Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. v. Athena Automation Ltd.
838 F.3d 1236
| Fed. Cir. | 2016Background
- Husky appeals PTAB’s inter partes review decision that several claims of the ’536 patent are anticipated; Athena cross-appeals on anticipation for claims 2, 3, 17, and 19.
- The Board held assignor estoppel does not preclude Athena from petitioning for IPR.
- The Board found claims 1, 4-16, 18, and 20-22 anticipated by Arend; claims 2, 3, 17, 19 not anticipated by Glaesener/Choi.
- Athena seeks incorporation by reference of Choi into Glaesener to anticipate; Board found insufficient incorporation.
- Husky argues assignor estoppel prevents Athena’s petition under § 311(a); Board rejected this view.
- The court grants Husky’s appeal in part of jurisdiction and remands on the cross-appeal about incorporation by reference and anticipation.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction to review assignor estoppel ruling | Husky argues assignor estoppel applies to bar Athena’s petition | Athena contends assignor estoppel does not alter petition eligibility under § 311(a) | Lacks jurisdiction to review the institution decision on assignor estoppel |
| Incorporation by reference and anticipation by Glaesener/Choi | Athena asserts Glaesener sufficiently incorporates Choi, demonstrating anticipation | Husky contends no proper incorporation;Board correctly found no anticipation | Vacate and remand to consider anticipation in light of Glaesener/Choi |
Key Cases Cited
- Cuozzo Speed Techs., LLC v. Lee, 136 S. Ct. 2131 (2016) (No review of institution decisions; Cuozzo II)
- Achates Reference Publ’g, Inc. v. Apple Inc., 803 F.3d 652 (Fed. Cir. 2015) (Two-part framework for reviewability of institution decisions)
- Versata Dev. Grp., Inc. v. SAP Am., Inc., 793 F.3d 1306 (Fed. Cir. 2015) (Board’s ultimate invalidation authority vs. petitioner's eligibility)
- Wi‑Fi One, LLC v. Broadcom Corp., 837 F.3d 1329 (Fed. Cir. 2016) (Clarifies Cuozzo limits on review and related issues)
- In re Elsner, 381 F.3d 1125 (Fed. Cir. 2004) (Standard for deference to Board findings of fact on appeal)