- PTAB · Jun 19, 2019 · IPR2018-01159 · APJ Bart A Gerstenblith · IPR · Rehearing
The Board denied West’s rehearing request, leaving institution denied because the petition did not show a reasonable likelihood of prevailing on the challenged claims.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, deniedDenied
“In a request for rehearing, we do not review the merits of the Institution Decision de novo. Instead, we consider whether Petitioner has met its burden of showing that a matter has been misapprehended or overlooked. 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(d) (“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.”). We conclude that Petitioner has not met this burden in its Request for Rehearing.” slip op. at 2
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied
“Initially, we remind Petitioner that we did not find that one of ordinary skill in the art would not have been motivated to modify Carrel in view of David-Hegerich. See Dec. on Inst. 17–22. Rather, we found that Petitioner did not demonstrate a reasonable likelihood of showing that one of ordinary skill in the art would have modified Carrel as proposed by Petitioner. See id.” slip op. at 3
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successNot reached
“Initially, we remind Petitioner that we did not find that one of ordinary skill in the art would not have been motivated to modify Carrel in view of David-Hegerich. See Dec. on Inst. 17–22. Rather, we found that Petitioner did not demonstrate a reasonable likelihood of showing that one of ordinary skill in the art would have modified Carrel as proposed by Petitioner. See id.” slip op. at 3
§ 103 obviousnessPatents in suitUS 9,586,011 - Necksgen, Inc. v. Simpson Performance Products, Inc.Rehearing deniedPTAB · Jul 25, 2018 · IPR2018-00133 · APJ Bart A Gerstenblith · IPR · Rehearing
The Board denied rehearing, leaving in place its denial of institution because Petitioner did not show the asserted art taught claim 1[d] or establish motivation to combine with a reasonable expectation of success.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, deniedDenied
“II. STANDARD OF REVIEW When considering a request for rehearing, the Board reviews its decision for an abuse of discretion. 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(c). An abuse of discretion may arise if the decision was based on an erroneous interpretation of law, if a factual finding is not supported by substantial evidence, or if an unreasonable judgment is made in weighing relevant factors. Star Fruits S.N.C. v. U.S., 393 F.3d 1277, 1281 (Fed. Cir. 2005); Arnold P’ship v. Dudas, 362 F.3d 1338, 1340 (Fed. Cir. 2004). Additionally: “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. 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(d).” slip op. at 2
- Claim Construction › Intrinsic evidence (Phillips canons) › Lexicography (patentee as own lexicographer)Term construed board ownDecided for patent owner
“the Preliminary Response. In our Decision, we determined that “[w]e do not need to construe expressly any claim terms for purposes of this Decision” because it did not appear, from the arguments presented, that any claim terms were in dispute. Dec. 6. When we considered the parties’ positions in reaching our Decision, we were aware that the term “tether” was defined in the ’529 patent, even though Petitioner did not state that expressly. In other words, we understood, and now explicitly determine, that the patentee acted as his own lexicographer by setting forth a specific definition for “tether” in the ’529 patent. Phillips v. AWH Corp., 415 F.3d 1303, 1316 (Fed. Cir. 2005) (en banc) (if the specification “reveal[s] a special definition given to a claim term by the patentee that differs from the meaning it would otherwise possess[,] . . . the inventor’s lexicography governs”) (citing CCS Fitness, Inc. v. Brunswick Corp., 288 F.3d 1359, 1366 (Fed. Cir. 2002)).” slip op. at 4
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successNot shown unpatentableMotivation not foundNot shown unpatentable
“Motivation to Combine & Reasonable Expectation of Success Petitioner contends that we abused our discretion by failing to consider the appropriate claim scope when evaluating motivation to combine and reasonable expectation of success. Req. Reh’g 10–14. First, as discussed above, we did not fail to consider the appropriate claim scope. Second, we have now set forth that claim scope expressly. In light of our discussion above, our analysis regarding motivation to combine and reasonable expectation of success is no different from that which we set forth in our Decision. Dec. 11–15. Petitioner’s reiteration of the same positions set forth in Petition does not persuade us that we abused our discretion in finding that Petitioner has not established a reasonable likelihood of demonstrating that one of ordinary skill in the art would have been promoted to modify and combine the teachings as proposed by Petitioner with a reasonable expectation of success. Accordingly, we are unpersuaded by Petitioner’s argument that we abused our discretion with respect to these issues.” slip op. at 8
Claim construction§ 103 obviousnesscites PhillipsPatents in suitUS 9,351,529 - Abiomed, Inc., Abiomed R&D, Inc., And Abiomed Europe GmbH v. Maquet Cardiovascular, LLCRehearing deniedPTAB · Feb 7, 2018 · IPR2017-01209 · APJ Bart A Gerstenblith · IPR · Rehearing
The Board denied rehearing, leaving in place the denial of institution because the petition did not sufficiently show that Aboul-Hosn disclosed or supported combining the challenged embodiments.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, deniedDenied
“II. STANDARD OF REVIEW When considering a request for rehearing, the Board reviews its decision for an abuse of discretion. 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(c). An abuse of discretion may arise if the decision is based on an erroneous interpretation of 2 The ’1025 Petition challenges claims 16–18 of the ’100 patent. 3 The ’1208 Petition challenges claims 7–9 and 11–15 of the ’437 patent. 4 The ’1209 Petition challenges claims 5, 10, 16, and 25 of the ’437 patent. 5 Petitioner filed a Request for Rehearing in each of the above-captioned proceedings. The Requests for Rehearing effectively are identical. This Decision specifically references the Request from IPR2017-01025 although the discussion applies equally to Petitioner’s Requests in IPR2017-01208 and IPR2017-01209. Citations are to IPR2017-01025, unless otherwise indicated. law, if a factual finding is not supported by substantial evidence, or if an unreasonable judgment is made in weighing relevant factors. Star Fruits S.N.C. v. U.S., 393 F.3d 1277, 1281 (Fed. Cir. 2005); Arnold P’ship v. Dudas, 362 F.3d 1338, 1340 (Fed. Cir. 2004); In re Gartside, 203 F.3d 1305, 1315–16 (Fed. Cir. 2000). We further note that 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(d) states: 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 2
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied
“assessment of all evidence in the record to determine whether the challenged claims would have been obvious. Rather, the Decision to deny institution of inter partes review was based on Petitioner’s failure to establish a reasonable likelihood of success at trial based on the arguments presented in the Petition, and the evidence relied upon in support of those particular arguments. Petitioner has the burden of showing, in its petition, a reasonable likelihood that it would prevail. 35 U.S.C. § 314(a). That reasonable likelihood is measured by considering the analysis offered by Petitioner. 37 C.F.R. § 42.104(b) (setting forth the requirements of a petition, including specificity and identification of support).” slip op. at 3
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successNot shown unpatentableMotivation not foundNot shown unpatentable
“There is no express disclosure from Aboul-Hosn identified by Petitioner, in the Petition, or even in its Request, that the pump in Figures 1– 13 is included in Figure 23. In fact, and as noted in our Decision (Dec. 9), Aboul-Hosn expressly states that “Figure[] 23 . . . illustrate[s a] different embodiment[] of the present invention” (Ex. 1004, 30:20–21). Petitioner faults our characterization of the above passage from Aboul-Hosn, noting “[t]he ellipses, missing language and brackets are materially important.” Req. Reh’g 12. Petitioner contends that “[t]he Board’s errant paraphrase gives the misimpression that Figure 23 is an entirely different invention than any other in Aboul-Hosn. But, in context, the meaning is different. Figure 23 is a different embodiment than Figure 24. . . .” Id. at 12–13. The entire sentence spanning lines 20–21 on page 30 of Aboul-Hosn reads: “Figures 23 and 24 illustrate two different embodiments of the present invention.” Ex. 1004, 30:20–21. We are not persuaded that we misread that sentence. That sentence specifically references Figures 23 and 24 as two different embodiments, meaning that Figures 23 and 24 are each different embodiments, not only with respect to one another, but also with respect to the other embodiments disclosed.6” slip op. at 4
§ 103 obviousnessPatents in suitUS 9,597,437 - PTAB · Feb 7, 2018 · IPR2017-01208 · APJ Bart A Gerstenblith · IPR · Rehearing
The Board denied the rehearing request, leaving institution denied because Petitioner did not sufficiently show that Aboul-Hosn disclosed or supported combining the cited embodiments.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, deniedDenied
“II. STANDARD OF REVIEW When considering a request for rehearing, the Board reviews its decision for an abuse of discretion. 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(c). An abuse of discretion may arise if the decision is based on an erroneous interpretation of 2 The ’1025 Petition challenges claims 16–18 of the ’100 patent. 3 The ’1208 Petition challenges claims 7–9 and 11–15 of the ’437 patent. 4 The ’1209 Petition challenges claims 5, 10, 16, and 25 of the ’437 patent. 5 Petitioner filed a Request for Rehearing in each of the above-captioned proceedings. The Requests for Rehearing effectively are identical. This Decision specifically references the Request from IPR2017-01025 although the discussion applies equally to Petitioner’s Requests in IPR2017-01208 and IPR2017-01209. Citations are to IPR2017-01025, unless otherwise indicated. law, if a factual finding is not supported by substantial evidence, or if an unreasonable judgment is made in weighing relevant factors. Star Fruits S.N.C. v. U.S., 393 F.3d 1277, 1281 (Fed. Cir. 2005); Arnold P’ship v. Dudas, 362 F.3d 1338, 1340 (Fed. Cir. 2004); In re Gartside, 203 F.3d 1305, 1315–16 (Fed. Cir. 2000). We further note that 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(d) states: 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 2
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied
“assessment of all evidence in the record to determine whether the challenged claims would have been obvious. Rather, the Decision to deny institution of inter partes review was based on Petitioner’s failure to establish a reasonable likelihood of success at trial based on the arguments presented in the Petition, and the evidence relied upon in support of those particular arguments. Petitioner has the burden of showing, in its petition, a reasonable likelihood that it would prevail. 35 U.S.C. § 314(a). That reasonable likelihood is measured by considering the analysis offered by Petitioner. 37 C.F.R. § 42.104(b) (setting forth the requirements of a petition, including specificity and identification of support).” slip op. at 3
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successMotivation not foundNot shown unpatentable
“There is no express disclosure from Aboul-Hosn identified by Petitioner, in the Petition, or even in its Request, that the pump in Figures 1– 13 is included in Figure 23. In fact, and as noted in our Decision (Dec. 9), Aboul-Hosn expressly states that “Figure[] 23 . . . illustrate[s a] different embodiment[] of the present invention” (Ex. 1004, 30:20–21). Petitioner faults our characterization of the above passage from Aboul-Hosn, noting “[t]he ellipses, missing language and brackets are materially important.” Req. Reh’g 12. Petitioner contends that “[t]he Board’s errant paraphrase gives the misimpression that Figure 23 is an entirely different invention than any other in Aboul-Hosn. But, in context, the meaning is different. Figure 23 is a different embodiment than Figure 24. . . .” Id. at 12–13. The entire sentence spanning lines 20–21 on page 30 of Aboul-Hosn reads: “Figures 23 and 24 illustrate two different embodiments of the present invention.” Ex. 1004, 30:20–21. We are not persuaded that we misread that sentence. That sentence specifically references Figures 23 and 24 as two different embodiments, meaning that Figures 23 and 24 are each different embodiments, not only with respect to one another, but also with respect to the other embodiments disclosed.6 Contrary to Petitioner’s contentions, we considered the arguments and supporting evidence presented in the Petition and determined it insufficient to institute trial. See, e.g., Dec. 10 (“Ultimately, the Petition is deficient because of the failure to explain sufficiently and support the challenges therein.”). We are not persuaded that we abused our discretion in reaching that determination.7 Disagreeing with our Decision is not, by itself, an appropriate basis for rehearing.” slip op. at 4
§ 103 obviousnessPatents in suitUS 9,597,437 - PTAB · Feb 7, 2018 · IPR2017-01025 · APJ Bart A Gerstenblith · IPR · Rehearing
The Board denied rehearing of its decision denying institution because the petition did not sufficiently show that Aboul-Hosn linked the pump embodiments or provide a rationale to combine them.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, deniedDenied
“II. STANDARD OF REVIEW When considering a request for rehearing, the Board reviews its decision for an abuse of discretion. 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(c). An abuse of discretion may arise if the decision is based on an erroneous interpretation of 2 The ’1025 Petition challenges claims 16–18 of the ’100 patent. 3 The ’1208 Petition challenges claims 7–9 and 11–15 of the ’437 patent. 4 The ’1209 Petition challenges claims 5, 10, 16, and 25 of the ’437 patent. 5 Petitioner filed a Request for Rehearing in each of the above-captioned proceedings. The Requests for Rehearing effectively are identical. This Decision specifically references the Request from IPR2017-01025 although the discussion applies equally to Petitioner’s Requests in IPR2017-01208 and IPR2017-01209. Citations are to IPR2017-01025, unless otherwise indicated. law, if a factual finding is not supported by substantial evidence, or if an unreasonable judgment is made in weighing relevant factors. Star Fruits S.N.C. v. U.S., 393 F.3d 1277, 1281 (Fed. Cir. 2005); Arnold P’ship v. Dudas, 362 F.3d 1338, 1340 (Fed. Cir. 2004); In re Gartside, 203 F.3d 1305, 1315–16 (Fed. Cir. 2000). We further note that 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(d) states: 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 2
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied
“assessment of all evidence in the record to determine whether the challenged claims would have been obvious. Rather, the Decision to deny institution of inter partes review was based on Petitioner’s failure to establish a reasonable likelihood of success at trial based on the arguments presented in the Petition, and the evidence relied upon in support of those particular arguments. Petitioner has the burden of showing, in its petition, a reasonable likelihood that it would prevail. 35 U.S.C. § 314(a). That reasonable likelihood is measured by considering the analysis offered by Petitioner. 37 C.F.R. § 42.104(b) (setting forth the requirements of a petition, including specificity and identification of support).” slip op. at 3
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successMotivation not foundNot shown unpatentableNot shown unpatentable
“Petitioner, in the Petition, or even in its Request, that the pump in Figures 1– 13 is included in Figure 23. In fact, and as noted in our Decision (Dec. 9), Aboul-Hosn expressly states that “Figure[] 23 . . . illustrate[s a] different embodiment[] of the present invention” (Ex. 1004, 30:20–21). Petitioner faults our characterization of the above passage from Aboul-Hosn, noting “[t]he ellipses, missing language and brackets are materially important.” Req. Reh’g 12. Petitioner contends that “[t]he Board’s errant paraphrase gives the misimpression that Figure 23 is an entirely different invention than any other in Aboul-Hosn. But, in context, the meaning is different. Figure 23 is a different embodiment than Figure 24. . . .” Id. at 12–13. The entire sentence spanning lines 20–21 on page 30 of Aboul-Hosn reads: “Figures 23 and 24 illustrate two different embodiments of the present invention.” Ex. 1004, 30:20–21. We are not persuaded that we misread that sentence. That sentence specifically references Figures 23 and 24 as two different embodiments, meaning that Figures 23 and 24 are each different embodiments, not only with respect to one another, but also with respect to the other embodiments disclosed.6” slip op. at 4
§ 103 obviousnessPatents in suitUS 7,022,100 - PTAB · Jan 3, 2018 · IPR2017-01205 · APJ Kevin W Cherry · IPR · Rehearing
The Board denied rehearing in five proceedings, upholding denial of institution because the petitions did not sufficiently support the asserted obviousness challenges.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, deniedDenied
“decision for an abuse of discretion. 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(c). An abuse of discretion may arise if the decision is based on an erroneous interpretation of law, if a factual finding is not supported by substantial evidence, or if an unreasonable judgment is made in weighing relevant factors. Star Fruits S.N.C. v. U.S., 393 F.3d 1277, 1281 (Fed. Cir. 2005); Arnold P’ship v. Dudas, 362 F.3d 1338, 1340 (Fed. Cir. 2004); In re Gartside, 203 F.3d 1305, 1315–16 (Fed. Cir. 2000). We further note that 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(d) states: 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
“assessment of all evidence in the record to determine whether the challenged claims would have been obvious. Rather, the Decision to deny institution of inter partes review was based on Petitioner’s failure to establish a reasonable likelihood of success at trial based on the arguments presented in the Petition, and the evidence relied upon in support of those particular arguments. Petitioner has the burden of showing, in its petition, a reasonable likelihood that it would prevail. 35 U.S.C. § 314(a). That reasonable likelihood is measured by considering the analysis offered by Petitioner. 37 C.F.R. § 42.104(b) (setting forth the requirements of a petition, including specificity and identification of support).” slip op. at 3
- Obviousness (§103) › Graham factors (scope of art, differences, level of skill)Not reached
“assessment of all evidence in the record to determine whether the challenged claims would have been obvious. Rather, the Decision to deny institution of inter partes review was based on Petitioner’s failure to establish a reasonable likelihood of success at trial based on the arguments presented in the Petition, and the evidence relied upon in support of those particular arguments. Petitioner has the burden of showing, in its petition, a reasonable likelihood that it would prevail. 35 U.S.C. § 314(a). That reasonable likelihood is measured by considering the analysis offered by Petitioner. 37 C.F.R. § 42.104(b) (setting forth the requirements of a petition, including specificity and identification of support).” slip op. at 3
§ 103 obviousnessPatents in suitUS 9,561,314 - PTAB · Jan 3, 2018 · IPR2017-01202 · APJ Kevin W Cherry · IPR · Rehearing
The Board denied Petitioner’s rehearing requests, finding no abuse of discretion in denying institution because the petitions did not sufficiently support their challenges.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, deniedDenied
“decision for an abuse of discretion. 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(c). An abuse of discretion may arise if the decision is based on an erroneous interpretation of law, if a factual finding is not supported by substantial evidence, or if an unreasonable judgment is made in weighing relevant factors. Star Fruits S.N.C. v. U.S., 393 F.3d 1277, 1281 (Fed. Cir. 2005); Arnold P’ship v. Dudas, 362 F.3d 1338, 1340 (Fed. Cir. 2004); In re Gartside, 203 F.3d 1305, 1315–16 (Fed. Cir. 2000). We further note that 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(d) states: 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
“assessment of all evidence in the record to determine whether the challenged claims would have been obvious. Rather, the Decision to deny institution of inter partes review was based on Petitioner’s failure to establish a reasonable likelihood of success at trial based on the arguments presented in the Petition, and the evidence relied upon in support of those particular arguments. Petitioner has the burden of showing, in its petition, a reasonable likelihood that it would prevail. 35 U.S.C. § 314(a). That reasonable likelihood is measured by considering the analysis offered by Petitioner. 37 C.F.R. § 42.104(b) (setting forth the requirements of a petition, including specificity and identification of support).” slip op. at 3
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successNot shown unpatentableMotivation not foundNot shown unpatentable
“Petitioner, in the Petition, or even in its Request, that the pump in Figures 1– 13 is included in Figure 23. In fact, and as noted in our Decision (Dec. 11), Aboul-Hosn expressly states that “Figure[] 23 . . . illustrate[s a] different embodiment[] of the present invention” (Ex. 1004, 30:20–21). Petitioner faults our characterization of the above passage from Aboul-Hosn, noting “[t]he ellipses, missing language and brackets are materially important.” Req. 12. Petitioner contends that “[t]he Board’s errant paraphrase gives the misimpression that Figure 23 is an entirely different invention than any other in Aboul-Hosn. But, in context, the meaning is different. Figure 23 is a different embodiment than Figure 24.” Id. The entire sentence spanning lines 20–21 on page 30 of Aboul-Hosn reads: “Figures 23 and 24 illustrate two different embodiments of the present invention.” Ex. 1004, 30:20–21. We are not persuaded that we misread that sentence. That sentence specifically references Figures 23 and 24 as two different embodiments, meaning that Figures 23 and 24 are each different embodiments, not only with respect to one another, but also with respect to the other embodiments disclosed.7” slip op. at 4
§ 103 obviousnessPatents in suitUS 9,545,468 - PTAB · Jan 3, 2018 · IPR2017-01201 · APJ Kevin W Cherry · IPR · Rehearing
The Board denied rehearing, leaving in place the denial of institution because the petitions did not sufficiently support the asserted challenges.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, deniedDenied
“decision for an abuse of discretion. 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(c). An abuse of discretion may arise if the decision is based on an erroneous interpretation of law, if a factual finding is not supported by substantial evidence, or if an unreasonable judgment is made in weighing relevant factors. Star Fruits S.N.C. v. U.S., 393 F.3d 1277, 1281 (Fed. Cir. 2005); Arnold P’ship v. Dudas, 362 F.3d 1338, 1340 (Fed. Cir. 2004); In re Gartside, 203 F.3d 1305, 1315–16 (Fed. Cir. 2000). We further note that 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(d) states: 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
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successNot shown unpatentableMotivation not foundNot shown unpatentable
“There is no express disclosure from Aboul-Hosn identified by Petitioner, in the Petition, or even in its Request, that the pump in Figures 1– 13 is included in Figure 23. In fact, and as noted in our Decision (Dec. 11), Aboul-Hosn expressly states that “Figure[] 23 . . . illustrate[s a] different embodiment[] of the present invention” (Ex. 1004, 30:20–21). Petitioner faults our characterization of the above passage from Aboul-Hosn, noting “[t]he ellipses, missing language and brackets are materially important.” Req. 12. Petitioner contends that “[t]he Board’s errant paraphrase gives the misimpression that Figure 23 is an entirely different invention than any other in Aboul-Hosn. But, in context, the meaning is different. Figure 23 is a different embodiment than Figure 24.” Id. The entire sentence spanning lines 20–21 on page 30 of Aboul-Hosn reads: “Figures 23 and 24 illustrate two different embodiments of the present invention.” Ex. 1004, 30:20–21. We are not persuaded that we misread that sentence. That sentence specifically references Figures 23 and 24 as two different embodiments, meaning that Figures 23 and 24 are each different embodiments, not only with respect to one another, but also with respect to the other embodiments disclosed.7” slip op. at 4
§ 103 obviousnessPatents in suitUS 9,545,468 - Abiomed, Inc., Abiomed R&D, Inc., And Abiomed Europe GmbH v. Maquet Cardiovascular, LLCRehearing deniedPTAB · Jan 3, 2018 · IPR2017-01203 · APJ Kevin W Cherry · IPR · Rehearing
The Board denied Petitioner's rehearing requests, finding no abuse of discretion in denying institution because the petitions did not sufficiently support their obviousness challenges.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, deniedDenied
“decision for an abuse of discretion. 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(c). An abuse of discretion may arise if the decision is based on an erroneous interpretation of law, if a factual finding is not supported by substantial evidence, or if an unreasonable judgment is made in weighing relevant factors. Star Fruits S.N.C. v. U.S., 393 F.3d 1277, 1281 (Fed. Cir. 2005); Arnold P’ship v. Dudas, 362 F.3d 1338, 1340 (Fed. Cir. 2004); In re Gartside, 203 F.3d 1305, 1315–16 (Fed. Cir. 2000). We further note that 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(d) states: 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
“assessment of all evidence in the record to determine whether the challenged claims would have been obvious. Rather, the Decision to deny institution of inter partes review was based on Petitioner’s failure to establish a reasonable likelihood of success at trial based on the arguments presented in the Petition, and the evidence relied upon in support of those particular arguments. Petitioner has the burden of showing, in its petition, a reasonable likelihood that it would prevail. 35 U.S.C. § 314(a). That reasonable likelihood is measured by considering the analysis offered by Petitioner. 37 C.F.R. § 42.104(b) (setting forth the requirements of a petition, including specificity and identification of support).” slip op. at 3
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successMotivation not foundNot shown unpatentableNot shown unpatentable
“findings regarding Aboul-Hosn FIGS. 3 and 23 [that] are not supported by any evidence,” “represents unreasonable judgment in weighing relevant factors,” and “is based on an erroneous interpretation of the law.” Req. 2. The contentions laid out in the Request essentially boil down to disagreement with our Decision. That disagreement is with respect to whether Aboul-Hosn expressly discloses that the pump in Figures 1–13 is included in Figure 23. See, e.g., id. at 4 (“Aboul-Hosn also expressly confirms that the pump of FIG. 3 is used in the manner described for FIG. 23 because, as Dr. Collins explained: ‘Aboul-Hosn expressly discloses that the pump 420 would include the pump system and its components shown in FIGS. 1–13, expressly recognizing that the pump system in FIGS. 1–13 can also be introduced into the body percutaneously.’”) (citing Ex. 1002 ¶ 147).” slip op. at 4
§ 103 obviousnessPatents in suitUS 9,545,468 - PTAB · Dec 12, 2017 · IPR2017-01253 · APJ Jeremy M Plenzler · IPR · Rehearing
The Board denied the rehearing requests, leaving in place the denials of institution because the petitions did not sufficiently support the challenges based on Aboul-Hosn.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, deniedDenied
“decision for an abuse of discretion. 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(c). An abuse of discretion may arise if the decision is based on an erroneous interpretation of law, if a factual finding is not supported by substantial evidence, or if an unreasonable judgment is made in weighing relevant factors. Star Fruits S.N.C. v. U.S., 393 F.3d 1277, 1281 (Fed. Cir. 2005); Arnold P’ship v. Dudas, 362 F.3d 1338, 1340 (Fed. Cir. 2004); In re Gartside, 203 F.3d 1305, 1315–16 (Fed. Cir. 2000). We further note that 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(d) states: 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
“assessment of all evidence in the record to determine whether the challenged claims would have been obvious. Rather, the Decision to deny institution of inter partes review was based on Petitioner’s failure to establish a reasonable likelihood of success at trial based on the arguments presented in the Petition, and the evidence relied upon in support of those particular arguments. Petitioner has the burden of showing, in its petition, a reasonable likelihood that it would prevail. 35 U.S.C. § 314(a). That reasonable likelihood is measured by considering the analysis offered by Petitioner. 37 C.F.R. § 42.104(b) (setting forth the requirements of a petition, including specificity and identification of support).” slip op. at 3
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successNot shown unpatentableMotivation not foundNot shown unpatentable
“supporting evidence presented in the Petition and determined it insufficient to institute trial. See, e.g., Dec. 10 (“Ultimately, the ’1026 and ’1027 Petitions are deficient because of the failure to explain sufficiently and support the challenges therein.”). We are not persuaded that we abused our discretion in reaching that determination.9 Disagreeing with our Decision is not, by itself, an appropriate basis for rehearing. 8 Even if Aboul-Hosn’s statement was intended only to contrast Figure 23 with Figure 24, the Petition remains deficient for failing to establish sufficiently that Figure 23 is part of the Figure 1–13 embodiment or provide a sufficient rationale to modify the embodiments disclosed in Aboul-Hosn. See Dec. 9–10. 9 Petitioner includes additional argument in its Request directed to rationale for the combination of Aboul-Hosn’s teachings from Figures 1–13 with those from Figure 23. In the Petition, Petitioner did not propose sufficient rationale for combining the various teachings from Aboul-Hosn with one another. See Dec. 10.” slip op. at 5
§ 103 obviousnessPatents in suitUS 9,597,437
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.