LEONARD DAVIS, District Judge.
The following motions are before the Court:
For the reasons stated below, Apple's Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law under Rule 50(b) or, in the alternative, for a New Trial or a Remittitur is
On August 11, 2010, VirnetX, Inc. ("VirnetX") filed this action against Apple, Inc. ("Apple") alleging that Apple infringed U.S. Patent Nos. 6,502, 135 ("the '135 Patent"), 7,418, 504 ("the '504 Patent"), 7,490,151 ("the '151 Patent"), and 7,921,211 ("the '211 Patent")(collectively, "the patents-in-suit"). The '135 and '151 Patents generally describe a method of transparently creating a virtual private network ("VPN") between a client computer and a target computer, while the '504 and '211 Patents disclose a secure domain name service.
VirnetX accuses Apple's VPN On Demand and FaceTime features of infringement. Both products feature establishing secure communications, with Apple's FaceTime feature providing a secure communication link for users when video-chatting. Apple's VPN On Demand feature on the other hand is a product that seamlessly creates a VPN when a user requests access to a secure website or server.
A jury trial regarding the instant suit commenced on October 31, 2012. At trial,
Judgment as a matter of law is only appropriate when "a reasonable jury would not have a legally sufficient evidentiary basis to find for the party on that issue." FED.R.CIV.P. 50(a). "The grant or denial of a motion for judgment as a matter of law is a procedural issue not unique to patent law, reviewed under the law of the regional circuit in which the appeal from the district court would usually lie." Finisar Corp. v. DirecTV Grp., Inc., 523 F.3d 1323, 1332 (Fed.Cir.2008). The Fifth Circuit "uses the same standard to review the verdict that the district court used in first passing on the motion." Hiltgen v. Sumrall, 47 F.3d 695, 699 (5th Cir.1995). Thus, a jury verdict must be upheld, and judgment as a matter of law may not be granted, unless "there is no legally sufficient evidentiary basis for a reasonable jury to find as the jury did." Id. at 700. The jury's verdict must also be supported by "substantial evidence" in support of each element of the claims. Am. Home Assurance Co. v. United Space Alliance, 378 F.3d 482, 487 (5th Cir.2004).
A court reviews all evidence in the record and must draw all reasonable inferences in favor of the nonmoving party; however, a court may not make credibility determinations or weigh the evidence, as those are solely functions of the jury. See Reeves v. Sanderson Plumbing Prods., Inc., 530 U.S. 133, 150-51, 120 S.Ct. 2097, 147 L.Ed.2d 105 (2000). The moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law, "only if the evidence points so strongly and so overwhelmingly in favor of the nonmoving party that no reasonable juror could return a contrary verdict." Int'l Ins. Co. v. RSR Corp., 426 F.3d 281, 296 (5th Cir. 2005).
Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 59, a new trial may be granted to any party to a jury trial on any or all issues "for any reason for which a new trial has heretofore been granted in an action at law in federal court." "A new trial may be granted, for example, if the district court finds the verdict is against the weight of the evidence, the damages awarded are excessive, the trial was unfair, or prejudicial error was committed in its course." Smith v. Transworld Drilling Co., 773 F.2d 610, 612-13 (5th Cir.1985).
Remittitur is within the sound discretion of the trial court and is only appropriate when the damages verdict is "clearly excessive." See Alameda Films S.A. v. Authors Rights Restoration Corp., 331 F.3d 472, 482 (5th Cir.2003).
Apple first contends that VirnetX failed to present substantial evidence that Apple's VPN On Demand and FaceTime features infringe the patents-in-suit. See Docket No. 623 at 2-16.
To prove infringement, the plaintiff must show the presence of every element or its equivalent in the accused device. Lemelson v. United States, 752 F.2d 1538, 1551 (Fed.Cir.1985). Determining infringement is a two-step process: "[f]irst, the claim must be properly construed, to determine the scope and meaning. Second, the claim, as properly construed must be compared to the accused device or process." Absolute Software, Inc. v. Stealth Signal, Inc., 659 F.3d 1121, 1129 (Fed.Cir.2011) (citing Carroll Touch, Inc. v. Electro Mech. Sys., Inc., 15 F.3d 1573, 1576 (Fed.Cir.1993)). "A determination of infringement is a question of fact that is reviewed for substantial evidence when tried to a jury." ACCO Brands, Inc. v. ABA Locks Mfr. Co., 501 F.3d 1307, 1311 (Fed.Cir.2007).
The parties' primary dispute at trial was if in fact Apple's VPN On Demand feature "determines whether" a DNS request is requesting access to a secure website or server (the "determining whether" limitation/step). At trial, VirnetX alleged the VPN On Demand feature infringed claims 1, 3, 7, 8 of the '135 Patent, and claims 1 and 13 of the '151 Patent. The '135 Patent discloses a method of transparently creating a virtual private network ("VPN") between client computer and a target computer, while the '151 Patent describes creating a secure communication link based on a domain name service ("DNS") request.
Claim 1 of the '135 Patent is a representative claim and claims the following:
While the Court has not construed the word "determining," in its claim construction opinion, the Court noted this determining step could be performed by the client computer or by the target computer. See Docket No. 266 at 18-20. Additionally, the Court has construed the phrase "secure web site" to mean "a website that requires authorization for access and that can communicate in a VPN." Docket No. 266 at 21.
Apple now contends that VirnetX failed to present substantial evidence that the VPN On Demand feature meets the "determining whether" limitation. Docket No. 623 at 3. Apple argues that the feature cannot meet this limitation, because the accused feature cannot determine whether the DNS request actually corresponds to a secure website or to a secure server, as Apple's expert, Dr. Kelly, demonstrated. Id.; see 11/02/12 a.m. TT at 148:10-21; 154:5-156:18; 167:8-176:25.
Apple concedes VirnetX did present testimony and evidence that Apple's accused VPN On Demand feature can be configured to infringe the '131 and '151 Patents. See 11/01/12 a.m. TT at 48:18-52:15; 56:5-61:9. However, Apple contends VirnetX's expert Dr. Jones's interpretation of the "determining whether" step is unsupported by the claim language. Id. At trial, Dr. Jones stated the feature performs the "determining whether" step when the requested website or server is compared to the configuration file. 11/01/12 a.m. TT at 31:19-32:12; 48:18-52:15; 11/01/12 p.m. TT at 18:1-19:20. However, Apple argues that "the claims require that the actual security of the requested web site or server be `determined,'" which does not occur when the requested website or server is compared to the configuration file. Id. at 4-5. Apple argues that to be found infringing, the accused VPN On Demand feature must be able to decide if a DNS request corresponds to a secure server or website, but the accused feature lacks this capability. Rather, the feature only initiates VPN connections with whatever server or website the user has provided. Id. at 5. Even Dr. Jones acknowledged that the VPN On Demand feature can initiate VPN connections with unsecure websites. See 11/01/12 p.m. TT at 21:8-25:7. Since the feature cannot actually determine a requested website or server's security, then Apple argues no reasonable factfinder could have found Apple or its customers infringed the asserted claims of the '151 or the '135 Patent.
However, Dr. Jones presented a thorough infringement analysis of how Apple's VPN On Demand feature can be configured to infringe the '131 and the '151 Patents based on Apple's internal documents and Apple's source code. Dr. Jones explained that the "determining whether" step can be performed by comparing the requested domain name against a list of domain names, i.e. the "configuration file." 11/01/12 a.m. TT at 48:18-52:15. While Dr. Jones acknowledges the feature may initiate VPN connections with unsecure websites, the feature is not intended to be used in this manner. 11/01/12 a.m. TT at 26:8-18. In rejecting Apple's alternative, Dr. Jones stated Apple's interpretation would impermissibly add another limitation to the claims, because the claim language does not require verifying the identity
There is no requirement in the claims, as Apple suggests, that the security of the requested website or server be verified. Instead, the claims merely require that the feature ascertain whether a VPN is needed. See '135 Patent col. 47:27-28. Even Apple agrees that if a user correctly enters a secure website into the "configuration file," the VPN On Demand feature will create a VPN when that website is accessed. See 11/02/12 a.m. TT at 153:22-154:4; 11/02/12 p.m. TT at 105:9-12. Simply because a user may enter unsecure websites or servers into the "configuration file" does not defeat infringement. At best, it could have a de minimis effect on damages. Ultimately, Apple is rearguing the infringement theory it presented at trial, which the jury was free to reject. Here, VirnetX produced substantial evidence that the VPN On Demand feature meets the "determining whether" limitation.
Additionally, Apple contends that VirnetX failed to demonstrate that Apple's VPN On Demand feature meets other claim limitations found in either the '135 or '151 Patent. Docket No. 623 at 6-11. Specifically, Apple argues: (1) VirnetX failed to show that the feature returns an IP address for a requested domain name to the requester; (2) failed to show the feature creates a secure and anonymous communication between computers; (3) failed to demonstrate the feature transmits a DNS request from the client computer; and (4) failed to demonstrate that the feature creates an encrypted or secure channel between the client and the secure server. Id. at 6, 8-11.
Regarding the encrypted or secure channel limitation, Apple alleges VirnetX's infringement theory is inherently flawed. Docket No. 623 at 10. VirnetX conceded the VPN On Demand feature did not literally meet the "encrypted channel" limitation, however VirnetX argued the feature infringed under the Doctrine of Equivalents ("DOE"). 11/01/12 a.m. TT at 74:6-76:1. Apple argues VirnetX's doctrine of equivalents argument — a system in which the encrypted channel only extends from the device to the VPN server and not to the target server — is flawed, because the proposed equivalent would effectively vitiate the limitation. Id. Apple also asserts that the proposed equivalent fails to meet the function-way-result test, because it fails to provide the security one would receive with end to end encryption, as required by the claims. Id. at 11.
In response, VirnetX contends Apple's interpretation of the doctrine of equivalents would require VirnetX to prove actual infringement, even though the doctrine clearly does not require such a showing. Docket No. 632 at 10. Also, VirnetX argues Apple's argument regarding a "secure channel" is misplaced, as VirnetX did produce evidence that the limitation was literally practiced by the feature. See 11/01/12 a.m TT at 82:2-23.
To support a finding of infringement under the DOE, a patentee must either: (1) demonstrate an insubstantial difference between the claimed invention and the accused product or method; or (2) satisfy the function, way, result test. AquaTex Industries, Inc. v. Techniche Solutions, 479 F.3d 1320, 1326 (Fed.Cir.2007) (citing Graver Tank & Mfg. v. Linde Air Prods. Co., 339 U.S. 605, 608, 70 S.Ct. 854, 94 L.Ed. 1097 (1950)). A patentee must provide particularized testimony and linking argument as to the insubstantiality of the differences between the claimed invention and the accused device or process on a limitation-by-limitation basis. Id. at 1328 (quoting Texas Instruments, Inc. v. Cypress Semiconductor Corp., 90 F.3d 1558, 1567 (Fed.Cir.1996)). A patentee should
Here, VirnetX provided evidence that the VPN On Demand feature does create an "encrypted channel" as required by claims 1 and 13 of the '151 Patent. See 11/01/12 a.m. TT at 74:23-79:10 (Dr. Jones explaining that the creation of an encrypted channel only between the client and VPN server, and not the client and the secure server, meets the claim limitation under DOE). Additionally, VirnetX produced evidence that the feature literally meets the "secure channel" limitation. 11/01/12 a.m. TT at 82:2-23. Accordingly, VirnetX did present substantial evidence to support the jury verdict that the VPN On Demand feature meets the "encrypted channel" and "secure channel" claim limitations.
As to Apple's other arguments, VirnetX did produce substantial evidence showing the Apple's VPN On Demand feature meets the claim limitations disputed by Apple. For example, Dr. Jones explained that the feature returns an IP address for a requested domain name to the requester, when it returns an IP address to the Safari application after a domain was requested. See 11/01/12 a.m. TT at 63:13-64:4. He also detailed how a secure and anonymous communication between computers is established by the feature. 11/01/12 a.m. TT at 34:17-37:12; 54:18-55:23. Additionally, Dr. Jones demonstrated how the feature meets the transmitting requirement when the DNS request is sent from the Safari web browser and sent to the iOS operating system. 11/01/12 a.m. TT at 47:22-48:12. Accordingly, VirnetX produced substantial evidence to demonstrate Apple's VPN On Demand meets all the claim limitations of the asserted claims of the '135 Patent and '151 Patent.
Finally, Apple alleges VirnetX failed to demonstrate that Apple directly infringes any asserted method claim of the '135 Patent.
"To infringe a method claim, a person must have practiced all steps of the claimed method." Finjan, Inc. v. Secure Computing Corp., 626 F.3d 1197, 1206 (Fed.Cir.2010). "[A] method claim is not directly infringed by the sale of an apparatus even though it is capable of performing
Here, VirnetX did address direct infringement of the '135 Patent, stating Apple performed its own internal testing and use. 11/01/12 a.m. TT at 88:12-89:11 (Dr. Jones stated, "they directly infringe by performing — Apple does that by performing the steps itself, say, through its own internal use and testing."). VirnetX also introduced evidence that once the feature is set-up by the user, the actual steps of the asserted claims are performed by the feature itself and not the user. See id.; 11/01/12 a.m. TT at 34:5-20. While Apple contends user input is required to practice the claimed invention, the steps of the asserted claims do not explicitly require an additional party's involvement. See SiRF Tech., Inc. v. ITC, 601 F.3d 1319, 1331 (Fed.Cir.2010)(finding direct infringement when the accused products automatically perform all the steps in the asserted claims). For example, claim 1 of the '135 Patent only has three steps: generating a DNS request; determining whether that DNS request is requesting access to a secure website; and automatically initiating a VPN if the DNS request corresponds to a secure website. Col. 47:21-33. Nothing in the claim language requires a user to set up a configuration file or take other steps for the VPN On Demand feature to infringe. Instead, once a website is entered in a browser, the accused feature will perform the steps of the asserted claims. In light of Dr. Jones' testimony and the claim language, VirnetX provided substantial evidence to establish Apple directly infringed the method claims of the '135 Patent.
As to the FaceTime feature, the parties' arguments at trial mostly concerned whether the feature meets the "direct communication" limitation. At trial, VirnetX alleged Apple's FaceTime feature infringed claims 1, 2, 5, 16, 21, 27 of the '504 Patent and claims 36, 37, 47, and 51 of the '211 Patent. Each claim requires some indication that "the domain name service system supports establishing a secure communication link." See '211 Patent, claim 36; '504 Patent, claim 1. In its claim construction opinion, the Court construed "secure communication link" to mean "a direct communication link that provides data security." Docket No. 266 at 13.
Both parties agree that "secure communication" requires a direct communication, however the parties dispute whether a network address translator (NAT) allows for direct communication. See 11/01/12 p.m. TT at 50:19-51:15. Both sides acknowledge that the FaceTime feature can operate either via a relay server or via a NAT or other devices containing a NAT functionality. See 11/01/12 p.m. TT at 51:24-52:24. VirnetX concedes that the feature does not infringe if calls are routed through a relay server, because there is no direct communication through a relay server. 11/01/12 p.m. TT at 52:19-24. The only dispute is whether a NAT impedes direct communication between the devices.
Apple devices, such as iPhones, can be located behind other devices that have a NAT functionality. NATS alter or readdress the IP address of data packets sent between devices. Apple argues this readdressing of data packets interrupts any direct communication between the two Apple devices. Docket No. 623 at 11-13.
Additionally, the Court noted in its claim construction opinion that "routers, firewalls, and similar servers that participate in typical network communication do not impede `direct' communication between a client and a target computer." Docket No. 266 at 8 (addressing the term "directly" in the context of "virtual private network"). VirnetX produced evidence that a NAT operated like a router, firewall or other similar servers and did not impede direct communication. 11/01/12 p.m. TT at 60:12-61:17; 120:13-123:10. Here, the jury was free to accept this testimony or reject some or all of Dr. Alexander's testimony. In light of the foregoing, there was substantial evidence to support a finding that NATs allow direct communication.
Apple also alleges that VirnetX failed to produce sufficient evidence that the feature satisfies the "look up service" limitation
In light of the foregoing, Apple's motion for judgment as a matter of law regarding direct infringement is
Apple also moves for judgment as a matter of law with regard to VirnetX's claims of indirect infringement, arguing VirnetX failed to cite sufficient evidence to support a finding that Apple induced its customers to infringe the patents-in-suit. Docket No. 623 at 17.
Infringement is a question of fact that is reviewed for substantial evidence when tried to a jury. Finisar Corp. v. DirecTV Group, Inc., 523 F.3d 1323, 1332 (Fed.Cir.2008). Under 35 U.S.C. § 271(b), a party is liable for infringement if it "actively induces infringement of a patent." "In order to prevail on an inducement claim, the patentee must establish first that there has been direct infringement, and second that the alleged infringer knowingly induced infringement and possessed specific intent to encourage another's infringement." ACCO Brands, Inc. v. ABA Locks Mfr. Co., 501 F.3d 1307, 1312 (Fed.Cir.2007) (internal quotation marks omitted). Thus, to support a finding of inducement there must be "evidence of culpable conduct, directed to encouraging another's infringement, not merely that the inducer had knowledge of the direct infringer's activities." DSU Med. Corp. v. JMS Co., 471 F.3d 1293, 1306 (Fed.Cir.2006). Furthermore, "[t]he plaintiff has the burden of showing that the alleged infringer's actions induced infringing acts," and that the infringer "knowingly induced infringement." Id. at 1306. A party has the requisite knowledge if it knew "that the induced acts constitute patent infringement," or was willfully blind to the infringement. A party is willfully blind if it believed there was a high probably that the acts constituted patent infringement and took deliberate steps to avoid learning of the infringement. Global-Tech Appliances, Inc. v. SEB S.A., ___ U.S. ___, 131 S.Ct. 2060, 2068, 2070, 179 L.Ed.2d 1167 (2011); see Smith & Nephew, Inc. v. Arthrex, Inc., 502 Fed.Appx. 945, 949-50 (Fed.Cir.2013).
Importantly however, a patentee may prove both indirect infringement and the corresponding direct infringement by circumstantial evidence. See Liquid Dynamics Corp. v. Vaughan Co., 449 F.3d 1209, 1219 (Fed.Cir.2006). "There is no requirement that direct evidence be introduced, nor is a jury's preference for circumstantial evidence over direct evidence unreasonable per se." Id. Moreover, "[t]he drawing of inferences, particularly in respect of an intent-implicating question... is peculiarly within the province of the fact finder that observed the witnesses." Rolls-Royce Ltd. v. GTE Valeron Corp., 800 F.2d 1101, 1110 (Fed.Cir.1986); see also Fuji Photo Film Co. v. Jazz Photo Corp., 394 F.3d 1368, 1378 (Fed.Cir.2005) (declining to disturb jury's verdict because intent to induce infringement "is a factual determination particularly within the province of the trier of fact").
Regarding inducement, Apple argues VirnetX failed to demonstrate that Apple was willfully blind to its customers' infringement, that Apple was aware of the patents prior to lawsuit, and that Apple intentionally encouraged its customers to infringe the patents-in-suit. Docket No. 623 at 17-20. Apple concedes that VirnetX did present evidence that it was willfully blind to its customers' infringement, but it contends this evidence fails to support any of VirnetX's contentions. Essentially, Apple is asking the Court to reweigh the evidence that was before the jury.
VirnetX did produce substantial evidence that Apple induced its customers'
Accordingly, Apple's Judgment as a Matter of Law as to Indirect Infringement is
Apple argues that no reasonable jury could have found that Takahiro Kiuchi's 1996 publication (the "Kiuchi reference") does not anticipate the asserted claims of the patents-in-suit. Docket No. 623 at 21. Specifically, Apple contends that its expert, Dr. Alexander, identified each and every claim limitation of the asserted claims in the Kiuchi reference, such that no reasonable jury could have found the patents-in-suit to be valid.
Patents are presumed valid and overcoming this presumption requires clear and convincing evidence. Ariad Pharm., Inc. v. Eli Lilly & Co., 598 F.3d 1336, 1354 (Fed.Cir.2010) (en banc). A patent claim is invalid as anticipated if the claimed invention was known or used by others in this country, or patented or described in a printed publication in this or a foreign country, before the invention by the applicant. 35 U.S.C. § 102(a) (2006). Anticipation requires the presence in the prior art of each and every limitation of the claimed invention. Amgen Inc. v. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd., 580 F.3d 1340, 1366 (Fed.Cir.2009).
Upon review of the record, there is substantial evidence to support the jury's verdict regarding anticipation. VirnetX presented evidence and testimony that the Kiuchi reference failed to disclose
The main dispute between the parties is whether the Kiuchi reference discloses a "secure communication link," i.e. a direct communication. Dr. Alexander opined that the Kiuchi reference does disclose this limitation, because there is direct communication between the clientside proxy and the origin server. See 11/02/12 p.m. TT at 167:22-168:12; 176:10-177:20. However, VirnetX contested this interpretation and presented evidence and testimony to the contrary. Dr. Jones, VirnetX's expert, conceded that while the connection between the clientside proxy and the origin server may be direct, the relevant connection is in fact the connection between the client computer and the origin server. See 11/05/12 p.m. TT at 44:24-45:22. Dr. Jones explained that this connection — the one between the client computer and the origin server — is not direct because the two devices are separated by two HTTP proxy servers. These proxy servers stop and process the communications between the devices before initiating new connections to forward on, thus interrupting any direct connection between the two devices. Docket No. 632 at 20; see 11/05/12 a.m. TT at 92:10-93:4.
Apple contends this distinction is irrelevant, because Dr. Alexander explained that both the user and the client-side proxy could be client computers, as required by the patents-in-suit. Docket No. 623 at 23 (citing 11/05/12 a.m. TT at 47:15-25, 51:18-52:26). However, there was evidence presented that one skilled in the art would not have identified the client-side proxy as a client computer. 11/05/12 a.m. TT at 45:19-50:24; 11/05/12 p.m. at 44:7-44:15. When asked specifically about the connection between the client computer and the origin server, Dr. Alexander failed to explain whether this was truly a direct connection. See 11/05/12 a.m. TT at 65:4-8. Here, the jury was presented with conflicting evidence as to whether the Kiuchi reference disclosed a direct connection, as required by the asserted claims. The jury was free to resolve the dispute in VirnetX's favor or disbelieve Dr. Alexander's testimony regarding the issue.
Additionally, the parties disagree whether the Kiuchi reference actually discloses "a plurality of domain names and corresponding network addresses." Docket No. 623 at 22; Docket No. 641 at 6. At trial, Dr. Jones explained that even though the Kiuchi reference disclosed this limitation, the disclosure should not be considered. See 11/05/12 p.m. TT at 39:11-42:1; 81:10-86:9. Dr. Jones contended that the Kiuchi reference was not enabling, because the system described would not actually work. Dr. Jones stated this error was apparent when one examined the appendix of the Kiuchi reference. Id. Apple argues it was improper for VirnetX's expert, Dr. Jones, to consider extrinsic evidence, when opining that the Kiuchi reference was not an enabling reference. Docket No. 623 at 22.
To anticipate, a prior art reference not only must disclose each and every limitation of the claimed invention, it must also "enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make the invention without undue experimentation." In re Gleave, 560 F.3d 1331 at 1334 (Fed.Cir.2009). "[I]f the allegedly anticipatory disclosures cited as prior art are not enabled," the claimed invention is not anticipated. Elan Pharms., Inc. v. Mayo Foundation for Medical Ed. And Research, 346 F.3d 1051 at 1054 (Fed.Cir.2003). "In order to show that it is entitled to judgment as a matter
For each of the reasons stated above, Apple has not demonstrated it is entitled to judgment as a matter of law as to invalidity.
Apple contends that the Court should grant judgment as a matter of law regarding damages, or in the alternative, order a new trial or a remittitur, because the jury's damages award has no legally sufficient basis and is unsupported by substantial evidence. Docket No. 623 at 25-37. Apple also alleges VirnetX is not entitled to damages prior to when Apple received actual notice of the asserted patents. Id. at 37-39.
A patentee is entitled to damages for infringement under 35 U.S.C. § 284. ("Upon finding for the claimant the court shall award the claimant damages adequate to compensate for the infringement, but in no event less than a reasonable royalty for the use made of the invention by the infringer, together with interest and costs as fixed by the court." Id.). The burden of proving damages falls on the patentee. Dow Chem. Co. v. Mee Indus., Inc., 341 F.3d 1370, 1381 (Fed.Cir. 2003). There are two alternative categories of infringement compensation: the patentee's lost profits, and the reasonable royalty the patentee would have received through arms-length bargaining. Lucent Tech., Inc. v. Gateway, Inc., 580 F.3d 1301, 1324 (Fed.Cir.2009).
To ascertain the reasonable royalty, patentees commonly consider a hypothetical negotiation, in which the asserted patent claims are assumed valid, enforceable, and infringed, and attempt to ascertain the royalty upon which the parties would have agreed had they successfully negotiated an agreement just before infringement began. Id. at 1324-25; see also Rite-Hite Corp. v. Kelley Co., 56 F.3d 1538, 1554 n. 13 (Fed.Cir.1995) (en banc). Calculation of a reasonable royalty requires determination of two separate and distinct amounts: 1) the royalty base, or the revenue pool implicated by the infringement; and 2) the royalty rate, or the percentage of that pool "adequate to compensate" the plaintiff for the infringement. Cornell Univ. v. Hewlett-Packard Co., 609 F.Supp.2d 279, 286 (N.D.N.Y.2009).
The entire market value rule "recognizes that the economic value of a patent may be greater than the value of the sales of the patented part alone." See King Instruments Corp. v. Perego, 65 F.3d 941, 951 n. 5 (Fed.Cir.1995). "The entire market value rule allows a patentee to assess damages based on the entire market value of the accused product [if] the patented feature creates the `basis for customer demand' or `substantially create[s] the value of the component parts.'" Uniloc USA, Inc. v. Microsoft Corp., 632 F.3d 1292, 1318 (Fed.Cir.2011) (citing Lucent, 580 F.3d at 1336). "[T]he patentee ... must in every case give evidence tending to separate or apportion the defendant's
"A district court's duty to remit excessive damages is a procedural issue, not unique to patent law." Imonex Servs., Inc. v. W.H. Munzprufer Dietmar Trenner GMBH, 408 F.3d 1374, 1380 (Fed. Cir.2005). In the Fifth Circuit, a decision on remittitur and new trial is within the sound discretion of the trial court. See Vogler v. Blackmore, 352 F.3d 150, 154 (5th Cir.2003). The standard is highly deferential, and damages are set aside "only upon a clear showing of excessiveness." i4i Ltd. v. Microsoft Corp., 598 F.3d 831, 857 (Fed.Cir.2010) (quoting Duff v. Werner Enters., Inc., 489 F.3d 727, 730 (5th Cir. 2007)). An excessive award exceeds the "maximum amount calculable from the evidence." Carlton v. H.C. Price Co., 640 F.2d 573, 579 (5th Cir.1981).
Apple contends there is no legally sufficient basis to award damages for direct infringement as to the '504, '211, and '135 Patents, because VirnetX failed to demonstrate Apple directly infringed the '504, '211, and '135 Patents. Docket No. 623 at 25. Apple's argument is premised on the Court granting Apple judgment as a matter law as to indirect infringement. Id. at 25-27. Because the Court has already denied this request, Apple's argument regarding any lack of evidence is unpersuasive.
Apple also argues it is entitled to judgment as a matter of law with respect to damages, because VirnetX's damages theory invoked the entire market value rule without complying with the rule, VirnetX's reasonable royalty rate of 1% was not supported by the evidence, and VirnetX's alternative damages model, the Nash Bargaining Solution, does not support the damages award. Docket No. 623 at 27-39.
As an initial matter, the jury departed from both damages models presented at trial. VirnetX's damages model set a floor of $708 million, while Apple proposed a lump sum award of $9.1 million. 11/01/12 p.m. TT at 92:24-93:1; 11/05/12 a.m. TT at 155:19-25. After consideration of the evidence presented at trial, the jury awarded a lump sum of $368,160,000 in damages.
Apple argues that VirnetX invoked the entire market value rule without actually complying with the rule, because Mr. Weinstein, VirnetX's damages expert, considered the entire value of Apple's devices without demonstrating that the accused features created the basis for customer demand or substantially created the value of the component parts. Docket No. 623 at 27. Apple cites to Mr. Weinstein's testimony where he acknowledged that the allegedly infringing features merely contribute
In response, VirnetX argues Apple is misconstruing its damages theory, as VirnetX's primary damages theory sought to determine a reasonable royalty, considering the revenues from the smallest saleable unit of the accused products. Docket No. 632 at 23; see 11/01/12 p.m. TT at 124:13-20. VirnetX never disclosed the entire revenue of Apple's accused devices, but rather used an apportioned base, which excluded roughly 20% of the total revenue from the accused products, when calculating a reasonable royalty. See 11/01/12 p.m. TT at 125:1-22; 128:14-129:8. VirnetX contends it was permissible for its expert to consider the smallest saleable infringing unit when determining the royalty base since the unit had a "close relation to the claimed invention." Docket No. 623 at 25 (quoting Cornell Univ. v. Hewlett-Packard Co., 609 F.Supp.2d 279, 288 (N.D.N.Y.2009)); see LaserDynamics, Inc. v. Quanta Computer, Inc., 694 F.3d 51, 67 (Fed.Cir.2012).
Apple counters that if VirnetX wished to calculate its royalty based on the smallest saleable patent-practicing unit, VirnetX needed to demonstrate a close relation between the accused devices and the patented inventions, which it failed to do here. Docket No. 636 at 11; see 10/31/12 p.m. TT at 17:5-19:8. However, VirnetX did provide some evidence that the infringing features practicing the patented inventions necessarily utilized other aspects of the accused devices. See 10/31/12 a.m. TT at 66:1-22; 89:9-93:6; 100:3-101:22; 106:19-107:2; 11/01/12 a.m. TT at 47:22-55:18.
Additionally while Apple contests the royalty base, it failed to advance a credible alternative. At trial, Apple argued the royalties should be calculated using $29 as the base for all the accused devices. This price was the price of a software upgrade for the Mac computers. See 11/05/12 a.m. TT at 147:16-149:6 (Mr. Vellturo, Apple's damages expert, noting that this upgrade allowed the computers to use the accused features).
In light of the foregoing, VirnetX did not implicitly invoke the entire market value rule in its damages theory.
Apple also contends Mr. Weinstein's proposed 1% royalty rate is unsupported by the evidence. Docket No. 623 at 33. To support his 1% royalty rate, Mr. Weinstein considered several licenses, including the In-Q-Tel license, the SafeNet/SAIC agreement, the SAIC/VirnetX agreement, the Microsoft license, the Aastra license, the Mitel license, and the NEC license. Apple argues that almost all of these licenses should not be considered as they postdate the hypothetical negotiation
Additionally, Apple criticizes Mr. Weinstein's reliance on VirnetX's licensing policy, which it contends at the time of the hypothetical negotiation was merely a "wish" rather than an actual policy. See 11/01/12 p.m. TT at 160:22-161:9. Apple contends there is no evidence that it would have agreed to pay a running royalty in line with this policy, especially in light of the Microsoft agreement, which VirnetX admits did not conform to its licensing policy. 10/31/12 p.m. TT at 137:8-21. Apple also argues Mr. Weinstein did not properly consider Apple's potential non-infringing alternatives. Docket No. 623 at 34. At trial, VirnetX conceded that Apple's FaceTime feature did not infringe the patents-in-suit if the calls were made via a relay server. 11/01/12 a.m. TT at 98:5-14; 99:3-100:1. Even Mr. Weinstein acknowledged the importance of considering non-infringing alternatives in the reasonable royalty analysis. 11/01/12 p.m. TT at 209:2-11. However, Apple argues neither VirnetX nor Mr. Weinstein attempted to assess the feasibility of these alternatives before dismissing their relevancy. Docket No. 623 at 35.
VirnetX did present substantial evidence at trial to support its proposed royalty rate. Mr. Weinstein provided a detailed reasonable royalty analysis to the jury. 11/01/12 a.m. TT at 97:23-122:8. VirnetX presented evidence why such a royalty rate would be justified in light of the value of the technology, noting the accused features were key to Apple attracting potential enterprise customers that valued security in their communications and offered the ease of operation valued by Apple customers. 11/01/12 p.m. TT at 114:1-119:20. Indeed, the accused features have been used extensively by Apple customers, with over 2.6 billion FaceTime calls being made since June 2010. 11/01/12 p.m. TT at 119:13-20. Additionally, VirnetX introduced several license agreements and its own licensing policy to further support the royalty rate. While some of these license agreements postdate the hypothetical negotiation, they help demonstrate what entities would be willing to pay for the technology at issue. See 11/01/12 p.m. TT at 108:7-110:16. VirnetX also introduced evidence related to its own licensing policy, though VirnetX never exclusively relied upon its policy alone to justify the royalty; instead it considered the policy in light of all the other Georgia-Pacific factors. See 11/01/12 p.m. TT at 103:8-19. As to the relevance of non-infringing alternatives, Apple agrees that these alternatives need to be feasible. See Grain Processing Corp. v. American Maize-Prods. Co., 185 F.3d 1341, 1349 (Fed.Cir.1999). Here, VirnetX presented evidence Apple's proposed alternatives were not. While FaceTime calls could go through relay servers, VirnetX established that routing all calls through these servers would not be a viable alternative, in light of the projected costs and downgrade in service. See 11/01/12 p.m. TT at 215:23-216:4; 11/01/12 a.m. TT at 140:4-143:19. In sum, VirnetX presented substantial evidence to support Mr. Weinstein's reasonable royalty rate of 1%.
Apple also attacks Mr. Weinstein's alternative damages theory, based on the
Mr. Weinstein adequately supported his alternative damages theory. First, he calculated the contribution of the "FaceTime" feature to Apple's total profits by estimating the price differential between the accused product and the last previous version of the product not capable of supporting the feature. 11/01/12 p.m. TT at 143:13-144:17; 219:1-6. Mr. Weinstein then reduced this revenue by the percentage of the revenue associated with the addition of the "FaceTime" feature. In this analysis, Mr. Weinstein relied on the price of the camera, because the addition of the camera enabled the feature. See 11/01/12 p.m. TT at 215:18-22. Additionally, Mr. Weinstein accounted for the 45%-55% profit split in his analysis, explaining that VirnetX would have been in a weaker bargaining position at the time of the negotiation because of its financial situation.
Apple also requests that the Court adjust the damages award, because there is no basis to award damages for any period prior to the time Apple received actual notice of the patents-in-suit. Docket No. 623 at 37. Apple argues VirnetX is not entitled to pre-litigation damages in this case because it failed to show Apple knew of the patents prior to the litigation. Id. If the Court finds VirnetX failed to show Apple knew of the patents prior to
However, VirnetX produced evidence that Apple did have pre-suit knowledge of the patents-in-suit. See 11/01/12 a.m. TT at 91:7-92:20 (Dr. Jones explaining that the VirnetX/Microsoft settlement was well publicized and when asked about this settlement, Apple could not deny someone knew about the license at Apple). Even assuming arguendo that VirnetX had failed to demonstrate Apple had actual knowledge of the patents prior to this litigation, VirnetX still produced figures that discounted pre-suit sales. Mr. Weinstein specifically explained that the damages at most would be reduced by $52 million. 11/01/12 p.m. TT at 131:16-134:17. Therefore, there is no basis to grant Apple's request to reduce the jury award.
In light of the foregoing, Apple's request for judgment as a matter of law in regards to damages is
Apple argues, in the alternative, that it should be granted a new trial or remittitur, because: (1) the Court's jury instruction regarding damages was erroneous; (2) Mr. Weinstein's testimony should have been excluded or stricken; (3) the Court did not allow Apple to adequately rebut VirnetX's evidence of inducement; and (4) the verdict is against the greater weight of evidence. Docket No. 623 at 39-49. Apple also requests a new trial or remittitur if the Court finds the claims of either direct or induced infringement are not unsupported by substantial evidence. Id. As previously discussed, there was substantial evidence to support VirnetX's claims of direct and induced infringement; therefore, Apple's request with respect to findings of infringement is
Apple argues the Court erroneously instructed the jury about the royalty base it could consider when awarding damages. Docket No. 623 at 39. The Court gave the following instruction:
Docket No. 597 at 27-28 (emphasis added). Apple contends this instruction allowed the jury to consider the entire value of the accused devices without complying with the entire market value rule. Docket No. 623 at 40-46. While Apple recognizes the concept of a "smallest saleable patent practicing unit," it argues this instruction runs afoul of decades of case law that states the entire value of a product may only be considered "[if] the patented feature creates the `basis for customer demand' or `substantially create[s] the value of the component parts.'" Uniloc USA, Inc. v. Microsoft Corp., 632 F.3d 1292, 1318 (Fed.Cir.2011) (citing Lucent Tech., Inc. v. Gateway, Inc., 580 F.3d 1301, 1336 (Fed.Cir.2009)); Docket No. 632 at 41-45. Apple alleges the Court's error was extremely prejudicial, because it allowed the jury to consider an astronomically large royalty base, thus skewing the damages in VirnetX's favor. Id. at 45.
VirnetX argues that Apple again is conflating the entire market value rule and the smallest saleable patent-practicing unit. Docket No. 632 at 40-45. VirnetX does not argue with Apple about the requirements
In this instance, the Court's instruction was not erroneous. While Apple is correct that the entire market value rule when applied requires a showing by plaintiff that the patented feature either drove demand for the entire product or substantially created the value of the component parts, the Court's instruction explained another alternative when the jury could consider the entire value of a product. There are instances when the smallest saleable patent-practicing unit is the entire product. Depending on the claim language of a patent, it is foreseeable that an entire product is required to practice the invention. See Rite-Hite Corp. v. Kelley Co., 56 F.3d 1538, 1550 ("All the components together must be analogous to components of a single assembly or be parts of a complete machine, or they must constitute a functional unit. Our precedent has not extended liability to include items that have essentially no functional relationship to the patented invention and that may have been sold with an infringing device only as a matter of convenience or business advantage."). Accordingly, the Court's instruction to the jury was proper.
Apple also reasserts its pre-trial Daubert motion and argues the Court erred in not excluding or striking Mr. Weinstein's testimony. Docket No. 623 at 46. To calculate VirnetX's damages, Mr. Weinstein applied several different damages models, including the Nash Bargaining Solution and a reasonably royalty rate based on a hypothetical negotiation. Apple contends Mr. Weinstein relied upon insufficient data and he incorrectly applied these damages models in calculating VirnetX's damages. Id. VirnetX disputes Apple's contentions and argues Mr. Weinstein's calculations were reliable and the Court did not err by admitting his testimony. Docket No. 632 at 46.
The Court has already addressed the sufficiency of Mr. Weinstein's data and the reliability of his alternative damages model. Additionally, prior to the trial, the Court made a preliminary determination that Mr. Weinstein's testimony was admissible because his opinions were well-reasoned and tied to the facts of the case, thus placing the burden on Apple to discredit his testimony at trial. See Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharm., 509 U.S. 579, 595, 113 S.Ct. 2786, 125 L.Ed.2d 469 (1993) ("Vigorous cross-examination, presentation of contrary evidence, and careful instruction on the burden of proof are the traditional and appropriate means of attacking shaky but admissible evidence.") Accordingly, it was proper for Mr. Weinstein to testify.
Apple also argues it is entitled to a new trial because the Court erred in
Apple also contends the Court erred when it prevented Apple from refuting VirnetX's contentions, with evidence Apple initiated re-examinations at the USPTO to contest the validity of the patents-in-suit. Id. Apple argues this error was further compounded by the Court's instruction that the jury could consider "whether or not Apple obtained the advice of a competent lawyer" or "whether or not it knew of the patents or was willfully blind to the patents when designing and manufacturing its products." Docket No. 597 at 17. Without evidence that Apple in fact took steps after learning of VirnetX's allegations of patent infringement, Apple argues the jury had an incomplete and flawed understanding of the facts, which undoubtedly influenced its consideration of VirnetX's claim of induced infringement. Docket No. 623 at 48.
It is within the purview of the Court to exclude highly prejudicial evidence that risks misleading the jury. Id. Here, the re-examinations were still ongoing, meaning there was no final determination by the USPTO with respect to the validity of the patents-in-suit. If evidence of the ongoing re-examinations had been allowed, it could have improperly influenced the jury's decision regarding validity. See Callaway Golf Co. v. Acushnet Co., 576 F.3d 1331, 1342 (Fed.Cir.2009)(finding the district court did not err in excluding evidence of a pending reexamination, noting the risk of jury confusion was high if such evidence was introduced). Apple was free to bring in other evidence that did not risk misleading the jury as to other trial issues to combat VirnetX's allegations of willful blindness. Apple has not established it was an error to exclude evidence of the re-examinations.
Lastly, Apple summarily asks the Court to exercise its discretion and grant a new trial, because the great weight of the evidence supports Apple's contentions that it does not infringe the asserted claims, these claims are invalid, and the damages award is unsupported. For reasons previously stated, the great weight of the evidence does not support Apple's arguments.
In light of the foregoing, Apple's alternative motion for a new trial or remittitur is
In light of the jury's verdict, VirnetX now requests prejudgment and post judgment
Apple does not oppose awarding VirnetX pre-judgment interest, however it disputes which interest rate should be used. Docket No. 630 at 2-4. VirnetX asks the Court to award the Texas statutory interest rate of 5%, compounded quarterly, while Apple has requested the Court award the periodic prime interest rate of 3.25%, compounded quarterly. Docket No. 620 at 5; Docket No. 638 at 2. In keeping with the standard practice of this Court, VirnetX shall be awarded pre-judgment interest on the $368,160,000.00 damage award at the prime rate, compounded quarterly, such that the pre-judgment interest is $8,755,381 through October 31, 2012, with daily interest of $33,561. See Soverain Software LLC v. J.C. Penney Corp., 899 F.Supp.2d 574, 587-88 (E.D.Tex.2012); Clear With Computers, LLC v. Hyundai Motor Am., Inc., No. 6:09-cv-479, slip op. at 14, 2012 WL 8144915 (E.D.Tex. Jan. 9, 2012); Fractus, S.A. v. Samsung Elecs. Co., 876 F.Supp.2d 802, 856 (E.D.Tex.2012); Tele-Cons, et al. v. General Electric Co, et al., No. 6:10-cv-451, slip op. at 2 (E.D.Tex. Sept. 29, 2011); ACQIS LLC v. IBM Corp. et al., No. 6:09-cv-148, slip op. at 1 (E.D.Tex. June 8, 2011).
Apple asks the Court to deny VirnetX's request for post-verdict damages, because it contends VirnetX has grossly overestimated its damages Docket No. 630 at 1. In its original request, VirnetX had extrapolated from Apple's disclosed sales figures to determine the number of sales of accused products post-verdict. Docket No. 620 at 8. Apple contends VirnetX's postverdict damages model overestimates the number of sales post-verdict, because VirnetX improperly assumed the sale of accused products would remain consistent throughout the year. Docket No. 630 at 2. Apple argues this is incorrect, because its release of new products in late 2012 would have decreased the demand for the accused products. Historically, when Apple released a new model, sales of the prior iteration would decline. Therefore, Apple contends VirnetX's request is too high.
At the post-trial hearing, VirnetX emphasized it only had sales information up to June 2012 and therefore could not determine the impact of new products on accused product sales. In light of the ongoing dispute as to how the release of new products would actually affect accused product sales, the Court requested additional briefing on the matter. Docket No. 647. The Court ordered Apple to produce its most current sales data up to December 31, 2012 and ordered VirnetX to file an amended request in light of Apple's new sales figures.
VirnetX amended its request in light of the new data to $330,201 per day from November 6, 2012 through the date of the final judgment. Docket No. 657 at 2. Apple still disputes this figure, claiming VirnetX again did not sufficiently discount the post-verdict damages to reflect the decrease in accused product sales. Docket No. 664 at 2. Apple instead proposes awarding post-verdict damages of $279,229 a day.
VirnetX's request for prejudgment interest and postjudgment interest is
VirnetX also requests an order permanently enjoining Apple from infringing the patents-in-suit. Docket No. 621 at 1.
In determining whether to issue a permanent injunction in patent cases, courts apply the four factor test provided for in eBay, Inc. v. MercExchange, LLC, 547 U.S. 388, 394, 126 S.Ct. 1837, 164 L.Ed.2d 641 (2006). A party is entitled to a permanent injunction only if: "(1) [the party] has suffered an irreparable injury; (2) that remedies at law, such as monetary damages, are inadequate to compensate for that injury; (3) that, considering the balance of hardships between the [parties],
VirnetX argues Apple's infringement irreparably harmed the company, because Apple's infringement prevented VirnetX from releasing its own technology, the Gabriel technology. Docket No. 621 at 4. VirnetX has been developing this technology, which practices the claimed invention and in VirnetX's opinion, could be implemented by Apple to replace Apple's infringing software and servers. Id. at 4, 6; see 10/31/12 a.m. TT at 119:9:123-1. VirnetX contends that Apple's infringement prevented the company's entrance into the market, because Apple's infringing products have saturated the market, thus making it impossible for VirnetX to compete. Id. at 4-5.
Additionally, Apple's decision to infringe VirnetX's patents instead of licensing the Gabriel technology prevented the implementation of VirnetX's technology on millions of devices. Id. at 6. Specifically, VirnetX asserts an agreement between Apple and VirnetX would have given VirnetX a "beachhead in the industry." Id. This "beachhead" would have allowed VirnetX to "scale [its] infrastructure," "hire more developers," and provided VirnetX "a venue for participating in this technology and seeing it go out into the — into the marketplace." Id. at 6 (quoting 10/31/12 a.m. TT at 118:17-119:4).
Apple counters that VirnetX has not been irreparably harmed, because VirnetX has misrepresented the nature of the Gabriel technology, and VirnetX has not demonstrated its failure to succeed in the market is a result of Apple's alleged infringement. Docket No. 631 at 2-7. Apple disputes the relevance of VirnetX's Gabriel technology in the analysis, since the product is not even commercially available. Id. at 4. In the absence of any commercially available product, Apple contends VirnetX cannot allege it has been irreparably harmed, because VirnetX does not compete with Apple products. Id. at 3-4. Without a product, VirnetX cannot allege it has lost market share, brand recognition, or customer goodwill. Id. at 3. Even if VirnetX did have a product, Apple contends VirnetX would not directly compete with Apple, since Apple sells hardware whereas products implementing the patents-in-suit would cover software. Id. at 3-4.
Additionally, Apple argues VirnetX has failed to prove Apple's infringement affected VirnetX's presence in the marketplace. First, Apple contends there is no evidence that demonstrates Apple's infringement prevented VirnetX's entrance into the market. Docket No. 631 at 5. VirnetX has acknowledged that its Gabriel technology is capable of running on other operating systems, such as the Android operating system. Id. at 6; See 10/31/12 a.m. TT at 120:2-6; 120:16-121:5; 10/31/12 p.m. TT at 10:12-18. However, there is nothing in the record to suggest VirnetX was unable to sell its technology or license its patents to other smartphone, tablet or computer manufacturers, because of Apple's infringement. Id. at 5-6; see 10/31/12 a.m. TT at 130:12-132:12. In fact, VirnetX entered licensing agreements after June 2009, the time when Apple began selling the accused products. Id. at 5.
VirnetX's Gabriel technology is currently unavailable commercially. See 10/31/12 p.m. TT at 11:15-12:11 (Dr. Short stating there are no commercial implementations of the Gabriel technology currently, no companies are running their own beta testing of the product, and there has only been internal testing of the product). Even assuming VirnetX's technology was available for purchase, Apple does not directly compete with VirnetX. Apple sells phones, not security software. Additionally, Apple's sale of cell phones has not restricted VirnetX's ability to market and sell its Gabriel technology to other tablet, cellphone or computer manufacturers. VirnetX's damages are limited to the loss of Apple as a customer.
VirnetX has also argued the loss of Apple as a licensee further impacted its ability to establish itself in the marketplace. While evidence of past harm can be considered by the Court, the Court cannot engage in counterfactual thinking and determine what might have been. See i4i Ltd. P'ship v. Microsoft Corp., 598 F.3d 831, 861 (Fed.Cir.2010). Assuming Apple could have implemented VirnetX's technology for all the accused products, and assuming Apple would have decided to license the technology, one cannot say this would have guaranteed VirnetX's success. In absence of any evidence, Apple cannot be held solely responsible for VirnetX's failure to obtain a foothold in the market.
Here, Apple's infringement has caused VirnetX to lose Apple as a licensee, which can be remedied with monetary damages. VirnetX is not excluded from selling or licensing its products to other companies in the market and has not suffered any loss of good will, lost profits or market share. Accordingly, VirnetX has not demonstrated that it will suffer irreparable harm absent a permanent injunction and that monetary damages are an insufficient remedy.
VirnetX has not demonstrated that Apple's infringement is responsible for VirnetX's failure to enter and be successful in the marketplace. Apple's sale of infringing products has not restricted VirnetX's ability to approach other companies or sell its products to consumers. Additionally, while a licensing agreement between Apple and VirnetX may have boosted VirnetX's position in the market, there is no evidence demonstrating that VirnetX lost goodwill because of Apple's infringement.
With respect to Apple, while throughout the trial it attempted to minimize the importance of the infringing features in its products, Apple still bears a considerable burden to comply with the proposed injunction. The most recent estimates project the cost to comply at $50.8 million. Docket No. 653, Ex. 2 at 2; Id., Ex. 3 at 3. Additionally, though VirnetX only seeks to enjoin the use of the infringing feature and
Accordingly, VirnetX's Motion for a Permanent Injunction is
If the Court does not grant a permanent injunction against Apple, VirnetX "requests that the Court order the parties to negotiate a license regarding Apple's future use of VirnetX's patented technology." Docket No. 621 at 18. If the parties fail to reach an agreement, VirnetX then asks that Court to impose an ongoing royalty. Id. The Federal Circuit has encouraged courts to allow the parties to negotiate a license amongst themselves regarding the future use of a patented technology prior to the court imposing a royalty. See Paice LLC v. Toyota Motor Corp., 504 F.3d 1293, 1315 (Fed.Cir.2007); Telcordia Techs., Inc. v. Cisco Sys., Inc., 612 F.3d 1365, 1378-79 (Fed.Cir.2010).
Accordingly, to provide finality to the trial, the Court
VirnetX requests attorneys' fees in light of Apple's litigation misconduct and the Read factors. VirnetX also asks for entry of judgment against Apple and specifically requests judgment against Apple on Apple's defenses and counterclaims that were pending at the time of trial, but were not actually presented to the jury.
Attorneys' fees and costs may be awarded in "exceptional cases" to the "prevailing party." 35 U.S.C. § 285. Awarding attorneys' fees under § 285 is a two-step process. Cybor Corp. v. FAS Tech., 138 F.3d 1448, 1460 (Fed.Cir.1998). "First, the district court must determine whether a case is exceptional, a factual determination reviewed for clear error. After determining that a case is exceptional, the district court must determine whether attorney fees are appropriate." Id. (internal citation omitted); Delta-X Corp. v. Baker Hughes Prod. Tools, Inc., 984 F.2d 410, 413 (Fed.Cir.1993).
"Exceptional cases usually feature some material, inappropriate conduct related to the matter in litigation, such as willful infringement, fraud or inequitable conduct in procuring the patent, misconduct during litigation, vexatious or unjustified litigation, conduct that violated Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11, or like infractions." Serio-US Indus., Inc. v. Plastic Recovery Techs. Corp., 459 F.3d 1311, 1321-22 (Fed.Cir.2006). "[E]xceptional cases" may, but are not required to, include the jury's finding of willfulness. Insituform Techs., Inc. v. Cat Contracting, Inc., 518 F.Supp.2d 876, 895
VirnetX argues Apple's litigation misconduct and the application of some Read factors make this case exceptional. Docket No. 625 at 2, 11. Specifically, VirnetX claims Apple disregarded the Court's orders on several occasions, urged meritless defenses, concealed its primary infringement defense until the eve of trial, contradicted prior representations it made to the Court, failed to comply with the local rules during discovery, and generally acted like a knave. Id. at 3-11. Apple disputes VirnetX's claims, alleging VirnetX greatly exaggerates and misrepresents Apple's behavior. Docket No. 629 at 1.
Although, Apple failed to always act as professional as this Court expects
Additionally, VirnetX urges the Court to award attorneys' fees because of Apple's size and financial condition, the duration of Apple's misconduct, Apple's failure to take remedial action, and the outcome of the case. Id. at 11-13. The application of the Read factors in the absence of a finding of willful infringement does not support declaring this an exceptional case. Accordingly, the Court
VirnetX also requests the Court to enter judgment on all of Apple's invalidity defenses and counterclaims, including Apple's prior art references, which Apple asserted up to the time of trial, but never presented to the jury. Docket No. 625 at 13. VirnetX contends judgment should be entered because there was still an actual controversy as to the validity of every claim of the patents-in-suit at the time of trial.
In patent cases, "the existence of a case or controversy must be evaluated on a claim-by-claims." Jervis B. Webb Co. v. So. Sys., Inc., 742 F.2d 1388, 1399 (Fed. Cir.1984). Additionally, the existence of a case or controversy "must exist at all stages of review, not merely at the time the complaint [was] filed." Streck, Inc. v. Research & Diagnostic Sys., 665 F.3d 1269, 1282 (Fed.Cir.2012)(original citations omitted). Thus, there must be a showing that a "continuing case or controversy with respect to withdrawn or otherwise unasserted claims" still exists. Id. at 1283.
Here, Apple only presented an anticipation defense to the jury, and only with respect to the claims asserted by VirnetX at trial. Apple presented no other evidence at trial regarding its other invalidity theories and prior art references. The Court cannot and will not enter judgment upon claims and defenses that were not presented for consideration to the jury. There is no basis to enter such a judgment, no more than there is a basis to enter judgment of non-infringement for Apple as to VirnetX's unasserted claims. See Connell v. Sears, Roebuck & Co., 722 F.2d 1542, 1553 (Fed.Cir.1983); Datascope Corp. v. SMEC, Inc., 776 F.2d 320, 327 (Fed.Cir.1985)(noting that references in pleadings do not support a judgment that particular claims are invalid when "the validity of those claims were not litigated by the parties at trial"); Nordisk Pharm., Inc. v. Bio-Technology Gen. Corp., 424 F.3d 1347, 1356 (Fed.Cir.2005) (vacating the district court's order invalidating a claim not litigated at trial). The Court encourages and requires the parties to narrow their case for trial. Accordingly, the Court will not penalize such attempts to narrow issues by entering judgment on issues not presented at trial.
In light of the foregoing, VirnetX's Motion for Entry of Judgment on the Jury Verdict, Request for Attorneys' Fees, and Judgment against Apple on Apple's Late-Abandoned Counterclaims and Defenses, including all of Apple's Alleged Prior Art References is
Accordingly, Apple's Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law under Rule 50(b) or, in the alternative, for a New Trial or a Remittitur is