In Re Baxter International, Inc.
698 F.3d 1349
Fed. Cir.2012Background
- Concurrence by Judge O’Malley joins the panel majority and addresses denial of rehearing en banc.
- Petition for rehearing en banc challenges the panel’s treatment of res judicata and the effect of PTO reexamination on final judgments.
- Majority holds that prior final court judgments on invalidity do not bar later PTO reexamination, but that reexamination cannot alter the binding effect of the prior judgment.
- O’Malley states this concurrence rejects the dissent’s view that the panel endorses administrative nullification of a final judicial decision.
- The concurrence emphasizes res judicata governs continuing relations of the parties and the binding effect of final judgments.
- Dissent by Judge Newman argues reexamination after a final court ruling undermines finality and constitutional separation of powers.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can inter partes reexamination overturn a final court judgment? | Fresenius contends reexamination can override prior court findings. | Baxter/PTO maintains reexamination is permissible and does not disturb final judgments. | Res judicata governs; reexamination cannot alter final judgments' binding effect. |
Key Cases Cited
- San Remo Hotel, L.P. v. City & Cnty. of S.F., 545 U.S. 323 (U.S. 2005) (final judgment precludes relitigation of issues)
- Reed v. Allen, 286 U.S. 191 (Supreme Court 1932) (res judicata doctrine; end to litigation)
- Foster v. Hallco Mfg. Co., Inc., 947 F.2d 469 (Fed.Cir.1991) (res judicata embodying public policy of finality)
- Marrese v. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 470 U.S. 373 (U.S. 1985) (full and fair opportunity to litigate precludes relitigating issues)
- Plaut v. Spendthrift Farm, Inc., 514 U.S. 211 (U.S. 1995) (Congress cannot vest review of Article III decisions in non-Article III bodies)
- Chicago & S. Air Lines, Inc. v. Waterman S.S. Corp., 333 U.S. 103 (U.S. 1948) (judicial accountability; separation of powers)
- Federated, Dep’t Stores, Inc. v. Moitie, 452 U.S. 394 (U.S. 1981) (final judgment precludes relitigation of issues)
- Gordon v. United States, 117 U.S. 697 (U.S. 1886) (final judgments are final and conclusive)