- Wombat Security Technologies v. Phishme, Inc.Rehearing deniedPTAB · Jul 20, 2017 · PGR2017-00009 · APJ Jennifer S Bisk · PGR · Rehearing
The Board denied Wombat’s rehearing request, leaving institution of PGR denied because the petition did not show the patent was eligible for PGR.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, deniedDenied
“DISCUSSION The applicable standard for granting a request for rehearing is abuse of discretion. 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(c). The requirements of a request for rehearing are set forth in 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(d), which provides in relevant part: A party dissatisfied with a decision may file a single request for rehearing without prior authorization from the Board. The burden of showing a decision should be modified lies with the party challenging the decision. The request must specifically identify all matters the party believes the Board misapprehended or overlooked, and the place where each matter was previously addressed in a motion, an opposition, or a reply.” slip op. at 3
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied
“sufficiently shown that the ’038 patent was eligible for post-grant review. Inst. Dec. 8–13. Specifically, we found deficient Petitioner’s contention that the challenged claims were not entitled to the benefit of the filing date of Application No. 13/785,252 (“the ’252 application”) to which the ’038 patent claims priority as a continuation-in-part. Inst. Dec. 8–13. This finding was based on the following deficiencies of the Petition: (1) the Petition did not discuss the relevant disclosure of the application to which the ’038 patent claims priority—Application No. 13/785,282 (“the ’252 application”)—as originally filed, citing instead to the ’940 patent, which issued from the ’252 application; (2) the Petition did not address the Examiner’s statements in the Notice of Allowability that “[t]he present application is being examined under the pre-AIA first to invent provisions”; and (3) Petitioner did not satisfy its burden to show that a person of ordinary skill in the art would not have understood the inventor to have possession of “providing feedback to the individual confirming that the identified email was a simulated phishing attack” (“the feedback limitation”). Id. For the third deficiency, we found the feedback limitation supported by at least paragraphs 5 and 18 of the ’252 application, which discuss training individuals who receive simulated phishing attacks such that users are better able to recognize and thwart a real phishing attack. Id. at 11–12.” slip op. at 2
- BurdenDecided for patent owner
“being recited expressly in the ’252 application it “satisf[ied] its burden to establish that it was more likely than not that the ’038 patent was not entitled to the filing date of the [’252 application].” Reh’g Req. 3. In Blue Calypso, LLC v. Groupon, Inc., however, the Federal Circuit explicitly found that identifying a limitation as not being recited expressly in the specification at issue was not enough to support a finding of lack of written description. 815 F.3d 1331, 1345 (Fed. Cir. 2016). The Federal Circuit explained that it was “troubled by the fact that the Board did not cite any evidence other than the fact that the terms were not present in the specification to support its finding,” concluding this placed “undue weight on the absence of the [exact] terms appearing in the specification.” Id. at 1345–46. Petitioner’s burden, therefore, is not established simply by pointing out that the ’252 application does not explicitly state the feedback limitation.” slip op. at 4
- Disclosure Requirements (§112) › Written description (Ariad)Not reached
“being recited expressly in the ’252 application it “satisf[ied] its burden to establish that it was more likely than not that the ’038 patent was not entitled to the filing date of the [’252 application].” Reh’g Req. 3. In Blue Calypso, LLC v. Groupon, Inc., however, the Federal Circuit explicitly found that identifying a limitation as not being recited expressly in the specification at issue was not enough to support a finding of lack of written description. 815 F.3d 1331, 1345 (Fed. Cir. 2016). The Federal Circuit explained that it was “troubled by the fact that the Board did not cite any evidence other than the fact that the terms were not present in the specification to support its finding,” concluding this placed “undue weight on the absence of the [exact] terms appearing in the specification.” Id. at 1345–46. Petitioner’s burden, therefore, is not established simply by pointing out that the ’252 application does not explicitly state the feedback limitation.” slip op. at 4
§ 112 disclosurePatents in suitUS 9,398,038 - L’Oréal USA, Inc. v. Liqwd, Inc.Institution deniedPTAB · Jul 19, 2017 · PGR2017-00011 · APJ Christopher M Kaiser · PGR · Institution
The Board denied institution of PGR on claims 1–10 because Petitioner did not show that any claim was more likely than not unpatentable under § 112.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied
“review. 35 U.S.C. § 324(c); 37 C.F.R. § 42.4(a). The standard for instituting a post-grant review is set forth in 35 U.S.C. § 324(a), which provides that a post-grant review may not be instituted “unless the Director determines . . . it is more likely than not that at least 1 of the claims challenged in the petition is unpatentable.”” slip op. at 2
- Claim Construction › Intrinsic evidence (Phillips canons) › Prosecution history disclaimer / disavowalTerm construed patent owner constructionDecided for patent owner
“Moreover, “[a]pplicants can define . . . claim scope during prosecution,” just as they can in a patent specification. Teva Pharms. USA, Inc. v. Sandoz, Inc., 789 F.3d 1335, 1343 (Fed. Cir. 2015). Here, during prosecution of the ’419 patent, the applicant stated that “[t]he term ‘hair coloring agent’ refers to a colorant or pigment that is customarily used in hair care products, which changes the color or tone of the hair it is applied to based on visual inspection.” Ex. 1005, 7. To define specific terms used to describe an invention, the applicant need only set out the definition “with reasonable clarity, deliberateness, and precision,” “so as to give one of ordinary skill in the art notice of the change” in meaning. In re Paulsen, 30 F.3d 1475, 1480 (Fed. Cir. 1994). On the present record, the definition of the term “hair coloring agent” set out in the prosecution history of the ’419 patent is sufficiently clear, deliberate, and precise to give a person of ordinary skill in the art notice that the term is used in the ’419 patent in a manner that does not include substances other than “colorant[s] or pigment[s] that [are] customarily used in hair care products,” even if those other substances might be described as “hair coloring agents” outside the context of the ’419 patent. Ex. 1005, 7. Accordingly, we should give effect to that definition. Because Patent Owner’s proposed construction of “wherein the mixture does not contain a hair coloring agent” gives effect to the prosecution history’s definition of “hair coloring agent,” we adopt Patent Owner’s proposed construction for purposes of the present decision. Thus, on the present record, and for purposes of the present decision, we construe “wherein the mixture does not contain a hair coloring agent” as “wherein the mixture applied to the hair does not have a colorant or pigment that is customarily used in hair care products, which changes the color or tone of the hair it is applied to based on visual inspection.”” slip op. at 6
- Disclosure Requirements (§112) › Definiteness (Nautilus)Not shown unpatentable
“to determine the scope of the claims. As discussed above, however, we interpret “wherein the mixture does not contain a hair coloring agent” as “wherein the mixture applied to the hair does not have a colorant or pigment that is customarily used in hair care products, which changes the color or tone of the hair it is applied to based on visual inspection.” We have not been directed to evidence of record that a person of ordinary skill in the art would have considered a bleaching agent to be “a colorant or pigment.” Pet. 7 (describing bleaching as a “process[] that destroy[s] pigment to change hair color,” as opposed to a “process[] that deposit[s] dyes, pigments, or other substances onto the hair to change hair color”); Ex. 1006 ¶¶ 14–15 (contrasting “dyeing,” meaning “processes that alter or change hair color by depositing dyes, pigments, or other substances onto the hair,” with “bleaching,” meaning “the application of an oxidizing agent to hair to destroy the natural or artificial pigment”). Accordingly, on the present record, we are not persuaded that Petitioner has shown that it is more likely than not that claims 1–10 of the ’419 patent are indefinite.” slip op. at 10
- Disclosure Requirements (§112) › Written description (Ariad)Not shown unpatentable
“wherein the mixture does not contain a hair coloring agent.” Pet. 36–39; Prelim. Resp. 39–40. If “a hair coloring agent” encompasses bleaching agents, then the claims all require a bleaching formulation and simultaneously exclude a bleaching agent, a scope that Petitioner argues is not described in the specification of the ’419 patent. As discussed above, however, we interpret “wherein the mixture does not contain a hair coloring agent” as “wherein the mixture applied to the hair does not have a colorant or pigment that is customarily used in hair care products, which changes the color or tone of the hair it is applied to based on visual inspection.” We have not been directed to evidence of record that a person of ordinary skill in the art would have considered a bleaching agent to be “a colorant or pigment.” Pet. 7 (describing bleaching as a “process[] that destroy[s] pigment to change hair color,” as opposed to a “process[] that deposit[s] dyes, pigments, or other substances onto the hair to change hair color”); Ex. 1006 ¶¶ 14–15 (contrasting “dyeing,” meaning “processes that alter or change hair color by depositing dyes, pigments, or other substances onto the hair,” with “bleaching,” meaning “the application of an oxidizing agent to hair to destroy the natural or artificial pigment”). Accordingly, on the present record, we are not persuaded that Petitioner has shown it is more likely than not that claims 1–10 of the ’419 patent lack written description support. slip op. at 12
Claim construction§ 112 disclosurePatents in suitUS 9,498,419 - Coalition For Affordable Drugs (Adroca) LLC v. Acorda Therapeutics, Inc.No claims unpatentablePTAB · Mar 9, 2017 · IPR2015-01853 · APJ Susan L C Mitchell · IPR · Final written decision
Claims 1–52 of the ’703, claims 1–3, 5–8, and 10–41 of the ’826, claims 1–8 of the ’685, and claims 1–40 of the ’437 were not shown unpatentable under § 103.
RulingsFinal written decision- Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)No construction neededOther
“Petitioner asserts constructions for the following claim terms, “less than 15 milligrams,” “release profile,” “matrix,” “improving walking,” and “initiating treatment.” Pet. 18–19. Patent Owner contends that Petitioner has failed to provide an explanation as to why the identified claim terms require construction and why the Board should depart from the plain and ordinary meaning of the terms. Prelim. Resp. 17, n.4. In the Institution Decision, we agreed with Patent Owner and determined that it was unnecessary to construe explicitly the claim terms for purposes of the Institution Decision. See Dec. Instit. 6 (citing Wellman, Inc. v. Eastman Chem. Co., 642 F.3d 1355, 1361 (Fed. Cir. 2011) (“[C]laim terms need only be construed ‘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))). We also determine here that we need not construe expressly any claim term in order to issue a Final Written Decision regarding the patentability of the challenged claims.” slip op. at 7
- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner
“1. Level of Skill Petitioner’s declarants, Drs. Pleasure and Polli, testify that a person of ordinary skill in connection with the ’703 patent would have had an M.D. or Ph.D. in neuroscience or a related field with an understanding of pharmacokinetics and at least some experience in providing drug therapy to MS patients. Ex. 1023 ¶ 16, Ex. 1044 ¶ 13. Additionally, Drs. Pleasure and Polli testify that a person of ordinary skill in the art would have had access to a person having an advanced degree in pharmaceutics or pharmaceutical formulation, specifically oral sustained release formulations, or at least five years of experience in formulating sustained oral release drug products and may work as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Ex. 1023 ¶¶ 16–17; Ex. 1044 ¶¶ 13–14. Patent Owner does not dispute this recitation of the level of ordinary skill in the art. See Ex. 2042 ¶ 68 n.5. We adopt the level of ordinary skill in the art identified by Drs. Pleasure and Polli as it is consistent with the prior art of record. See Okajima v. Bourdeau, 261 F.3d 1350, 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2001) (stating level of ordinary skill in the art may be reflected by the prior art of record); In re GPAC Inc., 14 57 F.3d 1573, 1579 (Fed. Cir. 1995); In re Oelrich, 579 F.2d 86, 91 (CCPA 1978).” slip op. at 14
- Disclosure Requirements (§112) › Written description (Ariad)Written description adequateEntitled to earlier dateDecided for patent owner
“In order for claims of the ’703 patent to be entitled to benefit of the filing date of the Provisional, the Provisional must provide written description support for those claims. See 35 U.S.C. § 120. To satisfy the written description requirement of 35 U.S.C. § 112, first paragraph, and provide support for the challenged claims of the ’703 patent under 35 U.S.C. § 120, the Provisional must describe the claimed invention in sufficient detail that one skilled in the art can reasonably conclude that the inventor had possession of the claimed invention. See In re Wertheim, 541 F.2d 257, 261, 262 (CCPA 1976); Vas-Cath Inc. v. Mahurkar, 935 F.2d 1555, 1563– 64 (Fed. Cir. 1991). The primary consideration in determining whether appropriate written description support exists “is factual and depends on the nature of the invention and the amount of knowledge imparted to those skilled in the art by the disclosure.” Union Oil Co. of Cal. v. Atlantic Richfield Co., 208 F.3d 989, 996 (Fed. Cir. 2000).” slip op. at 27
- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Priority / effective filing date / continuation supportPriority date awardedDecided for patent owner
“We are persuaded by Dr. Hayes’ testimony as confirmed by testimony from Drs. Pleasure and Polli, and conclude that the Provisional supports the CavSS ranges in claims 14–15 and 35–36. Dr. Hayes offers credible 34 testimony concerning how one of skill in the art would interpret Table 7 of the Provisional, which depicts essentially the same data as Table 3 of Hayes. See Ex. 2041 ¶ 17. Dr. Hayes interpretation of the data in Table 7 is supported by testimony from Drs. Pleasure and Polli that about two thirds of the measured data fall within one standard deviation and approximately 95 percent of measured values are within two standard deviations from the mean. Id. at 20–22 (citing deposition testimony from Drs. Pleasure and Polli confirming such an understanding). We agree with Dr. Hayes that “[i]n light of the fact that a POSA would immediately recognize that Table 7 of the ’894 Provisional (Ex. 1007-00045) shows possession of measured data beyond even two standard deviations from its reported mean values, a more complete view of the information reported in Table 7 would consider data dispersed beyond two standard deviations from the mean” to encompass a CavSS range from 3.7–37.8 ng/ml. Ex. 2041 ¶ 23. We are not persuaded by Dr. Fairweather’s testimony that Table 7 supports a CavSS of only 15.1 ng/ml to 26.5 ng.ml. See Ex. 1066 ¶ 21. Dr. Fairweather was asked if he could identify where “range” is defined as plus or minus one standard deviation, and he replied that he could not identify where he found such a definition, Ex. 2176, 44:13–22, but Dr. Fairweather confirmed such a definition is not how he would define “range” in his usual practice, Id. at 92:20–93:21. See also id. at 108:5–11 (conceding there may not be any document that defines “range” as one 35 standard deviation from the mean). When asked whether he could justify the range that he provided for CavSS in his declaration, Dr. Fairweather stated that he could not. Id. at 104:25–105:2. He testified that he conceded the smallest range so as to avoid a discussion of what’s the proper definition for range. Id. at 104:16–20. Dr. Fairweather stated twice that he was not a person of skill in the art and would not be able to answer what assumptions such a person would make when reviewing Table 7 of the Provisional. Id. 136:16–23, 138:14–139:7. Finally, Dr. Fairweather also testified that he could not rule out whether the CavSS data for the 10 mg b.i.d. dose described in Table 7 of the Provisional had a range of at least 15 to 35 ng/ml. Id. at 90:9–92:19. In light of these statements, we do not credit Dr. Fairweather’s testimony.” slip op. at 34
Patent outcomesUS 8,007,826 not shown unpatentableClaim construction§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousness§ 112 disclosurecites KSR · GrahamPatents in suitUS 8,007,826 - Coalition For Affordable Drugs (Adroca) LLC v. Acorda Therapeutics, Inc.No claims unpatentablePTAB · Mar 9, 2017 · IPR2015-01850 · APJ Susan L C Mitchell · IPR · Final written decision
Claims 1–52 of the ’703 patent were not shown unpatentable because S-1 was not prior art under § 102(a) or (b), defeating each instituted § 103 ground.
RulingsFinal written decision- Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)No construction neededOther
“Petitioner asserts constructions for the following claim terms, “less than 15 milligrams,” “release profile,” “matrix,” “improving walking,” and “initiating treatment.” Pet. 18–19. Patent Owner contends that Petitioner has failed to provide an explanation as to why the identified claim terms require construction and why the Board should depart from the plain and ordinary meaning of the terms. Prelim. Resp. 17, n.4. In the Institution Decision, we agreed with Patent Owner and determined that it was unnecessary to construe explicitly the claim terms for purposes of the Institution Decision. See Dec. Instit. 6 (citing Wellman, Inc. v. Eastman Chem. Co., 642 F.3d 1355, 1361 (Fed. Cir. 2011) (“[C]laim terms need only be construed ‘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))). We also determine here that we need not construe expressly any claim term in order to issue a Final Written Decision regarding the patentability of the challenged claims.” slip op. at 7
- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for patent owner
“1. Level of Skill Petitioner’s declarants, Drs. Pleasure and Polli, testify that a person of ordinary skill in connection with the ’703 patent would have had an M.D. or Ph.D. in neuroscience or a related field with an understanding of pharmacokinetics and at least some experience in providing drug therapy to MS patients. Ex. 1023 ¶ 16, Ex. 1044 ¶ 13. Additionally, Drs. Pleasure and Polli testify that a person of ordinary skill in the art would have had access to a person having an advanced degree in pharmaceutics or pharmaceutical formulation, specifically oral sustained release formulations, or at least five years of experience in formulating sustained oral release drug products and may work as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Ex. 1023 ¶¶ 16–17; Ex. 1044 ¶¶ 13–14. Patent Owner does not dispute this recitation of the level of ordinary skill in the art. See Ex. 2042 ¶ 68 n.5. We adopt the level of ordinary skill in the art identified by Drs. Pleasure and Polli as it is consistent with the prior art of record. See Okajima v. Bourdeau, 261 F.3d 1350, 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2001) (stating level of ordinary skill in the art may be reflected by the prior art of record); In re GPAC Inc., 14” slip op. at 14
- Disclosure Requirements (§112) › Written description (Ariad)Written description adequateEntitled to earlier dateDecided for patent owner
“In order for claims of the ’703 patent to be entitled to benefit of the filing date of the Provisional, the Provisional must provide written description support for those claims. See 35 U.S.C. § 120. To satisfy the written description requirement of 35 U.S.C. § 112, first paragraph, and provide support for the challenged claims of the ’703 patent under 35 U.S.C. § 120, the Provisional must describe the claimed invention in sufficient detail that one skilled in the art can reasonably conclude that the inventor had possession of the claimed invention. See In re Wertheim, 541 F.2d 257, 261, 262 (CCPA 1976); Vas-Cath Inc. v. Mahurkar, 935 F.2d 1555, 1563– 64 (Fed. Cir. 1991). The primary consideration in determining whether appropriate written description support exists “is factual and depends on the nature of the invention and the amount of knowledge imparted to those skilled in the art by the disclosure.” Union Oil Co. of Cal. v. Atlantic Richfield Co., 208 F.3d 989, 996 (Fed. Cir. 2000).” slip op. at 27
- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Priority / effective filing date / continuation supportPriority date awardedDecided for patent owner
“Because the Provisional provides written description support for the challenged claims, S-1 potentially qualifies as prior art only under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a), but not § 102(b), because the S-1 publication date of September 26, 2003 is less than one year before the filing date of the Provisional of April 9, 2004. As discussed in more detail below, however, Patent Owner has provided evidence that S-1 is not prior art to the claims of the ’703 patent under § 102(a) either because the pertinent portions of the S-1 are the original work of inventors Drs. Blight and Cohen. See 35 U.S.C. § 102(a); Katz, 687 F.2d at 454 (stating “one’s own work is not prior art under sec. 102(a) even though it has been disclosed to the public in a manner or form which otherwise would fall under [sec.] 102(a)”).” slip op. at 37
Patent outcomesUS 8,440,703 not shown unpatentableClaim construction§ 102 anticipation§ 112 disclosurecites KSR · GrahamPatents in suitUS 8,440,703 - Coalition For Affordable Drugs (Adroca) LLC v. Acorda Therapeutics, Inc.No claims unpatentablePTAB · Mar 9, 2017 · IPR2015-01858 · APJ Susan L C Mitchell · IPR · Final written decision
Claims 1–40 of the ’437 patent were not shown unpatentable under § 103 because S-1 was not prior art under § 102(a) or (b).
RulingsFinal written decision- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedOther
“1. Level of Skill Petitioner’s declarants, Drs. Pleasure and Polli, testify that a person of ordinary skill in connection with the ’703 patent would have had an M.D. or Ph.D. in neuroscience or a related field with an understanding of pharmacokinetics and at least some experience in providing drug therapy to MS patients. Ex. 1023 ¶ 16, Ex. 1044 ¶ 13. Additionally, Drs. Pleasure and Polli testify that a person of ordinary skill in the art would have had access to a person having an advanced degree in pharmaceutics or pharmaceutical formulation, specifically oral sustained release formulations, or at least five years of experience in formulating sustained oral release drug products and may work as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Ex. 1023 ¶¶ 16–17; Ex. 1044 ¶¶ 13–14. Patent Owner does not dispute this recitation of the level of ordinary skill in the art. See Ex. 2042 ¶ 68 n.5. We adopt the level of ordinary skill in the art identified by Drs. Pleasure and Polli as it is consistent with the prior art of record. See Okajima v. Bourdeau, 261 F.3d 1350, 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2001) (stating level of ordinary skill in the art may be reflected by the prior art of record); In re GPAC Inc.,” slip op. at 14
- Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)No construction neededOther
“Petitioner asserts constructions for the following claim terms, “less than 15 milligrams,” “release profile,” “matrix,” “improving walking,” and “initiating treatment.” Pet. 18–19. Patent Owner contends that Petitioner has failed to provide an explanation as to why the identified claim terms require construction and why the Board should depart from the plain and ordinary meaning of the terms. Prelim. Resp. 17, n.4. In the Institution Decision, we agreed with Patent Owner and determined that it was unnecessary to construe explicitly the claim terms for purposes of the Institution Decision. See Dec. Instit. 6 (citing Wellman, Inc. v. Eastman Chem. Co., 642 F.3d 1355, 1361 (Fed. Cir. 2011) (“[C]laim terms need only be construed ‘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))). We also determine here that we need not construe expressly any claim term in order to issue a Final Written Decision regarding the patentability of the challenged claims.” slip op. at 7
- Disclosure Requirements (§112) › Written description (Ariad)Written description adequateEntitled to earlier dateDecided for patent owner
“We agree with Patent Owner that the Provisional provides adequate written description support for the challenged claims of the ’703 patent. We agree with Drs. Lublin and Peck and credit their testimony that one of skill in art reading the Study Design schematic for Example 11 would have understood that a patient in the 10 mg b.i.d. arm of the study would have received 10 mg b.i.d. throughout the two-week upward titration period. As 10 mg b.i.d. is the lowest dose except for placebo, we find that it necessarily 30 follows that those patients in the 10 mg b.i.d. arm of the study do not need upward titration to the treatment dose because they start and finish at the lower 10 mg dose.” slip op. at 30
- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Prior-art status of a reference › Patents / published applications (effective date, provisional support)Reference not prior artNot shown unpatentable
“Although the burden of persuasion for unpatentability never shifts from Petitioner during the trial, the burden of production may shift. See Dynamic Drinkware, 800 F.2d at 1379. Petitioner adequately met its burden of production by presenting S-1 as prior art that on its face lists authors that differ from the inventors of the patents at issue. See Ex. 1003, 92. Patent Owner has responded with ample and persuasive evidence, however, that Drs. Blight and Cohen are the sole source of the disclosure of S-1. Thus, Patent Owner satisfies any burden of production to refute Petitioner’s case that S-1 is prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a). See supra. Petitioner’s response to Patent Owner’s evidence does not persuade us that the portions of S-1 upon which they rely are not solely attributable to Drs. Blight and Cohen. Specifically, Petitioner offers evidence from the S-1 of a statement that the MS-F202 clinical trial was designed “after extensive consultation with a panel of expert MS neurologists and with the FDA,” arguing that statement indicates that Drs. Blight and Cohen may not be the sole authors 41 of the protocol for this clinical trial. Reply 2. Petitioner further argues that Drs. Blight and Cohen’s deposition testimony supports its contention that Drs. Blight and Cohen may not be the sole authors of the protocol for this clinical trial because they could not recall the details of that consultation. Id. at 3 (citing Ex. 1064, 64:18–65:14; Ex. 1063, 76:20–77:20, 80:9–81:14, 110:13–111:2). Petitioner also takes issue with another statement in S-1 indicating that in early 2002, Drs. Blight and Cohen drafted descriptions of the MS-F201 and MS-F202, although version 1.0 of the MS-F202 protocol is dated October 2002. Id. at 2 (citing Paper 28, 16; Ex. 2050, 6). Finally, Petitioner points to publications discussing MS-F201 and MS-F202 where Drs. Blight and Cohen are not consistently named as authors and other authors, such as Drs. Goodman and Katz, are listed. Id. at 3–4. We find that Petitioner’s evidence that allegedly casts doubt on the authorship of the relevant portions of S-1 is not sufficient to overcome the ample, unequivocal evidence presented by Patent Owner that supports our finding that the relevant portions of S-1 are the original work of Drs. Blight and Cohen alone. See In re Katz, 687 F.2d at 455. Both Drs. Cohen and Blight state that they alone are the inventors and sole originators of the work in S-1 upon which Petitioner relies. See Exs. 2044, 2045. Five other declarants, intimately involved in the development of S-1, two of which now work for entities other than Acorda, substantiate this testimony. See Exs. 2046–2048, 2052, 2056. Relying on statements that may, on their face,” slip op. at 41
Patent outcomesUS 8,354,437 not shown unpatentableClaim construction§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousness§ 112 disclosurecites KSR · GrahamPatents in suitUS 8,354,437 - Coalition For Affordable Drugs (Adroca) LLC v. Acorda Therapeutics, Inc.No claims unpatentablePTAB · Mar 9, 2017 · IPR2015-01857 · APJ Susan L C Mitchell · IPR · Final written decision
Claims 1–8 of the ’685 patent were not shown unpatentable because S-1 was not prior art, alone or with Hayes or Juarez.
RulingsFinal written decision- Disclosure Requirements (§112) › Written description (Ariad)Written description adequateEntitled to earlier dateDecided for patent owner
“filing date of the Provisional, the Provisional must provide written description support for those claims. See 35 U.S.C. § 120. To satisfy the written description requirement of 35 U.S.C. § 112, first paragraph, and provide support for the challenged claims of the ’703 patent under 35 U.S.C. § 120, the Provisional must describe the claimed invention in sufficient detail that one skilled in the art can reasonably conclude that the inventor had possession of the claimed invention. See In re Wertheim, 541 F.2d 257, 261, 262 (CCPA 1976); Vas-Cath Inc. v. Mahurkar, 935 F.2d 1555, 1563– 64 (Fed. Cir. 1991). The primary consideration in determining whether appropriate written description support exists “is factual and depends on the nature of the invention and the amount of knowledge imparted to those skilled in the art by the disclosure.” Union Oil Co. of Cal. v. Atlantic Richfield Co., 208 F.3d 989, 996 (Fed. Cir. 2000).” slip op. at 27
- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Priority / effective filing date / continuation supportPriority date awardedReference not prior artDecided for patent owner
“Because the Provisional provides written description support for the challenged claims, S-1 potentially qualifies as prior art only under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a), but not § 102(b), because the S-1 publication date of September 26, 2003 is less than one year before the filing date of the Provisional of April 9, 2004. As discussed in more detail below, however, Patent Owner has provided evidence that S-1 is not prior art to the claims of the ’703 patent under § 102(a) either because the pertinent portions of the S-1 are the original work of inventors Drs. Blight and Cohen. See 35 U.S.C. § 102(a); Katz, 687 F.2d at 454 (stating “one’s own work is not prior art under sec. 102(a) even though it has been disclosed to the public in a manner or form which otherwise would fall under [sec.] 102(a)”).” slip op. at 37
- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Prior-art status of a reference › Applicant-admitted prior artReference not prior artDecided for patent owner
“We find that Petitioner’s evidence that allegedly casts doubt on the authorship of the relevant portions of S-1 is not sufficient to overcome the ample, unequivocal evidence presented by Patent Owner that supports our finding that the relevant portions of S-1 are the original work of Drs. Blight and Cohen alone. See In re Katz, 687 F.2d at 455. Both Drs. Cohen and Blight state that they alone are the inventors and sole originators of the work in S-1 upon which Petitioner relies. See Exs. 2044, 2045. Five other declarants, intimately involved in the development of S-1, two of which now work for entities other than Acorda, substantiate this testimony. See Exs. 2046–2048, 2052, 2056. Relying on statements that may, on their face, 42 indicate that others may have been involved without any evidence that others were, in fact, originators of the work in question or inventors is simply not enough to carry Petitioner’s burden to show that the S-1 is prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a). For the reasons discussed above, we determine that S-1 does not qualify as prior art to the claims of the ’703 patent under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a) or (b). Thus, all of Petitioner’s challenges to the patentability of the claims of the ’703 patent, which depend on S-1 alone or in combination with Hayes or Juarez, fail. Petitioner, therefore, has not carried its burden to prove unpatentability of claims 1–52 of the ’703 patent by a preponderance of the evidence.9” slip op. at 42
- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Prior-art status of a reference › Printed publication / public accessibilityNot reached
“For the reasons discussed above, we determine that S-1 does not qualify as prior art to the claims of the ’703 patent under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a) or (b). Thus, all of Petitioner’s challenges to the patentability of the claims of the ’703 patent, which depend on S-1 alone or in combination with Hayes or Juarez, fail. Petitioner, therefore, has not carried its burden to prove unpatentability of claims 1–52 of the ’703 patent by a preponderance of the evidence.9 D. IPR2015-01853; IPR2015-01857; and IPR2015-01858 Petitioner’s patentability challenges to the claims of U.S. Patent No. 8,354,437 B2 (“the ’437 patent”), U.S. Patent No. 8,007,826 B2 (“the ’826 patent”), and U.S. Patent No. 8,354,437 B2 (“the ’437 patent”), at issue in IPR2015-01853, IPR2015-01857, and IPR2015-01858, respectively, essentially raise the same issues presented in the patentability challenge to the claims of the ’703 patent in IPR2015-01850. Therefore, we chose to 9 Because we find that S-1 is not prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a), we need not reach whether S-1 is a printed publication.” slip op. at 43
Patent outcomesUS 8,663,685 not shown unpatentable§ 102 anticipation§ 112 disclosurecites KSR · GrahamPatents in suitUS 8,663,685 - Dr. Reddy’S Laboratories, Ltd. / Dr. Reddy’S Laboratory, Inc. v. Helsinn Healthcare S.A.Institution deniedPTAB · Aug 17, 2016 · PGR2016-00008 · APJ Toni R Scheiner · PGR · Institution
The Board denied institution because Petitioner did not show that claims 1–19 lacked written-description support or violated the AIA on-sale bar.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsDenied
“35 U.S.C. § 324(c); 37 C.F.R. § 42.4(a). The standard is set forth in § 324(a), which provides that a post-grant review shall not be instituted unless “the Director determines that the information presented in the petition filed under section 321, 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.” After considering the Petition and the Preliminary Response, we determine that Petitioner has failed to demonstrate that it is more likely than” slip op. at 2
- Disclosure Requirements (§112) › Written description (Ariad)Written description adequateNot shown unpatentable
“The written description requirement is satisfied when the specification “set[s] forth enough detail to allow a person of ordinary skill in the art to understand what is claimed and to recognize that the inventor invented what 7 Patent Owner additionally provides Appendix A to the Preliminary Response. Appendix A purportedly maps the requirements of claims 1–19 to the specification. 11 is claimed.” University of Rochester v. G.D. Searle & Co., Inc., 358 F.3d 916, 928 (Fed. Cir. 2004). Here, it is undisputed that the specification describes formulations comprising the same ingredients, in the same amounts, concentrations, and combinations required by the challenged claims. Given this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art could hardly fail to recognize a description of the claimed formulations in the specification, whether or not the claims recite that the formulations are stable.” slip op. at 11
- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Prior-art status of a reference › On-sale bar (Pfaff, Helsinn)Not shown unpatentableNot shown unpatentable
“A person shall be entitled to a patent unless—(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention . . . . As an AIA first-inventor-to-file patent, the ’942 patent is subject to AIA § 102(a)(1). Thus, the dispositive issue in this case is whether § 102(a)(1) requires a public sale or offer for sale of the claimed invention to trigger the on-sale bar.” slip op. at 18
§ 102 anticipation§ 112 disclosurePatents in suitUS 9,173,942 - Life Technologies Corporation v. Unisone Strategic IP, Inc.All claims unpatentablePTAB · Jun 28, 2016 · CBM2015-00037 · APJ Jacqueline Wright Bonilla · CBM · Final written decision
Claims 52, 62, 67, 70–76, 81, 83–85, and 96 are unpatentable under § 101 because they claim the abstract idea of inventory management using generic computer components.
RulingsFinal written decision- Expert testimonyPetitioner expert creditedDecided for petitioner
“degrees in inventory management or similar fields such as supply chain control or logistics” per se, and has “not studied, for a profession, the history of inventory management.” Id. at 34–35 (citing Ex. 2005, 16:14–21, 41:22– 42:3). According to Patent Owner, “Dr. Siegel admits he has no expertise in information management history and only attempted to educate himself in order to prepare his declaration.” Id. at 35. It is clear from Dr. Siegel’s testimony, however, that he has extensive experience in “the use of information technology with business strategy and operations,” has handled professionally “issues related to the integration of information” using computer and software systems, and holds advanced degrees in engineering and computer science. Ex. 1006 ¶¶ 3–11. We are satisfied that Dr. Siegel possesses sufficient qualifications to testify on matters that are relevant to our analysis here, including matters that do not concern the alleged “ancient” history of inventory management. PO Resp. 35. For example, Dr. Siegel testifies that relevant aspects of automated inventory management and VMI were well known before the priority date of the ’538 patent. Ex. 1006 ¶¶ 25–28 (citing Ex. 1018); Ex. 1027 ¶¶ 5–22 (citing Exs. 1020-1022, 1024, 1025). Dr. Siegel also testifies that the ’538 patent specification describes hardware and software that “require only generic computer implementation—not specialized hardware or software.” Ex. 1006 ¶¶ 43–54, 78–79, 89. In addition, Dr. Siegel discusses general concepts of inventory management using a computer and whether certain limitations of the challenged claims can be performed mentally, using pen and paper, or manually, without use of a computer. Id. at ¶¶ 40, 58–66, 80, 90.” slip op. at 23
- Claim Construction › Intrinsic evidence (Phillips canons) › Plain and ordinary meaning to a POSITATerm construed patent owner constructionDecided for patent owner
“Both Petitioner and Patent Owner present constructions for several claim terms. Pet. 19–24; PO Resp. 12–23. For example, Patent Owner asserts that Petitioner misconstrues the term “customer” by defining it as “a buyer (person or organization) that uses the claimed inventory management.” PO Resp. 15; Pet. 19–20. Consistent with the specification of the ’538 patent, we adopt Patent Owner’s construction of “customer” as referring to a “buyer of products via the present invention” (Ex. 1001, 5:52– 56), i.e., a buyer of products using the inventory management system recited in the respective claims.” slip op. at 7
- Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)No construction neededNot reached
“Patent Owner also presents constructions in relation to other claim terms such as “inventory restocking parameters provided by said customer,” “tracks” or “tracking,” “access” to information according to “assigned permissions or roles,” and “detecting.” PO Resp. 18–23. For many of the reasons stated in Petitioner’s reply to those constructions, we decline Patent Owner’s invitation to import inappropriately “computerized” aspects into those general terms, notwithstanding the fact that the challenged claims elsewhere recite computer components, such as a “computer,” “databases,” and “software.” Reply 23–25; see also Ex. 1001, 3:3–10 (stating that Customer Inventory System 130 allows manual inventory tracking). For purposes of this Decision otherwise, however, we need not expressly construe claim terms further. Vivid Techs., Inc. v. Am. Sci. & Eng’g, Inc., 200 F.3d 795, 803 (Fed. Cir. 1999) (only claim terms in controversy need to be construed, and only to the extent necessary to resolve the controversy).” slip op. at 8
- Patent Eligibility (§101) › Alice/Mayo step one — 'directed to'Step1 directed to exceptionUnpatentable
“Based on the complete record before us, we determine that claim 67 is directed to the abstract idea of managing inventory in view of information. We are persuaded that managing inventory in view of collected and analyzed customer inventory, cost information, restocking information provided by a customer, as recited in claim 67, describes the basic concept of inventory management, i.e., a “fundamental economic practice.” Alice, 134 S. Ct. at 2356. The method of claim 67 is sufficiently similar in this regard to the method of hedging against financial risk at issue in Bilski, 130 S.Ct. 3218 (2010), and the idea of intermediated settlement at issue in Alice, 134 S. Ct. at 2356–57 (discussing Bilski). See also Accenture Global Servs., GmbH v. Guidewire Software, Inc., 728 F.3d 1336, 1344 (Fed. Cir. 2013) (holding the abstract idea at the heart of a system claim to be “generating tasks [based on] rules . . . to be completed upon the occurrence of an event” (citation omitted)).” slip op. at 22
Patent outcomesUS 6,996,538 unpatentableClaim construction§ 101 eligibilitycites Alice · Mayo · BilskiPatents in suitUS 6,996,538 - Nintendo Of America Inc. / Nintendo Co., Ltd. v. Ilife TechnologiesAll claims unpatentablePTAB · Apr 28, 2016 · IPR2015-00106 · APJ Michelle R Osinski · IPR · Final written decision
Claims 1–3, 21, and 22 are unpatentable: claims 2–3 as obvious over Yasushi and claims 1–3, 21, and 22 as obvious over Unuma.
RulingsFinal written decision- Skill levelOther
- Obviousness (§103) › Analogous artNot reached
- Disclosure Requirements (§112) › Written description (Ariad)Entitled to earlier dateNot entitled to earlier dateMixed
“[of Figure 1] also senses along a third axis.” Pet. Reply 5. We do not find this argument persuasive for the reasons discussed above in relation to claim construction. In view of how we have construed the claims at issue, Patent Owner does not need to show written description support in its priority documents for a system that measures acceleration along all three axes, but rather must show support for a sensor that senses accelerative phenomena with regard to a system of axes (in three dimensions) in relation to which position or motion can be defined. As discussed above, in certain embodiments, such sensing can be accomplished by measuring acceleration along two axes. Petitioner also argues that “a third sensor would need to be added to a two axis accelerometer in order to sense relative to a 3D frame of reference.” Pet. Reply 5 (citing Ex. 1010, 9:25–10:22; 26:20–27:8). Although Dr. Sturges indicates that he “would have had to add another accelerometer orthogonal to the other two” in order “to establish a three-dimensional coordinate system” (Ex. 1010, 10:18–22), we do not find this testimony persuasive to support that a third sensor would be needed in order to sense relative to a three dimensional frame of reference. This portion of testimony relates to how three accelerometers can establish a three-dimensional coordinate system, not whether acceleration measurements in two dimensions provides information regarding a body relative to a 3D frame of reference. See id. at 9:25–10:22. As discussed above, the ’939 patent describes a system that specifically contemplates a fall detection application for a body, which contemplates the up/down (z axis), i.e., measures acceleration along two axes to obtain information about (sense acceleration phenomena of) a body relative to a 3D frame of reference. Ex. 1001, 8:21– 27. As to Dr. Sturges’ further testimony that a dual-axis accelerometer would not establish a three-dimensional coordinate system (Ex. 1010, 27:4– 8), we do not find this testimony persuasive to support a finding that a third sensor is needed in order to sense relative to a three dimensional frame of reference. A dual axis accelerometer alone, without additional information regarding the system/environment in which it will be operating, is different from a dual axis accelerometer defined to be in a particular orientation. For example, consistent with our discussion above regarding disclosures in the Specification, Dr. Sturges has testified that a third axis could be defined even if there was no sensing along that axis. See, e.g., Ex. 1010, 45:15–21 (“Q. So how is that Z axis—so it’s drawn in there as a third dimension, but what is defining that Z axis? A. That those axes are relative to the space in which the instrument exists, and the axes are attached so that we can see the – the frame of reference clearly in that figure.”). Accordingly, we determine that Patent Owner has shown sufficiently how the parent application (filed on September 15, 1999) describes sensing acceleration phenomena of a body relative to a 3D frame of reference, as recited in the challenged claims. Petitioner also argues that two inventors of the ’939 patent “confirmed that sensing acceleration relative to a 3D frame of reference requires sensing along three axes (‘up and down, front to back, and side to side’).” Pet. Reply 5 (citing Ex. 2007, 11; Ex. 2008, 19). We also are not persuaded by this argument, which essentially contends that disclosure of three acceleration measuring devices is required to establish written description support here. As discussed above, a sensor that comprises two acceleration” slip op. at 24
- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Priority / effective filing date / continuation supportPriority date awardedPriority date, deniedMixed
“For the foregoing reasons, we determine that Patent Owner has shown sufficiently that the written description of the parent application filed on September 15, 1999, conveyed with reasonable clarity that the inventors were in possession of a sensor that sensed accelerative phenomena of a body with regard to a system of axes (in three dimensions) in relation to which position or motion could be defined in the environment, in accordance with the construction of the claim as set forth above. Accordingly, we determine that claim 1 is entitled to a priority date of September 15, 1999. In the Decision on Institution, we also noted that “entitlement to priority is decided on a claim-by-claim basis, and various claims may be entitled to different priority dates.” Dec. Inst. 15 (quoting X2Y Attenuators, LLC v. Int’l Trade Comm’n, 757 F.3d 1358, 1366 (Fed. Cir. 2014)). Petitioner’s basis for asserting that dependent claims 2 and 3 lack written description support in the parent application filed on September 15, 1999 appears to be their dependence on independent claims 1 and 11. Pet. Reply 5 (citing Ex. 1011 ¶¶ 11–23). Patent Owner asserts that dependent claim 2 is also entitled to a priority date of at least September 15, 1999. Prelim. Resp. 13. Patent Owner makes no such assertion regarding dependent claim 3 being entitled to the September 15, 1999 priority date. See id. Petitioner bears the burden of going forward with evidence that there is art prior to the application date of the ’939 patent that either anticipates or renders obvious the claims of the ’939 patent, which it has. Patent Owner then has the burden of going forward with evidence (i) that the prior art does not actually anticipate or render obvious the claims, or (ii) that the alleged prior art is not actually prior art because the challenged claim is entitled to the benefit of a filing date prior to the date of the alleged prior art. The second item requires Patent Owner to show why the written description in the earlier application supports the claim. See Tech. Licensing Corp. v. Videotek, Inc., 545 F.3d 1316, 1327 (Fed. Cir. 2008). Dependent claim 2 recites “wherein one of said plurality of different” slip op. at 28
Patent outcomesUS 6,703,939 unpatentable§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousness§ 112 disclosurecites PhillipsPatents in suitUS 6,703,939 - Nintendo Of America, Inc. / Nintendo Co., Ltd. v. Ilife Technologies, Inc.All claims unpatentablePTAB · Apr 28, 2016 · IPR2015-00115 · APJ Jacqueline Wright Bonilla · IPR · Final written decision
Claims 1 and 11 are unpatentable as obvious over Unuma; the Yasushi ground fails because Yasushi is not prior art.
RulingsFinal written decision- BurdenDecided for patent owner
“Yasushi was published on November 10, 1998. As described above, claims 1 and 11 of the ’890 patent are entitled to a priority date of September 15, 1999. Thus, Yasushi is available as prior art against these claims under 35 U.S.C § 102(a) unless Patent Owner establishes (i) a reduction to practice before November 10, 1998, or (ii) conception before November 10, 1998, followed by a diligent reduction to practice. Purdue Pharma L.P. v. Boehringer Ingelheim GMBH, 237 F.3d 1359, 1365 (Fed. Cir. 2001) (“To antedate . . . an invention, a party must show either an earlier reduction to practice, or an earlier conception followed by a diligent reduction to practice.”) (emphasis added) (citation omitted).” slip op. at 27
- Disclosure Requirements (§112) › Written description (Ariad)Written description adequateEntitled to earlier dateDecided for patent owner
“[of Figure 1] also senses along a third axis.” Reply 5. We do not find this argument persuasive for the reasons discussed above in relation to claim construction. In view of how we have construed the claims at issue, Patent Owner does not need to show written description support in its priority documents for a system that measures acceleration along all three axes, but rather must show support for a sensor that senses accelerative phenomena with regard to a system of axes (in three dimensions) in relation to which position or motion can be defined. As discussed above, in certain embodiments, such sensing can be accomplished by measuring acceleration along two axes. Petitioner also argues that “a third sensor would need to be added to a two axis accelerometer in order to sense relative to a 3D frame of reference.” Reply 5 (citing Ex. 1012, 9:25–10:22; 26:20–27:8). Although Dr. Sturges indicates that he “would have had to add another accelerometer orthogonal to the other two” in order “to establish a three-dimensional coordinate system” (Ex. 1012, 10:18–22), we do not find this testimony persuasive to support that a third sensor would be needed in order to sense relative to a three dimensional frame of reference. This portion of testimony relates to how three accelerometers can establish a three-dimensional coordinate system, not whether acceleration measurements in two dimensions provides information regarding a body relative to a 3D frame of reference. See id. at 9:25–10:22. As discussed above, the ’890 patent describes a system that specifically contemplates a fall detection application for a body, which contemplates the up/down (z axis) of interest, i.e., measures acceleration along two axes to obtain information about (sense acceleration phenomena of) a body relative to a 3D frame of reference. Ex. 1001, 8:64–9:17. As to Dr. Sturges’ further testimony that a dual-axis accelerometer would not establish a three-dimensional coordinate system (Ex. 1012, 27:4– 8), we do not find this testimony persuasive to support a finding that a third sensor is needed in order to sense relative to a three dimensional frame of reference. A dual axis accelerometer alone, without additional information regarding the system/environment in which it will be operating, is different from a dual axis accelerometer defined to be in a particular orientation. For example, consistent with our discussion above regarding disclosures in the specification, Dr. Sturges has testified that a third axis could be defined even if there was no sensing along that axis. See, e.g., Ex. 1012, 45:15–21 (“Q. So how is that Z axis—so it’s drawn in there as a third dimension, but what is defining that Z axis? A. That those axes are relative to the space in which the instrument exists, and the axes are attached so that we can see the – the frame of reference clearly in that figure.”). Accordingly, we determine that Patent Owner has shown sufficiently how the great-grandparent application (filed on September 15, 1999) describes sensing acceleration phenomena (claim 1), and measuring dynamic and static acceleration (claim 11), of a body relative to a 3D frame of reference, as recited in the challenged claims.” slip op. at 22
- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Priority / effective filing date / continuation supportPriority date awardedDecided for patent owner
“For the foregoing reasons, we determine that Patent Owner has shown sufficiently that the written description of the great-grandparent application filed on September 15, 1999, conveyed with reasonable clarity that the inventors were in possession of a sensor that sensed accelerative phenomena, as recited in claim 1 (or measured dynamic and static acceleration, as recited in claim 11), of a body with regard to a system of axes (in three dimensions) in relation to which position or motion could be defined in the environment, in accordance with the construction of the claims as set forth above. Accordingly, we determine that claims 1 and 11 are entitled to a priority date of September 15, 1999.” slip op. at 26
- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Anticipation standard (single reference, every element)Reference not prior artNot shown unpatentableNot shown unpatentable
“Yasushi was published on November 10, 1998. As described above, claims 1 and 11 of the ’890 patent are entitled to a priority date of September 15, 1999. Thus, Yasushi is available as prior art against these claims under 35 U.S.C § 102(a) unless Patent Owner establishes (i) a reduction to practice before November 10, 1998, or (ii) conception before November 10, 1998, followed by a diligent reduction to practice. Purdue Pharma L.P. v. Boehringer Ingelheim GMBH, 237 F.3d 1359, 1365 (Fed. Cir. 2001) (“To antedate . . . an invention, a party must show either an earlier reduction to practice, or an earlier conception followed by a diligent reduction to practice.”) (emphasis added) (citation omitted).” slip op. at 27
Patent outcomesUS 7,479,890 unpatentable§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousness§ 112 disclosurePatents in suitUS 7,479,890
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.