throbber
Case 2:14-cv-03113-JAK-JEM Document 44 Filed 10/06/14 Page 1 of 67 Page ID #:454
`
`
`Ryan K. Yagura (SBN 197619)
`ryagura@omm.com
`Kevin Murray (SBN 275186)
`kmurray2@omm.com
`O’MELVENY & MYERS LLP
`400 South Hope Street
`Los Angeles, CA 90071
`Telephone: (213) 430-6189
`Facsimile: (213) 430-6407
`
`Michael J. Lennon (pro hac vice)
`mlennon@kenyon.com
`KENYON & KENYON LLP
`One Broadway
`New York, NY 10004
`Telephone: (212) 425-7200
`Facsimile: (212) 425-5288
`
`Attorneys for Defendants Volkswagen
`Group of America, Inc. and Bentley Motors, Inc.
`
`
`SIGNAL IP, INC.,
`Plaintiff,
`
`UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
`CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
`WESTERN DIVISION – LOS ANGELES
`
`
`Case No. CV 14-03113 JAK(JEMx)
`DEFENDANTS’ ANSWER TO
`PLAINTIFF’S FIRST AMENDED
`COMPLAINT
`THE HONORABLE JOHN A.
`KRONSTADT
`JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
`
`v.
`
`VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF
`AMERICA, INC., d/b/a. AUDI OF
`AMERICA, INC., and BENTLEY
`MOTORS, INC.,
`Defendants.
`
`
`
`DEFENDANTS’ ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF’S
`FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
`
`
`
`
`
`CASE NO. CV 14-03113 JAK(JEMX)
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`

`
`
`
`Case 2:14-cv-03113-JAK-JEM Document 44 Filed 10/06/14 Page 2 of 67 Page ID #:455
`
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`
`
`Defendants Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Bentley Motors, Inc.
`(“VWGoA” and “Bentley”) through their attorneys, answer the First Amended
`
`Complaint for Patent Infringement (D.E. 34, the “First Amended Complaint”) of
`plaintiff Signal IP, Inc. (“Signal”) as follows:
`
`
`PARTIES
`1.
`Plaintiff Signal IP is a California corporation with its principal place of
`business at 11100 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 380, Los Angeles, CA 90025.
`Response to Paragraph 1:
`
`Admitted.
`
`2.
`On information and belief, Defendant Volkswagen Group of America,
`Inc., d/b/a Audi of America, Inc. is a New Jersey corporation with its principal
`place of business at 2200 Ferdinand Porsche Drive, Herndon, VA 20171.
`Response to Paragraph 2:
`
`Admitted that Audi of America, Inc. is a registered trade name of
`Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., which is a New Jersey corporation having its
`principal place of business at 2200 Ferdinand Porsche Drive, Herndon, Virginia
`20171.
`
`3.
`On information and belief, Defendant Bentley Motors, Inc. is a
`Delaware corporation with its principal place of business at 2200 Ferdinand
`Porsche Drive, Herndon, VA 20171.
`Response to Paragraph 3:
`
`Admitted.
`
`
`DEFENDANTS’ ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF’S
`FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
`
`
`
`- 1 -
`
`CASE NO. CV 14-03113 JAK(JEMX)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`
`
`Case 2:14-cv-03113-JAK-JEM Document 44 Filed 10/06/14 Page 3 of 67 Page ID #:456
`
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`
`
`4.
`On information and belief, Defendants are part of an integrated
`automotive group that manufactures and distributes cars under brand names
`
`including “Audi”, “Volkswagen”, and “Bentley.”
`Response to Paragraph 4:
`
`Admitted that VWGoA and Bentley, respectively, import Volkswagen
`and Audi, and Bentley, brand automobiles into the United States, and respectively
`sell Volkswagen and Audi, and Bentley, brand automobiles to dealers in the United
`States; otherwise denied.
`
`
`JURISDICTION VENUE AND JOINDER
`5.
`This action arises under the patent laws of the United States, Title 35
`of the United States Code. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction pursuant to 28
`U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 1338(a).
`Response to Paragraph 5:
`Admitted.
`
`
`6.
`This Court has personal jurisdiction over Defendants. Defendants
`have conducted extensive commercial activities and continue to conduct extensive
`commercial activities within the State of California. Defendants are registered to
`do business in California. Additionally, on information and belief, Defendants,
`directly and/or through intermediaries (including Defendants’ entities, subsidiaries,
`distributors, sales agents, partners and others), distribute, offer for sale, sell, and/or
`advertise their products (including but not limited to the products and services that
`are accused of infringement in this lawsuit) in the United States, in the State of
`California, and in this judicial district, under the “Audi”, “Volkswagen”, and
`“Bentley” brand names. Defendants have purposefully and voluntarily placed one
`or more of their infringing products and services into the stream of commerce with
`
`DEFENDANTS’ ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF’S
`FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
`
`
`
`- 2 -
`
`CASE NO. CV 14-03113 JAK(JEMX)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`
`
`Case 2:14-cv-03113-JAK-JEM Document 44 Filed 10/06/14 Page 4 of 67 Page ID #:457
`
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`
`
`the expectation that the products and services will be purchased or used by
`customers in California and within this judicial district. Accordingly, Defendants
`
`have infringed Signal IP’s patents within the State of California and in this judicial
`district as alleged in more detail below.
`Response to Paragraph 6:
`Denied.
`
`
`7.
`Venue is proper in this district under 28 U.S.C. §§ 1391 and 1400(b).
`Response to Paragraph 7:
`
`Denied.
`
`
`
`BACKGROUND
`8.
`Signal IP, Inc. is a California corporation with a principal place of
`business at 11100 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 380, Los Angeles, CA 90025. It is the
`owner of the entire right, title and interest in and to U.S. Patent Nos. 5,714,927;
`5,732,375; 5,954,775; 6,012,007; 6,434,486; and 6,775,601 (the “Patents-in-Suit”),
`including the right to recover for past, present and future infringement.
`Response to Paragraph 8:
`
`Admitted that plaintiff Signal IP, Inc. is a California corporation with a
`principal place of business at 11100 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 380, Los Angeles,
`CA 90025; otherwise denied.
`
`9.
`indirect
`information and belief, Defendants are direct or
`On
`subsidiaries of global car manufacturer and distributor Volkswagen AG, which is
`headquartered in Germany. Volkswagen AG manufactures and distributes cars
`under brand names including “Audi”, “Volkswagen”, and “Bentley.”
`
`DEFENDANTS’ ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF’S
`FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
`
`
`
`- 3 -
`
`CASE NO. CV 14-03113 JAK(JEMX)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`
`
`Case 2:14-cv-03113-JAK-JEM Document 44 Filed 10/06/14 Page 5 of 67 Page ID #:458
`
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`
`Response to Paragraph 9:
`
`Admitted that VWGoA is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG of
`
`Wolfsburg, Germany, that Bentley is a subsidiary of VWGoA, and that subsidiaries
`of Volkswagen AG manufacture and distribute Volkswagen, Audi, and Bentley
`brand vehicles; otherwise denied.
`
`10. Defendants have knowledge of each of the Patents-in-Suit, and have
`had the specific knowledge that their products and services described below
`infringe the Patents-in-Suit, since at least the filing of the complaint in this action
`on April 23, 2014, which was served on Defendants on April 30, 2014. Signal IP
`gives and has given Defendants notice of its infringement of the Patents-in-Suit.
`Response to Paragraph 10:
`
`Admitted that Signal filed a Complaint for infringement of the Patents-
`in-Suit against VWGoA and Bentley on April 23, 2014, which was served on
`VWGoA and Bentley on April 30, 2014; otherwise denied.
`
`11. Signal IP has also already served Defendants with its Asserted Claims
`and Infringement Contentions pursuant to Standing Patent Rule §§ 2.1 and 2.2 (the
`“Infringement Contentions”), on July 8, 2014. The Infringement Contentions
`provide Defendants with notice of each claim of each patent in suit that is
`infringing [sic], and separately for each asserted claim, identify each accused
`instrumantality [sic] in a manner that is as specific as is reasonably possible. The
`Infringement Contentions also identify specifically where each limitation of each
`asserted claim is found within each accused instrumentality, and identify the basis
`for Signal IP’s allegations of willful infringement. The Infringement Contentions
`set forth Signal IP’s allegations of infringement in this matter.
`
`DEFENDANTS’ ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF’S
`FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
`
`
`
`- 4 -
`
`CASE NO. CV 14-03113 JAK(JEMX)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`
`
`Case 2:14-cv-03113-JAK-JEM Document 44 Filed 10/06/14 Page 6 of 67 Page ID #:459
`
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`
`Response to Paragraph 11:
`
`Admitted
`that Signal served Plaintiff’s Asserted Claims and
`
`Infringement Contentions (S.P.R. §§ 2.1 and 2.2) on July 7, 2014; otherwise
`denied.
`
`
`
`FIRST CLAIM FOR RELIEF
`(INFRINGEMENT OF THE ’927 PATENT)
`12. Plaintiff incorporates all previous paragraphs of this complaint as if set
`forth in full herein.
`Response to Paragraph 12:
`
`VWGoA and Bentley re-allege and incorporate by reference their
`responses to all previous paragraphs of the First Amended Complaint, as if fully set
`forth herein.
`
`13. Signal IP is the owner of the entire right, title, and interest in and to
`U.S. Patent No. 5,714,927 (the ’927 Patent), entitled “Method of Improving Zone
`of Coverage Response of Automotive Radar.” The ’927 Patent was duly and
`legally issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on February 3, 1998. A
`true and correct copy of the ’927 Patent is attached as Exhibit A.
`Response to Paragraph 13:
`
`Admitted that United States Patent No. 5,714,927 (the “’927 Patent”)
`is entitled “Method of Improving Zone of Coverage Response of Automotive
`Radar,” that the ’927 Patent states on its face that it was issued by the United States
`Patent and Trademark Office on February 3, 1998, and that a copy of the ’927
`Patent is attached as Exhibit A to the First Amended Complaint; otherwise denied.
`
`
`DEFENDANTS’ ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF’S
`FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
`
`
`
`- 5 -
`
`CASE NO. CV 14-03113 JAK(JEMX)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`
`
`Case 2:14-cv-03113-JAK-JEM Document 44 Filed 10/06/14 Page 7 of 67 Page ID #:460
`
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`
`14. On information and belief, Defendants have been and are directly
`infringing, inducing others to infringe, and/or contributorily infringing, literally,
`
`under the doctrine of equivalents, and/or jointly, one or more claims of the ’927
`Patent, including, but not limited to, claims 1, 2 and 6 (“the ’927 Patent Asserted
`Claims”), in the State of California, in this judicial district, and elsewhere in the
`United States by, among other things, importing, making, using, offering for sale,
`and/or selling in the United States certain methods or systems disclosed and
`claimed in the ’927 Patent, including, but not limited to, the Active Blind Spot
`Assist system, used in products including, but not limited to, to the Audi A3, A4,
`A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan/Avant, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q3, Q5, Q7, Q5 Hybrid, S4, S5, S5
`Cabriolet, S6, S7, S8, SQ5, RS5, and RS7, and the Volkswagen CC, Touareg,
`Phaeton, and Touareg Hybrid (collectively, the accused products and features are
`referred to herein as “the ’927 Patent Accused Instrumentalities,” although the
`accused instrumentalities and asserted claims have been formally identified in
`Signal IP’s Infringement Contentions).
`Response to Paragraph 14:
`
`Denied.
`
`15. The ’927 Patent Accused Instrumentalities are described or have been
`described at least in part online at:
`http://www.audiusanews.com/newsrelease.do?&id=2757&allImage=1&tease
`r=driver-assistance-systems∣ and
`http://en.volkswagen.com/en/innovation-and-
`technology/technicalglossary/spurwechselassistentsideassist.html.
`
`
`
`
`
`DEFENDANTS’ ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF’S
`FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
`
`
`
`- 6 -
`
`CASE NO. CV 14-03113 JAK(JEMX)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`
`
`Case 2:14-cv-03113-JAK-JEM Document 44 Filed 10/06/14 Page 8 of 67 Page ID #:461
`
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`
`Response to Paragraph 15:
`
`Admitted that the accused methods and systems of Volkswagen, Audi,
`
`and Bentley brand vehicles are described in documents produced in this litigation;
`otherwise denied.
`
`16. As described below
`the Infringement Contentions,
`in
`in and
`Volkswagen includes a radar system where a host vehicle uses radar to detect a
`target vehicle in a blind spot of the host vehicle driver which improves the
`perceived zone of coverage response of automotive radar. Volkswagen determines
`the relative speed of the host and target vehicles and selects a variable sustain time
`as a function of relative vehicle speed. Volkswagen detects target vehicle presence
`and produces an alert command. Volkswagen activates an alert signal in response
`to the alert command. At the end of the alert command, Volkswagen determines
`whether the alert signal was active for a threshold time and if the alert signal was
`active for the threshold time, Volkswagen sustains the alert signal for the variable
`sustain time; where the zone of coverage appears to increase according to the
`variable sustain time.
`Response to Paragraph 16:
`
`Denied.
`
`17. According to Defendants’ website or documentation, Defendants’ Side
`Assist system “monitors traffic behind the vehicle and warns the driver of critical
`lane changes as necessary” through the use of “[t]wo radar systems at the rear
`[which] scan the areas up to around 50 metres behind the vehicle and in the blind
`spots to the sides.”
`
`DEFENDANTS’ ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF’S
`FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
`
`
`
`- 7 -
`
`CASE NO. CV 14-03113 JAK(JEMX)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`
`
`Case 2:14-cv-03113-JAK-JEM Document 44 Filed 10/06/14 Page 9 of 67 Page ID #:462
`
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`
`Response to Paragraph 17:
`
`Admitted that the accused methods and systems of Volkswagen, Audi,
`
`and Bentley brand vehicles are described in documents produced in this litigation;
`otherwise denied.
`
`18. According to Defendants’ website or documentation, “[t]he Side
`Assist] system begins to operate at a speed of about 30 km/h (18.64 mph).” At that
`speed, a computer evaluates the data from the rear radar sensors. If the sensors
`“detect another vehicle that is in the critical zone – that is, traveling in the blind
`spot or quickly approaching from behind – the information stage is activated.”
`Response to Paragraph 18:
`
`Admitted that the accused methods and systems of Volkswagen, Audi,
`and Bentley brand vehicles are described in documents produced in this litigation;
`otherwise denied.
`
`19. According to Defendants’ website or documentation, “Side Assist
`signals any vehicle which is in the critical zone for a lane change, regardless of
`whether a lane change is in progress or not. (¶ ) The system draws the driver’s
`attention to the potential danger with a light that comes on in the exterior mirror on
`the side in question. (¶ ) If the driver nevertheless signals to change lane, the same
`LED light starts to flash more brightly and draws attention to the danger.”
`Response to Paragraph 19:
`
`Admitted that the accused methods and systems of Volkswagen, Audi,
`and Bentley brand vehicles are described in documents produced in this litigation;
`otherwise denied.
`
`
`DEFENDANTS’ ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF’S
`FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
`
`
`
`- 8 -
`
`CASE NO. CV 14-03113 JAK(JEMX)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`
`
`Case 2:14-cv-03113-JAK-JEM Document 44 Filed 10/06/14 Page 10 of 67 Page ID #:463
`
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`
`20. According to Defendants’ website or documentation, “[i]nstead of
`distracting the driver with unnecessary warnings, allowance is always made for the
`
`relative difference in vehicle speeds. Side Assist only gives a warning for vehicles
`that could actually be a risk if the driver were to make a lane change.”
`Response to Paragraph 20:
`
`Admitted that the accused methods and systems of Volkswagen, Audi,
`and Bentley brand vehicles are described in documents produced in this litigation;
`otherwise denied.
`
`In addition to their own direct infringement, Defendants have also
`21.
`been and are inducing and/or contributing to the direct infringement of the ’927
`Patent by at least, but not limited to, customers of Defendants, partners of
`Defendants, and/or end-users of Defendants’ products, including, but not limited to,
`the ’927 Patent Accused Instrumentalities (“the ’927 Patent Third Party
`Infringers”), who directly implement, use or otherwise participate in the use of the
`’927 Patent Accused Instrumentalities, which have no substantial non-infringing
`uses, by at least the following affirmative acts: (1) advertising in public and
`marketing the features, benefits and availability of the ’927 Patent Accused
`Instrumentalities; (2) promoting the adoption and use of the ’927 Accused
`Instrumentalities; and (3) providing instructions on how to use the ’927 Patent
`Accused Instrumentalities.
`Response to Paragraph 21:
`
`Denied.
`
`infringe by actively, knowingly, and/or
`indirectly
` Defendants
`22.
`intentionally inducing or contributing to infringement of one or more of the claims
`of the ’927 Patent, including, but not limited to, the ’927 Patent Asserted Claims,
`
`DEFENDANTS’ ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF’S
`FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
`
`
`
`- 9 -
`
`CASE NO. CV 14-03113 JAK(JEMX)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`
`
`Case 2:14-cv-03113-JAK-JEM Document 44 Filed 10/06/14 Page 11 of 67 Page ID #:464
`
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`
`
`by a third party, including, but not limited to, the ’927 Patent Third Party Infringers,
`who directly implement, use or otherwise participate in the use of the ’927 Patent
`
`Accused Instrumentalities. On information and belief, Defendants actively,
`knowingly, and/or intentionally induce the use of the ’927 Patent Accused
`Instrumentalities by the ’927 Patent Third Party Infringers, and provide or
`otherwise implement material components of one or more claims of the ’927 Patent,
`including, but not limited to, the ’927 Patent Asserted Claims, which were
`especially made or adapted for use in the infringement of the ’927 Patent claims,
`including, but not limited to, the ’927 Patent Asserted Claims, and are not a staple
`article or commodity of commerce suitable for substantial non-infringing uses.
`Defendants know and have known that the combination for which their infringing
`components,
`including, but not
`limited
`to,
`the
`’927 Patent Accused
`Instrumentalities, were especially made or adapted are both patented and infringing.
`Response to Paragraph 22:
`
`Denied.
`
`23. Defendants’ infringement of the ’927 Patent has been and continues to
`be willful, rendering this case exceptional within the meaning of 35 U.S.C. § 285.
`With knowledge of the Patents-in-Suit, as described above, Defendants have
`continued their infringing actions, as described above, despite an objectively high
`likelihood (and affirmative allegations) that these actions constitute infringement of
`the Patents-in-Suit. This objectively defined risk was known to Defendants, and so
`obvious that it should have been known to Defendants.
`Response to Paragraph 23:
`
`No response required. The claims for willful infringement in the First
`Amended Complaint have been dismissed for failing to state a claim for relief.
`
`
`DEFENDANTS’ ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF’S
`FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
`
`
`
`- 10 -
`
`CASE NO. CV 14-03113 JAK(JEMX)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`
`
`Case 2:14-cv-03113-JAK-JEM Document 44 Filed 10/06/14 Page 12 of 67 Page ID #:465
`
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`
`
`24. As a direct and proximate result of the Defendants’ conduct, Plaintiff
`has suffered, and will continue to suffer, irreparable injury for which it has no
`
`adequate remedy at law. Plaintiff also has been damaged and, until an injunction
`issues, will continue to be damaged in an amount yet to be determined.
`Response to Paragraph 24:
`
`Denied.
`
`
`SECCOND CLAIM FOR RELIEF
`(INFRINGEMENT OF THE ’375 PATENT)
`25. Plaintiff incorporates all previous paragraphs of this complaint as if set
`forth in full herein.
`Response to Paragraph 25:
`
`VWGoA and Bentley re-allege and incorporate by reference their
`responses to all previous paragraphs of the First Amended Complaint, as if fully set
`forth herein.
`
`26. Signal IP is the owner of the entire right, title, and interest in and to
`U.S. Patent No. 5,732,375 (the ’375 Patent), entitled “Method of Inhibiting or
`Allowing Airbag Deployment.” The ’375 Patent was duly and legally issued by the
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on March 24, 1998. A true and correct copy of
`the ’375 Patent is attached as Exhibit B.
`Response to Paragraph 26:
`
`Admitted that United States Patent No. 5,732,375 (the “’375 Patent”)
`is entitled “Method of Inhibiting or Allowing Airbag Deployment,” that the ’375
`Patent states on its face that it was issued by the United States Patent and
`Trademark Office on March 24, 1998, and that a copy of the ’375 Patent is attached
`as Exhibit B to the First Amended Complaint; otherwise denied.
`
`DEFENDANTS’ ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF’S
`FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
`
`
`
`- 11 -
`
`CASE NO. CV 14-03113 JAK(JEMX)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`
`
`Case 2:14-cv-03113-JAK-JEM Document 44 Filed 10/06/14 Page 13 of 67 Page ID #:466
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`
`
`
`
`27. On information and belief, Defendants have been and are directly
`
`infringing, inducing others to infringe, and/or contributorily infringing, literally,
`under the doctrine of equivalents, and/or jointly, one or more claims of the ’375
`Patent, including, but not limited to, claims 1 and 7 (“the ’375 Patent Asserted
`Claims”), in the State of California, in this judicial district, and elsewhere in the
`United States by, among other things, importing, making, using, offering for sale,
`and/or selling in the United States certain methods or systems disclosed and
`claimed in the ’375 Patent, including, but not limited to, the Seat Occupancy
`Sensor, used in products including but not limited to the Audi A6 and S6
`(collectively, the accused products and features are referred to herein as “the ’375
`Patent Accused Instrumentalities,” although the accused instrumentalities and
`asserted claims have been formally identified in Signal IP’s Infringement
`Contentions).
`Response to Paragraph 27:
`
`Denied.
`
`28. The ’375 Patent Accused Instrumentalities are described or have been
`described at least in part online at:
`http://www.volkspage.net/technik/ssp/ssp/SSP_361.pdf; and
`http://parts.audiusa.com/parts/2011/Audi/A6%20Quattro/Avant?siteid=16&v
`ehicleid=314382&diagram=1352455&diagramCallOut=25
`Response to Paragraph 28:
`
`Admitted that the accused methods and systems of Volkswagen, Audi,
`and Bentley brand vehicles are described in documents produced in this litigation;
`otherwise denied.
`
`
`
`
`DEFENDANTS’ ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF’S
`FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
`
`
`
`- 12 -
`
`CASE NO. CV 14-03113 JAK(JEMX)
`
`

`
`
`
`Case 2:14-cv-03113-JAK-JEM Document 44 Filed 10/06/14 Page 14 of 67 Page ID #:467
`
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`
`
` As described below and in the Infringement Contentions, the Audi
`29.
`Seat Occupancy Sensor (“SOS”) provides airbag control in a vehicle having an
`
`array of force sensors on the passenger seat coupled to a controller for determining
`whether to allow airbag deployment based on sensed force. SOS measures the
`force detected by each sensor and calculates the total force of the sensor array.
`SOS allows deployment if the total force is above a total threshold force. SOS
`defines a plurality of seat areas, and has at least one sensor located in each seat
`area. SOS determines the existence of a local pressure area when the calculated
`total force is concentrated in one of said seat areas. SOS calculates a local force as
`the sum of forces sensed by each sensor located in the seat area in which the total
`force is concentrated. SOS allows deployment if the local force is greater than a
`predefined seat area threshold force.
`Response to Paragraph 29:
`
`Denied.
`
`30. According to Defendants’ website or documentation, “[t]he front
`passenger side seat occupied sensor consists of a plastic film incorporating several
`individual pressure sensors. The front passenger side seat occupied sensor is
`located in the front passenger seat, between the seat cover and padding. The seat
`occupied sensor extends across the rear part of the front passenger seat and is
`positioned such that the relevant area of the seat surface is monitored.”
`Response to Paragraph 30:
`
`Admitted that the accused methods and systems of Volkswagen, Audi,
`and Bentley brand vehicles are described in documents produced in this litigation;
`otherwise denied.
`
`
`DEFENDANTS’ ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF’S
`FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
`
`
`
`- 13 -
`
`CASE NO. CV 14-03113 JAK(JEMX)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`
`
`Case 2:14-cv-03113-JAK-JEM Document 44 Filed 10/06/14 Page 15 of 67 Page ID #:468
`
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`
`
` According to Defendants’ website or documentation, “[t]he seat
`31.
`occupied recognition control unit J706 evaluates the signals from the pressure
`
`sensor for seat occupied recognition G452. . . . Based on the signal from the
`pressure sensor for seat occupied recognition, the seat occupied recognition control
`unit determines the load on the front passenger seat.”
`Response to Paragraph 31:
`
`Admitted that the accused methods and systems of Volkswagen, Audi,
`and Bentley brand vehicles are described in documents produced in this litigation;
`otherwise denied.
`
`32. According to Defendants’ website or documentation, “[d]epending on
`the load, the resistance value of the front passenger side seat occupied sensor is
`modified. When the front passenger seat is not occupied, the resistance value of the
`front passenger side seat occupied sensor G128 is high. As the load increases, the
`resistance value falls. Above a load of approx. 5 kg, the airbag control unit detects
`‘seat occupied’.”
`Response to Paragraph 32:
`
`Admitted that the accused methods and systems of Volkswagen, Audi,
`and Bentley brand vehicles are described in documents produced in this litigation;
`otherwise denied.
`
`33. According to Defendants’ website or documentation, for the “[f]ront
`passenger side seat occupied sensor”, “[i]f the airbag control unit J234 receives the
`information that the front passenger seat is not occupied or that a child seat is
`installed, the airbag control unit switches off the front passenger airbag.”
`
`DEFENDANTS’ ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF’S
`FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
`
`
`
`- 14 -
`
`CASE NO. CV 14-03113 JAK(JEMX)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`
`
`Case 2:14-cv-03113-JAK-JEM Document 44 Filed 10/06/14 Page 16 of 67 Page ID #:469
`
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`
`Response to Paragraph 33:
`
`Admitted that the accused methods and systems of Volkswagen, Audi,
`
`and Bentley brand vehicles are described in documents produced in this litigation;
`otherwise denied.
`
`In addition to their own direct infringement, Defendants have also
`34.
`been and are inducing and/or contributing to the direct infringement of the ’375
`Patent by at least, but not limited to, customers of Defendants, partners of
`Defendants, and/or end-users of Defendants’ products, including, but not limited to,
`the ’375 Patent by at least, but not limited to, customers of Defendants, partners of
`Defendants, and/or end-users of Defendants’ products, including, but not limited to,
`the ’375 Patent Accused Instrumentalities (“the ’375 Patent Third Party
`Infringers”), who directly implement, use or otherwise participate in the use of the
`’375 Patent Accused Instrumentalities, which have no substantial non-infringing
`uses, by at least the following affirmative acts: (1) advertising in public and
`marketing the features, benefits and availability of the ’375 Patent Accused
`Instrumentalities; (2) promoting the adoption and use of the ’375 Accused
`Instrumentalities; and (3) providing instructions on how to use the ’375 Patent
`Accused Instrumentalities.
`Response to Paragraph 34:
`
`Denied.
`
`infringe by actively, knowingly, and/or
`indirectly
`35. Defendants
`intentionally inducing or contributing to infringement of one or more of the claims
`of the ’375 Patent, including, but not limited to, the ’375 Patent Asserted Claims,
`by a third party, including, but not limited to, the ’375 Patent Third Party Infringers,
`who directly implement, use or otherwise participate in the use of the ’375 Patent
`
`DEFENDANTS’ ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF’S
`FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
`
`
`
`- 15 -
`
`CASE NO. CV 14-03113 JAK(JEMX)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`
`
`Case 2:14-cv-03113-JAK-JEM Document 44 Filed 10/06/14 Page 17 of 67 Page ID #:470
`
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`
`
`Accused Instrumentalities. On information and belief, Defendants actively,
`knowingly, and/or intentionally induce the use of the ’375 Patent Accused
`
`Instrumentalities by the ’375 Patent Third Party Infringers, and provide or
`otherwise implement material components of one or more claims of the ’375 Patent,
`including, but not limited to, the ’375 Patent Asserted Claims, which were
`especially made or adapted for use in the infringement of the ’375 Patent claims,
`including, but not limited to, the ’375 Patent Asserted Claims, and are not a staple
`article or commodity of commerce suitable for substantial non-infringing uses.
`Defendants know and have known that the combination for which their infringing
`components,
`including, but not
`limited
`to,
`the
`’375 Patent Accused
`Instrumentalities, were especially made or adapted are both patented and infringing.
`Response to Paragraph 35:
`
`Denied.
`
`36. Defendants’ infringement of the ’375 Patent has been and continues to
`be willful, rendering this case exceptional within the meaning of 35 U.S.C. § 285.
`With knowledge of the Patents-in-Suit, as described above, Defendants have
`continued their infringing actions, as described above, despite an objectively high
`likelihood (and affirmative allegations) that these actions constitute infringement of
`the Patents-in-Suit. This objectively defined risk was known to Defendants, and so
`obvious that it should have been known to Defendants.
`Response to Paragraph 36:
`
`No response required. The claims for willful infringement in the First
`Amended Complaint have been dismissed for failing to state a claim for relief.
`
`37. Unless enjoined by this Court, Defendants will continue to infringe the
`’375 Patent.
`
`DEFENDANTS’ ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF’S
`FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
`
`
`
`- 16 -
`
`CASE NO. CV 14-03113 JAK(JEMX)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`
`
`Case 2:14-cv-03113-JAK-JEM Document 44 Filed 10/06/14 Page 18 of 67 Page ID #:471
`
`
`
`
`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`
`
`
`
`
`Response to Paragraph 37:
`
`Denied.
`
`38. As a direct and proximate result of the Defendants’ conduct, Plaintiff
`has suffered, and will continue to suffer, irreparable injury for which it has no
`adequate remedy at law. Plaintiff also has been damaged and, until

This document is available on Docket Alarm but you must sign up to view it.


Or .

Accessing this document will incur an additional charge of $.

After purchase, you can access this document again without charge.

Accept $ Charge
throbber

Still Working On It

This document is taking longer than usual to download. This can happen if we need to contact the court directly to obtain the document and their servers are running slowly.

Give it another minute or two to complete, and then try the refresh button.

throbber

A few More Minutes ... Still Working

It can take up to 5 minutes for us to download a document if the court servers are running slowly.

Thank you for your continued patience.

This document could not be displayed.

We could not find this document within its docket. Please go back to the docket page and check the link. If that does not work, go back to the docket and refresh it to pull the newest information.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

You need a Paid Account to view this document. Click here to change your account type.

Your account does not support viewing this document.

Set your membership status to view this document.

With a Docket Alarm membership, you'll get a whole lot more, including:

  • Up-to-date information for this case.
  • Email alerts whenever there is an update.
  • Full text search for other cases.
  • Get email alerts whenever a new case matches your search.

Become a Member

One Moment Please

The filing “” is large (MB) and is being downloaded.

Please refresh this page in a few minutes to see if the filing has been downloaded. The filing will also be emailed to you when the download completes.

Your document is on its way!

If you do not receive the document in five minutes, contact support at support@docketalarm.com.

Sealed Document

We are unable to display this document, it may be under a court ordered seal.

If you have proper credentials to access the file, you may proceed directly to the court's system using your government issued username and password.


Access Government Site

We are redirecting you
to a mobile optimized page.





Document Unreadable or Corrupt

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket

We are unable to display this document.

Refresh this Document
Go to the Docket