`
`
`UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`__________
`
`BEFORE THE PATENT TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD
`__________
`
`
`SKECHERS U.S.A., INC.,
`
`Petitioner,
`
`v.
`
`NIKE, INC.,
`
`Patent Owner
`___________
`
`U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
`
`Issued: March 31, 2015
`
`Named Inventor: Mark C. Miner
`
`Title: Shoe Sole
`___________
`
`PETITION FOR INTER PARTES REVIEW
`
`OF U.S. PATENT NO. D725,356 S
`
`SECOND PETITION
`
`
`
`Mail Stop: PATENT BOARD
`Patent Trial and Appeal Board
`U.S. Patent & Trademark Office
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`NIKE Ex. 2051 - Page 1
`Skechers v. NIKE
`IPR2017-00620
`
`

`

`IPR Case No. Unassigned
`
`
`
`
`
` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
` Petition 2
`
`TABLE OF CONTENTS
`
`Page
`
`I. 
`
`II. 
`
`INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................... 1 
`
`MANDATORY NOTICES PURSUANT TO 37 C.F.R. § 42.8 ................. 3 
`
`A.  Notice of Real Party-In-Interest 37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(1)) ................... 3 
`
`B. 
`
`C. 
`
`D. 
`
`E. 
`
`F. 
`
`Notice of Related Matters (37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(2)) ........................... 3 
`
`Designation of Lead and Back-up Counsel (37 C.F.R.
`§ 42.8(b)(3)) ....................................................................................... 3 
`
`Service Information (37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(4)) .................................... 3 
`
`Payment of Fees (37 C.F.R. § 42.103) ............................................... 3 
`
`Certification of Grounds for Standing (37 C.F.R. §
`42.104(a)) ........................................................................................... 4 
`
`III. 
`
`CHALLENGE AND RELIEF REQUESTED ............................................ 4 
`
`A. 
`
`Specific Art And Statutory Ground(s) On Which The
`Challenges Are Based ........................................................................ 4 
`
`IV. 
`
`THE '356 PATENT ..................................................................................... 8 
`
`A. 
`
`B. 
`
`The Subject Matter Of The '356 Patent .............................................. 8 
`
`The Prosecution Of The '356 Patent ................................................. 10 
`
`V. 
`
`THE PRIOR ART ..................................................................................... 16 
`
`A. 
`
`Proposed Primary Reference RCD0018 ........................................... 18 
`
`1. 
`
`2. 
`
`RCD0018 Qualifies As Prior Art.......................................... 18 
`
`The Disclosure Of RCD0018 ............................................... 18 
`
`B. 
`
`Proposed Primary Reference RCD0007 ........................................... 21 
`
`1. 
`
`RCD0007 Qualifies As Prior Art.......................................... 21 
`
`
`
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`- i -
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`IPR Case No. Unassigned
`
`
`
` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
` Petition 2
`
`Page
`
`
`
`
`
`
`2. 
`
`The Disclosure Of RCD0007 ............................................... 21 
`
`C. 
`
`Proposed Secondary Reference RCD0012 (Two Sipes At
`Heel) ................................................................................................. 24 
`
`1. 
`
`2. 
`
`RCD0012 Qualifies As Prior Art.......................................... 24 
`
`The Disclosure Of RCD0012 ............................................... 25 
`
`D. 
`
`Proposed Secondary Reference The '945 Patent (Number,
`Width, and Placement Of Sipes) ...................................................... 28 
`
`1. 
`
`2. 
`
`The '945 Patent Qualifies As Prior Art ................................. 28 
`
`The Disclosure Of The '945 Patent ....................................... 28 
`
`E. 
`
`Proposed Secondary Reference The '853 Patent (Vertical
`Grooves) ........................................................................................... 30 
`
`1. 
`
`2. 
`
`The '853 Patent Qualifies As Prior Art ................................. 30 
`
`The Disclosure Of The '853 Patent ....................................... 30 
`
`F. 
`
`Proposed Secondary Reference The '725 Patent (Vertical
`Grooves) ........................................................................................... 32 
`
`1. 
`
`2. 
`
`The '725 Patent Qualifies As Prior Art ................................. 32 
`
`The Disclosure Of The '725 Patent ....................................... 32 
`
`G. 
`
`Proposed Secondary Reference CN1388 (Sipes And Vertical
`Grooves) ........................................................................................... 34 
`
`1. 
`
`2. 
`
`CN1388 Qualifies As Prior Art ............................................ 34 
`
`The Disclosure Of CN1388 .................................................. 34 
`
`H. 
`
`Proposed Secondary Reference RCD0005 (Sipes, Rand,
`Vertical Grooves) ............................................................................. 37 
`
`1. 
`
`RCD0005 Qualifies As Prior Art.......................................... 37 
`
`- ii -
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`IPR Case No. Unassigned
`
`
`
` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
` Petition 2
`
`Page
`
`
`
`2. 
`
`The Disclosure Of RCD0005 ............................................... 38 
`
`VI.  DESIGNER HAVING ORDINARY SKILL IN THE ART ..................... 41 
`
`VII.  CLAIM CONSTRUCTION ...................................................................... 41 
`
`A. 
`
`B. 
`
`C. 
`
`Sipes ................................................................................................. 43 
`
`Vertical Grooves ............................................................................... 46 
`
`Rand Stripe ....................................................................................... 47 
`
`VIII.  THERE IS A REASONABLE LIKELIHOOD THAT THE SOLE
`CLAIM OF THE '356 PATENT IS UNPATENTABLE .......................... 48 
`
`A. 
`
`Legal Standard .................................................................................. 48 
`
`1. 
`
`2. 
`
`The Primary Reference ......................................................... 49 
`
`Secondary References ........................................................... 51 
`
`B. 
`
`Ground 1: The Claim Is Rendered Obvious By RCD0018 In
`View Of RCD0012 And The '945 Patent ......................................... 52 
`
`1. 
`
`2. 
`
`3. 
`
`RCD0018 Qualifies As A Primary Reference Because
`It Provides "Basically The Same Visual Impression"
`As The '356 Patent ................................................................ 52 
`
`Any Differences Between RCD0018 And The '356
`Patent Are De Minimis And Would Have Been
`Obvious To A DHOSITA ..................................................... 56 
`
`RCD0012 And The '945 Patent Teach Modifying The
`Number, Widths, and Placement Of Sipes ........................... 62 
`
`C. 
`
`Ground 2: The Claim Is Rendered Obvious By RCD0018 In
`View Of RCD0012, The '945 Patent, And The '853 Patent ............. 66 
`
`1. 
`
`The '853 Patent Teaches Narrowly Spaced Vertical
`Grooves Or Lines .................................................................. 66 
`
`
`
`
`- iii -
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`NIKE Ex. 2051 - Page 4
`Skechers v. NIKE
`IPR2017-00620
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`

`

`IPR Case No. Unassigned
`
`
`
` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
` Petition 2
`
`Page
`
`
`
`
`
`
`D.  Ground 3: The Claim Is Rendered Obvious By RCD0018 In
`View of RCD0012, The '945 Patent, And The '725 Patent .............. 68 
`
`E. 
`
`F. 
`
`1. 
`
`The '725 Patent Teaches Narrowly Spaced Vertical
`Grooves ................................................................................. 69 
`
`Ground 4: The Claim Is Rendered Obvious By RCD0018 In
`View of RCD0012, The '945 Patent, And CN1388 ......................... 70 
`
`1. 
`
`CN1388 Teaches Narrowly Spaced Vertical Grooves ......... 70 
`
`Ground 5: The Claim Is Rendered Obvious By RCD0018 In
`View of RCD0012, The '945 Patent, And RCD0005 ...................... 72 
`
`2. 
`
`RCD0005 Teaches Narrowly Spaced Vertical
`Grooves ................................................................................. 73 
`
`G.  Ground 6: The Claim Is Rendered Obvious By RCD0007 In
`View Of RCD0012 And The '945 Patent ......................................... 75 
`
`1. 
`
`2. 
`
`3. 
`
`RCD0007 Qualifies As A Primary Reference Because
`It Provides "Basically The Same Visual Impression"
`As The '356 Patent ................................................................ 75 
`
`Any Differences Between RCD0007 And The '356
`Patent Are De Minimis And Would Have Been
`Obvious To A DHOSITA ..................................................... 79 
`
`RCD0012 And The '945 Patent Teach Modifying The
`Number, Widths, And Placement Of Sipes .......................... 81 
`
`H.  Ground 7: The Claim Is Rendered Obvious By RCD0007 In
`View Of RCD0012, The '945 Patent, And The '853 Patent ............. 82 
`
`1. 
`
`The '853 Patent Teaches Extending The Vertical
`Grooves Or Lines .................................................................. 83 
`
`I. 
`
`Ground 8: The Claim Is Rendered Obvious By RCD0007 In
`View Of RCD0012, The '945 Patent, And The '725 Patent ............. 85 
`
`- iv -
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`NIKE Ex. 2051 - Page 5
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`IPR2017-00620
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`IPR Case No. Unassigned
`
`
`
` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
` Petition 2
`
`Page
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`1. 
`
`The '725 Patent Teaches Extending The Vertical
`Grooves ................................................................................. 85 
`
`J. 
`
`Ground 9: The Claim Is Rendered Obvious By RCD0007 In
`View Of RCD0012, The '945 Patent, And CN1388 ........................ 87 
`
`1. 
`
`CN1388 Teaches Extending The Vertical Grooves ............. 87 
`
`K.  Ground 10: The Claim Is Rendered Obvious By RCD0007 In
`View of RCD0012, The '945 Patent, And RCD0005 ...................... 90 
`
`1. 
`
`RCD0005 Teaches Extending The Vertical Grooves ........... 90 
`
`- v -
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`NIKE Ex. 2051 - Page 6
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`IPR2017-00620
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`IPR Case No. Unassigned
`
`
`
` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
` Petition 2
`
`
`
`TABLE OF AUTHORITIES
`
` Page(s)
`
`Cases
`Agilent Techs. Inc. v. Affymetrix, Inc.,
`No. C 06-05958 JW, 2008 WL 7348188 (N.D. Cal. June 13, 2008) ................. 42
`
`In re Aslanian,
`590 F.2d 911 (CCPA 1979) ................................................................................ 17
`
`In re Cuozzo Speed Techs.,
`793 F.3d 1297 (Fed. Cir. 2015) .......................................................................... 42
`
`Durling v. Spectrum Furniture Co.,
`101 F.3d 100 (Fed. Cir. 1996) ........................................................................ 2, 48
`
`Egyptian Goddess, Inc. v. Swisa, Inc.,
`543 F.3d 665 (Fed. Cir. 2008) ............................................................................ 42
`
`Fitzgerald v. Arbib,
`268 F.2d 763 (C.C.P.A. 1959) ............................................................................ 16
`
`High Point Design LLC v. Buyers Direct, Inc.,
`730 F.3d 1301 (Fed. Cir. 2013) .............................................................. 48, 49, 52
`
`Jore Corp. v. Kouvato, Inc.,
`117 F. App'x 761 (Fed. Cir. 2005) ...................................................................... 49
`
`In re Lamb,
`286 F.2d 610 (C.C.P.A. 1961) ...................................................................... 51, 57
`
`Low's Home Centers, LLC, v. Reddy,
`IPR2015-00306, Paper No. 21 (P.T.A.B. Mar. 30, 2016) .................................. 17
`
`MRC Innovations, Inc. v. Hunter MFG, LLP,
`747 F.3d 1326 (Fed. Cir. 2014) ...................................................................passim
`
`In re Nalbandian,
`661 F.2d 1214 (CCPA 1981) .......................................................................passim
`
`
`
`
`- vi -
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`NIKE Ex. 2051 - Page 7
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`IPR Case No. Unassigned
`
`
`
` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
` Petition 2
`
`Page(s)
`
`
`NIKE, Inc. v. Skechers U.S.A., Inc.,
`Case 3:16-cv-00007-PK (D. Ore.) ........................................................................ 3
`
`Statutes
`35 U.S.C. § 102 .................................................................................................passim
`
`35 U.S.C. § 103 .................................................................................................passim
`
`35 U.S.C. §§ 311-319 ............................................................................................ 1, 8
`
`Rules and Regulations
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.8 ......................................................................................................... 3
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.15(a) ................................................................................................... 3
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.22 ....................................................................................................... 4
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.100 ............................................................................................... 1, 41
`
`37 C.F.R. § 42.104 ..................................................................................................... 4
`
`Other Authorities
`
`Council Regulation 6/2002, arts. 73-74, 2002 O.J. (L 3) 28 (EC) .......................... 16
`
`MPEP § 2125 ........................................................................................................... 17
`
`MPEP § 2127 ........................................................................................................... 17
`
`
`
`
`
`
`- vii -
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`IPR Case No. Unassigned
`
`
`
` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
` Petition 2
`
`EXHIBIT LIST
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Exhibit
`
`Description
`
`1001
`
`1002
`
`1003
`
`1004
`
`1005
`
`1006
`
`1007
`
`1008
`
`1009
`
`1010
`
`1011
`
`1012
`
`U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S (the "'356 patent")
`
`Certified Registration and Extract from the Register for
`Registered Community Design No. 000120449-0018
`("RCD0018")
`
`Certified Registration and Extract from the Register for
`Registered Community Design No. 000827613-0007
`("RCD0007")
`
`Certified Registration and Extract from the Register for
`Registered Community Design No. 001874165-0005
`("RCD0005")
`
`Certified Registration and Extract from the Register for
`Registered Community Design No. 000725247-0012
`("RCD0012")
`
`U.S. Patent No. 6,115,945 ("the '945 patent")
`
`U.S. Patent No. D447,853S ("the '853 patent")
`
`U.S. Patent No. D520,725 ("the '725 patent")
`
`China Design Registration No. CN 301711388 S ("CN1388")
`
`Complaint, Nike, Inc. v. Skechers U.S.A., Inc., Case No. 3:16-
`cv-00007-PK (D. Or.)
`
`Council Regulation 6/2002
`
`File History, including the Supplemental Content drawings,
`for U.S. Patent Application No. 29/492,565 ("the '565
`Application"), which ultimately issued as U.S. Patent No.
`D725,356
`
`- viii -
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`NIKE Ex. 2051 - Page 9
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`IPR2017-00620
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`IPR Case No. Unassigned
`
`
`
` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
` Petition 2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Exhibit
`
`Description
`
`1013
`
`Declaration of Robert John Anders in Support of Skechers
`U.S.A., Inc.'s Second Petition for Inter Partes Review of U.S.
`Patent No. D725,356
`
`1014
`
`Curriculum Vitae of Robert John Anders
`
`
`
`
`
`- ix -
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`IPR Case No. Unassigned
`
`
`
`
`
` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
`
` Petition 2
`
`In accordance with 35 U.S.C. §§ 311-319 and 37 C.F.R. § 42.100 et seq.,
`
`Petitioner Skechers U.S.A., Inc. ("Skechers" or "Petitioner") respectfully requests
`
`that the Board institute inter partes review of the sole claim of U.S. Patent No.
`
`D725,356S ("the '356 patent") (Ex. 1001), which is owned by NIKE, Inc. ("Nike"
`
`or "Patent Owner"), and cancel that claim because it is unpatentable in view of
`
`prior art patents and printed publications.
`
`I.
`
`INTRODUCTION
`
`The '356 patent claims the ornamental design of a portion of an athletic shoe
`
`sole, specifically, the midsole portion residing generally between the unclaimed
`
`upper of the shoe and the unclaimed outsole (or bottom) of the shoe. The design,
`
`when viewed as a whole, comprises (a) vertical sipes (or cracks) along the midsole;
`
`(b) vertical grooves along the midsole between the sipes; and (c) a curved rand
`
`stripe above the midsole. These key features are labeled in the demonstrative
`
`below.
`
`
`
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`- 1 -
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`IPR Case No. Unassigned
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`
`
` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
`
` Petition 2
`
`See Ex. 1001, Fig. 2 (annotated).
`
`However, this claimed design was obvious to a designer having ordinary
`
`skill in the art ("DHOSITA") in view of the fact that others, including Nike, had
`
`previously disclosed (and registered in the European Union) midsole designs that
`
`create basically the same visual impression as the claimed design. As set forth in
`
`each ground below, Petitioner has identified a primary reference, the design
`
`characteristics of which are basically the same as the claimed design of the '356
`
`patent. That is, each of the primary references comprises, (a) vertical sipes (or
`
`cracks) along the midsole; (b) vertical grooves along the midsole between the
`
`sipes; and (c) a rand stripe above the midsole. As further set forth below, any
`
`differences between the claimed design and the primary references are de minimis.
`
`Alternatively, Petitioner has identified secondary references that are so
`
`similar and related in appearance to the primary references that a DHOSITA would
`
`have been motivated to combine the primary and secondary references to create a
`
`design having the same overall visual appearance as the '356 patent. Thus, the '356
`
`patent is invalid as obvious. See Durling v. Spectrum Furniture Co., 101 F.3d 100,
`
`103 (Fed. Cir. 1996). Because there is at least a reasonable likelihood that
`
`Skechers will prevail in this challenge to the '356 patent, Skechers respectfully
`
`requests that the Board grant Skechers' Petition and institute inter partes review of
`
`the '356 patent.
`
`
`
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`- 2 -
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`IPR Case No. Unassigned
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`
`
`
` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
`
` Petition 2
`
`II. MANDATORY NOTICES PURSUANT TO 37 C.F.R. § 42.8
`A. Notice of Real Party-In-Interest 37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(1))
`The real-party in interest for this Petition is Skechers U.S.A., Inc.
`
`B. Notice of Related Matters (37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(2))
`The '356 patent is presently at issue in the action titled NIKE, Inc. v.
`
`Skechers U.S.A., Inc., Case 3:16-cv-00007-PK (D. Ore.). A copy of the complaint
`
`is provided as Exhibit 1010. The '356 patent was the subject of an earlier petition
`
`("Petition 1") and proceeding, IPR2016-00870.
`
`C. Designation of Lead and Back-up Counsel (37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(3))
`Lead Counsel: Samuel K. Lu (Reg. No. 40,707)
`
`Backup Counsel: Michael R. Fleming (Reg. No. 67,933)
`
`Address: Irell & Manella LLP, 1800 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 900,
`
`Los Angeles, CA 90067 | Tel: (310) 277-1010 | Fax: (310) 203-7199
`
`Service Information (37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(4))
`
`D.
`Please address all correspondence to the lead and backup counsel above.
`
`Petitioner also consents to email service at SkechersNikeIPR@irell.com.
`
`Payment of Fees (37 C.F.R. § 42.103)
`
`E.
`The Office is authorized to charge Deposit Account No. 09-0946 for any
`
`fees required for this Petition, including the fee set forth in 37 C.F.R. § 42.15(a),
`
`referencing Docket No. 160283-0022 (356IPR), and for any other required fees.
`
`
`
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`- 3 -
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`IPR Case No. Unassigned
`
`
`
`
`
` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
`
` Petition 2
`
`F. Certification of Grounds for Standing (37 C.F.R. § 42.104(a))
`Petitioner certifies that the '356 patent is eligible for inter partes review and
`
`that Petitioner is not barred or estopped from requesting an inter partes review of
`
`the challenged claim of the '356 patent on the grounds identified herein. Petitioner
`
`has been sued for infringement of the '356 patent. See Ex. 1010. However, a copy
`
`of the complaint was served on Skechers on January 7, 2016, and this Petition
`
`("Second Petition" or "Petition 2") is being filed within one year of the service of
`
`the complaint. Although Skechers previously filed an IPR petition for the '356
`
`patent, no IPR was instituted and there was no final written decision to estop
`
`Petitioner from filing Petition 2.
`
`III. CHALLENGE AND RELIEF REQUESTED
`Pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 42.22(a)(1) and §§ 42.104(b) and (b)(1), Petitioner
`
`challenges the claim of the '356 patent. Petitioner respectfully requests inter partes
`
`review and cancellation of the challenged claim of the '356 patent based on the
`
`grounds below.
`
`A.
`Specific Art And Statutory Ground(s) On Which The Challenges
`Are Based
`Pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 42.104(b)(2), inter partes review of the '356 patent
`
`is requested in view of the following references, each of which is prior art to the
`
`
`
`
`- 4 -
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`IPR Case No. Unassigned
`
`
`
`
`
` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
`
` Petition 2
`
`'356 patent under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. § 102(a) or (b)1:
`
`1
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`
`
`Certified Registration and Extract from the Register for Registered
`Community Design No. 000120449-0018 ("RCD0018")
`
`Certified Registration and Extract from the Register for Registered
`Community Design No. 000827613-0007 ("RCD0007")
`
`Certified Registration and Extract from the Register for Registered
`Community Design No. 000725247-0012 ("RCD0012")
`
`U.S. Patent No. 6,115,945 ("the '945 patent")
`
`U.S. Patent No. D447,853S ("the '853 patent")
`
`U.S. Patent No. D520,725 ("the '725 patent")
`
`China Design Registration No. CN 301711388 S ("CN1388")
`
`Certified Registration and Extract from the Register for Registered
`Community Design No. 001874165-0005 ("RCD0005")
`
`
`References 1-6 qualify as prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(b) because each
`
`was published or issued more than one year before the earliest priority date
`
`asserted by Nike for the '356 patent, February 29, 2012.2 References 1-3 also
`
`
`1 All further references to § 102 contained herein, unless otherwise noted,
`
`shall refer to pre-AIA § 102.
`
`2 Nike asserts a priority date for the '356 patent of February 29, 2012. As set
`
`forth in Petition 1, Petitioner does not believe that Nike is entitled to this priority
`
`
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`Skechers v. NIKE
`IPR2017-00620
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`

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`IPR Case No. Unassigned
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`
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`
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` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
`
` Petition 2
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`qualify as prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(d) as foreign patent equivalents because
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`each was registered more than one year before the earliest priority date asserted by
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`Nike for the '356 patent. References 7 and 8 qualify as prior art under 35 U.S.C. §
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`102(a) because each was published or issued before the earliest priority date
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`asserted by Nike for the '356 patent.
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`None of the references relied upon in this Petition were before the Examiner
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`during the prosecution of the '356 patent.3 Thus, this Second Petition does not
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`present the same or substantially the same prior art or arguments presented during
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`the prosecution of the '356 patent. This Second Petition also raises new arguments
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`date. However, for purposes of this Petition 2, Petitioner will utilize the priority
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`date claimed by Nike.
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`3 While the detailed images of RCD0018, RCD0007, and RCD0012 were
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`not before the Examiner, Nike's non-patent literature ("NPL") submissions during
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`the prosecution of the application include lower-resolution images that resemble
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`the shoes depicted in RCD0018, RCD0007 and RCD0012. See Ex. 1012 at 165,
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`167. This NPL submission, however, depicts shoes in only the lateral and outsole
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`views and does not include the other images that appear in RCD0018, RCD0007,
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`or RCD0012. Moreover, the Examiner did not cite or discuss this particular NPL
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`submission during the prosecution of the '356 patent.
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`NIKE Ex. 2051 - Page 16
`Skechers v. NIKE
`IPR2017-00620
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`IPR Case No. Unassigned
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`
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`
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` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
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` Petition 2
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`and relies upon different prior art combinations than IPR2016-00870.
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`Petitioner requests cancellation of the challenged claim under the following
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`statutory grounds:
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`Ground
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`35 U.S.C.
`
`§ 103(a)
`
`
`§ 103(a)
`
`
`§ 103(a)
`
`§ 103(a)
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`
`§ 103(a)
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`
`§ 103(a)
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`
`§ 103(a)
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`
`§ 103(a)
`
`§ 103(a)
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`
`§ 103(a)
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`
`1
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`2
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`3
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`4
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`5
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`6
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`7
`
`8
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`9
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`10
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`
`
`
`References(s)
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`RCD0018 In View Of RCD0012 And The '945
`Patent
`
`RCD0018 In View Of RCD0012, The '945
`Patent, And The '853 Patent
`
`RCD0018 In View Of RCD0012, The '945
`Patent, And The '725 Patent
`
`RCD0018 In View Of RCD0012, The '945
`Patent, And CN1388
`
`RCD0018 In View Of RCD0012, The '945
`Patent, And RCD0005
`
`RCD0007 In View Of RCD0012 And The '945
`Patent
`
`RCD0007 In View Of RCD0012, The '945
`Patent, And The '853 Patent
`
`RCD0007 In View Of RCD0012, The '945
`Patent, And The '725 Patent
`
`RCD0007 In View Of RCD0012, The '945
`Patent, And CN1388
`
`RCD0007 In View Of RCD0012, The '945
`Patent, And RCD0005
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`NIKE Ex. 2051 - Page 17
`Skechers v. NIKE
`IPR2017-00620
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`IPR Case No. Unassigned
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`
`
`
`
` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
`
` Petition 2
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`Section VIII demonstrates, for each of the statutory grounds, that there is a
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`reasonable likelihood that the Petitioner will prevail. See 35 U.S.C. § 314(a).
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`Additional explanation and support for each ground is set forth in the expert
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`declaration of Robert John Anders (Exhibit 1013).
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`IV. THE '356 PATENT
`A. The Subject Matter Of The '356 Patent
`The application for the '356 patent was filed on May 31, 2014 and issued on
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`March 31, 2015. See Ex. 1001. Through earlier related applications, Nike asserts
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`a priority date for the '356 patent of February 29, 2012. Ex. 1001 at 1. As set forth
`
`in Petition 1, Nike is not entitled to this February 29, 2012 priority date. However,
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`for purposes of this Petition 2, Petitioner will utilize the February 29, 2012 priority
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`date claimed by Nike.
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`The '356 patent is titled "Shoe Sole" and claims "[t]he ornamental design for
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`a shoe sole, as shown and described." Id. The '356 patent includes six figures
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`depicting the lateral side view (i.e., outward-facing), medial side view (i.e., inward
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`facing), front view (i.e., facing the toe of the shoe), rear view (i.e., facing the heel
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`of the shoe), and top view of a shoe midsole design. These figures are reproduced
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`below:
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`NIKE Ex. 2051 - Page 18
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`IPR2017-00620
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`IPR Case No. Unassigned
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`
`
`
`
` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
`
` Petition 2
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`
`
`
`
` Ex. 1001, Figs. 106.
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`It is important to note that what is claimed in the '356 patent is not the entire
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`shoe sole. None of the figures depict a full view of the outsole (i.e., the bottom
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`facing portion that directly contacts the surface being walked on). Id. Although
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`small portions of the outsole are shown in Figures 2-5 (i.e., the "pads" protruding
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`out from the bottom of the shoe), these portions are drawn in broken lines. Per the
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`Description in the '356 patent, "[t]he broken lines showing the remainder of the
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`NIKE Ex. 2051 - Page 19
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`IPR2017-00620
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`IPR Case No. Unassigned
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`
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`
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` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
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` Petition 2
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`shoe are for environmental purposes only and form no part of the claimed design."
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`Id. at Description. Accordingly, the bottom facing portion of the shoe or "outsole"
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`(i.e., the portion that directly contacts the surface being walked on) is not part of
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`the claim. Similarly, the upper of the shoe is also drawn in broken lines and is
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`therefore not claimed. Id.
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`The sole claim of the '356 patent is discussed in detail in Section VII, Claim
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`Construction.
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`The Prosecution Of The '356 Patent
`
`B.
`None of the prior art references relied upon in this Petition were expressly
`
`disclosed by Nike or cited by the Examiner during prosecution. See n.3, above.
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`When assessing the patentability of the claimed design, the Examiner never
`
`addressed the prior art relied upon in this Petition. The Examiner accordingly
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`never considered the arguments or the prior art combinations that Petitioner
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`presents in this Second Petition.
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`In addition, during the ex parte prosecution of the '356 patent, Patent Owner
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`submitted the Declaration of Mark C. Miner (the "Miner Declaration"), asserting
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`that "[t]he claimed design was conceived of and/or reduced to practice in the U.S.
`
`on or before June 22, 2011." Ex. 1012 at 91-101. However, the declaration and
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`accompanying drawings do not suffice to establish either conception or diligent
`
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`NIKE Ex. 2051 - Page 20
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`IPR2017-00620
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`IPR Case No. Unassigned
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`
`
`
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` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
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` Petition 2
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`reduction to practice of the shoe design that was actually filed upon and claimed in
`
`the '356 patent.
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`Specifically, there are notable differences between what is depicted in the
`
`Miner Declaration as existing as of June 22, 2011 and what was ultimately filed
`
`upon by Nike on February 29, 2012 and what actually issued as the '356
`
`patent. For example, the heel of the shoes depicted in the Miner Declaration do not
`
`contain the two wide notched sipes in the claimed '356 design.
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`NIKE Ex. 2051 - Page 21
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`IPR2017-00620
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`IPR Case No. Unassigned
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`
`
`
`
` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
`
` Petition 2
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`
`
`
`
`
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`See Ex. 1001, Fig. 5; Ex. 1012 at 97, 99, 101.
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`IPR2017-00620
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`IPR Case No. Unassigned
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`
`
`
`
` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
`
` Petition 2
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`Similarly, the toe and heel areas of the medial and lateral sides of the shoes
`
`depicted in the Miner Declaration do not contain the wide notched sipes that are
`
`found in the claimed '356 design.
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`NIKE Ex. 2051 - Page 23
`Skechers v. NIKE
`IPR2017-00620
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`

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`IPR Case No. Unassigned
`
`
`
`
`
` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
`
` Petition 2
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`
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`- 14 -
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`NIKE Ex. 2051 - Page 24
`Skechers v. NIKE
`IPR2017-00620
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`

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`IPR Case No. Unassigned
`
`
`
`
`
` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
`
` Petition 2
`
`See Ex. 1001, Figs. 2, 3 Ex. 1012 at 97, 99, 101.
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`NIKE Ex. 2051 - Page 25
`Skechers v. NIKE
`IPR2017-00620
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`IPR Case No. Unassigned
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`
`
`
`
` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
`
` Petition 2
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`Conception is "the formation in the mind of the inventor of a definite and
`
`permanent idea of the complete and operative invention as it is thereafter to be
`
`applied in practice." Fitzgerald v. Arbib, 268 F.2d 763, 765 (C.C.P.A. 1959)
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`(citation omitted). Because the Miner Declaration does not establish that the
`
`declarant had conceived of the design claimed in the '356 patent as of June 22,
`
`2011, it does not suffice to establish that, as of that date, Nike had either conceived
`
`of or reduced to practice the design that was ultimately filed upon by Nike in
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`February 2012 and that issued as the '356 patent. Ex. 1013 ¶ 49. Therefore, Nike
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`cannot rely on the Miner Declaration or its attachments to swear behind the 102(a)
`
`prior art (RCD0005 and CN1388) in Petition 2.
`
`V. THE PRIOR ART
`Nike asserts a priority date for the '356 patent of February 29, 2012. As set
`
`forth in Petition 1, Petitioner does not believe that Nike is entitled to this priority
`
`date. However, for purposes of this Petition 2, Petitioner will utilize the priority
`
`date of February 29, 2012 claimed by Nike.
`
`A number of the prior art references discussed below are registered
`
`Community designs. These references constitute printed publications. See Ex.
`
`1011 (Council Regulation 6/2002, arts. 73-74, 2002 O.J. (L 3) 28, 29 (EC) ("This
`
`Office shall periodically publish a Community Design Bulletin containing entries
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`open to public inspection in the register . . . Subsequent to the publication of the
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`NIKE Ex. 2051 - Page 26
`Skechers v. NIKE
`IPR2017-00620
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`

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`IPR Case No. Unassigned
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`
`
`
`
` U.S. Patent No. D725,356 S
`
` Petition 2
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`registered Community design, the file may be inspected on request.")).
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`Accordingly, registered Community designs are sufficiently accessible to
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`constitute a publication under 35 U.S.C. § 102.