throbber
Transcript of Ronald R. Lemon, D. M.D.
`
`Date: January 8, 2016
`
`Case: US Endodontics, LLC -v- Gold Standard Instruments, LLC (PTAB)
`
`Planet Depos, LLC
`Phone: 888-433-3767
`Fax: 888-503-3767
`Email: transcripts@planetdepos.com
`Internet: www.planetdepos.com
`
`Worldwide Court Reporting I Interpretation I Trial Services
`
`GOLD STANDARD EXHIBIT 2047
`US ENDODONTICS v. GOLD STANDARD
`~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CASE IPR2015-00632
`
`

`
` UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
` BEFORE THE PATENT TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`
`1
`
`________________________________
`
` )
`
`US ENDODONTICS, LLC, )
`
` )
`
` Petitioner, ) Case No. IPR2015-00632
`
` )
`
`v. ) U.S. Patent No.:
`
` )
`
`GOLD STANDARD INSTRUMENTS, LLC, ) 8,727,773 B2
`
` )
`
` Patent Owner. )
`
`________________________________)
`
` VIDEO-RECORDED DEPOSITION OF RONALD R. LEMON, DMD
`
` taken at 2250 South Rancho Drive,
`
` Las Vegas, Nevada 89102, beginning at 9:03 A.M.
`
` and ending at 1:58 P.M. on Friday, January 8, 2016
`
`Reported by:
`
`Sarah Padilla
`
`CCR NO. 929
`
`Job No. 2195245
`
`Pages 1-137
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
`APPEARANCES OF COUNSEL:
`
`2
`
`FOR PETITIONER:
`
` JEFFREY S. GINSBERG, ESQ.
`
` PATTERSON, BELKNAP, WEBB & TYLER, LLP
`
` 1133 Avenue of the Americas
`
` New York, New York 10036-6710
`
` (212)336-2000
`
` jginsberg@pbwt.com
`
`FOR PATENT OWNER:
`
` C. NICHOLE GIFFORD, ATTORNEY AT LAW
`
` DEREK F. DAHLGREN, ATTORNEY AT LAW
`
` ROTHWELL, FIGG, ERNST & MANBECK, P.C.
`
` 607 14th Street, NW
`
` Washington, DC 20005
`
` (202)783-6040
`
`Also Present: Andrew Jones, Legal Videographer
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2 3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7 8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
` I N D E X
`
`WITNESS EXAMINATION PAGE
`
`RONALD R. LEMON, DMD
`
`3
`
` BY: MR. GINSBERG 5, 113
`
` BY: MS. GIFFORD 110
`
` EXHIBITS
`
` (EXHIBITS MARKED IN PRIOR SESSIONS)
`
`EXHIBIT NO. PAGE DESCRIPTION
`
`Exhibit 1034 - 6 Notice of Cross-Examination
`
`Exhibit 2028 - 19 Declaration of Dr. Lemon
`
`Exhibit 1001 - 27 U.S. Patent 8,727,773 B2
`
`Exhibit 1023 - 91 U.S. Patent 7,137,815
`
`Exhibit 1035 - 108 U.S. Patent 6,431,863
`
`Exhibit 1016 - 110 International Standard ISO 3630-1
`
` First Edition
`
` -oOo-
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4 5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
` Las Vegas, Nevada, Friday, January 8, 2016
`
`4
`
` 9:03 A.M. - 1:58 P.M.
`
` -oOo-
`
` THE VIDEOGRAPHER: Here begins Tape No. 1
`
`in the videotaped deposition of Ronald R. Lemon,
`
`DMD, in the matter of US Endodontics, LLC, Versus
`
`Gold Standard Instruments, LLC, in the Patent Trial
`
`and Appeals Board Case Number IPR 2015-00632, Patent
`
`No. 87,727,773 B2. Today's date is January 8, 2016.
`
`The time on the video monitor is 9:03 A.M. The
`
`videographer today is Andrew Jones representing
`
`Planet Depos. This video deposition is taking place
`
`at 2250 South Rancho Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada 89102.
`
`Would counsel please voice identify themselves and
`
`state whom they represent.
`
` MR. GINSBERG: Jeff Ginsberg of Patterson
`
`Belknap, representing Petitioner, US Endodontics,
`
`LLC.
`
` MS. GIFFORD: Nichole Gifford from
`
`Rothwell, Figg, Ernst & Manbeck on behalf of
`
`Dentsply. Also with me is Derek Dalhgren also from
`
`Rothwell Figg.
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
`5
`
` THE VIDEOGRAPHER: The court reporter
`
`today is Sarah Padilla representing Planet Depos.
`
`Would the reporter please in the witness.
`
` (Witness sworn.)
`
` -oOo-
`
` RONALD R. LEMON, DMD,
`
`called as a witness on behalf of Plaintiff,
`
`having been administered an oath, was examined
`
`and testified as follows:
`
` ----------------------------------
`
` CROSS-EXAMINATION
`
` ----------------------------------
`
`BY MR. GINSBERG:
`
` Q Good morning, Dr. Lemon.
`
` A Good morning.
`
` Q Would you please state your full name and
`
`address for the record.
`
` A I am Ronald R. Lemon, 329 Corsicana
`
`Street, Las Vegas, Nevada 89138.
`
` Q Thank you. Dr. Lemon, you understand that
`
`I will be cross-examining you today in connection
`
`with certain opinions that you have provided in
`
`connection with IPR Proceeding 2015-00632?
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
`6
`
` A Correct.
`
` Q I am going to hand you what has been
`
`marked Exhibit 1034. It is a notice of
`
`cross-examination.
`
` (Exhibit 1034 was previously marked for
`
` identification and is attached hereto.)
`
`BY MR. GINSBERG:
`
` Q Have you seen this document before,
`
`Dr. Lemon?
`
` A Yes.
`
` Q And you understand that you are appearing
`
`in accordance with this notice of cross-examination?
`
` A I do.
`
` Q Now, this proceeding concerns U.S. Patent
`
`No. 8,727,773. Is that your understanding?
`
` A I didn't know the number, but yes.
`
` Q Is it okay if I refer to that patent as
`
`the '773 Patent, just by way of shorthand?
`
` A '773?
`
` Q Yes. That's the last three numbers of the
`
`patent. Okay.
`
` Dr. Lemon, have you ever been deposed
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
`7
`
`before?
`
` A Yes.
`
` Q Have you ever been deposed in connection
`
`with a patent infringement case?
`
` A No.
`
` Q Have you ever been deposed before in any
`
`type of patent case?
`
` A No.
`
` Q How many times have you been deposed
`
`before?
`
` A Let me give you a little background. In
`
`my prior experience at LSU School of Dentistry in
`
`New Orleans -- I'm not sure if this would suffice as
`
`a deposition. But they have a medical review panel
`
`system there which functions like a deposition. In
`
`other words, it is pretrial stuff. But there are
`
`lawyers involved and record mainly having to do with
`
`the practice of dentistry and malpractice and those
`
`things, not patent cases, but that sort of thing.
`
`If those qualify as depositions under the medical
`
`review panel status, then a number of times. Since
`
`coming to Nevada, there's been one case that I have
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
`8
`
`given a deposition.
`
` Q And the case that you have given a
`
`deposition since coming to Nevada, is that an actual
`
`case before a court?
`
` A No. That was a deposition, expert witness
`
`testimony.
`
` Q In connection with an actual litigation?
`
` A Yes.
`
` Q And was that in connection with any
`
`malpractice case?
`
` A It was a malpractice case.
`
` Q Have you ever given deposition testimony
`
`in any other litigations?
`
` A To my knowledge, no. Not to my memory.
`
` Q And when were you deposed in that
`
`malpractice case?
`
` A It's about two years ago, something like
`
`that, approximately.
`
` Q Did that case go to trial?
`
` A It did not. It was settled prior to
`
`trial.
`
` Q We've already begun today's questions and
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
`answers. And I understand that you've been deposed
`
`recently before. But do you understand that you are
`
`required to answer my questions truthfully here
`
`9
`
`today and that you are under oath?
`
` A I took the oath, yes.
`
` Q Now, your attorney my object to my
`
`questions from time to time. But unless you are
`
`specifically instructed not to answer, you are
`
`expected to provide answers to each of my questions.
`
`Do you understand that?
`
` A Agreed.
`
` Q Is there any reason why you cannot provide
`
`truthful, accurate testimony here today?
`
` A None. I am here to give you my opinion.
`
` Q What did you do to prepare for your
`
`cross-examination today?
`
` A My preparation consisted mainly of
`
`preparing the declaration.
`
` Q And when did you prepare the declaration?
`
` A Within the last six months.
`
` Q Did you prepare the first draft of the
`
`declaration?
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
`10
`
` A Yes.
`
` Q Prior to your cross-examination today, did
`
`you meet with anyone in connection with the
`
`testimony that you were expected to provide?
`
` A Only the legal team that is here today.
`
` Q And when did you meet with the legal team
`
`that is here today?
`
` A Yesterday.
`
` Q For how long?
`
` A From 9:00 o'clock in the morning until
`
`5:00 o'clock in this room.
`
` Q Did you review any documents in connection
`
`with the preparation for your testimony here today?
`
` A Most of my review was the declaration that
`
`I prepared.
`
` Q Did you review any other documents?
`
` A No. One exception, one clarification. I
`
`did not review the patent -- the '773 Patent. But I
`
`have briefly reviewed that as part of this, for
`
`correction.
`
` Q And when was the last time that you
`
`reviewed the '773 Patent?
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
` A As a part of the process of preparing the
`
`11
`
`declaration.
`
` Q You are being paid for your time in
`
`connection with your work in this matter; correct?
`
` A That is correct.
`
` Q How did you come to be involved in this
`
`matter?
`
` A I was asked to be -- provide my opinions.
`
` Q When was that?
`
` A Before the declaration. I would say
`
`within the last nine months.
`
` Q And who contacted you to ask if you would
`
`be willing to provide a declaration?
`
` A The legal team.
`
` Q Who specifically?
`
` A I believe that would be Nicky. I believe
`
`Nicky was the first contact by phone.
`
` Q And who is paying you in connection with
`
`your work in this matter?
`
` A That would be Dentsply Corporation.
`
` Q Prior to your involvement in this matter,
`
`had you ever done any consulting work for Dentsply?
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
`12
`
` A Please give me a definition of your
`
`definition of consulting.
`
` Q Do you have a definition of consulting?
`
` A Well, if someone asks you your opinion on
`
`a product, that is a form of consulting, whether it
`
`is formal or informal.
`
` Q Using that definition, has anyone at
`
`Dentsply prior to your involvement in this case
`
`asked you to do any consulting work for them?
`
` A Paid or unpaid?
`
` Q Let's take paid first.
`
` A There was a period of time in the early
`
`2000s where I presented some continuing education
`
`courses that were sponsored by Dentsply, Tulsa
`
`Dental Products, that I was paid for as a lecturer
`
`for their continuing education courses. That number
`
`probably does not exceed five or six total
`
`presentations. It was on -- I am a teacher, and so
`
`teaching continuing education courses on how to use
`
`their products.
`
` Q Prior to the five or six presentations
`
`that you provided that you were paid by Dentsply,
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
`13
`
`have you done any other paid consulting work on
`
`behalf of them? And when I say Dentsply, I am
`
`referring to Dentsply or any of its affiliates. I
`
`think you mentioned Tulsa Dental.
`
` A No. That's the only time that I have done
`
`paid consulting for them.
`
` Q Have you done unpaid consulting work for
`
`them?
`
` A Again, it goes to the definition of
`
`consulting. The company sponsors, annually,
`
`continuing education courses presented to educators.
`
`And that is called opinion leaders meetings where
`
`the latest in research -- sometimes it involves
`
`their products. Sometimes it involves basic science
`
`of products. There is a wide variety. It is not
`
`just limited to their products. But they will host
`
`these meetings particularly for educators. And as a
`
`part of that, we can beta test some of their
`
`products. So that, I would assume, fits under that
`
`category of non-paid consulting.
`
` Q Where do these courses take place?
`
` A Different cities.
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
`14
`
` Q Who pays for your travel?
`
` A Dentsply. Expenses are paid. The payment
`
`consists of travel for me, hotel room, and limited
`
`meals. But there is no per diem for anything else
`
`other than expenses.
`
` Q Did Dentsply send you to any cities this
`
`year to provide a CLE course?
`
` A No. I haven't done that for years.
`
` Q This year is only a few days old anyway.
`
` About how many courses did you provide
`
`that were sponsored by Dentsply?
`
` A Of the paid variety of courses, I think I
`
`mentioned five to six, somewhere in there.
`
` Q And of the courses where you were just
`
`paid your travel and other expenses?
`
` A That is an annual course that I have been
`
`attending those meetings probably for the last ten
`
`years. Excellent. They are excellent continuing
`
`education courses.
`
` Q Other than the five or six presentations
`
`that you mentioned earlier and these annual CLE
`
`courses, have you ever received any other
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
`15
`
`compensation from Dentsply?
`
` A Indirectly.
`
` Q How so?
`
` A As a full-time educator at LSU School of
`
`Dentistry, I developed as part of the intellectual
`
`property of the university a device which resulted
`
`in an issued patent on a small device that the
`
`university owns. And through them, the license
`
`was -- a licensing agreement I think that is the
`
`proper term -- was with Dentsply for the
`
`intellectual property. And Dentsply pays the
`
`university for that. And a percentage of that came
`
`back to me for a few years. That has been
`
`discontinued for the last three years.
`
` Q What was the device that was patented?
`
` A It is an ultrasonic MTA carrying device.
`
` Q And what does MTA stand for?
`
` A Mineral trioxide aggregate.
`
` Q Do you know how much total royalties
`
`Dentsply paid to your university?
`
` A I can't give you accurate figures on that.
`
` Q Do you have an estimate?
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
`16
`
` A Well, it is thousands. It is not
`
`hundreds. But --
`
` Q Other than compensation you receive for
`
`their presentations that you have provided, the CLEs
`
`you attend, and the royalties you receive from
`
`Dentsply, have you received any other compensation
`
`from Dentsply?
`
` MS. GIFFORD: Object to form. You can
`
`answer.
`
` THE WITNESS: No.
`
`BY MR. GINSBERG:
`
` Q Dr. Lemon, do you know Neill Luebke?
`
` A I met Neill Luebke many, many years ago
`
`one time, introduced to me by my mentor Dr. Raymond
`
`G. Luebke. And it was the name similarities.
`
`Although they were not related, he introduced me to
`
`him. But that was a one-time thing, years ago. I
`
`have had no interactions with him professionally or
`
`personally since that one-time meeting.
`
` Q Have you ever spoken to him besides that
`
`one-time meeting?
`
` A No.
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
`17
`
` Q Dr. Lemon, in preparation with connection
`
`with your declaration, you indicated you had
`
`reviewed the '773 Patent; is that correct?
`
` A Well, briefly. I am a clinician. I am
`
`not, you know, a patent expert.
`
` Q When did you first see a copy of the '773
`
`Patent?
`
` A Within the last nine months in preparation
`
`for the declaration.
`
` Q Have you ever read any articles discussing
`
`the '773 Patent?
`
` A Discussing that specific patent?
`
` Q Yes.
`
` A No.
`
` Q Are you aware of any such articles?
`
` A Well, I know the subject of heat-treating
`
`and its effect on the instruments. So the results
`
`of that art as reflected in the instruments that
`
`were produced, yes. So it is indirectly. But as
`
`far as an art, a scientific article directly
`
`relating to that patent, no.
`
` Q In your declaration you state that it is
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
`your understanding that Neill Luebke invented
`
`post-machined heat-treated files with reduced memory
`
`and that he has received several patents relating to
`
`18
`
`this invention; is that correct?
`
` A Yes.
`
` MS. GIFFORD: Object. Foundation. You
`
`can answer.
`
` THE WITNESS: The term several -- I am
`
`familiar with one. And that is '773 that we are
`
`talking about.
`
`BY MR. GINSBERG:
`
` Q When you say you are familiar with one,
`
`are you aware of any others?
`
` A No. I have not read any other or scanned
`
`any other than '773.
`
` Q Do you know whether he has patents on any
`
`other inventions?
`
` A I don't know personally, no.
`
` Q Now, in your declaration you state, quote,
`
`"I understand that Neill Luebke invented the
`
`post-machined heat-treated file with reduced memory,
`
`and that he has received several patents relating to
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
`this invention."
`
` Who wrote in "several patents"? Was that
`
`19
`
`your language?
`
` A Well, in part of the discussions that I
`
`had prior to doing the declarations and getting the
`
`history of this, that's when this came up, several
`
`patents. But as I stated, I am aware of this one,
`
`and I have reviewed the one patent. This is the one
`
`patent that is germane to the reason that I am here.
`
` Q When you state in your declaration that it
`
`is your understanding that he has received several
`
`patents relating to this invention, what did you
`
`mean?
`
` A That was my understanding is what I meant.
`
` Q What was that understanding based on?
`
` A The discussion that led to the
`
`declaration.
`
` Q I am going to hand you what has been
`
`previously marked Exhibit 2028.
`
` (Exhibit 2028 was previously marked for
`
` identification and is attached hereto.)
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
`20
`
`BY MR. GINSBERG:
`
` Q Can you confirm that this is a copy of the
`
`declaration that you submitted in this proceeding?
`
` A That is correct.
`
` Q Page 20 bears your digital signature; is
`
`that correct?
`
` A Correct.
`
` Q You applied your digital signature on
`
`November 4th, 2015?
`
` A Yes.
`
` Q And you declare under the penalty of
`
`perjury that the foregoing statements in your
`
`declaration are true and correct?
`
` A To the best of my knowledge, that is true
`
`and correct.
`
` Q In paragraph 33 of your declaration, it is
`
`on page 13, you state, quote, "I understand that
`
`when Dr. Luebke tried to market his inventions to
`
`different companies, he was initially told that it
`
`was not a good idea or commercially viable." Do you
`
`see that?
`
` A Correct. I see that.
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
` Q Where does that understanding come from?
`
` A From the background discussion of the
`
`21
`
`case.
`
` Q That you had with counsel for who?
`
` A Counsel for Dentsply. That information
`
`did not come from Dr. Luebke. I have had no
`
`conversations with Dr. Luebke.
`
` Q Did you ever read any articles attributing
`
`the invention of a post-machined heat-treated file
`
`with reduced memory to Dr. Luebke?
`
` A Could you repeat?
`
` Q Did you ever read any articles attributing
`
`the invention of a post-machined heat-treated file
`
`with reduced memory to Dr. Luebke?
`
` A Directly related to Dr. Luebke?
`
` Q Yes.
`
` A The answer to that is no. But there are
`
`articles that relate to the process and its effect
`
`on the memory of files that we are talking about,
`
`reducing the memory.
`
` Q What articles are those?
`
` A Well, you are going -- I don't have those
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
`22
`
`on the top of my head. But if you consult one of
`
`the standard teaching texts Pathways of the Pulp,
`
`there is a section in there that discusses heat
`
`treatment of files. I think the author of that is
`
`Ove A. Peters. Dr. Jim Gutman had an article in
`
`2011 that talks about the effect of heat treatment
`
`of files. And there are a few since. But I cannot
`
`recall accurately all of the other authors
`
`associated to this.
`
` Q Are you aware that the claims of the '773
`
`Patent are limited to heat treating dental
`
`instruments to a temperature of 400 degrees Celsius
`
`and above?
`
` MS. GIFFORD: Object to form. You can
`
`answer.
`
` THE WITNESS: I think you are approaching
`
`the idea of metallurgy. And I am a clinician. And
`
`as far as the details of the patent and its art, I
`
`am not an expert in that field.
`
`BY MR. GINSBERG:
`
` Q Do you know whether the claims of the '773
`
`Patent are limited to heat treating at any certain
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
`23
`
`temperature?
`
` A As I have said, I have scanned the patent.
`
`I know the purposes of the patent and its effect on
`
`the instruments that I use clinically. But as far
`
`as the metallurgy aspects of this patent, I am not
`
`an expert. That is not my field of expertise.
`
` Q In terms of any of the benefits that you
`
`believe are connected with the alleged invention set
`
`forth in the '773 Patent, do you know whether those
`
`benefits are obtained through the heat treatment at
`
`a certain temperature?
`
` MS. GIFFORD: Object to form.
`
` THE WITNESS: I am a clinician. I teach
`
`students to use instruments to perform endodontic
`
`therapy. I know that there have been improvements
`
`in the instruments since their original introduction
`
`with nickel-titanium metals. I know that the files
`
`that are produced by Dentsply, specifically the
`
`Vortex Blue series of files that have been
`
`heat-treated, have provided significant improvements
`
`in the process of performing nonsurgical endodontic
`
`therapy.
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
`24
`
`BY MR. GINSBERG:
`
` Q Do you know whether the benefits that you
`
`have testified were exhibited by the Vortex Blue
`
`files could be realized by heat treating files at a
`
`temperature below 400 degrees Celsius?
`
` A Again, you are asking me for information
`
`that is not within a clinician's purview. That is a
`
`metallurgyst that could answer those things. I am
`
`not a metallurgyst.
`
` Q So you do not know; correct?
`
` MS. GIFFORD: Object to foundation. You
`
`can answer.
`
` THE WITNESS: I cannot respond to that
`
`answer with expert authority, no.
`
`BY MR. GINSBERG:
`
` Q Can you respond to that question with any
`
`authority?
`
` MS. GIFFORD: Objection. Foundation.
`
`Outside the scope of the expert report.
`
` THE WITNESS: I can respond that in the
`
`history of my teaching career -- this is going to
`
`take a minute for me to answer that particular
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
`25
`
`question.
`
`BY MR. GINSBERG:
`
` Q Before you give the background, I want
`
`just a yes-or-no answer. Can you give that? Is
`
`that possible?
`
` MS. GIFFORD: Object to form.
`
`BY MR. GINSBERG:
`
` Q Let me give you the question. Do you know
`
`whether the benefits that you believe -- let me
`
`start again.
`
` Do you believe that the benefits that you
`
`say you have witnessed through the use of the Vortex
`
`Blue endodontic files can be realized by a
`
`heat-treatment process that involves heat treating
`
`the instrument at a temperature of less than 400
`
`degrees Celsius, yes or no?
`
` MS. GIFFORD: Object to form.
`
` THE WITNESS: I can tell you that that is
`
`not within my field of expertise to give you either
`
`answer.
`
`BY MR. GINSBERG:
`
` Q Okay. Now, you also state in your
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
`26
`
`declaration that it is your understanding that
`
`Dr. Luebke tried to market his invention to
`
`different companies and was initially told that it
`
`was not a good idea or commercially viable; is that
`
`correct?
`
` MS. GIFFORD: Object to form.
`
` THE WITNESS: That is the background
`
`information prior to writing the declaration that I
`
`was informed of.
`
`BY MR. GINSBERG:
`
` Q So you were just told that by the
`
`attorneys for Dentsply; correct?
`
` A I was told that as part of the case
`
`preparation.
`
` Q And who told you that?
`
` A In the background discussions, the
`
`attorneys representing Dentsply.
`
` Q Other than the attorneys representing
`
`Dentsply informing you that Neill Luebke tried to
`
`market his invention to different companies and was
`
`told that it was not a good idea or commercially
`
`viable, do you have any other independent sources of
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
`information to confirm whether that is correct or
`
`27
`
`incorrect?
`
` A I do not have any other information to
`
`corroborate that statement.
`
` Q When you refer to Dr. Luebke's invention,
`
`what exactly are you referring to?
`
` A The patent that is -- we're discussing.
`
` Q The '773 Patent?
`
` A The '773 Patent.
`
` Q Let me hand you what has been previously
`
`marked Exhibit 1001.
`
` (Exhibit 1001 was previously marked for
`
` identification and is attached hereto.)
`
`BY MR. GINSBERG:
`
` Q Dr. Lemon, do you recognize this as the
`
`patent at issue in this proceeding, U.S. Patent
`
`No. '773?
`
` A Is the date of patent correct, May 20,
`
`2014? I thought it was issued earlier than that.
`
` Q So do you recognize this patent or not?
`
` A Quite honestly, some of this looks
`
`different.
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
` Q So you are not familiar with this patent?
`
`28
`
` A The drawings look different.
`
` Q So you do not recognize --
`
` A Correct, I don't --
`
` Q -- this patent?
`
` A -- without more detail reading on this.
`
` Q Now, Dr. Lemon, you received the patent;
`
`correct?
`
` A A patent.
`
` Q And do you understand that a patent has
`
`claims at the end of the document?
`
` A Yeah.
`
` Q What is your understanding of the claims?
`
` A That --
`
` MS. GIFFORD: Objection. Foundation. You
`
`can answer.
`
` THE WITNESS: The claims of a patent in
`
`general describe how this art is different from
`
`prior existing art.
`
`BY MR. GINSBERG:
`
` Q Just to be clear, you have no firsthand
`
`knowledge of anyone telling Dr. Luebke that his
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
`29
`
`alleged invention was not a good idea; correct?
`
` A No firsthand knowledge, correct.
`
` Q You have no firsthand knowledge of anyone
`
`telling Dr. Luebke that his invention was not
`
`commercially viable; correct?
`
` A With respect to firsthand knowledge, I
`
`have had no discussions with Dr. Luebke about this
`
`patent or this issue.
`
` Q And the only information you have
`
`pertaining to whether or not Dr. Luebke's alleged
`
`invention was a good idea or commercially viable
`
`came from your discussions with Dentsply's counsel;
`
`correct?
`
` A The background discussions with Dentsply
`
`attorneys, yeah.
`
` Q Do you understand that Dentsply's counsel
`
`is also representing the patent owner in this
`
`proceeding?
`
` A That's -- is it important for me to
`
`understand that?
`
` Q Do you understand you it?
`
` A Do I? I do now.
`
`PLANET DEPOS
`888.433.3767 | WWW.PLANETDEPOS.COM
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`12
`
`13
`
`14
`
`15
`
`16
`
`17
`
`18
`
`19
`
`20
`
`21
`
`22
`
`

`
`Videotaped Deposition of Ronald R. Lemon, D.M.D.
`Conducted on January 8, 2016
`
`30
`
` Q Do you know the date of Dr. Luebke's
`
`alleged invention that resulted in the '773 Patent?
`
` A No, I do not know the date. And that's
`
`why I ask about this date. This says May 20th,
`
`2014. I thought that there was an earlier patent.
`
`Can you help me with that? Was there an earlier
`
`patent on this, other than the '773?
`
` Q Counsel for the patent owner can answer
`
`you that question if they believe it necessary. You
`
`can just answer my questions. Okay?
`
` A Okay.
`
` Q Now, in paragraph 32

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