Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................1
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
3.
IX.
A.
B.
Anticipation .........................................................................................19
Inherency .............................................................................................20
C.
Obviousness.........................................................................................21
D.
B.
2.
3.
4.
Element 5 ..................................................................................29
OC PROPINK Conclusion........................................................31
C.
D.
E.
F.
3.
Element 5 ..................................................................................37
4.
2.
3.
4.
Element 5 ..................................................................................42
Soundproofing Conclusion........................................................42
3.
Element 5 ..................................................................................46
4.
2.
3.
4.
Element 5 ..................................................................................50
The OC 2006 Report Conclusion..............................................50
3.
Element 5 ..................................................................................54
4.
G.
X.
2.
3.
Conclusion Regarding Grounds 7-9 .........................................59
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................60
iii
TABLE OF AUTHORITIES
Cases
Page(s)
iv
In re Lamb,
286 F.2d 610 (C.C.P.A. 1961) ............................................................................22
In re Nalbandian,
661 F.2d 1214 (C.C.P.A. 1981) ..........................................................................22
Pac. Coast Marine Windshields Ltd. v. Malibu Boats, LLC,
739 F.3d 694 (Fed. Cir. 2014) .............................................................................. 5
Schering Corp. v. Geneva Pharm.,
339 F.3d 1373 (Fed. Cir. 2003) ....................................................................20, 21
SmithKline Beecham Corp. v. Apotex Corp.,
403 F.3d 1331 (Fed. Cir. 2005) ..........................................................................21
Statutes
35 U.S.C. 102 .................................................................................................passim
35 U.S.C. 103 .................................................................................................passim
35 U.S.C. 112 ......................................................................................................8, 9
Other Authorities
37 C.F.R. 1.84 .....................................................................................................6, 7
37 C.F.R. 42.8 .........................................................................................................1
37 C.F.R. 42.15(A) AND 42.103 .......................................................................... 2
37 C.F.R. 42.100(b) ................................................................................................4
37 C.F.R. 42.104 .....................................................................................................2
77 Fed. Reg. 48756, 48764 ........................................................................................4
MPEP 1503.02.V ....................................................................................................7
MPEP 2144.03 ....................................................................................................8, 9
MPEP 1504.01(c) ..................................................................................................18
MPEP 2112 ...........................................................................................................20
v
I.
INTRODUCTION
Johns Manville Corporation and Johns Manville, LLC, (collectively,
Petitioners) request inter partes review of the claim of U.S. Design Patent No.
D631,670 (the 670 patent) (Ex. 1001), purportedly owned by Knauf Insulation
LLC and Knauf Insulation SPRL (collectively, Patent Owners). For the reasons
set forth below, the sole claim of the 670 patent is unpatentable because it is
anticipated and/or would have been obvious.
II.
Back-Up Counsel
David E. Sipiora
(pro hac vice to be filed)
Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
1400 Wewatta Street, Suite 600
Denver, CO 80202
dsipiora@kilpatricktownsend.com
(303) 571-4000 (telephone)
(303) 571-4321 (facsimile)
The following email address may be used for service and all
communications to both Lead and Backup Counsel:
JMIPR@kilpatricktownsend.com
III.
any time during this proceeding, the Office is authorized to charge such fees to
Deposit Account No. 20-1430.
IV.
available for inter partes review, and Petitioners are not barred or estopped from
requesting inter partes review of the 670 patent on the grounds identified in this
Petition.
V.
IDENTIFICATION OF CHALLENGE
Pursuant to 37 C.F.R. 42.104(b), Petitioners request inter partes review
based on the following prior art that was not cited during prosecution:
Exhibit
Description
Publication Date
Ex. 1003
August 2004
Ex. 1004
September 1997
Ex. 1005
March 2002
Ex. 1006
February 2006
Ex. 1007
June 1998
Ex. 1008
July 2005
Ex. 1009
October 2006
Ex. 1010
June 2008
Description
and Section IX explains how each claim element is found in, or rendered obvious
by, the prior art.
VI.
2008, as Application No. 29/311,136 and issued on February 1, 2011. The 670
patent consists of a single claim for the ornamental design of insulation material.
See Ex. 1001, Claim. One color photocopy figure constitutes the entire claim and
depicts ordinary insulation material. See id.
VII. CLAIM CONSTRUCTION
A.
48756, 48764 (Aug. 14, 2012). As a design patent, the scope of the 670 patent is
defined by the claim (i.e., the drawing, which in this case is a color photocopy), in
conjunction with its description. See, e.g., Egyptian Goddess, Inc. v. Swisa, Inc.,
543 F.3d 665, 680 (Fed. Cir. 2008) (citing 37 C.F.R. 1.152); see also Pac. Coast
Marine Windshields Ltd. v. Malibu Boats, LLC, 739 F.3d 694, 702 (Fed. Cir. 2014)
(citations omitted). The Federal Circuit directs that, ordinarily, a design patent will
not be construed with a verbal description but that it can be helpful to point out
various features of the claimed design as they relate to the prior art. Egyptian
Goddess, 543 F.3d at 680. In construction, when the claimed design is close to
the prior art designs, small differences between the accused design and the claimed
design are likely to be important to the eye of the hypothetical ordinary observer.
Id. at 676.
Because claim terms may be construed according to different standards in
litigation versus PTO proceedings, Petitioners reserve the right to present different
constructions depending on the applicable standard and proceeding, should it be
necessary.
1.
believe that the claimed design is invalid for a number of reasons that cannot be
raised in the context of an inter partes review proceeding under 35 U.S.C. 102
or 103. All such defenses of invalidity are expressly reserved.
The 670 patent claims the ornamental design for insulation material, as
shown and described. (Ex. 1001 at 1.) The 670 patent contains a single figure
a color copy of a photograph depicting ordinary light-density fiberglass insulation.
2.
Original Application
The 670 patent, titled Insulation Material, was filed on December 31,
2008, as Application No. 29/311,136 (the 136 Application) with one claim and
a specification detailing that Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of INSULATION
MATERIAL showing a first embodiment of my new design. Only elements
present in the view shown are claimed. The boundaries of the view shown are
arbitrary, and the design continues in similar fashion beyond the field of view
shown. 136 Application Prosecution History, Design Patent Application
Transmittal (Dec. 31, 2008) (Ex. 1002 at 79). The application was filed with a
Petition To Accept Color Photograph, explaining that [i]t is believed that a color
photograph is the sole practical medium by which to disclose the subject matter of
the application. 136 Application Prosecution History, Petition To Accept Color
Photograph Under 37 C.F.R. 1.84(b)(2) (Dec. 31, 2008) (Ex. 1002 at 83).
6
claimed under the reasoning that in US design patent practice the design claim is
limited to what is shown and described in the drawings and specification. Id.
The Examiner further rejected the applications sole claim based on 35
U.S.C. 102, 103, and 112. (See id. at 30-33.) Under 35 U.S.C. 102, the
Examiner held that the claim was clearly anticipated by the Foltz Buildings. (Id.
at 30-31.) The Foltz Buildings reference (Foltz) contains photographs of yellow
fiberglass insulation installed in walls of a building. (See id. at 31.) The file
history contains a black and white reproduction of one image and a link to the
Foltz website where multiple images can be seen. (See id.) In the 102 analysis,
the Examiner took official notice that the claim appears to be for ordinary
fiberglass batt-type insulation material and has no aesthetic effect that is unique or
different from the common appearance of fiberglass batt insulation material.
MPEP 2144.03. (Id. at 30.) The Examiner further held that the shape and
appearance of Foltz Buildings insulation material is identical in all material
respects to that of the claimed design. (Id. at 31.)
Under 35 U.S.C. 103, the Examiner characterized the Foltz insulation as
insulation material that includes long fibers that have an overall appearance
remarkably similar to the claimed design. (Id. at 32.) The Examiner went on to
outline the design characteristics that are basically the same between Foltz and
the claimed invention: [t]he fibers of the insulation material have been pressed
8
together to form a cloud like appearance; and [t]he reference has design
characteristics, which are basically the same as the claimed design. (Id. at 33.)
The Examiner also noted two differences between Foltz and the claimed
invention: (i) the close-up nature of the photograph of the claimed invention versus
that of Foltz, which was taken at a distance further away from the insulation; and
(ii) the difference in swirl patterns between the designs. (See id.) The Examiner
further supported the 103 rejection with the explanation that [t]he difference in
scale plays no role in mitigating the effectiveness of the cited prior art, as scale of a
design cannot form the basis for patentability and that [v]ariations in swirl
pattern of the material are considered normal in batt insulation materials, as
evidenced by reviewing the prior art listed by the examiner. (Id.)
Under 35 U.S.C. 112, the Examiner rejected the claim as indefinite
because of the applicants phrase in the specification the design continues in
similar fashion beyond the field of view shown. (Id.) The Examiner highlighted
that [s]uch characterization of the appearance of the overall design is improper, as
it is not in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled
in the art to which it pertainsto make and use the same without resort to
conjecture. (Id.) The Examiner further held that the claim was not enabled
because [t]he scope of protection sought is not accurately or adequately defined.
(Id.)
9
interview, arguing that the cited reference, Foltz, fails to disclose or suggest an
insulation material with a variation of distinct hues throughout the insulation
material, as claimed in the design of the present invention. (Id at 19.) The
Applicant argued that Foltz instead discloses an insulation material with the same
hue yellow throughout. To the extent there are variations in the color of Foltz,
the hue remains constant and the variations are merely the changes in the lightness
of yellow. (Id.) The Applicant contrasted this same hue in the prior art with
the claimed invention which includes a variation of distinct hues. (Id. at 20.)
Although Foltz is a yellow-color insulation and Applicants insulation design
clearly is not, the Applicant did not attempt to distinguish Foltz based on its yellow
color, but instead focused exclusively on the number of distinct hues present.
The Applicant also did not provide any definition of the alleged variation of
distinct hues. Instead, the Applicant merely provided an example of what he
considered to represent a variation of distinct hues, specifically, a combination
such as brown and cream. (Id.)
The Applicant also attempted to distinguish Foltz on the basis that it fails to
disclose or suggest an insulation material with a waffle pattern on the surface.
(Id.) The Applicant did not provide a definition of waffle pattern, and this
mention of a waffle pattern appears to stem from the Examiners brief
observation in the Interview Summary of a very slight indication in some places
12
on the sole figure that there may be a waffle pattern in evidence of production
processes in the drawing. 136 Application Prosecution History, Interview
Summary (Sept. 14, 2010) (Ex. 1002 at 26).
In summary, in his Response to the Office Action, the Applicant expressly
claimed to add two distinct elements to his claim: a waffle pattern and a
variation of distinct hues.
Petition To Accept Color Photograph
In conjunction with filing the Response to the Office Action, on September
24, 2010, the Applicant filed a revised Petition For Color Photograph. See 136
Application Prosecution History, Resp. to Office Action (Sept. 24, 2010) (Ex. 1002
at 13). As mandated by the Examiner, the revised petition states that [a] color
photograph is necessary because color is an integral part of the claimed invention.
(Id.) The Applicant provided no further explanation as to how color is related to
the claimed invention.
Notice of Allowability
On December 10, 2010, the Examiner issued a Notice of Allowance and
accepted the claim and drawings without a statement of reasons. See 136
Application Prosecution History, Notice of Allowance and Fee(s) Due (Dec. 10,
2010) (Ex. 1002 at 7-8).
13
Final Summary of the 670 Patent Elements Disclosed in the File History
As described above, the file history of the 670 patent details at most five
potential elements associated with the claimed design: (1) insulation material; (2)
with a cloud-like appearance; (3) with variations in a swirl pattern; (4) with a
waffle pattern; and (5) with a variation of distinct hues. See generally 136
Application Prosecution History (Ex. 1002).
Notably, no specific color per se is an element of the 670 patents claim,
just a variation of distinct hues. In particular, brown and cream were never
claimed by the Applicant during prosecution, but instead merely cited as examples
of the variation of distinct hues purportedly shown in the photocopy. The
Applicant did later recite that color is an integral part of the claimed invention
when revising his Petition To Accept a Color Photograph, but only as a
perfunctory repetition of the Examiners citation to the MPEP standard, requiring
that the petition must explain that color drawings or color photographs are
necessary because color is an integral part of the claimed design. 136
Application Prosecution History, Office Action (Aug. 6, 2010) (Ex. 1002 at 29).
In parroting the Examiners words, the Applicant did not identify any particular
color or colors that are integral, nor did the Applicant assert that color is
14
Insulation material
The 670 patents title, sole claim, and file history all explain and depict that
the claimed design is for insulation material. (See Ex. 1001; see generally Ex.
1002.) During prosecution, the Examiner further characterized the insulation
material as containing long fibers. See 136 Application Prosecution History,
Office Action (Aug. 6, 2010) (Ex. 1002 at 32). Therefore, insulation material
properly is a claim element.
The Federal Circuit has held that color may play a role in the patentability of a
claimed design, but the patentability of a design may not rest on color alone. In
Re Haruna, 249 F.3d 1327, 1334, 1336 (Fed. Cir. 2001) (citations omitted). To be
an essential feature of a design, color must be so defined or connected with some
symbol or design. In Re Cohn, 23 C.C.P.A. 766, 768 (1935). In this case, the
purported colors of the insulation depicted in Applicants drawing (e.g., such as
brown and cream) have never been defined or connected with any symbol or
design.
15
(b)
Cloud-like appearance
The 670 patent claims insulation material that contains variations in a swirl
pattern, a well-known characteristic of insulation material. (See id.) During
prosecution, the Examiner characterized the design as having a surface swirl
pattern and further explained that [v]ariations in swirl pattern of the material are
considered normal in batt insulation materials, as evidenced by reviewing the prior
art listed by the examiner. (See id.) Therefore, variations in a swirl pattern
properly is a claim element.
(d)
Waffle pattern
For the reasons stated below, and explained in greater detail in the
Declaration of Martin J. Bide (Bide Decl.) in conjunction with the Declaration of
Mark A. Granger (Granger Decl.), a waffle pattern is not properly considered
part of the claimed ornamental design. See Bide Decl., 21, 23-24 (Ex. 1012);
Granger Decl., 6-10 (Ex. 1014). The 670 patent prosecution history first
mentions a waffle pattern in the Examiners Interview when the Examiner (not the
16
18
(e)
Anticipation
589 F.3d 1233, 1240 (Fed. Cir. 2009) (applying Egyptian Goddess to the test for
anticipation). In the ordinary observer test, the design as claimed is compared
with a prior art reference and the Court determines whether an ordinary observer,
familiar with the prior art, would believe that, taken as a whole, the prior art
reference and the claimed design are the same. Egyptian Goddess, 534 F.3d 665,
675, 681 (Fed. Cir. 2008); Sensio, Inc. v. Select Brands, Inc., IPR2013-00500,
Paper 8 at 8 (PTAB Feb. 11, 2014) (confirming use of the ordinary observer test
for anticipation of a design patent). This comparison thus takes into account only
significant differences between two designs; minor differences cannot prevent a
finding of anticipation. Intl Seaway, 589 F.3d at 1243; Sensio, IPR2013-00500,
Paper 8 at 14. Comparison of the overall visual effect of the designs looks to
whether, to an ordinary observer, the claimed design and prior art are substantially
the same. See Crocs, Inc. v. Intl Trade Commn, 598 F.3d 1294, 1303 (Fed. Cir.
2010) (citations omitted).
B.
Inherency
one skilled in the art at the time of the invention. Id. at 1377-78. The Federal
Circuit has recognized [t]he patent law principle that which would literally
infringe if later in time anticipates if earlier. Id. at 1379 (quoting Bristol-Myers
Squibb Co. v. Ben Venue Labs., Inc., 246 F.3d 1368, 1378 (Fed. Cir. 2001)). A
limitation claiming the natural result flowing from the prior arts limitations will
be considered anticipated. King Pharm., Inc. v. Eon Labs, Inc., 616 F.3d 1267,
1275-76 (Fed. Cir. 2010); SmithKline Beecham Corp. v. Apotex Corp., 403 F.3d
1331, 1343-44 (Fed. Cir. 2005).
C.
Obviousness
references may be used to modify [the primary reference] to create a design that
has the same overall visual appearance as the claimed design. Id. (citation
omitted). The secondary references may be used to modify the primary reference
if the two are so related that the appearance of certain ornamental features in one
would suggest the application of those features to the other. In re Borden, 90
F.3d at 1575 (citations omitted).
The combination of the primary and secondary references creates a
hypothetical reference to which the claimed design is compared, using the ordinary
observer test from 102. Intl Seaway, 589 F.3d at 1240. As indicated above, the
touchstone to the ordinary observer test is the similarity of overall appearance;
small differences are inconsequential. See e.g. Intl Seaway, 589 F.3d at 1243
(citation omitted); In re Lamb, 286 F.2d 610, 611 (C.C.P.A. 1961) ([T]he mere
fact that there are differences over the prior art structures is not alone sufficient to
justify a holding that the design is patentable.).
D.
In this case, one of ordinary skill would be someone with a background and
training in color and color management. See Bide Decl., at 13 (Ex. 1012); see
also In re Nalbandian, 661 F.2d 1214, 1215-16 (C.C.P.A. 1981) (In design cases
we will consider the fictitious person identified in [section] 103 as one of ordinary
skill in the art to be the designer of ordinary capability who designs articles of the
22
U.S.C. 103 on multiple grounds. The references and grounds cited are not
cumulative to each other. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize these
references to be important and relevant in deciding whether the claim is patentable,
and this Petition demonstrates a reasonable likelihood that Petitioner will prevail
on all grounds. The arguments below follow the analysis presented in, and are
supported by, the accompanying declaration of Professor Martin J. Bide, who has
taught and worked in the field of color for more than 30 years. With respect to the
23
fourth potential claim element number (the so-called waffle pattern), analysis
and support is found in the accompanying declaration of Mark A. Granger who has
worked in the area of insulation manufacturing for nearly 40 years.
A.
24
Comparing the two images, it is clear that they share common visual
features, such that they are substantially similar.
25
1.
Elements 1-3
Both designs are (1) insulation material with (2) a cloud like appearance, and
(3) variations in a swirl pattern. 2 See Bide Decl., at 39 (Ex. 1012).
2.
Alleged Element 4
(a)
techniques have been in use for more than thirty years. Id at 4. The processes he
describes in his declaration have been widely used by JM and others since at least
the year 2005 when he started work at JM. Id. The same or similar methods and
equipment were in continuous use during his entire tenure at Owens Corning from
1976 - 2005. Id.
As Mr. Granger explains, in making fiberglass insulation, very small
diameter glass fibers are generated by melting sand-like materials using specialized
processes and machines. Id. at 5. When first made, the glass fibers are loose and
without structure. Id. In order to provide the product with sufficient form and
structure to be able to be installedfor example, vertically in wallsthe insulation
must be adhered together using chemical binders (adhesives) that are sprayed on
the formed glass fibers, and thereafter curing the binder in a heated oven. Id.
While companies may use different binders, the process for curing binders on
newly formed glass fibers is common and involves transporting the glass fibers
between upper and lower conveyor belts into an oven or kiln where the binder
solution and the glass fibers are heated to a standard curing temperature to adhere
the fibers together to become fiberglass products. Id.at 6.
As further explained by Mr. Granger, conveyor belts that are used in the
process of fabricating fiberglass insulation share the common characteristic that
they imprint the heated glass fibers that are lying on the conveyor belt with the
27
surface pattern of the belt. Id. at 8. The surface of a conveyor belt in this context
is typically a metal mesh that allows hot gases to be forced through the fibers as
the binder is cured. Id. These metal mesh chains or metal plates with patterns
and perforationscalled flights quite predictably and normally leave a wafflelike pattern on the surface of the insulation reflecting the contact between the
conveyor belt surface and the top and bottom surfaces of the insulation bundle
during the curing stage of the production process. Id. In other words, the
conveyor belt pattern literally is baked onto the surface of the insulation as a result
of the heating process that is used to cure the binder, and thus subsequently is
visible to an observer of the cured fiberglass insulation product. Id.
In light of the Mr. Grangers testimony, it is clear that the appearance of a
waffle or other imprinted pattern on the top or bottom surface of light-density
fiberglass insulation is necessarily part of the production process and is common to
light-density fiberglass insulation of the type depicted in the drawing of the 670
patent. Because this type of pattern inevitably is present, this aspect of the claimed
designeven if it is a considered claim element (which it should not be)is
inherent in the insulation disclosed in each of the prior art references cited by
Petitioners.
28
(b)
Element 5
(a)
The Applicant used the phrase a variation of distinct hues, but never
defined or explained any part of the phrase. In the science of color, however,
hue refers to an attribute of color. To scientifically assess a variation of distinct
hues, Petitioners retained Dr. Martin Bide of the University of Rhode Island who
addressed the issue by performing spectrophotometric analysis.
As described in his accompanying declaration, Dr. Bide used wellestablished techniques to quantify hue as a numeric value. See Bide Decl., at
31-33 (Ex. 1012). In particular, Dr. Bide used a spectrophotometer to shine light
on a small area within the subject (in this case, a copy of an image). Id. at 33.
The spectrophotometer collected the light reflected from the colored image and
analyzed its intensity compared to that of the original light at (typically) 10 nm
intervals throughout the visible spectrum. Id. Using an internationally recognized
standard called CIE, Dr. Bide then performed mathematical calculations on the
29
reflectance data. Id. The result is numerical expressions of lightness, chroma, and
hue (L,c,h) values of the color seen by the standard observer under the given light
source. Id. For hue, this is the hue angle measured in degrees. Id. This exercise
effectively translates the measured wavelength reflectance values into values that
actually quantify what a person (who sees color like the standard observer does)
looking at the image would see under that light source. Id. The foregoing
technique was employed by Dr. Bide to evaluate the patented design and used in an
identical fashion to evaluate each of the asserted prior art references to determine
whether each possesses a variation in distinct hues as great or greater than the
patented design. See id. at 38-50.
(b)
30
4.
OC PROPINK Conclusion
The Johns Manville Spin-Glas & Range Spin Glas Brochure (JM SpinGlas) (Ex. 1004) discloses the same overall visual appearance as the claimed
design of the 670 patent and, as a result, the claimed design is anticipated by the
reference under 35 U.S.C. 102(b). Alternatively, as described below, the
31
reference plus one of three other references renders the 670 patent design obvious
under 35 U.S.C. 103.
JM Spin-Glas is a printed technical data sheet, published in September 1997,
many years prior to the filing date of the 670 patent. Id. at 2; see also Declaration
of Anne N. Barker., at 2 (Ex. 1016). Therefore, JM Spin-Glas is a prior-art
printed publication under 102(b). Below are side-by-side images of the 670
patents claim and an image from JM Spin-Glas:
32
1.
Elements 1-3
Both designs are (1) insulation material with (2) a cloud-like appearance,
and (3) variations in a swirl pattern. See Bide Decl., at 41 (Ex. 1012).
2.
Alleged Element 4
33
34
Knauf Crown Floor Slab is a printed technical data sheet, published in 2006,
more than one year prior to the filing date of the 670 patent. See Barker Decl., at
4 (Ex. 1016). Therefore, Knauf Crown Floor Slab is a prior art printed
publication under 102(b).
As shown below, Knauf Crown Floor Slab depicts yellow pieces of
insulation, each comprising a cloud-like appearance and variations of a swirl
pattern. The Knauf Crown Floor Slab also depicts insulation with a waffle
pattern.
characteristics as the claimed 670 patent design. Durling, 101 F.3d at 103
(citation omitted). Further, the OC PROPINK reference (Ex. 1003) (discussed
previously in Section IX.A, supra), the JM Microlite Blankets, and the Knauf
Crown Floor Slab (shown above) all show a waffle pattern.
Thus, even if the waffle pattern was not an inherent characteristic of JM
Spin-Glas (which it is), viewing JM Spin-Glas in light of OC PROPINK, JM
Microlite Blankets, or Knauf Crown Floor Slab yields a design that has
substantially the same overall visual appearance as the claimed design. Further,
such combination would be obvious because all three secondary references are so
related that the appearance of certain ornamental features in one would suggest the
application of those features to the other. In re Borden, 90 F.3d at 1575 (citations
omitted). Specifically, the four references are highly related because they each
depict ordinary insulation products with a cloud-like appearance and a variation in
swirl pattern. In addition, these products are manufactured by companies that
directly compete in the insulation industry. See Granger Decl., at 2 (Ex. 1014).
When the JM Spin-Glas is combined with the waffle pattern disclosed in any one
of the closely-related secondary references OC PROPINK, JM Microlite
Blankets, or Knauf Crown Floor Slab to create a hypothetical reference and
compared to the 670 patent design, the overall appearance is virtually identical.
Hence, the waffle pattern would have been an obvious addition to JM Spin-Glas.
36
3.
Element 5
JM Spin-Glas Conclusion
37
C.
38
39
From observation of these images, it is apparent that the 670 design and the
Soundproofing images share many common visual features, such that they are
substantially similar.
1.
Elements 1-3
First, each of the designs comprise (1) insulation material with (2) a cloudlike appearance, and (3) variations in a swirl pattern. See Bide Decl., at 43 (Ex.
1012).
2.
Alleged Element 4
compared to the 670 patent design, the overall appearance is virtually identical.
Hence, the waffle pattern would have been an obvious addition to
Soundproofing.
3.
Element 5
Soundproofing Conclusion
42
secondary references renders the 670 patent obvious under 103. Therefore, the
Board should find the sole claim of the 670 patent invalid.
D.
43
Inspection of these images makes clear that the two share many common
visual features, such that they are substantially similar.
44
1.
Elements 1-3
Both designs are (1) insulation material with (2) a cloud-like appearance,
and (3) variations in a swirl pattern. See Bide Decl., at 45 (Ex. 1012).
2.
Alleged Element 4
Regarding any alleged (4) waffle pattern, if this is an element of the claimed
invention (which it is not), as explained above, it would have been inherent in
insulation material, as it is a standard characteristic of the manufacturing process of
fiberglass insulation. See Section VII, supra; Granger Decl., at 6-10 (Ex. 1014).
Alternatively, it would have been obvious to include in the Knauf: Timber
Frame Walls reference a depiction of a waffle pattern. The Knauf: Timber Frame
Walls reference has basically the same design characteristics as the claimed
design. Durling, 101 F.3d at 103 (citation omitted). The secondary OC PROPINK
reference (Ex. 1003), JM Microlite Blankets reference (Ex. 1005), and Knauf
Crown Floor Slab reference (Ex. 1006) each show a waffle pattern. Using any of
these references to modify the primary Knauf: Timber Frame Walls reference
creates a design that has the same overall visual appearance as the claimed design.
This would be proper because all four references are so related that the
appearance of certain ornamental features in one would suggest the application of
those features to the other. In re Borden, 90 F.3d at 1575 (citations omitted).
Specifically, the four references are highly related because they each depict
45
Element 5
46
Knauf: Timber Frame Walls reference and the 670 patent are substantially the
same design. Therefore, the 670 patents claim is anticipated by Knauf: Total
Capabilities under 102(b). In the alternative, for the reasons stated above, the
Knauf: Timber Frame Walls reference plus one of three secondary references
would have rendered obvious the design of the 670 patent under 103.
Therefore, the Board should find the sole claim of the 670 invalid on this ground
as well.
E.
The Owens Corning 2006 at a Glance Report (OC 2006 Report) (Ex.
1009 at 10) discloses the same overall visual appearance as the claimed design of
the 670 patent and, as a result, the claimed design is anticipated by the reference
under 35 U.S.C. 102(b). Alternatively, as described below, the OC 2006 Report
combined with one of three other secondary references would have rendered the
670 patent design obvious under 35 U.S.C. 103.
The OC 2006 Report is a printed business document, published in October
2006, more than one year prior to the filing date of the 670 patent. Id. at 40; see
also Barker Decl., at 7 (Ex. 1016). Therefore, the OC 2006 Report is a prior art
printed publication under 102(b). Below are side-by-side images of the 670
patents claim and an image from the OC 2006 Report:
47
From these views, it is apparent that they share many common visual
features, such that they are substantially similar.
1.
Elements 1-3
Both designs are (1) insulation material with (2) a cloud like appearance, and
(3) variations in a swirl pattern. See Bide Decl., at 47 (Ex. 1012).
2.
Alleged Element 4
48
patent design, the overall appearance is virtually identical. Hence, the waffle
pattern would have been an obvious addition to the OC 2006 Report.
3.
Element 5
50
F.
The Owens Corning 2007 Progress Report (OC 2007 Report) (Ex. 1010 at
6) discloses the same overall visual appearance as the claimed design of the 670
patent and, as a result, the claimed design is anticipated by the reference under 35
U.S.C. 102(a). Alternatively, as described below, the OC 2007 Report plus one
of three other secondary references would have rendered the 670 patent design
obvious under 35 U.S.C. 103.
The OC 2007 Report is a printed business document, published in June
2008, prior to the filing date of the 670 patent. Id. at 32; see also Barker Decl., at
8 (Ex. 1016). Therefore the OC 2007 Report is a prior art printed publication
under 35 U.S.C. 102(a). Below are side-by-side images of the 670 patents
claim and an image from the OC 2007 Report:
51
From these views it is apparent that they share many common visual
features, such that they are substantially similar.
1.
Elements 1-3
Both designs are (1) insulation material with (2) a cloud like appearance, and
(3) variations in a swirl pattern. See Bide Decl., at 49 (Ex. 1012).
2.
Alleged Element 4
52
3.
Element 5
54
G.
As noted earlier, The Federal Circuit has held that color may play a role in
the patentability of a claimed design, but the patentability of a design may not rest
on color alone. In Re Haruna, 249 F.3d 1327, 1334, 1336 (Fed. Cir. 2001)
(citations omitted). To be an essential feature of a design, color must be so
defined or connected with some symbol or design. In Re Cohn, 23 C.C.P.A. 766,
768 (1935). In this Petition, Petitioner has demonstrated how the Applicant for the
670 patent never claimed a specific color or combination of colors as an element
of the 670 patents claim, nor has any particular color been connected with any
symbol or design. (See Section VII.A.1, supra.) On the contrary, the prosecution
of this patent reflects that the Applicant did not intend to claim color per se, but
rather a variation of distinct hues in his drawing. (Id.)
In his original Petition To Accept a Color Photograph, the Applicant did
not claim any particular color and stated only that [i]t is believed that a color
photograph is the sole practical medium by which to disclose the subject matter of
the application. 136 Application Prosecution History, Office Action (Aug. 6,
2010) (Ex. 1002 at 83). After the Petition was rejected and the Applicant was
55
instructed that a proper Petition To Accept a Color Photograph must explain that
color drawings or color photographs are necessary because color is an integral part
of the claimed design, the Applicant still did not claim specific colors. Instead, as
reflected in the Examiners Interview Summary, it was agreed that a replacement
drawing was to be submitted which would be of much higher quality than the
original. (Id. at 26.) This higher quality drawing was not intended to claim color,
but rather with a greater resolution the darker and lighter areas would have more
contrast and would permit better understanding of the claimed designs drastic
differences in contrast. (Id.) And when the Applicant submitted his second
Petition To Accept a Color Photograph, he merely repeated the phrase color is
an integral part of the claimed invention, but did not identify any particular color
that is integral, nor explain how color is integral to the claimed invention
beyond the variation of distinct hues described previously. (See id. at 13.)
Against this backdrop, Patent Owner should not now be permitted to claim
brown and cream as color elements of the claimed design. Nonetheless, in
anticipation that Patent Owner likely will make such an argument in response to
this Petition, Petitioner submits the present Grounds 7 through 9.
56
2.
If brown and cream are in some manner deemed color elements of the
claimed design of the 670 patent (which Petitioner believes they are not), then the
sole claim is still anticipated or rendered obvious by at least three of the primary
references described and pictured previously: JM Spin-Glas (Ex. 1004) (Ground
7), Soundproofing (Ex. 1007) (Ground 8), and Knauf: Timber Frame Walls (Ex.
1008) (Ground 9).
The 670 patent is anticipated because each of these references (i) possesses
or renders obvious all the other elements of the claim for the reasons discussed
previously (see Sections IX.B-D, supra); and (ii) also possesses a color scheme
that mirrors the brown and cream color scheme depicted in the 670 patent
drawing. Based on the above similarities, an ordinary observer familiar with the
relevant prior art (see e.g. Exs. 1003-1010) would believe that, taken as a whole,
JM Spin-Glas (Ex. 1004), Soundproofing (Ex. 1007), and Knauf: Timber Frame
Walls (Ex. 1008) each is substantially the same design as the claimed design.
Therefore, the 670 patents claim is anticipated by each of these references under
102(b). Intl Seaway, 589 F.3d at 1240.
Alternatively, each of these references in combination with JM Microlite
Blankets (Ex. 1005) would have rendered the 670 patent obvious. Specifically, to
57
the extent any of these three primary references is deemed not to include instances
of the colors brown and cream, it would have been obvious to incorporate a
brown and cream design in light of JM Microlite Blankets.
As discussed previously (and shown again below), JM Microlite Blankets
depicts a spectrum of different color patterns for the same insulation:
This reference teaches that manufacturers of prior art insulation used a large
spectrum of different color schemes for the same products, including light brown
and cream, as depicted in Ex. 1005. Each of the three primary references cited
58
here -- JM Spin-Glas (Ex. 1004), Soundproofing (Ex. 1007), and Knauf: Timber
Frame Walls (Ex. 1008) show a design of an insulation product that would have
been combined with the design of the JM Microlite Blankets to depict a design
highly similar or identical to the claimed design.
Such combinations would be proper because each of the three references is
so related that the appearance of certain ornamental features in [JM Microlite
Blankets] would suggest the application of those features to the other. In re
Borden, 90 F.3d at 1575 (citations omitted). Specifically, the references are highly
related because they each depict ordinary insulation products with a cloud-like
appearance and a variation in a swirl pattern. In addition, these products are
manufactured by companies that directly compete in the insulation industry. See
Granger Decl., at 2 (Ex. 1014). Hence, it would have been obvious to combine
JM Microlite Blankets with each of these primary references to arrive at a design
identical or highly similar to the claimed design. As such, each of these
combinations renders the asserted claim unpatentable, even if the colors brown and
cream are improperly considered as elements of the sole claim of the 670 patent.
3.
8), and Knauf: Timber Frame Walls (Ex. 1008) (Ground 9), respectively, and the
670 patent design are substantially the same design. Therefore, the 670 patents
claim is anticipated by each of these references. Intl Seaway, 589 F.3d at 1240.
Alternatively, for the reasons stated above, the 670 patent design would have been
rendered obvious under 103 by each of these primary references in combination
with JM Microlite Blankets (Ex. 1005). Therefore, the Board should find the sole
claim of the 670 patent invalid on each of these grounds as well.
X.
CONCLUSION
For the reasons set forth in the grounds above, the sole claim of the 670
Respectfully submitted,
60
Description
Ex. 1001
Ex. 1002
Ex. 1003
Ex. 1004
Ex. 1005
Ex. 1006
Ex. 1007
Ex. 1008
Ex. 1009
Ex. 1010
Ex. 1011
Ex. 1012
Ex. 1013
Ex. 1014
Ex. 1015
Ex. 1016
Ex. 1017
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
Pursuant to 37 C.F.R. 42.6(e) and 42.105(a), I, Kristopher L. Reed,
certify that on June 19, 2015, a true and correct copy of the foregoing PETITION
FOR INTER PARTES REVIEW OF U.S. PATENT NO. D631,670 (and
accompanying Exhibits 1001-1017) were served upon the below-listed counsel by
Express Mail:
Daniel J. Lueders
Spiro Bereveskos
WOODARD, EMHARDT, MORIARTY,
MCNETT & HENRY LLP
111 Monument Circle, Suite 3700
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-5137
D. Rusty Denton
BINGHAM GREENEBAUM DOLL LLP
2700 Market Tower
10 West Market Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
ROTHWELL, FIGG, ERNST & MANBECK, P.C.
607 14th Street, N.W.
SUITE 800
WASHINGTON DC 20005