Keurig Adapter Patent Case Correctly Decided, Says Fed. Cir.
Written February 6, 2020
The US District Court for the Western District of Washington properly granted attorneys’ fees based on a finding that the winning party didn’t infringe a Keurig adapter patent, the Federal Circuit held on January 13, 2020. Eko Brands LLC v. Adrian Rivera Maynez Enters. Inc., Fed. Cir., No. 18-2215, 1/13/20.
Adrian Rivera Maynez Enterprises Inc. (ARM) owns US Patent No. 8,720,320, covering an adapter that allows Keurig coffee machines to brew from pods other than K-Cups. Eko filed suit against AMR seeking a declaratory judgment of noninfringement and obviousness of certain claims of the patent.
The court found Eko didn’t infringe and found the patent claims invalid, also awarding attorneys’ fees. The Federal Circuit affirmed the district court’s claim construction, grant of summary judgment, and the jury’s verdict of obviousness. In a dissent, Judge Jimmie V. Reyna said the district court misconstrued a claim of ARM’s patent, and shouldn’t have found noninfringement or granted Eko attorneys’ fees.
Adrian Rivera Maynez Enterprises Inc. (ARM) owns US Patent No. 8,720,320, covering an adapter that allows Keurig coffee machines to brew from pods other than K-Cups. Eko filed suit against AMR seeking a declaratory judgment of noninfringement and obviousness of certain claims of the patent.
The court found Eko didn’t infringe and found the patent claims invalid, also awarding attorneys’ fees. The Federal Circuit affirmed the district court’s claim construction, grant of summary judgment, and the jury’s verdict of obviousness. In a dissent, Judge Jimmie V. Reyna said the district court misconstrued a claim of ARM’s patent, and shouldn’t have found noninfringement or granted Eko attorneys’ fees.