- Luxottica Of America Inc. v. E-Vision Smart Optics, Inc.All claims unpatentablePTAB · Dec 30, 2025 · IPR2024-01072 · APJ John D Hamann · IPR · Final written decision
Claims 1–26 are unpatentable as obvious over the listed prior-art combinations; the Board also denied Patent Owner’s motion to strike.
RulingsFinal written decision- Skill levelSkill level petitioner adoptedDecided for petitioner
“In our Decision on Institution, we adopted the definition Petitioner proposes for one having ordinary skill in the art at the time of the invention of the ’960 patent. Dec. on Inst. 10. Namely, we found that one of ordinary skill in the art “would have had at least a bachelor’s degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering; mechatronics; electrical engineering plus coursework in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or mechatronics; or a similar technical degree,” and “at least 2 years of experience designing eyewear and/or consumer electronics,” and that “[w]ork experience could substitute for formal education and additional formal education could substitute for work experience.” Id. (citing Pet. 10–11 (citing Ex. 1003 ¶ 28)) (alteration in original). Patent Owner proposes a different definition for one of ordinary skill in the art, but does not specifically address any deficiencies in Petitioner’s proposed definition. PO Resp. 6. Because Petitioner’s definition of the level of skill in the art is consistent with the ’960 patent and the asserted prior art, we maintain it for purposes of this Final Written Decision. See Okajima v. Bourdeau, 261 F.3d 1350, 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2001); In re GPAC, 57 F.3d at 1579; In re Oelrich, 579 F.2d 86, 91 (CCPA 1978). Our analysis herein, however, does not turn on which of the parties’ definitions we adopt.” slip op. at 8
- Claim Construction › Threshold & procedure › Whether a term needs construction (O2 Micro)No construction neededPlain and ordinary meaningOther
“Here, neither party sets forth any term for claim construction. Pet. 11; PO Resp. 5–6; Pet. Reply 1–2. We determine that we do not need to construe any term to resolve the disputes between the parties. Nidec Motor Corp. v. Zhongshan Broad Ocean Motor Co., 868 F.3d 1013, 1017 (Fed. Cir. 2017) (quoting Vivid Techs., Inc. v. Am. Sci. & Eng’g, Inc., 200 F.3d 795, 803 (Fed. Cir. 1999)) (“[W]e need only construe terms ‘that are in controversy, and only to the extent necessary to resolve the controversy.’”). We afford the claim terms their plain and ordinary meaning.” slip op. at 9
- Obviousness (§103) › Analogous artAnalogous artDecided for petitioner
“A reference qualifies as prior art for a determination under § 103 when it is analogous to the claimed invention. In re Clay, 966 F.2d 656, 658 (Fed. Cir. 1992). “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 particular problem with which the inventor is involved.” In re Bigio, 381 F.3d 1320, 1325 (Fed. Cir. 2004) (citing In re Deminski, 796 F.2d 436, 442 (Fed. Cir. 1986)). Below we focus on the first of these tests. “We determine the field of endeavor ‘by reference to explanations of the invention’s subject matter in the patent application, including the embodiments, function, and structure of the claimed invention.’” Netflix, Inc. v. DIVX, LLC, 80 F.4th 1352, 1359 (Fed. Cir. 2023) (quoting In re Bigio, 381 F.3d at 1325)). We agree with Petitioner and find that the ’960 patent is in the field of eyewear and consumer electronics. Pet. 13. The ’960 patent discloses that its “subject matter is directed to electronic eyewear modules and systems to be worn by a wearer, whereby an electronic eyewear system with a docking station can be easily joined with a plurality of electronic application modules.” Ex. 1001, 1:66–2:4; Pet. 9. We also agree with Petitioner that the ’960 patent acknowledges “a need for a single pair of fashionable eyewear capable of . . . utilizing one or more of a multitude of different application devices while the wearer is wearing the eyewear.” Ex. 1001, 1:59–62; Pet. Reply 13. Patent Owner argues that “[t]he ’960 [p]atent pertains to the field of wearable embedded electronics, namely ‘commercial eyewear comprising electronics.’” PO Resp. 24 (citing Ex. 1001, 1:24–25). We view the parties’ descriptions of the field of the ’960 patent to be substantively the same.” slip op. at 25
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successMotivation foundReasonable expectation foundDecided for petitioner
“We also find persuasive Petitioner’s argument and Dr. Feland’s testimony that Jannard’s “application module for eyewear is one such suitable device in which to incorporate Rosenblatt’s key or its functionality.” Pet. 47 (citing Ex. 1003 ¶ 156). This argument and testimony are consistent with Rosenblatt’s teaching of a wide variety of suitable devices. Compare id. and Ex. 1003 ¶ 156, with Ex. 1007 ¶ 7. Moreover, as Petitioner argues, Rosenblatt teaches that its “key . . . may include a clip or other connecting mechanism for attaching [the] key . . . to an object that the user typically carries,” such as “a user’s wallet, cellular telephone, personal media device (e.g., an iPod), wired headset, wireless headset, watch, bag, belt, article of clothing, or any other suitable object.” Ex. 1007 ¶ 43 (emphasis added). We find persuasive Dr. Feland’s testimony that Jannard’s eyewear system is a carried object like a wired or wireless headset in the context of Rosenblatt’s teaching. See Ex. 1003 ¶ 156; Ex. 1007 ¶ 43. We also find persuasive Dr. Feland’s testimony that incorporating Rosenblatt’s key or its functionality into Jannard’s application module “desirably ‘provid[es] functional fashion having device operation capabilities,’ which is consistent with Rosenblatt recommendations.” Ex. 1003 ¶ 156 (quoting Ex. 1007 ¶ 58) (alteration in original); Ex. 1007 ¶ 58 (“[T]he key may be integrated with operation capabilities.”). We also find persuasive Petitioner’s argument and Dr. Feland’s testimony that one of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to incorporate Rosenblatt’s key or its functionality in Jannard’s application module to achieve the benefits disclosed in Rosenblatt, including controlling host devices responsive to wireless communication with Jannard’s application module. Pet. 47; Ex. 1003 ¶ 156. We view this as using a known technique (Rosenblatt’s teaching of incorporating a key or its functionality into an electronic device) to improve a similar device (Jannard’s eyewear and application module with wireless communication for functions) in the same way. See KSR, 550 U.S. at 417 (“[I]f a technique has been used to improve one device, and a person of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that it would improve similar devices in the same way, using the technique is obvious unless its actual application is beyond his or her skill.”); see also Pet. 48; Ex. 1003 ¶ 157.” slip op. at 14
Patent outcomesUS 10,598,960 unpatentableClaim construction§ 103 obviousnesscites Phillips · GrahamPatents in suitUS 10,598,960 - Pgr2025-00061Institution deniedPTAB · Dec 23, 2025 · PGR2025-00061 · APJ John A Squires · PGR · Director review
The Director denied institution of PGR2025-00061 after finding the petitioner failed to meet the applicable merits threshold.
RulingsDirector review decision- Director reviewDirector review, deniedDenied
“Before JOHN A. SQUIRES, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. NOTICE Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 314(a) and § 324(a), after review of the merits, the petitioner has failed to show a reasonable likelihood of prevailing with respect to at least one of the claims challenged in the petition, or that it is more likely than not that at least one of the claims challenged in the petition is unpatentable, as applicable. Accordingly, institution of inter partes review or post-grant review is denied in the following proceedings:” slip op. at 1
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)Institution denied meritsInstitution denied
“NOTICE Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 314(a) and § 324(a), after review of the merits, the petitioner has failed to show a reasonable likelihood of prevailing with respect to at least one of the claims challenged in the petition, or that it is more likely than not that at least one of the claims challenged in the petition is unpatentable, as applicable. Accordingly, institution of inter partes review or post-grant review is denied in the following proceedings:” slip op. at 1
NonePatents in suitUS 12,110,780 - Luxottica Of America Inc. v. E-Vision Optics, LLCSome claims unpatentablePTAB · Dec 23, 2025 · IPR2024-01030 · APJ Richard H Marschall · IPR · Final written decision
Claims 1–20, 22–31, and 33–37 are unpatentable; claims 21 and 32 were not shown unpatentable, principally because the proposed combinations failed to establish motivation to combine or the required airtight seal.
RulingsFinal written decision- Skill levelSkill level patent owner adoptedDecided for patent owner
“We find that the proposals from the parties substantially overlap, such that it remains unclear whether any substantive difference exists. Notably, neither party argues that the minor differences in the proposals lead to a different outcome on any issues in this proceeding. Based on our review of the proposals, we apply Patent Owner’s proposal because it is consistent with the problems and solutions disclosed in the ’483 patent and prior art of record. See, e.g., GPAC, 57 F.3d at 1579 (approving the determination of the level of ordinary skill in the art by appeal to the references of record). The outcome of the issues addressed in this Decision would not change if we applied Petitioner’s proposal.” slip op. at 9
- Claim Construction › Intrinsic evidence (Phillips canons) › Plain and ordinary meaning to a POSITATerm construed patent owner constructionDecided for patent owner
“hermetically sealed” module does not encompass waterproof modules that are not airtight. First, as Petitioner admits, as a general matter, “[s]omething that is hermetically sealed is sealed so as to be airtight.” Pet. 28 (citing Ex. 1002 ¶ 103; Ex. 1010, 269); PO Sur-reply 16. Petitioner later tries to argue that the specification puts a different spin on this meaning, but still acknowledges that “[o]utside the context of the ’483 patent, a hermetic seal is sometimes equated with an airtight seal.” See Pet. Post-hearing 2–3 (citing Ex. 1002 ¶ 103; Ex. 1010, 269). Based on our review of the record, the “ordinary meaning” of “hermetically sealed” means “airtight,” and, as noted above, “airtight” is not the same thing as “waterproof.” Second, the claims support Patent Owner’s position by including dependent claims that separately claim a “hermetically sealed” module (claims 13 and 32) and a “waterproof” module (claims 15 and 34), strongly suggesting that the terms have a different scope to avoid rendering some claims redundant. See Ex. 1001, 11: 65–66, 12:3–4, 12:52–53, 12:55–56. Petitioner argues in its Post-hearing brief that claims requiring waterproof modules are “a narrower species” of hermetic seal, but fails to explain how hermetic, airtight, and waterproof seals would not fall within the scope of both claims using its approach. Pet. Post-hearing Reply 2. Petitioner’s earlier argument in its Reply also seems to cut against this position by asserting that the specification “treats hermitically sealing as conventional and equivalent to waterproofing,” with different dependent claims directed to two allegedly “equivalent” terms making little sense. Pet. Reply 14 (emphasis added). The most natural reading of the claim language suggests that “hermetically sealed” means airtight, and does not encompass modules that are waterproof but not airtight. Third, while the specification does not define “hermetically sealed” and uses “waterproof” and “hermetically sealed” in similar contexts, it does not suggest that “hermetically sealed” does not require an airtight seal consistent with its ordinary meaning. See Pet. Reply 14–15 (citing Ex. 1001, 6:47–53, 9:15–18, 10:47–50). Instead, the specification states that hermetic seals prevent water from contacting electronics, which remains consistent with Patent Owner’s position because airtight hermetic seals are also waterproof. See Ex. 1001, 6:47–53, 9:15–18. The specification also states that “[t]he module preferably houses any of the aforementioned electrical components in a substantially water-proof and wear resistant/moisture resistant environment and is preferably hermetically sealed.” Id. at 10:47–50 (emphasis added). This passage supports Patent Owner’s position by suggesting that the preferable “hermetically sealed” module goes beyond mere water resistance. See PO Sur-reply 16–17. slip op. at 16
- Novelty / Anticipation (§102) › Anticipation standard (single reference, every element)UnpatentableUnpatentable
“2. Petitioner’s Anticipation Arguments and Evidence Petitioner argues that Howell-596 discloses every limitation of claims 1, 9, 10, 14, 15, and 18, and points to specific portions of Howell-596 and expert testimony to support its arguments. See Pet. 10–20 (citing Ex. 1002; Ex. 1003). We have reviewed the evidence and arguments of record and find that Petitioner has shown, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the limitations in claims 1, 9, 10, 14, 15, and 18 are disclosed by Howell-596 for the reasons set forth in the Petition, which we adopt as our own. See id.11 Accordingly, we find that Petitioner has established, by a preponderance of the evidence, that Howell-596 anticipates claims 1, 9, 10, 14, 15, and 18.” slip op. at 12
- Obviousness (§103) › Motivation to combine / reasonable expectation of successMotivation not foundNot shown unpatentableNot shown unpatentable
“Based on these undisputed points and the parties’ arguments, we agree with Patent Owner that Petitioner fails to establish that a POSITA would have been motivated to locate Howell-596’s module housing 1700, which contains its UV detection system 1500, behind a user’s ear. Petitioner never squarely addresses the fact that placing Howell-596’s UV detection system behind a user’s ear would negatively impact its performance. Pet. 31–33; Pet. Reply 17–22. As a result, even if we accept Petitioner’s arguments and evidence as to the various advantages when placing electronics behind a user’s ear, it fails to establish a motivation to combine that requires placing Howell-596’s module housing 1700, and therefore its UV detection system, behind a user’s ear. Petitioner never acknowledges the readily apparent disadvantages of placing a UV detection system behind the ear, where it may not work at all. See Pet. 31–33. Nor does Petitioner argue that, in its combination, adjustments would be made to ensure accurate operation of Howell-596’s UV detection system. See id. Similarly, Petitioner notes that both Howell-596 and Howell-833 disclose UV sensors behind the ear of a user, but those teachings do not establish that placing Howell-596’s module behind the ear would ensure proper operation of its UV detection system housed within that module. See Pet. Reply 17–22. Instead, even though Howell-596 discloses a sensor behind the ear of a user, it maintains the UV detection system in a module toward the front of the temple, away from the ear. See id. at 18–19; PO Surreply 21–22; Ex. 1003 ¶ 205 (describing UV detection system 2102), Fig. 21 (showing UV detection system 2102 toward the front of the temple). Moreover, Petitioner’s reliance on the sensor placed behind the ear of the user in Howell-596 lacks weight because that sensor merely indicates that the device “is being worn by a user,” which serves a very different purpose than Howell-596’s UV detection system, which seeks to monitor a user’s exposure to UV radiation, a central purpose of Howell-596’s eyewear. See Ex. 1003 ¶ 205, code (57). Howell-833 also employs a UV sensor behind the ear, but Petitioner does not establish that it operates any differently than the “being worn” sensor in Howell-596, and therefore does not establish that Howell-596’s UV detection system would still work for its intended purposes in Petitioner’s proposed combination. See Pet. Reply 19–20.” slip op. at 29
Patent outcomesUS 8,708,483 mixedClaim construction§ 102 anticipation§ 103 obviousnesscites Phillips · KSRPatents in suitUS 8,708,483 - Meta Platforms, Inc. v. Mullen Industries LLCAdverse judgmentPTAB · Dec 19, 2025 · IPR2025-00740 · APJ Ken B Barrett · IPR · Adverse judgment
The Board denied Patent Owner’s motions to dismiss and entered adverse judgment after Patent Owner disclaimed all challenged claims in the captioned trials.
RulingsAdverse judgment- Adverse judgmentAdverse judgmentGranted
“provide that “[a] party may request judgment against itself at any time during a proceeding,” and “[a]ctions construed to be a request for adverse judgment include . . . [c]ancellation or disclaimer of a claim such that the party has no remaining claim in the trial.” 37 C.F.R. § 42.73(b)(2). “The application of the [adverse judgment] rule on its face does not turn on the patentee’s characterization of its own request.” Arthrex, Inc. v. Smith & Nephew, Inc., 880 F.3d 1345, 1349 (Fed. Cir. 2018).” slip op. at 6
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Other PTAB motions (exclude, strike, seal, additional discovery, rehearing)Denied
“Constitution that there exist a case or controversy to be adjudicated by a district court. See Sanofi-Aventis, 933 F.3d at 1372–73. The Board is not a district court or any other Article III court, and Patent Owner has not shown persuasively that Sanofi-Aventis supports its argument that dismissal, as opposed to adverse judgement, is appropriate.” slip op. at 3
NonePatents in suitUS 10,828,559 - Meta Platforms, Inc. v. Mullen Industries LLCAdverse judgmentPTAB · Dec 19, 2025 · IPR2025-00703 · APJ Ken B Barrett · IPR · Adverse judgment
The Board denied Patent Owner’s motions to dismiss and entered adverse judgment against it on claims 1, 2, 11, and 13 of the challenged patent after their disclaimer.
RulingsAdverse judgment- Adverse judgmentAdverse judgmentGranted
“provide that “[a] party may request judgment against itself at any time during a proceeding,” and “[a]ctions construed to be a request for adverse judgment include . . . [c]ancellation or disclaimer of a claim such that the party has no remaining claim in the trial.” 37 C.F.R. § 42.73(b)(2). “The application of the [adverse judgment] rule on its face does not turn on the patentee’s characterization of its own request.” Arthrex, Inc. v. Smith & Nephew, Inc., 880 F.3d 1345, 1349 (Fed. Cir. 2018). In this case, Patent Owner, after the institution decisions, disclaimed the challenged claims such that there are no remaining claims in the trials. Patent Owner presents no persuasive reasons why we should not apply Rule 42.73 or why termination or dismissal is more appropriate. Under the IPR2025-00745 (Patent 9,662,582 B2) IPR2025-00746 (Patent 10,974,151 B2) circumstances of these cases, we construe the filing of disclaimers as requests for adverse judgment.” slip op. at 6
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Other PTAB motions (exclude, strike, seal, additional discovery, rehearing)Denied
“In the Motions, Patent Owner, relying on Sanofi-Aventis U.S., LLC v. Dr. Reddy’s Lab’ys, Inc., argues that, “[b]ecause all claims at issue have been disclaimed, any case or controversy over the claims is moot,” and, “[a]ccordingly, the IPR[s] should be dismissed.” Mot. 2 (citing Sanofi- Aventis U.S., LLC v. Dr. Reddy’s Lab’ys, Inc., 933 F.3d 1367, 1373 (Fed. Cir. 2019)). Sonofi-Aventis pertains to the requirement under Article III of the Constitution that there exist a case or controversy to be adjudicated by a district court. See Sanofi-Aventis, 933 F.3d at 1372–73. The Board is not a district court or any other Article III court, and Patent Owner has not shown persuasively that Sanofi-Aventis supports its argument that dismissal, as opposed to adverse judgement, is appropriate.” slip op. at 3
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Institution threshold (reasonable likelihood / more likely than not)InstitutedInstituted
“above-captioned cases requesting inter partes review of certain claims (“the challenged claims”) of the subject U.S. Patents. See, e.g., IPR2025-00702, Paper 1. Mullen Industries LLC (“Patent Owner”) filed Preliminary Responses to the Petitions. See, e.g., IPR2025-00702, Paper 10. Because we determined that Petitioner had demonstrated a reasonable likelihood that it would prevail with respect to at least one challenged claim in each case, we instituted inter partes review of all challenged claims on all asserted grounds in all of the cases. See, e.g., IPR2025-00702, Paper 11.” slip op. at 2
NonePatents in suitUS 11,033,821 - Meta Platforms, Inc. v. Mullen Industries LLCAdverse judgmentPTAB · Dec 19, 2025 · IPR2025-00702 · APJ Ken B Barrett · IPR · Adverse judgment
The Board denied Mullen’s motions to dismiss and entered adverse judgment after Mullen disclaimed all challenged claims in the instituted trials.
RulingsAdverse judgment- Adverse judgmentAdverse judgmentGranted
“provide that “[a] party may request judgment against itself at any time during a proceeding,” and “[a]ctions construed to be a request for adverse judgment include . . . [c]ancellation or disclaimer of a claim such that the party has no remaining claim in the trial.” 37 C.F.R. § 42.73(b)(2). “The application of the [adverse judgment] rule on its face does not turn on the patentee’s characterization of its own request.” Arthrex, Inc. v. Smith & Nephew, Inc., 880 F.3d 1345, 1349 (Fed. Cir. 2018).” slip op. at 6
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Other PTAB motions (exclude, strike, seal, additional discovery, rehearing)Motion to exclude, deniedDenied
“Constitution that there exist a case or controversy to be adjudicated by a district court. See Sanofi-Aventis, 933 F.3d at 1372–73. The Board is not a district court or any other Article III court, and Patent Owner has not shown persuasively that Sanofi-Aventis supports its argument that dismissal, as opposed to adverse judgement, is appropriate.” slip op. at 3
NonePatents in suitUS 10,967,270 - Meta Platforms, Inc. v. Mullen Industries LLCAdverse judgmentPTAB · Dec 19, 2025 · IPR2025-00737 · APJ Ken B Barrett · IPR · Adverse judgment
The Board denied Mullen’s motions to dismiss and entered adverse judgment against it on claims 1, 2, 4-7, 13, and 17 after those claims were disclaimed post-institution.
RulingsAdverse judgment- Adverse judgmentAdverse judgmentGranted
“We determine that Petitioner has the better position. Our rules provide that “[a] party may request judgment against itself at any time during a proceeding,” and “[a]ctions construed to be a request for adverse judgment include . . . [c]ancellation or disclaimer of a claim such that the party has no remaining claim in the trial.” 37 C.F.R. § 42.73(b)(2). “The application of the [adverse judgment] rule on its face does not turn on the patentee’s characterization of its own request.” Arthrex, Inc. v. Smith & Nephew, Inc., 880 F.3d 1345, 1349 (Fed. Cir. 2018). In this case, Patent Owner, after the institution decisions, disclaimed the challenged claims such that there are no remaining claims in the trials. Patent Owner presents no persuasive reasons why we should not apply Rule 42.73 or why termination or dismissal is more appropriate. Under the IPR2025-00745 (Patent 9,662,582 B2) IPR2025-00746 (Patent 10,974,151 B2) circumstances of these cases, we construe the filing of disclaimers as requests for adverse judgment.” slip op. at 6
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Other PTAB motions (exclude, strike, seal, additional discovery, rehearing)Denied
“Constitution that there exist a case or controversy to be adjudicated by a district court. See Sanofi-Aventis, 933 F.3d at 1372–73. The Board is not a district court or any other Article III court, and Patent Owner has not shown persuasively that Sanofi-Aventis supports its argument that dismissal, as opposed to adverse judgement, is appropriate.” slip op. at 3
NonePatents in suitUS 8,585,476 - Meta Platforms, Inc. v. Mullen Industries LLCAdverse judgmentPTAB · Dec 19, 2025 · IPR2025-00738 · APJ Ken B Barrett · IPR · Adverse judgment
The Board denied Patent Owner’s motions to dismiss and entered adverse judgment after Patent Owner disclaimed all challenged claims, including claims 1, 2, 11, and 13 of the ’582 patent.
RulingsAdverse judgment- Adverse judgmentAdverse judgmentGranted
“provide that “[a] party may request judgment against itself at any time during a proceeding,” and “[a]ctions construed to be a request for adverse judgment include . . . [c]ancellation or disclaimer of a claim such that the party has no remaining claim in the trial.” 37 C.F.R. § 42.73(b)(2). “The application of the [adverse judgment] rule on its face does not turn on the patentee’s characterization of its own request.” Arthrex, Inc. v. Smith & Nephew, Inc., 880 F.3d 1345, 1349 (Fed. Cir. 2018).” slip op. at 6
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Other PTAB motions (exclude, strike, seal, additional discovery, rehearing)Denied
“In the Motions, Patent Owner, relying on Sanofi-Aventis U.S., LLC v. Dr. Reddy’s Lab’ys, Inc., argues that, “[b]ecause all claims at issue have been disclaimed, any case or controversy over the claims is moot,” and, “[a]ccordingly, the IPR[s] should be dismissed.” Mot. 2 (citing Sanofi- Aventis U.S., LLC v. Dr. Reddy’s Lab’ys, Inc., 933 F.3d 1367, 1373 (Fed. Cir. 2019)). Sonofi-Aventis pertains to the requirement under Article III of the Constitution that there exist a case or controversy to be adjudicated by a district court. See Sanofi-Aventis, 933 F.3d at 1372–73. The Board is not a district court or any other Article III court, and Patent Owner has not shown persuasively that Sanofi-Aventis supports its argument that dismissal, as opposed to adverse judgement, is appropriate.” slip op. at 3
NonePatents in suitUS 9,744,448 - Meta Platforms, Inc. v. Mullen Industries LLCAdverse judgmentPTAB · Dec 19, 2025 · IPR2025-00739 · APJ Ken B Barrett · IPR · Adverse judgment
The Board denied Mullen’s motions to dismiss and entered adverse judgment against it for challenged claims 1, 8, 13, and 20 of U.S. Patent 10,179,277 after their post-institution disclaimer.
RulingsAdverse judgment- Adverse judgmentAdverse judgmentGranted
“We determine that Petitioner has the better position. Our rules provide that “[a] party may request judgment against itself at any time during a proceeding,” and “[a]ctions construed to be a request for adverse judgment include . . . [c]ancellation or disclaimer of a claim such that the party has no remaining claim in the trial.” 37 C.F.R. § 42.73(b)(2). “The application of the [adverse judgment] rule on its face does not turn on the patentee’s characterization of its own request.” Arthrex, Inc. v. Smith & Nephew, Inc., 880 F.3d 1345, 1349 (Fed. Cir. 2018). In this case, Patent Owner, after the institution decisions, disclaimed the challenged claims such that there are no remaining claims in the trials. Patent Owner presents no persuasive reasons why we should not apply Rule 42.73 or why termination or dismissal is more appropriate. Under the IPR2025-00745 (Patent 9,662,582 B2) IPR2025-00746 (Patent 10,974,151 B2) circumstances of these cases, we construe the filing of disclaimers as requests for adverse judgment.” slip op. at 6
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Other PTAB motions (exclude, strike, seal, additional discovery, rehearing)Denied
“In the Motions, Patent Owner, relying on Sanofi-Aventis U.S., LLC v. Dr. Reddy’s Lab’ys, Inc., argues that, “[b]ecause all claims at issue have been disclaimed, any case or controversy over the claims is moot,” and, “[a]ccordingly, the IPR[s] should be dismissed.” Mot. 2 (citing Sanofi- Aventis U.S., LLC v. Dr. Reddy’s Lab’ys, Inc., 933 F.3d 1367, 1373 (Fed. Cir. 2019)). Sonofi-Aventis pertains to the requirement under Article III of the Constitution that there exist a case or controversy to be adjudicated by a district court. See Sanofi-Aventis, 933 F.3d at 1372–73. The Board is not a district court or any other Article III court, and Patent Owner has not shown persuasively that Sanofi-Aventis supports its argument that dismissal, as opposed to adverse judgement, is appropriate.” slip op. at 3
NonePatents in suitUS 10,179,277 - Meta Platforms, Inc. v. Mullen Industries LLCAdverse judgmentPTAB · Dec 19, 2025 · IPR2025-00741 · APJ Ken B Barrett · IPR · Adverse judgment
The Board denied Patent Owner’s dismissal motions and entered adverse judgment against Mullen Industries LLC on claims 1, 12, 17, and 20 of U.S. Patent 11,376,493 B2 after disclaimer.
RulingsAdverse judgment- Adverse judgmentAdverse judgmentGranted
“provide that “[a] party may request judgment against itself at any time during a proceeding,” and “[a]ctions construed to be a request for adverse judgment include . . . [c]ancellation or disclaimer of a claim such that the party has no remaining claim in the trial.” 37 C.F.R. § 42.73(b)(2). “The application of the [adverse judgment] rule on its face does not turn on the patentee’s characterization of its own request.” Arthrex, Inc. v. Smith & Nephew, Inc., 880 F.3d 1345, 1349 (Fed. Cir. 2018). In this case, Patent Owner, after the institution decisions, disclaimed the challenged claims such that there are no remaining claims in the trials. Patent Owner presents no persuasive reasons why we should not apply Rule 42.73 or why termination or dismissal is more appropriate. Under the IPR2025-00745 (Patent 9,662,582 B2) IPR2025-00746 (Patent 10,974,151 B2) circumstances of these cases, we construe the filing of disclaimers as requests for adverse judgment.” slip op. at 6
- PTAB / AIA Trials › Other PTAB motions (exclude, strike, seal, additional discovery, rehearing)Denied
“Constitution that there exist a case or controversy to be adjudicated by a district court. See Sanofi-Aventis, 933 F.3d at 1372–73. The Board is not a district court or any other Article III court, and Patent Owner has not shown persuasively that Sanofi-Aventis supports its argument that dismissal, as opposed to adverse judgement, is appropriate.” slip op. at 3
NonePatents in suitUS 11,376,493
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.