- Apple Inc. v. Proxense, LLCInstitutedPTAB · Oct 2, 2025 · IPR2025-00562 · APJ Thu A Dang · IPR · Institution
The Board instituted review of claims 1–20 on all three § 103 grounds, finding a reasonable likelihood that at least one challenged claim is unpatentable.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)InstitutedInstituted
“whether to institute an inter partes review. Applying the standard set forth in 35 U.S.C. § 314(a), which requires demonstration of a reasonable likelihood that Petitioner would prevail with respect to at least one challenged claim, we grant Petitioner’s request and institute an inter partes review of all challenged claims.” slip op. at 2
- Prior constructionPrior construction not adoptedDecided for petitioner
“Court provided a construction for “one or more of the integrated RDC and integrated PDK enabling one or more of an application, a function, and a service,” as recited in claim 1, and “enablement signal enabling one or more of an application, a function and a service.” Prelim. Resp. 1–6. Although Patent Owner points to the District Court’s Memorandum in Support of Claim Construction Order (id. (citing Ex. 2001, 25–26)) to support its contention that the District Court construed the term “enabled,” as we determined in the prior proceedings, this portion of the District Court’s Memorandum merely discusses that “hybrid device” is not indefinite, and discusses exemplary operations of the “hybrid device” from which a POSITA “could reasonably ascertain the scope of the claim.” See Ex. 2001, 26; see also IPR2024-00405, Paper 8 at 11–12; IPR2024-00407, Paper 8 at 12–13; IPR2024-00784, Paper 12 at 10–11. That is, a determination of whether a term is indefinite is not the same thing as construing a claim term. Thus, as we previously explained, by determining that “hybrid device” is not indefinite, the District Court did not construe the term “enabled.” Ex. 2001, 26. Accordingly, although the referenced portion of the District Court’s Memorandum indicates that a POSITA could reasonably ascertain the scope of the claim (id.), nothing in the Memorandum provides a construction of “enabled” as Patent Owner contends. Prelim. Resp. 5. That is, we are unpersuaded that the District Court construed that “‘[a]n application, function, or service is ‘enabled’ by a PDK when it receives information from a PDK in exchange for an access key” or that “hybrid device” includes “an RDC that ‘enable[es] one or more of an application, a function, and a service’ when it forwards such a message to the application, function, or service.” Id. (emphasis omitted, alteration in original). Thus, as in the prior proceedings, we determine that “enabl[ing] one or more of an application a function, and a service” does not require receiving information from a PDK in exchange for an access key or forwarding a message to the application, function, or service.” Id.; see also IPR2024-00405, Paper 8 at 11–12; IPR2024-00407, Paper 8 at 12–13; IPR2024-00784, Paper 12 at 10–11.” slip op. at 10
- Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)No construction neededOther
“Only those terms in controversy need to be construed, and only to the extent necessary to resolve the controversy. See Realtime Data, LLC v. Iancu, 912 F.3d 1368, 1375 (Fed. Cir. 2019) (“The Board is required to construe ‘only those 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))). Petitioner proposes claim construction for “Personal Digital Key (PDK).” Pet. 8–9. Patent Owner does not take issue with Petitioner’s proposed construction for “PDK” but instead requests that we “follow the District Court’s construction” for “one or more of the integrated RDC and integrated PDK enabling one or more of an application, a function, and a service,” as recited in claim 1, and “enablement signal enabling one or more of an application, a function and a service,” with respect to claim 10. Prelim. Resp. 1–2. Because the parties do not take issue with each other’s proposed claim constructions, there is no term of the challenged claims that is in controversy, and thus, we determine that no term requires explicit construction. See Realtime, 912 F.3d at 1375. However, although it is not necessary to construe the term to resolve the disputed issues before us, we note that Patent Owner provides arguments with respect to “enabling one or more of an application, a function, and a service” recited in claims 1 and 10. Prelim. Resp. 1–2. We addressed similar arguments with respect to these terms in previous proceedings with related patents (see IPR2024-00405, Paper 8 at 11–12; IPR2024-00407, Paper 8 at 12–13; IPR2024-00784, Paper 12 at 10–11), and we similarly address Patent Owner’s contention in this proceeding.” slip op. at 7
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successMotivation foundInstituted
“have been motivated to integrate an RDC into Giobbi ’157’s hybrid device for communication with external PDKs based, in part on the teachings of Giobbi ’139.” Pet. 27. In particular, Petitioner contends that Giobbi ’139 “expressly teaches integrating an RDC into the same type of hybrid device disclosed in Giobbi ’157, a cell phone,” wherein “a ‘Personal Digital Key Digital Content Security System (PDK-DCSS) is used to protect computers from unauthorized use and protect the digital content stored on computers from being wrongfully accessed, copied, and/or distributed.’” Id. at 28 (citing Ex. 1005, Abstract). According to Petitioner, “Giobbi ’139 teaches that RDCs should be incorporated into hybrid devices like cell phones because these devices ‘commonly included’ data storage,” wherein “Giobbi ’139 identified such a configuration as an ‘enhancement.” Pet. 29 (citing Ex. 1005 ¶¶ 87–88). Further, according to Petitioner, “Giobbi ’157 teaches that it is advantageous to incorporate PDKs into ‘commonly carried items,’ like phone, since it would eliminate the need for a user to carry a separate PDK device and would reduce the risk of loss.” Id. at 30 (citing Ex. 1005 ¶ 35; Ex. 1003 ¶ 48). In addition, Petitioner contends that “the Dua patent’s RFID system configuration also provides motivation to integrate and RDC into Giobbi ’157’s hybrid device.” Id. In particular, according to Petitioner, “Dua teaches a hybrid device—e.g., a cell phone—which establishes wireless connections with other devices to enable functions and exchange data.” Id. (citing Ex. 1006, 6:46–65).” slip op. at 18
Claim construction§ 103 obviousnessPatents in suitUS 9,049,188 - Juniper Networks, Inc. v. Monarch Networking Solutions LLCAll claims unpatentablePTAB · Aug 6, 2025 · IPR2024-00561 · APJ Thu A Dang · IPR · Final written decision
Claims 1 and 6 are unpatentable under § 103(a) over Wainner and Bocci; the Board did not reach the Kamite and Bocci ground.
RulingsFinal written decision- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner
“that a person of ordinary skill in the art (POSITA) at the time of the invention of the ’775 patent would have had “a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a related subject, and three years of work experience in computer networking or a related field,” wherein “[l]ack of professional experience can be remedied by additional education, and vice versa.” Pet. 19 (citing Ex. 1040 ¶¶ 48–50). Patent Owner does not contest Petitioner’s proposal or offer an alternative. See PO Resp. 18. We apply Petitioner’s definition of a POSITA at the time of the claimed invention because, based on the record, this proposal is consistent with the ’775 patent, the asserted prior art, and is supported by the testimony of Dr. Bhattacharjee.” slip op. at 8
- Claim Construction › Intrinsic evidence (Phillips canons) › Plain and ordinary meaning to a POSITATerm construed board ownDecided for petitioner
“We find Patent Owner’s argument that a link is a physical connection (PO Resp. 19; PO Sur-reply 2) unavailing. In particular, claims 1 and 6 do not recite any requirement that a “link” is “physical.” Further, as Petitioner points out, there is no support in the ’775 patent for “defining ‘link’ as only a physical connection,” and Patent Owner does not point to any disclosure in the ’775 patent for such support. Pet. Reply 5. Although we agree with Patent Owner that a link can connect the interfaces of routers wherein routers are “physical devices” (PO Sur-reply 2), claims 1 and 6 do not require that the link physically connects the routers. That is, the claims merely require a pseudo-wire to comprise a link set up between routers to connect the routers. We agree with Petitioner that pseudo-wires comprising the connection links “can connect to any interface, ‘whether it is a physical, logical, or virtual interface.’” Pet. Reply 5 (citing Ex. 1043, 10; Ex. 1010, 3; Ex. 1042 ¶ 7). In fact, during oral argument, Patent Owner acknowledges that “[a] link, . . . , is not limited to a physical connection.” See Tr. 30:6–7.” slip op. at 10
- Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)Term construed board ownDecided for patent owner
“We find unavailing Patent Owner’s arguments that a pseudo-wire (“a type of emulated connection”) cannot be the same as a link (“a type of physical connection between router interface”). PO Resp. 20. In particular, claim 1 does not recite any requirement that a link be a physical connection, and thus, does not require that a link differs from the emulated connection of a pseudo-wire. As discussed above, during oral argument, Patent Owner acknowledges that a link is not limited to a physical connection. See Tr. 30:6–7. The ’775 patent itself provides no definition for “pseudo-wire” to support Patent’s Owner’s construction, and Patent Owner does not point to any disclosure in the ’775 patent for such support. As Petitioner points out, the ’775 patent instead supports a construction of “pseudo-wire” as comprising multiple links, wherein “[t]he first and second links constitute a first pseudo-wire pw1” and the second “pseudo-wire ps2 consists of the first link L1 and a second link L3.” Pet. Reply 7 (emphasis omitted) (citing Ex. 1001, 6:29–43). We find availing Petitioner’s argument that, even if links were “physical connections” as Patent Owner asserts, “then the pseudo-wire consists of . . . two physical connections,” no different from a link, contrary to Patent Owner’s assertion. Id. (citing Ex. 1042 ¶ 10). Although Patent Owner argues that the POSITA has always considered a pseudo-wire as a point-to-point link set up between input and output routers (PO Resp. 5–6), claims 1 and 6 do not recite that a pseudo-wire comprises a point-to-point link set up, and there is no support in the ’775 patent for specifically defining “pseudo-wire” as and limiting the term to a point-to-point link set up.” slip op. at 12
- Expert testimonyPetitioner expert creditedDecided for petitioner
“Dr. Bhattacharjee testified in support of Petitioner’s position that “[a] POSITA would have understood that the ordinary meaning of ‘link,’ . . . includes both physical and virtual connections, particularly in the context of pseudo-wires.” Ex. 1042 ¶ 7. We find availing Dr. Bhattacharjee’s testimony, which is supported by evidence. See id. (citing Ex. 1043, 10; Ex. 1010, 3 (disclosing that pseudo-wires encapsulate “data arriving at the PE-bound port (logical or physical)”), 4 (disclosing that the attachment circuit over which the pseudo-wire is established can be a “physical or virtual circuit”)). For the reasons discussed above, we conclude that a “link” is not required to be a physical connection. Instead, we determine that a “link” connects the interfaces of first and second routers, whether they are physical, logical, or virtual interfaces.” slip op. at 11
Patent outcomesUS 8,130,775 unpatentableClaim construction§ 103 obviousnesscites Phillips · KSR · GrahamPatents in suitUS 8,130,775 - Juniper Networks, Inc. v. Monarch Networking Solutions LLCAll claims unpatentablePTAB · Jul 29, 2025 · IPR2024-00485 · APJ Kevin F Turner · IPR · Final written decision
Claims 1–10 are unpatentable as obvious over Li and Wu; the Board did not reach the instituted Li and Li-2 or Li-only grounds.
RulingsFinal written decision- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner
“B. Level of Ordinary Skill in the Art Petitioner argues that a person of ordinary skill in the art would have had “a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a related subject, and three years of work experience in computer networking, including experience with the IPv4 and IPv6 protocols, or a related field.” Pet. 10 (citing Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 53–55). Petitioner’s description of the level of ordinary skill in the art is supported by the testimony of Petitioner’s declarant, Dr. Samrat Bhattacharjee. Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 53–55. Patent Owner does not dispute Petitioner’s description. PO Resp. 19–20. We adopt Petitioner’s description for purposes of this Decision.” slip op. at 5
- Claim Construction › Intrinsic evidence (Phillips canons) › Lexicography (patentee as own lexicographer)Term construed board ownDecided for petitioner
“As we determined in the Institution Decision (Dec. on Inst. 6), we continue to adopt the constructions of the terms previously construed by the district court. With respect to the claim term “domain,” we agree with Petitioner that the ’844 Patent defines “domain” as “[a] telecommunications network administered by an operator.” Pet. 31 (quoting Ex. 1001, 1:30–31). We further agree that the ’844 Patent does not require the IPv4 and IPv6 domains to each be controlled by distinct entities. See Ex. 1003 ¶ 91.” slip op. at 6
- Obviousness (§103) › Analogous artAnalogous artDecided for petitioner
“Patent Owner’s arguments are unavailing. First, the evidence of record indicates that Li and Wu are analogous art. Pet. 70; Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 213– 214. For example, the ’844 Patent, Li, and Wu are all directed to the same field of endeavor, namely, computer networking and routing data packets. Ex. 1001, 1:17–21; Ex. 1003 ¶ 213; Ex. 1037, 1; Ex. 1039, 9. Second, the evidence of record indicates that a person of ordinary skill in the art would have had a reasonable expectation of success in combining the cited teachings of Li and Wu. Pet. 69; Ex. 1003 ¶ 210. As discussed above, Petitioner relies on Wu’s teaching that an IPv6 destination address includes a destination port number. Pet. 68–69; Ex. 1003 ¶ 207. Even if Patent Owner is correct that Li and Wu address the interoperability of IPv4 and IPv6 networks from different perspectives, a person of ordinary skill in the art would have reasonably expected that Wu’s destination port number could be incorporated into the unused padding in Li’s IPv6 destination address. Pet. 69–70; Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 210–211.” slip op. at 15
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successMotivation foundReasonable expectation foundDecided for petitioner
“Patent Owner’s arguments are unavailing. First, the evidence of record indicates that Li and Wu are analogous art. Pet. 70; Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 213– 214. For example, the ’844 Patent, Li, and Wu are all directed to the same field of endeavor, namely, computer networking and routing data packets. Ex. 1001, 1:17–21; Ex. 1003 ¶ 213; Ex. 1037, 1; Ex. 1039, 9. Second, the evidence of record indicates that a person of ordinary skill in the art would have had a reasonable expectation of success in combining the cited teachings of Li and Wu. Pet. 69; Ex. 1003 ¶ 210. As discussed above, Petitioner relies on Wu’s teaching that an IPv6 destination address includes a destination port number. Pet. 68–69; Ex. 1003 ¶ 207. Even if Patent Owner is correct that Li and Wu address the interoperability of IPv4 and IPv6 networks from different perspectives, a person of ordinary skill in the art would have reasonably expected that Wu’s destination port number could be incorporated into the unused padding in Li’s IPv6 destination address. Pet. 69–70; Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 210–211.” slip op. at 15
Patent outcomesUS 8,451,844 unpatentableClaim construction§ 103 obviousnesscites KSR · GrahamPatents in suitUS 8,451,844 - Apple Inc. v. Proxense, LLCAll claims unpatentablePTAB · Jun 17, 2025 · IPR2024-01334 · APJ David C Mckone · IPR · Final written decision
Claims 1–7, 10, 12–19, and 22–27 are unpatentable as obvious over Ludtke alone or Ludtke and Kon.
RulingsFinal written decision- Claim Construction › Intrinsic evidence (Phillips canons) › Plain and ordinary meaning to a POSITATerm construed board ownDecided for petitioner
“Id. at 6:18–26. Petitioner argues that “an ATM is not a party to a transaction—the parties are the user and the bank, and the ATM is the mechanism through which the bank’s accounts are accessed.” Reply 5–6 (citing Ex. 1026 ¶ 13). Similarly, Petitioner argues, a file “is not a principal party to a transaction—rather the user and the provider of the file (e.g., a vendor) are the parties.” Id. at 6 (citing Ex. 1026 ¶ 13). Petitioner makes similar arguments for financial accounts, savings accounts, medical records, and insurance information. Id. (citing Ex. 1001, 6:18–26; Ex. 1026 ¶ 14). We agree with Petitioner. The specification, here, gives several examples where the application being accessed is not, itself, a party to the transaction, but rather an asset of one of the parties or the mechanism by which the parties transact.” slip op. at 13
- Prior constructionPrior construction adoptedDecided for petitioner
“Petitioner notes that a District Court has construed “access message” to mean “[a] signal or notification enabling or announcing access.” Pet. 4 (citing Ex. 1009, 3; Ex. 1010, 15, 20). However, Petitioner “maintains that the Board need not construe the term ‘access message.’” Reply 6. Patent Owner states that it “agree[s] on the construction of the term ‘access message’ to mean ‘a signal or notification enabling or announcing access.’” PO Resp. 7. However, Patent Owner argues that applying “access message” to Ludtke’s transaction confirmation “fails to account for the claim term ‘access to an application.’” Id. at 7–8. Rather, Patent Owner argues, a transaction confirmation “is a message announcing that a transaction has been completed.” Id. at 8. Patent Owner contends that “[t]he plain and ordinary meaning of ‘access message’ is a message enabling entry to, communication with, or use of an object wherein the object is the claimed application.” Id. (citing access, MERRIAM-WEBSTER DICTIONARY (available at https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/access)). Here, Patent Owner appears to retreat on its agreement that “access message” can include a signal “announcing” access, and suggests that we limit “access message” to a signal “enabling” access. However, Patent Owner then returns to its agreement, stating that “[i]t would be improper to construe ‘access message’ as something other than a signal or notification enabling or announcing a user’s access to (ability to enter, communicate with, or make use of) an application.” Id.” slip op. at 16
- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner
“1. Level of skill in the art Petitioner contends that a person of ordinary skill in the art “would have had at least a bachelor’s degree in Computer or Electrical Engineering or an equivalent engineering discipline, and at least three years of experience in the field of encryption and security, or the equivalent,” and that “[a]dditional education could substitute for professional experience, and significant work experience could substitute for formal education.” Pet. 4 (citing Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 31–32, 53–55). Patent Owner does not challenge Petitioner’s proposed level of skill or propose an alternative in its papers.” slip op. at 18
- Expert testimonyPatent owner expert discountedDecided for petitioner
“As explained above, a person of ordinary skill in the art would have had at least a bachelor’s degree in Computer or Electrical Engineering or an equivalent engineering discipline, and at least three years of experience in the field of encryption and security, or the equivalent, while additional education could substitute for professional experience, and significant work experience could substitute for formal education. Mr. Carrothers claims to be “a financial services and retail leader with approximately thirty years of experience working in a variety of leadership roles in retail payments.” Ex. 2018 ¶ 1. He lists professional and consulting experience with retail payments, operational and risk management of a credit card portfolio, and payment insurance and acceptances in stores and online. Id. ¶¶ 1–5. His Curriculum Vitae (Ex. 2018, Appendix A) lists education including a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business has either the technical education or the technical experience to be a person of ordinary skill in the art. In response to Petitioner’s challenge to Mr. Carrothers’ qualifications, Patent Owner does not contend that Mr. Carrothers is at least a person of ordinary skill in the art.7 Rather, Patent Owner argues that “[t]o put the asserted portions of Ludtke in context, Mr. Carrothers provided testimony regarding the processing of credit and debit card payments with respect to online transactions based on his expertise and experience with retail payments.” Sur-reply 1. Patent Owner uses Mr. Carrothers’ testimony to support arguments regarding the timing and parties to the communications generated by Ludtke’s system, and to support arguments that the TPCH is a party to Ludtke’s transactions. PO Resp. 13–17 (citing Ex. 2018 ¶¶ 20–31). We find that Mr. Carrothers testifies on technical details regarding unpatentability, and that a declarant testifying as to such subject matter should have at least ordinary skill in the art. Thus, Mr. Carrothers’ testimony is entitled to no weight. See Kyocera, 22 F.4th at 1376–77.” slip op. at 39
Patent outcomesUS 8,886,954 unpatentableClaim construction§ 103 obviousnesscites Phillips · GrahamPatents in suitUS 8,886,954 - Apple Inc. v. Proxense, LLCAll claims unpatentablePTAB · Jun 17, 2025 · IPR2024-00233 · APJ David C Mckone · IPR · Final written decision
Claims 1–7, 10, 12–19, and 22–27 are unpatentable as obvious over Ludtke alone or Ludtke and Kon.
RulingsFinal written decision- Claim Construction › Intrinsic evidence (Phillips canons) › Plain and ordinary meaning to a POSITATerm construed board ownDecided for petitioner
“In short, Patent Owner points to no language in the specification limiting the claims to transactions in which the application being accessed is, itself, a party to the transaction and Petitioner points to several examples in which the application being accessed is not a party to the transaction. Thus, Patent Owner has provided no persuasive basis to depart from the plain and ordinary meaning of the claims.” slip op. at 14
- Prior constructionPrior construction adoptedDecided for petitioner
“Petitioner notes that a District Court has construed “access message” to mean “[a] signal or notification enabling or announcing access.” Pet. 4 (citing Ex. 1009, 3; Ex. 1010, 15, 20). However, Petitioner “maintains that the Board need not construe the term ‘access message.’” Reply 6. Patent Owner states that it “agree[s] on the construction of the term” slip op. at 16
- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner
“1. Level of skill in the art Petitioner contends that a person of ordinary skill in the art “would have had at least a bachelor’s degree in Computer or Electrical Engineering or an equivalent engineering discipline, and at least three years of experience in the field of encryption and security, or the equivalent,” and that “[a]dditional education could substitute for professional experience, and significant work experience could substitute for formal education.” Pet. 4 (citing Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 31–32, 53–55). Patent Owner does not challenge Petitioner’s proposed level of skill or propose an alternative in its papers.” slip op. at 18
- Obviousness (§103) › Graham factors (scope of art, differences, level of skill)UnpatentableUnpatentable
“3. Differences, if any, between claims 1, 2, 4–7, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, and 22–27 and Ludtke; reasons to modify Regarding claim limitations 1ai, 1aii, and 1aiii, Petitioner argues that Ludtke teaches persistently storing, in a user identity/account information block of the transaction device, biometric information (e.g., fingerprint, retinal scan, voice, DNA, hand profile, face recognition), a plurality of codes and other values comprising a device ID code uniquely identifying the transaction device (e.g., globally unique silicon ID (GUID), magnetic strip, bar codes), and a secret decryption value (e.g., public key infrastructure (PKI) public keys and private keys). Pet. 9–21 (citing Ex. 1005, 5:11–20, 8:63–67, 9:18–25, 10:64–67, 11:1–5, 13:27–29, 13:39–41, 14:13–21, 19:9– 14, 19:29–40, 23:11–19, 30:18–27, 37:39–45, 38:1–3, 38:9–21, 38:25–29, 38:40–61, 39:7–18, 40:5–26, Figs. 7B–7C, 27, 33; Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 73–94). Patent Owner does not contest Ludtke’s applicability to these aspects of claim 1. Based on Petitioner’s evidence, we find that Ludtke teaches claim limitations 1ai, 1aii, and 1aiii. More particularly, we find that Ludtke’s fingerprint, retinal scan, etc., are “biometric data”; that Ludtke’s GUID, magnetic strip, etc., are examples of “a device ID code uniquely identifying an integrated device”; and that PKI keys are examples of “a secret decryption value.” transaction device requests and receives a fingerprint sample or other biometric data. Id. at 21–22 (citing Ex. 1005, 14:33–42, 14:40–46, 16:47– 50; Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 95–96). As to claim limitation 1c, Petitioner argues that Ludtke’s transaction device compares the fingerprint sample to stored authorized samples to determine a match. Id. at 22 (citing Ex. 1005, 14:40– 46; Ex. 1003 ¶ 97). Patent Owner does not contest Ludtke’s applicability to these aspects of claim 1. We agree with Petitioner and find that Ludtke teaches claim limitations 1b and 1c.” slip op. at 23
Patent outcomesUS 8,886,954 unpatentableClaim construction§ 103 obviousnesscites Phillips · GrahamPatents in suitUS 8,886,954 - Innolux Corporation v. Phenix Longhorn LLCInstitution deniedPTAB · Jun 9, 2025 · IPR2025-00044 · APJ Michael J Strauss · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution because the Petition violated Rule 42.104(b)(3) and did not show a reasonable likelihood that claims 1–3, 5, and 6 were unpatentable as obvious.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied
“Accordingly, Petitioner has not identified corresponding structure for performing the recited functions of “optimizing . . . gamma reference voltage levels using means for executing a predetermined algorithm according to a predetermined criteria and data sensed by . . . at least one sensor, wherein said means for executing said predetermined algorithm is separate from [a] display to achieve [a] desired gamma curve” as required under 37 C.F.R. § 42.104(b)(3). Because Petitioner has not provided constructions, either rebutting the presumption that “means for executing” is a means-plus-function term, or identifying corresponding structure if it is a means-plus-function term, Petitioner has violated Rule 104(b)(3).” slip op. at 20
- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner
“Petitioner argues that a person of ordinary skill in the art (POSA) “would have had at least a bachelor of science degree in physics, electrical engineering, or the equivalent thereof and three (3) years of experience in circuit design or display technologies.” Pet. 12 (citing Ex. 1003 ¶ 24). According to Petitioner “[s]uch a POSA would have had knowledge of integrated circuits, gamma correction, and storage of gamma correction voltage values within memory, and would have understood how to search available literature for relevant publications.” Id. (citing Ex. 1003 ¶ 24). Patent Owner applies Petitioner’s definition for the purposes of the Preliminary Response. Prelim. Resp. 2. For purposes of this Decision, and based on the current record, we adopt Petitioner’s assessment of the level of skill for one of ordinary skill in the art. Pet. 12. This assessment is consistent with the ’788 Patent and the asserted prior art, and we apply it in our analysis below.” slip op. at 8
- BurdenDecided for patent owner
“Accordingly, Petitioner has not identified corresponding structure for performing the recited functions of “optimizing . . . gamma reference voltage levels using means for executing a predetermined algorithm according to a predetermined criteria and data sensed by . . . at least one sensor, wherein said means for executing said predetermined algorithm is separate from [a] display to achieve [a] desired gamma curve” as required under 37 C.F.R. § 42.104(b)(3). Because Petitioner has not provided constructions, either rebutting the presumption that “means for executing” is a means-plus-function term, or identifying corresponding structure if it is a means-plus-function term, Petitioner has violated Rule 104(b)(3).” slip op. at 20
- Claim Construction › Functional claiming / §112(f) means-plus-function › Whether §112(f) applies (Williamson, nonce words)§112(f) appliesDecided for patent owner
“and 5 recites “means for executing.” Ex. 1001, 7:36–40, 8:35–37. The use of the term “means” creates a rebuttable presumption that 35 U.S.C. § 112 ¶ 6 applies. See Williamson, 792 F.3d at 1348. Consistent with Patent Owner’s arguments (Prelim. Resp. 36–39), the Petition does not address the presumption and, more specifically, the Petition does not provide any argument or evidence as to why the presumption is rebutted. Furthermore, even if we were to consider Petitioner’s newly presented argument that “[t]he plain and ordinary meaning of ‘means for executing a predetermined algorithm . . . ’ connotes a general-purpose processor, which is understood as structure sufficient to perform the function” (Pet. Reply 5), such argument is not persuasive as it is not supported by evidence earlier presented in the Petition or otherwise. Furthermore, even if the plain and ordinary meaning of means for executing a predetermined algorithm were a general-purpose processor, for a computer implemented means-plus-function term the corresponding structure must be the specific algorithm implemented by the processor as argued by Petitioner. Pet. Reply 6.” slip op. at 16
Claim construction§ 103 obviousnessDiscretionary denialcites Phillips · GrahamPatents in suitUS 7,557,788 - Charter Communications, Inc. / Plume Design, Inc. v. Adaptive Spectrum And Signal Alignment, Inc.Institution deniedPTAB · May 22, 2025 · IPR2025-00088 · APJ Kevin C Trock · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution of IPR on all challenged claims under § 314(a), finding the Fintiv factors favored discretionary denial.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › Fintiv (parallel litigation)Institution denied fintivInstitution denied
“7. Conclusion on Discretionary Review When considering the Fintiv factors, we take “a holistic view of whether efficiency and integrity of the system are best served by denying or instituting review.” Fintiv, Paper 11 at 6. Based on our review, we find that the factors weigh in favor of exercising discretion to deny institution of the Petition. The factors weighing in favor of exercising discretionary denial include the scheduling of the parallel proceeding’s trial date many months prior to the Board’s projected statutory deadline for a final written decision, the substantial investment by the parties and the District Court in the ASSIA Litigation, the recommended denial of the motion to transfer by the District Court, and the issues on the merits raised by the Patent Owner in its Preliminary Response and our preliminary consideration. In our view, these factors outweigh the other Fintiv factors, including the lack of a stay, Petitioner’s offer to limit overlap between the two proceedings via stipulation, and the presence of Plume Design as a Petitioner in this proceeding. We, therefore, are persuaded that the interests of the efficiency under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a) to deny institution of the Petition.” slip op. at 16
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 11,050,654 - Innolux Corporation v. Phenix Longhorn LLCInstitution deniedPTAB · May 15, 2025 · IPR2025-00043 · APJ Kevin F Turner · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution of IPR challenging claims 1–5 and 8–14, exercising § 314(a) discretion under Fintiv based on the Texas litigation.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › Fintiv (parallel litigation)Institution denied fintivInstitution denied
“We agree with Patent Owner that its asserted trial date of February 17, 2026, would likely occur approximately 4 months before the latest date on which a final decision can be issued in this proceeding (June 12, 2026), and that is the metric we should use to determine the proximity of trial date to the projected statutory deadline. Accordingly, the facts underlying this factor weigh in favor of denial.” slip op. at 9
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 7,233,305 - Charter Communications, Inc. / Plume Design, Inc. v. Adaptive Spectrum And Signal Alignment, Inc.Institution deniedPTAB · May 5, 2025 · IPR2025-00087 · APJ Kevin C Trock · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution of IPR challenging claims 1–20, exercising § 314(a) discretion based on the Fintiv factors.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › Fintiv (parallel litigation)Institution denied fintivDenied
“Accordingly, based on the current record, we disagree with Petitioner that Factor 2 is neutral. Instead, we agree with Patent Owner that Factor 2 favors discretionary denial.” slip op. at 11
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 11,477,108 - PTAB · Apr 28, 2025 · IPR2025-00013 · APJ Scott Raevsky · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution of IPR on claims 1–23 under § 314(a), relying on the Fintiv factors and its holistic assessment of the parallel litigation and petition merits.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › Fintiv (parallel litigation)Institution denied fintivInstitution denied
“the Petition under Apple Inc. v. Fintiv, Inc., IPR2020-00019, Paper 11 (PTAB Mar. 20, 2020) (precedential) (“Fintiv”). Prelim. Resp. 34–41. Fintiv identifies a non-exclusive list of factors we consider when addressing whether a related, parallel district court action provides a basis for discretionary denial under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a). Fintiv, Paper 11 at 5–16. These factors include: 1. whether the court granted a stay or evidence exists that one may be granted if a proceeding is instituted; 2. proximity of the court’s trial date to the Board’s projected statutory deadline for a final written decision; 3. investment in the parallel proceeding by the court and the parties; 4. overlap between issues raised in the petition and in the parallel proceeding; 5. whether the petitioner and the defendant in the parallel proceeding are the same party; and 6. other circumstances that impact the Board’s exercise of discretion, including the merits.” slip op. at 5
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied
“reasonable likelihood that the petitioner would prevail with respect to at least 1 of the claims challenged in the petition.” 35 U.S.C. § 314(a). Institution of inter partes review, however, is discretionary. See Harmonic Inc. v. Avid Tech., Inc., 815 F.3d 1356, 1367 (Fed. Cir. 2016) (“[T]he PTO is permitted, but never compelled, to institute an IPR proceeding.”). For the reasons discussed below, we exercise discretion under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a) not to institute inter partes review.” slip op. at 2
Discretionary denialPatents in suitUS 11,770,313
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.