throbber

`
`George C. Lombardi (pro hac vice)
`glombardi@winston.com
`WINSTON & STRAWN LLP
`35 West Wacker Drive
`Chicago, IL 60601-9703
`Telephone: (312) 558-5600
`Facsimile:
`(312) 558-5700
`
`E. Danielle T. Williams (pro hac vice)
`dwilliams@winston.com
`WINSTON & STRAWN LLP
`300 South Tryon Street, 16th Floor
`Charlotte, NC 28202
`Telephone: (704) 350-7700
`Facsimile:
`(704) 350-7800
`
`
`Dustin J. Edwards (pro hac vice)
`dedwards@winston.com
`WINSTON & STRAWN LLP
`800 Capitol St., Suite 2400
`Houston, TX 77002-2925
`Telephone: (713) 651-2600
`Facsimile:
`(713) 651-2700
`
`Diana Hughes Leiden (SBN: 267606)
`dhleiden@winston.com
`WINSTON & STRAWN LLP
`333 S. Grand Avenue, 38th Floor
`Los Angeles, CA 90071-1543
`Telephone: (213) 615-1700
`Facsimile:
`(213) 615-1750
`
`Attorneys for Defendants
`BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
`and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
`
`Case 2:20-cv-07872-GW-PVC Document 574 Filed 06/18/24 Page 1 of 16 Page ID #:77633
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
`
`FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
`
`Case No. 2:20-cv-07872-GW-PVC
`
`DEFENDANTS’ SUPPLEMENTAL
`BRIEF IN RESPONSE TO
`PLAINTIFFS’ SUPPLEMENTAL
`BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF
`PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION TO STRIKE
`PORTIONS OF THE OPENING
`EXPERT REPORT OF DR.
`NATHANIEL POLISH REGARDING
`OBVIOUSNESS COMBINATIONS
`MOTION TO STRIKE EXPERT
`OPINIONS RELATED TO
`COMBINATIONS
`
`
`
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`NANTWORKS, LLC, a Delaware
`limited liability company, and NANT
`HOLDINGS IP, LLC, a Delaware
`limited liability company,
`
`Plaintiffs,
`
`vs.
`
`AMERICA
`OF
`BANK
`a
`Delaware
`CORPORATION,
`BANK
`OF
`corporation,
`and
`AMERICA, N.A., a national banking
`association,
`
`
`
`
`Defendants.
`
`
`
`
`
`DEFENDANTS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFFS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION TO STRIKE
`PORTIONS OF THE OPENING EXPERT REPORT OF DR. NATHANIEL POLISH REGARDING OBVIOUSNESS COMBINATIONS
`CASE NO. 2:20-CV-07872-GW-PVC
`
`
`
`
`

`

`TABLE OF CONTENTS
`
`Page
`
`BACKGROUND .................................................................................................. 1
`ARGUMENT ........................................................................................................ 5
`A. Mault-Sizer-QBIC ...................................................................................... 5
`B.
`Sizer-QBIC-Krouse .................................................................................... 8
`
`
`
`
`
`I.
`II.
`
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`Case 2:20-cv-07872-GW-PVC Document 574 Filed 06/18/24 Page 2 of 16 Page ID #:77634
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DEFENDANTS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFFS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN SPORT OF PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION TO STRIKE
`PORTIONS OF THE OPENING EXPERT REPORT OF DR. NATHANIEL POLISH REGARDING OBVIOUSNESS COMBINATIONS
`CASE NO. 2:20-CV-07872-GW-PVC
`
`
`
`
`

`

`TABLE OF AUTHORITIES
`
` Page(s)
`
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`Cases
`OKYN Holdings, Inc. v. Hori (U.S.A.), Inc.,
`2022 WL 2189527 (C.D. Cal. Apr. 5, 2022) ........................................................ 2
`Virtek Vision Int’l ULC v. Assembly Guidance Sys.,
`97 F.4th 882 (Fed. Cir. 2024) ............................................................................. 10
`
`Case 2:20-cv-07872-GW-PVC Document 574 Filed 06/18/24 Page 3 of 16 Page ID #:77635
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DEFENDANTS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFFS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN SPORT OF PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION TO STRIKE
`PORTIONS OF THE OPENING EXPERT REPORT OF DR. NATHANIEL POLISH REGARDING OBVIOUSNESS COMBINATIONS
`CASE NO. 2:20-CV-07872-GW-PVC
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-07872-GW-PVC Document 574 Filed 06/18/24 Page 4 of 16 Page ID #:77636
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Plaintiffs argue that Dr. Polish’s alleged new § 103 theories “deprived NantWorks
`of a fair opportunity to investigate these new theories in discovery.” Dkt. 304-1 at 19. Yet,
`Plaintiffs never complained about them until after the close of fact discovery. In fact,
`Plaintiffs argued that §103 discovery was prematurely “request[ing] information that will
`be provided in expert discovery,” and “NantWorks will provide expert report(s)
`containing information responsive or relevant to this Interrogatory.” Dkt. 294-8 at 46.
`Plaintiffs should not be allowed to change course and use the ICs as a sword.
`Regardless, Defendants’ ICs, like for Rhoads-QBIC, reasonably explained the
`rationales to combine Mault-Sizer-QBIC and Sizer-QBIC-Krouse as discussed in the
`Polish Report. As the Court noted, “[t]he discussion of each individual prior art reference
`in detail and the overarching theories of combining image processing techniques with
`portable computing devices, taken together, establishes the basis under which Dr. Polish
`opines,” e.g., the three-reference combinations of Mault-Sizer-QBIC and Sizer-QBIC-
`Krouse. Dkt. 502 at 9 (emphasis added). For Mault-Sizer-QBIC, the ICs disclose that (i)
`QBIC’s image processing techniques (“IPTs”) would enhance portable computer devices
`(whether it is one device, like Rhoads, or multiple devices, like Mault and Sizer), and (ii)
`using different IPTs, whether in QBIC alone or across Mault, Sizer, and QBIC, would
`improve the functionality of the combination. Similarly, Sizer-QBIC-Krouse is analogous
`to Rhoads-QBIC because the ICs disclose that different IPTs, whether in QBIC alone or in
`Krouse and QBIC, would improve a portable device like Sizer. Thus, the Court should
`find that the ICs provided reasonable notice of the rationales for the combinations of Mault-
`Sizer-QBIC and Sizer-QBIC-Krouse discussed in the Polish Report.1
`I.
`BACKGROUND
`The ICs thoroughly explain the bases for Defendants’ invalidity theories, exceeding
`“the degree of specificity” required for contentions enough “to provide reasonable notice.”
`
`1 While Defendants maintain that all combinations, including QBIC-Krouse-Harris and
`those involving Cooltown, were adequately disclosed in the ICs, Defendants focus on
`
`Mault-Sizer-QBIC and Sizer-QBIC-Krouse to narrow the issues for the Court.
`-1-
`DEFENDANTS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFFS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION TO STRIKE
`PORTIONS OF THE OPENING EXPERT REPORT OF DR. NATHANIEL POLISH REGARDING OBVIOUSNESS COMBINATIONS
`CASE NO. 2:20-CV-07872-GW-PVC
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`
`

`

`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`Case 2:20-cv-07872-GW-PVC Document 574 Filed 06/18/24 Page 5 of 16 Page ID #:77637
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Dkt. 298-5 at, e.g., pp. 120, 144, 176, 234, 255, 272, 288, 292, 1403, 1424, 1435, 1447,
`1502, 1503, 1522, 1555, 1561, 1569, 1576, 1588.
`Defendants explained in the ICs why the prior art renders the Asserted Claims
`obvious. The Court blessed “grouping of prior art references, particularly when a party
`advances the same theories of obviousness.” Dkt. 502 at 9 (citations omitted). And the ICs
`explained the obviousness theories that applied to all elected obviousness combinations,
`which specifically showed how Sizer, Mault, Krouse, and QBIC each fit within those
`explanations. Dkt. 296-2 at 29–31, 33–40. Specifically, the ICs provide rationales and
`
`expectation of success that applied to each combination based on combining different IPTs
`-2-
`DEFENDANTS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFFS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION TO STRIKE
`PORTIONS OF THE OPENING EXPERT REPORT OF DR. NATHANIEL POLISH REGARDING OBVIOUSNESS COMBINATIONS
`CASE NO. 2:20-CV-07872-GW-PVC
`
`
`
`OKYN Holdings, Inc. v. Hori (U.S.A.), Inc., 2022 WL 2189527, at *2 (C.D. Cal. Apr. 5,
`2022). Like the Court’s tentative rulings for the Rhoads-QBIC combination, Dr. Polish’s
`opinion as to the Mault-Sizer-QBIC and Sizer-QBIC-Krouse combinations are reasonably
`ascertained from the ICs. Pursuant to S.P.R. 2.5.2 and the Final Election of Asserted Prior
`Art, the IC’s provided (i) a table that identifies Mault-Sizer-QBIC and Sizer-QBIC-Krouse
`as combinations that invalidate the ’004 patent and (ii) a table that identifies Sizer-QBIC-
`Krouse as a combination that invalidates the ’278 patent. Dkt. 502 at 7-8.
`
`
`
`Dkt. 296-2 at 46-47. The ICs included a chart for each reference showing where each
`reference discloses the limitations and, for each limitation, included reference to the cover
`pleading to explain why the elected combinations, including Mault-Sizer-QBIC and Sizer-
`QBIC-Krouse, invalidate the Asserted Claims of the ’004 and ’278 patents:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`
`
`Dkt. 296-2 at 29-30 (annotated). The ICs also explained that Mault and Sizer are each
`portable computing devices that use different IPTs – Sizer captures transaction data from
`symbols on an object, and Mault uses various algorithms for image and pattern recognition:
`
`
`Id. at 31 (annotated). The ICs then explained that it would have been obvious to improve
`those references that use portable computing devices, such as Sizer, with references that
`use IPTs, such as Mault, to recognize a variety of objects:
`
`
`
`to identify objects and retrieve information about the object, and using those different IPTs
`with portable computing devices to improve the functionality of such devices, including
`describing distributing IPTs between portable devices and backend systems:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Case 2:20-cv-07872-GW-PVC Document 574 Filed 06/18/24 Page 6 of 16 Page ID #:77638
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`-3-
`DEFENDANTS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFFS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION TO STRIKE
`PORTIONS OF THE OPENING EXPERT REPORT OF DR. NATHANIEL POLISH REGARDING OBVIOUSNESS COMBINATIONS
`CASE NO. 2:20-CV-07872-GW-PVC
`
`
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-07872-GW-PVC Document 574 Filed 06/18/24 Page 7 of 16 Page ID #:77639
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Id. at 34–35 (annotated). The ICs then explained the rationales and expectation of success
`for combining multiple portable computing devices “described above,” such as Sizer and
`Mault, with different IPTs “described above,” such as those referenced in Sizer, Mault,
`Krouse, and QBIC, as well as using/substituting those different IPTs:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Id. at 36–37 (annotated). The ICs go on to further describe QBIC in the context of
`companies developing IPTs before the time of the invention:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`-4-
`DEFENDANTS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFFS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION TO STRIKE
`PORTIONS OF THE OPENING EXPERT REPORT OF DR. NATHANIEL POLISH REGARDING OBVIOUSNESS COMBINATIONS
`CASE NO. 2:20-CV-07872-GW-PVC
`
`
`
`Id. at 33 (annotated). The ICs then described references that used IPTs in the financial
`industry, including Krouse and QBIC.
`
`
`…
`
` …
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`

`

`Id. at 38–39 (annotated). The ICs explained the rationales and expectation of success for
`combining different IPTs and combining portable computing devices with IPTs:
`
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`Case 2:20-cv-07872-GW-PVC Document 574 Filed 06/18/24 Page 8 of 16 Page ID #:77640
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Id. at 39–40 (annotated). Therefore, the ICs disclose that (i) QBIC’s IPTs would enhance
`portable devices (whether it is one device, like Rhoads, or multiple devices, like Mault and
`Sizer); (ii) using different IPTs (whether in QBIC alone or across Mault, Sizer, and QBIC)
`would improve the functionality of the combination; and (iii) using different IPTs (whether
`in QBIC alone or across Krouse and QBIC) would improve a portable device like Sizer.
`II. ARGUMENT
`A. Mault-Sizer-QBIC
`The ICs disclose (i) combining the portable devices of Sizer and Mault with QBIC’s
`IPTs; and (ii) combining the IPTs of Mault, Sizer, and QBIC. The ICs refer to using IPTs
`(plural), including “different” and “each of the” IPTs, such that the different IPTs in each
`of Mault, Sizer, and QBIC would be used in the combined system. Similarly, the ICs
`describe using the “portable computer devices” (plural) with the IPTs, such that Sizer and
`Mault would be combined with QBIC’s IPTs.
`First, reproduced below are disclosures from the ICs (left) paired with disclosures
`in the Polish Report (right) that make clear that the ICs disclosed the explanations for the
`Mault-Sizer-QBIC combination that Dr. Polish opined upon.2 The ICs disclose Mault as
`“a portable computing device” that uses “[i]mage processing, image recognition and
`pattern recognition algorithms.” Dkt. 296-2 at 31. Sizer was disclosed as “a capture device
`that scans and captures transaction data from marks contained on an object.” Id. The Polish
`
`2 The disclosures are annotated to highlight Mault and Sizer in green (as portable devices),
`
`QBIC in blue (as a system that could integrate with portable devices), and IPTs in yellow.
`-5-
`DEFENDANTS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFFS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION TO STRIKE
`PORTIONS OF THE OPENING EXPERT REPORT OF DR. NATHANIEL POLISH REGARDING OBVIOUSNESS COMBINATIONS
`CASE NO. 2:20-CV-07872-GW-PVC
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Report has nearly identical descriptions of Mault and Sizer. Dkt. 296-3 ¶¶ 258, 268.
`
`The ICs disclose “[i]t would have been obvious to improve prior art systems or
`devices like . . . Sizer . . . with prior art like . . . Mault, which use image processing
`techniques,” to “recognize a variety of objects.” Id. at 33 (emphasis added). The ICs then
`explain that “[i]n the financial industry, there are several examples of using known image
`processing techniques for use in check processing.” Id. at 34. The ICs explicitly call-out
`QBIC as an exemplary image processing system suitable for financial institutions. Id. at
`35. Similarly, the Polish Report describes how a POSITA would have been motivated to
`combine Sizer and Mault with QBIC because QBIC’s IPTs supplement processing image
`features and enhances Mault and Sizer.
`
`Case 2:20-cv-07872-GW-PVC Document 574 Filed 06/18/24 Page 9 of 16 Page ID #:77641
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`The ICs confirm, like ¶¶ 561-562 in the Polish Report, that a “POSITA would have
`known to use the portable computer devices described above,” including Mault and Sizer,
`with “each of the different image processing techniques discussed above,” (Dkt. 296-2 at
`36) including the IPTs included in Mault, Sizer, and QBIC. The ICs, which disclose that
`“the portable computer devices [Sizer and Mault] would be improved through the use of
`
`-6-
`DEFENDANTS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFFS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION TO STRIKE
`PORTIONS OF THE OPENING EXPERT REPORT OF DR. NATHANIEL POLISH REGARDING OBVIOUSNESS COMBINATIONS
`CASE NO. 2:20-CV-07872-GW-PVC
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`different image processing and matching techniques,” (id.) support Dr. Polish’s opinion
`that “QBIC System’s image processing and matching techniques would predictably
`enhance Sizer and Mault’s system” Polish Rpt. ¶ 561 (emphasis added). Dr. Polish also
`states that a POSITA would have been motivated to combine Sizer and Mault with QBIC
`because QBIC’s IPTs supplement how to process image features and would enhance Mault
`and Sizer. Id.
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`Case 2:20-cv-07872-GW-PVC Document 574 Filed 06/18/24 Page 10 of 16 Page ID
`
`#:77642
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Like the Rhoads-QBIC combination, where “the FIC does provide an explanation
`for the motivation to combine prior art like Rhoads with image processing techniques,
`which would include the QBIC system” (Dkt. 502 at 9), the ICs specifically contemplate
`combining Sizer with Mault, as well as their portable devices with the different IPTs
`described in each and in QBIC.
`Plaintiffs aver that the ICs “indicate[] that Mault and the ‘QBIC System’ [are]
`alternatives to each other for use in combinations.” Dkt. 558 at 5. But the ICs never
`describe them as “alternatives;” they state that a POSITA would have been motivated to
`combine “portable computer devices” with “each of the different image processing
`techniques discussed above,” and that those devices would be improved through “the use
`of different image processing and matching techniques.” Dkt. 296-2 at 36. The use of
`“portable computer devices” and “different techniques” explicitly contemplates the use of
`multiple devices and multiple IPTs. Indeed, the ICs describe QBIC itself as using multiple
`IPTs, such as “extracting features (such as color, shape, and texture) for both input and
`stored images . . ., querying the database using extracted features . . . matching extracted
`features …, and returning information associated with the image to the user.” Id. at 39.
`
`-7-
`DEFENDANTS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFFS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION TO STRIKE
`PORTIONS OF THE OPENING EXPERT REPORT OF DR. NATHANIEL POLISH REGARDING OBVIOUSNESS COMBINATIONS
`CASE NO. 2:20-CV-07872-GW-PVC
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-07872-GW-PVC Document 574 Filed 06/18/24 Page 11 of 16 Page ID
`
`#:77643
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Plaintiffs complain that “there is no discussion in … the FIC, of a three-reference
`combination.” Dkt. 558 at 2. First, Plaintiffs’ complaints are rich given that they argued
`during discovery that Section 103 combinations were more appropriate for expert
`discovery. Dkt. 294-8 at 46. Second, the ICs disclosed the three-reference combinations
`of Mault-Sizer-QBIC and Sizer-QBIC-Krouse for both the ’004 patent in Table 11 and the
`’278 patent in Table 12. See supra, §II. As the Court noted, those three-reference
`combinations in the Polish Report could be “reasonably ascertained” through those tables,
`with the individual descriptions of Mault, Sizer, Krouse, and QBIC, and the theories of
`combining multiple portable devices and multiple IPTs. Dkt. 502 at 7-8.
`B.
`Sizer-QBIC-Krouse
`The ICs disclose that combining different IPTs, whether in QBIC alone or in Krouse
`and QBIC, would improve a portable device like Sizer. Plaintiffs wrongly assert that “the
`Opposition is [sic] first time that this combination [(i.e., Sizer-QBIC-Krouse)] is … even
`disclosed at all” (Dkt. 558-1 at 7)— IC Tables 11 and 12 explicitly list the Sizer-QBIC-
`Krouse combination. See supra §II. Plaintiffs knew of Defendants’ intent to assert Sizer-
`Krouse-QBIC as an obviousness combination against the ’004 patent. Id. Further, the ICs
`clearly disclose combining Sizer’s portable computing/image capture device with Krouse’s
`and QBIC’s IPTs. First, Plaintiffs complain that the “Sizer, Krouse, and ‘QBIC System’
`combination” as disclosed in the FICs consists only of “disparate narratives discussing
`Sizer . . . Krouse, . . . and the ‘QBIC System’ individually and then generic theories of
`obviousness.” Dkt. 558 at 7. Not so. As shown above and below, the ICs disclose Krouse
`and QBIC as examples of IPTs in the financial industry. Specifically, the ICs say Krouse
`performs traditional check imaging techniques, and QBIC performs other IPTs (such as
`feature extraction and database matching) as described above. Also as described above,
`the ICs describe combining portable computer devices, such as Sizer, with the IPTs
`described in references like QBIC and Krouse. The disclosures in the annotated images
`below show portable devices (like Sizer) in green, Krouse in purple, QBIC in blue, and
`
`-8-
`DEFENDANTS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFFS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION TO STRIKE
`PORTIONS OF THE OPENING EXPERT REPORT OF DR. NATHANIEL POLISH REGARDING OBVIOUSNESS COMBINATIONS
`CASE NO. 2:20-CV-07872-GW-PVC
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`
`

`

`IPTs in yellow.
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`Case 2:20-cv-07872-GW-PVC Document 574 Filed 06/18/24 Page 12 of 16 Page ID
`
`#:77644
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`The ICs disclose Krouse as a system “for generating data from an image of a check
`with an optical scanner for scanning a check for a financial transaction,” in which
`“[r]ecognition characteristics are generated from the scanned image and compared to
`respective sets of reference recognition characteristics.” Dkt. 296-2 at 34. The Polish
`Report, at ¶ 667, has a nearly identical description of Krouse.
`The ICs disclose that a “POSITA would have known to use the portable computer
`devices described above,” including Sizer, “with each of the different image processing
`techniques discussed above,” including the IPTs discussed in Krouse and QBIC. The ICs,
`which disclose that “the portable computer devices [such as Sizer] would be improved
`through the use of different image processing and matching techniques,” (Dkt. 296-2 at
`36), support Dr. Polish’s opinion that a “POSITA would have been motivated to combine
`Sizer and Krouse with QBIC System” and that “QBIC System’s image processing and
`matching techniques would predictably enhance Sizer and Krouse’s system[s] with a
`reasonable expectation of success.” Polish Rpt. ¶ 666. Those same different IPTs and
`
`matching techniques discussed in the ICs support Dr. Polish’s opinion that QBIC System
`-9-
`DEFENDANTS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFFS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION TO STRIKE
`PORTIONS OF THE OPENING EXPERT REPORT OF DR. NATHANIEL POLISH REGARDING OBVIOUSNESS COMBINATIONS
`CASE NO. 2:20-CV-07872-GW-PVC
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-07872-GW-PVC Document 574 Filed 06/18/24 Page 13 of 16 Page ID
`
`#:77645
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`“recognize[s] the benefits of querying images based on visual features which a POSITA
`would recognize as a natural enhancement for Krouse’s teaching of optically scanning
`images on a portion of a document representing information related to a financial
`transaction.” Id. at 667. Furthermore, Dr. Polish’s opinion that “QBIC System’s storage
`and return of information to the user … expand[s] the capabilities of Krouse and Sizer,”
`which is a theory disclosed by the ICs to use different IPTs to “retrieve information about
`the object.” Id. at 668.
`Plaintiffs argue that “[g]iven that Krouse is not a mobile device, it cannot be
`analogous to Rhoads,” but that misreads the Court’s ruling, which centered on whether
`“[t]he discussion of each individual prior art reference in detail and the overarching theories
`of combining image processing techniques with portable computing devices, taken
`together, establishes the basis under which Dr. Polish opines.” Dkt. 502 at 9. Here, the
`Rhoads disclosures are like those in Sizer. And Krouse and QBIC, which are disclosed as
`different IPTs in the financial industry, bring different IPTs to the combined system. A
`similar discussion regarding the motivation to combine is present regarding both
`combinations. Thus, the ICs provided adequate disclosure related to Sizer-QBIC-Krouse.
`Plaintiffs’ reliance on Virtek is inapposite. In Virtek Vision Int’l ULC v. Assembly
`Guidance Sys., the defendant offered no motivation to combine, and its expert “stated
`eleven times that he did not provide any reason to combine the references in his expert
`declaration.” 97 F.4th 882, 887 (Fed. Cir. 2024). Here, the ICs explicitly disclose
`motivation to combine by stating, for example, “[a] POSITA would have known to use the
`portable computer devices described above [e.g., Sizer] with each of the different [IPTs]
`discussed above. [e.g., QBIC, Krouse].” Dkt. 296-2 at 36; see also id. at 33 (“It would
`have been obvious to improve prior art systems or devices like . . . Sizer . . . with prior art
`. . ., which use [IPTs]”), 34-35 (“In the financial industry, there are several examples of
`using known [IPTs] for use in check processing,” listing Krouse and QBIC).
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`-10-
`DEFENDANTS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFFS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION TO STRIKE
`PORTIONS OF THE OPENING EXPERT REPORT OF DR. NATHANIEL POLISH REGARDING OBVIOUSNESS COMBINATIONS
`CASE NO. 2:20-CV-07872-GW-PVC
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Dated: June 18, 2024
`
`
`
`WINSTON & STRAWN LLP
`
`
`
`By: /s/ Dustin J. Edwards
`
`
`George C. Lombardi
`
`E. Danielle T. Williams
`
`Dustin J. Edwards
`
`
`
`Attorneys for Defendants
`BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION and
`BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
`
`
`
`Case 2:20-cv-07872-GW-PVC Document 574 Filed 06/18/24 Page 14 of 16 Page ID
`
`#:77646
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`
`
`
`
`-11-
`DEFENDANTS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFFS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION TO STRIKE
`PORTIONS OF THE OPENING EXPERT REPORT OF DR. NATHANIEL POLISH REGARDING OBVIOUSNESS COMBINATIONS
`CASE NO. 2:20-CV-07872-GW-PVC
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
`I hereby certify that all counsel of record in the Attached Service List who have
`
`consented to electronic service are being served with a copy of this document via the
`Court’s CM/ECF system per Local Rule CV-5(a)(3) on June 18, 2024.
`
`
`
`
`By: /s/ Joe Netikosol
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`Joe Netikosol
`/s/
`
`CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
`I hereby certify that this brief is under 10 pages, which complies with the
`
`agreement set out by the parties, and is less than 7000 words, which complies with L.R.
`6-11.
`
`
`Case 2:20-cv-07872-GW-PVC Document 574 Filed 06/18/24 Page 15 of 16 Page ID
`
`#:77647
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`-12-
`DEFENDANTS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFFS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION TO STRIKE
`PORTIONS OF THE OPENING EXPERT REPORT OF DR. NATHANIEL POLISH REGARDING OBVIOUSNESS COMBINATIONS
`CASE NO. 2:20-CV-07872-GW-PVC
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Case 2:20-cv-07872-GW-PVC Document 574 Filed 06/18/24 Page 16 of 16 Page ID
`
`#:77648
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`Kevin P. B. Johnson
`Todd M. Briggs
`Quinn Emanuel Urquhart and Sullivan
`LLP
`555 Twin Dolphin Drive 5th Floor
`Redwood Shores, CA 94065
`650-801-5000
`Fax: 650-801-5100
`Email:
`kevinjohnson@quinnemanuel.com
`Email: toddbriggs@quinnemanuel.com
`Eric Hui-chieh Huang
`Quinn Emanuel Urquhart and Sullivan
`LLP
`51 Madison Avenue 22nd Floor
`New York, NY 10010
`212-849-7143
`Fax: 212-849-7100
`Email: erichuang@quinnemanuel.com
`James R Asperger
`Quinn Emanuel Urquhart and Sullivan
`LLP
`865 South Figueroa Street 10th Floor
`Los Angeles, CA 90017-2543
`213-443-3000
`Fax: 213-443-3100
`Email: jimasperger@quinnemanuel.com
`Kate Cassidy
`LTL ATTORNEYS LLP
`152 W 57th Street, 19th Floor
`New York, New York 10019
`Telephone: (332) 244-7015 ext. 215
`kate.cassidy@ltlattorneys.com
`Steven Hansen
`LTL ATTORNEYS LLP
`152 W 57th Street, 19th Floor
`New York, New York 10019
`Telephone: (332) 244-7015 ext. 215
`Steven.Hansen@ltlattorneys.com
`
`
`
`
`SERVICE LIST
`United States District Court for the Central District of California
`Nantworks, LLC, et al. v. Bank of America Corporation, et al.
`Case No. 2:20-cv-07872-GW-PVC
`
`Attorneys for Plaintiffs
`Nantworks, LLC and Nant Holdings IP,
`LLC
`
`Attorneys for Plaintiffs
`Nantworks, LLC and Nant Holdings IP,
`LLC
`
`Attorneys for Plaintiffs
`Nantworks, LLC and Nant Holdings IP,
`LLC
`
`Attorneys for Plaintiffs
`Nantworks, LLC and Nant Holdings IP,
`LLC
`
`Attorneys for Plaintiffs
`Nantworks, LLC and Nant Holdings IP,
`LLC
`
`DEFENDANTS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFFS’ SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION TO STRIKE
`PORTIONS OF THE OPENING EXPERT REPORT OF DR. NATHANIEL POLISH REGARDING OBVIOUSNESS COMBINATIONS
`CASE NO. 2:20-CV-07872-GW-PVC
`
`
`
`
`

This document is available on Docket Alarm but you must sign up to view it.


Or .

Accessing this document will incur an additional charge of $.

After purchase, you can access this document again without charge.

Accept $ Charge
throbber

Still Working On It

This document is taking longer than usual to download. This can happen if we need to contact the court directly to obtain the document and their servers are running slowly.

Give it another minute or two to complete, and then try the refresh button.

throbber

A few More Minutes ... Still Working

It can take up to 5 minutes for us to download a document if the court servers are running slowly.

Thank you for your continued patience.

This document could not be displayed.

We could not find this document within its docket. Please go back to the docket page and check the link. If that does not work, go back to the docket and refresh it to pull the newest information.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

You need a Paid Account to view this document. Click here to change your account type.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

Set your membership status to view this document.

With a Docket Alarm membership, you'll get a whole lot more, including:

  • Up-to-date information for this case.
  • Email alerts whenever there is an update.
  • Full text search for other cases.
  • Get email alerts whenever a new case matches your search.

Become a Member

One Moment Please

The filing “” is large (MB) and is being downloaded.

Please refresh this page in a few minutes to see if the filing has been downloaded. The filing will also be emailed to you when the download completes.

Your document is on its way!

If you do not receive the document in five minutes, contact support at support@docketalarm.com.

Sealed Document

We are unable to display this document, it may be under a court ordered seal.

If you have proper credentials to access the file, you may proceed directly to the court's system using your government issued username and password.


Access Government Site

We are redirecting you
to a mobile optimized page.





Document Unreadable or Corrupt

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket

We are unable to display this document.

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket