November 22, 2016
Authored and Edited by Jonathan J. Fagan; Elizabeth D. Ferrill; Lauren J. Dreyer
In Unwired Planet, LLC v. Google Inc., Nos. 2015-1810 & 1811 (Fed. Cir. Nov. 15, 2016), the Federal Circuit affirmed the PTAB’s holding that the patent was invalid as obviousness, agreeing that a cited prior art reference was analogous prior art. The patented method claimed “farther-over-nearer” search result prioritization. When a mobile device user searched for a service, the claimed device would display nearby service providers but would prioritize paying providers. The Court considered whether a primary reference—Brohoff—in view of a second reference—Galitz—rendered the claim obvious. Brohoff taught a wireless network returning location-based results of service providers, while Galitz discussed methods of displaying and organizing results, such as alphabetization.
In concluding that Galitz constituted analogous prior art, the Court focused broadly on the patent’s solutions regarding the display of information on mobile devices, rather than narrowly on wireless network systems. The Court concluded that the patent addressed how to display and order information on a mobile device and that Galitz dealt with the display and organization of menu information. The Court also concluded that both Galitz and the patent concerned the same field of endeavor: “interface design.”
combining references, Obviousness (35 USC § 103), Person of Ordinary Skill in the Art (PHOSITA)
Copyright © 2016 Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP.
DISCLAIMER: Although we wish to hear from you, information exchanged in this blog cannot and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not post any information that you consider to be personal or confidential. If you wish for Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP to consider representing you, in order to establish an attorney-client relationship you must first enter a written representation agreement with Finnegan. Contact us for additional information. One of our lawyers will be happy to discuss the possibility of representation with you. Additional disclaimer information.
Lecture
Patent Protection for Software-Related Inventions in Europe and the USA Training Course
June 5, 2024
Hybrid
10th Annual Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association Gala
May 29, 2024
Atlanta
Webinar
Obviousness of Biologics Inventions: Strategies for Biologics Claims in the U.S., Europe, and China
May 28,2024
Webinar
Due to international data regulations, we’ve updated our privacy policy. Click here to read our privacy policy in full.
We use cookies on this website to provide you with the best user experience. By accepting cookies, you agree to our use of cookies. Please note that if you opt not to accept or if you disable cookies, the “Your Finnegan” feature on this website will be disabled as well. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our Privacy Policy.
Finnegan is thrilled to announce the launch of our new blog, Ad Law Buzz, devoted solely to breaking news, developments, trends, and analysis in advertising law.