- PTAB · Oct 16, 2024 · IPR2023-01218 · APJ Avelyn M Ross · IPR · Director review
The Board instituted IPR of claims 1–19 on all asserted grounds, finding a reasonable likelihood that Astera and Edwards anticipate or render the claims obvious.
RulingsDirector review decision- Director reviewOther
“under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a), to deny the Petition because it challenges a patent that was previously challenged before the Board. Paper 9; see generally IPR2022-00099 (challenging the ’944 patent). On April 19, 2024, the Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted Director Review, vacated our prior decision, and remanded the case for further proceedings. Paper 12. We have authority to determine whether to institute an inter partes review under 35 U.S.C. § 314 and 37 C.F.R. § 42.4(a). For the reasons set forth below, we institute an inter partes review of the challenged claims.” slip op. at 2
- Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)No construction neededOther
“Neither Petitioner nor Patent Owner proposes any claim terms for construction.5 See Pet. 10; Prelim. Resp. 3–4. For purposes of this Decision, we need not expressly construe any claim terms at this time. See Vivid Techs., Inc. v. Am. Sci. & Eng’g, Inc., 200 F.3d 795, 803 (Fed. Cir. 1999) (holding that “only those terms need to 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. Matal, 868 F.3d 1013, 1017 (Fed. Cir. 2017) (citing Vivid Techs. in the context of an inter partes review).” slip op. at 9
- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner
“Petitioner contends that a person of ordinary skill in the art “would have had at least a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, or a closely related field, along with at least two years of experience in the design of entertaining lighting systems, and the design and use of LED lights.” Pet. 10. Patent Owner does not, at this time, dispute Petitioner’s proposed definition. See generally Prelim. Resp. On this record, Petitioner’s proposed definition appears consistent with the prior art of record and we apply it for purposes of this Decision.” slip op. at 8
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)InstitutedInstituted
“At this preliminary stage, we determine whether the information presented shows a reasonable likelihood that Petitioner would prevail in establishing that at least one of the challenged claims is anticipated by or would have been obvious over the asserted prior art.” slip op. at 8
Claim construction§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousnesscites KSR · GrahamPatents in suitUS 10,845,044 - Inari Agriculture, Inc. v. Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.Institution deniedPTAB · Oct 15, 2024 · PGR2024-00023 · APJ Jeffrey W Abraham · PGR · Institution
The Board denied institution on claims 1–20 because the petition did not show they were unpatentable on any asserted obviousness, utility, written-description, or enablement ground.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied
“Institution of a post-grant review is authorized by statute when “the information presented in the petition filed under [35 U.S.C. §] 321 . . . demonstrates that it is more likely than not that at least 1 of the claims challenged in the petition is unpatentable.” 35 U.S.C. § 324(a). For the reasons set forth below, we determine that Petitioner has failed to demonstrate that it is more likely than not that at least one of claims 1–20 of the ’545 patent is unpatentable. Accordingly, we deny institution of a postgrant review of claims 1–20 based on the grounds set forth in the Petition.” slip op. at 2
- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner
“level of skill, with a doctoral degree in plant breeding or a related field, at least five years of experience with corn breeding, and additional experience interfacing with laboratory-side personnel (including a computational biologist as along with genetics specialists) and field-side personnel.” Pet. 16 (citing Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 50–51). Petitioner also states that, “[a]lternatively, additional experience could take the place of an advanced degree.” Pet. 16. Patent Owner states that it “does not dispute Petitioner’s definition of the qualifications of person of skill in the art” and “reserves its right to challenge Petitioner’s definition and to provide its own definition, should trial be instituted.” Prelim. Resp. 24. Petitioner’s unopposed proposed definition is consistent with the cited prior art and the disclosure of the ’545 patent, and we adopt it for purposes” slip op. at 6
- Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)No construction neededOther
“using the same claim construction standard that would be used to construe the claim in a civil action under 35 U.S.C. [§] 282(b).” 37 C.F.R. § 42.200(b) (2019). Under that standard, the words of a claim are generally given their “ordinary and customary meaning,” which is the meaning the term would have to a person of ordinary skill at the time of the invention, in the context of the entire patent including the specification. Phillips v. AWH Corp., 415 F.3d 1303, 1312–13 (Fed. Cir. 2005) (en banc). Petitioner contends that “[b]ecause Petitioner’s grounds plainly render the claims unpatentable under any plausible construction, no outer boundary constructions are necessary.” Pet. 21. Patent Owner also does not construe any claim terms. See generally Prelim. Resp. For purposes of this Decision, and based on the record before us, we determine that none of the claim terms require an explicit construction to determine whether to institute post-grant review. See Nidec Motor Corp. v. Zhongshan Broad Ocean Motor Co., 868 F.3d 1013, 1017 (Fed. Cir. 2017) (“[W]e need only construe terms ‘that are in controversy, and only to the extent necessary to resolve the controversy.’” (quoting Vivid Techs., Inc. v. Am. Sci. & Eng’g, Inc., 200 F.3d 795, 803 (Fed. Cir. 1999))). slip op. at 7
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successNot shown unpatentableReasonable expectation not foundNot shown unpatentable
“additional reasons. For example, we agree with Patent Owner that Petitioner fails to demonstrate sufficiently that a person of ordinary skill in the art would have had a reasonable expectation of success in arriving at PH4CYJ based on Smalley’s disclosure alone. Prelim. Resp. 51–52. According to the ’545 patent specification, the claimed PH4CYJ inbred maize variety is a cross between inbred line PH1VNA and inbred line PH1KTF. Ex. 1001, 37:62–64. In the simplest terms, PH1VNA and PH1KTF are the parents, and their cross ultimately resulted in the inbred variety PH4CYJ. The ’545 patent explains that after the initial crossing of the parental lines, the” slip op. at 14
Claim construction§ 101 eligibility§ 103 obviousness§ 112 disclosurecites PhillipsPatents in suitUS 11,696,545 - PTAB · Oct 11, 2024 · IPR2024-00772 · APJ Monica S Ullagaddi · IPR · Institution
The Board instituted IPR on all challenged claims and petition grounds, found the merits threshold met, and granted Texas Instruments’ motion to join IPR2024-00001.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)InstitutedInstituted
“3. Analysis At this stage of the proceeding, we determine that Patent Owner’s statements made during prosecution of the ’195 patent appear to contradict its arguments in the present proceeding. See generally Prelim. Resp. Based on the present record, Patent Owner’s statements during prosecution support Petitioner’s argument tthat a graded dopant concentration is enough to teach aiding carrier movement in a particular direction. Patent Owner does not dispute that Kawagoe has a graded dopant concentration in the active region at this stage of the proceeding. Id. Patent Owner also does not dispute that Kawagoe’s transistor has carriers in the active region or that the graded dopant concentration of Kawagoe is lowered from the surface to the bottom substrate (Ex. 1007, Fig. 17). Id. At this stage of the proceeding, the evidence of record supports Petitioner’s position sufficiently to meet the reasonable likelihood threshold for institution. We decline to make further determinations, on this preliminary record, regarding the dispute surrounding this limitation, because the trial in the 00001IPR is the better proceeding in which to do so. Specifically, as compared to the preliminary phase of this case, the instituted trial in the 10 The examined claims of the ’195 patent generally recited “a unidirectional drift field drawing all minority carriers from said surface layer to said substrate.” Ex. 1016, 286. Patent Owner amended the claims of the ’195 patent to recite “maintain[ing] a single static unidirectional electric drift field to aid the movement of minority carriers from said surface layer to said substrate.” Id. 00001IPR affords the parties a better opportunity to fully and fairly brief, argue, and develop evidence in support of their positions. We observe, on this record, the dispute is inadequate to undermine the sufficiency of Petitioner’s evidence to support institution of review.” slip op. at 14
- PTAB / AIA Trials › §315(b) time barNot time barredDecided for petitioner
“instituted if the petition requesting the proceeding is filed more than 1 year after the date on which the petitioner, real party in interest, or privy of the 1 The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (“AIA”), Pub. L. No. 112-29, 125 Stat. 284 (2011), amended 35 U.S.C. § 103, effective March 16, 2013. Because applications from which the ’481 patent claims priority were filed before this date, the pre-AIA version of § 103 applies. 2 U.S. Patent No. 6,043,114, issued Mar. 28, 2000 (Ex. 1007, “Kawagoe”). 3 U.S. Patent No. 6,163,877, issued Dec. 19, 2000 (Ex. 1014, “Gupta”). 4 U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0183856 A1, published Oct. 2, 2003 (Ex. 1006, “Wieczorek”). 5 Petitioner cites four volumes for Wolf: Stanley Wolf & Richard Tauber, Silicon Processing For The VLSI Era, Volume 1 – Process Technology, 2nd ed., (Lattice Press 2000) (Ex. 1008A); Stanley Wolf & Richard Tauber, Silicon Processing For The VLSI Era, Volume 2 – Process Integration, (Lattice Press 2000) (Ex. 1008B); Stanley Wolf & Richard Tauber, Silicon Processing For The VLSI Era, Volume 3 – The Submicron MOSFET, (Lattice Press 2000) (Ex. 1008C); and Stanley Wolf & Richard Tauber, Silicon Processing For The VLSI Era, Volume 4 – Deep-Submicron Process Technology, (Lattice Press 2000) (Ex. 1008D). petitioner is served with a complaint alleging infringement of the patent.” Patent Owner argues that the Petition is untimely under 35 U.S.C. § 315(b) because Petitioner is in privity with time-barred entities. Prelim. Resp. 14– 35. However, 35 U.S.C. § 315(b) also provides that the one-year time bar “shall not apply to a request for joinder under subsection (c).” 37 C.F.R. § 42.122(b). Because the Petition is accompanied by a timely request for joinder (Paper 2) to the instituted 00001IPR proceeding, which we grant as further discussed below, Patent Owner’s argument that the Petition is timebarred under 35 U.S.C. § 315(b) is moot, irrespective of whether Petitioner is in privity with time-barred entities.” slip op. at 4
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Joinder §315(c) / SAS all-or-nothingJoinder, grantedGranted
“Based on the facts and circumstances discussed above, having reviewed the briefings of both parties, we determine Petitioner has established good cause for joining the 00001IPR. Specifically, we find that joining Petitioner to the 00001IPR is unlikely to require any delay or modification to the scheduling order already in place for the 00001IPR. We also determine that Patent Owner will not be prejudiced unduly by the joinder of this proceeding. Thus, we determine that granting the Motion for Joinder under these circumstances would help “secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive resolution” of these proceedings. See 37 C.F.R. § 42.1(b). For the above reasons, we grant Petitioner’s Motion for Joinder and join Petitioner as a party to the 00001IPR.” slip op. at 19
NonePatents in suitUS 10,734,481 - PTAB · Oct 11, 2024 · IPR2024-00774 · APJ Jon B Tornquist · IPR · Institution
The Board instituted IPR on all challenged claims and petition grounds, and granted Texas Instruments’ motion to join the Cirrus IPR.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)InstitutedInstituted
“IPR. Compare id., with IPR2024-00019, Paper 46 at 1–4, 6–22 (Patent Owner’s response in the Cirrus IPR) (public version). We decline to resolve the material issue of fact surrounding this limitation on this preliminary record, because the trial in the Cirrus IPR is the better proceeding in which to do so. Specifically, as compared to the preliminary phase of this case, the instituted trial in the Cirrus IPR affords the parties a better opportunity to fully and fairly brief, argue, and develop evidence in support of their positions, and, in particular, to address Cirrus Logic’s alleged admission that the existence of a gradient alone is insufficient to disclose the “aid carrier movement” limitations of independent claims 1 and 21. We observe only that, on this record, the disputed issue of material fact is not sufficient to undermine the sufficiency of Petitioner’s evidence supporting institution of review.” slip op. at 16
- PTAB / AIA Trials › §315(b) time barNot time barredDecided for petitioner
“instituted if the petition requesting the proceeding is filed more than 1 year after the date on which the petitioner, real party in interest, or privy of the petitioner is served with a complaint alleging infringement of the patent.” Patent Owner argues that the Petition is untimely under 35 U.S.C. § 315(b) because Petitioner is in privity with time-barred entities. Prelim. Resp. 15– 35. The one-year time bar under § 315(b), however, “shall not apply to a request for joinder under subsection (c).” 35 U.S.C. § 315(b); see 37 C.F.R. § 42.122(b). And, because the Petition is accompanied by a timely request for joinder (Paper 1) to the instituted proceeding (IPR2024-00019), which we grant as further discussed below, Patent Owner’s argument that the Petition is time-barred under 35 U.S.C. § 315(b) is moot, irrespective of whether Petitioner is in privity with time-barred entities.” slip op. at 8
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Joinder §315(c) / SAS all-or-nothingJoinder, grantedGranted
“Based on the facts and circumstances discussed above, we determine Petitioner has established good cause for joining the Cirrus IPR. Specifically, we find that joining Petitioner to the Cirrus IPR is unlikely to require any delay or modification to the scheduling order already in place for that proceeding. We also determine that Patent Owner will not be prejudiced unduly by the joinder of this proceeding. Thus, we determine that granting the Motion for Joinder would help “secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive resolution” of these proceedings. See 37 C.F.R. § 42.1(b). Accordingly, we grant Petitioner’s Motion for Joinder and join Petitioner as a party to the Cirrus IPR.” slip op. at 19
NonePatents in suitUS 11,316,014 - PTAB · Oct 11, 2024 · IPR2024-00773 · APJ Jeffrey W Abraham · IPR · Institution
The Board instituted review of claims 7–12 on all asserted grounds and granted Texas Instruments’ motion to join the Cirrus IPR in an understudy role.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)InstitutedInstituted
“Rather than pointing to anything in the prior art that would teach this claim limitation, the Petition assumes that any “graded concentration of dopants” would necessarily “aid the movement of minority carriers.” The Petition contains no analysis explaining why the “graded concentration of dopants” in the prior art meet the “aid the movement of minority carriers” limitation, apart from the fact that they are “graded concentration of dopants.” In other words, Petitioner reads the “aid the movement of minority carriers” limitation out of the claims completely.” slip op. at 13
- PTAB / AIA Trials › §315(b) time barNot time barredDecided for petitioner
“instituted if the petition requesting the proceeding is filed more than 1 year after the date on which the petitioner, real party in interest, or privy of the petitioner is served with a complaint alleging infringement of the patent.” Patent Owner argues that the Petition is untimely under 35 U.S.C. § 315(b)” slip op. at 7
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Joinder §315(c) / SAS all-or-nothingJoinder, grantedGranted
“joinder is discretionary. See 35 U.S.C. § 315(c); 37 C.F.R. § 42.122. A motion for joinder should (1) set forth reasons why joinder is appropriate; (2) identify any new grounds of unpatentability asserted in the petition; (3) explain what impact (if any) joinder would have on the trial schedule for 7 Available at https://www.uspto.gov/TralPracticeGuideConsolidated. the existing review; and (4) address specifically how briefing and discovery may be simplified. See, e.g., Kyocera Corp. v. Softview LLC, IPR2013- 00004, Paper 15 (PTAB April 24, 2013). As the moving party, Petitioner bears the burden of proving that it is entitled to the requested relief. 37 C.F.R. § 42.20(c).” slip op. at 14
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successInstituted
“Regarding the “first static unidirectional electric drift field to aid the movement of minority carriers” limitation, Petitioner relies on the parent file history and cited references, arguing that “Payne’s downward-sloping graded-dopant concentration aids the movement of minority carriers from the surface layer to the substrate to the same extent to which Applicant relied on the prior art and admitted to the Patent Office that such carrier movement would occur under the same scenario.” Pet. 23. Petitioner also asserts that the direction in which carriers are forced with the concentration profile disclosed in Payne is downward, toward the substrate and away from the surface. Pet. 23–28 (quoting and citing Ex. 1046, 237–238, 253–254, 289– 290; citing Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 95–106; Ex. 1005, 5:7–17, 5:44–55; Ex. 1009, 2:11– 16, 2:67–3:18, Fig. 2; Ex. 1010, 2:27–32, 5:14–22; Ex. 1013, 431; Ex. 1030, 24). We find that Petitioner’s challenge to claim 7 based on Payne is sufficiently supported for purposes of institution.” slip op. at 12
§ 103 obviousnessPatents in suitUS 9,190,502 - PTAB · Oct 11, 2024 · IPR2024-00771 · APJ Grace Karaffa Obermann · IPR · Institution
The Board instituted IPR on claims 1–6 of the ’195 patent on all asserted grounds and granted Texas Instruments’ motion to join the Cirrus IPR.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)InstitutedInstituted
“Because the Preliminary Response in the instant case includes arguments pertaining to the sufficiency of the asserted prior art references, which were not raised in the preliminary response in the Cirrus IPR, we briefly address below the patentability of the challenged claims.” slip op. at 6
- PTAB / AIA Trials › §315(b) time barNot time barredDecided for petitioner
“II. TIMELINESS OF THE PETITION UNDER 35 U.S.C. § 315(B) Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 315(b), “[a]n inter partes review may not be instituted if the petition requesting the proceeding is filed more than 1 year after the date on which the petitioner, real party in interest, or privy of the petitioner is served with a complaint alleging infringement of the patent.” Patent Owner argues that the Petition is untimely under 35 U.S.C. § 315(b) because Petitioner is in privity with time-barred entities. Prelim. Resp. 10– 30. However, 35 U.S.C. § 315(b) also provides that the one-year time bar “shall not apply to a request for joinder under subsection (c).” See also 37 C.F.R. § 42.122(b). Because the Petition is accompanied by a timely request for joinder (Paper 2) to the instituted proceeding (IPR2024-00017), which we grant as further discussed below, Patent Owner’s argument that the Petition is time-barred under 35 U.S.C. § 315(b) is moot, irrespective of whether Petitioner is in privity with time-barred entities.” slip op. at 5
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Joinder §315(c) / SAS all-or-nothingJoinder, grantedGranted
“B. Whether to Join Petitioner as a Party to the Cirrus IPR Joinder may be authorized when warranted, but the decision to grant joinder is discretionary. See 35 U.S.C. § 315(c); 37 C.F.R. § 42.122. A motion for joinder should (1) set forth reasons why joinder is appropriate; (2) identify any new grounds of unpatentability asserted in the petition; (3) explain what impact (if any) joinder would have on the trial schedule for the existing review; and (4) address specifically how briefing and discovery may be simplified. See, e.g., Kyocera Corp. v. Softview LLC, IPR2013- 00004, Paper 15 (PTAB April 24, 2013). As the moving party, Petitioner bears the burden of proving that it is entitled to the requested relief. 37 C.F.R. § 42.20(c). As an initial matter, we find the Motion for Joinder meets the timing requirements of 37 C.F.R. § 42.122(b) because Petitioner filed it on April 4, 2024, no later than one month after the Cirrus IPR was instituted on May 1, 2024.” slip op. at 9
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successNot reached
“5. “Aid the Movement of Minority Carriers” Patent Owner argues that the Petition fails to show that the applied prior art references disclose the claim limitations “requiring ‘aid the movement of minority carriers,’” as twice recited in claim 1. Prelim. Resp. 8. Patent Owner summarizes this dispute as follows: The challenged patent discloses and claims a semiconductor device with (among other things) a “drift layer having a graded concentration of dopants . . . [and] further having a first static unidirectional electric drift field to aid the movement of minority carriers.”[] The Petition should not be instituted, because (among other deficiencies) it fails to show that the prior art discloses the “aid the movement of minority carriers” claim limitation. Rather than pointing to anything in the prior art that would teach this claim limitation, the Petition assumes that any “graded concentration of dopants” would necessarily “aid the movement of minority carriers.” The Petition contains no analysis explaining why the “graded concentration of dopants” in the prior art meet the “aid the movement of minority carriers” limitation, apart from the fact that they are “graded concentration of dopants.” In other words, Petitioner reads the “aid the movement of minority carriers” limitation out of the claims completely. Id. at 1–2. Patent Owner includes additional details in support of its view that the asserted prior art fails to establish obviousness of the “aid carrier movement” limitations of claim 1. Prelim. Resp. 1–10.” slip op. at 8
§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousnessPatents in suitUS 8,421,195 - Voltage, LLC v. Shoals Technologies Group, LLCInstitution deniedPTAB · Sep 30, 2024 · PGR2024-00022 · APJ Michael G Mcmanus · PGR · Institution
The Board denied institution on claims 1–24 because Voltage did not show that any challenged claim was more likely than not unpatentable under the asserted grounds.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied
“We have authority to determine whether to institute a post-grant review. See 37 C.F.R. § 42.4(a) (“The Board institutes the trial on behalf of the Director.”). A post-grant review may not be instituted “unless. . . the information presented in the petition . . . if such information is not rebutted, would demonstrate that it is more likely than not that at least 1 of the claims challenged in the petition is unpatentable.” 35 U.S.C. § 324(a). Upon consideration of the evidence and arguments in the Petition (including its supporting testimonial evidence) and the evidence and arguments in the Preliminary Response (including its supporting testimonial evidence), we determine that Petitioner has not demonstrated that the ’153 patent is eligible for post-grant review. Accordingly, we decline to institute a post-grant review of claims 1–24 based on the grounds articulated in the Petition.” slip op. at 2
- Skill levelOther
“In determining the level of ordinary skill in the art, various factors may be considered, including the “type of problems encountered in the art; prior art solutions to those problems; rapidity with which innovations are made; sophistication of the technology; and educational level of active workers in the field.” In re GPAC, Inc., 57 F.3d 1573, 1579 (Fed. Cir. 1995) (citing Custom Accessories, Inc. v. Jeffrey-Allan Indus., Inc., 807 F.2d 955, 962 (Fed. Cir. 1986)). “These factors are not exhaustive but are merely a guide to determining the level of ordinary skill in the art.” Daiichi Sankyo Co. v. Apotex, Inc., 501 F.3d 1254, 1256 (Fed. Cir. 2007). We determine that no express finding is necessary, on the present record, and that the level of ordinary skill in the art is reflected by the prior art of record. See Okajima v. Bourdeau, 261 F.3d 1350, 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2001); In re GPAC Inc., 57 F.3d 1573, 1579 (Fed. Cir. 1995); In re Oelrich, 579 F.2d 86, 91 (CCPA 1978). Further, for purposes of this institution decision, and on the present record, we determine that the adoption of either party’s proposal regarding requisite work experience would not change our analysis or conclusions. C. Claim Construction” slip op. at 12
- Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)No construction needed
“The parties put forward several terms for construction. Pet. 14–17; Prelim. Resp. 9–12. With respect to Grounds I through VII, we have determined that no claim constructions are required in order to address the points at issue. See Nidec Motor Corp. v. Zhongshan Broad Ocean Motor Co., 868 F.3d 1013, 1017 (Fed. Cir. 2017) (noting that “we need only construe terms that are in controversy, and only to the extent necessary to resolve the controversy” (internal citation omitted)). Claim construction is required to resolve certain issues arising in connection with Ground VIII. Accordingly, we construe certain terms in our discussion of that ground, infra.” slip op. at 13
- Claim Construction › Intrinsic evidence (Phillips canons) › Plain and ordinary meaning to a POSITATerm construed board ownDecided for patent owner
“through the undermold.” The term “aperture only partially extending through said undermold” was added to the claims of the ’254 parent application by amendment. Ex. 1021, 103–105; Ex. 1020, 6:60–8:47. With this amendment, the claims of the ’254 patent align with Figure 7, reproduced below. Figure 7 of the ’254 Patent (Figure 7 of the ’153 patent is identical to Figure 7 of the ’254 patent except for minor stylistic changes). As can be seen, the aperture occupied by drop line 12 extends partially through the undermold to compression lug 20 while the aperture occupied by feeder cable 14 extends completely through the undermold. This suggests a construction of “aperture extending partially through the undermold” where such aperture does not extend completely through the undermold. Such a construction of “aperture extending partially through the undermold” is consistent with the plain meaning of “extending partially.”” slip op. at 62
Claim construction§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousness§ 112 disclosureDiscretionary denialcites KSR · Graham · NautilusPatents in suitUS 11,689,153 - PTAB · Sep 27, 2024 · IPR2024-00674 · APJ Monica S Ullagaddi · IPR · Institution
The Board instituted review of claim 44 on all asserted grounds and granted Texas Instruments’ motion to join IPR2023-01244 in an understudy role.
RulingsInstitution decision- Parallel petitionsDecided for petitioner
“On the present record, we agree with Petitioner that the two petitions filed to challenge the claims of the ’222 patent will not substantially burden the Board or the parties. The petitions in IPR2024-00673 and IPR2024- 00674 challenge different claims, and those claims appear on the present record to have different claim scope, as Petitioner argues. Paper 3, 3–4 (arguing that claim 44, challenged in IPR2024-00674, recites “a ‘surface layer,’ a ‘single drift layer,’ and ‘at least one well region disposed in the single drift layer,’ which are not” recited in the claims challenged in IPR2024-00673); Ex. 1001, 4:39–8:39. In addition, there is little overlap between the prior art asserted in the two petitions, and what overlap there is—the use of Kawagoe in both petitions—is used in different prior-art combinations in each petition. Compare IPR2024-00673, Paper 4, 5 (asserting Kawagoe alone and in combination with Gupta or Silverbrook), with IPR2024-00674, Paper 4, 5 (asserting Kawagoe in combination with Sakai). Accordingly, we do not exercise our discretion to deny either of the petitions challenging the ’222 patent for being parallel petitions.” slip op. at 5
- PTAB / AIA Trials › §315(b) time barNot time barredDecided for petitioner
“instituted if the petition requesting the proceeding is filed more than 1 year after the date on which the petitioner, real party in interest, or privy of the petitioner is served with a complaint alleging infringement of the patent.” Patent Owner argues that the Petition is untimely under 35 U.S.C. § 315(b) because Petitioner is in privity with time-barred entities. Prelim. Resp. 16– 37. However, 35 U.S.C. § 315(b) also provides that the one year time bar “shall not apply to a request for joinder under subsection (c).” See also 37 C.F.R. § 42.122(b). Since the Petition is accompanied by a timely request for joinder (Paper 2) to the instituted proceeding (IPR2023-01244), which we grant as further discussed below (see infra § V), Patent Owner’s argument that the Petition is time-barred under 35 U.S.C. § 315(b) is moot, regardless of whether Petitioner is in privity with time-barred entities.” slip op. at 5
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)InstitutedInstituted
“statements made during prosecution of the ’195 patent contradict its arguments in the present proceeding. See generally Prelim. Resp. Based on the present record, Patent Owner’s statements during prosecution support a preliminary finding that a graded dopant concentration is enough to teach 9 The examined claims of the ’195 patent generally recited “a unidirectional drift field drawing all minority carriers from said surface layer to said substrate.” Ex. 1020, 286. Patent Owner amended the claims of the ’195 patent to recite “maintain[ing] a single static unidirectional electric drift field to aid the movement of minority carriers from said surface layer to said substrate.” Id. aiding carrier movement in a particular direction. Patent Owner does not dispute that Payne has a drift layer having a static unidirectional electric drift field and a well region having a graded concentration of dopants and a static unidirectional electric drift field at this stage of the proceeding. See generally Prelim. Resp. Patent Owner also does not dispute that Payne’s transistor has a surface layer and a substrate having an area with no active regions. Id. At this stage of the proceeding, Petitioner has the better position.” slip op. at 16
- Obviousness (§103) › Graham factors (scope of art, differences, level of skill)Instituted
“statements made during prosecution of the ’195 patent contradict its arguments in the present proceeding. See generally Prelim. Resp. Based on the present record, Patent Owner’s statements during prosecution support a preliminary finding that a graded dopant concentration is enough to teach 9 The examined claims of the ’195 patent generally recited “a unidirectional drift field drawing all minority carriers from said surface layer to said substrate.” Ex. 1020, 286. Patent Owner amended the claims of the ’195 patent to recite “maintain[ing] a single static unidirectional electric drift field to aid the movement of minority carriers from said surface layer to said substrate.” Id. aiding carrier movement in a particular direction. Patent Owner does not dispute that Payne has a drift layer having a static unidirectional electric drift field and a well region having a graded concentration of dopants and a static unidirectional electric drift field at this stage of the proceeding. See generally Prelim. Resp. Patent Owner also does not dispute that Payne’s transistor has a surface layer and a substrate having an area with no active regions. Id. At this stage of the proceeding, Petitioner has the better position.” slip op. at 16
§ 103 obviousnessDiscretionary denialPatents in suitUS 11,121,222 - PTAB · Sep 27, 2024 · IPR2024-00673 · APJ Monica S Ullagaddi · IPR · Institution
The Board instituted review of claims 1–9, 13–28, and 32–42 on all asserted grounds and granted Texas Instruments’ motion to join IPR2023-01242 in an understudy role.
RulingsInstitution decision- Parallel petitionsDecided for petitioner
“On the present record, we agree with Petitioner that the two petitions filed to challenge the claims of the ’222 patent will not substantially burden the Board or the parties. The petitions in IPR2024-00673 and IPR2024- 00674 challenge different claims and, on the present record, those claims 8 Patent Trial and Appeal Board Consolidated Trial Practice Guide (Nov. 2019), available at https://www.uspto.gov/TrialPracticeGuideConsolidated (“CTPG”). appear to have different claim scope, as Petitioner argues. Paper 3, 3–4 (arguing that claim 44, challenged in IPR2024-00674, recites “a ‘surface layer,’ a ‘single drift layer,’ and ‘at least one well region disposed in the single drift layer,’ which are not” recited in the claims challenged in IPR2024-00673); Ex. 1001, 4:39–8:39. In addition, there is little overlap between the prior art asserted in the two petitions, and what overlap there is—reliance on Kawagoe in both petitions—is applied in different prior art combinations in each petition. Compare IPR2024-00673, Paper 4, 5 (asserting Kawagoe alone and in combination with Gupta or Silverbrook), with IPR2024-00674, Paper 4, 5 (asserting Kawagoe in combination with Sakai). Accordingly, we do not exercise our discretion to deny either of the petitions challenging the ’222 patent for being parallel petitions.” slip op. at 5
- PTAB / AIA Trials › §315(b) time barNot time barredDecided for petitioner
“III. WHETHER THE PETITION IS TIME-BARRED Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 315(b), “[a]n inter partes review may not be instituted if the petition requesting the proceeding is filed more than 1 year after the date on which the petitioner, real party in interest, or privy of the petitioner is served with a complaint alleging infringement of the patent.” Patent Owner argues that the Petition is untimely under 35 U.S.C. § 315(b) because Petitioner is in privity with time-barred entities. Prelim. Resp. 19– 39. However, 35 U.S.C. § 315(b) also provides that the one-year time bar “shall not apply to a request for joinder under subsection (c).” See also 37 C.F.R. § 42.122(b). Because the Petition is accompanied by a timely request for joinder (Paper 2) to the instituted proceeding (IPR2023-01242), which we grant as further discussed below (see infra § V), Patent Owner’s argument that the Petition is time-barred under 35 U.S.C. § 315(b) is moot, irrespective of whether Petitioner is in privity with time-barred entities.” slip op. at 6
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)InstitutedInstituted
“statements made during prosecution of the ’195 patent contradict its arguments in the present proceeding. See generally Prelim. Resp. Based on the present record, Patent Owner’s statements during prosecution support a preliminary finding that a graded dopant concentration is enough to teach 13 The examined claims of the ’195 patent generally recited “a unidirectional drift field drawing all minority carriers from said surface layer to said substrate.” Ex. 1016, 286. Patent Owner amended the claims of the ’195 patent to recite “maintain[ing] a single static unidirectional electric drift field to aid the movement of minority carriers from said surface layer to said substrate.” Id. aiding carrier movement in a particular direction. Patent Owner does not dispute that Kawagoe has a graded dopant concentration in the active region at this stage of the proceeding. See generally Prelim. Resp. Patent Owner also does not dispute that Kawagoe’s transistor has carriers in the active region or that the graded dopant concentration of Kawagoe is lowered from the surface to the bottom substrate (Ex. 1007, Fig. 17). See generally Prelim. Resp. At this stage of the proceeding, Petitioner has the better position.” slip op. at 19
- Obviousness (§103) › Graham factors (scope of art, differences, level of skill)Instituted
“under the pre-AIA version of 35 U.S.C. § 112, first paragraph and found that “movement of minority carriers is affected by multiple forces and fields” and that “it does not appear that simply the presence of ‘a unidirectional drift field’ in itself can achieve ‘drawing all minority carriers from said surface layer to said substrate.’” Ex. 1016, 289 (emphasis added). Patent Owner responded with the following argument: [A] unidirectional drift (electric) field necessarily affects all the present minority carriers in the same way - moving all minority carriers in the same direction because of the unidirectional drift due to the existence of the electric field. See “Physics and Technology of Semiconductor Devices,” A.S. Grove, pp. 224– 225, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, 1st Edition 1967 (“This same electric field will then be of such direction as to aid the motion of injected holes. Thus the injected minority carriers will now move not only by diffusion but also by drift due to the existence of this electric field.”). Depending on the particular slope of the graded concentration of dopant, all minority carriers are either swept “down” (from the surface layer to the substrate) or “up” (from the substrate to the surface layer). See Applicant’s Figs. 5(b) and 5(c). Id. Patent Owner further argued that the Examiner’s finding appears to not consider that the graded dopant concentration itself creates a “built-in” electrical field that forces the movement of carriers into a particular direction, whereby the “direction” of the electrical field and the resulting direction of the carrier movement depends solely on the slope of the graded concentration of dopant. With regard to the existence of a “built-in” electric field created by a graded dopant density, . . . this inherent “built-in” unidirectional electric field is the additional parameter for ensuring that all minority carriers are being moved in one direction and which parameter the Office Action deemed to be missing from the disclosure. Id. at 289–90 (emphases added). Also, “without conceding its position on this issue,” Patent Owner amended claims to eliminate reference to “all carriers” and instead, refer to “carriers.” 13 Id. at 290. 4. Analysis of Claim 1 At this stage of the proceeding, we determine that Patent Owner’s statements made during prosecution of the ’195 patent contradict its arguments in the present proceeding. See generally Prelim. Resp. Based on the present record, Patent Owner’s statements during prosecution support a preliminary finding that a graded dopant concentration is enough to teach 13 The examined claims of the ’195 patent generally recited “a unidirectional drift field drawing all minority carriers from said surface layer to said substrate.” Ex. 1016, 286. Patent Owner amended the claims of the ’195 patent to recite “maintain[ing] a single static unidirectional electric drift field to aid the movement of minority carriers from said surface layer to said substrate.” Id. aiding carrier movement in a particular direction. Patent Owner does not dispute that Kawagoe has a graded dopant concentration in the active region at this stage of the proceeding. See generally Prelim. Resp. Patent Owner also does not dispute that Kawagoe’s transistor has carriers in the active region or that the graded dopant concentration of Kawagoe is lowered from the surface to the bottom substrate (Ex. 1007, Fig. 17). See generally Prelim. Resp. At this stage of the proceeding, Petitioner has the better position.” slip op. at 18
§ 103 obviousnessDiscretionary denialPatents in suitUS 11,121,222 - PTAB · Sep 27, 2024 · IPR2024-00672 · APJ Julia Heaney · IPR · Institution
The Board instituted review of claims 1–18 on all asserted grounds and granted Texas Instruments’ motion to join IPR2023-01243 in an understudy role.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)InstitutedInstituted
“At this stage of the proceeding, we determine that the arguments and evidence of record favor Petitioner. Both parties agree that a downward-sloping gradient, as disclosed in Kawagoe, will create an electrical field with a force in a direction toward the substrate. See generally Prelim. Resp.; Ex. 1007, 16:7–9. Patent Owner does not meaningfully dispute that Kawagoe has a graded dopant concentration in an active region. See generally Prelim. Resp. Further, Patent Owner contradictorily stated during prosecution of the ’195 patent that a graded dopant concentration itself creates “a built-in electrical field that forces the movement of carriers in a particular direction” (Ex. 1016, 289–290) and is “the additional parameter for ensuring that all minority carriers are being moved in one direction” (id. at 290). In light of this evidentiary record, which at most presents a material issue of fact for resolution at trial, we determine Petitioner establishes a reasonable likelihood of prevailing in its challenge of claim 1. We decline to further discuss the parties’ arguments or resolve any disputed issues as to challenges based on Kawagoe on this preliminary record, because the trial in the 1243 IPR is the better proceeding in which to do so. Specifically, as compared to the preliminary phase of this case, the instituted trial in the 1243 IPR affords the parties better opportunity to brief, argue, and develop evidence in support of their positions. Thus, for the same reasons stated in our Decision on Institution in the 1243 IPR, we determine the Petition here warrants institution.” slip op. at 16
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successInstituted
“deficient because Kawagoe’s disclosure of graded dopant concentration teaches impeding carrier movement rather than aiding it, as required by claim element 1.5. Prelim. Resp. 13–14. Patent Owner relies on Kawagoe’s disclosure that the concentration gradient prevents electrons from entering the p-well. Id. at 14 (citing Ex. 1007, 16:7–11). Patent Owner further argues Kawagoe’s carriers are not in the active regions, as required by claim element 1.5. Id. at 14–16 (citing Ex. 1003 ¶ 91, n.5). At this stage of the proceeding, we determine that the arguments and evidence of record favor Petitioner. Both parties agree that a downward-sloping gradient, as disclosed in Kawagoe, will create an electrical field with a force in a direction toward the substrate. See generally Prelim. Resp.; Ex. 1007, 16:7–9. Patent Owner does not meaningfully dispute that Kawagoe has a graded dopant concentration in an active region. See generally Prelim. Resp. Further, Patent Owner contradictorily stated during prosecution of the ’195 patent that a graded dopant concentration itself creates “a built-in electrical field that forces the movement of carriers in a particular direction” (Ex. 1016, 289–290) and is “the additional parameter for ensuring that all minority carriers are being moved in one direction” (id. at 290). In light of this evidentiary record, which at most presents a material issue of fact for resolution at trial, we determine Petitioner establishes a reasonable likelihood of prevailing in its challenge of claim 1.” slip op. at 15
- PTAB / AIA Trials › §315(b) time barNot time barredDecided for petitioner
“II. TIMELINESS OF PETITION UNDER 35 U.S.C. § 315(B) Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 315(b), “[a]n inter partes review may not be instituted if the petition requesting the proceeding is filed more than 1 year after the date on which the petitioner, real party in interest, or privy of the petitioner is served with a complaint alleging infringement of the patent.” 1 The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (“AIA”), Pub. L. No. 112-29, 125 Stat. 284, 287–88 (2011), included revisions to 35 U.S.C. §§ 102 and 103 that became effective in 2013, after the effective filing date of the challenged claims. See Ex. 1001, codes (22), (60). Therefore, we apply the pre-AIA versions of 35 U.S.C. §§ 102 and 103(a). 2 US 6,043,114, issued March 28, 2000 (Ex. 1007, “Kawagoe”). Petitioner asserts that Kawagoe is prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(b). Pet. 4. 3 US 6,163,877, issued December 19, 2000 (Ex. 1014, “Gupta”). Petitioner asserts that Gupta is prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(b). Pet. 5. 4 US 2003/0183856 A1, published October 2, 2003 (Ex. 1006, “Wieczorek”). Petitioner asserts that Wieczorek is prior art under 35 U.S.C. §§ 102(a),(e). Pet. 4. 5 Stanley Wolf and Richard N. Tauber, Silicon Processing for the VLSI Era, Vols. 1–4, Lattice Press (2000) (Ex. 1008, “Wolf”). Petitioner asserts that Wolf was published and publicly available no later than 2002, and is prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(b). Pet. 5 (citing Exs. 1012, 1013, 1036). Exhibit 1008 was submitted in four parts (A–D) and includes selected portions of Wolf. We cite to Wolf using its original page numbers and omit the exhibit part designations. Patent Owner argues that the Petition is untimely under 35 U.S.C. § 315(b) because Petitioner is in privity with time-barred entities. Prelim. Resp. 18– 39. However, 35 U.S.C. § 315(b) also provides that the one-year time bar “shall not apply to a request for joinder under subsection (c).” See also 37 C.F.R. § 42.122(b). Because the Petition is accompanied by a timely request for joinder (Paper 2) to the instituted proceeding (IPR2023-01243), which we grant as further discussed below, Patent Owner’s argument that the Petition is time-barred under 35 U.S.C. § 315(b) is moot, irrespective of whether Petitioner is in privity with time-barred entities.” slip op. at 8
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Joinder §315(c) / SAS all-or-nothingJoinder, grantedGranted
“Patent Owner’s first argument is not persuasive because it is based on speculation that Petitioner “is trying to block settlement with any of these defendants unless [Patent Owner] also settles with” Petitioner. Opp. Mot. Join. 5. As discussed below, we determine that Patent Owner will not be prejudiced unduly by the joinder. Moreover, we note that even in a situation where the petitioner and patent owner in the proceeding to be joined had settled (Code200 v. Bright Data Ltd., IPR2022-00861, Paper 17 at 5 (PTAB July 25, 2022) (vacated)), the Director nevertheless vacated a decision to deny a motion for joinder. Code200 v. Bright Data Ltd., IPR2022-00861, Paper 18 at 7 (Office of the Director of the USPTO Aug. 23, 2022) (precedential); see also eBay, Inc. v. Lexos Media IP, LLC, IPR2024-00336, Paper 11 at 13–15 (PTAB Feb. 23, 2024). Patent Owner’s second argument is moot because Patent Owner’s Request for Director Review has been denied. 1243 IPR, Paper 43 (PTAB Apr. 24, 2024). Based on the facts and circumstances discussed above, we determine Petitioner has established good cause for joining the 1243 IPR. Specifically, we find that joining Petitioner to the 1243 IPR is unlikely to require any delay or modification to the scheduling order already in place for the 1243 IPR. We also determine that Patent Owner will not be prejudiced unduly by the joinder of this proceeding. Thus, we determine that granting the Motion for Joinder would help “secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive resolution” of these proceedings. See 37 C.F.R. § 42.1(b). For the above reasons, we grant Petitioner’s Motion for Joinder and join Petitioner as a party to the 1243 IPR.” slip op. at 19
§ 103 obviousnessPatents in suitUS 10,510,842
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.