throbber
Case 1:15-cv-04219-TWT Document 49 Filed 09/01/16 Page 1 of 69
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
`FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF GEORGIA
`ATLANTA DIVISION
`
`
`Civil Action No. 1:15-cv-04219-TWT
`
`
`
`IRONBURG INVENTIONS LTD.,
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`v.
`
`VALVE CORPORATION,
`
`Defendant.
`
`
`
`DEFENDANT VALVE CORPORATION’S ANSWER, AFFIRMATIVE
`DEFENSES AND COUNTERCLAIMS TO IRONBURG’S SECOND
`AMENDED COMPLAINT FOR PATENT INFRINGEMENT
`
`Defendant Valve Corporation (“Valve”) files its Answer, Affirmative
`
`
`
`Defenses, and Counterclaims to Plaintiff Ironburg Inventions Ltd.’s (“Ironburg”)
`
`Second Amended Complaint for Patent Infringement (“Second Amended
`
`Complaint”). Except as expressly admitted below, Valve denies each and every
`
`allegation set forth in the Second Amended Complaint. Valve responds to the
`
`numbered paragraphs of the Second Amended Complaint and prayer for relief as
`
`follows:
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Case 1:15-cv-04219-TWT Document 49 Filed 09/01/16 Page 2 of 69
`
`THE PARTIES
`
`1.
`
`Valve lacks knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief
`
`about the allegations in Paragraph 1 and therefore denies them.
`
`2.
`
`Valve lacks knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief
`
`about the allegations in Paragraph 2 and therefore denies them.
`
`3.
`
`Valve’s zip code is 98004. Valve admits the remaining allegations in
`
`Paragraph 3.
`
`JURISDICTION AND VENUE
`
`4.
`
`Valve admits that Ironburg purports to bring an action for patent
`
`infringement arising under the patent laws of the United States, 35 U.S.C. § 1 et
`
`seq. Valve admits this Court has subject matter jurisdiction over meritorious
`
`actions for patent infringement generally under 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 1338(a).
`
`5.
`
`Valve denies that Ironburg states a meritorious claim of patent
`
`infringement against Valve and denies that it has committed any acts of
`
`infringement in this District or elsewhere. Valve further denies that venue over
`
`Ironburg’s patent infringement claims is proper under 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b) and
`
`§1400(b). Valve denies that this District is the most convenient venue for
`
`adjudicating Ironburg’s claims against Valve.
`
`
`
`2
`
`

`

`Case 1:15-cv-04219-TWT Document 49 Filed 09/01/16 Page 3 of 69
`
`6.
`
`Valve admits that Exhibit A to the Second Amended Complaint
`
`appears to be an uncertified copy of U.S. Patent No. 8,641,525 (“the ‘525 Patent”),
`
`entitled “CONTROLLER FOR VIDEO GAME CONSOLE.” Valve denies the
`
`‘525 Patent was duly and legally issued. Valve is without knowledge or
`
`information sufficient to form a belief regarding the remaining allegations set forth
`
`in Paragraph 6 and therefore denies them.
`
`7.
`
`Valve admits that Exhibit B to the Second Amended Complaint
`
`appears to be an uncertified copy of U.S. Patent No. 9,089,770 (“the ‘770 Patent”),
`
`entitled “CONTROLLER FOR VIDEO GAME CONSOLE.” Valve denies the
`
`‘770 Patent was duly and legally issued. Valve is without knowledge or
`
`information sufficient to form a belief regarding the remaining allegations set forth
`
`in Paragraph 7 and therefore denies them.
`
`8.
`
`Valve admits that Exhibit C to the Second Amended Complaint
`
`appears to be an uncertified copy of U.S. Patent No. 9,289,688 (“the ‘688 Patent”),
`
`entitled “GAMES CONTROLLER.” Valve denies the ‘688 Patent was duly and
`
`legally issued. Valve is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a
`
`belief regarding the remaining allegations set forth in Paragraph 8 and therefore
`
`denies them.
`
`
`
`3
`
`

`

`Case 1:15-cv-04219-TWT Document 49 Filed 09/01/16 Page 4 of 69
`
`9.
`
`Valve admits that Exhibit D to the Second Amended Complaint
`
`appears to be an uncertified copy of U.S. Patent No. 9,352,229 (“the ‘229 Patent”),
`
`entitled “CONTROLLER FOR A GAMES CONSOLE.” Valve denies the ‘229
`
`Patent was duly and legally issued. Valve is without knowledge or information
`
`sufficient to form a belief regarding the remaining allegations set forth in
`
`Paragraph 9 and therefore denies them.
`
`10. Valve is without information sufficient to form a belief as to any of
`
`the allegations set forth in Paragraph 10 and therefore denies them.
`
`FACTUAL BACKGROUND
`
`11. Valve is without information sufficient to form a belief as to any of
`
`the allegations set forth in Paragraph 11 and therefore denies them.
`
`12. Valve admits it is presently offering to sell a product branded as
`
`Steam Controller in this District and elsewhere in the United States. Valve denies
`
`that the Steam Controller incorporates Plaintiff’s patented technology. Valve
`
`denies that it has marketed the controller depicted in Exhibit E to Ironburg’s
`
`Second Amended Complaint since at least March 2014. Valve denies the
`
`remaining allegations in Paragraph 12.
`
`13. Valve admits that each Patent-in-Suit has one or more claims directed
`
`to a gaming controller with one or more controls located on the back of the
`
`
`
`4
`
`

`

`Case 1:15-cv-04219-TWT Document 49 Filed 09/01/16 Page 5 of 69
`
`controller, as those terms are described in the specification of each of the Patents-
`
`in-Suit.
`
`14. Valve admits that Cynthia Parks, an attorney purporting to represent
`
`both Scuf Gaming (“Scuf”) and Ironburg, sent a letter to Gabe Newell, the CEO of
`
`Valve, dated March 7, 2014, entitled “Re: Infringement of U.S. Patent Nos.
`
`8,641,525 and D667,892,” which states in part that “Ironburg Inventions own
`
`patents and pending patent applications directed to gaming controllers, to which
`
`Scuf holds exclusive rights in the United States. It has come to Scuf’s attention
`
`through multiple sources that Valve Corporation is marketing certain controller
`
`designs that incorporate features that are the subject of at least two Scuf patents.”
`
`Valve also admits that the March 7, 2014 letter recites the text of Claims 1 and 20
`
`of the ‘525 Patent. Valve denies the remaining allegations in Paragraph 14.
`
`15. Valve admits that after Ironburg filed its Original Complaint in this
`
`lawsuit [D.I. 1] alleging infringement of the ‘525 and ‘770 Patents, Robert D.
`
`Becker, an attorney purporting to represent Ironburg, sent a letter to Karl
`
`Quackenbush, General Counsel of Valve, dated December 3, 2015. The letter
`
`states, in part, that “Valve Corporation is marketing certain game control products,
`
`including the Steam Controller, that incorporate features that are the subject of
`
`multiple patents owned by Ironburg, including [the ‘525 and ‘770 Patents].” Mr.
`
`
`
`5
`
`

`

`Case 1:15-cv-04219-TWT Document 49 Filed 09/01/16 Page 6 of 69
`
`Becker acknowledges in the letter itself that it was sent to Mr. Quackenbush after
`
`Ironburg had already filed its Original Complaint, stating, “If we do not receive a
`
`satisfactory response to this letter within ten days, Ironburg intends to pursue its
`
`legal options, which may include service of a Complaint for Patent Infringement
`
`that has been recently filed against Valve in District Court.” Valve denies the
`
`remaining allegations in Paragraph 15.
`
`16. Valve admits that on December 3, 2015, prior to sending the letter
`
`described in Paragraph 15 of Ironburg’s Second Amended Complaint, Ironburg
`
`filed its Original Complaint against Valve alleging that Valve’s Steam Controller
`
`infringes one or more claims of the ‘525 and ‘770 Patents. Valve denies the
`
`remaining allegations in Paragraph 16.
`
`17. Valve admits the allegations in Paragraph 17.
`
`18. Valve admits that on June 13, 2016, Robert D. Becker, an attorney
`
`representing Ironburg, sent a letter to Patrick A. Lujin, an attorney representing
`
`Valve, alleging the Steam Controller infringes the ‘229 Patent, including claim 3
`
`of the ‘229 Patent. On July 7, 2016, Valve responded to this letter, providing
`
`specific support for its belief that it does not infringe asserted claims 1 and 3 of the
`
`‘229 Patent and that at least claim 1 of the ‘229 Patent is invalid as either
`
`anticipated or obvious. Valve denies the remaining allegations in Paragraph 18.
`
`
`
`6
`
`

`

`Case 1:15-cv-04219-TWT Document 49 Filed 09/01/16 Page 7 of 69
`
`19. Valve admits it is presently marketing a product branded as Steam
`
`Controller. Valve denies that the Steam Controller infringes any claim of the ‘525,
`
`‘770, ‘688, and ‘229 Patents. Valve denies the remaining allegations in Paragraph
`
`19.
`
`COUNT I
`(Alleged Infringement of U.S. Patent No. 8,641,525)
`
`20. Valve repeats and incorporates by reference each of the responses set
`
`forth in response to Paragraph 1 through 19.
`
`21. Valve denies the allegations set forth in Paragraph 21. Valve denies
`
`that the Steam Controller closely resembles the controller depicted in the ‘525
`
`Patent. Valve denies that it has infringed any claim of the ‘525 Patent literally or
`
`under the doctrine of equivalents. Valve also denies that the Steam Controller
`
`contains each element required by any claim of the ‘525 Patent, including
`
`exemplary Claims 1, 2, 7 and 15 of the ‘525 Patent, at least because it lacks “a first
`
`back control and a second back control, each back control being located on the
`
`back of the controller and each back control including an elongate member that
`
`extends substantially the full distance between the top edge and the bottom edge.”
`
`The remaining allegations in this paragraph are either argument or legal
`
`conclusions to which no response is required.
`
`
`
`7
`
`

`

`Case 1:15-cv-04219-TWT Document 49 Filed 09/01/16 Page 8 of 69
`
`22. Valve denies the allegations set forth in Paragraph 22, and specifically
`
`denies that it committed any acts of infringement. The remaining allegations in
`
`this paragraph are either argument or legal conclusions to which no response is
`
`required.
`
`23. Valve denies the allegations set forth in Paragraph 23, and specifically
`
`denies that it committed any acts of infringement. The remaining allegations in
`
`this paragraph are either argument or legal conclusions to which no response is
`
`required.
`
`COUNT II
`(Alleged Infringement of U.S. Patent No. 9,089,770)
`
`24. Valve repeats and incorporates by reference each of the responses set
`
`forth in response to Paragraph 1 through 23.
`
`25. Valve denies the allegations set forth in Paragraph 25. Valve denies
`
`that the Steam Controller closely resembles the controller depicted in the ‘770
`
`Patent. Valve denies that it has infringed the ‘770 Patent literally or under the
`
`doctrine of equivalents. Valve also denies that the Steam Controller contains each
`
`element required by any claims of the ‘770 Patent, including exemplary Claims 1,
`
`3, 4-6 and 7-9, at least because it lacks
`
`a first back control and a second back control, wherein each of the
`first back control and the second back control is located at the back of
`the controller, wherein the first back control includes a first elongate
`8
`
`
`
`

`

`Case 1:15-cv-04219-TWT Document 49 Filed 09/01/16 Page 9 of 69
`
`member and the second back control includes a second elongate
`member; wherein the first elongate member extends along at least half
`of a first distance between the top edge and the bottom edge, the first
`distance being measured along a longitudinal axis of the first elongate
`member; and wherein the second elongate member extends along at
`least half of a second distance between the top edge and the bottom
`edge, the second distance being measured along a longitudinal axis of
`the second elongate member.
`
`The remaining allegations in this paragraph are either argument or legal
`
`conclusions to which no response is required.
`
`26. Valve denies the allegations set forth in Paragraph 26, and specifically
`
`denies that it committed any acts of infringement. The remaining allegations in
`
`this paragraph are either argument or legal conclusions to which no response is
`
`required.
`
`27. Valve denies the allegations set forth in Paragraph 27, and specifically
`
`denies that it committed any acts of infringement. The remaining allegations in
`
`this paragraph are either argument or legal conclusions to which no response is
`
`required.
`
`COUNT III
`(Alleged Infringement of U.S. Patent No. 9,289,688)
`
`28. Valve repeats and incorporates by reference each of the responses set
`
`forth in response to Paragraph 1 through 27.
`
`
`
`9
`
`

`

`Case 1:15-cv-04219-TWT Document 49 Filed 09/01/16 Page 10 of 69
`
`29. Valve denies the allegations set forth in Paragraph 29. Valve denies
`
`that the Steam Controller closely resembles the controller depicted in the ‘688
`
`Patent. Valve denies that it has infringed the ‘688 Patent literally or under the
`
`doctrine of equivalents. Valve also denies that the Steam Controller contains each
`
`element required by any claims of the ‘688 Patent, including exemplary Claim 1 at
`
`least because it lacks
`
`at least one first additional control located on a back of the case in a
`position operable by a middle, ring or little finger of the user, the first
`additional control comprising a first elongate member displaceable by
`the user to activate a control function, wherein the first elongate
`member comprises a first surface disposed proximate an outer surface
`of the case and the first elongate member comprises a second surface
`opposing the first surface, the second surface being configured and
`arranged to be non-parallel with a portion of the outer surface of the
`back of the case to which the first elongate member is mounted.
`
`The remaining allegations in this paragraph are either argument or legal
`
`conclusions to which no response is required.
`
`30. Valve denies the allegations set forth in Paragraph 30, and specifically
`
`denies that it committed any acts of infringement. The remaining allegations in
`
`this paragraph are either argument or legal conclusions to which no response is
`
`required.
`
`31. Valve denies the allegations set forth in Paragraph 31, and specifically
`
`denies that it committed any acts of infringement. The remaining allegations in
`
`
`
`10
`
`

`

`Case 1:15-cv-04219-TWT Document 49 Filed 09/01/16 Page 11 of 69
`
`this paragraph are either argument or legal conclusions to which no response is
`
`required.
`
`
`
`COUNT IV
`(Alleged Infringement of U.S. Patent No. 9,352,229)
`
`32. Valve repeats and incorporates by reference each of the responses set
`
`forth in response to Paragraph 1 through 31.
`
`33. Valve denies the allegations set forth in Paragraph 33. Valve denies
`
`that the Steam Controller closely resembles the controller depicted in the ‘229
`
`Patent. Valve denies that it has infringed the ‘229 Patent literally or under the
`
`doctrine of equivalents. Valve also denies that the Steam Controller contains each
`
`element required by any claims of the ‘229 Patent, including exemplary Claims 1
`
`and 3 at least because it lacks:
`
`at least one additional control located on a back of the outer case in a
`position operable by the user’s middle finger, the additional control
`comprising an elongate member which is inherently resilient and
`flexible such that it can be displaced by the user to activate a control
`function, wherein the elongate member is at least partially disposed in
`a respective channel located on the back of the outer case, the channel
`being elongated along a longitudinal dimension of the elongate
`member.
`
`The remaining allegations in this paragraph are either argument or legal
`
`conclusions to which no response is required.
`
`
`
`11
`
`

`

`Case 1:15-cv-04219-TWT Document 49 Filed 09/01/16 Page 12 of 69
`
`34. Valve denies the allegations set forth in Paragraph 34, and specifically
`
`denies that it committed any acts of infringement. The remaining allegations in
`
`this paragraph are either argument or legal conclusions to which no response is
`
`required.
`
`35. Valve denies the allegations set forth in Paragraph 35, and specifically
`
`denies that it committed any acts of infringement. The remaining allegations in
`
`this paragraph are either argument or legal conclusions to which no response is
`
`required.
`
`INCREASED DAMAGES UNDER 35 U.S.C. § 284
`
`36. Valve repeats and incorporates by reference each of the responses set
`
`forth in response to Paragraph 1 through 35.
`
`37. Valve denies that Ironburg is entitled to increased or enhanced
`
`damages under 35 U.S.C. § 284. Valve denies that it has engaged in egregious or
`
`willful misconduct. Valve denies that it has infringed any of the Patents-in-Suit.
`
`38. Valve denies the allegations set forth in Paragraph 38.
`
`39. Valve denies that it has infringed any of the Patents-in-Suit. Valve
`
`denies the remaining allegations in Paragraph 39.
`
`40. Valve denies that it has infringed any of the Patents-in-Suit or that it
`
`has acted despite a high likelihood that its actions constitute infringement of any of
`
`
`
`12
`
`

`

`Case 1:15-cv-04219-TWT Document 49 Filed 09/01/16 Page 13 of 69
`
`the Patents-in-Suit. Valve denies that any risk of infringement should have been
`
`known to Valve or was actually known by Valve at any time. Valve denies the
`
`remaining allegations in Paragraph 40.
`
`REQUEST FOR RELIEF
`
`
`
`Paragraphs A through F following the Request for Relief each contains a
`
`request for relief to which no response is required. To the extent a response is
`
`required, Valve denies that Ironburg is entitled to any relief from Valve in
`
`connection with Ironburg’s Second Amended Complaint, including without
`
`limitation, the relief specified in Paragraphs A through F of the Request for Relief.
`
`VALVE’S AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES
`
`
`
`Valve pleads the following as affirmative defenses to Ironburg’s Second
`
`Amended Complaint. Valve reserves the right to amend its Answer to add
`
`additional affirmative defenses not presented herein, including but not limited to,
`
`those defenses revealed during discovery. Without admitting or acknowledging
`
`that Valve bears the burden of proof as to any of the following, based on
`
`information and belief, Valve asserts the following defenses:
`
`13
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`Case 1:15-cv-04219-TWT Document 49 Filed 09/01/16 Page 14 of 69
`
`FIRST AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
`(Invalidity of the ‘525, ‘770, ‘688, and ‘229 Patents)
`
`At least the asserted claims of the ‘525, ‘770, ‘688, and ‘229 Patents are
`
`
`
`invalid for failure to meet the conditions of patentability and/or otherwise
`
`complying with one or more provisions of 35 U.S.C. §§ 101 et seq., including 35
`
`U.S.C. §§ 101, 102, 103, and/or 112. Valve incorporates by reference the
`
`invalidity allegations in its counterclaims.
`
`SECOND AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
`(Non-infringement of the Asserted Patents)
`
`Valve has not directly infringed, and does not infringe, either literally or
`
`
`
`under the doctrine of equivalents, any asserted claim of the ‘525, ‘770, ‘688, and
`
`‘229 Patents. Valve incorporates by reference the non-infringement allegations in
`
`its counterclaims.
`
`THIRD AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
`(Prosecution History Estoppel/Disclaimer)
`
`Ironburg’s claims for infringement of the ‘525, ‘770, ‘688, and ‘229 Patents
`
`
`
`are barred, in whole or in part, by the doctrines of prosecution history estoppel
`
`and/or prosecution disclaimer due to representations, amendments, arguments, and
`
`admissions made to the United States Patent and Trademark Office during the
`
`prosecution of the ‘525, ‘770, ‘688, and ‘229 Patents.
`
`
`
`
`14
`
`

`

`Case 1:15-cv-04219-TWT Document 49 Filed 09/01/16 Page 15 of 69
`
`FOURTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
`(Failure to State a Claim)
`
`Ironburg’s Second Amended Complaint fails to state a claim upon which
`
`
`
`relief can be granted.
`
`FIFTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
`(Unenforceability Due to Inequitable Conduct)
`
`The ‘525 and ‘770 Patents are unenforceable due to inequitable conduct
`
`
`
`committed before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”)
`
`during the pendency of one or more patent applications relating to the ‘525 and
`
`‘770 Patents, including those acts and omissions that are set forth with particularity
`
`in Valve’s “COUNT IX (Declaration of Unenforceability of U.S. Patent Nos.
`
`8,641,525 and 9,089,770 Due to Inequitable Conduct),” which is hereby
`
`incorporated by reference.
`
`SIXTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
`(35 U.S.C. §§ 286-288)
`
`Ironburg’s claim for damages is barred, in whole or in part, by 35 U.S.C. §§
`
`
`
`286, 287, and/or 288.
`
`
`
`15
`
`
`
`

`

`Case 1:15-cv-04219-TWT Document 49 Filed 09/01/16 Page 16 of 69
`
`SEVENTH AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE
`(No Willful Infringement/No Enhanced Damages)
`
`Should Valve be found to infringe the ‘525, ‘770,‘688, and/or ‘229 Patents,
`
`
`
`such infringement was not willful. Ironburg is not entitled to enhanced damages
`
`under 35 U.S.C. § 284.
`
`VALVE’S COUNTERCLAIMS
`
`Valve incorporates by reference its above responses as if fully set forth
`
`
`
`herein. In accordance with Rule 13 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Valve
`
`asserts the following counterclaims against Ironburg:
`
`PARTIES
`
`Counterclaim-Plaintiff Valve is a Washington corporation having its
`
`1.
`
`principal place of business at 10900 NE 4th Street, Suite 500, Bellevue,
`
`Washington 98004.
`
`2.
`
`On information and belief, Ironburg is a company organized and
`
`existing under the laws of the United Kingdom, with a principal place of business
`
`at 10 Market Place, Wincanton, BA9 9LP, Great Britain.
`
`JURISDICTION
`
`3.
`
`The Court has subject matter jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331,
`
`1338(a), the patent laws of the United States, 35 U.S.C. § 1 et seq., and the
`
`Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. §§ 2201, 2202.
`16
`
`
`
`

`

`Case 1:15-cv-04219-TWT Document 49 Filed 09/01/16 Page 17 of 69
`
`4.
`
`Ironburg has consented to this Court’s personal jurisdiction by
`
`commencing its action for patent infringement against Valve in this Court.
`
`VENUE
`
`To the extent the action initiated by Ironburg is adjudicated in this
`
`5.
`
`District, venue is proper within this District pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391(b) and
`
`(c). However, venue in this district is not convenient or in the interests of justice
`
`under 28 U.S.C. § 1404(a).
`
`COUNT I
`(Declaration of Invalidity of U.S. Patent No. 8,641,525)
`
`Valve repeats and realleges Paragraphs 1
`
`through 5 of
`
`its
`
`6.
`
`Counterclaims.
`
`7.
`
`All claims of the ‘525 Patent, including at least claims 1, 2, 7 and 15
`
`of the ‘525 Patent, which Ironburg alleges are exemplary claims that Valve
`
`infringes in Paragraph 21of the Second Amended Complaint, are invalid because
`
`each of the claims of the ‘525 Patent fails to meet the conditions of patentability
`
`and/or otherwise comply with one or more provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 101 et seq.,
`
`including 35 U.S.C. §§ 101, 102, 103, and 112.
`
`8.
`
`For example, each claim of the ‘525 Patent is invalid as anticipated
`
`and/or obvious under 35 U.S.C. §§ 102 and/or 103 in view of at least those prior
`
`art references and arguments identified in the Petition for Inter Partes Review
`17
`
`
`
`

`

`Case 1:15-cv-04219-TWT Document 49 Filed 09/01/16 Page 18 of 69
`
`(“IPR”) of the ‘525 Patent filed by Valve before the United States Patent and
`
`Trademark Office on April 22, 2016 (Case IPR2016-00948), which is incorporated
`
`herein by reference to the extent that it is applicable in this action. Further, each
`
`asserted claim of the ‘525 Patent is invalid as anticipated and/or obvious under 35
`
`U.S.C. §§ 102 and/or 103 in view of Valve’s August 1, 2016 invalidity contentions
`
`served in this matter, and any amendments or supplementations thereto.
`
`9.
`
`Paragraph 6 of Ironburg’s Second Amended Complaint asserts the
`
`‘525 Patent was legally issued to Plaintiff Ironburg.
`
`10. There exists a substantial controversy of sufficient immediacy and
`
`reality to warrant the issuance of a declaratory judgment as to whether the asserted
`
`claims of the ‘525 Patent are valid.
`
`11. Valve is entitled to a judicial determination that all claims of the ‘525
`
`Patent are invalid.
`
`
`COUNT II
`(Declaration of Non-Infringement of U.S. Patent No. 8,641,525)
`
`12. Valve repeats and realleges Paragraphs 1 through 11 of its
`
`Counterclaims.
`
`13.
`
`Ironburg cannot meet its burden to prove that Valve infringes at least
`
`claim 1 of the ‘525 Patent, as identified in Paragraph 21 of Ironburg’s Second
`
`
`
`18
`
`

`

`Case 1:15-cv-04219-TWT Document 49 Filed 09/01/16 Page 19 of 69
`
`Amended Complaint. For example, claim 1 of the ‘525 Patent recites a hand held
`
`controller for a game console comprising: an outer case comprising a front, a back,
`
`a top edge, and a bottom edge, wherein the back of the controller is opposite the
`
`front of the controller and the top edge is opposite the bottom edge; and a front
`
`control located on the front of the controller; wherein the controller is shaped to be
`
`held in the hand of a user such that the user's thumb is positioned to operate the
`
`front control; and a first back control and a second back control, each back control
`
`being located on the back of the controller and each back control including an
`
`elongate member that extends substantially the full distance between the top edge
`
`and the bottom edge and is inherently resilient and flexible. The Steam Controller
`
`does not include each and every limitation recited in claim 1 of the ‘525 Patent.
`
`Valve further incorporates its August 1, 2016 non-infringement contentions and all
`
`supplements and amendments thereto to be served in this matter.
`
`14.
`
`Ironburg cannot meet its burden to prove that Valve infringes at least
`
`claim 2 of the ‘525 Patent, as identified in Paragraph 21 of Ironburg’s Second
`
`Amended Complaint. For example, claim 2 of the ‘525 Patent recites the
`
`controller of claim 1, further having a top edge control located on the top edge of
`
`the controller and wherein the controller is shaped such that the user’s index finger
`
`is positioned to operate the top edge control. The Steam Controller does not
`
`
`
`19
`
`

`

`Case 1:15-cv-04219-TWT Document 49 Filed 09/01/16 Page 20 of 69
`
`include each and every limitation recited in claims 1 and 2 of the ‘525 Patent.
`
`Valve further incorporates its August 1, 2016 non-infringement contentions and all
`
`supplements and amendments thereto to be served in this matter.
`
`15.
`
`Ironburg cannot meet its burden to prove that Valve infringes at least
`
`claim 7 of the ‘525 Patent, as identified in Paragraph 21 of Ironburg’s First
`
`Amended Complaint. For example, claim 7 of the ‘525 Patent recites the
`
`controller of claim 1, wherein each elongate member is mounted within a recess
`
`located in the case of the controller. The Steam Controller does not include each
`
`and every limitation recited in claims 1 and 7 of the ‘525 Patent. Valve further
`
`incorporates its August 1, 2016 non-infringement contentions and all supplements
`
`and amendments thereto to be served in this matter.
`
`16.
`
`Ironburg cannot meet its burden to prove that Valve infringes at least
`
`claim 15 of the ‘525 Patent, as identified in Paragraph 21 of Ironburg’s Second
`
`Amended Complaint. For example, claim 15 of the ‘525 Patent recites the
`
`controller of claim 1, wherein a switch mechanism is disposed between each of the
`
`elongate members and an outer surface of the back of the controller. The Steam
`
`Controller does not include each and every limitation recited in claims 1 and 15 of
`
`the ‘525 Patent. Valve further incorporates its August 1, 2016 non-infringement
`
`
`
`20
`
`

`

`Case 1:15-cv-04219-TWT Document 49 Filed 09/01/16 Page 21 of 69
`
`contentions and all supplements and amendments thereto to be served in this
`
`matter.
`
`17. There exists a substantial controversy of sufficient immediacy and
`
`reality to warrant the issuance of a declaratory judgment as to whether the asserted
`
`claims of the ‘525 Patent are infringed.
`
`18. Valve is entitled to a judicial determination that Valve has not directly
`
`infringed the asserted claims of the ‘525 Patent, including claims 1, 2, 7, and 15.
`
`COUNT III
`(Declaration of Invalidity of U.S. Patent No. 9,089,770)
`
` Valve repeats and realleges Paragraphs 1-18 of its Counterclaims.
`
`19.
`
`20. All claims of the ‘770 Patent, including at least claims 1, 3, 4-6, and
`
`7-9, which Ironburg alleges are exemplary claims that Valve infringes in Paragraph
`
`25 of the Second Amended Complaint, are invalid because each of the claims of
`
`the ‘770 Patent fails to meet the conditions of patentability and/or otherwise
`
`comply with one or more provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 101 et seq., including 35
`
`U.S.C. §§ 101, 102, 103, and 112.
`
`21. For example, each claim of the ‘770 Patent is invalid as anticipated
`
`and/or obvious under 35 U.S.C. §§ 102 and/or 103 in view of at least those prior
`
`art references and arguments identified in the Petition for IPR of the ‘770 Patent
`
`filed by Valve before the United States Patent and Trademark Office on April 22,
`21
`
`
`
`

`

`Case 1:15-cv-04219-TWT Document 49 Filed 09/01/16 Page 22 of 69
`
`2016 (Case IPR2016-00949), which is incorporated herein by reference to the
`
`extent that it is applicable in this action. Further, each asserted claim of the ‘770
`
`Patent is invalid as anticipated and/or obvious under 35 U.S.C. §§ 102 and/or 103
`
`in view of Valve’s August 1, 2016 invalidity contentions served in this matter, and
`
`any amendments or supplementations thereto.
`
`22. Paragraph 7 of Ironburg’s Second Amended Complaint alleges that
`
`the ’770 Patent was legally issued to Plaintiff Ironburg.
`
`23. There exists a substantial controversy of sufficient immediacy and
`
`reality to warrant the issuance of a declaratory judgment as to whether the asserted
`
`claims of the ‘770 Patent are valid.
`
`24. Valve is entitled to a judicial determination that all claims of the ‘770
`
`Patent are invalid.
`
`
`COUNT IV
`(Declaration of Non-Infringement of U.S. Patent No. 9,089,770)
`
`25. Valve repeats and realleges Paragraphs 1 through 24 of its
`
`Counterclaims.
`
`26.
`
`Ironburg cannot meet its burden to prove that Valve infringes at least
`
`claim 1 of the ‘770 Patent, as identified in Paragraph 25 of Ironburg’s Second
`
`Amended Complaint. For example, claim 1 of the ‘770 Patent recites a video
`
`
`
`22
`
`

`

`Case 1:15-cv-04219-TWT Document 49 Filed 09/01/16 Page 23 of 69
`
`game controller, comprising: an outer case comprising: a front and a back, wherein
`
`the back is opposite the front; a top edge and a bottom edge, wherein the top edge
`
`is opposite the bottom edge; a first handle adjacent a first side edge and a second
`
`handle adjacent a second side edge, wherein the first side edge is opposite the
`
`second side edge; and a first back control and a second back control, wherein each
`
`of the first back control and the second back control is located at the back of the
`
`controller, wherein the first back control includes a first elongate member and the
`
`second back control includes a second elongate member; wherein the first elongate
`
`member extends along at least half of a first distance between the top edge and the
`
`bottom edge, the first distance being measured along a longitudinal axis of the first
`
`elongate member; and wherein the second elongate member extends along at least
`
`half of a second distance between the top edge and the bottom edge, the second
`
`distance being measured along a longitudinal axis of the second elongate member.
`
`The Steam Controller does not include each and every limitation recited in claim 1
`
`of the ‘770 Patent. Valve further incorporates its August 1, 2016 non-infringement
`
`contentions and all supplements and amendments thereto to be served in this
`
`matter.
`
`27.
`
`Ironburg cannot meet its burden to prove that Valve infringes at least
`
`claim 3 of the ‘770 Patent, as identified in Paragraph 25 of Ironburg’s First
`
`
`
`23
`
`

`

`Case 1:15-cv-04219-TWT Document 49 Filed 09/01/16 Page 24 of 69
`
`Amended Complaint. For example, claim 3 of the ‘770 Patent recites the video
`
`game controller of claim 1, wherein the bottom edge includes: a first convex
`
`portion that defines the first handle; a second convex portion that defines the
`
`second handle; and a medial portion between the first convex portion and the
`
`second convex portion. The Steam Controller does not include each and every
`
`limitation recited in claims 1 and 3 of the ‘770 Patent. Valve further incorporates
`
`its August 1, 2016 non-infringement contentions and all supplements and
`
`amendments thereto to be served in this matter.
`
`28.
`
`Ironburg cannot meet its burden to prove that Valve infringes at least
`
`claim 4 of the ‘770 Patent, as identified in Paragraph 25 of Ironburg’s Second
`
`Amended Complaint. For example, claim 4 of the ‘770 Patent recites the video
`
`game controller of claim 3, wherein the first distance is between the top edge and
`
`the medial portion and the second distance is between the t

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