- Lululemon USA Inc. v. Nike, Inc.Some claims unpatentablePTAB · May 21, 2025 · IPR2024-00159 · APJ Carl M Defranco · IPR · Final written decision
Claims 8, 9, 14, 15, and 19 are unpatentable over Minami; claims 1–3, 7, 16–18, and 20 were not shown unpatentable over Good or Munsing.
RulingsFinal written decision- Skill levelSkill level board ownOther
“lululemon contends, and Nike does not dispute, that a person skilled in the art in the relevant time frame would have had “at least a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, textile engineering, or similar technical degree and at least 3 years of experience working with knitted textiles for use in fabric-based articles, including apparel such as footwear” and such person’s “additional experience compensates for any differences in that person’s education as stated above.” Pet. 13–14 (citing Ex.1003 ¶¶ 33–35); see also PO Resp. 14 (“For purposes of this proceeding, Nike applies lululemon’s proposed level of skill in the art.”). We find that lululemon’s proposed definition is consistent with the problems and solutions described in the ’046 patent and the prior art of record. Thus, we adopt the parties’ agreed-upon definition of the level of skill in the art.” slip op. at 6
- Claim Construction › Intrinsic evidence (Phillips canons) › Plain and ordinary meaning to a POSITATerm construed board ownDecided for patent owner
“We are not persuaded by lululemon’s attempt to equate the term “channel” in that passage with an open-periphery configuration. Nowhere does that passage indicate that the “channel” has an open-periphery. Instead, lululemon merely presumes, without support, that channels are open-periphery structures. More accurately, the terms “tunnel” and “channel” in the passage cited by lululemon are used synonymously. That is made clear by the overall context of the ’046 patent at issue, which is directed to how tubular rib structures 126 are formed by “first” and “second” curved portions 416 and 418 that are “knitted together” to define “hollow tube 112.” See Ex. 1001, 10:16–11:14, Figs. 4, 5 (emphasis added). In particular, the sentence cited by lululemon describes hollow tube 112 as being “disposed between” first and second curved portions 416 and 418, which Figures 4 and 5 of the ’046 patent clearly depict in a closed-periphery configuration. See id. at 10:66–11:3, Figs. 4, 5. Moreover, the very next sentence expressly describes that hollow tube 112 has “a generally cylindrical or elliptical shape” wherein “[t]he diameter of one hollow tube and the diameter of other hollow tubes may differ in some embodiments.” Id. at 11:3–14 (emphases added). We are not aware of any open-periphery channels being described as having a cylindrical or elliptical shape, nor are we aware of such a channel being described as having a diameter. Thus, lululemon’s proposed claim construction ignores the context surrounding the ’046 patent’s description of the tubular rib structures when it describes them as having the configuration of a tunnel or channel.” slip op. at 10
- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Anticipation standard (single reference, every element)Not shown unpatentableNot shown unpatentable
“We agree with Nike, given our construction of the claimed “tubular structures.” As shown in annotated Figures 1, 3, and 4 of Good (reproduced below), Good discloses a sock 12 having rib portions 22 (red) and webbed areas 24 (green). See PO Resp. 19. lululemon contends that Good’s rib portions 22 meet the claimed “tubular structures” because each rib portion 22 “roll[s] substantially together in the relaxed condition” and “has the shape of a tube, namely an elongate hollow structure.” Pet. 29–30. In support, lululemon points to Good’s Figure 3 (reproduced below center) as allegedly showing the tubular shape of Good’s rib portions 22. Id. at 30. Annotated Figure 3 is a vertical cross-section of rib portions 22 (red) shown in Good’s Figure 1. But, as Nike correctly notes, Good’s rib portions 22 are “C-shaped knitted portions,” which when stretched, go from an essentially C-shaped configuration (Figure 3) to a relatively flat, linear configuration (Figure 4). PO Resp. 19–20 (citing Ex. 2006 ¶¶ 48–49). Nowhere does Good disclose that the ends of C-shaped rib portions 22 ever meet and remain in a closed periphery configuration to form a hollow tube per our construction of “tubular structures” (as discussed above in Section II.B). In at least this way, Good’s C-shaped rib portions 22 differ from the claimed “tubular structures.”7 Thus, we find that Good does not disclose or otherwise suggest the claimed “tubular structures,” as properly construed, meaning that lululemon fails to demonstrate, by a preponderance of the evidence, that Good either anticipates claims 1–3, 7, 16–18, and 20, or, alternatively, renders obvious claim 3.” slip op. at 16
- Expert testimonyPetitioner expert discountedDecided for patent owner
“In our Institution Decision, we said that Munsing lacks the claimed “tubular structures” because “nowhere does Munsing indicate that the rows of stitches or loops form a rib that is tubular-like, let alone one with a closed periphery.” Inst. Dec. 10–12. During the trial phase, lululemon’s expert likewise agreed, conceding (on cross-examination) that Munsing only discloses non-tubular structures. See Ex. 2007, 40:9–41:11 (“Q [by Patent Owner’s counsel]: So you agree that . . . Munsing only discloses a nontubular rib? A [by lululemon’s expert]: That’s what I said.”). Nowhere does lululemon rebut that admission by its own expert, despite Nike noting it explicitly as a reason for rejecting Ground 2. Compare PO Resp. 25–26 (noting the admission of lululemon’s expert), with Pet. Reply 1–26 (addressing only Grounds 1 and 3, while omitting any mention of Ground 2, which is based on Munsing). Nor does lululemon ever dispute the preliminary findings in our Institution Decision as to why Munsing is not an anticipatory reference. Compare Inst. Dec. 10–12, with Pet. Reply 1–22. Thus, lululemon fails to demonstrate, by a preponderance of the evidence, that Munsing anticipates challenged claims 1–3, 7, 17, 18, and 20.” slip op. at 18
Patent outcomesUS 9,375,046 mixedClaim construction§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousnessPatents in suitUS 9,375,046 - PTAB · May 21, 2025 · IPR2025-00193 · APJ Sheridan K Snedden · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution because Petitioner did not show a reasonable likelihood that claims 1, 3, 6, 10, 11, 16, 18, 21, 24–26, or 30 were unpatentable on any asserted ground.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied
“To institute an inter partes review, we must determine that the information presented in the Petition shows “a reasonable likelihood that the petitioner would prevail with respect to at least 1 of the claims challenged in the petition.” 35 U.S.C. § 314(a). After considering the evidence and arguments presented in the Petition, we determine that Petitioner has not demonstrated a reasonable likelihood of success in proving that at least 1 claim of the ’030 patent is unpatentable.” slip op. at 2
- BurdenNot shown unpatentable
“What is missing from Petitioner’s stated motivation for modifying the array of Cantor is a reason why a POSA would seek to correlate the identification sequence with a location on the array at all. Prelim. Resp. 72. Indeed, the location of a bead on the substrate is not pertinent to the analysis disclosed in Cantor. Ex. 2002 ¶ 172; see also id. at ¶ 31 (Cantor “does not relate to the [spatial] analysis of tissue samples . . . .”). “[O]bviousness concerns whether a skilled artisan not only could have made but would have been motivated to make the combinations or modifications of prior art to arrive at the claimed invention.” Belden Inc. v. Berk-Tek LLC, 805 F.3d 1064, 1073 (Fed. Cir. 2015). Here, Cantor fails to teach or suggest capture probes distributed randomly on a substrate comprising a nucleic acid sequence that identifies a unique location on the substrate as required by the challenged claims, and Petitioner fails to adequately articulate why a person of ordinary skill in the art would have modified Cantor to make the recited capture probes. In view of the above, we find that, on this record, Petitioner has failed to establish that Cantor teaches or suggests each element of the challenged claims. Accordingly, we determine that Petitioner has not demonstrated a reasonable likelihood of prevailing on its challenge that any of claims 1, 3, 6, 10, 11, 16, 18, 21, 24–26, and 30 would have been obvious over Cantor.” slip op. at 20
- Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)No construction neededOther
“Petitioner does not argue that any claim term requires construction. Pet. 22–23. Likewise, Patent Owner takes the position that “no claim terms 2 Person of ordinary skill in the art. require explicit construction” for purposes of determining whether to institute inter partes review. Prelim. Resp. 19. Having considered the parties’ positions and evidence of record, we determine that no express construction of any claim term is necessary to determine whether to institute inter partes review. Nidec Motor Corp. v. Zhongshan Broad Ocean Motor Co. Matal, 868 F.3d 1013, 1017 (Fed. Cir. 2017) (“[W]e need only construe terms ‘that are in controversy, and only to the extent necessary to resolve the controversy.’” (quoting Vivid Techs., Inc. v. Am. Sci. & Eng’g, Inc., 200 F.3d 795, 803 (Fed. Cir. 1999))).” slip op. at 8
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successMotivation not foundNot shown unpatentable
“What is missing from Petitioner’s stated motivation for modifying the array of Cantor is a reason why a POSA would seek to correlate the identification sequence with a location on the array at all. Prelim. Resp. 72. Indeed, the location of a bead on the substrate is not pertinent to the analysis disclosed in Cantor. Ex. 2002 ¶ 172; see also id. at ¶ 31 (Cantor “does not relate to the [spatial] analysis of tissue samples . . . .”). “[O]bviousness concerns whether a skilled artisan not only could have made but would have been motivated to make the combinations or modifications of prior art to arrive at the claimed invention.” Belden Inc. v. Berk-Tek LLC, 805 F.3d 1064, 1073 (Fed. Cir. 2015). Here, Cantor fails to teach or suggest capture probes distributed randomly on a substrate comprising a nucleic acid sequence that identifies a unique location on the substrate as required by the challenged claims, and Petitioner fails to adequately articulate why a person of ordinary skill in the art would have modified Cantor to make the recited capture probes. In view of the above, we find that, on this record, Petitioner has failed to establish that Cantor teaches or suggests each element of the challenged claims. Accordingly, we determine that Petitioner has not demonstrated a reasonable likelihood of prevailing on its challenge that any of claims 1, 3, 6, 10, 11, 16, 18, 21, 24–26, and 30 would have been obvious over Cantor.” slip op. at 20
Claim construction§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousnessPatents in suitUS 11,761,030 - PTAB · May 21, 2025 · IPR2025-00192 · APJ Sheridan K Snedden · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution because Petitioner did not show a reasonable likelihood that claims 1, 5, 17, 20, 23, 28, or 29 were unpatentable over the asserted grounds.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied
“To institute an inter partes review, we must determine that the information presented in the Petition shows “a reasonable likelihood that the petitioner would prevail with respect to at least 1 of the claims challenged in the petition.” 35 U.S.C. § 314(a). After considering the evidence and arguments presented in the Petition, we determine that Petitioner has not demonstrated a reasonable likelihood of success in proving that at least 1 claim of the ’138 patent is unpatentable.” slip op. at 2
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successMotivation not foundNot shown unpatentableNot shown unpatentable
“[O]bviousness concerns whether a skilled artisan not only could have made but would have been motivated to make the combinations or modifications of prior art to arrive at the claimed invention.” Belden Inc. v. Berk-Tek LLC, 805 F.3d 1064, 1073 (Fed. Cir. 2015). Here, Cantor fails to teach or suggest capture probes distributed randomly on a substrate comprising a nucleic acid sequence that identifies a unique location on the substrate as required by the challenged claims, and Petitioner fails to adequately articulate why a person of ordinary skill in the art would have modified Cantor to make the recited capture probes. In view of the above, we find that, on this record, Petitioner has failed to establish that Cantor teaches or suggests each element of the challenged claims. Accordingly, we determine that Petitioner has not demonstrated a reasonable likelihood of prevailing on its challenge that any of claims 1, 5, 17, 20, 23, 28, and 29 would have been obvious over Cantor. slip op. at 21
- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Priority / effective filing date / continuation supportPriority date awardedDecided for patent owner
“3. Discussion Petitioner challenges whether certain elements of independent claims 1 and 17 are supported by the ’124 provisional and/or whether the ’138 patent’s priority chain is intact. Pet. 52–60. Having considered the parties’ positions and evidence of record, however, we agree with Patent Owner’s written description analysis, summarized above, and find (1) that the ’124 Provisional provides adequate written description support for each of the challenged claim elements; (2) that the ’138 patent’s priority chain is intact; and (3) that the ’138 patent is therefore entitled to the priority date of April 5, 2010. Consequently, Frisen is not prior art to the challenged claims.” slip op. at 28
- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Prior-art status of a reference › Patents / published applications (effective date, provisional support)Reference not prior artDecided for patent owner
“3. Discussion Petitioner challenges whether certain elements of independent claims 1 and 17 are supported by the ’124 provisional and/or whether the ’138 patent’s priority chain is intact. Pet. 52–60. Having considered the parties’ positions and evidence of record, however, we agree with Patent Owner’s written description analysis, summarized above, and find (1) that the ’124 Provisional provides adequate written description support for each of the challenged claim elements; (2) that the ’138 patent’s priority chain is intact; and (3) that the ’138 patent is therefore entitled to the priority date of April 5, 2010. Consequently, Frisen is not prior art to the challenged claims.” slip op. at 28
Claim construction§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousnessPatents in suitUS 11,549,138 - SML Intelligent Inventory Solutions LLC / SML (USA) Inc. v. Adasa Inc.Institution deniedPTAB · May 20, 2025 · IPR2025-00125 · APJ Devon Zastrow Newman · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution because Petitioner did not show a reasonable likelihood that any challenged claim was unpatentable under the asserted obviousness grounds.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied
“review. 35 U.S.C. § 314(b) (2018); 37 C.F.R. § 42.4(a) (2019). An inter partes review may not be instituted “unless . . . the information presented in the petition . . . shows that there is a reasonable likelihood that the petitioner would prevail with respect to at least 1 of the claims challenged in the petition.” 35 U.S.C. § 314(a). Upon consideration of the Petition, the Preliminary Response, and the evidence of record, we conclude that Petitioner has not established a reasonable likelihood of prevailing on its assertion that at least one challenged claim is unpatentable based on the grounds advanced here. Accordingly, we deny institution of inter partes review of claims 1–20 of the ’967 patent.” slip op. at 2
- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedOther
“VSI Int’l Inc., 174 F.3d 1308, 1324 (Fed. Cir. 1999) (citing Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 17–18 (1966); Ryko Mfg. Co. v. Nu-Star, Inc., 950 F.2d 714, 718 (Fed. Cir. 1991)). Petitioner adopts the following definition of a person of ordinarily skill in the art (hereafter, sometimes “POSITA”) of the ’967 patent proposed by Patent Owner in the Avery Dennison litigation: [A]t least a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or computer engineering, or a related discipline, and at least five years of experience which would consist of, A, designing, developing, evaluating and/or using RFID or other AIDC [automatic identification and data capture] technologies in inventory management, unique object identification, and/or security; or B, studying and conducting research related to RFID technologies and using RFID and other AIDC technologies in inventory management, unique object identification, and/or security. Pet. 6 (citing Ex. 1030, 707:3–13). Patent Owner does not offer a definition of an ordinarily skilled artisan of the ’967 patent at this time. See generally Prelim. Resp. Based on the information presented, we find that the asserted prior art itself is sufficient to demonstrate the level of skill in the art at the time of the invention. See Okajima v. Bourdeau, 261 F.3d 1350, 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2001) (prior art itself can reflect the appropriate level of ordinary skill in the art). To the extent a more precise definition is required, we apply Petitioner’s unopposed proposed definition for purposes of determining whether to institute review because it is consistent with the disclosures of the asserted prior art references and the problems addressed in the ’967 patent.” slip op. at 17
- Prior constructionPrior construction adoptedDecided for patent owner
“Petitioner proposes the following claim constructions: “an allocated block of serial numbers” as “a pre-authorized range of binary serial numbers” and “uniquely corresponding” as the “term’s plain and ordinary meaning, consistent with the articulation of the plain and ordinary meaning” in the Avery Dennison litigation. Pet. 8–12. As to the remaining claim terms, Petitioner applies the district court’s constructions in the Avery Dennison litigation. Id. at 12 (citing Ex. 1028). Patent Owner applies the following constructions that were entered during in the Avery Dennison litigation: “object class information space” as “data field within the memory of the RFID integrated circuit chip for information identifying the class of an object, such as a company prefix, item reference code, partition value, and/or filter value,” “unique serial number space” as “data field within the memory of the RFID integrated circuit for information identifying a unique serial number,” “being assigned a limited number of most significant bits” as “includes a limited, predefined sequence at the leading end,” “remaining bits of lesser significance” as “the remaining lower order bits at the trailing end,” “is encoded with one serial number instance” as “has stored within it one serial number instance,” “an allocated block of serial numbers” as “a pre-authorized range of serial numbers,” and “uniquely corresponding” as its plain and ordinary meaning. Prelim. Resp. 32. For purposes of resolving whether to institute trial, we adopt and apply the interpretations stated in the district court’s claim construction order and applied by the Federal Circuit on appeal, Ex. 1028.11 See 55 F.4th 900, 908–909, 912–913 (Fed. Cir. 2022) (citing the district court’s claim construction order).” slip op. at 18
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successNot reached
“IBM200 and Kuhno would have made it obvious for a POSITA to commission RFID tags with unique serial numbers partitioned into MSBs and bits of lesser significance. See Pet. 34–39; Ex. 1005 ¶¶ 167–176. However, on this record, Petitioner has not sufficiently shown that the POSITA, having read IBM200 and Kuhno, would have been led to create a serial number space in which the limited number of “most significant bits” uniquely corresponds to those bits assigned to an allocated block of serial numbers, as recited in limitation [f].” slip op. at 25
Claim construction§ 103 obviousnessDiscretionary denialcites Phillips · KSR · GrahamPatents in suitUS 9,798,967 - LG Electronics, Inc. / LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc. et al. v. Multimedia Technologies Pte. Ltd.Some claims unpatentablePTAB · May 19, 2025 · IPR2024-00699 · APJ St John Courtenay III · IPR · Final written decision
Claims 1, 2, 6–11, and 14–18 are unpatentable under § 103; claims 3–5, 12, and 13 were not shown unpatentable.
RulingsFinal written decision- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner
“contends that an ordinarily skilled artisan for the ’805 patent “would have been someone knowledgeable about and familiar with the television display technology that is pertinent to the ’805 patent. A POSITA would have had a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or Computer Engineering, or equivalent training, and approximately two years of experience working in the field of television systems and networking, human-computer interaction, or related technologies. Lack of work experience can be remedied by additional education, and vice versa.” Pet. 9 (citing Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 18–20). In its Preliminary Response Patent Owner indicated it “adopts Petitioner’s definition of a person of ordinary skill in the art (‘POSITA’) for the purposes of [its] Preliminary Response.” Prelim. Resp. 28. We note Patent Owner does not dispute or otherwise disavow Petitioner’s definition of a POSITA in its Response or Sur-reply. See generally PO Resp.; PO Surreply. level of ordinary skill in the art. On the present record, we are satisfied that this definition comports with the level of skill necessary to understand and implement the teachings of the ’805 patent and the asserted prior art. See Okajima v. Bourdeau, 261 F.3d 1350, 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2001) (explaining that the prior art itself can reflect appropriate level of ordinary skill in art).” slip op. at 10
- Claim Construction › Intrinsic evidence (Phillips canons) › Plain and ordinary meaning to a POSITATerm construed petitioner constructionDecided for petitioner
“We disagree with Patent Owner. Id. We see nothing in the preamble 1.0, or “receiving” step 1.1.1, or “wherein” clause 1.1.2 that defines a data format prior to organizing step 1.2.1, and we decline to read limitations from the specification into the claim, i.e., a “pre-defined format” being defined prior to organizing step 1.2.1, as argued by Patent Owner. 5 PO Resp. 20. Preamble 1.0 is silent regarding any mention of a data format: “A method of providing content for a television (TV), the method comprising: . . . .” Although step 1.1.1 requires “receiving, by a processor, data relevant to one or more scheduled events from one of a corresponding subservice of a plurality of subservices,” at best this merely requires a type of data that is “relevant to one or more scheduled events” and does not require a particular data format to be used for “data relevant to one or more scheduled events,” nor the “pre-defined” format argued by Patent Owner. PO Resp. 20–21. (emphases added). Nor do we read step 1.1.2 as defining a particular data format used by the three recited types of subservices: “[1.1.2] wherein the plurality of subservices comprises a video-on-demand (VOD) subservice, electronic programming guide (EPG) subservice, and a media subservice.” 5 We emphasize that patentability is based upon the claims. “It is the claims that measure the invention.” SRI Int’l v. Matsushita Elec. Corp. of America, 775 F.2d 1107, 1121 (Fed. Cir. 1985) (en banc). A basic canon of claim construction is that one may not read a limitation into a claim from the written description. Renishaw PLC v. Marposs Societa' per Azioni, 158 F.3d 1243, 1248 (Fed. Cir. 1998). according to a pre-defined format corresponding to each of the plurality of subservices.” (emphases added). However, we find Patent Owner’s contention unavailing that the term “pre-defined format” recited in step 1.2.1 requires three different data model pre-defined formats because claim 1 is silent regarding the argued term “different.” See PO Sur-reply 9 (regarding Patent Owner’s response to the question of “whether element [1.2.1] and the term ‘pre-defined format’ requires three different data models.” Patent Owner responds: “For the above reasons, they do.”). Moreover, we note the term “data model” is not introduced until subsequent “wherein” clause 1.2.2, which merely requires that “the predefined format comprises one of a VOD data model, an EPG data model and a media data model.” (emphasis added).” slip op. at 20
- Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)No construction neededDecided for petitioner
“Regarding the claim 1 term “uniform format” Petitioner replies that Patent Owner “does not dispute that the prior art teaches a ‘uniform format’” in step 1.2.4. Pet. Reply 8 (citing generally PO Resp.). Therefore, Petitioner argues “for the purposes of this proceeding, the term “uniform format” does not require express construction.” Pet. Reply 8 (citing Nidec (Fed. Cir. 2017)). Nevertheless, at the Board’s request (Dec. 29), Petitioner proceeds to address the scope of the claim 1 term “uniform format.” Pet. Reply 8. Petitioner notes that the ’805 patent uses the term “uniform format” in column 33: “The data models provide uniform formats for the respective subservices (i.e., VOD subservice 1420, EPG subservice 1424, and media subservice 1428) and/or the internal content provider modules 1416 which interface with applications 416.” Pet. Reply 8 (quoting Ex.1001, 33:25–30). Petitioner further notes that Dr. Lippmann explains, “the ’805 patent does not appear to ascribe any specific meaning to the term ‘uniform format’ and the passage does not limit the scope of this term to require a plurality of uniform formats.” Pet. Reply (quoting Ex. 1020 ¶ 13).” slip op. at 22
- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Prior-art status of a reference › Printed publication / public accessibilityReference is prior artDecided for petitioner
“Patent Owner’s arguments are not persuasive because on January 14, 2025, the Federal Circuit in Lynk Labs Inc. v. Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., (125 F.4th 1120, 1132 (Fed. Cir. 2025)) held that Title 35 U.S.C. sections “311(b) and 102(e)(1) permit IPR challenges based upon published patent applications, and such published patent applications can be deemed prior art in IPRs as of their filing date.” (emphasis added). Accordingly, we conclude both Melnychenko and Choi are prior art for the purpose of this IPR pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 311(b) under the holding of Lynk Labs.” slip op. at 6
Patent outcomesUS 10,419,805 mixedClaim construction§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousnesscites Phillips · KSR · GrahamPatents in suitUS 10,419,805 - LG Electronics, Inc. / LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc. et al. v. Multimedia Technologies Pte. Ltd.Some claims unpatentablePTAB · May 19, 2025 · IPR2024-00354 · APJ St John Courtenay III · IPR · Final written decision
Claims 1, 2, 6–11, and 14–18 are unpatentable as obvious; claims 3–5, 12, and 13 were not shown unpatentable.
RulingsFinal written decision- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Prior-art status of a reference › Printed publication / public accessibilityReference is prior artDecided for petitioner
“Patent Owner’s arguments are not persuasive because on January 14, 2025, the Federal Circuit in Lynk Labs Inc. v. Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., (125 F.4th 1120, 1132 (Fed. Cir. 2025)) held that Title 35 U.S.C. sections “311(b) and 102(e)(1) permit IPR challenges based upon published patent applications, and such published patent applications can be deemed prior art in IPRs as of their filing date.” (emphasis added). Accordingly, we conclude both Melnychenko and Choi are prior art for the purpose of this IPR pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 311(b) under the holding of Lynk Labs.” slip op. at 6
- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for patent owner
“Relying upon the declaration testimony of Dr. Lippman, Petitioner contends that an ordinarily skilled artisan for the ’805 patent “would have been someone knowledgeable about and familiar with the television display technology that is pertinent to the ’805 patent. A POSITA would have had a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or Computer Engineering, or equivalent training, and approximately two years of experience working in the field of television systems and networking, human-computer interaction, or related technologies. Lack of work experience can be remedied by additional education, and vice versa.” Pet. 9 (citing Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 18–20). In its Preliminary Response Patent Owner indicated it “adopts Petitioner’s definition of a person of ordinary skill in the art (‘POSITA’) for the purposes of [its] Preliminary Response.” Prelim. Resp. 28. We note Patent Owner does not dispute or otherwise disavow Petitioner’s definition of a POSITA in its Response or Sur-reply. See generally PO Resp.; PO Surreply. level of ordinary skill in the art. On the present record, we are satisfied that this definition comports with the level of skill necessary to understand and implement the teachings of the ’805 patent and the asserted prior art. See Okajima v. Bourdeau, 261 F.3d 1350, 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2001) (explaining that the prior art itself can reflect appropriate level of ordinary skill in art).” slip op. at 10
- Claim Construction › Intrinsic evidence (Phillips canons) › Plain and ordinary meaning to a POSITATerm construed petitioner constructionDecided for petitioner
“We disagree with Patent Owner. Id. We see nothing in the preamble 1.0, or “receiving” step 1.1.1, or “wherein” clause 1.1.2 that defines a data format prior to organizing step 1.2.1, and we decline to read limitations from the specification into the claim, i.e., a “pre-defined format” being defined prior to organizing step 1.2.1, as argued by Patent Owner. 5 PO Resp. 20. Preamble 1.0 is silent regarding any mention of a data format: “A method of providing content for a television (TV), the method comprising: . . . .” Although step 1.1.1 requires “receiving, by a processor, data relevant to one or more scheduled events from one of a corresponding subservice of a plurality of subservices,” at best this merely requires a type of data that is “relevant to one or more scheduled events” and does not require a particular data format to be used for “data relevant to one or more scheduled events,” nor the “pre-defined” format argued by Patent Owner. PO Resp. 20–21. (emphases added). Nor do we read step 1.1.2 as defining a particular data format used by the three recited types of subservices: “[1.1.2] wherein the plurality of subservices comprises a video-on-demand (VOD) subservice, electronic programming guide (EPG) subservice, and a media subservice.” 5 We emphasize that patentability is based upon the claims. “It is the claims that measure the invention.” SRI Int’l v. Matsushita Elec. Corp. of America, 775 F.2d 1107, 1121 (Fed. Cir. 1985) (en banc). A basic canon of claim construction is that one may not read a limitation into a claim from the written description. Renishaw PLC v. Marposs Societa' per Azioni, 158 F.3d 1243, 1248 (Fed. Cir. 1998). according to a pre-defined format corresponding to each of the plurality of subservices.” (emphases added). However, we find Patent Owner’s contention unavailing that the term “pre-defined format” recited in step 1.2.1 requires three different data model pre-defined formats because claim 1 is silent regarding the argued term “different.” See PO Sur-reply 9 (regarding Patent Owner’s response to the question of “whether element [1.2.1] and the term ‘pre-defined format’ requires three different data models.” Patent Owner responds: “For the above reasons, they do.”). Moreover, we note the term “data model” is not introduced until subsequent “wherein” clause 1.2.2, which merely requires that “the predefined format comprises one of a VOD data model, an EPG data model and a media data model.” (emphasis added).” slip op. at 20
- Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)No construction neededDecided for petitioner
“Regarding the claim 1 term “uniform format” Petitioner replies that Patent Owner “does not dispute that the prior art teaches a ‘uniform format’” in step 1.2.4. Pet. Reply 8 (citing generally PO Resp.). Therefore, Petitioner argues “for the purposes of this proceeding, the term “uniform format” does not require express construction.” Pet. Reply 8 (citing Nidec (Fed. Cir. 2017)). Nevertheless, at the Board’s request (Dec. 29), Petitioner proceeds to address the scope of the claim 1 term “uniform format.” Pet. Reply 8. Petitioner notes that the ’805 patent uses the term “uniform format” in column 33: “The data models provide uniform formats for the respective subservices (i.e., VOD subservice 1420, EPG subservice 1424, and media subservice 1428) and/or the internal content provider modules 1416 which interface with applications 416.” Pet. Reply 8 (quoting Ex.1001, 33:25–30). Petitioner further notes that Dr. Lippmann explains, “the ’805 patent does not appear to ascribe any specific meaning to the term ‘uniform format’ and the passage does not limit the scope of this term to require a plurality of uniform formats.” Pet. Reply (quoting Ex. 1020 ¶ 13). In its Sur-reply, Patent Owner notes that “Petitioners do not appear to” slip op. at 22
Patent outcomesUS 10,419,805 mixedClaim construction§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousnesscites Phillips · KSR · GrahamPatents in suitUS 10,419,805 - PTAB · May 19, 2025 · IPR2025-00032 · APJ Mitchell G Weatherly · IPR · Institution
The Board instituted IPR on all challenged claims and grounds, finding a reasonable likelihood that claims 1, 10, 19, and 28 are obvious.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsDecided for petitioner
“At least because of the material differences in Ferro compared to Hafner ’174 and the reliance on Donnelly and Letendre, which were not before the Office, we find that the same or substantially the same art was not previously presented to the Office.” slip op. at 12
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)InstitutedInstituted
“information presented in the petition filed under section 311 and any response filed under section 313 shows that there is a reasonable likelihood that the petitioner would prevail with respect to at least 1 of the claims challenged in the petition.” 35 U.S.C. § 314(a). Based on our review of the record,1 we conclude that Petitioner is reasonably likely to prevail with respect to at least one of the challenged claims.” slip op. at 2
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successMotivation foundReasonable expectation foundInstituted
“We disagree with Patent Owner. It is true that Oyobe focuses on alerting a vehicle user to a low state of charge by raising a physical indicator on the exterior of the vehicle (i.e., the “informing apparatus 102) when the battery is low. Ex. 1005 ¶ 40. Oyobe explains: even in such a case where the vehicle user exit from the vehicle without checking the SOC of main battery B on the console panel, informing apparatus 102 disposed at a location where it can easily be seen outside the vehicle by the vehicle user allows the vehicle user to easily recognize the necessity of charging main battery B. Id. However, Oyobe’s focus on raising a physical indicator on the vehicle as a reminder does not detract from Oyobe’s unambiguous disclosure that its vehicle also includes position detecting apparatus 108 that uses wireless communication to “sense that the vehicle is parked at the location where charging equipment is installed.” Id. ¶ 142. Oyobe’s ability to sense whether a vehicle is parked next to a charger allows Oyobe’s system to remind the user to charge the battery by raising low battery indicator 102 while the vehicle is located next to a charger but not “where charging cannot be performed.” Id. ¶¶ 143–145. Accordingly, regardless of the reason that Oyobe provides for including its vehicle position detecting apparatus, Oyobe undeniably describes a vehicle sensor that can provide “information indicative of a presence of an electric vehicle in a parking space” near a charging station. And, we find that Petitioner has sufficiently explained why an ordinarily skilled artisan would have been motivated to use Oyobe’s sensor in Ferro’s electric vehicle to “advantageously allows a user to instruct charging without exiting the vehicle and physically interacting with a charging station.” Pet. 11–12 (citing Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 150–152).” slip op. at 20
- Strike new argumentNew argument consideredDecided for petitioner
“Third, Patent Owner argues that Petitioner violates Rule 42.6(a)(3) by improperly incorporating arguments from Mr. Andrews’s Declaration into the Petition to establish that Oyobe teaches sensing the presence of a vehicle in a “parking space” as recited in limitation 1e. Prelim. Resp. 42–43 (citing Pet. 19–20 (citing Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 178–181)). Patent Owner contends that Mr. Andrews’s citation of four references that are not expressly cited in the Petition, Exhibits 1018, 1053, 1057, and 1059, implicitly demonstrates that the Petition incorporates arguments by reference. Id. Not only do we find Petitioner’s reliance on Mr. Andrews’s testimony to be persuasive, but we also find that Mr. Andrews’s citations to Exhibits 1018, 1053, 1057, and 1059 provide strong support for his testimony that an ordinarily skilled artisan would understand that Oyobe teaches that its vehicle is in a parking space when Oyobe’s apparatus 108 detects that “the vehicle is parked” near charging equipment. Far from improperly incorporating arguments by reference, we find Mr. Andrews’s citation to objective evidence to support his opinions on how an ordinarily skilled artisan would read Oyobe’s disclosure to be preferred and highly persuasive.” slip op. at 21
Claim construction§ 103 obviousnessDiscretionary denialcites Phillips · GrahamPatents in suitUS 11,563,338 - LG Electronics, Inc. / LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc. et al. v. Multimedia Technologies Pte. Ltd.Some claims unpatentablePTAB · May 19, 2025 · IPR2024-00694 · APJ Robert L Kinder · IPR · Final written decision
Claims 1, 4–6, 11, 14–16, 21, and 22 are unpatentable over the stated obviousness grounds; claims 2, 3, 12, and 13 were not shown unpatentable.
RulingsFinal written decision- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner
“Based on the final record before us, we determine the knowledge level of a person of ordinary skill in the art. Relying on the testimony of Dr. Lippman, LG argues the following: [a] Person of Ordinary Skill in The Art . . . in August of 2012 would have been someone knowledgeable and familiar with the interactive media guide arts that are pertinent to the ’040 patent. A [person of ordinary skill in the art] would have had a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or Computer Engineering, or equivalent training, and approximately two years of experience working in the field of television systems and networking, human-computer interaction, or related technologies. Lack of professional experience can be remedied by additional education, and vice versa.” slip op. at 13
- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Prior-art status of a reference › Printed publication / public accessibilityReference is prior artPrinted publication establishedDecided for petitioner
“under 35 U.S.C. § 311(b) because they were not published before the ’040 patent’s priority date of August 17, 2012. PO Resp. 13–14. Multimedia referenced a case pending at the Federal Circuit, Lynk Labs, Inc. v. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., as pertinent to addressing whether applications for patent published after the priority date of the challenged patent are permissible “printed publications” in IPRs. Id. Multimedia’s arguments are not persuasive because on January 14, 2025, the Federal Circuit in Lynk Labs Inc. v. Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., clarified that inter partes review challenges may be based upon published patent applications, and such published patent applications can be deemed prior art in IPRs as of their filing date. 125 F.4th 1120, 1127 (Fed. Cir. 2025). As such, both Choi and Kim are prior art pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 311(b).” slip op. at 16
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successMotivation foundReasonable expectation foundDecided for petitioner
“Turning to rationale to combine, LG contends that it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to implement Kim’s EXTERNAL DEVICE card object 1380 to include Choi’s specific symbols representing external devices connected to the input ports of smart TV 100 to inform the user which external devices are actually connected to the smart TV versus those that are not connected. Pet. 42–44 (citing Ex. 1005, Fig. 19 (modifying card object 1380); Ex. 1003 ¶ 137); see also id. at 14 (arguing the same). LG argues this proposed combination is merely combining prior art elements (i.e., Choi’s specific symbols representing external devices connected via input ports, with Kim’s EXTERNAL DEVICE card object 1380) according to known methods to yield the predictable result of “informing the user which external device is connected to an input port.” Id. at 45; see also id. at 14–15 (arguing the same). LG also argues that this proposed combination represents the use of a known technique (i.e., Choi’s specific symbols representing external devices connected via input ports) to improve a similar device (i.e., Kim’s smart TV 100) in the same way (i.e., “to inform the user which external device is connected to an input port”). See id. at 45 (citing Ex. 1003 ¶ 130); see also id. at 15 (arguing the same). LG asserts that there would have been a reasonable expectation of success in making this proposed combination because both Kim and Choi disclose “similar televisions” with “external devices connected via an input port,” and implementing Kim with Choi’s thumbnail icons that have specific symbols representing input ports would have been “a matter of routine software programming.” Id. at 15 (citing Ex. 1003 ¶ 61).” slip op. at 22
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of success › HindsightMotivation not foundDecided for patent owner
“Limitation [2.1] requires identifying a user associated with the “received indication,” which is the selection of a home key button or go-tohome button to invoke the home screen, as alleged by LG. See Pet. Reply 20–21. Both Kim and Lee-2 allow a distinct procedure wherein a user can login, but LG has not explained persuasively how these distinct procedures are associated with Kim’s home key button such that a user is identified through its selection. For example, Lee-2’s Favorite Channel List (Figure 39B) is displayed based on the user’s selection of the favorite channel object 2019 on a home screen, but not related to the user’s selection of the home key button to invoke the home screen. See Ex. 1010, 41:41–43 (“Referring to FIG. 39B, upon selection of the favorite channel object 2019 [in FIG. 39A], a favorite channel list screen including a favorite channel list is displayed fullscreen.”).” slip op. at 62
Patent outcomesUS 9,510,040 mixed§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousnesscites KSR · GrahamPatents in suitUS 9,510,040 - LG Electronics, Inc. / LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc. et al. v. Multimedia Technologies Pte. Ltd.Some claims unpatentablePTAB · May 19, 2025 · IPR2024-00351 · APJ Robert L Kinder · IPR · Final written decision
Claims 1, 4–6, 11, 14–16, 21, and 22 are unpatentable as obvious; claims 2, 3, 12, and 13 were not shown unpatentable.
RulingsFinal written decision- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Prior-art status of a reference › Printed publication / public accessibilityReference is prior artDecided for petitioner
“6. Whether Choi and Kim Are Printed Publications Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 311(b) Multimedia contends that Choi and Kim are not printed publications under 35 U.S.C. § 311(b) because they were not published before the ’040 patent’s priority date of August 17, 2012. PO Resp. 13–14. Multimedia referenced a case pending at the Federal Circuit, Lynk Labs, Inc. v. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., as pertinent to addressing whether applications for patent published after the priority date of the challenged patent are permissible “printed publications” in IPRs. Id. Multimedia’s arguments are not persuasive because on January 14, 2025, the Federal Circuit in Lynk Labs Inc. v. Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., clarified that inter partes review challenges may be based upon published patent applications, and such published patent applications can be deemed prior art in IPRs as of their filing date. 125 F.4th 1120, 1127 (Fed. Cir. 2025). As such, both Choi and Kim are prior art pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 311(b).” slip op. at 15
- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner
“Based on the final record before us, we determine the knowledge level of a person of ordinary skill in the art. Relying on the testimony of Dr. Lippman, LG argues the following: [a] Person of Ordinary Skill in The Art . . . in August of 2012 would have been someone knowledgeable and familiar with the interactive media guide arts that are pertinent to the ’040 patent. A [person of ordinary skill in the art] would have had a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or Computer Engineering, or equivalent training, and approximately two years of experience working in the field of television systems and networking, human-computer interaction, or related technologies. Lack of professional experience can be remedied by additional education, and vice versa. Pet. 8–9 (citing Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 18–20). In its Response, “Patent Owner accepts the Petitioner’s definition of the POSITA” and Multimedia and its expert, Dr. Surati, “find that definition to be reasonable.” PO Resp. 7 (citing Ex. 2011 ¶¶ 43, 44). Accordingly, we adopt LG’s assessment of the level of skill in the art because it is consistent with the ’040 patent and the asserted prior art.” slip op. at 13
- Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)No construction neededDecided for petitioner
“Based on the final record, including the parties’ contention that no claim term requires express construction, there is no readily discernible controversy between the parties that requires us to construe any claim terms, and thus we do not construe any claim terms except as discussed below with respect to limitation 1.6. See Nidec Motor Corp. v. Zhongshan Broad Ocean Motor Co., 868 F.3d 1013, 1017 (Fed. Cir. 2017) (noting that “we need only construe terms ‘that are in controversy, and only to the extent necessary to resolve the controversy’” (quoting Vivid Techs., Inc. v. Am. Sci. & Eng’g, Inc., 200 F.3d 795, 803 (Fed. Cir. 1999))).” slip op. at 10
- Claim Construction › Intrinsic evidence (Phillips canons) › Plain and ordinary meaning to a POSITAPlain and ordinary meaningDecided for petitioner
“highlighted when a user selects this content source in some manner. Ex. 1001, 30:27–51. At that juncture, after a user selects the content source and it is highlighted, the content source is then associated with the first content information, “801 – CNXN,” which is displayed on the right panel of Figure 15B. See id. We do not understand the ’040 patent as requiring the display “801 – CNXN” to cause the corresponding highlighting of Live TV 1504A as suggested by Multimedia. The claim language requires the two elements “being associated with”5 one another, but it does not require that one element’s display (first content information) causes the highlighting of the other element (content source). Our view is supported by the only description of highlighting a content source found in the specification of the ’040 patent. In regard to Figure 15B, the specification describes that “global panel 1404 may include one or more sources represented by icons and text, or shortcuts, 1504A-E.” Ex. 1001, 30:27–28. The specification describes how highlighting the source is user directed: Global panel 1404 may additionally indicate a source that is selected or highlight [sic] using indicator 1512; for example, indicator 1512 may comprise a box positioned around Live TV 5 As the Federal Circuit has explained, “the plain meaning of associating relates to a mere commonality.” Apple Inc. v. Motorola, Inc., 757 F.3d 1286, 1306 (Fed. Cir. 2014), overruled by Williamson v. Citrix Online, LLC, 792 F.3d 1339 (Fed. Cir. 2015) (on unrelated grounds). 801 CNXN. Although illustrated as a box, other methods or configurations which provide for icon selection and/or identification may be used. For example, instead of a box, indicator 1512 may comprise adjusting the background of an icon and text, such as 1504A for example, such that the color, shade, or hue is different. Id. at 30:41–49 (emphasis added). Highlighting, as the specification describes, occurs when a user selects a source using indicator 1512 and that source is boxed or differentiated by color or shading. Id. The specification, in relation to Figure 15C, further describes a user moving indicator 1512 to another source such that the “the content or a preview of the content may be displayed in active content area 1408.” Id. at 32:9–17 (“For example, FIG. 15C illustrates an image or video associated with Skyfalls being displayed in content area 1408.”). Thus, the specification is clear that the highlighting function results from user selection of the source and the corresponding association of the first content information with that source flows from that user selection. See also id. at 2:30–31 (describing a purpose of the ’040 patent as “an Intelligent TV with intuitive user interfaces and with seamless user interaction capability”), 32:35–43 (“[t]he user . . . move[s] the focus box”). This supports our understanding that the claim language does not require that the display of first content to cause the highlighting of a displayed source identifier.” slip op. at 29
Patent outcomesUS 9,510,040 mixedClaim construction§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousnesscites KSR · GrahamPatents in suitUS 9,510,040 - Trove Brands, LLC v. Camelbak Products, LLCInstitution deniedPTAB · May 7, 2025 · IPR2024-01501 · APJ Linda E Horner · IPR · Institution
The Board denied institution because Trove did not show a reasonable likelihood of proving claims 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 15, 16, or 21 obvious over the asserted prior art.
RulingsInstitution decision- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied
“Under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a), an inter partes review may not be instituted unless the information presented in the petition and the preliminary response shows “there is a reasonable likelihood that the petitioner would prevail with respect to at least 1 of the claims challenged in the petition.” Upon consideration of the Petition and the Preliminary Response, and for the reasons explained below, we determine that Petitioner has not shown a reasonable likelihood that it would prevail with respect to at least one of the challenged claims. Thus, we deny the Petition and do not institute an inter partes review of claims 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 15, 16, and 21 of the ’028 patent.” slip op. at 2
- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner
“Patent Owner argues that a POSITA would have “a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or the equivalent coursework and approximately one year of experience with liquid-containing devices, with more work experience substituting for less education and vice versa.” Prelim. Resp. 23 (citing Ex. 2001 ¶¶ 56–65). Patent Owner also states that it “discerns no material difference between the definitions provided by the parties for purposes the Board’s decision on whether to institute this proceeding.” Id. We agree that there appears to be no material difference in the parties’ definitions of the level of ordinary skill in the art. For the purposes of this Decision, we apply Petitioner’s definition of the level of ordinary skill in the art. We determine that this definition is consistent with the prior art of record and the skill reflected in the Specification of the ’028 patent, based on our review of the limited record. Moreover, the prior art itself may be sufficient to demonstrate the level of skill in the art at the time of the invention. See Okajima v. Bourdeau, 261 F.3d 1350, 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2001) (explaining that specific findings regarding ordinary skill level are not” slip op. at 11
- Claim Construction › Functional claiming / §112(f) means-plus-function › Whether §112(f) applies (Williamson, nonce words)§112(f) appliesDecided for petitioner
“as a means-plus-function limitation under 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, because “mechanism” is a nonce word for performing the claimed function without reciting structure for performing that function, and a POSITA would not have understood the term to have “a sufficiently definite meaning as the name for a structure that performs the claimed function.” Pet. 16–17 (citing Ex. 1003 ¶ 39). For claim 1, Petitioner identifies two distinct structures described in the ’028 patent that correspond to the claimed “user release mechanism” for performing the claimed functions. Id. at 34. Specifically, Petitioner asserts that the ’028 patent describes a first embodiment in which the corresponding structure includes sliding member 238, and its component parts. Id. at 34– 35 (citing Ex. 1001, 12:50–13:25, 13:29–33). In the second embodiment, the corresponding structure includes user engagement portion 260 on rigid collar 170. Id. at 35–36 (citing Ex. 1001, 13:40–54). Petitioner does not separately address the structure corresponding to the “user release mechanism” as recited in claim 21. Id. at 53‒54 (relying on the same arguments presented for unpatentability of claim 1). court issued a claim construction order in the parallel litigation construing the term “user release mechanism” as a means-plus-function limitation under § 112, sixth paragraph. Prelim. Resp. 23 (citing Ex. 2002, 12–15). The district court ruled that the corresponding structure for claim 1 includes “[s]liding member 238, including its component parts,” or “[u]ser engagement portion 260.” Ex. 2002, 15. For claim 21, the district court ruled that the corresponding structure includes “[s]liding member 238, including its component parts” or “[u]ser engagement pad 240, planar portion 242, tabs 244, collar engagement portion 254, depression 256.” Id. at 17. Patent Owner indicates that, “[f]or purposes of this proceeding only,” it does not dispute that the claimed user release mechanisms are means-plusfunction limitations, and it does not dispute the corresponding structure identified by Petitioner, even though the district court did not specifically identify engagement portion 260 as corresponding structure for claim 21. Prelim. Resp. 25 (citing Ex. 2002, 15–19). Although Patent Owner does not dispute Petitioner’s proposed interpretation of the “user release mechanism,” because claim interpretation is a matter of law and the dispositive issue in this Decision turns on the interpretation of this claim limitation, we address it in this Decision. We agree with the parties that the “user release mechanism” elements recited in claims 1 and 21 are means-plus-function limitations governed by § 112, sixth paragraph. See 35 U.S.C. § 112 ¶ 6 (“An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof.”). “means,” it uses the nonce word “mechanism” without reciting structure for performing the functions recited in the claims. See Williamson v. CitrixOnline, LLC, 792 F.3d 1339, 1350 (Fed. Cir. 2015) (“Generic terms such as ‘mechanism,’ ‘element,’ ‘device,’ and other nonce words that reflect nothing more than verbal constructs may be used in a claim in a manner that is tantamount to using the word “means” because they ‘typically do not connote sufficiently definite structure’ and therefore may invoke § 112, para. 6.”).” slip op. at 13
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successNot reached
“[U]nder § 112, ¶ 6 equivalence, functional identity is required” and “[s]tructural equivalence under § 112, ¶ 6 is met only if the differences are insubstantial, that is, if the assertedly equivalent structure performs the claimed function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding structure described in the specification.” (citing Chiuminatta Concrete Concepts, Inc. v. Cardinal Indus., Inc., 145 F.3d 1303, 1308 (Fed. Cir. 1998)). Here, Petitioner states that Kiyota’s lock release buttons 40 “perform the claimed function in the same way to achieve the same result” as the ’028 patent’s sliding member 238, and its component parts (Pet. 37) without providing sufficient supporting explanation or evidence. Petitioner explains only that the two structures operate in “substantially the same way” by a user pressing an element that that slides towards the mouthpiece assembly to disengage the catch structures. Id. at 37–38 (citing Ex. 1003 ¶ 89). The Petition does not discuss any of the differences between Kiyota’s structure and the ’028 patent’s structure or provide an explanation of why these differences are insubstantial. Indeed, as Patent Owner persuasively explains, there are notable differences in the “way” the two structures perform the claimed function and the “result” they achieve. See Prelim. Resp. 39–40 (discussing the ’028 patent’s one-finger operation and indirect catch disengagement, versus Kiyota’s two-finger operation and direct catch disengagement). Moreover, the analysis in Dr. Vallee’s declaration substantially parallels the discussion in the Petition and does not provide any additional explanation or evidence to show that the differences between the “way” the two structures operate or the “result” they achieve are insubstantial. Compare Ex. 1003 ¶¶ 85–91, with Pet. 34–38. For these reasons, Petitioner fails to show sufficiently that Kiyota discloses an equivalent structure to the structure described in the ’028 patent corresponding to the “user release mechanism” recited in claim 1. Accordingly, Petitioner has not met its burden to show a reasonable likelihood that claim 1 is unpatentable as obvious over Kiyota. slip op. at 23
Claim construction§ 103 obviousnesscites KSR · GrahamPatents in suitUS 9,782,028
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.