Tag Archives: Means Plus Function

How to Overcome a Section 112 ¶ 6 Means-Plus-Function Presumption

By Ryan N. Phelan on Posted in Appeals, Inter Partes Review, IPR, Section 112
PTABWatch Takeaway: Claims that recite the term “means” may trigger the means-plus-function presumption under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. § 112 ¶ 6 (Section 112(f) of the AIA), but the presumption can be overcome where: (1) the means term itself recites structure; (2) that structure is “common parlance” to those of ordinary skill in the art; and … Continue Reading

PTAB Declines to Institute IPR on Immersion’s Indefinite Means Plus Function Claims

By Lynn L. Janulis, Ph.D. on Posted in Claim Construction, Institution / Denial, Inter Partes Review, IPR, Section 112, Sections 102/103
Petitioners are finding themselves caught in a Catch-22.  The PTAB declares claims too indefinite under Section 112 to construe, but then declines to address the patentabilty of the claims.  Section 112 deficiencies are not grounds to challenge a patent in an IPR, but the PTAB has authority to find such deficiencies. Recently, the PTAB decided … Continue Reading
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