Fact Issues as to Validity Preclude Willfulness Claim

The court granted defendant's motion in limine to preclude evidence of willfulness at the jury trial. "The court notes that its order denying summary judgment that the [patent-in-suit] is not anticipated and nonobvious held that there are triable 35 U.S.C. §§ 102 and 103 issues. Because a reasonable jury could find that the [patent] could be found invalid on multiple grounds, a finding of willfulness is precluded. It would be unfairly prejudicial to instruct the jury on willfulness where that issue is not properly before the jury."

Guzik Technical Enterprises, Inc. v. Western Digital Corporation et. al., 5-11-cv-03786 (CAND November 22, 2013, Order) (Grewal, M.J.)