Kaneka Corp. v. Xiamen Kingdomway Grp. Co., No. 14-1373 (Fed. Cir. 2015)
Annotate this CaseKaneka owns the 340 Patent, which describes processes for producing oxidized and reduced coenzyme Q10. The claims at issue describe processes for producing oxidized coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 exists in animal cells. Cells use coenzyme Q10 to produce adenosine triphosphate, which aids cellular respiration. Coenzyme Q10 assists adenosine triphosphate production through redox reactions, in which the coenzyme gives up and gains electrons. Both oxidized and reduced coenzyme Q10 are sold as dietary supplements. In Kaneka’s infringement suit, the district court entered summary judgment of noninfringement, based on its construction of the term “inert gas atmosphere” to mean “a gas atmosphere that is free or substantially free of oxygen and reactive gases,” and of “sealed tank” to mean “a tank that is closed to prevent the entry or exit of materials,” and of “oxidizing.” The Federal Circuit affirmed with respect to certain claims; held that the oxidation step requires some action that results in oxidation but does not require oxidation of “all or substantially all” of the coenzyme Q10; vacated summary judgment of noninfringement of other claims; and remanded.
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