Finnegan client LG Electronics obtains award of priority in interference involving refrigerator dispensers

The Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued a ruling that Whirlpool Corp. had not proven that it invented the concept of a refrigerator dispenser with an extendable tray and water spigot before Finnegan client LG Electronics Inc.  Whirlpool sought the PTO Board’s ruling as part of its effort in various forums to invalidate LG’s patents directed to refrigerator dispensers.  The PTO Board agreed with LG that Whirlpool failed to prove that its prototype refrigerator worked for its intended purpose, and therefore was not a valid reduction to practice before LG’s earliest application was filed. Thus, LG’s involved patents remain valid, and the PTO Board entered judgment that Whirlpool’s pending claims are “finally refused.”