Trials@uspto.gov
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` Paper No. 10
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` Filed: February 27, 2017
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`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`____________
`
`BEFORE THE PATENT TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`____________
`
`LG ELECTRONICS, INC. and LG ELECTRONICS U.S.A., INC.,
`Petitioner,
`
`v.
`
`TOSHIBA SAMSUNG STORAGE TECHNOLOGY KOREA
`CORPORATION,
`Patent Owner.
`____________
`
`Case IPR2016-01677
`Patent RE43,106 E
`____________
`
`
`
`Before KALYAN K. DESHPANDE, MICHAEL R. ZECHER, and
`TREVOR M. JEFFERSON, Administrative Patent Judges.
`
`DESHPANDE, Administrative Patent Judge.
`
`DECISION
`Institution of Inter Partes Review
`35 U.S.C. § 314(a) and 37 C.F.R. § 42.108(a)
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`571.272.7822
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` Paper No. 10
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` Filed: February 27, 2017
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`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`____________
`
`BEFORE THE PATENT TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`____________
`
`LG ELECTRONICS, INC. and LG ELECTRONICS U.S.A., INC.,
`Petitioner,
`
`v.
`
`TOSHIBA SAMSUNG STORAGE TECHNOLOGY KOREA
`CORPORATION,
`Patent Owner.
`____________
`
`Case IPR2016-01677
`Patent RE43,106 E
`____________
`
`
`
`Before KALYAN K. DESHPANDE, MICHAEL R. ZECHER, and
`TREVOR M. JEFFERSON, Administrative Patent Judges.
`
`DESHPANDE, Administrative Patent Judge.
`
`DECISION
`Institution of Inter Partes Review
`35 U.S.C. § 314(a) and 37 C.F.R. § 42.108(a)
`
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`IPR2016-01677
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`
`INTRODUCTION
`I.
`LG Electronics, Inc. and LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc. (collectively,
`“Petitioner”) filed a Petition requesting an inter partes review of claims 4‒6,
`20‒27, 36, and 37 of U.S. Patent No. RE43,106 E (Ex. 1001, “the ’106
`patent”). Paper 1 (“Pet.”). Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology Korea
`Corporation (“Patent Owner”) did not file a Preliminary Response. We have
`jurisdiction under 35 U.S.C. § 314(a), which provides that an inter partes
`review may not be instituted “unless . . . there is a reasonable likelihood that
`the petitioner would prevail with respect to at least 1 of the claims
`challenged in the petition.” After considering the Petition and associated
`evidence, we conclude that Petitioner has demonstrated a reasonable
`likelihood that it would prevail in showing the unpatentability of claims 4‒6,
`20‒27, 36, and 37 of the ’106 patent. Thus, we authorize institution of an
`inter partes review of claims 4‒6, 20‒27, 36, and 37 of the ’106 patent.
`A. Related Proceedings
`The parties indicate that the ’106 patent is involved in the following
`
`district court cases: (1) LG Electronics, Inc. v. Toshiba Samsung Storage
`Technology Korea Corp., Case No. 1:12-cv-01063 (LPS) (D. Del.); and (2)
`Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology Korea Corp. v. LG Electronics, Inc.,
`Case No. 1:15-cv-0691 (LPS) (D. Del.). Pet. 2–3; Paper 9, 1. Case
`IPR2015-01653 involved the ’106 patent and a Final Decision was issued on
`February 2, 2017. LG Elec. v. Toshiba Samsung Storage Tech. Korea Corp.,
`Case IPR2015-01653, Paper 43 (PTAB Feb. 2, 2017).
`B. The ʼ106 Patent (Ex. 1001)
`The ’106 patent describes an optical pickup apparatus that can
`
`compatibly record information on, and read information from, a digital video
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`disk (DVD) and a recordable compact disk (CD-R) using a holographic lens.
`Ex. 1001, 1:28–34. The optical pickup apparatus is set forth in Figure 3 of
`the ’106 patent as follows:
`
`
`Figure 3 shows an optical system of an optical pickup according to
`one embodiment. Id. at 4:33–34. The optical pickup apparatus includes
`laser light sources 31 and 39 for emitting light beams having different
`wavelengths. Id. at 4:34–37. Laser light source 31 emits a wavelength of
`650 nm, suitable for a DVD. Id. at 4:55–59. Laser light source 39 emits a
`light beam having a 780 nm wavelength suitable for a CD-R. Id. at 4:61–67.
`Holographic beam splitters 32 and 40 alter the optical path of the light
`beams reflected from information recording surfaces, beam splitter 33
`completely transmits or reflects the incident light beam according to
`wavelength, and collimating lens 34 collimates the incident light beam to be
`in a parallel form. Id. at 4:34–47. Holographic lens 35 diffracts the incident
`light beam according to its wavelength, and objective lens 36 focuses the
`light beams on the respective information recording surfaces of optical disks
`37 and 41. Id.
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`Holographic lens 35 selectively diffracts the incident light beam in
`order to prevent the generation of spherical aberration with regard to the
`light beam’s focus on the information recording surfaces of optical disks 37
`and 41. Id. at 5:6–10. The relationship between holographic lens 35,
`objective lens 36, and optical disks 37 and 41 is illustrated in Figure 4A of
`the ’106 patent as follows:
`
`
`Figure 4A describes that objective lens 36 is partitioned into regions
`A and B. Id. at 5:13–14. Region A is closer to the optical axis of objective
`lens 36 and has little effect on spherical aberration, whereas region B is
`farther from the optical axis of objective lens 36 and has a large effect on
`spherical aberration. Id. at 5:14–18. Objective lens 36 is most appropriate
`for an optical disk having a thin thickness, such as a DVD. Id. at 5:18–20.
`The light beam incident to region A passes through objective lens 36 without
`any diffraction by holographic ring lens 35 and is focused directly on the
`disk. Id. at 5:33–36. The light beam incident to region F is wavelength-
`selectively diffracted by holographic ring lens 35 and then proceeds to
`objective lens 36. Id. at 5:36–39.
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`C. Illustrative Claim
`Petitioner challenges claims 4‒6, 20‒27, 36, and 37 of the ’106 patent.
`Pet. 15–69. Claims 4, 20, 36, and 37 are the only independent claims at
`issue. Claim 4 is illustrative of the challenged claims and is reproduced
`below:
`4.
`An objective lens for an optical pickup, the objective lens
`comprising:
`a holographic region having a plurality of concentric ring-
`shaped steps formed on a lens surface of the objective lens,
`wherein the objective lens has a wavelength dependence
`such that two light beams having corresponding different
`wavelengths and an identical diffractive order form appropriate
`different wavefronts corresponding to reproducing and/or
`recording information from and/or to corresponding two kinds of
`optical recording media having respectively different thickness.
`Ex. 1001, 7:63‒8:7.
`D. The Alleged Ground of Unpatentability
`The information presented in the Petition sets forth a proposed ground
`of unpatentability of claims 4–6, 20–27, 36, and 37 of the ’106 patent under
`35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as follows (see Pet. 25–69):1
`
`
`1 Petitioner supports its challenge with the Declaration of Dr. Mansuripur.
`Ex. 1012.
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`References
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`APA2 and Katayama3
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`Claims Challenged
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`4‒6, 20‒27, 36, and 37
`
`II. ANALYSIS
`A. Claim Construction
`We interpret claims of an unexpired patent using the broadest
`reasonable construction in light of the specification of the patent in which
`they appear. See 37 C.F.R. § 42.100(b); see Cuozzo Speed Techs., LLC v.
`Lee, 136 S. Ct. 2131, 2142–46 (2016). Under the broadest reasonable
`construction standard, claim terms are generally given their ordinary and
`customary meaning, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the
`art in the context of the entire disclosure. In re Translogic Tech., Inc., 504
`F.3d 1249, 1257 (Fed. Cir. 2007).
`1. “hologram” / “holographic region” / “holographic pattern”
`Petitioner argues that the “broadest reasonable interpretation of []
`‘hologram,’ ‘holographic region,’ and ‘holographic patter’ is ‘a diffractive
`element.’” Pet. 16 (citing Ex. 1001, 7:21‒28; Ex. 1012 ¶ 77). We are
`persuaded by Petitioner, on this record, that these terms should be
`interpreted to mean “a diffractive element.” This construction is consistent
`
`
`2 The ʼ106 patent includes Admitted Prior Art (“APA”) describing a
`conventional optical pickup apparatus and a thin-film type variable aperture.
`See Ex. 1001, 1:58–3:29, Figs. 1, 2. We consider APA as a relevant
`admission by Toshiba of the background knowledge of a person of ordinary
`skill in the art at the time of the invention of the ’106 patent. For simplicity,
`we refer to APA and its disclosure generally in our analysis that follows.
`3 U.S. Patent No. 5,696,750, issued on December 9, 1997 (Ex. 1002,
`“Katayama”).
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`with ’106 patent specification, which describes a “holographic rung lens”
`that “diffracts the incident light beam.” Ex. 1001, 5:6‒10; see Ex. 1001,
`5:28‒32, 5:36‒39, 6:28‒30.
`2. “focal plane”
`Petitioner argues that the “broadest reasonable interpretation [of]
`‘focal plane’ is ‘a plane that a light beam is focused by the objective lens.’”
`Pet. 16 (citing Ex. 1012 ¶ 79). We are persuaded by Petitioner, on this
`record, that “focal plane” should be interpreted to mean “a plane that a light
`beam is focused by the objective lens.” This construction is consistent with
`the ’106 patent specification, which discloses that a light beam is focused on
`a “focal plane.” Ex. 1001, 5:43‒47.
`3. “wavelength dependence” / “selectively diffract(ing)”
`Petitioner argues that “wavelength dependence,” “selectively
`diffract,” and “selectively diffracting” should be construed to mean “diffract
`a light beam 0–100% into one or more various orders as a function of its
`wavelength.” Pet. 16‒17 (citing Ex. 1001, 4:43‒45, 5:6‒8, 5:66‒6:3;
`Ex. 1012 ¶¶ 78‒83). Petitioner specifically argues that, for example, at
`3.8 µm, 100% of a 650 nm wavelength passes through a diffractive element,
`whereas 0% of a 780 nm wavelength passes through a diffractive element.
`Id. at 17 (citing Ex. 1001, Fig. 6; Ex. 1012 ¶ 83).
`We first review the intended purpose and goal of the ’106 patent in
`order to give the claim terms meaning. “[T]he PTO applies to the verbiage
`of the proposed claims the broadest reasonable meaning of the words in their
`ordinary usage as they would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the
`art, taking into account whatever enlightenment by way of definitions or
`otherwise that may be afforded by the written description contained in the
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`applicant’s specification.” In re Morris, 127 F.3d 1048, 1054 (Fed. Cir.
`1997). The ’106 patent specification explains that an optical pickup
`apparatus uses a single objective lens and two laser light diodes as light
`sources for a DVD, which is reproduced using a 635 nm wavelength, and a
`CD-R, which is recorded and reproduced using a 780 nm wavelength,
`because of the difference in the thickness of a DVD and CD-R. Ex. 1001,
`1:62‒67, 2:37‒43. Petitioner’s expert, Dr. Mansuripur, opines that “[i]n
`many cases, the objective lens was designed for spot-size corresponding to a
`DVD” and “[a]s such, it received the 650 nm laser beam . . . free from all
`forms of aberration.” Ex. 1012 ¶ 47. When, on such an apparatus, a 780 nm
`wavelength is focused on a CD-R having a thickness of 1.2 mm, “spherical
`aberration is generated due to a difference in the thickness between the DVD
`[] and the CD-R []” because “the distance between the information recording
`surface of the CD-R [] and the objective lens [] is farther than that between
`the information recording surface of the DVD [] and the objective lens [].”
`Ex. 1001, 2:37‒48; see also Ex. 1012 ¶¶ 43, 44. Prior optical pickup
`apparatuses use a “finite optical system” in order to remove spherical
`aberration. Id. at 3:13‒16. The ’106 patent discloses a purported invention
`that utilizes a “holographic ring” to prevent the generation of spherical
`aberration. Id. at 5:6‒10.
`We determine, in light of the ’106 patent claims and specification, that
`“wavelength dependence,” “selectively diffract,” and “selectively
`diffracting,” under the broadest reasonable interpretation, includes an
`interpretation that means selecting one light beam to diffract based on
`wavelength. As explained by Dr. Mansuripur, the objective lens is designed
`for the wavelength of one of the light beams so as to receive one light beam
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`free from all forms of aberration, and then use a diffracting element for the
`other light beam to prevent the generation of aberrations. Ex. 1012 ¶¶ 47,
`50. This construction encompasses the construction set forth by Petitioner,
`where Petitioner argues that the term “selectively” determines how much
`each light beam is diffracted, based on wavelength, and Dr. Mansuripur
`explains that the fractional amount of diffraction can range from 0% to
`100%. Pet. 16‒17; Ex. 1012 ¶ 53. Our construction encompasses
`Petitioner’s proposed construction because our construction allows a beam
`to pass without diffraction, which is the same as diffracting that light beam
`0% (i.e., without diffraction).
`In our view, this interpretation is required by the ’106 patent claims.
`For instance, independent claim 7 recites “selectively diffract the first and
`second light beams as a function of wavelength,” and claim 8, which
`depends from claim 7, further limits claim 7 to require that the aperture
`“selectively diffracts the first light beam having a first wavelength” and
`“selectively allow the second light beam of a second wavelength to be
`focused on the second recording medium.” Ex. 1001, 8:35–39.
`Accordingly, claim 8 requires that to “selectively diffract the first and
`second light beams,” one beam is diffracted while the second beam is
`allowed to be focused directly on to the recording medium. Because
`dependent claim 8 further limits independent claim 7, independent claim 7
`may be broadly, but reasonably interpreted to mean that one light beam is
`diffracted while allowing the second light beam to pass without diffraction.
`That is, a person with ordinary skill in the art would have understood that
`claim 8 limits claim 7 such that one light is diffracted while allowing the
`second light to pass without diffraction.
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`Our interpretation in this regard is further consistent with the ’106
`patent specification. The ’106 patent specification explains that
`“holographic ring lens 35 selectively diffracts the incident light beam
`according to wavelength” in order to “prevent the generation of spherical
`aberration with regard to the light beams focused on the information
`recording surfaces of the optical disks,” and “[b]y using the holographic ring
`lens 35, a working distance from the surface of the objective lens 36 to the
`information recording surfaces of the disks becomes shorter in the CD-R 41
`rather than in the DVD 37.” Ex. 1001, 5:6‒10, 5:47‒50 (emphasis omitted).
`The ’106 patent specification further explains that “holographic ring lens 35
`is constructed so that the light beam of 650 nm wavelength has transmissive
`efficiency close to 100%” and “the light beam of 780 nm wavelength has a
`zero-order transmissive efficiency 0% with respect to non-diffracted light
`beam.” Id. at 6:11‒15 (emphasis omitted). As such, we find that the ’106
`patent specification supports an interpretation of “selectively diffract the first
`and second light beams according to their respective wavelengths” to be
`selecting one light beam to diffract based on wavelength.
`The ’106 patent specification further provides an embodiment where
`the groove depth is 3.8 µm. Ex. 1001, 6:53‒63, Fig. 6. The ’106 patent
`explains that at 3.8 µm groove depth, the 650 nm wavelength light is
`transmitted via the holographic ring by 100% and the 780 nm wavelength is
`transmitted via the holographic ring by 0%, thereby resulting in 40%
`diffraction efficiency. Id. That is, the ’106 patent specification discloses
`that “[a]ll of the 650 nm wavelength light incident to the holographic ring
`lens . . . is transmitted and then proceeds to the objective lens,” and “[t]he
`780 nm wavelength light incident to the holographic ring lens [] is
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`transmitted to the holographic ring lens [] as shown in Figure 4A, but is
`diffracted in region A and then proceeds to objective lens [].” Id. at 6:64‒
`66, 7:9‒13.
`Accordingly, applying the broadest reasonable interpretation standard,
`we interpret the limitation “wavelength dependence,” “selectively diffract,”
`and “selectively diffracting” to mean selecting one light beam to diffract
`based on wavelength.
`B. Obviousness of Claims 4‒6, 20‒27, 36, and 37 over APA and Katayama
`Petitioner contends that claims 4‒6, 20‒27, 36, and 37 of the ’106
`patent are unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as obvious over APA and
`Katayama. Pet. 25–69. For the reasons discussed below, the evidence, on
`this record, indicates there is a reasonable likelihood that Petitioner would
`prevail in showing that claims 4‒6, 20‒27, 36, and 37 of the ’106 patent are
`unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as obvious over APA and Katayama.
`1. APA (Ex. 1001)
`The ʼ106 patent discloses a conventional optical pickup apparatus that
`was available in the prior art. Ex. 1001, Fig. 1, 1:58–61. The conventional
`optical pickup apparatus is illustrated in Figure 1 of the ’106 patent as
`follows:
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`Figure 1 discloses an optical pickup apparatus that includes laser light
`sources 11 and 21, collimating lenses 12 and 22, objective lens 17, and
`optical media 18 and 25. Id. at 1:62–2:55. Laser light source 11 emits light,
`having a 635 nm wavelength, to collimating lens 12. Id. at 2:1–2. The
`collimated incident light beam is reflected by beam splitter 13 to interference
`filter prism 14. Id. at 2:3–7. Laser light source 21 emits light, having a 780
`nm wavelength, to collimating lens 22. Id. at 2:8–13. The collimated
`incident light beam then goes to beam splitter 23, converging lens 24, and
`then to interference filter prism 14. Id. Interference filter prism 14 transmits
`completely both the light beam of 635 nm and 785 nm wavelengths. Id. at
`2:15–18. As a result, the light beam from laser light source 11 is incident to
`quarter-wave plate 15 as a parallel beam by the collimating lens 12, whereas
`the light beam from laser light source 21 is incident to the quarter-wave plate
`15 in the form of a divergent beam by converging lens 24 and interference
`filter prism 14. Id. at 2:18–24. The light transmitted through the quarter-
`wave plate 15 passes through a variable aperture 16 having a thin film
`structure and then is incident to objective lens 17. Id. at 2:24–28.
`Thin-film type variable aperture 16 is illustrated in Figure 2 of the
`’106 patent as follows:
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`Figure 2 illustrates variable aperture 16 that is partitioned into two
`regions. Id. at 2:56–66. First region 1 transmits both light beams of 635 nm
`and 780 nm. Id. Second region 2 transmits completely the light beam of
`635 nm, and reflects completely the light beam of 780 nm. Id.
`2. Katayama (Ex. 1002)
`Katayama discloses an optical head apparatus for different types of
`disks that have different thicknesses and/or densities. Ex. 1002, 1:7–9. The
`optical head apparatus is illustrated in Figure 28 of Katayama as follows:
`
`
` Figure 28 discloses an optical head apparatus that includes laser
`diodes 11 and 12, interference filter 13, collimator lens 4, aperture limiting
`element 2801,4 objective lens 6, and disks Aʹ and B. Ex. 1002, 15:62–16:21.
`
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`4 Aperture limiting element 2801 replaces the holographic optical element 5ʹ
`of Figure 5. Ex. 1002, 15:63–65. Figure 32 combines the holographic
`optical element 5” of Figure 8 and aperture limiting element 2801 of Figure
`28 into aperture limiting holographic optical element 3201. Id. at 18:48–54.
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`A 635 nm wavelength light beam is emitted from laser diode 11, and
`completely passes through interference filter 13 and is incident to collimator
`lens 4. Id. at 16:1–4. The collimated light beam passes through the entire
`aperture limiting element 2801 to reach objective lens 6, and is focused on
`disk Aʹ. Id. at 16:4–8. A 785 nm wavelength light beam is emitted from
`laser diode 12, and is reflected completely by interference filter 13 and is
`incident to collimator lens 4. Id. at 16:18–21. The collimated light beam
`passes only through a central portion of aperture limiting element 2801 to
`reach objective lens 6 to be focused on disk B. Id. at 16:22–25.
`3. Analysis
`The evidence set forth by Petitioner indicates there is a reasonable
`likelihood that Petitioner will prevail in showing that claims 4‒6, 20‒27, 36,
`and 37 would have been obvious over APA and Katayama. Pet. 25–69.
`For example, claim 4 recites an “objective lens for an optical pickup.”
`Petitioner argues that APA discloses an objective lens for an optical pickup.
`Pet. 29 (citing Ex. 1001, 1:58‒67, Fig. 1; Ex. 1012 ¶¶ 90‒97, 107).
`Petitioner further argues that Katayama discloses an objective lens for an
`optical pickup. Id. (citing Ex. 1002, 1:49‒59, 18:43‒44; Figs. 28, 32;
`Ex. 1012 ¶ 108).
`Claim 4 further recites “a holographic region having a plurality of
`concentric ring-shaped steps formed on a lens surface of the objective lens.”
`Petitioner argues that Katayama discloses this limitation. Petitioner
`specifically argues that Katayama discloses wavelength selective diffractive
`element 2801 that has inner region 3003 and diffractive region 3002, where
`diffractive region 3002 is a “grating” and each “grating” is a “step.”
`Pet. 30‒31 (citing Ex. 1002, 17:19‒22, 17:27‒30, 18:31‒42, Figs. 30A, 30B,
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`31A, 31B; Ex. 1012 ¶¶ 110‒111). Petitioner contends that Kayamata
`discloses that the “interference fringes of the grating 3102 can be concentric
`circular as well as concentrically linear.” Id. at 32 (quoting Ex. 1002,
`18:13‒15). Accordingly, Petitioner argues that diffractive region 3002 of
`Katayama is a holographic region, where grating region 3002 can be
`“concentric circular,” and, therefore, is “concentric ring-shaped steps.” Id.
`(citing Ex. 1012 ¶¶ 111‒113).
`Claim 4 additionally recites “the objective lens has a wavelength
`dependence such that two light beams having corresponding different
`wavelengths and an identical diffractive order form appropriate different
`wavefronts corresponding to reproducing and/or recording information from
`and/or to corresponding two kinds of optical recording media having
`respectively different thickness.” Petitioner argues that APA discloses a
`conventional optical pickup that is designed to read both CDs and DVDs,
`and CDs and DVDs have different thicknesses. Pet. 32‒33 (citing Ex. 1001,
`1:58‒61, 5:19‒20; Ex. 1003, 808, Table 1; Ex. 1012 ¶¶ 118‒119). Petitioner
`also argues that Katayama discloses a “diffractive-type aperture limiting
`element 2801 that is wavelength selective, and also discloses that the
`diffractive element is suitable for DVD and CD-R, and can be formed
`directly on the surface of the objective lens.” Id. at 33 (citing Ex. 1002,
`18:31‒44). Petitioner argues that Katayama discloses that component 2801
`as inner region 3003 that passes a first and second beam, and diffractive
`region 3002 that selectively diffracts the beams as a function of wavelength
`for reading DVD and CD-R. Id. at 34 (citing Ex. 1002, 17:19‒43, 18:31‒42,
`Figs. 30A, 30B; Ex. 1012 ¶ 120). Petitioner further argues that Katayama
`discloses that “diffractive grating 3002 diffracting first and second beams
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`further provides an ‘identical diffractive order.’” Id. at 34‒35 (citing
`Ex. 1012 ¶¶ 121‒122, 124‒125).
`Petitioner further articulates reasoning with rational underpinnings as
`to why a person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the invention would
`have combined the teachings of APA and Katayama. Id. at 26–29 (citing
`Ex. 1012 ¶¶ 99–102). Petitioner asserts that the elements of the claims were
`well known (e.g., objective lens, diffractive-type variable apertures,
`CD/DVD compatible systems), and a person with ordinary skill in the art
`would have had a sufficient reason to combine them without change to their
`respective functions. Id. at 26. Accordingly, Petitioner argues that the
`combination of APA and Katayama is nothing more than the combination of
`known elements with each performing the same function it had been known
`to perform, and yields nothing more than predictable results. Id.
`For instance, Petitioner further argues that Katayama expressly
`teaches that a thin film variable aperture and a diffractive-type variable
`aperture can be interchanged in an optical system to achieve the same
`results. Id. at 26–27 (citing Ex. 1002, 16:37–17:30; Ex. 1012 ¶ 100).
`Petitioner argues that “it was also well known that a diffractive element
`could be either an individual element in the optical system or integrated onto
`the surface of the objective lens.” Id. at 28 (citing Ex. 1002, 18:43‒44).
`Petitioner concludes that it would have been obvious to insert the elements
`of Katayama, such as grating element 3002, into APA’s conventional optical
`pickup apparatus, and such a combination would have yielded nothing more
`than predictable results. See id. at 26‒27.
`Petitioner has similarly provided a detailed analysis for claims 5, 6,
`20‒27, 36, and 37. See Pet. 37–69. Accordingly, we are persuaded that
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`Patent RE43,106 E
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`Petitioner has demonstrated a reasonable likelihood that it would prevail in
`showing that claims 4‒6, 20‒27, 36, and 37 would have been obvious over
`APA and Katayama.
`4. Conclusion
`For the foregoing reasons, we are persuaded that Petitioner has met its
`burden of showing a reasonable likelihood that claims 4‒6, 20‒27, 36, and
`37 of the ’106 patent are unpatentable over APA and Katayama.
`III. ORDER
`After due consideration of the record before us, and for the foregoing
`reasons, it is:
`ORDERED that pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 314, an inter partes review is
`hereby instituted as to claims 4‒6, 20‒27, 36, and 37 of the ’106 patent as
`unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) over APA and Katayama; and
`FURTHER ORDERED that pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 314(a), inter
`partes review of the ʼ106 patent is hereby instituted commencing on the
`entry date of this Order, and pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 314(c) and 37 C.F.R.
`§ 42.4, notice is hereby given of the institution of a trial.
`
`17
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`
`
`
`
`
`
`IPR2016-01677
`Patent RE43,106 E
`
`For PETITIONER:
`Brian A. Tollefson
`Soumya Panda
`ROTHWELL, FIGG, ERNST & MANBECK, P.C.
`btollefson@rfem.com
`spanda@rfem.com
`
`For PATENT OWNER:
`Joseph A. Rhoa
`Jonathan Roberts
`Nixon & Vanderhye P.C.
`ar@nixonvan.com
`jr@nixonvan.com
`
`
`
`
`18
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