throbber
VIRNETX EXHIBIT 2001
`Apple v. VirnetX
`Trial IPR2015-00866
`
`

`
`Case 6:07-cv—00O80—LED Document 246
`
`Filed 07/30/09 Page 2 of 35
`
`APPLICABLE LAW
`
`“It is a ‘bedrock principle’ of patent law that ‘the claims of a patent define the invention to
`
`which the patentee is entitled the right to exclude.”’ Phillzfps v. AWI-I Corp, 415 F.3d 1303, 1312
`
`(Fed. Cir. 2005) (en banc) (quoting Innova/Pure Water Inc. v. Scgftzrz‘ Water Filzratzmz Sys., Inc. , 381
`
`F.3d 111 l_, 1115 (Fed. Cir. 2004)).
`
`In claim construction, courts examine the patent’s intrinsic
`
`evidence to define the patented invention’s scope. See z'cz'.; CR. Bard, Inc. v. US. Surgical Corp.,
`
`388 F.3d 858, 861 (Fed. Cir. 2004); Bell Atl. Network Servs, Inc. v. Covaa’ Commc '17.? Group, 1116.,
`
`262 F.3d 1258, 1267 (Fed. Cir. 2001). This intrinsic evidence includes the claims themselves, the
`
`specification, and the prosecution history. See Phillips, 415 F.3d at 1314; CR. Bard, Inc. 388 F.3d
`
`at 861. Courts give claim tenns their ordinary and accustomed meaning as understood by one of
`
`ordinary skill in the art at the time of the invention in the context of the entire patent. P/iillips, 415
`
`F.3d at l3l2~l3; Alloc, Inc. 1». Int’! Trade Comm Vt, 342 F.3d 1361, 1368 (Fed. Cir. 2003).
`
`The claims themselves provide substantial guidance in determining the meaning ofpartic ular
`
`claim terms. Pliillips, 415 F.3d at 1314. First, a term’s context in the asserted claim can be very
`
`instructive. Id. Other asserted or unasserted claims can also aid in determining the claim’s meaning
`
`because claim terms are typically used consistently throughout the patent.
`
`Ia’. Differences among
`
`the claim terms can also assist in understanding a term’s meaning.
`
`Ia’. For example, when a
`
`dependent claim adds a limitation to an independent claim, it is presumed that the independent claim
`
`does not include the limitation. Id. at l3l4—l5.
`
`“[C]laims ‘must be read in View of the specification, of which they are a part. "’ Id. (quoting
`
`Markman 12. Weszview Instruments, Inc, 52 F.3d 967, 979 (Fed. Cir. 1995) (en banc)). “[T]he
`
`specification ‘is always highly relevant to the claim construction analysis. Usually, it is dispositivc;
`
`2 of 35
`
`

`
`Case 6:07-cv—OOO80-LED Document 246
`
`Filed 07/30/09 Page 3 of 35
`
`it is the single best guide to the meaning of a disputed term.”’
`
`Id. (quoting Vitronics Corp. v.
`
`Crmcepzfrorzic, 1/70., 90 F .3d 1576, 1582 (Fed. Cir. 1996)); Teleflex, Inc. v. Ficosa N. Am. Corp, 299
`
`F.3d 1313, 1325 (Fed, Cir. 2002). This is true because a patentcc may define his own terms, give
`
`a claim term a different meaning than the term would otherwise possess, or disclaim or disavow the
`
`claim scope. Phillips, 415 F.3d at 1316.
`
`In these situations, the inventor’s lexicography governs.
`
`Id. Also, the specification may resolve ambiguous claim terms “where the ordinary and accustomed
`
`meaning ofthe words used in the claims lack sufficient clarity to permit the scope of the claim to be
`
`ascertained from the words alone.” Teleflex, Inc, 299 F.3d at 1325. But, “‘[a]1though the
`
`specification may aid the court in interpreting the meaning of disputed claim language, particular
`
`embodiments and examples appearing in the specification will not generally be read into the
`
`clairns.” Comar/C C0mmc’ns, Inc. V. Harris Corp, 156 F.3d 1182, 1 187 (Fed. Cir. 1998) (quoting
`
`Cansrantv. AdWlI’l(3€d Micro-Dew'ces, Inc, 848 F.2d 1560, 1571 (Fed. Cir. 1988)); see also Phillips,
`
`415 F.3d at 1323. The prosecution history is another tool to supply the proper context for claim
`
`construction because a patent applicant may also define a term in prosecuting the patent. Home
`
`Diagn0.s'tic.s', 1n.c,'., v. 1.'17fe.s‘c'cz/-2, 1116., 381 F.3d 1352, 1356 (Fed. Cir. 2004) (“As in the Case of the
`
`specification, a patent applicant may define a term in prosecuting a patent").
`
`Although extrinsic evidence can be useful, it is “less significant than the intrinsic record in
`
`determining the legally operative meaning of claim language. ”’ Phillzps, 415 F.3d at 1317 (quoting
`
`CR. Bard, Inc, 388 F.3d at 862). Technical dictionaries and treatises may help a court understand
`
`the underlying technology and the manner in which one skilled in the art might use claim terms, but
`
`technical dictionaries and treatises may provide definitions that are too broad or may not be
`
`indicative ofhovv the term is used in the patent. Id, at 1318. Similarly, expert testimony may aid
`
`3 of 35
`
`

`
`Case 6:O7—cv—OOO80—LED Document 246
`
`Filed 07/30/09 Page 4 of 35
`
`a court in understanding the underlying technology and determining the particular meaning of a term
`
`in the pertinent field, but an expe1t’s eonclusory, unsupported assertions as to a term’s definition is
`
`entirely unhelpful to a court. Id. Generally, extrinsic evidence is “less reliable than the patent and
`
`its prosecution history in determining how to read claim terms.” Id.
`
`CONSTRUCTION OF DISPUTED TERMS IN THE ‘135 PATENTL 2
`
`“virtual private network”
`
`The ‘I35 patent, claims 1 and 10; the ‘759 patent, claims 1 and 16; and the ‘l8O patent,
`
`claims l, 17, and 33 contain the term “virtual private network” (“VPN”). VirnetX contends that
`
`“virtual private network” means “a network of computers capable of privately connnunicating with
`
`each other by encrypting traffic on insecure communication paths between the computers, and which
`7
`
`is capable of expanding to include additional computers and communication paths.’ Microsoft
`
`contends that “virtual private network” means “a network implemented by encapsulating an
`
`encrypted IP packet within another [P packet (that
`
`is,
`
`tunneling) over a shared networking
`
`infrastructure.” The parties dispute whether the “Frees/WAN” dictionary may be used to construe
`
`“virtual private network,” whether VimetX ’s proposed constru ction is overly broad, whether “virtual
`
`private network” requires anonymity, and whether IP tunneling is a limitation on “virtual private
`
`network.” In light of intrinsic and extrinsic evidence, the Court consttues “virtual private networ ”
`
`as “a network ofcomputers which privately communicate with each other by encrypting traffic on
`
`insecure communication paths between the computers.”
`
`lwhile this heading states “Construction of Disputed Terms in the ‘[35 Patent." the claim terms addressed
`under this heading may also he found in the other assorted parents. This also applies to subsequent headings.
`
`2Citat'ions to the parents will not include the U.Si patent numbers to maintain brevity. Unless otherwise
`stated, these citations are of the US. patent numbers indicated in the heading that the citation falls under.
`
`4
`
`4 of 35
`
`

`
`Case 6:07-cv-00080-LED Document 246
`
`Filed 07/30/09 Page 5 of 35
`
`The ‘l35 patent does not provide an explicit definition for “virtual private network.”
`
`However, the ‘ l35 patent uses “virtual private network” in ways that are consistent with a “virtual
`
`private network” being “a network of computers which privately communicate with each other by
`
`encrypting traffic on insecure communication paths between the computers.” The specilication
`
`discusses a VPN in the context of connecting and communicating between nodes. For instance, the
`
`specification states, “In a second mode referred to as ‘promiscuous per VPN’ mode, a small set of
`
`fixed hardware addresses are used, with a Fixed source/destination hardware address used for all
`
`nodes comnru.nicating over a virtual private network.” Col. 23:11-14. This excerpt shows that the
`
`‘ 135 invention includes nodes (computers) communicating over a virtual private network.
`
`Furthermore,
`
`the claims and specification discuss a VPN in the context of private
`
`cornmunieation on insecure communication paths. Claim 1 states “A method of transparently
`
`creating a virtual private network (VPN) between a client computer and a target computer” and then
`
`states the steps of accomplishing this method including “requesting access to a secure web site.”
`
`Col. 47:20-22, 30-31. Thus, claim l associates a “virtual private network" with “security.” Also,
`
`the specification states, “if the user is not authorized to access the secure site, then a ‘host unknown’
`
`message is returned (step 2705). If the user has sufficient security privileges, then in step 2706 a
`
`secure VPN is established between the user’s computer and the secure target site.” Col. 39:21 :25.
`
`This excerpt shows how a “virtual private network” establishes a secure connection between nodes
`
`where security may not otherwise exist. Thus,
`
`the claim language and the specification are
`
`consistent with construing a “virtual private network” as “a network of computers which privately
`
`communicate with each other by encrypting traffic on insecure communication paths between the
`
`computers.”
`
`5 of 35
`
`

`
`Case 6:07—Cv—OO080-LED Document 246
`
`Filed 07/30/09 Page 6 of 35
`
`Extrinsic evidence also supports this construction. The Wiley Electrical and Electronics
`
`Engineering Dictionary defines a “virtual private network” as
`
`A network which has the appearance, functionality, and security ofa private network,
`but which is configured within a public network, such as the Internet. The use of a
`public infrastructure while ensuring privacy using ineasures such as encryption and
`tunneling protocols, helps provide the security of a private network at a cost similar
`to that of a public network.
`
`WILEY ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGLNIEBRJNG DiCrioNARv 842 (2004) (published by the
`
`IEEE Press). This dictionary definition describes a network that has attributes of a private network
`
`but runs on a public network. The dictionary definition further states that encryption may be used
`
`to achieve privacy. The Court’s construction is in line with this definition. All pertinent aspects of
`
`the Court’s construction are explicitly found in the dictionary definition except for “insecure
`
`communication paths,” which simply corresponds to the dictionary definition ’ s reference to “a public
`
`network.” Thus, the Court‘s construction is in accord with the dictionary definition.
`
`Also,
`
`the ‘135 patent refers to the “FrceS/WAN" project in the specification. The
`
`specification explains that the “FreeS/WAN” project is developing a conventional scheme that
`
`provides secure virtual private networks over the Internet. Col. 37:50-58. The “FreeS/WA ”
`
`project defines “virtual private network” as “a network which can safely be used as ifit were private,
`
`even though some of its coinniunication uses insecure connections. All traffic on those connections
`
`is encrypted."
`
`“Fi‘eeS/WAN” Glossary 24-25, Pl. Br. (Docket No. 194) Ex. 6. The Court’s
`
`construction is consistent with this detinitionf‘
`
`3Thc Courtks construction largely adopts VirnetX’s proposal. HOWE-V01‘, this construction excludes
`Vir1ietX"s proposed language regarding the ability ofa virtual private network to expand. VirnetX proposes this
`language to account for the possibility ofincluding additional computers and communication paths in a virtual
`private network. Pl.’s Br. 6. The Court’s construction does not limit a “virtual private net‘worl<” to any particular
`number ofcoinputers or coiriniunicatioii paths. Thus, VirnetX’s proposed language is superi'luo'us. Accordingly, the
`Court’s construction accounts for the possibility of additional coiriputers or communication paths.
`
`6
`
`6 of 35
`
`

`
`Case 6:O7—cv—OOO80-LED Document 246
`
`Filed 07/30/09 Page 7 of 35
`
`Microsoft contends that the “FreeS/WAN” glossary is not an explicit definition of “virtual
`
`private network” and thus is not persuasive. Microsoft argues that the ‘L35 patent’s reference to the
`
`“FreeS/WAN” project is made only to describe the prior art and not to define “virtual private
`
`network.” However, the specification explains that the “FreeS/WAN” project has been developing
`
`an implementation of one conventional scheme that provides secure virtual private networks over
`
`the Internet. Col. 37:50—58. Also, the applicant disclosed the “FreeS/WAN” project as prior art.
`
`See Dcf.’s Br, (Docket No, 201) Exs. M—O. While these references to the “FreeS/WAN” project do
`
`not explicitly define “virtual private network,” they at least point to extrinsic evidence that can be
`
`considered in construing “virtual private network,” Thus, the Court may consider the “Free S/WAN”
`
`_project/glossary as extrinsic evidence for construing ‘wimial private network.”
`
`Microsoft also contends that even if the “FreeS/WAN” glossary offers an acceptable
`
`definition for “virtual private network,” portions of the “FrecS/WAN” glossary definition show that
`
`VimetX’s proposed construction is overly broad. Microsoft cites the portion of the “FreeS/“WAN”
`
`glossary definition for “virtual private networks” that states “IPSEC [Internet Protocol Security] is
`
`not the only technique available for building VPNS, but it is the only method defined by RFCs
`
`[Request for Comments, Internet docun1ents——some of which are informative while others are
`
`standards] and supported by many vendors. VPNS [virtual private networks] are by no means the
`
`only thing you can do with IPSEC, but they may be the most important application for many users.”
`
`Def.’s Br. (Docket No. 201) at l0; “FreeS/WAN” Glossary 25, P1. Br. (Docket No. 194) Ex. 6.
`
`Microsoft points out that lPSEC is the only method defined by RFCs and SU.pp0I‘t6d by many
`
`vendors. Microsoft argues that this narrow language shows that the “FreeS/WAN” glossary does not
`
`identify Secure Sockets Layer (“S SL”) or Transport Layer Security (“TLS”) as methods for building
`
`7 of 35
`
`

`
`Case 6:07-cv-00080-LED Document 246
`
`Filed 07/30/09 Page 8 of 35
`
`“virtual private networks.” Microsoft then argues that VirnetX’s proposed construction is overly
`
`broad because it allows for a network using SSL and TLS. However, Microsoft’s cited excerpt is
`
`an ancillary portion of the “virtual private network” definition and is set apart in a different
`
`paragraph from the primary portion of the definition. See “FreeS/WAN” Glossary 24-25, Pl. Br.
`
`(Docket No. 194) Ex. 6. Also, Microsoft selectively asserts that IPSEC is the only method defined
`
`by RFCs and supported by many vendors and ignores that its cited excerpt states that “IP SEC is not
`
`the only technique available for building VPNS.” Thus, Microsoft’s cited excerpt does not support
`
`that the “FreeS/WAN" glossary restricts “virtual private network” to IPSEC.
`
`Microsoft also contends that ViinetX’s proposed construction suggests that the “virtual
`
`private network” achieves only data security when it should include both data security and
`
`anonymity. Microsoft is correct that “private” in “virtual private networks” means both data security
`
`and anonymity. The specification supports this interpretation. The Background of the Invention
`
`section states “[a] tremendous variety of methods have been proposed and implemented to provide
`
`security and anonymity for communications over the Internet.” Col. l:l5—l7. This section further
`
`describes data security as being “immune to eavesdropping” and states “[d]ata security is usually
`
`tackled using some form of data encryption” and anonymity as “preventing[ing] an eavesdropper
`
`from discovering that terminal 100 is in communication with terminal 110.” Col. l:23~25, 38-39,
`
`27—28. This language suggests that the claimed invention will achieve both data security and
`
`anonymity because it prefaces the Detailed Description of the Invention section, which describes a
`
`method of creating a virtual private network.
`
`Indeed, the descriptions of the invention later indicate that “private” in “virtual private
`
`network” means data security and anonymity. The Detailed Description of the Invention, Further
`
`8 of 35
`
`

`
`Case 6:07-cv—O0O80—LED Document 246
`
`Filed 07/30/09 Page 9 of 35
`
`Extensions section describes a mode of the invention as being able to “reduce the amount of
`
`overhead involved in checking for valid frames” while allowing “IP addresses .
`
`.
`
`. [to] still be hopped
`
`as before for secure communication within the VPN.“ Col. 23:20~25 (emphasis added). The
`
`“anonymity” feature of a VPN can be handled by the Tunneled Agile Routing Protocol (“TARP”),
`
`which executes “address hopping.” See Col. 2:66-3:17; see Col. 5:49«64. Thus, the language “still
`
`be hopped” indicates that the modifications of the invention retain the anonymity feature of the
`
`“virtual private network.”4 Accordingly, the Court construes “virtual private network” as requiring
`
`both data security and anonymity.
`
`Finally, Microsoft contends that “virtual private network" requires IP tunneling. Microsoft
`
`argues that the intrinsic evidence shows that TARP and IPSEC are two ways of obtaining anonymity
`
`in a virtual private network. Microsoft then argues that tunneling is required to achieve anonymity
`
`when TARP, IPSEC, or any other means is employed to achieve anonymity. The Court first and
`
`foremost considers the intrinsic evidence. The claims do not assert “tunneling” as a limitation nor
`
`has Microsoft pointed to any type of limitation in the specification. Microsoft’s citations to the
`
`Background of the Invention section only state explanations of how TARP works and does not use
`
`any limiting language. See Col. 3:5-18,
`
`l9—20, 58~60. Furthermore, Microsoft’s citation to the
`
`Detailed Description of the Invention, Further Extensions section only refers to a preferred
`
`implementation of the virtual private network, stating “The VPN is preferably implemented using
`
`. coniproiniscs the anonymity
`.
`4‘Whilc the specification states that this mode of’ the invcntion “[o]fcourse .
`ofthe VPNS," this only means that those outside the VPN can discover the VPN and does not mean that the
`anonymity of’ the users Within the VPN is compromised. This is clear from the example that follows the
`“coinptomising anonymity of the VPN" statement: “(i.e., an outsider can easily tell what traffic belongs in which
`VPN, r/mug/1 he r-cmzmz c-nrre/are it to a specific nicic/zizie/perso/1).” Col. 23:25-28 (emphasis added). Thus, the
`specificatioii is consistent with construing a “virtual private network” as achieving both data security and anonymity.
`
`9 of 35
`
`

`
`Case 6:07-cv-00080-LED Document 246
`
`Filed 07/30/09 Page 10 of 35
`
`the IP address ‘hopping’ features of the basic invention described above, such that the true identity
`
`of the two nodes cannot be determined even if packets during the communication are intercepted.”
`
`Col. 38:2—6. Again, this excerpt does not include any limiting language and in fact expressly uses
`
`the i1on—limiting language “preferably.” Accordingly, “virtual private network” is not limited to IP
`
`tunneling, and the Court construes “virtual private nctwor ” as “a network of computers which
`
`privately communicate with each other by encrypting traffic on insecure communication paths
`
`between the computers.”
`
`“transparently creating [creates] a virtual private network”
`
`The ‘ 135 patent, claims 1 and 10 contain the phrase “transparently creating [creates] a virtual
`
`private network.“ The parties dispute whether “transparently creating a virtual private network” in
`
`the preamble is limiting and whether “transparently“ refers to not involving a user or not involving
`
`the client and target computers in creating a virtual private network. VirnetX contends that this
`77
`
`phrase means “a user need not be involved in creating a virtual private networ . Microsoft
`
`contends that the phrase does not require construction and alternatively that the phrase means
`
`“creating a virtual private network (VPN) without the client or target computer involved in
`
`requesting such creation.”
`
`“Transp arently creating a Virtual private network” in the preamble is not a limitation because
`
`“transparently" does not add meaning to claims I and l0. “A preamble limits the invention if it
`
`recites essential structure or steps, or if it is ‘necessary to give life, meaning, and vitality’ to the
`
`claim. Conversely, a preamble is not limiting ‘where a patentec defines a structurally complete
`
`invention in the claim body and uses the preamble only to state a purpose or intended use for the
`
`invention,” CcztaZz.'rzaMktg. Inf}, Inc. v. Coolsavingsrom, Inc, 289 F.3d 80l, 808 (Fed. Cir. 2002)
`
`10
`
`10 of 35
`
`

`
`Case 6:0"/'—cv—OOO80—LED Document 246
`
`Filed 07/30/09 Page 11 of 35
`
`(citations omitted).
`
`It‘ a preamble “is reasonably susceptible to being construed to be merely
`
`duplicative of the limitations in the body of the claim (and was not clearly added to overcome a
`
`rejection), we do not construe it to be a separate limitation.” Symantec Corp. 12. Computer Assocs.
`
`Int '1, [nc., 522 ‘F.3d 1279, l288~89 (Fed. Cir. 2008). “Transparently” is merely descriptive ofvvhat
`
`is found in steps (2) and (3) of claim 1. As discussed below, those steps require that a user is not
`
`involved in creating a VPN. This req_uirement corresponds to the meaning of “transparently” as
`
`described in the specification, which states that creating a VPN “is preferably performed
`
`transparently to the user (ie, the user need not be involved in creating the secure li11k).” Col. 39:28-
`
`29, Thus, “transparently” is merely duplicative of what is found in the body of claim 1. As a result,
`
`the preamble is not a limitation. Accordingly, “transparently” does not require construction.
`
`“Domain Name Service”
`
`The ‘ l35 patent, claims 1 and 10 and the ‘I80 patent, claims 1, 17, and 33 contain the term
`
`“Domain Name Service” (“DNS”). VirnetX contends that “Domain Name Service” means “a
`
`service that receives requests for computer network addresses corresponding to domain names, and
`
`which provides responses.” Microsoft contends that “Domain Name Service" means “the
`
`conventional lookup service defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (:“lETF”) that returns
`
`the IP address of a requested computer or host." The parties dispute whether “Domain Name
`
`Service” is limited by the definition given in the lETF that defines Domain Name Service as the
`
`conventional scheme or if it more broadly includes both conventional and modified Domain Name
`
`Service that is described in the specification.
`
`The specification’s description of DNS is consistent with construing DNS as “a lookup
`
`service that returns an IP address for a requested domain name.” The specification states
`
`ll
`
`11 of 35
`
`

`
`Case 6:07-cv-00080-LED Document 246
`
`Filed 07/30/09 Page 12 of 35
`
`Conventional Domain Name Servers (DNS s) provide a look~up function that returns
`the IP address of a requested computer or host. For example, when a computer user
`types in the web name “Yahoo.com,” the user”s web browser transmits a request to
`a DNS, which converts the name into a four—part IP address that is returned to the
`user’s browser and then used by the browser to contact the destination web site.
`
`Col. 37:22-29, According to this excerpt, a DNS “provides a look-up function” and “returns the IP
`
`address of a requested computer or host." A “computer or host” includes domain names as
`
`exemplified by the specification“s reference to “Yahoo.corn” and “destination web site” as “a
`
`requested computer or host.” Accordingly, the Court constnies “DNS” as “a lookup service that
`
`returns an IP address for a requested domain name.”5
`
`“domain name”
`
`The ‘BS patent, claims l and i0 and the ‘l8() patent, claims 1, l7, and 33 contain the term
`
`“domain name.” VirnetX contends that “domain name” means “a series of characters that
`
`corresponds to an address of a computer or group of computers that is to be sent to a domain name
`
`service (DNS)." Microsoft contends that “domain name” means “a hierarchical name for a computer
`
`(such as www.utexas.edu) that the Domain Name Service converts into an IP address.” The parties
`
`dispute whether “domain name” can correspond to a group of computers or only a single computer,
`
`whether “domain name” is a hierarchical name for a computer, whether “domain name” is limited
`
`to web site names, and whether “domain name” is limited to a computer name being converted into
`
`an TP address.
`
`The claims themselves describe “domain name.” Claim 1 states “a Domain Name Service
`
`(DNS) request that requests an IP address corresponding to a domain name associated with the target
`
`computer.” Col. 47:23—26. Also, claim 10 states “a DNS proxy server that receives a request from
`
`>Sce below for the Court’s construction of“do1nain 112111104‘:
`
`12 of 35
`
`

`
`Case 6:O7—cv-0OO80—LED Document 246
`
`Filed 07/30/09 Page 13 of 35
`
`the client computer to look up an lP address for a domain name.” Col. 48:6-7. In both claim 1 and
`
`claim l0 an IP address corresponds to a domain name, Thus, the domain name corresponds to an
`
`ll?’ address. Accordingly, the Court construes “domain name" as “a name corresponding to an IP
`
`address.”
`
`VirnetX proposes that “domain name" corresponds to a group ofcomputers (IP addresses)
`
`or a single computer because claims 1 and 10 of the ‘l35 patent refer to IP address using the
`
`indefinite article “an.” The Federal Circuit has stated,
`
`An indefinite article ‘a’ or ‘an’ in patent parlance carries the meaning of ‘one or
`more’ in open-ended claims containing the transitional phrase “comprising.” That
`“a” or “an” can mean “one or more” is best described as a rule, rather than merely as
`a presumption or even a convention. The exceptions to [the “indefinite article’? rule
`are extremely limited: a patcntee must “evince [ ] a clear intent” to limit “a” or “an”
`to “one.” The subsequent use of definite articles “the” or “said” in a claim to refer
`back to the same claim term does not change the general plural rule, but simply
`reinvokes that non-singular meaning. An exception to the general rule that “a” or
`“an” means more than one only arises where the language of the claims themselves,
`the specification, or the prosecution history necessitate a departure from the rule.
`
`Baldwin Grap/tic Sysz, Inc. v. Sieberz‘, 1710., 512 F.3d l338, 134243 (Fed. Cir. 2008) (citations
`
`omitted). Claims 1 and 10 of the ‘l35 patent are open-ended construction claims using the word
`
`“comprising” and use the indefinite article “an” to refer to “IP address.” See Col. 47:20-26; see Col.
`
`48:3-7. By the “one or more” rule, these claims allow for one or more ll’ addresses. Any subsequent
`
`use of the definite article “the” to refer to “IP address“ simply refers back to the previously used “IP
`
`address” and thus reinvokes the non—singular meaning. See Col. 47:39-40; see Col. 48:8. Microsoft
`
`does not assert any evidence to show that an exception to the “one or more” rule exists. Thus, there
`
`may be more than one IP address, and thus more than one computer, that corresponds with the
`
`domain name. This would allow for a situation where the IP address that corresponds to the domain
`
`13 of 35
`
`

`
`Case 6:O7—CV-OO080—l_ED Document 246
`
`Filed 07/30/09 Page 14 of 35
`
`name is not the IP address of the target computer. See Col. 38:23-42. Accordingly, “domain name”
`
`can correspond to more than one com_puter.
`
`Microsoft contends that the patents limit “domain name” to a hierarchical name for a
`
`computer under traditional hierarchical DNS format. However, Microsoft relies largely on extrinsic
`
`6-Vld€1"1C€~—iI1Cl11dl11g
`
`expert testimony and Microsoft’s own technology tutorial—to support its
`
`contentions, which does not carry great weight in light of the fact that claim language provides
`
`guidance on the meaning of “domain name.” Also, where Microsoft uses intrinsic evidence for
`
`support, Microsoft only refers to non~limiting language from the specification. For instance,
`
`Microsoft suggests that the examples used in the specification for domain names, which include
`
`“Yahoo.com” and “Target.com,” show that the patents use “domain name” in its traditional
`
`hierarchical DNS format. Microsoft further suggests that “domain name” is limited to a traditional
`
`hierarchical name because the patents do not provide a single example of “domain name” that is not
`
`written in traditional hierarchical DNS format. However, Microsoft argues only the presence and
`
`absence of examples rather than any enforceable language of limitation. The specification’s
`
`disclosure or omission of examples does not create limitations on claims. Accordingly, Microsoft
`
`does not offer sufficient support for limiting “domain name” to a hierarchical name for a computer.
`
`Microsoft also contends that the patents limit “domain name” to web site names. However,
`
`no such limitation is found in the claims, and Microsoft merely references its arguments on
`
`constiuino “web site" without showinu how “domain name” is necessaril
`D
`O
`
`y
`
`linked to web site names.
`
`Accordingly, “domain name” is not limited to web site names.
`
`Final] ' Microsoft contends that “domain name” is limited to a com uter name bein
`a
`
`2%
`
`converted into an IP address. Microsoft supports this proposed limitation by arguing that a “domain
`
`14
`
`14 of 35
`
`

`
`Case 6:07—Cv-00080-LED Document 246
`
`Filed 07/30/09 Page 15 of 35
`
`name” has the capacity to be converted by DNS into an IP address and that the specification
`
`emphasizes this point by describing that identical DNS requests may result in conventional domain
`
`name resolution, “host unknown” error messages, or VPN initiation, depending not on whether
`
`something is a “domain name” but on what type of web site was requested. However, Microsoft
`
`incorrectly argues that a “capacity” to be converted by DNS into an IP address demonstrates a
`
`required limitation. A mere capacity to perform an act does not make that act necessary. Thus,
`
`Microsoft has not sufficiently supported limiting “domain name” to a computer name being
`
`converted into an IP address. Accordingly, the Court eonstmes “domain name”
`
`“a name
`
`corresponding to an TP address."
`
`“web site”
`
`The ‘IBS patent, claims 1 and 10 contain the term “web site.” Vir'netX contends that
`
`construing “secure web site” as addressed below sufficiently addresses the meaning of “web site”
`
`and that “web site” does not require further construction. Alternatively, VirnetX contends that “web
`
`site” means “a computer associated with a domain name and that can communicate in a network.”
`
`Microsoft contends that “web site" means “one or more related Web pages at a location on the World
`
`Wide Web.” The parties dispute whether “web site” should be given a construction separate fiom
`
`“secure web site" and whether “web site” is limited to web pages on the World Wide Web.
`
`VirnetX argues that “web site” should not be construed separately from “secure web site”
`
`because the ‘ 1 35 patent clai ms never state “web site” without the preceding word “secure.”
`
`However, “secure” is separable from “web site” as a modifier of “web site” The claims show that
`
`“secure” can be replaced by other modifiers to “web site.” Claims I and I O ofthe ‘I35 patent refer
`
`to “web site” preceded by “non-secure” and “secure target.” C01. 47:28, 30; Col. 48: 10, 14. This
`
`15
`
`15 of 35
`
`

`
`Case 6:07—cv-00080-LED Document 246
`
`Filed 07/30/09 Page 16 of 35
`
`demonstrates that “web site” can be separated from its modifier and thus is its own term separate
`
`from “secure.” Thus, “web site” may be construed as its own claim term.
`
`The Court adopts Microsoft’s construction and construes “web site” as “one or more related
`
`web pages at a location on the World Wide Web.” The patent does not state a definition for “Web
`
`site.” However, the term itself is instructive. “Web site” on its face refers to a “web” Internet
`
`resource, which is a web page on the World Wide Web. The specification is consistent with
`
`construing “web site” as a Web page on the World Wide Web. Examples of web sites in the
`
`specification are “'Yahoo.com” and “Targct.com." Col. 37:25,45. “Yahoo.com"and“Target.com”
`
`are well~known web pages on the World Wide Web. See Yahoo! Home Page, www.Yahoo.com;
`
`see Target Home Page, www. Targetcom. Also, the specification states that a “web browser” can
`
`be used to access a “web site.” Col. 39:48, 50-51, 55; Col. 40:1, 38.
`
`it is well—l<nown that a “web
`
`browser” is used to navigate “web pages” on the World Wide Web. Thus, the intrinsic evidence
`
`supports Microsoft’s proposed construction.
`
`Furthermore, extrinsic evidence supports Microsoft’s construction. The World Wide Web
`
`Consortium, an industry standards—setting organization for the World Wide Web, defined web site
`
`as “[21] collection of interlinked Web pages, including a host page, residing at the same network
`
`location.” Brian Lavoie & Henrik Frystyk Nielsen, Web Chczracteflzazion Terminology &
`
`Definitions Sheet, W3 C Working Draft (May 24, 1999) at 9, De‘f.’s Resp. (Docket No. 201), Ex. X
`
`(emphasis removed). This definition is consistent with industry dictionaries, which define a web site
`
`as “A collection of logically connected Web pages managed as a single entity" and “A group of
`
`HTML documents and associated scripts supported by a Web server on the World Wide Web.”
`
`AUTHORITATI

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