- Arashi Vision (U.S.) LLC (D/B/A Insta360) v. Gopro, Inc.Some claims unpatentablePTAB · Dec 2, 2025 · IPR2024-01052 · APJ Brian D Range · IPR · Final written decision
Claims 1, 2, 7–12, and 17–20 are unpatentable as obvious; claims 3–6 and 13–16 were not shown unpatentable because the asserted Watanabe combinations were unsupported.
RulingsFinal written decision- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner
“cameras.” Pet. 6 (citing Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 36–38). Petitioner further contends “[a]n advanced graduate degree in the disciplines cited above may make up for the work experience indicated above.” Id. Patent Owner does not dispute and applies Petitioner’s proposed level of skill. PO Resp. 6. We find that Petitioner’s proposal is reasonable and consistent with the ’832 patent specification and the prior art. See Okajima v. Bourdeau, 261 F.3d 1350, 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2001) (the prior art may reflect an appropriate level of skill in the art). Thus, we apply Petitioner’s proposal in our analysis.” slip op. at 13
- Prior constructionPrior construction adoptedDecided for petitioner
“In our Institution Decision, we construed “determin[ing] a viewing window for the visual content as a function of progress through the progress length” as “requiring determining a viewing window for different times of the video.” Inst. Dec. 21. Neither party disputes this construction. PO Resp. 7; Pet. Reply 1–7. We maintain this same construction.” slip op. at 13
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successMotivation foundReasonable expectation foundDecided for petitioner
“Thomason are in the same field of endeavor. Thomason describes a camera and method for correctly orientating pictures from the camera. See, e.g., Ex. 1004 ¶¶ 1, 2 29–40, Figs. 3a–3b. In particular, Thomason is interested in rotating and cropping images to reduce the effect of poor orientation. Pet. 9 (citing Ex. 1004 ¶¶ 2, 34, 36). Pacurariu likewise describes aligning and resizing/cropping of a captured image to correct poor orientation. See, e.g., Ex. 1005 ¶¶ 1, 3, 45–56, Figs. 5A–5C. The preponderance of the evidence also supports that a person having ordinary skill in the art would have had reason to combine the Pacurariu’s teachings with Thomason to predictably improve Thomason. Thomason teaches correct rotation of video data and makes use of rotation sensor to correct rotated images. Pet. 19–21 (citing, e.g., Ex. 1004 ¶¶ 4, 27, 29, 35; Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 76–77). Pacurariu similarly uses sensors and measures tilt angle of the camera. Id at 21–22 (citing, e.g., Ex. 1005 ¶¶ 51–52, Fig. 6; Ex. 1002 ¶ 78). Pacurariu further teaches that its tilt data angle can be stored for each “video frame.” Id. at 22 (citing Ex. 1005 ¶ 52). Petitioner, with support from credible testimony of Dr. Katsaggelos, explains how the teachings of Thomason and Pacurariu could be successfully combined. Id. at 23 (citing, for example, Ex. 1002 ¶ 81). A person of ordinary skill in the art could have known that Thomason’s system could be improved by saving rotation data for each video frame and correcting images on a frame-by-frame basis. Id. at 23–24. The testimony of Dr. Katsaggelos is credible in this regard. Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 80–81. Petitioner and Dr. Katsaggelos explain the references’ teachings and, based on these teachings, assert that a person having skill in the art would have had reason to combine with reasonable expectation of success based on those teachings. Reason to combine may properly come from the references themselves. KSR Int’l Co., 550 U.S. at 418 (explaining reason to combine may come from “interrelated teachings of multiple patents”). Based on the evidence presented, Petitioner establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that a person having ordinary skill in the art would have had reason to combine the teachings of Thomason and Pacurariu with a reasonable expectation of success. Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 76–81, 89–92; Ex. 1004 ¶¶ 4, 8–9, 27, 29, 35; Ex. 1005 ¶¶ 26, 41, 46, 51–52, 55–57, Figs. 6, 7.” slip op. at 27
- Obviousness (§103) › Objective indicia / secondary considerations › NexusObjective indicia no nexusDecided for patent owner
“evaluating nexus between the claimed invention and objective evidence of nonobviousness, also referred to as secondary considerations. Lectrosonics, Inc. v. Zaxcom, Inc., IPR2018-01129, Paper 33 at 33 (PTAB Jan. 24, 2020) (precedential). We first consider whether Patent Owner has demonstrated “that its products are coextensive (or nearly coextensive) with the challenged claims,” resulting in a rebuttable presumption of nexus. Id. at 33. If not, that “does not end the inquiry into secondary considerations”; “the patent owner is still afforded an opportunity to prove nexus by showing that the evidence of secondary considerations is the ‘direct result of the unique characteristics of the claimed invention.’” Id. (quoting Fox Factory, 944 F.3d at 1373–75).” slip op. at 62
Patent outcomesUS 11,336,832 mixedClaim construction§ 103 obviousnesscites KSR · GrahamPatents in suitUS 11,336,832 - Tomtom, Inc. v. Blackbird Tech, LLC D/B/A Blackbird Technologies, LLCSome claims unpatentablePTAB · Mar 11, 2019 · IPR2017-02023 · APJ Debra K Stephens · IPR · Final written decision
Claims 1–5 are unpatentable over Jimenez, Levi, and ordinary-skill knowledge; claims 6–8 were not shown unpatentable because Jimenez did not teach the claimed transmitter.
RulingsFinal written decision- Claim Construction › Intrinsic evidence (Phillips canons) › Plain and ordinary meaning to a POSITATerm construed patent owner constructionDecided for patent owner
“We find the ’212 Patent is directed to data for a particular user (see, e.g., ’212 Patent, Abstract). This conclusion is supported by the Specification. Indeed, all discussion in the ’212 patent is directed to a pedometer for use by and relying on data obtained from an individual user. Thus, the Specification suggests that the term “calibration” should be construed as a process that correlates a user’s stride rate and stride length. The Oral hearing confirms this conclusion. In the Oral Hearing, Petitioner’s counsel, Mr. Doshi, responded to a request to identify the calibration and the plurality of calibrations as follows: JUDGE STEPHENS: So what are you pointing at in the 212 patent as being [a] calibration and the plurality of calibrations? MR. DOSHI: That’s in column 5. So at column 5 it says that after a proper warm up the user completes a sample run or walk on the track at normal pace, et cetera, et cetera. So it's saying that here’s S1 and following completion of the first run, so here it’s saying you’re doing different walks at different speeds . . .where you're having the user walk at different walking speeds and measuring their step size as you do that (Trans. 21:1–10; see also Tr. 19:4–7) JUDGE ZADO: Okay. And then so taking that further then, I understand your argument to be that in the 212 patent the runner for the first sample S1 will run at one pace and that’s, according to Petitioner, that's one calibration and then the runner will run at a second pace for the S2 sample and that’s the second calibration, and then the runner will run at a third pace and then that's the S3 sample and then that's a third calibration? Is that Petitioner's argument? MR. DOSHI: Yes 13 (Tr. 22:4–11). Therefore, based on Petitioner’s statements at the Oral Hearing, the term “calibration” should be construed as the process of taking a sample that correlates step rate and step length for an individual.” slip op. at 13
- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner
“Patent Owner does not dispute the educational level or experiential aspects of Petitioner’s definition in its Response (see generally PO Resp.), 18 despite Patent Owner’s declarant, Dr. Caloyannides, opining that the level of ordinary skill would not be so limited as proposed by Mr. Blackadar: I note that although the qualifications Mr. Blackadar describes would qualify one as a PHOSITA in this case, I do not believe the definition of a PHOSITA here would be so limited. The technology of the ‘212 Patent implicates other fields, such as Sports Medicine, Exercise Science, and Physiology. I believe that a bachelor’s degree in one of these fields, or a similar field, with at least two years of practical experience working with pedometers and/or health or fitness trackers or sensors, or an advanced degree in one of these areas, could qualify one as a PHOSITA in this case (Ex. 2001 ¶ 26). Petitioner argues that Patent Owner’s definition of a person of ordinary skill in the art would mean a “[person having ordinary skill in the art] under Patent Owner’s definition would be more well-informed than Patent Owner’s own expert” (Pet. Reply. 2); however, we do not read Patent Owner’s assertion or Dr. Caloyannides’ testimony as suggested by Petitioner. Rather, we read Dr. Caloyannides’ testimony as expanding the fields of expertise. We do not observe a meaningful difference between the parties’ assessments of a person of ordinary skill in the art. We further note that either assessment appears consistent with the level of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the invention as reflected in the prior art in the instant proceeding (see Okajima, 261 F.3d at 1355). Our analysis in this Decision is supported by either assessment. Based on our review of the ’212 Patent, the types of problems and solutions described in the ’212 Patent and cited prior art, and the testimony of Mr. Blackadar and Dr. Caloyannides, we adopt and” slip op. at 18
- Obviousness (§103) › Analogous artAnalogous artDecided for petitioner
“Two separate tests define the scope of analogous prior art: (1) whether the art is from the same field of endeavor, regardless of the problem addressed and, (2) if the reference is not within the field of the inventor’s endeavor, whether the reference still is reasonably pertinent to the particular problem with which the inventor is involved (In re Bigio, 381 F.3d 1320, 1325 (Fed. Cir. 2004)). Here, Petitioner has persuaded us that Levi is from the same field of endeavor as the ’212 Patent –– pedometers that count the number of steps taken to calculate distance traveled (see Pet. 20). Specifically, although Levi adds a navigation feature, Levi is directed to a pedometer that, in pertinent part, adjusts step size according to step frequency in order to estimate distance traveled by a user (Levi, 6:6–43). Levi states “[t]he present invention for a ground speed/distance sensor is an improvement over a common hiker’s pedometer” and “[t]he present invention analyzes the frequency of a user’s footsteps to aid in the detection of future footsteps, and further to aid in determining the size of footsteps taken by the user” (Levi, Abstract, 2:57–60, 2:65–67). Similarly, the ’212 Patent is directed to a pedometer and specifically, a pedometer that calculates actual stride lengths of a user based on relative stride rates (’212 Patent, Abstract). Thus, both the ’212 Patent and Levi are from the same field of endeavor –– pedometers or devices that include or rely on pedometers. Furthermore, both Levi and the ’212 Patent are pertinent to the particular problem with which the inventor is involved –– accurate distance identification. 44 Patent Owner additionally argues “[t]he different problems addressed” slip op. at 44
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successMotivation foundDecided for petitioner
“A holding of obviousness can be based on a showing that “there was an apparent reason to combine the known elements in the fashion claimed” (KSR Int’l v. Teleflex, Inc., 550 U.S. 398, 418 (2007)). Such a showing requires some articulated reasoning with some rational underpinning to support the legal conclusion of obviousness. . . . [H]owever, the analysis need not seek out precise teachings directed to the specific subject matter of the challenged claim, for a court can take account of the inferences and creative steps that a person of ordinary skill in the art would employ. (id. at 418 (quoting In re Kahn, 441 F.3d 977, 988 (Fed. Cir. 2006)) (internal quotation marks omitted)). As admitted by Patent Owner, an ordinarily skilled artisan would have known a user’s stride length could vary with stride rate at the time of invention (see PO Resp. 52). As noted by Petitioner, Levi discloses using a dynamic step size algorithm that “improve[s] the accuracy of distance 49 measurements of a human footstep sensor” (Pet. Reply 25 (citing Levi, 6:17–21)). We further credit Mr. Blackadar’s testimony that an ordinarily skilled artisan would have been motivated to improve Jimenez using Levi’s dynamic step size algorithm, to improve the calculated distances (Ex. 1005 ¶¶ 92). Indeed, we find that an ordinarily skilled artisan would have been motivated to combine the teachings of Jimenez and Levi to “monitor [ ] the distance traveled more accurately than prior pedometers that calculated distance based on average stride length” (Pet. 31 (citing Ex. 1005 ¶ 90), 32 (citing Ex. 1005 ¶ 92)). In particular, we find that, given it was known a user’s stride length could vary with stride rate, as admitted by Patent Owner (PO Resp. 52), an ordinarily skilled artisan would have been motivated to implement a data processor that accounted for this relationship, such as that described in Levi (Pet. 32–33 (citing Ex. 1005 ¶¶ 93–94)).” slip op. at 49
Patent outcomesUS 6,434,212 mixedClaim construction§ 103 obviousnesscites Phillips · KSR · GrahamPatents in suitUS 6,434,212 - Microsoft Corporation v. Enfish, LLCSome claims unpatentablePTAB · Mar 2, 2015 · IPR2013-00560 · APJ Barbara A Parvis · IPR · Final written decision
Claims 47–48 are unpatentable as anticipated by Visual Basic, and claims 49–50 as obvious over Visual Basic and Jensen; claims 51–53 were not shown unpatentable, and claims 17–23 were terminated.
RulingsFinal written decision- Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)Term construed board ownNo construction neededDecided for patent owner
“Enfish contends that our construction for “object identification number” is incomplete. PO Resp. 15. We evaluate Enfish’s contention below. Enfish also provides a proposed construction for “anchor,” recited in claims 21 and 51. PO Resp. 22. Because we determine that Microsoft has not met its burden with respect to these claims for other reasons, no construction of this term for the purposes of this Decision is necessary. We discern no reason, based on the complete record now before us, to change our constructions in the Decision to Institute of “logical table,” “object identification number,” and “attribute set.”” slip op. at 8
- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Anticipation standard (single reference, every element)UnpatentableUnpatentable
“evidence, and the detailed claim analysis, which reads persuasively all elements of claim 47 onto the disclosure of Visual Basic. Pet. 33–46 (citing Ex. 1104, LR 162, 185, 280, 425, 484, 532, 558, PF 1, 3, 18, 37–39, 40, 47, 76, 80, PG 453, 471, 481, 482 ; Ex. 1119 ¶¶ 67–98). For example, we are persuaded that Microsoft has shown by a preponderance of the evidence that Visual Basic discloses configuring memory according to a logical table, as recited in claim 47. In the cited portions above, Visual Basic discloses storing data in a computer formatted as a table object, which is “a logical representation of a physical table.” Ex. 1104, LR 558. The table object comprises “records (rows) and fields (columns).” Id.” slip op. at 16
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successMotivation foundMotivation not foundMixed
“2007 ¶ 231. In contrast to Dr. Jagadish’s statement, however, Jensen teaches an object-oriented application for managing information retrieved from a structured database, such as a relational database. Ex. 1106, Abstract. Enfish further contends that Microsoft does not explain why one of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to apply the pointers of Jensen to the indexing structure in Visual Basic. PO Resp. 35. We, however, are persuaded that Microsoft has shown a sufficiently articulated reason with rational underpinning to support obviousness (Pet. 48–49 (citing Ex. 1119 ¶¶ 387–404)). Microsoft, for example, states “[i]t was well known in the art at the time that indexes such as the index disclosed in [Visual Basic], maintain object identification numbers of the cell for locating data.” Pet. 49 (emphasis added). Microsoft continues, “Jensen discloses containing the address in a pointer, e.g., a physical memory address (i.e., OIDs).” Id. (citing Ex. 1106, 7:29–35). Dr. Hosking testifies “[i]t was well known in the art at the time that Index Objects locate data by maintaining object identification numbers in the internal pointers as disclosed in Jensen.” Ex. 1119 ¶ 403 (emphasis added). Dr. Hosking further testifies “[a] person of ordinary skill in the art would be motivated to combine Jensen’s teaching of maintaining the OIDs in a pointer with [Visual Basic’s] disclosure of identifying the logical columns / rows with the OIDs.” Ex. 1119 ¶ 404. The predictable use of familiar prior art elements according to their established functions renders the recited invention obvious. See KSR Int’l Co. v. Teleflex, Inc., 550 U.S. 398, 417 (2007).” slip op. at 19
- Obviousness (§103) › Objective indicia / secondary considerations › NexusObjective indicia no nexusDecided for petitioner
“invention, the totality of the evidence submitted, including objective evidence of nonobviousness, may lead to a conclusion that the claimed invention would not have been obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art. In re Piasecki, 745 F.2d 1468, 1471–72 (Fed. Cir. 1984). However, to accord substantial weight to objective evidence requires the finding of a nexus between the evidence and the merits of the claimed invention. In re GPAC Inc., 57 F.3d 1573, 1580 (Fed. Cir. 1995); see also In re Huang, 100 F.3d 135, 140 (Fed. Cir. 1996) (“success is relevant in the obviousness context only if there is proof that the sales were a direct result of the unique characteristics of the claimed invention.”). Enfish contends that the claimed invention received industry accolades, including praise from Microsoft, satisfied a long-felt need, resulted in success where others had failed, as well as commercial success. PO Resp. 42–47. Enfish points to features of claim 17, which Enfish contends are the features of the claimed invention that resulted in the objective indicia of success to which Enfish refers. Id. at 43–44. Claim 17 of the ’775 patent, however, is challenged on the basis that it is anticipated by Visual Basic. Secondary considerations do not weigh into determinations regarding anticipation. Cohesive Techs., Inc. v. Waters Corp., 543 F.3d 1351, 1364 (Fed. Cir. 2008). Because we conclude that Microsoft has not shown that claims 51–53 of the ’775 patent are unpatentable for other reasons, the only claims that we need to evaluate are dependent claims 49 and 50 of the ’775 patent. Microsoft asserts that claims 49 and 50 are obvious over the combination of Visual Basic with a reference that teaches referencing objects through two-way pointers. Pet. 49 (citing Ex. 1106, 7:29–35). Enfish has not shown a nexus between any of the accolades or successes it says occurred and the use of two-way pointers.” slip op. at 24
Patent outcomesUS 6,163,775 mixedClaim construction§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousnesscites KSRPatents in suitUS 6,163,775
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.