throbber
Case 1:20-cv-00754-MN Document 1 Filed 06/04/20 Page 1 of 43 PageID #: 1
`
`
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
`FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE
`
`
`
`
`
`C.A. No. _______________
`
`DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL
`
`))
`
`
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`
`
`MICROSURGICAL
`TECHNOLOGY, INC. and
`THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY
`OF CALIFORNIA,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`v.
`
`NEW WORLD MEDICAL, INC.,
`
`
`
`Defendant.
`
`Plaintiffs,
`
`
`
`
`
`COMPLAINT FOR PATENT INFRINGEMENT
`
`Plaintiffs MicroSurgical Technology, Inc. (“MST”) and The Regents of the University of
`
`California (“Regents”) (collectively, “Plaintiffs”), by and through their attorneys, for their
`
`Complaint against defendant New World Medical, Inc. (“Defendant” or “NWM”), allege as
`
`follows:
`
`NATURE OF ACTION
`
`1.
`
`This is an action for infringement of Plaintiffs’ United States Patents
`
`No. 9,107,729, No. 9,358,155, No. 9,820,885, No. 9,999,544, and No. 10,123,905 under the
`
`Patent Act, 35 U.S.C. § 271, based on Defendant’s unauthorized manufacture, use, offer for sale,
`
`and/or sale in the United States, and/or importation into the United States, of the Kahook Dual
`
`Blade® (“Accused Product(s)” or “KDB”), and/or its acts that induce and/or contribute to use of
`
`the Accused Products.
`
`PARTIES
`
`2.
`
`MST is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of
`
`Washington, with its principal place of business at 8415 154th Avenue NE, Redmond, WA
`
`98052-3863 USA.
`
`
`
`Petitioner - New World Medical
`Ex. 1017, p. 1 of 236
`
`

`

`Case 1:20-cv-00754-MN Document 1 Filed 06/04/20 Page 2 of 43 PageID #: 2
`
`
`
`3.
`
`Regents is a California public corporation, authorized and empowered to
`
`administer a public trust known as the University of California, pursuant to Article IX, Section 9,
`
`subdivisions (a) and (f) of the California Constitution. Its principal place of business is in
`
`Oakland, Alameda County, CA USA.
`
`4.
`
`On information and belief, NWM is a corporation organized and existing under the
`
`laws of the State of Delaware, with its principal place of business at 10763 Edison Court, Rancho
`
`Cucamonga, CA 91730 USA.
`
`JURISDICTION
`
`5.
`
`This Court has original jurisdiction over the subject matter of this action pursuant
`
`to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 1338(a).
`
`6.
`
`Personal jurisdiction over Defendant is proper in this District because, on
`
`information and belief, Defendant is incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware.
`
`VENUE
`
`7.
`
`Venue is proper in this District under 28 U.S.C. §§ 1391(b) and 1400(b) because,
`
`on information and belief, NWM is incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware.
`
`FACTS
`
`The Patents-in-Suit
`
`8.
`
`United States Patent No. 9,107,729 (“the ’729 Patent”), entitled “Methods for
`
`Forming an Opening in the Trabecular Meshwork of the Eye of a Patient,” was duly and legally
`
`issued by the United States Trademark and Patent Office (“USPTO”) on August 18, 2015. A true
`
`and correct copy of the ’729 Patent is attached as Exhibit (“Ex.”) A and is incorporated by
`
`reference herein.
`
`
`
`2
`
`
`
`
`Petitioner - New World Medical
`Ex. 1017, p. 2 of 236
`
`

`

`Case 1:20-cv-00754-MN Document 1 Filed 06/04/20 Page 3 of 43 PageID #: 3
`
`
`
`9.
`
`The ’729 Patent is generally directed towards an ab interno method for forming an
`
`opening in trabecular meshwork of a patient’s eye that may be accomplished using a dual blade
`
`device to form an opening into an anterior chamber of the eye.
`
`10.
`
`All rights, title, and interest in the ’729 Patent are assigned to MST, which is the
`
`sole owner of the ’729 Patent. The listed inventors of the ’729 Patent originally assigned their
`
`rights, title, and interest in the ’729 Patent to NeoMedix Corp. (“NeoMedix”), which MST
`
`acquired in 2019. A true and correct copy of the inventors’ assignments to NeoMedix is attached
`
`as Ex. B. A true and correct copy of NeoMedix’s assignment to MST is attached as Ex. C.
`
`11.
`
`United States Patent No. 9,358,155 (“the ’155 Patent”), entitled “Dual Blade
`
`Ophthalmologic Surgery Device,” was duly and legally issued by the USPTO on June 7, 2016. A
`
`true and correct copy of the ’155 Patent is attached as Ex. D and is incorporated by reference
`
`herein.
`
`12.
`
`The ’155 Patent is generally directed towards a dual blade device useable for
`
`performing an ab interno procedure within a human eye to remove a strip of trabecular meshwork
`
`tissue.
`
`13.
`
`All rights, title, and interest in the ’155 Patent are assigned to MST, which is the
`
`sole owner of the ’155 Patent. The listed inventors of the ’155 Patent originally assigned their
`
`rights, title, and interest in the ’155 Patent to NeoMedix, which MST acquired in 2019. A true and
`
`correct copy of the inventors’ assignments to NeoMedix is attached as Ex. B. A true and correct
`
`copy of NeoMedix’s assignment to MST is attached as Ex. C.
`
`14.
`
`United States Patent No. 9,820,885 (“the ’885 Patent”), entitled “Dual Blade
`
`Ophthalmologic Surgery Device,” was duly and legally issued by the USPTO on November 21,
`
`
`
`3
`
`
`
`
`Petitioner - New World Medical
`Ex. 1017, p. 3 of 236
`
`

`

`Case 1:20-cv-00754-MN Document 1 Filed 06/04/20 Page 4 of 43 PageID #: 4
`
`
`
`2017. A true and correct copy of the ’885 Patent is attached as Ex. E and is incorporated by
`
`reference herein.
`
`15.
`
`The ’885 Patent is generally directed towards a method for cutting a strip of
`
`trabecular meshwork tissue within an eye of a subject that may be accomplished using a dual blade
`
`device to form an opening into an anterior chamber of the eye.
`
`16.
`
`All rights, title, and interest in the ’885 Patent are assigned to MST, which is the
`
`sole owner of the ’885 Patent. The listed inventors of the ’885 Patent originally assigned their
`
`rights, title, and interest in the ’885 Patent to NeoMedix, which MST acquired in 2019. A true and
`
`correct copy of the inventors’ assignments to NeoMedix is attached as Ex. B. A true and correct
`
`copy of NeoMedix’s assignment to MST is attached as Ex. C.
`
`17.
`
`United States Patent No. 9,999,544 (“the ’544 Patent”), entitled “Minimally
`
`Invasive Glaucoma Surgical Instrument and Method,” was duly and legally issued by the USPTO
`
`on June 19, 2018. A true and correct copy of the ’544 Patent is attached as Ex. F and is incorporated
`
`by reference herein.
`
`18.
`
`The ’544 Patent is generally directed towards a device useable to create an opening
`
`in the trabecular meshwork of the eye.
`
`19.
`
`The listed assignee of the ’544 Patent is Regents. The listed inventors of the ’544
`
`Patent assigned their rights, title, and interest in the ’544 Patent to Regents. MST holds an
`
`exclusive license from Regents to the ’544 Patent, inter alia, including the exclusive right to make,
`
`have made, use, sell, and/or offer to sell and import products, as well as to practice methods,
`
`covered by the claims of the ’544 Patent. A true and correct copy of the inventors’ assignments to
`
`Regents is attached as Ex. G.
`
`
`
`4
`
`
`
`
`Petitioner - New World Medical
`Ex. 1017, p. 4 of 236
`
`

`

`Case 1:20-cv-00754-MN Document 1 Filed 06/04/20 Page 5 of 43 PageID #: 5
`
`
`
`20.
`
`United States Patent No. 10,123,905 (“the ’905 Patent”), entitled “Devices Useable
`
`for Treatment of Glaucoma and Other Surgical Procedures,” was duly and legally issued by the
`
`USPTO on November 13, 2018. A true and correct copy of the ’905 Patent is attached as Ex. H
`
`and is incorporated by reference herein.
`
`21.
`
`The ’905 Patent is generally directed towards a device that is insertable into the
`
`anterior chamber of an eye and useable to form an opening in the trabecular meshwork of that eye.
`
`22.
`
`All rights, title, and interest in the ’905 Patent are assigned to MST, which is the
`
`sole owner of the ’905 Patent. The listed inventors of the ’905 Patent originally assigned their
`
`rights, title, and interest in the ’905 Patent to NeoMedix, which MST acquired in 2019. A true and
`
`correct copy of the inventors’ assignments to NeoMedix is attached as Ex. I. A true and correct
`
`copy of NeoMedix’s assignment to MST is attached as Ex. C.
`
`23.
`
`Collectively, the ’729, ’155, ’885, ’544, and ’905 Patents are referred to herein as
`
`the “Asserted Patents” or the “Patents-in-Suit.”
`
`Defendant’s Infringing Acts Related To The Accused Products
`
`24.
`
`On information and belief, Defendant has known of, should have known of, or has
`
`been willfully blind to, the Asserted Patents. To the extent Plaintiffs or MST’s predecessor-in-
`
`interest, NeoMedix, made or continue to make products that embody the Asserted Patents, they
`
`have complied, as applicable, with the patent marking and notice provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 287 by
`
`providing constructive and actual notice to Defendant of its infringement.
`
`25.
`
`Defendant has had actual notice of its infringement of the ’155 and ’729 Patents
`
`since at least June 20, 2016. On or around June 20, 2016, NeoMedix’s outside counsel, Robert D.
`
`Buyan (“Buyan”) sent a letter to Mateen Ahmed, President and CEO of Defendant, informing
`
`Defendant of the ’155 and ’729 Patents and that the unauthorized manufacture, sale, and use of the
`
`
`
`5
`
`
`
`
`Petitioner - New World Medical
`Ex. 1017, p. 5 of 236
`
`

`

`Case 1:20-cv-00754-MN Document 1 Filed 06/04/20 Page 6 of 43 PageID #: 6
`
`
`
`KDB, inter alia, infringed these patents. A true and correct copy of the June 20, 2016 Letter is
`
`attached as Ex. J. Following the June 20, 2016 letter, Buyan continued to communicate over the
`
`course of the next several years with Defendant’s various outside counsel, including Daniel R.
`
`Foster (“Foster”), actively engaging in good-faith negotiations regarding Defendant’s infringing
`
`conduct but without successful resolution.
`
`26.
`
`Defendant has had actual notice of its infringement of the ’885 and ’905 Patents
`
`since at least December 6, 2018. On or around December 6, 2018, Buyan sent a letter to Foster,
`
`informing Defendant of the ’885 and ’905 Patents and that the unauthorized manufacture, use,
`
`sale, offer for sale, and/or importation of the KDB, inter alia, infringed these patents. A true and
`
`correct copy of the December 6, 2018 Letter is attached as Ex. K.
`
`27.
`
`Defendant has had actual notice of its infringement of the ’544 Patent since at least
`
`February 15, 2019. On or around February 15, 2019, Buyan sent a letter to Defendant’s outside
`
`counsel, Christopher D. Bright (“Bright”), informing Defendant of the ’544 Patent and that the
`
`unauthorized manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale, and/or importation of the KDB, inter alia,
`
`infringed this patent. A true and correct copy of the February 15, 2019 Letter is attached as Ex. L.
`
`28.
`
`The Accused Products and methods of using the Accused Products (“Accused
`
`Methods”) relate to Defendant’s KDB product(s) and its use(s). Defendant’s website and Product
`
`Brochure (“PB”) describe the Accused Products as surgical instruments utilized for excisional
`
`goniotomy. A true and correct copy of certain portions of the Defendant’s website
`
`(https://www.newworldmedical.com/kahook-dual-blade/) is attached as Ex. N. A true and correct
`
`copy of the PB is attached as Ex. O. On information and belief, the Accused Products are especially
`
`made or adapted for this use, and there is no substantial non-infringing use for the Accused
`
`
`
`6
`
`
`
`
`Petitioner - New World Medical
`Ex. 1017, p. 6 of 236
`
`

`

`Case 1:20-cv-00754-MN Document 1 Filed 06/04/20 Page 7 of 43 PageID #: 7
`
`
`
`Products. On information and belief, Defendant has been aware that the Accused Products infringe
`
`the Asserted Patents and are a material part of the claimed inventions.
`
`29.
`
`Upon information and belief, Defendant markets the Accused Products through
`
`various channels, including its website and the PB.
`
`30.
`
`Upon information and belief, Defendant engages in the unauthorized manufacture,
`
`use, offer for sale, and/or sale in the United States, and/or importation into the United States, of
`
`the Accused Products. Based on these acts, Defendant has directly infringed, and/or will directly
`
`infringe, the claims of the Asserted Patents that cover the Accused Products and/or Methods.
`
`31.
`
`Upon information and belief, and pursuant to the regulations of the United States
`
`Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), Defendant includes Instructions for Use (“IFU”) with
`
`every Accused Product that is sold. The IFU specifically instructs, directs, and/or requires
`
`physicians, healthcare providers, customers, purchasers, and/or users to use the Accused Products
`
`in an infringing manner. Specifically, the IFU instructs physicians to use the Accused Products in
`
`ophthalmic surgical procedures to manually cut trabecular meshwork in pediatric and adult
`
`patients. A true and correct copy of the IFU is attached as Ex. M. Based on these instructions,
`
`physicians or other healthcare professionals have directly infringed and/or will directly infringe
`
`the claims of the Asserted Patents that cover the Accused Products and/or Methods. Further,
`
`Defendant has known or should have known, or was willfully blind to the fact, that its actions
`
`would induce others to directly infringe the Asserted Patents. On information and belief, Defendant
`
`has been aware that the Accused Products infringe the Asserted Patents, have no substantial
`
`non-infringing uses, and are a material part of the claimed inventions. Accordingly, Defendant
`
`induces and/or contributes to such infringement.
`
`
`
`7
`
`
`
`
`Petitioner - New World Medical
`Ex. 1017, p. 7 of 236
`
`

`

`Case 1:20-cv-00754-MN Document 1 Filed 06/04/20 Page 8 of 43 PageID #: 8
`
`
`
`32.
`
`Through the foregoing acts, Defendant directly infringes, and/or induces or
`
`contributes to the infringement of, the Asserted Patents. Moreover, Defendant’s ongoing
`
`unauthorized manufacture, use, offer for sale, and/or sale in the United States, and/or importation
`
`into the United States, of the Accused Products and Methods, with full knowledge of the Asserted
`
`Patents, reflects Defendant’s conscious, deliberate disregard of Plaintiffs’ patent rights.
`
`33.
`
`In Paragraphs 34-38 (including Tables 1-5) below, Plaintiffs provide explanatory
`
`examples regarding Defendant’s infringement of the Asserted Patents. These explanations are
`
`based on publicly-available information known to Plaintiffs at this time. It is expected that
`
`additional information may be learned during discovery. The explanations below, therefore, are
`
`not intended to be final or limiting in any way, and Plaintiffs reserve all rights to amend these
`
`explanations as the case progresses and as the facts warrant.
`
`Infringement of the ’729 Patent
`
`34.
`
`On information and belief, based on Plaintiffs’ current investigation, Defendant
`
`induces others, including customers, purchasers, users, or some combination thereof, to perform,
`
`either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents, each and every step of at least claims 1-5 and
`
`7-10 of the ’729 Patent and has contributed, and continues to contribute, to the infringement of
`
`those claims as follows.
`
`Claim
`
`1
`
`Claim Element
`An ab interno method
`for forming an
`opening in trabecular
`meshwork of a
`patient’s eye, said
`method comprising
`the steps of:
`obtaining a dual blade
`device which
`comprises
`
`Table 1 – ’729 Patent
`Claimed Element Present in Accused Product/Method
`
`The Accused Products’ IFU describes that the KDB is a
`dual blade device used by ophthalmic surgeons to carry
`out an ab interno method for forming an opening in
`trabecular meshwork of a patient’s eye. Ex. M at
`Description and Intended Use, Sections 2.4, 2.5.
`
`The Accused Products are obtained by ophthalmic
`surgeons from Defendant. See Ex. N.
`
`
`
`8
`
`
`
`
`Petitioner - New World Medical
`Ex. 1017, p. 8 of 236
`
`

`

`Case 1:20-cv-00754-MN Document 1 Filed 06/04/20 Page 9 of 43 PageID #: 9
`
`Claim
`
`Claim Element
`
`Table 1 – ’729 Patent
`Claimed Element Present in Accused Product/Method
`Panel “a” below shows that the KDB is a dual blade
`device which comprises an elongate proximal portion (A)
`sized to be grasped by a hand of a human operator (i.e.,
`the handle). See Ex. M at Section Description and
`Intended Use (reference letters added).
`
`a) an elongate
`proximal portion sized
`to be grasped by a
`hand of a human
`operator and
`
`b) an elongate probe
`extending from the
`proximal portion,
`wherein the elongate
`probe comprises
`
`
`
`Panel “a” above shows that the elongate probe (B1)
`extends from the proximal portion (A). See Ex. M
`(reference letters added).
`
`Panel “b” below shows that the elongate probe comprises
`i) a shaft (B2). See Ex. M (reference letters added).
`
`i) a shaft
`
`ii) a distal protruding
`tip that extends from
`a distal end of the
`shaft to form a bend
`or curve having an
`angle of at least 30
`
`
`Panel “b” above shows that the elongate probe comprises
`a distal protruding tip (D) that extends from a distal end
`of the shaft (B2) to form a bend or curve (E) having an
`angle of at least 30 degrees, said distal protruding tip (D)
`being sized to be inserted in Schlemm’s Canal. Ex. M at
`Sections 3.2-3.6.
`
`9
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Petitioner - New World Medical
`Ex. 1017, p. 9 of 236
`
`

`

`Case 1:20-cv-00754-MN Document 1 Filed 06/04/20 Page 10 of 43 PageID #: 10
`
`Claim Element
`degrees, said distal
`protruding tip being
`sized to be inserted
`in Schlemm’s Canal
`and
`iii) first and second
`cutting edges located
`at a junction of the
`shaft and the distal
`protruding tip, said
`first and second
`cutting edges being
`formed at
`spaced-apart locations
`on the distal end of
`the shaft, said first and
`second cutting edges
`being separated by a
`distance D;
`forming an opening
`into an anterior
`chamber of the eye;
`inserting the elongate
`probe through the
`opening and into the
`anterior chamber;
`advancing the
`elongate probe
`through the anterior
`chamber, while the
`anterior chamber is
`filled with fluid, to an
`operative position
`where the distal
`protruding tip is
`positioned within
`Schlemm’s Canal and
`the first and second
`cutting edges are
`contacting the
`trabecular meshwork;
`and, thereafter
`
`Claim
`
`
`
`
`
`Table 1 – ’729 Patent
`Claimed Element Present in Accused Product/Method
`
`Panel “b” above shows that the elongate probe comprises
`first and second cutting edges (C) located at a junction of
`the shaft (B2) and the distal protruding tip (D), said first
`and second cutting edges (C) being formed at spaced
`apart locations on the distal end of the shaft (B2), said
`first and second cutting edges (C) being separated by a
`distance D. See Ex. M (reference letters added).
`
`Defendant instructs surgeons to form an opening into the
`anterior chamber of the eye. Ex. M at Sections 2.4, 2.5,
`3.1.
`Defendant instructs surgeons to insert the elongate probe
`of the Accused Products through the opening and into the
`anterior chamber of the eye. Ex. M at Sections 2.4, 2.6,
`3.1.
`
`Defendant instructs surgeons to advance the Accused
`Products’ elongate probe through the anterior chamber of
`the eye while the anterior chamber is filled with fluid, to
`an operative position where the distal protruding tip (D) is
`positioned within Schlemm’s Canal and the first and
`second cutting edges (C) are contacting the trabecular
`meshwork. Ex. M at Sections 3.1-3.3.
`
`10
`
`
`
`
`Petitioner - New World Medical
`Ex. 1017, p. 10 of 236
`
`

`

`Case 1:20-cv-00754-MN Document 1 Filed 06/04/20 Page 11 of 43 PageID #: 11
`
`Claim
`
`Claim Element
`
`causing the distal
`protruding tip to
`advance through a
`sector of Schlemm’s
`Canal with the first
`and second cutting
`edges concurrently
`cutting, from the
`trabecular meshwork,
`a strip of tissue having
`approximate width W,
`said approximate
`width W being
`approximately equal
`to the distance D
`between the first and
`second cutting edges.
`
`
`A method according
`to claim 1 further
`comprising the step of
`infusing fluid into the
`anterior chamber
`under controlled
`pressure to keep the
`anterior chamber
`filled with fluid
`during performance of
`the method.
`A method according
`to claim 1 wherein the
`strip of tissue cut from
`the trabecular
`meshwork has a
`length of about 2 to 10
`millimeters.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`2
`
`3
`
`
`
`
`
`Table 1 – ’729 Patent
`Claimed Element Present in Accused Product/Method
`Panel “a” above and Panel “c” below (and the instructions
`in Exs. M and N) show that Defendant instructs surgeons
`to advance the distal protruding tip (D) of the Accused
`Products through a sector of Schlemm’s Canal with the
`first and second cutting edges (C) concurrently cutting,
`from the trabecular meshwork, a strip of tissue which has
`an approximate width W which is approximately equal to
`the distance D between the first and second cutting edges
`(C). Ex. M at Sections 3.2, 3.3; see also Ex. N.
`
`
`
`
`
`Defendant instructs surgeons to infuse fluid (e.g.,
`viscoelastic) to keep the anterior chamber filled during
`performance of the method. Ex. M at Section 2.6.
`
`Defendant instructs surgeons to use the Accused Products
`to remove strips of trabecular meshwork tissue which
`covers a range of about 2 to 10 mm in length. Ex. M at
`Section 3.4; see also Ex. O at Intuitive Option.
`
`11
`
`
`
`
`Petitioner - New World Medical
`Ex. 1017, p. 11 of 236
`
`

`

`Case 1:20-cv-00754-MN Document 1 Filed 06/04/20 Page 12 of 43 PageID #: 12
`
`Claim
`
`4
`
`5
`
`7
`
`8
`
`Claim Element
`A method according
`to claim 1 further
`comprising the step
`of: removing the strip
`of tissue from the
`patient’s eye.
`A method according
`to claim 4 wherein,
`after the first and
`second cutting edges
`have cut the strip of
`tissue from the
`trabecular meshwork,
`the strip of tissue
`remains connected to
`the trabecular
`meshwork and
`wherein the method
`further comprises the
`step of: disconnecting
`the strip of tissue such
`that it may be
`removed from the eye.
`A method according
`to claim 1 wherein the
`step of forming an
`opening into the
`anterior chamber of
`the eye comprises
`forming an incision
`through a cornea of
`the eye.
`A method according
`to claim 1 wherein the
`method is performed
`under direct
`visualization through
`a lens device
`positioned on an
`anterior aspect of the
`eye.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Table 1 – ’729 Patent
`Claimed Element Present in Accused Product/Method
`
`Defendant instructs surgeons to remove the strip of
`trabecular meshwork tissue from the patient’s eye. Ex. M
`at Sections 3.4, 3.5, 3.6.
`
`Defendant instructs surgeons to use the Accused Products
`in a manner that causes the strip of trabecular meshwork
`tissue to become disconnected so that it may be removed
`from the eye. Ex. M at Sections 3.4, 3.5, 3.6; see also
`Ex. N.
`
`Defendant instructs surgeons to form a corneal incision to
`establish the opening into the anterior chamber of the eye.
`Ex. M at Sections 2.3, 2.4, 2.5.
`
`Defendant instructs surgeons to perform the method of
`Claim 1 under direct visualization through a lens device
`(i.e., a Goniolens) positioned on an anterior aspect of the
`eye. Ex. M at Sections 2.1, 2.2.
`
`12
`
`
`
`
`Petitioner - New World Medical
`Ex. 1017, p. 12 of 236
`
`

`

`Case 1:20-cv-00754-MN Document 1 Filed 06/04/20 Page 13 of 43 PageID #: 13
`
`Claim
`
`9
`
`10
`
`Claim Element
`A method according
`to claim 1 wherein the
`angle is less than
`approximately 90
`degrees.
`A method according
`to claim 9 wherein the
`angle is approximately
`90 degrees.
`
`
`
`
`
`Table 1 – ’729 Patent
`Claimed Element Present in Accused Product/Method
`
`Panel “b” above shows that the angle (E) of the Accused
`Products must be in the range of 30 degrees to 90 degrees.
`See Ex. M (reference letters added).
`
`Panel “b” above shows that the angle (E) of the Accused
`Products must be in the range of 30 degrees to 90 degrees.
`See Ex. M (reference letters added).
`
`
`
`
`
`Infringement of the ’155 Patent
`
`35.
`
`On information and belief, based on Plaintiffs’ current investigation, Defendant’s
`
`Accused Products embody each and every element of at least claims 1-6 of the ’155 Patent, either
`
`literally or under the doctrine of equivalents, as follows.
`
`Claim
`
`1
`
`Claim Element
`A dual blade device
`useable for
`performing an ab
`interno procedure
`within a human eye to
`remove a strip of
`trabecular meshwork
`tissue, said device
`comprising:
`a handle configured to
`be grasped by an
`operator’s hand;
`
`Table 2 – ’155 Patent
`Claimed Element Present in Accused Product/Method
`
`The Accused Products’ IFU describes that the KBD is a
`dual blade device useable for performing an ab interno
`procedure within a human eye to remove a strip of
`trabecular meshwork tissue. Ex. M at Descriptions and
`Intended Use, Section 3.3.
`
`Panel “a” below shows that the Accused Products have a
`handle (A) configured to be grasped by an operator’s
`hand. See Ex. M (reference letters added).
`
`
`
`13
`
`
`
`
`Petitioner - New World Medical
`Ex. 1017, p. 13 of 236
`
`

`

`Case 1:20-cv-00754-MN Document 1 Filed 06/04/20 Page 14 of 43 PageID #: 14
`
`Claim
`
`Claim Element
`
`Table 2 – ’155 Patent
`Claimed Element Present in Accused Product/Method
`
`an elongate probe
`comprising a shaft
`that extends from the
`handle along a
`longitudinal axis;
`
`a blunt protruding tip
`that extends in a
`lateral direction from
`a distal end of the
`shaft to form a bend
`or curve of
`approximately 30
`degrees to
`approximately 90
`degrees relative to the
`adjacent longitudinal
`axis of the shaft;
`
`
`Panel “b” below shows that the Accused Products have an
`elongate probe (B1) comprising a shaft (B2) that extends
`from the handle along a longitudinal axis. See Ex. M
`(reference letters added).
`
`
`
`Panel “b” above shows that the Accused Products have a
`blunt protruding tip (D) that extends in a lateral direction
`from a distal end of the shaft to form a bend or curve (E)
`of approximately 30 degrees to approximately 90 degrees
`relative to the adjacent longitudinal axis of the shaft. See
`Ex. M (reference letters added).
`
`14
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Petitioner - New World Medical
`Ex. 1017, p. 14 of 236
`
`

`

`Case 1:20-cv-00754-MN Document 1 Filed 06/04/20 Page 15 of 43 PageID #: 15
`
`Claim
`
`
`
`
`
`Claim Element
`first and second lateral
`cutting edges formed
`at stationary
`side-by-side locations
`on the shaft, said first
`and second lateral
`cutting edges facing in
`the same lateral
`direction as the blunt
`protruding tip and
`being spaced apart
`such that an area
`exists between the
`first and second lateral
`cutting edges; and
`a blunt top edge that
`extends transversely
`from a top end of the
`first lateral cutting
`edge to a top end of
`the second lateral
`cutting edge and
`traverses above the
`area between the first
`and second lateral
`cutting edges;
`the blunt protruding
`tip having a transverse
`width, a top surface, a
`bottom surface and a
`terminal end, the
`transverse width being
`narrowest at the
`terminal end;
`the blunt protruding
`tip being below the
`area between the first
`and second lateral
`cutting edges and
`protruding in the
`lateral direction
`beyond the first and
`second lateral cutting
`edges such that tissue
`
`Table 2 – ’155 Patent
`Claimed Element Present in Accused Product/Method
`
`Panel “b” above shows that the first and second lateral
`cutting edges (C) are formed at stationary side-by-side
`locations on the shaft. Said first and second lateral cutting
`edges (C) are facing in the same lateral direction as the
`blunt protruding tip (D) and spaced apart such that an area
`exists between the first and second lateral cutting edges.
`See Ex. M (reference letters added).
`
`Panel “b” above shows that the blunt top edge (I) extends
`transversely from a top end of the first lateral cutting edge
`(C) to a top end of the second lateral cutting edge (C) and
`traverses above the area between the first and second
`lateral cutting edges (C). See Ex. M (reference letters
`added).
`
`Panel “b” above shows that the blunt protruding tip (D)
`has a transverse width, a top surface (F), a bottom surface
`(G) and a terminal end (H), the transverse width being
`narrowest at the terminal end. See Ex. M (reference letters
`added).
`
`Panel “a” above and Panel “c” below show that the blunt
`protruding tip (D) is below the area between the first and
`second lateral cutting edges and protruding in the lateral
`direction beyond the first and second lateral cutting edges
`such that tissue may pass over the top surface of the blunt
`protruding tip before coming into contact with the first
`and second lateral cutting edges. See Ex. N; see also
`Ex. M (Figures A-C).
`
`15
`
`
`
`
`Petitioner - New World Medical
`Ex. 1017, p. 15 of 236
`
`

`

`Case 1:20-cv-00754-MN Document 1 Filed 06/04/20 Page 16 of 43 PageID #: 16
`
`Table 2 – ’155 Patent
`Claimed Element Present in Accused Product/Method
`
`
`
`Claim
`
`Claim Element
`may pass over the top
`surface of the blunt
`protruding tip before
`coming into contact
`with the first and
`second lateral cutting
`edges;
`
`
`
`Defendant’s website states the width of the distal portion
`of the shaft is 230 microns. Thus, the distal portion of the
`shaft and the blunt protruding tip are sized to pass through
`an incision formed in the eye by a 1.5 mm slit knife. See
`Ex. N; Ex. M Sections 2.4, 2.5, 3.1.
`
`Panel “d” below shows that the blunt protruding tip is
`further sized to fit within Schlemm’s Canal of the human
`eye and, when so positioned, to be advanceable through
`Schlemm’s Canal with trabecular meshwork tissue
`passing over its top surface and into contact with the first
`and second lateral cutting edges. See Ex. N; Ex. M
`(Figures A-C), Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3.
`
`a distal portion of the
`shaft and the blunt
`protruding tip being
`sized to pass through
`an incision formed in
`the eye by a 1.5 mm
`slit knife; and
`
`the blunt protruding
`tip being further sized
`to fit within
`Schlemm’s Canal of
`the human eye and,
`when so positioned, to
`be advanceable
`through Schlemm’s
`Canal with trabecular
`meshwork tissue
`passing over its top
`surface and into
`contact with the first
`and second lateral
`cutting edges.
`
`
`
`
`
`16
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Petitioner - New World Medical
`Ex. 1017, p. 16 of 236
`
`

`

`Case 1:20-cv-00754-MN Document 1 Filed 06/04/20 Page 17 of 43 PageID #: 17
`
`Claim
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`Claim Element
`A device according to
`claim 1 wherein the
`first and second
`lateral cutting edges
`are spaced apart by a
`distance D and cut a
`strip of trabecular
`meshwork tissue
`having a width W
`that is substantially
`equal to distance D.
`A device according to
`claim 1 useable for
`cutting a sector of
`trabecular meshwork
`tissue having a length
`of 2 to 10 millimeters.
`
`A device according to
`claim 1 wherein the
`bottom surface of the
`blunt protruding tip
`extends at an angle of
`approximately 90
`degrees relative to the
`adjacent longitudinal
`axis of the shaft.
`
`A system comprising
`a device according to
`claim 1 in
`combination with a
`1.5 mm slit knife for
`forming said incision
`in the human eye.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Table 2 – ’155 Patent
`Claimed Element Present in Accused Product/Method
`
`Panel “d” above shows that the first and second lateral
`cutting edges of the Accused Products are located a
`spaced distance apart and cut a strip of trabecular
`meshwork tissue having a width that is substantially equal
`to the distance between the first and second knife blades.
`See Ex. N. Defendant’s website also explains that “[t]he
`footplate of the blade is designed to fit within Schlemm’s
`canal” within a few microns. Id.
`
`The Accused Products are useable to cut a sector of
`trabecular meshwork tissue having a length of 2 to 10
`millimeters. Ex. M at Section 3.4; see also Ex. O at
`Intuitive Option.
`
`Panels “a” and “b” below show that the bottom surface
`(G) of the blunt protruding tip (D) extends at an angle of
`approximately 90 degrees relative to the adjacent
`longitudinal axis of the shaft. See Ex. M (reference letters
`added).
`
`The Accused Products are inserted into the eye through a
`previously created clear corneal incision formed by a slit
`knife. Ex. M at Sections 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, and product videos
`shown on Defendant’s website (Ex. N).
`
`17
`
`
`
`
`Petitioner - New World Medical
`Ex. 1017, p. 17 of 236
`
`

`

`Case 1:20-cv-00754-MN Document 1 Filed 06/04/20 Page 18 of 43 PageID #: 18
`
`
`
`
`
`Claim
`
`6
`
`Claim Element
`A device according to
`claim 1 wherein the
`device is manually
`operable to remove a
`strip of trabecular
`meshwork tissue.
`
`
`
`Table 2 – ’155 Patent
`Claimed Element Present in Accused Product/Method
`
`The Accused Products are manually operable to remove a
`strip of trabecular meshwork tissue. Ex. M at Description
`and Intended Use, Sections 3.1-3.7.
`
`Infringement of the ’885 Patent
`
`36.
`
`On information and belief, based on Plaintiffs’ current investigation, Defendant
`
`induces others, including cu

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