Denial of IPR Petition Not Excluded from Trial Evidence

The court denied defendant's motion in limine to preclude evidence regarding the PTO's rejection of defendant's petition for inter partes review of one of the patents-in-suit. "Defendant argues that introducing evidence of the PTO’s rejection of Defendant’s inter partes review petition would be irrelevant because the legal standards applicable to an inter partes review are different than those that apply here, and that it would increase the complexity of the trial and confuse the jury. Any potential confusion can be addressed by appropriate jury instructions on the standard of proof applicable to patent invalidity defenses and counterclaims."

Universal Electronics Inc. v. Universal Remote Control Inc., 8-12-cv-00329 (CACD April 21, 2014, Order) (Guilford, J.)