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UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

BEFORE THE PATENT TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD

Man Wah Holdings Limited,

Petitioner

v.

Raffel Systems, LLC,

Patent Owner

Case IPR: IPR2019-00530

Patent No. D643,252

Issued: Aug. 16, 2011

First Named Inventor: Kenneth G. Seidl

Title: Cup Holder

PETITION FOR INTER PARTES REVIEW


OF U.S. PATENT NO. D643,252
CONTENTS

I. MANDATORY NOTICES ................................................................................1

A. Real Parties in Interest (37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(1)).............................................1

B. Related Matters (37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(2)) .......................................................1

C. Lead and Back-Up Counsel (37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(3)) ....................................1

D. Service Information (37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(4)) ................................................2

E. Payment of Fees (37 C.F.R. § 42.103) ...........................................................2

II. GROUNDS FOR STANDING AND IDENTIFICATION OF CHALLENGE 2

A. Standing ..........................................................................................................2

B. Statutory Grounds for Each Claim .................................................................2

III. THE ‘252 PATENT .........................................................................................4

A. Background Of The ‘252 Patent.....................................................................4

B. The Subject Matter Of The ‘252 Patent ..........................................................5

C. Priority Date Of The ‘252 Patent Should Not Be April 25, 2006 ..................7

1. Inconsistent flange sections ....................................................................8

2. Inconsistent linear structure on the outside of the side wall ..................9

3. Inconsistent elements on the bottom wall ..............................................9

4. Missing features on the bottom plan view............................................10

IV. THE PRIOR ART ..........................................................................................12

A. The Priority Date of the ‘252 Patent ............................................................12

B. Proposed Primary Reference Camarota .......................................................12

1. Camarota Qualifies As Prior Art ..........................................................12

2. The Disclosure Of Camarota ................................................................13

i
C. Proposed Primary Reference Seidl ‘836 ......................................................14

1. Seidl ‘836 Qualifies As Prior Art .........................................................14

D. Proposed Secondary Reference DeMars ......................................................16

1. DeMars Qualifies As Prior Art .............................................................16

2. The Disclosure Of DeMars ...................................................................17

E. Proposed Secondary Reference Beckerer ....................................................18

1. Beckerer Qualifies As Prior Art ...........................................................18

2. The Disclosure Of Beckerer .................................................................18

F. Proposed Secondary Reference Bergin ........................................................19

1. Bergin Qualifies As Prior Art ...............................................................19

1. The Disclosure Of Bergin .....................................................................20

G. Proposed Secondary Reference Kaneda .......................................................21

1. Kaneda Qualifies As Prior Art .............................................................21

2. The Disclosure Of Kaneda ...................................................................21

H. Proposed Secondary Reference Bruce .........................................................22

1. Bruce Qualifies As Prior Art ................................................................22

2. The Disclosure Of Bruce ......................................................................22

I. Proposed Secondary Reference Korea .........................................................23

1. Korea Qualifies As Prior Art ................................................................23

2. The Disclosure Of Korea ......................................................................23

V. DESIGNER HAVING ORDINARY SKILL IN THE ART ...........................24

VI. CLAIM CONSTRUCTION .............................................................................24

ii
VII. THERE IS A REASONABLE LIKELIHOOD THAT THE SOLE CLAIM OF
THE ‘252 PATENT IS UNPATENTABLE ....................................................30

A. Legal Standard ..............................................................................................30

1. The Primary Reference .........................................................................31

2. Secondary References...........................................................................33

B. Ground 1: The Claim Is Rendered Obvious By Camarota ..........................34

1. Camarota Qualifies As A Primary Reference Because It Provides


“Basically The Same Visual Impression” As The ‘252 Patent ............34

2. Any Remaining Differences Between Camarota And The ‘252


Patent Are De Minimis And Would Have Been Obvious To A
DHOSITA .............................................................................................35

C. Ground 2: The Claim Is Rendered Obvious By Camarota In View Seidl


‘836, DeMars, and Beckerer.........................................................................47

1. Camarota Qualifies As A Primary Reference Because It Provides


“Basically The Same Visual Impression” As The ‘252 Patent ............47

2. Seidl ‘836, DeMars, and Beckerer Qualify as a Secondary Reference


as Each Discloses an Ornamental Features That Suggests
Application to Camarota.......................................................................48

3. Any Differences Between Camarota And The ‘252 Patent Are De


Minimis And Would Have Been Obvious To A DHOSITA ...............51

D. Ground 3: The Claim Is Rendered Obvious Over Seidl ‘836 In View of


Bergin ...........................................................................................................60

1. Seidl ‘836 Qualifies As A Primary Reference Because It Provides


“Basically The Same Visual Impression” As The ‘252 Patent ............60

2. Any Differences Between Seidl ‘836 And The ‘252 Patent Are De
Minimis And Would Have Been Obvious To A DHOSITA ...............62

3. The Combination Of Seidl ‘836 And Bergin Teaches The Linear


Structure On The Side Wall .................................................................70

iii
E. Ground 4: The Claim Is Rendered Obvious Over Seidl ‘836 In View of
Bruce, Kaneda, Bergin, and Beckerer ..........................................................73

VIII.CONCLUSION ................................................................................................78

iv
Exhibit List

Exhibit Description

1001 U.S. Patent No. D643,252

1002 Prosecution History of U.S. Patent No. D643,252

1003 Complaint filed for Raffel Systems, LLC v. Man Wah Holdings LTD
Inc et al., Case 2:18-cv-01765 (WIED) on November 8, 2018

1004 U.S. Patent No. D580,233 to Camarota issued on November 11,


2008

1005 U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0247836 to Seidl


published on October 25, 2007.

1006 U.S. Patent No. D350,966 to DeMars issued on February 13, 1990

1007 U.S. Patent No. D298,719 to Beckerer, Jr. issued on November 29,
1988

1008 U.S. Patent No. 5,709,429 to Bergin issued on January 20, 1998

1009 Japanese Design Patent No. JP D1122290 to Kaneda published on


September 25, 2001

1010 U.S. Patent No. 7,681,346 to Bruce issued March 23, 2010

1011 Korean Patent Application Publication No. KR 20060114593 to


(“Korea”) published on November 7, 2006.

1012 Prosecution History of U.S. Patent Application No. 11/410,547

1013 Prosecution History of U.S. Patent Application No. 12/847,823

1014 English Translation of Korean Patent Application Publication No.


KR 20060114593

1015 Declaration by Professor Mingshao Zhang

v
In accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 321, Petitioner Man Wah Holdings Limited

(“Man Wah” or “Petitioner”) respectfully requests inter partes review (“IPR”) of the

sole claim of U.S. Patent No. D643,252 (“the ‘252 Patent”) (Ex. 1001), which is

owned by Raffel Systems, LLC ("Raffel" or "Patent Owner"), and cancel that claim

because it is unpatentable in view of prior art patents and printed publications.

I. MANDATORY NOTICES

A. Real Parties in Interest (37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(1))

The real party-in-interest, pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(1), is Man Wah

Holdings Limited.

B. Related Matters (37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(2))

The ‘252 patent is presently at issue in the action titled Raffel Systems, LLC v.

Man Wah Holdings LTD Inc et al., Case 2:18-cv-01765 (WIED). A copy of the

complaint filed on November 8, 2018 is provided as Exhibit 0003.

C. Lead and Back-Up Counsel (37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(3))

Petitioner provides the following designation of counsel, to which all

correspondence should be addressed.

Lead Counsel Backup Counsel


Hao Tan (Reg. No. 73,711) Shen Wang (Reg. No. 71,847)
ARCH & LAKE LLP ARCH & LAKE LLP
Postal and Hand Delivery Address Postal and Hand Delivery Address
203 N LaSalle Street, Suite 2100 203 N LaSalle Street, Suite 2100
Chicago, Illinois 60601 Chicago, Illinois 60601
Telephone: (312) 375-9408 Telephone: (636) 235-5390
Facsimile: (312) 614-1873 Facsimile: (312) 614-1873

1
Email: haotan@archlakelaw.com Email: shenwang@archlakelaw.com

D. Service Information (37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(4))

Please address all correspondence to the lead and backup counsel above.

E. Payment of Fees (37 C.F.R. § 42.103)

The Office is authorized to charge Deposit Account No. 60-2239 for any

fees required for this Petition, including the fee set forth in 37 C.F.R. § 42.15,

and for any other required fees.

II. GROUNDS FOR STANDING AND IDENTIFICATION OF


CHALLENGE

A. Standing

Petitioner certifies that the ‘252 Patent is available for IPR. Petitioner is not

barred or estopped from requesting this IPR.

B. Statutory Grounds for Each Claim

Petitioner requests IPR for ‘252 patent in view of the following references:

1 U.S. Patent No. D582,233S. (“Camarota”)

2 U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2007/0247836. (“Seidl ‘836”)

3 U.S. Patent No. D305,966. (“DeMars”)

4 U.S. Patent No. D298,719. (“Beckerer”)

5 U.S. Patent No. 5,709,429 (“Bergin”)

2
6 Japanese Design Patent No. JP D1122164 (“Kaneda”)

7 U.S. Patent No. 7,681,346 (“Bruce”)

8 Korean Patent Publication No. KR2006114593 (“Korea”)

References 1-8 qualify as prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a) because each of

them was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or

otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the ‘252 patent

on January 31, 2017.

None of the references relied upon in this Petition were before the Examiner

during the prosecution of the ‘252 patent. Thus, this Petition does not present the

same or substantially the same prior art or arguments presented during the

prosecution of the ‘252 patent.

Petitioner requests cancellation of the challenged claim under the following

statutory grounds:

Ground 35 U.S.C. References(s)

1 § 103 Camarota

2 § 103 Camarota in View of Seidl ‘836 and DeMars,


Beckerer
3 § 103 Seidl ‘836 in view of Bergin

4 § 103 Seidl ‘836 in view of Bruce, Kaneda, Bergin, and


Beckerer

3
Section VII demonstrates, for each of the statutory grounds, that there is a

reasonable likelihood that the Petitioner will prevail. See 35 U.S.C. § 314(a).

Additional explanation and support for each ground is set forth in the expert

declaration of Professor Mingshao Zhang (Exhibit 1015).

III. THE ‘252 PATENT

A. Background Of The ‘252 Patent

The ‘252 patent is a U.S. design patent filed on December 29, 2010 and

assigned U.S. patent application No. 29/382,151 (“the ‘151 application”). See Ex.

1001. The ‘151 application is a continuation of U.S. patent application No.

12/847,823 filed on July 30, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application

No. 11/410,547 (“the ‘547 application”) filed on April 25, 2006 (now U.S. patent

No. 7,766,293). Id. Accordingly, the ‘151 application claims an earliest domestic

priority date of April 25, 2006 based on the filing date of the ‘547 application which

Petitioner disagrees. The ‘151 application was issued on August 16, 2011 as U.S.

Patent No. D643,252.

The ‘151 application named Kenneth G. Seidl and Michael Burwell as

inventors, and was assigned to Raffel Systems, LLC. Id.

4
B. The Subject Matter Of The ‘252 Patent

The ‘252 patent is titled "[c]up holder" and claims "[t]he ornamental design

for a cup holder, as shown and described." Id. The ‘252 patent incudes eight figures.

The figures are reproduced below:

5
Ex. 1001.

Figures 1-8 depict a first perspective view, a second perspective view, a top

plan view, a bottom plan view, a front elevational view, a rear elevational view, a

left side elevational view, and a right side elevational view of a cup holder design.

Id.

6
The sole claim of the ‘252 patent is discussed in detail in Section VI, Claim

Construction.

C. Priority Date Of The ‘252 Patent Should Not Be April 25, 2006

The ‘252 patent claims an earliest domestic priority date of April 25, 2006

based on the filing date of the ‘547 application. Petitioner asserts that the ‘252 is

not entitled to the filing date of the ‘547 application under 35 U.S.C. § 120. In

particular, Petitioner asserts that the written description of the ‘547 application does

not reasonably convey that the inventors were in possession of the claimed subject

matter as of the earliest domestic priority date of April 25, 2006.

To be entitled to a parent’s effective filing date under 35 U.S.C. §120, a

continuation must comply with the written description requirement. In re Owens, 710

F.3d 1362, 1366 (Fed. Cir. 2013). “The test for sufficiency of the written description,

which is the same for either a design or a utility patent, has been expressed as

‘whether the disclosure of the application relied upon reasonably conveys to those

skilled in the art that the inventor had possession of the claimed subject matter as of

the filing date.’” Id. (quoting Ariad Pharms., Inc. v. Eli Lilly & Co., 598 F.3d 1336,

1351 (Fed. Cir. 2010) (en banc)). “In the context of design patents, the drawings

provide the written description of the invention. Thus, when an issue of priority arises

under §120 in the context of design patent prosecution, one looks to the drawings of

7
the earlier application for disclosure of the subject matter claimed in the later

application.” Owens, 710 F.3d at 1366 (citations omitted).

1. Inconsistent flange sections

Petitioner asserts that the disclosure of the ‘547 application does not provide

written description support for the flange element claimed in the ‘252 patent. For

example, the flange disclosed by the ‘547 application teaches a smooth and flowing

transition between a first flange section and a second flange section while the flange

element recited in the ‘252 patent claims a hard and sharp transition between the first

flange section and the second flange section.

FIG. 7 of the ‘547 application illustrates a flange having a smooth and flowing

transition between the first flange section and the second flange section. Petitioner

submits that the smooth and flowing transition does not demonstrate possession of

the claimed hard transition recited in exemplary Fig. 1 of the ‘252 patent.

8
2. Inconsistent linear structure on the outside of the side wall

Petitioner asserts that the disclosure of the ‘547 application does not provide

written description support for the linear structure claimed in the ‘252 patent. For

example, the outside of the side wall disclosed by the ‘547 application teaches a

smooth wall free of additional elements while the outside of the side wall recited in

the ‘252 patent claims a linear structure running from the flange to the closed end.

Exemplary Figure 7 of the ‘547 application illustrates the outside of the side

wall having a smooth surface that is free of additional elements. Petitioner submits

that the smooth surface forming the outside of the side wall does not demonstrate

possession of the claimed linear structure recited in exemplary Figure 2 of the ‘252

patent.

3. Inconsistent elements on the bottom wall

Petitioner asserts that the disclosure of the ‘547 application does not provide

written description support for the elements defining the bottom wall as claimed in

9
the ‘252 patent. For example, the bottom wall disclosed by the ‘547 application

teaches a cross, and holes arranged relative to the legs of the cross while the ‘252

patent claims a ring, and a radial slot extending from each hole to the side wall

connected to the holes.

Exemplary Figure 4 of the ‘547 application illustrates the cross and hole

pattern portion of the bottom wall. Petitioner submits that the cross and holes taught

by the ‘547 application do not demonstrate possession of the ring and radial slots

claimed in exemplary Figure 3 of the ‘252 patent.

4. Missing features on the bottom plan view

Petitioner further asserts that the disclosure of the ‘547 application does not

provide written description support for any of the elements depicted and claimed in

10
Figure. 4 of the ‘252 patent. In particular, Petitioner submits that the ‘547

application does not include a bottom view of the disclosed cup holder.

The above missing features are not shown anywhere in the File histories of

parent applications 11/410,547 and 12/847,823. See generally Ex. 1012 and Ex.

1013. Accordingly, Petitioner asserts that neither of the written description of the

‘547 application nor the written description of the ‘823 application supports or

demonstrates possession of the features claimed in Figure 4 of the ‘252 patent.

For at least these reasons, Petitioner submits that possession of the claimed

design of the ‘252 patent is not shown as of the filing date of the ’547 application or

as of the filing date of the ‘823 application. Accordingly, based on the present

record, the challenged claim is not entitled to the benefit of the filing date of the ’547

application or the filing date of the ‘823 application. See In re Salmon, 705 F.2d

1579, 1581 (Fed. Cir. 1983) (“for section 120 to apply, the first application must

11
disclose ‘the invention’ claimed in the second application. With respect to the design

patent involved in this case, those provisions require that the stool design claimed in

the second application must be the same design disclosed in the parent application.”)

(citations omitted).

IV. THE PRIOR ART

A. The Priority Date of the ‘252 Patent

Raffel filed the ‘252 patent on December 29, 2010 and it was assigned U.S.

patent application No. 29/382,151 (“the ‘151 application”). See Ex. 1001. The ‘151

application claims an earliest domestic priority date of April 25, 2006 based on the

filing date of the ‘547 application. However, based on the disclosure of the ‘547

application, Petitioner asserts that the ‘151 application, and the subsequent ‘252

patent, are not entitled to a priority date based on the ‘547 application. Thus, the

priority date for the ‘252 patent can only be December 29, 2010, the filing date of

the ‘151 application. As discussed below, the prior art references relied upon in this

Petition are patented or published before December 29, 2010.

B. Proposed Primary Reference Camarota

1. Camarota Qualifies As Prior Art

Camarota qualifies as prior art because it was patented and publicly

accessible more than one year before the priority date of December 29, 2010 for

the ‘252 patent. See Ex. 1004. Camarota is a U.S. design patent filed on October 9,

12
2007 and assigned application serial No. 29/292,351. Id. Camarota was patented

on November 11, 2008 which is more than one year before the priority date

December 29, 2010 for the ‘252 patent. Id. Thus, Camarota qualifies as prior art

for the ‘252 patent.

2. The Disclosure Of Camarota

Camarota is titled “Combined Beverage Container Holder and Mounting

Ring” and includes a single claim directed to “[t]he ornamental design of a combined

beverage container holder and mounting ring, as shown and described.” Id.

Camarota includes 19 figures of which: Figures 1-7 illustrate views of the container

holder and mounting ring, Figures 8-13 illustrate views of the mounting ring, and

Figures 14-19 illustrate view of the container holder.

See Ex. 1006.

13
As shown above in Figure 14, Camarota recites and depicts an elevated view

of a beverage container, and in dashed lines, a representative container, such as a

cup. Figure 1 of Camarota further discloses a mounting ring extending away from

an open end of the container holder. Petitioner submits a brief description under

the belief that it may be "helpful to point out . . . various features of the claimed

design as they relate to the . . . prior art." Egyptian Goddess, Inc. v. Swisa, Inc.,

543 F.3d 665, 680 (Fed. Cir. 2008). For example, Camarota discloses a beverage

container holder that includes a side wall closed by a bottom wall and having an

open end defining a flange sized to receive the representative container.

Camarota further discloses a linear structure aligned along the side wall and

extending away from the flange disposed at the open end of the container holder.

C. Proposed Primary Reference Seidl ‘836

1. Seidl ‘836 Qualifies As Prior Art

Seidl ‘836 qualifies as prior art because it was published and publicly

accessible before the effective filing date of December 29, 2010 of the ‘252 patent.

See Ex. 1005. Moreover, because the ‘547 application does not provide written

description support for the claims of the ‘252 patent as required under 35 U.S.C.

§120, the ‘547 application cannot be the basis of a claim for priority for the ‘252

patent. Because Seidl ‘836, which is also based on the ‘547 application, was

14
published more than one year before the December 29, 2010 filing date of the ‘151

application, Seidl ‘836 is prior art to the ’151 application and the ‘252 patent.

Seidl ‘836, as discussed in paragraph [0041] and illustrated in Figure 7,

discloses an exemplary embodiment of a lighted cup holder 300 in which a flange

302 of the cup holder body 304 includes an expanded section 306. Id. The expanded

section 306 of the flange 302 includes a control switch 308 for a massage mechanism

of a seating arrangement, and a USB port 310. Id.

15
Similarly, Figure 3 discloses the cross structure and holes formed in a bottom

wall 128 that cooperates with a side wall, such as cup holder body 118, to define a

cup holding receptacle 132. Id.

D. Proposed Secondary Reference DeMars

1. DeMars Qualifies As Prior Art

DeMars qualifies as prior art because it was published and publicly accessible

before the effective filing date of December 29, 2010 for the ‘252 patent. See Ex.

1006. DeMars is a U.S. design patent filed on March 26, 1987 and assigned

application serial No. 29/31,387. Id. DeMars was patented on February 13, 1990

which is more than one year before the priority date December 29, 2010 for the ‘252

patent. Id. Thus, DeMars qualifies as prior art for the ‘252 patent.

16
2. The Disclosure Of DeMars

DeMars is titled “Drinking Cup of Similar Article,” and claims an ornamental

design for a drinking cup or similar article Id. DeMars includes six figures including

a front elevation, a right side elevation, a rear elevation, a top plan view, a bottom

plan view, and a sectional view.

As shown above in Figure 2, DeMar recites and depicts a side elevation

view of a drinking cup, and Figure 4 depicts a top plan view of the drinking cup.

Id. Petitioner submits a brief description under the belief that it may be "helpful

to point out . . . various features of the claimed design as they relate to the . . .

prior art." Egyptian Goddess, Inc. v. Swisa, Inc., 543 F.3d 665, 680 (Fed. Cir.

2008). For example, in Figure 2, DeMars discloses a drinking cup that includes a

flange extending away from the surface of an outer wall. DeMars, in Figure 4,

further discloses that the flange extends sharply away from the surface of the outer

wall.

17
E. Proposed Secondary Reference Beckerer

1. Beckerer Qualifies As Prior Art

Beckerer qualifies as prior art because it was patented accessible before the

effective filing date of December 29, 2010 for the ‘252 patent. See Ex. 1007.

Beckerer is a U.S. design patent filed on December 23, 1985 and assigned

application serial No. 29/812,454. Id. Beckerer was patented on November 29, 1988

which is more than one year before the priority date December 29, 2010 for the ‘252

patent. Id. Thus, Beckerer qualifies as prior art for the ‘252 patent. Beckerer was

cited in the IDS in the parent Utility Patent Application 11/410,547. (Ex. 1012, page

92). However, Beckerer was not considered by the Examiner of the design

application 29/382,151. Ex. 1002.

2. The Disclosure Of Beckerer

Beckerer is titled “Holder for Bottles, Containers or the like,” and claims an

ornamental design for a holder for bottles, containers or the like, as shown and

described.” Id. Beckerer includes three figures including a top plan view, a side

elevation, and a bottom plan view.

18
As shown above in Figure 1, Beckerer recites and depicts a top plan view

for a holder of bottles, containers or the like. Id. Petitioner submits a brief

description under the belief that it may be "helpful to point out . . . various features

of the claimed design as they relate to the . . . prior art." Egyptian Goddess, Inc.

v. Swisa, Inc., 543 F.3d 665, 680 (Fed. Cir. 2008). For example, as shown in

Figure 1, the bottom wall of Beckerer includes a cross structure, and holes

positioned relative to the legs of the cross structure.

F. Proposed Secondary Reference Bergin

1. Bergin Qualifies As Prior Art

Bergin qualifies as prior art because it was patented accessible before the

effective filing date of December 29, 2010 for the ‘252 patent. See Ex. 1008. Bergin

is a U.S. patent filed on April 12, 1996 and assigned application serial No.

08/631,544. Id. Bergin was patented on January 20, 1998 which is more than one

19
year before the priority date December 29, 2010 for the ‘252 patent. Id. Thus, Bergin

qualifies as prior art for the ‘252 patent.

1. The Disclosure Of Bergin

Bergin is titled “cupholder attachment for a seat bracket,” and claims

embodiments of a drink container holder. Id. Bergin includes eight figures detailing

multiple views and different embodiment.

Figs 2 and 3 disclose and depict a support flange 32 extending between

upper and lower flanges 46,. 48. Id. Petitioner submits a brief description under

the belief that it may be "helpful to point out . . . various features of the claimed

design as they relate to the . . . prior art." Egyptian Goddess, Inc. v. Swisa, Inc.,

543 F.3d 665, 680 (Fed. Cir. 2008). For example, as shown in Fig. 2 above, the

support flange 32 is a liner structure that extends away from the upper flange

towards a bottom wall or lower end support 38 as described by Bergin. Id.

20
G. Proposed Secondary Reference Kaneda

1. Kaneda Qualifies As Prior Art

Kaneda qualifies as prior art because it was published and accessible before

the effective filing date of December 29, 2010 for the ‘252 patent. See Ex. 1009.

Kaneda is a Japanese design patent published on September 25, 2001 and assigned

application serial No. D1122164. Id. Because Kaneda was published more than one

year before the priority date December 29, 2010 for the ‘252 patent, Kaneda qualifies

as prior art for the ‘252 patent.

2. The Disclosure Of Kaneda

Kaneda is titled “fire prevention hole obturator,” and claims an ornamental

design for fire holes obturator fitted to a cylindrical heat-expandable putty to close

by thermal expansion during a fire. Id. Kaneda further discloses and illustrates a

flange having a first flange section and a second flange section as shown in the figure

reproduced below.

21
H. Proposed Secondary Reference Bruce

1. Bruce Qualifies As Prior Art

Bruce qualifies as prior art because it was patented and published before the

effective filing date of December 29, 2010 for the ‘252 patent. See Ex. 1010. Bruce

is a U.S. patent filed on September 12, 2007 and assigned serial No. 11/854,328.

Bruce published on March 12, 2009 as U.S. Patent Application Publication No.

2009-0064549. Bruce issued as U.S. Patent No. 7,681,346 on March 23, 2010.

Because Bruce was published more than one year before the priority date December

29, 2010 for the ‘252 patent, Bruce qualifies as prior art for the ‘252 patent.

2. The Disclosure Of Bruce

Bruce is titled “advertising apparatus and method,” and claims a new and

useful advertising apparatus including a body portion adapted to be one or both of

connected to or disposed on a support structure accessible for advertising purposes.

Id. Fig. 3A of Shad further discloses and illustrates a flange having a first flange

section and a second flange section.

22
I. Proposed Secondary Reference Korea

1. Korea Qualifies As Prior Art

Korea qualifies as prior art because it was published and accessible before the

effective filing date of December 29, 2010 for the ‘252 patent. See Ex. 1011. Korea

is a Korean patent published on November 7, 2006 and assigned application serial

No. KR20060114593. Id. Because Korea was published more than one year before

the priority date December 29, 2010 for the ‘252 patent, Korea qualifies as prior art

for the ‘252 patent.

2. The Disclosure Of Korea

Korea is titled “cup holder having heating and cooling function and seat

having same,” and claims embodiments of a cup holder a heating and cooling

function. Id. Fig. 9 of Korea further discloses and illustrates a flange having a first

23
flange section and a second flange section where the second flange is formed

according to a control unit 320. Ex. 1011 and Ex. 1014.

V. DESIGNER HAVING ORDINARY SKILL IN THE ART

A Designer Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (DHOSITA) would generally

have had either (i) a degree in Industrial Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

who has taken product design courses or (ii) two years of work experience creating

industrial designs. Ex. 1015, ¶ 20.

VI. CLAIM CONSTRUCTION

In a inter partes review, the challenged claim should be construed in

accordance with the ordinary and customary meaning of such claim as understood

by one of ordinary skill in the art and the prosecution history pertaining to the patent.

24
37 C.F.R. § 42.100(b). Because of this rule, for the purpose of this inter partes

review, Petitioner has employed the ordinary and customary meaning construction

of the challenged claim throughout this Petition.

For purposes of this Petition, Petitioner believes that the following written

description points out the various features comprising the overall appearance of

the design claimed in the ‘252 patent as they relate to the prior art: (a) a flange

including a first curved flange section, and a second curved flange section; (b) a

side wall; (c) a bottom portion including a bottom wall having a cross and holes

formed thereon; (d) a linear structure extending between the flange and bottom

wall (e) a perimeter structure including a ring disposed adjacent to the side wall,

and a radial slot extending from each hole towards the side wall; and (f) features

on the outside of the cup holder in the bottom view. Ex. 1015, ¶ 56. Petitioner

purposefully has not provided a detailed verbal description but submits this claim

construction because it may be "helpful to point out . . . various features of the

claimed design as they relate to the . . . prior art." Egyptian Goddess, Inc. v. Swisa,

Inc., 543 F.3d 665, 680 (Fed. Cir. 2008).

As illustrated below in annotated Fig. 2 below, the ‘252 patent claims a cup

holder including a side wall supporting a flange having a first curved flange

section and a second curved flange section; and a bottom wall cooperating with

the side wall to form the bottom portion. Ex. 1015, ¶ 57.

25
(a)

(b)
(d)

(c)

Ex. 1001, Fig. 2.

As illustrated below in annotated Fig. 3 below, the ‘252 patent claims a cup

holder further including a cross in the center of the bottom wall, four small holes

each connected with a line section such as a slot or groove formed on the bottom

wall; and a ring disposed on the bottom wall adjacent to the side wall. Ex. 1015,

¶ 58.

(c) (e)

Ex. 1001, Fig. 3.

26
As illustrated below in annotated Fig. 4 below, the ‘252 patent claims a cup

holder further including features in the bottom view. The features include five

holes on the outside of the bottom wall, two holes adjacent to the linear structure,

seven dots on the flange including three small dots on first curved flange section,

and four larger dots on the second curved flange section. Ex. 1015, ¶ 59.
(f)

Ex. 1001, Fig. 4.

Petitioner addresses each of these six elements below.

(a) A flange including a first curved flange section and a second

curved flange section

As shown above, the claimed cup holder of the ‘252 patent includes a flange

having a first curved flange section and a second curved flange section. The first

curved flange section has a substantially round shape. Ex. 1015, ¶ 61. The first

curved flange section extends from the rim of the cup holder and surrounds more

27
than half of the periphery of the cup holder. Id. The second curved flange section

separated from the first curved flange section. Id. The second curved flange

section has a wider rim than the first curved flange section. Id. There is a hard and

sharp transition between the first curved flange section and a second curved flange

section. Id.

(b) A side wall

Below the first and second flange sections, the claimed cup holder of the

‘252 patent has a side wall. Ex. 1015, ¶ 62. As shown in Fig. 2 above, the side

wall defines a curved side wall of the cup holder. Id. The side wall ends at the

bottom to be connected with a bottom wall. Id.

(c) A bottom portion including a bottom wall having slots and holes

At the bottom of the cup holder, the claimed cup holder of the ‘252 patent

includes a bottom portion including a bottom wall having a cross and holes formed

thereon, and a radial slot extending from each hole towards the side wall. Ex.

1015, ¶ 63. As shown in Fig. 2 above, the bottom wall has a shorter diameter

compared with the flange including the first and second flange sections. Ex. 1001,

Figs. 1-3. As shown in Fig. 3 above, the cross extends towards the side wall. Id.

Additionally, there are four holes formed in the bottom wall and aligned with the

28
legs of the cross. Id. Fig. 3 further illustrates slots extending radially from each

hole towards the ring and side wall. Id.

(d) A linear structure extending between the flange and bottom

portion

The claimed cup holder of the ‘252 patent has a linear structure extending

between the second curved flange section of the flange and the bottom portion.

Ex. 1015, ¶ 64. As shown in Fig. 2 above, the second curved flange section has a

wider rim than the first curved flange section. Id.

(e) A ring disposed on the bottom wall

In addition to the bottom portion, the claimed cup holder of the ‘252 patent

includes a ring disposed on the bottom wall. Ex. 1015, ¶ 65. As shown in Fig. 3

above, a ring element has a semi-circular shape and aligns with the bottom and

side walls. Id. The ring encompasses the bottom wall and extends adjected to the

side wall. Id.

(f) Holes and dots on the outside of the cup holder in the bottom plan

view

The cup holder of the ‘252 patent, as illustrated in annotated Fig. 4 above,

includes five holes on the outside of the bottom wall, two holes adjacent to the

linear structure, seven dots on the flange including three small dots on first curved

29
flange section, and four larger dots on the second curved flange section. Ex. 1015,

¶ 66.

VII. THERE IS A REASONABLE LIKELIHOOD THAT THE SOLE


CLAIM OF THE ‘252 PATENT IS UNPATENTABLE

A. Legal Standard

A claim is unpatentable under § 102 if a single prior art reference discloses all

the limitations arranged or combined in the same way as in the claim. Kennametal,

Inc. v. Ingersoll Cutting Tool Co., 780 F.3d 1376, 1381 (Fed. Cir. 2015). A reference

can anticipate a claim even if it “does not expressly spell out all the limitations

arranged or combined as in the claim, if a person of skill in the art, reading the

reference, would at once envisage the claimed arrangement or combination.” Id.

(internal quotations omitted).

The test for obviousness of a design patent under 35 U.S.C. § 103 is “whether

the claimed design would have been obvious to a designer of ordinary skill who

designs articles of the type involved.” Durling, 101 F.3d at 103 (citation omitted). In

assessing obviousness, the Board “must both (1) discern the correct visual impression

created by the patented design as a whole; and (2) determine whether there is a single

reference that creates basically the same visual impression.” High Point Design

LLC v. Buyers Direct, Inc., 730 F.3d 1301, 1312 (Fed. Cir. 2013) (internal quotations

30
omitted) (emphasis added). “[O]ther 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. at 1311.

1. The Primary Reference

It is important to note that the “basically the same” test does not require that

the designs to be identical. Such a requirement would completely eliminate

obviousness as a basis for invalidity because “if the designs were identical, no

obviousness analysis would be required.” MRC Innovations, Inc. v. Hunter MFG,

LLP, 747 F.3d 1326, 1333 (Fed. Cir. 2014). Indeed, the Federal Circuit held that

even if a prior art reference were to lack a key feature, it could still constitute a

primary reference. Id. at 1333, n.3 (noting that the V2 jersey reference ,relied upon

as a secondary reference, could also constitute a primary reference even though “the

ornamental surge stitching truly alters the ‘overall visual appearance’ of the

design.”).

In MRC, the Federal Circuit cited and discussed certain of its previous

decisions involving notably discernible design differences that were still found to be

de minimis:

See Jore Corp. v. Kouvato, Inc., 117 F. App’x 761, 763 (Fed. Cir. 2005)

(finding prior art drill bit to be a primary reference despite containing a

smooth cylindrical shaft rather than the grooved hexagonal shaft of the

31
claimed design); In re Nalbandian, 661 F.2d 1214, 1217-18 (CCPA

1981) (finding tweezer design obvious in light of prior art reference that

contained vertical rather than horizontal fluting and straight rather than

curved pincers). Id.

It should also be noted that a single primary prior art reference alone can

render obvious a design patent, if the differences are de minimis. Id. In the

Nalbandian case, the CCPA affirmed a decision of the Patent and Trademark Office

Board of Appeals in which the Board found a design patent to be obvious in view of

a primary reference and certain secondary references. However, the CCPA decided

that “we consider it unnecessary to rely on those [secondary] references” in finding

obviousness. In re Nalbandian, 661 F.2d at 1215. The CCPA found that “[t]he

differences in the finger grips of a slightly different shape and the straight, rather

than slightly curved pincers, are de minimis.” Id. at 1217 (emphasis added).

Furthermore, the CCPA found that change from vertical fluting to horizontal

fluting (illustrated below) was “well within the skill of an ordinary designer in the

art to make the modification of the fluting and that it would have been obvious to do

so.” Id. at 1217-18.

32
The CCPA was clear that “[s]uch changes do not achieve a patentably distinct

design.” Id. at 1218. The CCPA’s decision was cited in the 2014 Federal Circuit

MRC decision as properly decided, noting that Nalbandian decision found the

“tweezer design obvious in light of prior art reference that contained vertical rather

than horizontal fluting and straight rather than curved pincers.” MRC, 747 F.3d at

1333.

2. Secondary References

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.” MRC, 747 F.3d at 1334. (Fed.

Cir. 1996) (citations omitted). Note that finding obviousness does not require that

the combined prior art references be identical to the design patent. 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

33
patentable.”). The test is whether the “other references may be used to modify [the

primary reference] to create a design that has the same overall visual appearance

as the claimed design.” High Point Design LLC. V. Buyers Direct, Inc., 730 F.3d

1301, 1311 (Fed. Cir. 2013) (emphasis added).

B. Ground 1: The Claim Is Rendered Obvious By Camarota

1. Camarota Qualifies As A Primary Reference Because It


Provides “Basically The Same Visual Impression” As The ‘252
Patent

The container holder of Camarota provides “basically the same visual

impression” as the cup holder claimed in the ‘252 patent because both references

generally disclose cup holders having a flange at the open end. In particular,

Camarota discloses the following key elements of the design claimed in the ‘252

patent: (a) a flange including a first curved flange section; (b) a side wall; (c) a

bottom portion including a bottom wall; and (e) a ring disposed on the bottom wall.

Demonstratives showing where elements (a), (b), (c), and (e) are located in both

Camarota and in the ‘252 patent are provided in the sections below. Ex. 1015, ¶ 68.

As illustrated below, both Camarota and the ‘252 patent provide basically

the same visual impression in that they both depict a cup holder with a flange

including a first flange section, a side wall, a bottom portion including a bottom

34
wall, and perimeter structure including a ring disposed on the bottom wall. Ex.

1015, ¶ 69.

2. Any Remaining Differences Between Camarota And The ‘252


Patent Are De Minimis And Would Have Been Obvious To A
DHOSITA

As shown above, the differences between Camarota and the ‘252 patent are

(a) the ‘252 patent includes a linear structure extending from the flange to the

bottom portion while Camarota does not have this linear structure; and (b) the

‘252 patent has a radial slot extending from each hole towards the side while

Camarota does not have these radial slots; (c) the ‘252 patent has numerous small

holes and dots formed on the bottom wall while Camarota does not have these

holes; and (d) the ‘252 patent includes a particular flange profile while Camarota

35
does not display the same profile. Ex. 1015, ¶70. However, these slight

differences do not alter the fact that Camarota, either alone or in combination

with Demars and Beckerer, “creates basically the same visual impression” as the

‘252 patent. Id., Ex. 1006, FIG. 5, and Ex. 1007, FIGS. 1 and 3.

It is worth reiterating that the "basically the same" test does not require

that the designs to be identical. Such a requirement would completely eliminate

obviousness as a basis for invalidity because "if the designs were identical, no

obviousness analysis would be required." MRC, 747 F.3d at 1333. Indeed, even

when looking at the design created by the combination of a primary prior art

reference with a secondary prior art reference, "the mere fact that there are

differences over the prior art structures is not alone sufficient to justify a holding

that the design is patentable." In re Lamb, 286 F.2d at 611. The seminal

Nalbandian case and the differences noted in that case between the claimed

design and the single, primary reference relied upon by the C.C.P.A. to find

obviousness are instructive.

36
In re Nalbandian, 661 F.2d at 1215.

In the Nalbandian case, the C.C.P.A found that "[t]he differences in the

finger grips of a slightly different shape and the straight, rather than slightly

curved pincers, are de minimis." In re Nalbandian, 661 F.2d at 1217 (emphasis

added). In addition, the CCPA found that change from vertical fluting to

horizontal fluting was "well within the skill of an ordinary designer in the art to

make the modification of the vertical grooves and that it would have been obvious

to do so." Id. at 1217-18. Based on these findings, the C.C.P.A. did not even need

to resort to a secondary reference. Id. at 1215.

Similarly, as discussed below, the slight differences between Camarota and

the ‘252 patent are de minimis.

a. Adding a Linear Structure Between the Flange and the


Bottom Wall would have been De Minimis

The cup holder of the ‘252 patent shows a linear structure extending away

from the flange towards the bottom portion. A DHOSITA would recognize that

the linear structure illustrated in Figures 2 and 4 represent a functional element

providing a mechanical and/or electrical connection between the bottom portion

and the flange. Ex. 1015, ¶ 71. For example, a DHOSITA would recognize that the

slot could have at least one of following functions: first, holding the cap in place

37
when installed, and second, providing channel/housing for wires from the bottom

of the cup holder to controls on the flange. Ex. 1015, ¶ 71.

The addition of the linear structure to provide an electrical or mechanical

connection represents a modification that is well within the capabilities of a

DHOSITA. For example, as disclosed in Figs. 2 and 3 of Bergin, a support flange

32 extends between upper and lower flanges 46, 48. See Ex. 1008.

Accordingly, it would have been a de minimis change that is well within

the capabilities of a DHOSITA to include linear structure that provides a

mechanical and/or electrical connection between the flange and the bottom

portion. Ex. 1015, ¶ 73. For example, as discussed in Bergin, adding a mounting

38
assembly including a support flange attached to the exterior of the receptacle wall

can be used for mounting the cup holder. Id.

Additionally, including the linear structure would represent obvious design

modification in light of the mounting ring structure depicted in Camarota. Ex.

1015, ¶74. For example, FIG. 1 of Camarota depicts a mounting ring (1) positioned

adjacent to the flange (2) and supported by the side wall (3). Ex. 1004. It would

be an obvious design choice to modify and extend the mounting ring (1) towards

the bottom wall in order to provide additional support similar to the linear structure

(1a) shown in Fig. 2. Ex. 1015, ¶ 74.

For all of these reasons, it would have been a de minimis change to modify

the mounting ring form a linear structure and/or to include a linear structure. Ex.

1015, ¶ 75. For example, the structural support provided by the linear structure

would be well-understood by a DHOSITA making the modification an obvious

design choice. Id. Similarly, extending the existing mounting ring to provide

39
additional structure support would be well-understood by a DHOSITA making the

modification an obvious design choice. Id. Accordingly, incorporation of a linear

structure represents an obvious design choice to the DHOSITA and would not

materially alter the overall visual impression of the container holder of Camarota.

Id. Thus, this design change is less than the design changes found to be de minimis

in the Nalbandian case. Id.

b. Adding A Radial Slot Extending From Each Hole


Towards the Side Wall Would Have Been De Minimis

The cup holder of the ‘252 patent includes a radial slot extending away

from each of the holes formed in the bottom wall relative to the legs of the cross.

Adding the radial slots aligned with the holes on the bottom wall of Camarota

would have been a de minimis change that would have been obvious to a

DHOSITA. Ex. 1015, ¶ 76.

A DHOSITA would have known that a cup holder may include one or more

functional elements such as holes and grooves to drain and direct liquids. Ex. 1015,

¶77. For example, a cross and holes pattern (a) is shown in FIG. 4 (reproduced

below) of the Seidl ‘836 patent application. Id. and Ex. 1005. Similarly, Beckerer

discloses a cross and hole pattern at the center of the round bottom wall of the cup

holder. See Ex. 1007. A DHOSITA would recognize that these cross and hole

40
patterns are provided for functional reasons related to liquid drainage within the

cup holder and not merely the design features of the pattern. Ex. 1015, ¶77.

Moreover, a DHOSITA would understand that additional elements may be

incorporated into the cross and hole pattern to further drain and direct liquids. Ex.

1015, ¶78. For example, adding a radial slot extending from each hole towards

the side wall would be a de minimis change that represents an obvious design

choice for a DHOSITA attempting to manage drainage in a cup holder. Ex. 1015,

¶ 78.

Accordingly, incorporation of a radial slot extending away from each of the

holes represents an obvious design choice to the DHOSITA and would not

materially alter the overall visual impression of the container holder of Camarota.

Id. Thus, this design change is less than the design changes found to be de minimis

in the Nalbandian case. Ex. 1015, ¶ 79.

41
c. Adding Holes and Dots In The Center Of The Round
Bottom Wall Would Have Been De Minimis

The cup holder of the ‘252 patent, as illustrated in annotated Fig. 4 below,

includes five holes on the outside of the bottom wall, two holes adjacent to the

linear structure, seven dots on the flange including three small dots on first curved

flange section, and four larger dots on the second curved flange section. Ex. 1015,

¶80. Adding such holes and dots on the round bottom wall of Camarota would

have been a de minimis change that would have been obvious to a DHOSITA. Id.

(f)

A DHOSITA would have known that a cup holder may include one or more

functional elements such as holes and grooves to drain and direct liquids. Ex. 1015,

¶81. For example, a cross is shown in FIG. 4 (reproduced below) of the Seidl ‘836

patent application. Ex. 1015, ¶ 81; and Ex. 1005. Similarly, Fig. 1 (reproduced

below) of Beckerer discloses that there is a cross at the center of the round bottom

wall of the cup holder. See Ex. 1007.

42
Accordingly, it would have been a de minimis change to add any number

of dots or holes on the bottom wall the cup holder. Including features such as dots

and holes would have been an obvious design modification to a DHOSITA. Ex.

1015, ¶82. In particular, this change would have been an obvious modification for

a number of reasons such as: (1) Camarota teaches a round feature formed on the

bottom wall in FIG. 18, and thus already teaches that a cup holder can have features

on the bottom wall. Ex. 1015, ¶82. This change is well known to a DHOSITA, for

example, Seidl ‘836 discloses that “the side wall 126 and bottom wall 128 may

include one or more slots or holes therethrough.” Ex. 1015, ¶ 82. Thus, adding

five holes in the center of the round bottom wall and a few dots below the first

flange section and four dots below the second flange section, or in any other pattern

or arrangement to the cup holder of Camarota would have been a de minimis

change. Id.

43
These modifications are well known to DHOSITAs. Id. The difference here

involves merely adding the cross and holes on the bottom wall, especially when a

DHOSITA would understand that there are functional reasons or other

immediately apparent and obvious design reasons to do so. Ex. 1015, ¶83. This

design change does not alter any existing elements of the original design. Id.

Thus, this design change is less than the design changes found to be de minimis in

the Nalbandian case. Id.

d. Changes To The Flange to Accommodate Functional


Elements Would Have Been De Minimis

The second curved flange feature of the ‘252 and the extended flange of

DeMars represent obvious modifications of an extended flange. Ex. 1015, ¶84. A

DHOSITA would understand that configuration of the extended flange could be

influenced by functional considerations. For example, the extended flange (a) of

DeMars shown in Fig. 4 includes no additional elements and extends partially

around the cup. Ex. 1015, ¶84.

44
In another example, Fig. 3A of Bruce discloses an extended flange (a)

that extends approximately halfway around the open end and includes a curved

element carried by an upper surface.

45
Similarly, Kaneda is directed to a fire prevention hole obturator discloses

an extended flange (a) that includes extends more than halfway around the open

end.

Additionally, Korea is directed to a cup holder having heating and

cooling function. The cup holder of Korea includes an extended flange (a) that

incorporates controls such as the operations unit/control panel 320. See Ex.

1011, FIG. 9 and Ex. 1014.

Accordingly, a DHOSITA would recognize that well-understood

alterations in the size and coverage afforded by the extended flange may be

implemented. Ex. 1015, ¶88. For example, depending on the size and/or

functionality of a control unit such as the operations unit 320, a DHOSITA

would know to modify the size of the overall flange to accommodate the unit.

Id. Thus, changes to the size and configuration of the extended flange represent

obvious modifications are de minimis to the overall design. Id.

46
C. Ground 2: The Claim Is Rendered Obvious By Camarota In View
Seidl ‘836, DeMars, and Beckerer

1. Camarota Qualifies As A Primary Reference Because It


Provides “Basically The Same Visual Impression” As The ‘252
Patent

The container holder of Camarota provides “basically the same visual

impression” as the cup holder claimed in the ‘252 patent because both references

generally disclose cup holders having a flange at the open end. Ex. 1015, ¶ 89. In

particular, Camarota discloses the following key elements of the design claimed in

the ‘252 patent: (a) a flange including a first curved flange section; (b) a side wall;

(c) a bottom portion including a bottom wall; and (e) a ring disposed on the bottom

wall. Demonstratives showing where elements (a), (b), (c), and (e) are located in

both Camarota and in the ‘252 patent are provided in the sections below. Ex. 1015,

¶ 89.

As illustrated below, both Camarota and the ‘252 patent provide basically

the same visual impression in that they both depict a cup holder with a flange

including a first flange section, a side wall, a bottom portion including a bottom

wall, and perimeter structure including a ring disposed on the bottom wall. Ex.

1015, ¶ 90.

47
2. Seidl ‘836, DeMars, and Beckerer Qualify as a Secondary
Reference as Each Discloses an Ornamental Features That
Suggests Application to Camarota

The cup holder of ‘836 Seidl includes ornamental features that suggest

application to the container holder of Camarota. For example, both Seidl ‘836 and

the ‘252 patent depict a cup holder with a flange including first and second curved

sections, a side wall, a bottom portion including a bottom wall having a cross and

holes formed thereon, and perimeter structure including a ring disposed on the

bottom wall. Ex. 1015, ¶ 91.

48
flange
flange

side side
wall wall
bottom
bottom portion
portion

The drinking cup of DeMars includes additional ornamental features related

to the flange that suggest application to the container holder of Camarota. Ex. 1015

¶ 92. Similarly, the bottle holder of Beckerer includes ornamental features related to

the bottom portion that suggest application to the container holder of Camarota. Ex.

1015 ¶ 92. When these ornamental features are applied to the container holder of

Camarota the resulting includes all of the elements and provides “basically the same

visual impression” as the cup holder claimed in the ‘252 patent. Id.

49
As illustrated in Figs. 2 and 4 of DeMars, the drinking cup includes a flange

(a) having an extended flange portion (b) extending away from a side wall. Ex. 1015

¶ 93. In particular, the extended flange portion (b) curves around the open end of

the cup and extends away from the side wall of the cup. Ex. 1015 ¶ 93. When the

features of DeMars are applied to the container holder of Camarota, the resulting

design includes a flange having a first curved flange section and a second curved

flange section as claimed in the ‘252 patent. Ex. 1015 ¶ 93.

50
As illustrated in Fig. 1 of Beckerer, the bottle holder depicts a bottom portion

having a ring (i), a bottom wall including a cross (ii) and holes (iii) formed thereon.

Ex. 1015 ¶ 94. Fig. 3 of the ‘252 patent is included and annotated to identify the

corresponding elements. In particular, the cross includes legs extending across the

bottom wall, and the hold are formed relative to the legs of the cross. When the

features of Beckerer are applied to the container holder of Camarota, the resulting

design includes a bottom portion a ring adjacent to the side wall, a cross and holes

as claimed in the ‘252 patent. Ex. 1015 ¶ 94.

3. Any Differences Between Camarota And The ‘252 Patent Are


De Minimis And Would Have Been Obvious To A DHOSITA

As shown above, the differences between Camarota and the ‘252 patent are

(a) the ‘252 patent includes a linear structure extending from the flange to the

bottom portion while Camarota does not have this linear structure; (b) the ‘252

patent has a radial slot extending from each hole towards the side while Camarota

does not have these radial slots; and (c) the ‘252 patent has four small holes on

the bottom wall while Camarota does not have these holes. Ex. 1015, ¶95.

However, these slight differences do not alter the fact that Camarota, either alone

or in combination with Demars and Beckerer, “creates basically the same visual

impression” as the ‘252 patent. Id.

51
It is worth reiterating that the "basically the same" test does not require

that the designs to be identical. Such a requirement would completely eliminate

obviousness as a basis for invalidity because "if the designs were identical, no

obviousness analysis would be required." MRC, 747 F.3d at 1333. Indeed, even

when looking at the design created by the combination of a primary prior art

reference with a secondary prior art reference, "the mere fact that there are

differences over the prior art structures is not alone sufficient to justify a holding

that the design is patentable." In re Lamb, 286 F.2d at 611. The seminal

Nalbandian case and the differences noted in that case between the claimed

design and the single, primary reference relied upon by the C.C.P.A. to find

obviousness are instructive.

In re Nalbandian, 661 F.2d at 1215.

In the Nalbandian case, the C.C.P.A found that "[t]he differences in the

finger grips of a slightly different shape and the straight, rather than slightly

52
curved pincers, are de minimis." In re Nalbandian, 661 F.2d at 1217 (emphasis

added). In addition, the CCPA found that change from vertical fluting to

horizontal fluting was "well within the skill of an ordinary designer in the art to

make the modification of the vertical grooves and that it would have been obvious

to do so." Id. at 1217-18. Based on these findings, the C.C.P.A. did not even need

to resort to a secondary reference. Id. at 1215.

Similarly, as discussed below, the slight differences between Camarota and

the ‘252 patent are de minimis.

a. Adding a Linear Structure Between the Flange and the


Bottom Wall would have been De Minimis

The cup holder of the ‘252 patent shows a linear structure extending away

from the flange towards the bottom portion. A DHOSITA would recognize that

the linear structure illustrated in Figures 2 and 4 represent a functional element

providing a mechanical and/or electrical connection between the bottom portion

and the flange. Ex. 1015 ¶ 96.

53
The addition of the linear structure to provide an electrical or mechanical

connection represents a modification that is well-known to a DHOSITA. Ex. 1015

¶ 97. For example, as disclosed in Figs. 2 and 3 of Bergin, a support flange 32

extends between upper and lower flanges 46, 48. See Ex. 1008.

Accordingly, it would have been a de minimis change that is well-known to

a DHOSITA to include linear structure that provides a mechanical and/or electrical

connection between the flange and the bottom portion. Ex. 1015 ¶ 98. For example,

as discussed in Bergin, adding a mounting assembly including a support flange

attached to the exterior of the receptacle wall can be used for mounting the cup

holder. Id.

54
Additionally, including the linear structure would represent obvious design

modification in light of the mounting ring structure in Camarota. Ex. 1015 ¶ 99.

In Camarota, FIG. 1 of depicts a mounting ring (1) positioned adjacent to the

flange (2) and supported by the side wall (3). It would be an obvious design choice

to modify and extend the mounting ring (1) towards the bottom wall in order to

provide additional support similar to the linear structure (1a) shown in Fig. 2. Ex.

1015 ¶ 99.

For all of these reasons, it would have been a de minimis change to modify

the mounting ring to form the claimed linear structure and/or to include a linear

structure. Ex. 1015 ¶100. For example, the structural support provided by the

linear structure would be well-understood by a DHOSITA making the

modification an obvious design choice. Id. Similarly, extending the existing

mounting ring to provide additional structure support would be well-understood

by a DHOSITA making the modification an obvious design choice. Id.

55
Accordingly, incorporation of a linear structure represents an obvious design

choice to the DHOSITA and would not materially alter the overall visual

impression of the container holder of Camarota. Id. Thus, this design change is

less than the design changes found to be de minimis in the Nalbandian case. Id.

b. Adding A Radial Slot Extending From Each Hole


Towards the Side Wall Would Have Been De Minimis

The cup holder of the ‘252 patent shows a radial slot extending away from

each of the holes formed in the bottom wall relative to the legs of the cross. Adding

the radial slots aligned with the holes on the bottom wall of Camarota would have

been a de minimis change that would have been obvious to a DHOSITA. Ex. 1015,

¶101.

A DHOSITA would have known that a cup holder may include one or more

functional elements such as holes and grooves to drain and direct liquids. Ex. 1015,

¶102. For example, a cross and holes pattern (a) is shown in FIG. 4 (reproduced

below) of the Seidl ‘836 patent application. Ex. 1015, ¶102 and Ex. 1005.

Similarly, Beckerer discloses a cross and hole pattern at the center of the round

bottom wall of the cup holder. See Ex. 1007. A DHOSITA would recognize that

these cross and hole patterns are provided for functional reasons related to liquid

drainage within the cup holder and not merely the design features of the pattern.

Ex. 1015, ¶ 0102.

56
Similarly, a DHOSITA would understand that additional elements may be

incorporated into the cross and hole pattern to further drain and direct liquids. Ex.

1015, ¶103. For example, adding a radial slot extending from each hole towards

the side wall would be a de minimis change that represents an obvious design

choice for a DHOSITA attempting to manage drainage in a cup holder. Id.

Accordingly, incorporation of a radial slot extending away from each of

the holes represents an obvious design choice to the DHOSITA and would not

materially alter the overall visual impression of the container holder of Camarota.

Ex. 1015, ¶ 104. Thus, this design change is less than the design changes found to

be de minimis in the Nalbandian case. Ex. 1015, ¶104.

c. Adding Holes and Dots In The Center Of The Round


Bottom Wall Would Have Been De Minimis

57
The cup holder of the ‘252 patent, as illustrated in annotated Fig. 4 below,

includes five holes on the outside of the bottom wall, two holes adjacent to the

linear structure, seven dots on the flange including three small dots on first curved

flange section, and four larger dots on the second curved flange section. Ex. 1015,

¶105. Adding such holes and dots on the round bottom wall of Camarota would

have been a de minimis change that would have been obvious to a DHOSITA. Ex.

1015, ¶105.

(f)

A DHOSITA would have known that a cup holder may include one or more

functional elements such as holes and grooves to drain and direct liquids. Ex. 1015,

¶106. For example, a cross is shown in FIG. 4 of the Seidl ‘836 patent application.

Ex. 1015, ¶ 106 and Ex. 1005. Similarly, Beckerer discloses that there is a cross

at the center of the round bottom wall of the cup holder. See Ex. 1007.

Accordingly, it would have been a de minimis change to add any number

of dots or holes on the bottom wall the cup holder. Ex. 1015, ¶107. Including

58
features such as dots and holes would have been an obvious design modification

to a DHOSITA. Id. In particular, this change would have been an obvious

modification for a number of reasons such as: (1) Camarota teaches a round feature

formed on the bottom wall in FIG. 18, and thus already teaches that a cup holder

can have features on the bottom wall. Ex. 1015, ¶ 107. This change is well known

to a DHOSITA, for example, Seidl ‘836 Application discloses that “the side

wall 126 and bottom wall 128 may include one or more slots or holes

therethrough.” Ex. 1015, ¶ 107. Thus, adding five holes in the center of the round

bottom wall and a few dots below the first flange section and four dots below the

second flange section, or in any other pattern or arrangement to the cup holder of

Camarota would have been a de minimis change. Id.

These modifications are well known to DHOSITAs. Id. The difference here

involves merely adding the cross and holes on the bottom wall, especially when a

DHOSITA would understand that there are functional reasons or other

immediately apparent and obvious design reasons to do so. Ex. 1015, ¶108. This

design change does not alter any existing elements of the original design. Id.

Thus, this design change is less than the design changes found to be de minimis in

the Nalbandian case. Id.

59
D. Ground 3: The Claim Is Rendered Obvious Over Seidl ‘836 In
View of Bergin

1. Seidl ‘836 Qualifies As A Primary Reference Because It


Provides “Basically The Same Visual Impression” As The ‘252
Patent

Seidl ‘836 provides “basically the same visual impression” as the design

claimed in the ‘252 patent because it discloses the following key elements of the

design claimed in the ‘252 patent: (a) a flange including a first curved flange section

and a second curved flange section; (b) a side wall; (c) a bottom portion including a

bottom wall having a cross and holes formed thereon; and (e) perimeter structure

including a ring disposed on the bottom wall. Demonstratives showing where

elements (a), (b), (c), and (e) are located in both Seidl ‘836 and in the ‘252 patent

are provided in the sections below. Ex. 1015, ¶109.

As illustrated below, both Seidl ‘836 and the ‘252 patent depict a cup

holder with a flange including first and second curved sections, a side wall, a

bottom portion including a bottom wall having a cross and holes formed

thereon, and perimeter structure including a ring disposed on the bottom wall.

Ex. 1015, ¶110.

60
flange
flange

side side
wall wall
bottom
bottom portion
portion

ring
radial
slots ring

61
2. Any Differences Between Seidl ‘836 And The ‘252 Patent Are
De Minimis And Would Have Been Obvious To A DHOSITA

As shown above, the differences between Seidl ‘836 and the ‘252 patent

are (1) the flange in ‘252 patent has a hard and sharp transition between the first

curved flange section and a second curved flange section while the flange in Seidl

‘836 does not have this; (2) the bottom wall of ‘252 patent has radial slots

connected while Seidl ‘836 does not have these radial slots; and (3) the ‘252

patent has holes and dots on the bottom wall outside of the cup holder while Seidl

‘836 does not show the bottom view; and (4) the ‘252 patent has a linear structure

under the second curved flange section while Seidl ‘836 does not have this linear

structure. Ex. 1015, ¶111. However, these slight differences do not alter the fact

that Seidl ‘836 "creates basically the same visual impression" as the ‘252 patent.

Id.

It is worth reiterating that the "basically the same" test does not require

that the designs to be identical. Such a requirement would completely eliminate

obviousness as a basis for invalidity because "if the designs were identical, no

obviousness analysis would be required." MRC, 747 F.3d at 1333. Indeed, even

when looking at the design created by the combination of a primary prior art

reference with a secondary prior art reference, "the mere fact that there are

differences over the prior art structures is not alone sufficient to justify a holding

62
that the design is patentable." In re Lamb, 286 F.2d at 611. The seminal

Nalbandian case and the differences noted in that case between the claimed

design and the single, primary reference relied upon by the C.C.P.A. to find

obviousness are instructive.

In re Nalbandian, 661 F.2d at 1215.

In the Nalbandian case, the C.C.P.A found that "[t]he differences in the

finger grips of a slightly different shape and the straight, rather than slightly

curved pincers, are de minimis." In re Nalbandian, 661 F.2d at 1217 (emphasis

added). In addition, the CCPA found that change from vertical fluting to

horizontal fluting was "well within the skill of an ordinary designer in the art to

make the modification of the vertical grooves and that it would have been obvious

to do so." Id. at 1217-18. Based on these findings, the C.C.P.A. did not even need

to resort to a secondary reference. Id. at 1215.

63
Similarly, as discussed below, the slight differences between Seidl ‘836 and

the ‘252 patent are de minimis.

a. Changing the turning angle between the first curved


flange section and the second curved flange section in
the flange Would Have Been De Minimis

The cup holder of the ‘252 patent shows a flange including a hard transition

angle between the first curved flange section and the second curved flange section.

Ex. 1015, ¶ 112. Changing the turning angle of the second curved flange section

of Seidl ‘836 would have been a de minimis change that would have been obvious

to a DHOSITA. Ex. 1015, ¶ 112.

A DHOSITA would have known that a cup holder may include a second

flange section. Ex. 1015, ¶ 113. Further, the turning angle can be changed under

at the time when the invention was made. Ex. 1015, ¶ 113. As disclosed in Fig.

3A of Bruce, a structure 120 attached with the cup holder 110 has a flange section

that includes a hard transition between the first curved flange section and the

second curved flange section. See Ex. 1010.

64
Hard
transition

Fig. 3A of Bruce ‘346, Ex. 1010.

Accordingly, it would have been a de minimis change to change the turning

angle between the first curved flange section and the second curved flange section

to the cup holder. Ex. 1015, ¶114. This would have been an obvious design

modification to a DHOSITA. Ex. 1015, ¶ 114. First, Seidl ‘836 has a first flange

section and a second flange section, thus, Seidl ‘836 already teaches that a cup

holder can have two flange sections. Id. Modifying the flange of Seidl ‘836 based

on the disclosure of Bruce represents a change that is well-known within the skill

of a DHOSITA. Id. For example, as shown in FIG, 3A of Bruce, it is a well-

known design choice to utilize a flange having different shaped sections and/or

profiles. Ex. 1010. Fig. 3A. Similarly, Kaneda discloses a flange that includes

65
different sections and/or profiles with a hard transition between the different flange

sections. Ex. 1009. Fig. 4.

hard
transition

Annotated Fig. 4. of Kaneda

This fact was well known to DHOSITAs. Ex. 1015, ¶115. The difference

here involves merely changing the transition angle between the first and second

flange section, especially when a DHOSITA would understand that there are

functional reasons or other immediately apparent and obvious design reasons to

do so. Ex. 1015, ¶ 115. This design change does not alter any existing elements of

the original design. Id. Thus, this design change is less than the design changes

found to be de minimis in the Nalbandian case. Id.

66
b. Adding Additional Hole and Radial Slots To The
Bottom Wall of The Cup Holder Would Have Been De
Minimis

The bottom wall of the cup holder of the ‘252 patent has four radial slots.

Adding such radial slots on the round bottom wall of Seidl ‘836 would have been

a de minimis change to a DHOSITA. Ex. 1015, ¶116.

A DHOSITA would have known that a cup holder may include a few holes

and grooves to drain water. Ex. 1015, ¶117. For example, four holes and radial

groves are shown on the bottom wall of the cup holder in FIG. 1 of Beckerer. Id.

and Ex. 1007, FIG. 1.

Accordingly, it would have been a de minimis change to add radial slots to

the round bottom wall of the cup holder. First, Seidl ‘836 has three holes shown in

the bottom wall in FIG. 4, thus, Seidl ‘836 already teaches that a cup holder can

have holes on the bottom wall. Ex. 1015, ¶118. Second, as discussed in Seidl ‘836,

“the side wall 126 and bottom wall 128 may include one or more slots or holes

therethrough.” Ex. 1005, ¶ 0032. Thus, adding an additional hole and radial slots

to the bottom of the cup holder of Seidl ‘836 would have been a de minimis change.

Ex. 1015, ¶118.

This fact was well known to DHOSITAs. Ex. 1015, ¶119. The difference

here involves merely adding radial slots on the bottom wall, especially when a

DHOSITA would understand that there are functional reasons or other

67
immediately apparent and obvious design reasons to do so. Ex. 1015, ¶ 119. This

design change does not alter any existing elements of the original design. Id.

Thus, this design change is less than the design changes found to be de minimis

in the Nalbandian case. Id.

c. Adding Holes and Dots To The Bottom Wall and flange


Outside of The Cup Holder Would Have Been De
Minimis

The cup holder of the ‘252 patent shows holes and dots on the bottom wall

outside of the cup holder. Ex. 1001, Fig. 4. Adding such dots and holes on the

round bottom wall of Seidl ‘836 would have been a de minimis change to a

DHOSITA. Ex. 1015, ¶120.

A DHOSITA would have known that a cup holder may include a few holes

and grooves to drain water. Ex. 1015, ¶121. The bottom wall in Seidl ‘836 shows

three holes inside of the cup holder. Id. and Ex. 1005, FIG. 4. Further, four holes

are shown on the outside of the cup holder in Beckerer. Ex. 1015, ¶121 and Ex.

1007, Fig. 3. As disclosed in Figs. 1 and 3 of Beckerer, the four holes are shown

both in the inside and on the outside of the round bottom wall of the cup holder.

Ex. 1015, ¶121 and Ex. 1007.

68
four holes four holes
inside outside

Annotated Figs. 1 and 3 of Beckerer

Accordingly, it would have been a de minimis change to add holes to the

round bottom wall outside of the cup holder. Ex. 1015, ¶122. This would have

been an obvious design modification to a DHOSITA. Id. First, Seidl ‘836 has

three holes shown in the the bottom wall in FIG. 4, thus, Seidl ‘836 already teaches

that a cup holder can have holes on the bottom wall. Ex. 1005. FIG. 3. Second, as

discussed in the Seidl ‘836, “the side wall 126 and bottom wall 128 may include

one or more slots or holes therethrough.” Ex. 1005, ¶ 0032. Thus, adding a first

hole in the center and a second hole to the bottom of the cup holder of Seidl ‘836

would have been a de minimis change. Ex. 1015, ¶122.

Further, in Seidl ‘836, the cup holder 106 includes a light sensitive element

124. Ex. 1015, ¶123 and Ex. 1005, FIG. 3. “The light-sensitive element 124 is

attached to, and extends through the flange 136 at the top end 130 of the body 118

69
of the cup holder 106, in such a manner that a light sensitive surface 140 of the

light-sensitive element 124 is exposed to ambient light impinging upon an upper

surface of the flange 136.” Ex. 1005, ¶ 30. Thus, Seidl ‘836 inherently teaches a

functional element, the light-sensitive element 124, disposed in the flange 136. It

would be a de minimis change to add more light-sensitive elements in the flange,

which would be illustrated as dots in the flange in the bottom view of Fig. 4 of the

‘252 patent. Ex. 1015, ¶123. In addition, it would be a de minimis change to add

functional elements such as screw/screw holes in the flange, which would also be

illustrated as dots in the flange in the bottom view of Fig. 4 of the ‘252 patent. Ex.

1015, ¶ 123.

This fact was well known to DHOSITAs. Ex. 1015, ¶ 124. The

difference here involves merely adding holes on the bottom wall and dots on the

flange, especially when a DHOSITA would understand that there are functional

reasons or other immediately apparent and obvious design reasons to do so. Ex.

1015, ¶124. This design change does not alter any existing elements of the

original design. Id. Thus, this design change is less than the design changes

found to be de minimis in the Nalbandian case. Id.

3. The Combination Of Seidl ‘836 And Bergin Teaches The


Linear Structure On The Side Wall

70
Both Seidl ‘836 And Bergin are indisputably "so related that the appearance

of certain ornamental features in one would suggest the application of those

features to the other." MRC, 747 F.3d at 1334 (Fed. Cir. 1996) (citations omitted);

Ex. 1015, ¶125. Seidl ‘836 And Bergin both relate to cup holder. Ex. 1005, FIG.

6; and Ex. 1008, FIG. 5; and Ex. 1015, ¶ 49. Moreover, Seidl ‘836 And Bergin

both disclose a flange on top of the cup holder, where the flange includes a first

flange section and a second flange section. Ex. 1015, ¶125. Finally, both Seidl

‘836 And Bergin disclose a cup holder to be mounted on a seating structure. Ex.

1015, ¶125.

The cup holder of the ‘252 patent shows a linear structure under the second

curved flange section. It would have been obvious to a DHOSITA to use the linear

structure in Bergin in the design of the primary reference Seidl ‘836. Ex. 1015,

¶126.

71
A DHOSITA would have known that a cup holder may include a second

circular flange section. Ex. 1015, ¶127. Further, a linear feature such as a vertical

ridge or groove or the like can be extended under the second circular flange

section. Id. As disclosed in Bergin, a flange is disposed under the second flange

section and is extended from the top to the bottom of the cup holder. See Ex. 1008.

FIG. 5A.

linear
structure

Annotated FIG. 5A of Bergin

Accordingly, it would have been an insubstantial change to add a linear

fixture under the second circular flange section to the cup holder of Seidl ‘836. Ex.

1015, ¶128. This would have been an obvious design modification to a DHOSITA.

First, Seidl ‘836 has a cup holder including a second flange section, where the cup

72
holder is intended to be installed in a furniture piece. Ex. 1015, ¶128. Second, as

shown in FIG, 5A of Bergin, it is a well-known that a linear structure can be

adapted to engage a seat structure accommodating the cup holder. See Ex. 1008.

Thus, a DHOSITA would add the linear structure in Bergin to Seidl ‘836 to secure

the cup holder with the furniture piece.

The above facts were well-known to DHOSITAs. Ex. 1015, ¶128. The

difference here involves merely adding the linear structure under the second

circular flange section to the bottom of the cup holder, especially when a

DHOSITA would understand that there are functional reasons or other

immediately apparent and obvious design reasons to do so. Ex. 1015, ¶128.

Thus, Bergin would explicitly teach a DHOSITA to add the linear structure

under the second circular flange of the claimed design in the ‘252 patent.

E. Ground 4: The Claim Is Rendered Obvious Over Seidl ‘836 In


View of Bruce, Kaneda, Bergin, and Beckerer

As discussed above, it would be de minimis to change the turning angle

between the first curved flange section and the second curved flange section in the

flange. However, in the event that changing the turning angle is not found to be de

minimis, Petitioner also provides a combination of references that that explicitly

teaches changing the turning angle. Petitioner incorporates by reference herein

73
Section VII.D, including VIII.D.3, which describes the combination of Seidl ‘836 in

view of Bergin.

Both Seidl ‘836 And Bruce are indisputably "so related that the appearance

of certain ornamental features in one would suggest the application of those

features to the other." MRC, 747 F.3d at 1334 (Fed. Cir. 1996) (citations omitted);

Ex. 1015, ¶129. Seidl ‘836 And Bruce both relate to cup holders. Ex. 1005, FIG.

6; and Ex. 1010, FIG. 3A; and Ex. 1015, ¶ 49. Moreover, Seidl ‘836 And Bruce

both disclose a flange on top of the cup holder, where the flange includes a first

flange section and a second flange section. Ex. 1015, ¶129.

The cup holder of the ‘252 patent shows a hard transition between the first

and second curved flange sections. Ex. 1015, ¶ 130. It would have been obvious

to a DHOSITA to use the transition angel in Bruce in the design of the primary

reference Seidl ‘836. Ex. 1015, ¶ 130.

A DHOSITA would have known that a cup holder may include a transition

angel between the first and second flange sections. Ex. 1015, ¶131. Further, the

transition angle can be changed to adapt functional elements in the second circular

flange section. Ex. 1015, ¶132. Bruce specifically teaches that the transition angel

between the first and second flange sections may be a hard transition. See Ex.

1010. FIG. 3A.

74
Hard
transition

Annotated FIG. 3A of Bruce

Thus, Bruce would explicitly teach a DHOSITA to change the transition

angle between the first and second circular flange sections in the cup holder of

Seidl ‘836. Ex. 1015, ¶133.

Further, as discussed above, it would be de minimis to add additional hole

and radial slots to the round bottom wall of the cup holder. Ex. 1015, ¶ 134.

However, in the event that adding additional hole and radial slots is not found to be

de minimis, Petitioner also provides a combination of references that that explicitly

teaches radial slots.

Both Seidl ‘836 And Beckerer are indisputably "so related that the

appearance of certain ornamental features in one would suggest the application of

those features to the other." MRC, 747 F.3d at 1334 (Fed. Cir. 1996) (citations

omitted); Ex. 1015, ¶134. Seidl ‘836 And Beckerer both relate to cup holders. Ex.

75
1005, FIG. 6; and Ex. 1010, FIG. 3A; and Ex. 1015, ¶134. Moreover, Seidl ‘836

And Beckerer both disclose that the cup holder includes a bottom portion includes

holes and slots. Ex. 1015, ¶ 134.

The cup holder of the ‘252 patent shows additional hole and radial slots

that are not explicitly disclosed by Seidl ‘836. It would have been obvious to a

DHOSITA to add additional hole and radial slots in Beckerer into the design of

the primary reference Seidl ‘836. Ex. 1015, ¶135.

A DHOSITA would have known that a cup holder may include holes and slots

in view of Seidl ‘836 and Beckerer. Ex. 1015, ¶136. Further, “the side wall 126 and

bottom wall 128 may include one or more slots or holes therethrough.” Ex. 1005, ¶

0032. Beckerer specifically teaches that four holes and radial groves are shown on

the bottom wall of the cup holder in FIG. 1 of Beckerer. Ex. 1007, FIG. 1. See Ex.

1007. FIG. 1.

76
See Ex. 1005. FIG. 4; Ex. 1007. FIG. 1.

Thus, Beckerer would explicitly teach a DHOSITA to add additional hole

and radial slots to the bottom wall of the cup holder of Seidl ‘836 to the claimed

design in the ‘252 patent. Ex. 1015, ¶137.

Similarly, FIG. 3 of Beckerer specifically teaches that four holes and

radial groves are shown on the bottom wall of the cup holder in FIG. 3 of

Beckerer. Ex. 1015, ¶138.

See Ex. 1007. FIG. 3.

Thus, Beckerer would explicitly teach a DHOSITA to add additional

holes and dots to the outside of the cup holder of Seidl ‘836 to the claimed

design in the ‘252 patent. Ex. 1015, ¶138.

77
VIII. CONCLUSION

For all of the foregoing reasons, there is at least a reasonable likelihood that

Petitioner will prevail in this challenge to the ‘252 patent. Therefore, Petitioner

respectfully requests that the Board grant Petitioner’s Petition and institute inter

partes review of the ‘252 patent.

Date: January 13, 2019 Respectfully submitted,

/ Hao Tan /
Hao Tan, Reg. No. 73,711
Arch & Lake LLP
203 N LaSalle Street, Suite 2100
Chicago, IL 60601
Tel. No. 312.375.9408
Fax No. 312.614.1873
HaoTan@archlakelaw.com

Attorney For Petitioner

78
CERTIFICATE OF WORD COUNT

I hereby certify that the foregoing Petition for Inter partes Review of U.S.

Patent No. D643,252 includes the following number of words (as calculated by

Microsoft Word), excluding those in the table of contents, table of authorities,

mandatory notices, certificate of service, certificate of word count, and appendix of

exhibits: 12,691.

Date: January 13, 2019 Respectfully submitted,

/ Hao Tan /
Hao Tan, Reg. No. 73,711
Arch & Lake LLP
203 N LaSalle Street, Suite 2100
Chicago, IL 60601
Tel. No. 312.375.9408
Fax No. 312.614.1873
HaoTan@archlakelaw.com

Attorney For Petitioner

79
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I hereby certify on January 4, 2019, that a true and correct copy of the Petition

for Inter partes Review of U.S. Patent No. D643,252 was served in its entirety via e-

mail and UPS to the Patent Owner by serving the correspondence address of record

for the ‘252 Patent:

TYLER J. SISK
CASIMIR JONES, S.C.
2275 DEMING WAY STE. 310
MIDDLETON, WI 53562

Date: January 13, 2019 Respectfully submitted,

/ Hao Tan /
Hao Tan, Reg. No. 73,711
Arch & Lake LLP
203 N LaSalle Street, Suite 2100
Chicago, IL 60601
Tel. No. 312.375.9408
Fax No. 312.614.1873
HaoTan@archlakelaw.com

Attorney For Petitioner

80

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