- Eis GmbH v. Novoluto GmbHRehearing grantedPTAB · Sep 25, 2020 · IPR2020-00007 · APJ Susan L C Mitchell · IPR · Rehearing
Granted EIS GMBH’s rehearing request and instituted IPR of claims 1–3, 5, 7, 8, 11, 14, 15, 17–21, and 23–26 on all asserted grounds.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, grantedGranted
“We find that Dr. Prisco’s testimony is a reasonable interpretation of how Taylor works if the bellows are bidirectional, and the bellows are expanded and contracted when the suction cup is sealingly engaged. Figure 3 of Taylor shown above appears to support Dr. Prisco’s testimony that the bellows may be expanded or contracted from the initial position shown in Figure 3 and does not appear to show any valve or second opening in the bellows to provide unidirectional flow as Dr. Jensen, Patent Owner’s declarant, asserts. Also, as Petitioner asserts, Taylor indicates that a squeeze ball may be substituted for the bellows expressly indicating a device with a bidirectional flow. Although Patent Owner raises valid arguments concerning a common definition of bellows indicating unidirectional flow and provides testimony from Dr. Jensen reasonably supporting such a position, these dueling positions create a genuine issue of material fact that we weigh in favor of Petitioner on institution. See 37 C.F.R. 42.108(c).” slip op. at 18
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Discretionary denial › §325(d) same art / argumentsDecided for petitioner
“We conclude from a review of Fang and Taylor that they are not substantially the same art nor is Petitioner making substantially the same argument as was presented the Office during prosecution of the ’061 Patent based on Fang. We find that the way in which Fang and Taylor work appear to be materially different. Fang appears to apply only suction to the skin whereas Taylor, with the sealingly connected suction cup, appears to apply a cyclical vacuum that Dr. Prisco testifies meets the claim limitations requiring generation of a pattern of negative and positive pressures, modulated with respect to a reference pressure. Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 62–64, 75. Thus Taylor appears to teach the claim element Patent Owner argued during prosecution was missing from Fang. Also, in applying factors (b) and (d) of Becton, Dickinson, because of such differences noted above, we find that Taylor is not cumulative of Fang, which was considered and applied by the Office during prosecution of the ’061 Patent. 4. Conclusion Thus, we find that Taylor and Fang are not substantially the same art, nor were substantially the same arguments based on these references presented in the Petition and during prosecution of the ’061 Patent, respectively. As discussed above, because Petitioner primarily relies on Taylor in all four grounds for teaching the modulation of positive and negative pressures with respect to a reference pressure as required by all of the challenged claims, we also find that, overall, the same or substantially the same art was not previously presented to the Office nor were the same or substantially the same arguments previously presented to the Office. Therefore, we do not need to reach the application of the remaining Becton, Dickenson factors relating to whether the Petitioner has demonstrated a material error by the Office. Thus, we decline to exercise our discretion under § 325(d) to deny institution of an inter partes review here.” slip op. at 12
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)InstitutedInstituted
“how Taylor works if the bellows are bidirectional, and the bellows are expanded and contracted when the suction cup is sealingly engaged. Figure 3 of Taylor shown above appears to support Dr. Prisco’s testimony that the bellows may be expanded or contracted from the initial position shown in Figure 3 and does not appear to show any valve or second opening in the bellows to provide unidirectional flow as Dr. Jensen, Patent Owner’s declarant, asserts. Also, as Petitioner asserts, Taylor indicates that a squeeze ball may be substituted for the bellows expressly indicating a device with a bidirectional flow. Although Patent Owner raises valid arguments concerning a common definition of bellows indicating unidirectional flow and provides testimony from Dr. Jensen reasonably supporting such a position, these dueling positions create a genuine issue of material fact that we weigh in favor of Petitioner on institution. See 37 C.F.R. 42.108(c).” slip op. at 18
- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Anticipation standard (single reference, every element)Instituted
“We find that Dr. Prisco’s testimony is a reasonable interpretation of how Taylor works if the bellows are bidirectional, and the bellows are expanded and contracted when the suction cup is sealingly engaged. Figure 3 of Taylor shown above appears to support Dr. Prisco’s testimony that the bellows may be expanded or contracted from the initial position shown in Figure 3 and does not appear to show any valve or second opening in the bellows to provide unidirectional flow as Dr. Jensen, Patent Owner’s declarant, asserts. Also, as Petitioner asserts, Taylor indicates that a squeeze ball may be substituted for the bellows expressly indicating a device with a bidirectional flow. Although Patent Owner raises valid arguments concerning a common definition of bellows indicating unidirectional flow and provides testimony from Dr. Jensen reasonably supporting such a position, these dueling positions create a genuine issue of material fact that we weigh in favor of Petitioner on institution. See 37 C.F.R. 42.108(c).” slip op. at 18
Claim construction§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousnessDiscretionary denialPatents in suitUS 9,849,061 - Eis GmbH v. Novoluto GmbHRehearing grantedPTAB · Jun 17, 2020 · IPR2019-01302 · APJ John E Schneider · IPR · Rehearing
Granted rehearing and instituted inter partes review of claims 1–30 on all asserted grounds, finding a reasonable likelihood that claim 1 is unpatentable over Guan, Lee, and Hovland.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, grantedGranted
“decision should be modified. 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(d). The party must identify specifically all matters we misapprehended or overlooked, and the place where each matter was addressed previously in a motion, an opposition, or a reply. Id. When rehearing a decision on a petition, we review the decision for an abuse of discretion. 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(c). “An abuse of discretion occurs if the decision (1) is clearly unreasonable, arbitrary, or fanciful; (2) is based on an erroneous conclusion of law; (3) rests on clearly erroneous fact findings; or (4) involves a record that contains no evidence on which the Board could rationally base its decision.” Redline Detection, LLC v. Star Envirotech, Inc., 811 F.3d 435, 442 (Fed. Cir. 2015). With this in mind, we address the arguments presented by Petitioner in turn.” slip op. at 3
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)InstitutedInstituted
“Request for Rehearing and conclude there are genuine issues of material fact about the teachings of Guan that warrant institution and resolution at trial.” slip op. at 2
- Obviousness (§103) › Analogous artAnalogous artDecided for petitioner
“Patent Owner contends that Guan is non-analogous art in that it is not related to stimulation of the clitoris. Prelim. Resp. 59. Patent Owner also contends that there is no motivation to combine the teachings of Lee and Guan. Id. at 60–63. Patent Owner argues that one skilled in the art would not consider using the indirect stimulator of Guan in the dildo of Lee as it would require a modification of Lee beyond a simple substitution of elements. Id.” slip op. at 5
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successMotivation foundReasonable expectation foundDecided for petitioner
“Petitioner has also provided a reasonable motivation to combine the teachings of Lee and Guan. Lee comprises a dildo with an extension which directly stimulates the clitoris, a body part. Ex. 1006, Fig. 1; Ex. 1002, ¶¶ 72, 134–137. Guan discloses an apparatus, which indirectly stimulates a body part. Ex. 1007, 3; Ex. 1002 ¶ 137. Given the teaching in the art of the problems with direct stimulation versus indirect stimulation, we agree on this record with Dr. Prisco that one skilled in the art would have had a reason to substitute the indirect stimulation device of Guan for the direct intensive and is best decided on a full record. Cf. Monark Knitting Mach, Corp. v. Sulzer Morat GmbH, 139 F.3d 877, 886 (Fed. Cir. 1998) (determining that issues of fact concerning secondary considerations precluded grant of summary judgment) reasonable expectation of success. Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 132–137.” slip op. at 6
§ 103 obviousnessPatents in suitUS 9,937,097 - Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. v. Astrazeneca ABRehearing grantedPTAB · May 2, 2016 · IPR2015-01340 · APJ Rama G Elluru · IPR · Rehearing
The Board granted Mylan’s rehearing request and instituted IPR of claims 1, 2, 4, 6-22, 25-30, 32-37, and 39-42.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, grantedGranted
“II. ANALYSIS When rehearing a decision on institution, the Board reviews the decision for an abuse of discretion. 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(c). The applicable standard for a request for rehearing is set forth in 37 C.F.R. § 42.71(d), which provides in relevant part: A party dissatisfied with a decision may file a single request for rehearing without prior authorization from the Board. The burden of showing a decision should be modified lies with the party challenging the decision. The request must specifically identify all matters the party believes the Board misapprehended or overlooked, and the place where each matter was previously addressed in a motion, an opposition, or a reply. We grant Petitioner’s request for rehearing and institute an inter partes review of claims 1, 2, 4, 6–22, 25–30, 32–37, and 39–42 of the ’186 patent for the reasons provided in the concurrently issued Decision on Institution. Paper 16.” slip op. at 2
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)InstitutedInstituted
“References Basis Claims challenged Ashworth I, Villhauer, Raag and, 1, 2, 4, 6–11, 25–28, § 103(a) Hanessian 32–35, 39, and 40 Ashworth I, Villhauer, Raag, 12–16, 29, 30, 36, 37, Hanessian, Bachovchin, and § 103(a) 41, and 42 GLUCOPHAGE Label Ashworth I, Villhauer, Raag, Hanessian, Bachovchin and, § 103(a) 12, 17, 18, and 22 XENICAL Label Ashworth I, Villhauer, Raag, Hanessian, Bachovchin, and § 103(a) 12, 19, 20, and 21” slip op. at 2
None - PTAB · Feb 26, 2016 · IPR2015-01047 · APJ Stephen C Siu · IPR · Rehearing
The Board granted Patent Owner limited additional discovery about Ward Dietrich’s involvement in preparing or controlling the Petition and denied discovery of other requested materials.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, grantedGranted in part
“We have considered Patent Owner’s arguments in the Request but, with the exception noted below, find them unpersuasive to demonstrate that we misapprehended or overlooked any points. For example, we disagree with Patent Owner that “[t]he Motion certainly met this standard [of showing beyond speculation that something useful would be uncovered as to RPI issues]” for at least the reasons previously detailed in the Decision. See Decision 1–5. However, Patent Owner argues that “Ward Dietrich is Chief Operating Officer of the Mangrove Partners Master Fund” and “has no public role in petitioner” (Motion 3 (citing Ex. 2002 at 2)) and that “Ward Dietrich held himself out as an ‘authorized person’ to sign the Power of Attorney on behalf of Petitioner” (Req. Reh’g 6 (quoting Motion 3)). Petitioner does not appear to refute this contention. Patent Owner further requests “[c]ommunications and documents or things . . . including assistance with identification of prior art, filing, funding, compensation, and/or preparation of any papers related to the Mangrove IPRs” and the identification of “persons and entities . . . involved in the preparation and filing of the petitions” and “persons and entities . . . who controlled or had the ability to control the preparation and filing of the petitions in the Mangrove IPRs.” Ex. 2034, 3; Ex. 2035, 3. In view of Ward Dietrich’s alleged role as an officer of Mangrove Partners and the named Petitioner, we grant Patent Owner’s motion for additional discovery for the limited purpose of providing communications and/or agreements pertaining to Ward Dietrich’s involvement in the preparation and filing of the Petition and/or control or ability to control the preparation and filing of the Petition.” slip op. at 2
- Additional discoveryAdditional discovery, grantedAdditional discovery, deniedGranted in part
“However, Patent Owner argues that “Ward Dietrich is Chief Operating Officer of the Mangrove Partners Master Fund” and “has no public role in petitioner” (Motion 3 (citing Ex. 2002 at 2)) and that “Ward Dietrich held himself out as an ‘authorized person’ to sign the Power of Attorney on behalf of Petitioner” (Req. Reh’g 6 (quoting Motion 3)). Petitioner does not appear to refute this contention. Patent Owner further requests “[c]ommunications and documents or things . . . including assistance with identification of prior art, filing, funding, compensation, and/or preparation of any papers related to the Mangrove IPRs” and the identification of “persons and entities . . . involved in the preparation and filing of the petitions” and “persons and entities . . . who controlled or had the ability to control the preparation and filing of the petitions in the Mangrove IPRs.” Ex. 2034, 3; Ex. 2035, 3. In view of Ward Dietrich’s alleged role as an officer of Mangrove Partners and the named Petitioner, we grant Patent Owner’s motion for additional discovery for the limited purpose of providing communications and/or agreements pertaining to Ward Dietrich’s involvement in the preparation and filing of the Petition and/or control or ability to control the preparation and filing of the Petition.” slip op. at 2
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Other PTAB motions (exclude, strike, seal, additional discovery, rehearing)Denied
“Patent Owner requests an “expanded panel that includes the Chief Judge” because, according to Patent Owner, an expanded panel “is necessary to secure and maintain uniformity” and to “clarify the standard for additional discovery.” Req. Reh’g 1–2, 8–9. Discretion to expand a panel rests with the Chief Judge, who, on behalf of the Director, may act to expand a panel on a suggestion from a judge or panel. AOL Inc. v. Coho Sicensing LLC, Case IPR2014-00771, slip op. at 2 (PTAB Mar. 24, 2015)(Paper 12)(informative). Patent Owner’s suggestion was considered by the Acting Chief Administrative Patent Judge, who declined to expand the panel.” slip op. at 3
NonePatents in suitUS 7,490,151 - Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation / Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. et al. v. Irwin Industrial Tool CompanyRehearing grantedPTAB · Jan 15, 2016 · IPR2015-01462 · APJ Michael L Woods · IPR · Rehearing
The Board granted rehearing and instituted trial on claims 21–30 under Ground 2, as obvious over Redford, alongside the grounds previously instituted.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, grantedGranted
“Specifically, Petitioner acknowledges that the Petition (Paper 2, “Petition”) included a “typo[graphical error] in the heading [that] might have caused the Board to overlook claims 21–30 in Ground 2 of the Petition.” Id. at 2–3; Paper 2, 26 (listing claims 1–5, 14–20, and 32–34 in the heading of Ground 2 of the Petition). Upon reviewing the record before us, we agree with Petitioner that the typographical error in the Petition caused us to “overlook the fact that claims 21–30 were included in Ground 2 of the Petition.” Req. Reh’g 2. Furthermore, based on our review of Petitioner’s explanations and supporting evidence, we are also persuaded that Petitioner has established a reasonable likelihood of prevailing in its challenge of claims 21–30 under Ground 2, in addition to claims 1–5, 14–20, and 32–34, as obvious over Redford. See Paper 2, 4, 26–31; see also Paper 7, 19–20 (instituting review of claims 1–5, 14–20, and 32–34 under Ground 2 in the Decision).” slip op. at 2
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)InstitutedInstituted
“Upon reviewing the record before us, we agree with Petitioner that the typographical error in the Petition caused us to “overlook the fact that claims 21–30 were included in Ground 2 of the Petition.” Req. Reh’g 2. Furthermore, based on our review of Petitioner’s explanations and supporting evidence, we are also persuaded that Petitioner has established a reasonable likelihood of prevailing in its challenge of claims 21–30 under Ground 2, in addition to claims 1–5, 14–20, and 32–34, as obvious over Redford. See Paper 2, 4, 26–31; see also Paper 7, 19–20 (instituting review of claims 1–5, 14–20, and 32–34 under Ground 2 in the Decision).” slip op. at 2
NonePatents in suitUS 8,579,555 - Avx Corporation v. Greatbatch Ltd.Rehearing grantedPTAB · Jan 13, 2016 · IPR2015-00710 · APJ Jon B Tornquist · IPR · Rehearing
The Board granted rehearing in part and instituted review of claims 1, 2, 5–7, 10, 11, 16, 17, and 20 on anticipation and obviousness grounds; it denied rehearing on the remaining claims.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, grantedGranted in part
“When the Petition and Dr. Irazoqui’s testimony are considered in view of the Request for Rehearing, we agree that we overlooked Petitioner’s argument that the “gas flow passage” of Figure 2 extends from the upper surface of insulator 122 to the upper exterior of feedthrough 100, i.e., traverses the space between insulator 122 and washer 124. Pet. 35 (citing Ex. 1003, 7:18–21, 7:27–29). Given this evidence associating the “minute” gaps with the space between insulator 122 and washer 124, and in light of our current construction of “laminar delamination gap” requiring no specific dimensions for a “very thin gap,” we are persuaded that the evidence of record sufficiently supports Dr. Irazoqui’s testimony that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that Fraley discloses a “laminar delamination gap,” under a construction requiring a “very thin space.” 3 Pet. 37–38; Ex. 1002 ¶ 52 (p. 45). Accordingly, for the reasons discussed below, we grant-in-part and deny-in-part Petitioner’s Request for Rehearing and institute inter partes review on the grounds set forth below.” slip op. at 6
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)InstitutedInstituted
“7. Conclusion Based on the foregoing, we are persuaded that Petitioner has demonstrated a reasonable likelihood that claims 1, 2, 5–7, 10, 11, 16, 17, and 20 of the ’553 patent are anticipated by Fraley; we are not persuaded that claims 3, 4, 8, 9, 12–15, 18, and 19 of the ’553 patent are anticipated by Fraley.” slip op. at 12
- BurdenMixed
“of the Request for Rehearing, we agree that we overlooked Petitioner’s argument that the “gas flow passage” of Figure 2 extends from the upper surface of insulator 122 to the upper exterior of feedthrough 100, i.e., traverses the space between insulator 122 and washer 124. Pet. 35 (citing Ex. 1003, 7:18–21, 7:27–29). Given this evidence associating the “minute” gaps with the space between insulator 122 and washer 124, and in light of our current construction of “laminar delamination gap” requiring no specific dimensions for a “very thin gap,” we are persuaded that the evidence of record sufficiently supports Dr. Irazoqui’s testimony that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that Fraley discloses a “laminar delamination gap,” under a construction requiring a “very thin space.” 3 Pet. 37–38; Ex. 1002 ¶ 52 (p. 45).” slip op. at 6
- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Anticipation standard (single reference, every element)Instituted
“We are not persuaded by Patent Owner’s argument because Exhibit 2008, relied upon by Patent Owner to support its argument, instructs that “[a] braze fillet should ideally be very small.” Ex. 2008, 1; see also id. at 2 (“Keep the fillet small. Remember, all the good things about a braze joint are happening INSIDE the joint, not in the outside fillets.”). Thus, on this record, regardless of any variation in the size of the braze-fillet, Patent Owner’s evidence and attorney argument do not demonstrate that the space between insulator 122 and washer 124 would be “substantial.” Based on the foregoing, and upon review of Petitioner’s and Patent Owner’s arguments, the evidence of record, and the supporting testimony of Dr. Irazoqui, we are persuaded that Petitioner demonstrates a reasonable likelihood that claims 1 and 16 of the ’553 patent are anticipated by Fraley.” slip op. at 8
§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousnessPatents in suitUS 7,327,553 - Target Corporation v. Destination Maternity CorporationRehearing grantedPTAB · Feb 12, 2015 · IPR2014-00509 · APJ Lora M Green · IPR · Rehearing
The Board granted Target’s request for rehearing of the denial of institution, for the reasons given in the related IPR2014-00508 decision.
RulingsRehearing decision- RehearingRehearing, grantedGranted
“our Decision Denying Joinder of the instant proceeding with IPR2013-00533 (Paper 18), as well as our Decision Denying Institution of Inter Partes Review (Paper 19). Paper 20 (“Request for Rehearing”). Patent Owner, Destination Maternity Corporation, was authorized to file an Opposition (Paper 22), to which Petitioner was authorized to file a Reply (Paper 23). For the reasons discussed in the Decision Granting Petitioner’s Request for Rehearing in related IPR2014-00508 (Paper 28), we grant the Request for Rehearing.” slip op. at 2
None
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