we find the latter approach better serves the interest of cost and efficiency. Thus, at this time and on this record, we will not consider whether Huhtamäki Oyj or Huhtamaki, Inc. must be named as RPIs.” slip op. at 15
- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner
“of the invention “would have had a relevant technical degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or the like, and 2–3 years of experience in laminate or film manufacture or similar packaging manufacture and that less experience may be necessary with additional education and vice versa.” Pet. 17 (citing Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 66–72). In its 4 Neither Patent Owner nor Petitioner appear to present any evidence directed to secondary considerations. See generally Pet.; Prelim. Resp.; Prelim. Reply; Prelim. Sur-Reply. Preliminary Response, Patent Owner does not contest Petitioner’s asserted level of ordinary skill in the art. See generally Prelim. Resp. We adopt Petitioner’s definition, which is consistent with the level of skill in the art at the time of the invention as reflected by the prior art and the ’624 patent. 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))).” slip op. at 17
Claim construction§ 103 obviousness§ 112 disclosureDiscretionary denialcites Phillips · KSR · Graham · NautilusPatents in suitUS 11,260,624 - PTAB · Jun 15, 2023 · IPR2023-00214 · APJ Brian D Range · IPR · Institution
Instituted inter partes review of claims 21, 25–29, 36, 40–43, 47–49, and 52–57 on all asserted grounds; Petitioner showed a reasonable likelihood of prevailing on obviousness.
RulingsInstitution decision- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Prior-art status of a reference › Printed publication / public accessibilityPrinted publication establishedInstituted
“The facts here are analogous to those of Hulu, LLC. The Bogner reference provides the indicia at bottom left corner of its first page. Ex. 1007, 143. The indicia states: “Part of the SPIE Conference on Light- Emitting Diodes Research, Manufacturing and Applications III • San Jose, California • January 1999 SPIE Vol 3621 • 0277-786X/99/$10.00.” Id. The January 1999 date being printed adjacent to the name of a particular conference and San Jose, California suggests that the paper was presented at the 1999 conference. The “99” within 0277-786X/99/$10,00 indicates a 1999 publication, and the “$10.00” suggests public availability at the price of ten dollars in 1999. As further evidence, Petitioner includes in the record a page from the SPIE website that appears to be from October 12, 2022. Ex. 1007, 1. The page indicates Bogner was published “14 April 1999” in “SPIE Proceedings Vol. 3621.” Id.11 This information is consistent with the indicia on the first page of the paper itself. The evidence, in total, supports Petitioner’s contention that the paper was presented at a conference in January 1999 and then published within SPIE Proceedings Volume 3621 in April 1999–– absent contrary evidence, which Patent Owner does not advance at this stage of the proceeding. As in Hulu, LLC, the Bogner reference’s indicia provide some evidence of printed publication status. The page from the SPIE website provides further evidence. Thus, given the record as a whole, which contains some evidence that Bogner was a printed publication as of 1999 and no evidence to the contrary, and in view of the Hulu LLC precedent, we determine that Petitioner has established at this stage of the proceeding a reasonable likelihood that the Bogner reference is a printed publication that was publicly accessible before the critical date12 of the challenged patent.” slip op. at 17
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › General Plastic (serial petitions)Decided for petitioner
“Conclusion Factor one weighs strongly against exercising our discretion to deny institution, factor three weighs against exercising our discretion to deny institution or is neutral, factors six and seven are neutral or weakly favor discretionary denial, and the remaining factors are neutral. The balance of the General Plastic factors thus weighs against exercising our discretion under § 314(a) to deny institution. Accordingly, we decline to exercise our discretion to deny institution based on the General Plastic factors.” slip op. at 24
- Parallel petitionsDecided for petitioner
“Here, we decline to exercise discretion to deny this Petition based upon multiple Petitions for three reasons. First, as we explain in Section III(H) of this decision, the Petition is strong on the merits, and Patent Owner has, at this stage, offered little argument refuting the merits. Second, Patent Owner’s burden to respond to both petitions is lessened by Patent Owner’s familiarity with much of the prior art at issue. As Patent Owner emphasizes, all or nearly all of the art in the Petitions was previously raised either during prior examination or in other inter partes reviews. Indeed, it seems likely that, if the Cree IPR (or related follow on IPRs) proceeds to a decision on the merits, there may be little left unresolved for the instant Petition. Institution here, however, provides Petitioner an opportunity to challenge the ’961 patent based on Krames in the event that the IPR based on Cree does not reach a decision on the merits. Third, while the two petitions present different invalidity grounds (addressing the same claims) and, as explained above, are not wholly redundant, the two parallel petitions have a great deal of overlap. Prelim. Resp. 26 (arguing that the two petitions are “redundant”). Because portions of the petitions are similar, this also reduces Patent Owner’s burden to respond. Thus, based on the totality of specific circumstances unique to these two petitions, we decline to exercise discretion to deny institution based on parallel petitions.” slip op. at 25
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)InstitutedInstituted
“IV. CONCLUSION For the reasons above, we determine that the information presented in the Petition establishes that there is a reasonable likelihood that Petitioner would prevail with respect to challenged claims 21, 25–29, 36, 40–43, 47– 49, and 52–57 of the ’961 patent. At this juncture in the proceeding, we have not made a final determination with respect to the patentability of the challenged claims, or with respect to claim construction. V. ORDER For the foregoing reasons, it is ORDERED that pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 314(a), an inter partes review of claims 21, 25–29, 36, 40–43, 47–49, and 52–57 of the ’961 patent is hereby instituted with respect to all grounds of unpatentability set forth in the Petition; and” slip op. at 52
Claim construction§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousnessDiscretionary denialcites KSR · GrahamPatents in suitUS 6,465,961 - PTAB · Jun 15, 2023 · IPR2023-00213 · APJ Brian D Range · IPR · Institution
The Board instituted IPR on claims 21, 25–29, 36, 40–43, 47–49, and 52–57 on all asserted grounds, finding a reasonable likelihood of success on the §103 obviousness challenges.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)InstitutedInstituted
“Conclusion as to claim 21 Based on the evidence in the present record, we determine that Petitioner has shown sufficiently for purposes of this Decision that the combination of Begemann, Bogner, and Sugiura teaches or suggests all elements of claim 21 and that Petitioner sufficiently shows that a person of ordinary skill in the art would have had reason to combine the references’ teachings with rational underpinning and reasonable expectation of success. Thus, we determine Petitioner has established a reasonable likelihood of prevailing in showing that claim 21 is unpatentable over the combination of Begemann, Bogner, and Sugiura. b. Dependent Claims 25–29, 36, 40, 42, 43, 47–49, and 52–57 Petitioner accounts for the limitations recited in claims 25–29, 36, 40, 42, 43, 47–49, and 52–57 (which depend from claim 21). Pet. 6, 51–71. Petitioner shows sufficiently for purposes of this Decision that each element of claims 25–29, 36, 40, 42, 43, 47–49, and 52–57 is taught or suggested by the combined teachings of Begemann, Bogner, and Sugiura and shows reason to combine the references’ teachings with rational underpinning and reasonable expectation of success. Thus, we determine that Petitioner has sufficiently established a reasonable likelihood of establishing claims 25–29, 36, 40, 42, 43, 47–49, and 52–57 are obvious in view of Begemann, Bogner, and Sugiura.” slip op. at 45
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsDecided for petitioner
“We do not agree, however, that Petitioner fails to show material error. Rather, Petitioner shows sufficiently that the outcome of the reexamination hinged on Patent Owner’s representation that the prior art did not teach LED chips “configured to output light at greater than about 40 milliwatts.” Pet. 19 (quoting Ex. 1014, 238–239 (Patent Owner’s statement in file history); see also Ex. 1014, 159 (examiner explaining that claims are found patentable based on Patent Owner’s argument that the “greater than about 40 milliwatts” recitation is not “taught or suggested by any reference currently relied on”). Petitioner then explains in detail why Patent Owner’s representation, and the Examiner’s resulting conclusion, was in error. Pet. 20–24. Petitioner’s explanation as to why Begemann, the cited art, actually taught the “greater than about 40 milliwatts” recitation is supported by the evidence of record sufficiently to demonstrate a reasonable likelihood of success at trial. See, e.g., Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 85–93, 141–144 (Petitioner’s witness, Dr. Jokerst, explaining why the references suggest the “greater than about 40 milliwatts” recitation when a correct calculation is applied).” slip op. at 20
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › General Plastic (serial petitions)Decided for petitioner
“the presently cited art at the time a different petitioner filed the Cree IPR. Prelim. Resp. 27. We note, however, that this factor also includes considering whether the prior art relied on in the later petition “could have been found with reasonable diligence.” General Plastic, slip op. at 20. Although the cited references easily could have been found by reviewing the ’961 patent’s file history, it is less clear that the key alleged error in Patent Owner’s representations concerning the teachings of those references would have been readily apparent. As such, this factor is neutral. 3. whether at the time of filing of the second petition the petitioner already received the patent owner’s preliminary response to the first petition or received the Board’s decision on whether to institute review in the first petition; Patent Owner argues that Petitioner used the Board’s institution decision (instituting trial) in the Cree IPR as a roadmap for its petitions. Prelim. Resp. 27–28. Patent Owner, however, presents no factual evidence merely result from the strength of references raised in prior reexamination rather than copying from one petition to another. The record lacks evidence directly establishing how or why Petitioner came to select the evidence the Petition relies upon, and we decline to speculate. to support this point, for example, instances in the Petition that facially support a finding that the arguments presented in the Petition track the analysis in the Board’s prior institution decision. Moreover, we agree with Petitioner that the road-mapping concern is either not relevant or is less relevant when the earlier IPR was instituted. Reply 1–2; see also General Plastic, slip op. at 17–18 (explaining that factor 3 is directed to road-mapping concerns). This is not a multiple-bites-of-an-apple situation where the second bite is modified after the first bite fails. This factor weighs against discretionary denial or is neutral.” slip op. at 24
- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Prior-art status of a reference › Printed publication / public accessibilityPrinted publication establishedDecided for petitioner
“The facts here are analogous to those of Hulu, LLC. The Bogner reference provides the indicia at bottom left corner of its first page. Ex. 1007, 143. The indicia states: “Part of the SPIE Conference on Light- Emitting Diodes Research, Manufacturing and Applications III • San Jose, California • January 1999 SPIE Vol 3621 • 0277-786X/99/$10.00.” Id. The January 1999 date being printed adjacent to the name of a particular conference and San Jose, California suggests that the paper was presented at the 1999 conference. The “99” within 0277-786X/99/$10,00 indicates a 1999 publication, and the “$10.00” suggests public availability at the price of ten dollars in 1999. The indicia also suggest that the paper was published by an established publisher—SPIE (the international society for optics and photonics). As further evidence, Petitioner includes in the record a page from the SPIE website that appears to be from October 12, 2022. Ex. 1007, 1. The page indicates Bogner was published “14 April 1999” in “SPIE Proceedings Vol. 3621.” Id.10 This information is consistent with the indicia on the first page of the paper itself. The evidence, in total, supports Petitioner’s contention that the paper was presented at a conference in January 1999 and then published within SPIE Proceedings Volume 3621 in April 1999–– absent contrary evidence, which Patent Owner does not advance at this stage of the proceeding. As in Hulu, LLC, the Bogner reference’s indicia provide some evidence of printed publication status. The page from the SPIE website provides further evidence. Thus, given the record as a whole, which contains some evidence that Bogner was a printed publication as of 1999 and no evidence to the contrary, and in view of the Hulu LLC precedent, we determine that Petitioner has established at this stage of the proceeding a reasonable likelihood that the Bogner reference is a printed publication that was publicly accessible before the critical date11 of the challenged patent.” slip op. at 17
Claim construction§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousnessDiscretionary denialcites KSR · GrahamPatents in suitUS 6,465,961 - PTAB · May 12, 2023 · IPR2023-00129 · APJ Brian D Range · IPR · Institution
The Board instituted IPR on claims 21, 22, 25, 26, 28–30, 32–36, 40–44, 47–49, 52, 53, 56–59, 62, 63, 65–68, 71–73, 77, 78, 81, 82, 85, 86, and 88–91 on all petition grounds, and granted …
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)InstitutedInstituted
“unpatentability as the ones on which we instituted review in the Cree IPR. Compare Pet. 10–116, with Cree Dec. 10, 45–46. Indeed, Petitioner contends that the Petition and evidence Petitioner relies upon is “identical to the grounds in the Cree IPR petition.” Mot. 5. Petitioner acknowledges that the Petition relies on a different expert; however, Petitioner asserts that “the supporting declaration of Dr. Bretschneider submitted by Feit Electric adopts the opinions of Cree Lighting’s expert, Dr. Lebby, in full, with minor clarifications . . . that are immaterial to the broader analysis.” Id. at 8, n. 1; see also Ex. 1021 (declaration of Dr. Bretschneider). Petitioner further states that it will rely on the declaration of Dr. Bretschneider “only in the event that Cree Lighting is terminated from the proceedings.” Mot. 8, n. 1. Patent Owner waives its preliminary response, and it does not dispute Petitioner’s arguments or evidence. See generally Waiver.” slip op. at 4
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Joinder §315(c) / SAS all-or-nothingJoinder, grantedGranted
“The Petition in this case asserts the same unpatentability grounds on which we instituted review in the Cree IPR. See Mot. 5. Petitioner states that its Petition is “essentially a copy of the Cree Lighting Petition.” Id. Thus, this inter partes review does not present any ground or matter not already at issue in the Cree IPR.” slip op. at 6
NonePatents in suitUS 6,465,961 - PTAB · May 12, 2023 · IPR2023-00123 · APJ Brian D Range · IPR · Institution
The Board instituted review of claims 21–91 listed in the order on all petition grounds and granted joinder in IPR2022-00847.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)InstitutedInstituted
“III. INSTITUTION OF INTER PARTES REVIEW The Petition in this proceeding asserts the same grounds of unpatentability as the ones on which we instituted review in the Cree IPR. Compare Pet. 12–124, with Cree Dec. 10, 45–46. Indeed, Petitioner contends that the Petition and evidence Petitioner relies upon is “identical to the grounds in the Cree IPR petition.” Mot. 1. Petitioner acknowledges that the Petition relies on a different expert; however, Petitioner asserts that “the expert declaration of Dr. Christian Wetzel (Ex. 1021, “Wetzel Decl.”), [] is substantively identical to the declaration put forth in the Cree IPR.” Id. at 2. Petitioner further states that Dr. Wetzel agrees with the opinions of Cree’s expert and “adopts them as his own.” Id. at 2, n. 1.” slip op. at 4
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Joinder §315(c) / SAS all-or-nothingJoinder, grantedGranted
“The Petition in this case asserts the same unpatentability grounds on which we instituted review in the Cree IPR. See Mot. 5. Petitioner states that it uses “the same arguments, analysis, evidence, and grounds of unpatentability as the Cree IPR.” Id. Thus, this inter partes review does not present any ground or matter not already at issue in the Cree IPR. Petitioner agrees that, if joinder is granted, it will have a “true understudy role.” Reply. 1–2. Petitioner agrees to various restrictions as a true understudy and further agrees to any further limitations the Board may impose. Reply 2; Mot. 7–8 (“Petitioner will also abide by any additional conditions the Board deems appropriate”). Along these lines, Petitioner will abide by the following conditions so long as Cree is actively participating in this proceeding: 1. Petitioner will not take any depositions or otherwise participate in the proceeding (Reply 2);” slip op. at 6
NonePatents in suitUS 6,465,961 - PTAB · Apr 19, 2023 · IPR2023-00006 · APJ Jeffrey S Smith · IPR · Institution
The Board instituted IPR of claims 1–10 on all grounds presented and granted Dell’s motion to join the Intel IPR, subject to participation conditions.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)InstitutedInstituted
“Dell’s Petition is substantially identical to the Intel IPR petition, challenging the same patent and claims, based on the same grounds of unpatentability, and relying on the same evidence (including the same prior art combinations supported by the same witness’s testimony). See Mot. 1, 2–3. Dell seeks institution only of the same claims and ground for which the Board has instituted review in the Intel IPR. Id.” slip op. at 3
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Joinder §315(c) / SAS all-or-nothingJoinder, grantedGranted
“Dell timely filed its Motion for Joinder within one month of the institution of the Intel IPR, as required by 37 C.F.R. § 42.122(b). Dell also states it “will agree to consolidated filings for all substantive papers in the proceeding” and “to incorporate [Dell’s] filings with those of Intel in a consolidated filing, subject to the ordinary rules for one party on page limits.” Mot. 3–4. Dell represents that “Intel and [Dell] will be jointly responsible for the consolidated filings” and Dell “agrees not to be permitted any arguments separate from those advanced by [Dell] and Intel in the consolidated filings.” Id. at 4. Further according to Dell, “Intel and Dell will designate an attorney to conduct the cross examination of any given witness produced by [Patent Owner] and the redirect of any given witness produced by Intel or Dell,” and “Dell will not receive any separate cross-examination or redirect time.” Id. at 6. As discussed in Section II above, the instituted grounds in this proceeding are the same as those instituted in the Intel IPR. In light of that overlap, and the essentially identical timing of the two proceedings, and Dell’s foregoing stipulations limiting its participation to an understudy role, we determine Dell has established persuasively that joinder is appropriate and will have little to no impact on the timing, cost, or complexity of briefing and/or discovery on the instituted grounds. Thus, in consideration of the foregoing, and in the manner set forth in the following Order, Dell’s Motion for Joinder is granted.” slip op. at 5
None - Intel Corporation v. 3d Surfaces, LLCInstitutedPTAB · Apr 19, 2023 · IPR2022-01591 · APJ Jeffrey S Smith · IPR · Institution
The Board instituted IPR on claims 10–20 because Petitioner showed a reasonable likelihood that claims 10–20 would have been obvious over Sfarti and Foley.
RulingsInstitution decision- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner
“B. Level of Ordinary Skill in the Art Petitioner contends that a person having ordinary skill in the art (“POSITA”) would have had “a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related scientific field, and approximately two years of work experience in computer graphics or, alternatively, two years work towards a masters or doctorate degree in these proceeding, Patent Owner “applies Petitioner’s definition.” Prelim. Resp. 10. We agree with Petitioner’s proposed definition of the level of ordinary skill in the art and apply it for purposes of this Decision.” slip op. at 7
- Claim Construction › Functional claiming / §112(f) means-plus-function › Whether §112(f) applies (Williamson, nonce words)§112(f) appliesDecided for petitioner
“On this record, we agree with Petitioner that “unit” does not connote any particular structure, and that the terms “tessellation unit,” “transform unit,” “lighting unit,” and “rendering unit” recite function without reciting sufficient structure for performing that function. Therefore, these terms should be construed as means plus function terms. “Construing a means-plus-function claim term is a two-step process. The court must first identify the claimed function. Then, the court must determine what structure, if any, disclosed in the specification corresponds to the claimed function.” Williamson v. Citrix Online, LLC, 792 F.3d 1339, 1351 (Fed. Cir. 2015) (en banc) (citation omitted). In cases involving a special purpose computer-implemented means-plus-function limitation, the Federal Circuit requires “that the specification disclose an algorithm for performing the claimed function.” Media Rights Techs., Inc. v. Capital One Fin. Corp., 800 F.3d 1366, 1374 (Fed. Cir. 2015). “A description of the function in words may disclose, at least to the satisfaction of one of ordinary skill in the art, enough of an algorithm to provide the necessary structure under § 112, ¶ 6.” Typhoon Touch Techs., Inc. v. Dell, Inc., 659 F.3d 1376, 1385 (Fed. Cir. 2011). “The law is clear that patent documents need not include subject matter that is known in the field of the invention and is in the prior art, for patents are written for persons experienced in the field of the invention.” S3 Inc. v. NVIDIA Corp., 259 F.3d 1364, 1371 (Fed. Cir. 2001). Claim 10 recites “a transform unit that transforms the graphic objects into transformed objects.” Claim 15 recites a similar limitation. Claim 12 recites “said transform unit transforms the spatial coordinates of said graphic objects.” The specification discloses that the function of “transform[ing] the graphic objects into transformed objects” and “transform[ing] the spatial coordinates of said graphic objects” is performed by a graphics processing unit (GPU) including a dedicated processor programmed to execute the transform step of the disclosed microcode. Ex. 1001, 5:63–6:3; 7:10–15, 7:19–20, 12:49––52; Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 106–107. We construe “transform unit” as a means plus function limitation with the function of transforming graphic objects into transformed objects (claims 10 and 15), or the function of transforming the spatial coordinates of said graphic objects (claim 12), and with the corresponding structure of a GPU including a dedicated processor programmed to execute the transform step of the microcode disclosed in the specification. b) Tessellation unit Claim 10 recites “a tessellation unit for tessellating the transformed objects.” Claims 11 and 15 recite a similar limitation. The specification discloses that the function of “tessellating the transformed objects” is performed by a GPU that includes a dedicated processor coupled between the transform unit and a lighting unit, where the dedicated processor is programmed to execute the tessellating steps of the disclosed microcode. Ex. 1001, 6:4–59, 7:10–15, 7:20–24, 12:49–52; Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 108–109. We construe “tessellation unit” as a means plus function limitation with the function of tessellating the transformed objects and with the corresponding structure of a GPU including a dedicated processor coupled between the programmed to execute the tessellating steps of the disclosed microcode. c) Lighting unit Claim 10 recites a “lighting unit comprising means for lighting triangles resulting from said tessellation unit.” Claim 13 recites “a lighting unit . . . for lighting the tessellated transformed objects.” Claim 15 recites “lighting vertices of triangles resultant from said tessellating using said lighting unit.” The specification discloses that the function of “lighting triangles resulting from said tessellation unit,” “lighting the tessellated transformed objects,” and “lighting vertices of triangles resultant from said tessellating” is performed by a GPU that includes a dedicated processor programmed to execute code to light the vertices of the triangles. Ex. 1001, 6:60–65, 7:10–15, 7:24–26, 12:49–52; Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 110–111. We construe “lighting unit” as a means plus function limitation with the function of lighting triangles resulting from said tessellation unit (claim 10), lighting the tessellated transformed objects (claim 13), or lighting vertices of triangles resultant from said tessellating (claim 15), and with the corresponding structure of a GPU that includes a dedicated processor programmed to execute code to light the tessellated objects. d) Rendering unit Claim 14 recites “a rendering unit operatively coupled to the lighting unit for rendering the lighted, tessellated, transformed objects.” The specification discloses that the function of rendering the lighted, tessellated, transformed objects is performed by a GPU that includes a dedicated processor programmed to execute the rendering steps of the disclosed microcode. Ex. 1001, 6:65–7:3, 7:10–15, 7:24–26, 12:49–52; Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 112–113. We construe “rendering unit” as a means plus function objects, and with the corresponding structure of a GPU that includes a dedicated processor to execute the rendering steps of the disclosed microcode.” slip op. at 9
- Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)No construction neededDecided for patent owner
“e) Remaining claim terms No other terms require express construction at this time. See Nidec Motor Corp. v. Zhongshan Broad Ocean Motor Co., 868 F.3d 1013, 1017 (Fed. Cir. 2017) (“Because we need only construe terms ‘that are in controversy, and only to the extent necessary to resolve the controversy,’ we need not construe [a particular claim limitation] where the construction is not ‘material to the . . . dispute.’” (citation omitted)).” slip op. at 12
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsInstitution denied 325dDenied
“We agree with Petitioner. Pages 511–527 of Foley were previously presented to the Office. See Ex. 1001, code (56). In contrast, Petitioner relies on pages 17, 279–281, 508, 521, 721, 736–737, 807, 855, 866–871, 873–879, 888, and 890–892 of Foley. See Pet. 30–77. Out of all of the pages of Foley cited in the Petition, only one, page 521, was previously presented to the Office. On the record before us, there is no indication that any of the remaining pages of Foley cited in the Petition were presented to, or considered by, the Office. Notably, the IDS disclosure cited just 17 pages out of Foley’s over 1200 pages of content, but did not cite the pages that teach the feature that the Examiner found was patentable over the prior art. Compare Ex. 1017, at 177 (In the statement of allowable subject matter, the Examiner concluded that “the prior [art] fails to teach a tessellate unit coupled between the transform unit and the lighting unit.”), with Ex. 1007, at 807 (Foley teaches that “tessellation should occur after transformation into a coordinate system in which screen size can be determined” for the benefits of “enabl[ing] tessellation size to be determined adaptively, and limit[ing] the amount of data that is transformed.”); see also id. at 866–877. Thus, the 2 U.S. Patent No. 7,532,213, which was reissued as the ’534 patent at issue here. See Ex. 1001, code (64). previously presented to the Office. Patent Owner contends that even if Petitioner cites to portions of Foley not considered by the Office, the Examiner considered other references that are cumulative to and substantially the same as the portions of Foley cited by Petitioner. Prelim. Resp. 22. In particular, Patent Owner contends that the ’534 patent recognizes that pipeline graphics architecture was well-known at the time of invention, and that other references that teach pipeline graphics architecture were considered by the Office. Prelim. Resp. 23–24 (citing Ex. 1001, Fig. 2, 2:42–58; Ex. 1032, Fig. 2b, 5:18–22; Ex. 1033, Fig. 1A, 6:28–31, 21:1–3). We disagree with Patent Owner. Foley’s disclosure of a pipeline graphics architecture that teaches the benefits of employing dedicated processors for tessellating after transforming is explicit and, so far as we can tell from the record presented, is not found in any reference previously cited to the Office. See Ex. 1007, 807, 866–877. Thus, the same or substantially the same art was not previously presented to the Office.” slip op. at 14
Claim construction§ 103 obviousnessDiscretionary denialcites KSR · Graham - PTAB · Apr 19, 2023 · IPR2023-00004 · APJ George R Hoskins · IPR · Institution
The Board instituted review of claims 1–4, 9–11, 17, and 18 on all petitioned grounds and granted Dell’s motion to join the Intel IPR.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)InstitutedInstituted
“In view of these representations by Dell, and having reviewed Dell’s Petition, we determine that, under the current circumstances, it is appropriate to exercise our discretion to institute inter partes review of the challenged claims based upon the same grounds authorized and for the same reasons discussed in our institution decision in the Intel IPR.” slip op. at 4
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Joinder §315(c) / SAS all-or-nothingJoinder, grantedGranted
“As the moving party, Dell bears the burden of proving it is entitled to the requested relief. See 37 C.F.R. § 42.20(c). A motion for joinder should: set forth the reasons joinder is appropriate; identify any new grounds of unpatentability asserted in the petition; and explain what impact (if any) joinder would have on the trial schedule for the existing review. See, e.g., PTAB Consolidated Trial Practice Guide (Nov. 2019)6, 76–77.” slip op. at 4
NonePatents in suitUS 7,245,299 - Intel Corporation v. 3d Surfaces, LLCInstitutedPTAB · Apr 19, 2023 · IPR2022-01589 · APJ George R Hoskins · IPR · Institution
The Board instituted IPR on claims 1–4, 9–11, 17, and 18 on all grounds, finding a reasonable likelihood that claim 1 would be shown obvious over Sfarti and Foley.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsInstitution denied 325dDenied
“of the ’299 patent considered the same argument presented in the Petition’s obviousness combination of Sfarti and Foley, and correspondingly “determined that it would not have been obvious to modify the teachings of [Sfarti] to implement the ordered steps in a GPU” based on Foley. Prelim. Resp. 26–27 (citing Ex. 1002, 64–69, 112–114, 172–180). Specifically, we disagree that the Examiner’s double patenting rejection presents the same argument as the Petition’s obviousness combination. The Examiner stated “it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill to substitute the computer readable medium of claim 21 [of the ’501 patent] with the graphics processing unit of [original claim 1].” Ex. 1002, 67. The Examiner, in making this obviousness-type double patenting rejection3, did not find a prior art reference that showed a graphics processing unit with separately dedicated processors. Rather, the Examiner attempted to use the graphics processing unit recited in original claim 1 as prior art against itself. The applicant successfully argued against the Examiner’s improper use of the pending claims as prior art by stating that the ’501 patent did not disclose the graphics processing unit incorporating the tessellation unit as claimed. See id. at 138, 175.” slip op. at 15
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › Fintiv (parallel litigation)Institution denied fintivDenied
“that upon institution Dell will not pursue any grounds in the [District Court Litigation] that were raised or reasonably could have been raised in its IPR petition for the challenged claims.” Reply 1 (citing IPR2023-00004, Paper 134). More precisely, however, Dell has actually stated in IPR2023-00004 that Dell “will stipulate, consistent with Sotera Wireless, that if this IPR [i.e., IPR2023-00004] is instituted, [Dell] will not pursue in the parallel district court proceeding any grounds raised or that reasonably could have been raised in this IPR for the challenged claims.” IPR2023-00004, Paper 13, 1 (emphases added). Contemporaneously with the present Decision, we are issuing a decision in IPR2023-00004 instituting review of the ’299 patent on the same two grounds being instituted here, and we also are joining the two proceedings together for purposes of trial. Thus, Dell’s stipulation has taken effect.” slip op. at 18
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)InstitutedInstituted
“On this record, we agree with Petitioner that a person of ordinary skill would have implemented the steps of transforming, tessellating, lighting, and rendering as taught by Sfarti in a graphics pipeline of dedicated processors as taught by Foley to yield the benefits of providing more processing power than a single CPU can provide, and significantly improving performance speed. See Pet. 31–38; Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 132–147. On this record we agree with Petitioner that a person of ordinary skill in the art would have performed tessellating after transforming using the graphics pipeline of dedicated processors of Foley to yield the benefits of adaptively determining tessellation size and limiting the amount of data that needs to be transformed as taught by Foley.” slip op. at 29
- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner
“to the ’299 patent “would have had at least a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related scientific field, and approximately two years of work experience in computer graphics or, alternatively, two years[’] work towards a masters or doctorate degree in these scientific fields.” Pet. 10; Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 96–97. Patent Owner “applies Petitioner’s definition” in the Preliminary Response. Prelim. Resp. 9.” slip op. at 20
Claim construction§ 103 obviousnessDiscretionary denialcites KSR · GrahamPatents in suitUS 7,245,299 - PTAB · Apr 11, 2023 · IPR2022-01478 · APJ Christopher M Kaiser · IPR · Institution
Instituted review of claims 1–30 on all asserted grounds after finding a reasonable likelihood of prevailing on at least one claim.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)InstitutedInstituted
“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 (2018); see also 37 C.F.R. § 42.4 (2021). For the reasons discussed below, we determine that Petitioner establishes a reasonable likelihood of prevailing with respect to the unpatentability of at least one claim of the ’907 patent, and we do not exercise discretion to deny the Petition. Accordingly, we institute an inter partes review of claims 1–30 of the ’907 patent.” slip op. at 2
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsInstitution denied 325dDenied
“inter partes review, “the Director may take into account whether, and reject the petition or request because, the same or substantially the same prior art or arguments previously were presented to the Office.” The Board uses a two-part framework for evaluating arguments under § 325(d): (1) whether the same or substantially the same art previously was presented to the Office or whether the same or substantially the same arguments previously were presented to the Office; and (2) if either condition of first part of the framework is satisfied, whether the petitioner has demonstrated that the Office erred in a manner material to the patentability of challenged claims. Advanced Bionics, LLC v. MED-EL Elektromedizinische Geräte GmbH, IPR2019-01469, Paper 6 at 8 (PTAB Feb. 13, 2020) (precedential) (“Advanced Bionics”). In applying this framework, we consider the Becton, Dickinson7 factors that address discretion to deny when a petition presents the same or substantially the same prior art or arguments previously presented to the Office, including:” slip op. at 7
- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedOther
“(“POSITA”) would have had “a Bachelor’s level college degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Materials or Chemical Engineering, or Science, including Chemistry or Physics or a related field and three to four years of training and experience in the design of electrochemical cells and batteries.” Pet. 5–6. Petitioner further contends that “[a]dditional work or research experience can substitute for a lesser or different education, and vice-versa.” Id. Patent Owner states that the Preliminary Response “establishes that Petitioner’s arguments fail even under its proffered definition of” a person of ordinary skill in the art. Prelim. Resp. 11. Patent Owner does not propose a different level of skill in the art at this stage of the proceeding. See id. (“Patent Owner reserves the right to dispute Petitioner’s definition of a [person of ordinary skill in the art] if an IPR is instituted.”). To the extent necessary, and for purposes of this Decision, we accept the uncontested assessment offered by Petitioner.” slip op. at 11
- Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)No construction neededOther
“Petitioner requests that all claim terms other than “disposed along” be afforded their plain and ordinary meaning, as understood by a POSITA at the time of the purported invention.” Pet. 9. Patent Owner asserts that its arguments “do not hinge on the outcome of an actual controversy about any claim construction.” Prelim. Resp. 12 (citing Vivid Techs., Inc. v. Am. Sci. & Eng’g, Inc., 200 F.3d 795, 803 (Fed. Cir. 1999)). We determine that no claim term requires express construction for purposes of this Decision.” slip op. at 12
Claim construction§ 103 obviousnessDiscretionary denialcites Phillips · KSRPatents in suitUS 11,024,907
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.