Medisim LTD v. Bestmed, LLC, No. 1:2010cv02463 - Document 123 (S.D.N.Y. 2012)

Court Description: OPINION AND ORDER: re: 94 MOTION for Summary Judgment. filed by Bestmed, LLC, 89 MOTION for Summary Judgment of No Inequitable Conduct. filed by Medisim LTD. For the reasons set forth above, the following claims brought by Medisim are dism issed: (1) Lanham Act Unfair Competition and False Designation of Origin; (2) Lanham Act False Advertising; (3) New York False Advertising; (4) New York Deceptive Acts. BestMeds inequitable conduct claim is also dismissed. Partial summary judgment is granted with respect to Medisims copyright claim, in that Medisim is not entitled to statutory damages or attorneys fees. Summary judgment is denied with respect to the following Medisim claims: (1) New York Unfair Competition; (2) Unjust Enrichment ; (3) damages during the provisional rights period; (4) the validity of the 668 Patent; and (5) patent infringement. The Clerk of the Court is directed to close these motions (Docket Nos. 89 and 94). Given the zealousness of BestMeds efforts in bring ing all of these attacks despite the Courts pre-motion discussion BestMeds counsel should think long and hard before making a motion for reconsideration. The Court has now twice considered BestMeds arguments. A third consideration will be useless unl ess BestMed can meet the high standard required in such a motion (i.e. that the Court overlooked controlling decisions or data that might reasonably be expected to alter its conclusions). A conference is scheduled for December 3 at 4:30pm in Courtroom 15C. (Signed by Judge Shira A. Scheindlin on 11/28/2012) (pl)

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.':: :--- ~",r::::~-::~-::."~ ~__..~"'--- ",~""""",'---------"'''''''-'' ___,.. _~... ,,___ . N~ .-.u ...... .,., ·.1·.... ¢ ' UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK -------------------------------------------------------)( MEDISIM LTD., OPINION AND ORDER Plaintiff, - against 10 Civ. 2463 (SAS) BESTMED LLC, Defendant. -------------------------------------------------------)( SHIRA A. SCHEINDLIN, U.S.D.J.: TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION ............................................ 1 II. BACKGROUND ............................................. A. Undisputed Facts ......................................... B. Disputed Facts ........................................... C. The Invention ........................................... D. Procedural History ........................................ 2 2 4 5 6 III. LEGAL STANDARD ........................................ 10 IV. APPLICABLE LAW ......................................... A. Unfair Competition and False Designation of Origin Under the Lanham Act ............................................ B. Unfair Competition Under New York Common Law ............ C. False Advertising Under the Lanham Act ..................... D. False Advertising Under New York Law ..................... E. Deceptive Acts Under New York Law ....................... -1 12 12 17 17 19 19 ; F. G. H. I. J. K. V. VI. Unjust Enrichment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Availability of Statutory Damages for Copyright Infringement ...................................................... Provisional Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patent Validity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patent Infringement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inequitable Conduct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DISCUSSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Unfair Competition and False Designation of Origin Under the Lanham Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1. Trade Dress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . a. Descriptions of the Claimed Trade Dress . . . . . . . . . . b. Evidence of Distinctiveness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2. The CVS SKU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Unfair Competition Under New York Common Law . . . . . . . . . . . 1. Likelihood of Confusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2. Bad Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. False Advertising Under the Lanham Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1. Standing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2. Falsity and Likelihood of Misleading Consumers . . . . . . . . . D. False Advertising and Deceptive Acts Under New York Law . . . . . E. Unjust Enrichment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. Availability of Statutory Damages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. Provisional Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. Patent Validity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I. Patent Infringement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1. The Apparatus Claim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2. The Method Claim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J. Inequitable Conduct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1. Pre-Critical Date Commercial Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2. Omission of Two Patents from the IDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3. Yarden s Representations of the Prior Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 21 21 22 24 26 29 29 29 29 32 37 38 38 40 41 41 43 45 46 48 49 50 57 57 60 62 63 66 68 CONCLUSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 -ii- I. INTRODUCTION Medisim Ltd. ( Medisim ) brings this action against BestMed LLC ( BestMed ) for patent and copyright infringement, unfair competition/false designation of origin under the Lanham Act, false advertising under the Lanham Act, false advertising under New York law, deceptive acts and practices under New York law, unfair competition under New York law, and unjust enrichment.1 BestMed has brought counterclaims for declaratory judgment of patent noninfringement, declaratory judgment of patent invalidity, false patent marking, and patent unenforceability due to inequitable conduct.2 On June 29, 2012, the Court held a pre-motion conference to discuss the parties proposed grounds for potential summary judgment motions. The Court spent considerable judicial resources to review the parties pre-conference submissions and consider the strength of their potential motions. At the conference, I advised the parties not to move on the grounds for which there was likely a disputed issue of fact.3 BestMed ignored my advice and moved for 1 See Complaint and Answer for Jury Trial ( Complaint ) ¶¶ 24-69. 2 See Second Amended Answer, Affirmative Defenses and Counterclaims ( Am. Answer ) ¶¶ 81-237. 3 See 6/29/12 Hearing Tr., at 28:1-6. -1- summary judgment on all of the grounds they raised in their pre-conference letter.4 For the reasons set forth below, the motions are granted in part and denied in part. Unsurprisingly, summary judgment is denied on all of the claims that the Court advised BestMed to exclude from its summary judgment motion. II. BACKGROUND A. Undisputed Facts5 In November 2004, BestMed and Medisim entered into an International Distributorship Agreement ( Distribution Agreement ) for BestMed to distribute Medisim s digital, conductive forehead thermometer in the United States and Canada.6 Between the signing of the Distribution Agreement and its May 1, 2009 termination, BestMed had access to some technical information pertaining to Medisim s thermometers and received a draft of the thermometer 4 I note that Medisim raised two grounds for moving for summary judgment in its pre-conference letter. See 6/18/12 Letter from Scott S. Christie to the Court, at 3. Unlike BestMed, it moved on only one of those grounds. 5 The following facts are derived from the Complaint, the Amended Answer, and the parties Rule 56.1 statements and supporting documents. The facts are undisputed unless otherwise noted; where disputed, they are construed in the light most favorable to the non-moving party. See, e.g., Federal Ins. Co. v. American Home Assurance Co., 639 F.3d 557, 566 (2d Cir. 2011). 6 See Complaint ¶ 9; Am. Answer ¶ 9; BestMed LLC s Statement of Undisputed Material Facts Pursuant to Local Civil Rule 56.1 ( BestMed 56.1 ) ¶ 23. -2- user s instructions from Medisim.7 On April 7, 2008, Medisim and BestMed entered into a Purchase Sale Agreement which provided that: By executing this Agreement, and as a condition to entering into this Agreement, each party hereby ratifies the two addenda described in the Recitals to this Agreement and the appendices to [the Distribution Agreement], and irrevocably waives and relinquishes any right, claim or cause of action it may have now or in the future, whether known or unknown, now or hereafter existing against the other party and its officers and agents arising from the actual or alleged performance, termination, breach or continuation of [the Distribution Agreement] and the parties subsequent correspondence relating to [the Distribution Agreement] and the proposed renewal or replacement thereof.8 On October 6, 2009, United States Patent No. 7,597,668 ( the 668 Patent ) titled NON-INVASIVE TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT was issued to Moshe Yarden, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer of Medisim.9 The 668 Patent matured from U.S. Patent Application Serial 7 See Complaint ¶ 10; Am. Answer ¶¶ 9, 10. Medisim further asserts that BestMed had access to confidential and/or proprietary information belonging to Medisim, but BestMed denies this allegation. Id. 8 BestMed 56.1 ¶¶ 27-29. 9 Complaint ¶ 8; Am. Answer ¶ 8; Medisim s Local Rule 56.1 Statement of Undisputed Material Facts in Support of Its Motion for Summary Judgment of No Inequitable Conduct ( Medisim IC 56.1 ) ¶ 1; Declaration of Moshe Yarden in Support of Medisim Ltd. s Motion for Summary Judgment of No Inequitable Conduct ( Yarden Decl. ) ¶ 1. -3- No. 11/444,710 ( the 710 Application ), which Yarden filed on May 31, 2006.10 Among the products distributed by BestMed under the Distribution Agreement were thermometers manufactured by Medisim that practiced some or all of the claims of the 668 Patent.11 B. Disputed Facts Medisim asserts that while the parties were operating under the Distribution Agreement, BestMed began secret negotiations with K-Jump Health Co., Ltd. ( K-Jump ) to replace the Medisim digital, conductive forehead thermometer with a thermometer that was substantially similar in operation and technology, to be manufactured in China. 12 Medisim alleges that BestMed directed K-Jump to begin manufacturing a thermometer incorporating Medisim s intellectual property, and that BestMed subsequently terminated the Distribution Agreement and began purchasing thermometers from K-Jump for distribution in the United States.13 Medisim asserts that compared with its own thermometers, those manufactured by K-Jump have a similar physical appearance, embody the 10 See Medisim IC 56.1 ¶¶ 2, 3. 11 See Am. Answer. ¶ 9. 12 Complaint ¶ 11. 13 See id. ¶¶ 11-13. -4- same features, and execute software enabling it to produce identical audible and visual messages.14 When Medisim attempted to sell digital thermometers on its own, several retailers rebuffed it and expressed their satisfaction with the K-Jumpmanufactured thermometers they were purchasing from BestMed.15 Further, BestMed sells K-Jump-manufactured thermometers to the CVS drug store chain with Stock Keeping Unit ( SKU ) number 050428075739 the same SKU under which BestMed sold CVS digital thermometers manufactured by Medisim.16 Medisim asserts that BestMed has unfairly foreclosed Medisim from selling its product to many of the customers that previously bought its products through its systematic and willful acts of copying Medisim s product technology and design, and trading on Medisim s good will. 17 BestMed acknowledges that it used the same SKU to sell CVS digital thermometers manufactured by K-Jump and Medisim, but it otherwise denies all of these allegations.18 C. The Invention 14 See id. ¶¶ 15-16, 21-22. 15 See id. ¶ 14. 16 See id. ¶ 17. 17 Id. 18 See Am. Answer ¶¶ 11-16. -5- The measurement of a body temperature is useful for assessing the health of a [person]. 19 Generally, body temperature is measured in one of two ways, each of which has its drawbacks: (1) insertion of a thermometer into a body cavity such as the mouth, armpit, or rectum; or (2) measurement at an external site, such as the forehead or temple. Insertion of a thermometer into a body cavity is invasive, causes discomfort, and requires the subject s cooperation and adherence to measurement procedures for example, keeping the thermometer tip under the tongue during oral measurement. Measurement at external sites is less uncomfortable and less dependent on subject cooperation, but it produces temperature readings more likely to deviate from core body temperature (which will be defined below).20 The claimed invention in the 668 Patent relates to a digital thermometer that endeavors to achieve the best of both worlds it is noninvasive, and yet it is designed to use its measurements to calculate core body temperature.21 D. Procedural History 19 668 Patent, Ex. A to Affirmation of Keith J. McWha in Support of Motion for Summary Judgment of No Inequitable Conduct ( McWha IC Aff. ), at col. 1 ll. 12-13. 20 See id. col. 1 ll. 13-38. 21 See id. col. 1 ll. 54-60. -6- Medisim initiated this action in March, 2010, following which BestMed promptly moved to transfer venue to Colorado, where BestMed is based. I denied this motion22 and held a Markman hearing23 after which I construed various phrases in the 668 Patent as follows: [In claim 1]: Probe means portion of thermometer including a membrane and one or more temperature sensors that touches the exterior skin. Membrane means a layer or sheet of material. One or more temperature sensors means one or more thermistor or resistance temperature defectors (RTDs), or any form of thermistor, temperature sensor, or thermocouple. Configured to receive a plurality of temperature readings from the one or more temperature sensors means configured to receive temperature readings, at least one of which comes from the external body surface, from one or more temperature sensors. Time-dependent parameters of temperature change, means multiple values of temperature change that vary with time and that are taken at different times. To calculate as using a computation to estimate, approximate, predict or determine. Core body temperature as the temperature of blood in the pulmonary artery. 22 See Medisim Ltd. v. BestMed LLC, No. 10 Civ. 2463, 2010 WL 2697073 (S.D.N.Y. July 7, 2010). 23 See Markman v. Westview Instruments, Inc., 517 U.S. 370, 384, 390- 91 (1996). -7- In claim 21, the user is applying a probe . . . to an external surface, while the processing unit is receiving a plurality of temperature readings ; determining time-dependent parameters of temperature change ; calculating a deep tissue temperature and calculating a core body temperature. 24 Following the Markman ruling, the parties made cross-motions, pursuant to Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,25 as well as Rules 702 and 403 of the Federal Rules of Evidence, to exclude the testimony of various experts. In my initial Daubert opinion and subsequent reconsideration opinion, I made the following rulings: 1) Jack Goldberg BestMed s expert on the validity of the 668 Patent is qualified to opine in the area of digital, conductive thermometry. Goldberg may offer the following opinions: (1) that the specification of the 668 Patent does not enable the full scope of the claimed invention; (2) that Medisim s FHT-1 Digital Temple Thermometer ( the FHT-1 ) calculates core body temperature and therefore anticipated the 668 Patent; (3) that the FHT-1 calculates deep tissue temperature; and (4) that BestMed has not infringed Medisim s intellectual property. However, I struck Goldberg s opinions on inequitable 24 Medisim Ltd. v. BestMed LLC, No. 10 Civ. 2463, 2011 WL 2693896, at *11 (S.D.N.Y. July 8, 2011) ( Markman Op. ). 25 509 U.S. 579 (1993). -8- conduct and on whether U.S. Patent 6,095,452 anticipated the 668 Patent.26 2) Dr. David Lipson Medisim s expert on the validity of the 668 Patent may opine that BestMed s KD-2201 thermometer meets the core body temperature limitation of the 668 Patent.27 Lipson may also testify that the KD2201 thermometer meets the deep tissue temperature limitation of the 668 Patent, but only to the extent that he bases his opinion on the 510(k) letters and deposition testimony of K-Jump witnesses referenced in his report.28 3) The expert report of Dr. Warren Keegan who Medisim retained to opine on likelihood of confusion is excluded in its entirety.29 BestMed now moves for summary judgment on: (1) Medisim s Lanham Act unfair competition and false designation of origin claim; (2) Medisim s New York common law unfair competition claim; (3) Medisim s Lanham Act false advertising claim; (4) Medisim s New York false advertising claim; (5) Medisim s New York deceptive acts claim; (6) Medisim s unjust 26 See Medisim Ltd. v. BestMed LLC, 861 F. Supp. 2d 158, 167-74 (S.D.N.Y. 2012) ( Daubert Op. ). 27 See id. at 174-76. 28 See Medisim Ltd. v. BestMed LLC, No. 10 Civ. 2463, 2012 WL 1450420, at *2 (S.D.N.Y. Apr. 23, 2012) ( Reconsideration Op. ). 29 Daubert Op., 861 F. Supp. 2d at 178-80. -9- enrichment claim; (7) whether Medisim may be entitled to attorney s fees on its copyright infringement claim; (8) whether Medisim is entitled to reasonable royalties for sales during the provisional rights period ; (9) invalidity of the 668 Patent; and (10) non-infringement. Medisim moves for summary judgment on Bestmed s inequitable conduct counterclaim. III. LEGAL STANDARD Summary judgment is designed to pierce the pleadings to flush out those cases that are predestined to result in a directed verdict. 30 Thus, summary judgment is only appropriate if the pleadings, the discovery and disclosure materials on file, and any affidavits show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. 31 For summary judgment purposes, a genuine issue exists where the evidence is such that a reasonable jury could decide in the non-moving party s favor. 32 A fact is material when it might affect the outcome of the suit under governing law. 33 30 Lightfoot v. Union Carbide Corp., 110 F.3d 898, 907 (2d Cir. 1997). 31 Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(c). 32 Sanchez v. Connecticut Natural Gas Co., 421 Fed. App x 33, 34 (2d Cir. 2011) (quoting Nabisco, Inc. v. Warner Lambert Co., 220 F.3d 43, 45 (2d Cir. 2000)). 33 Carter v. Incorporated Vill. of Ocean Beach, 415 Fed. App x 290, 292 (2d Cir. 2011) (quoting McCarthy v. Dun & Bradstreet Corp., 482 F.3d 184, 202 -10- [T]he burden of demonstrating that no material fact exists lies with the moving party . . . . 34 When the burden of proof at trial would fall on the nonmoving party, it ordinarily is sufficient for the movant to point to a lack of evidence to go to the trier of fact on an essential element of the non[-]movant s claim. 35 In a summary judgment setting, [t]he burden is on the moving party to demonstrate that no genuine issue respecting any material fact exists. 36 When the burden of proof at trial would fall on the nonmoving party, it ordinarily is sufficient for the movant to point to a lack of evidence . . . on an essential element of the nonmovant s claim. 37 In turn, to defeat a motion for summary judgment, the non-moving party must raise a genuine issue of material fact.38 The non-moving party must do more than simply show that there is some (2d Cir. 2007)). 34 Miner v. Clinton County, N.Y., 541 F.3d 464, 471 (2d Cir. 2008) (citation omitted). 35 Jaramillo v. Weyerhaeuser Co., 536 F.3d 140, 145 (2d Cir. 2008). 36 Mavrommatis v. Carey Limousine Westchester, Inc., No. 10 Civ. 3404, 2011 WL 3903429, at *1 (2d Cir. Sept. 7, 2011) (citing Gallo v. Prudential Residential Servs., L.P., 22 F.3d 1219, 1223 (2d Cir. 1994)). 37 Cordiano v. Metacon Gun Club, Inc., 575 F.3d 199, 204 (2d Cir. 2009). 38 Id. -11- metaphysical doubt as to the material facts, 39 and cannot rely on conclusory allegations or unsubstantiated speculation. 40 In deciding a motion for summary judgment, a court must construe the facts in the light most favorable to the non-moving party and must resolve all ambiguities and draw all reasonable inferences against the movant. 41 However, [c]redibility determinations, the weighing of the evidence, and the drawing of legitimate inferences from the facts are jury functions, not those of a judge. 42 The role of the court is not to resolve disputed issues of fact but to assess whether there are any factual issues to be tried. 43 IV. APPLICABLE LAW A. Unfair Competition and False Designation of Origin Under the Lanham Act 39 Brown v. Eli Lilly & Co., 654 F.3d 347, 358 (2d Cir. 2011) (quoting Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 586 (1986)). 40 Id. (quoting Federal Deposit Ins. Corp. v. Great Am. Ins. Co., 607 F.3d 288, 292 (2d Cir. 2010)). 41 Brod v. Omya, Inc., 653 F.3d 156, 164 (2d Cir. 2011) (quoting Williams v. R.H. Donnelley Corp., 368 F.3d 123, 126 (2d Cir. 2004)). 42 Kaytor v. Electric Boat Corp., 609 F.3d 537, 545 (2d Cir. 2010) (quoting Reeves v. Sanderson Plumbing Prods., Inc., 530 U.S. 133, 150 (2000)) (emphasis removed). 43 Brod, 653 F.3d at 164 (quoting Wilson v. Northwestern Mut. Ins. Co., 625 F.3d 54, 60 (2d Cir. 2010)). -12- The Lanham Act provides: (1) Any person who, on or in connection with any goods or services, or any container for goods, uses in commerce any word, term, name, symbol, or device, or any combination thereof, or any false designation of origin, false or misleading description of fact, or false or misleading representation of fact, which-(A) is likely to cause confusion, or to cause mistake, or to deceive as to the affiliation, connection, or association of such person with another person, or as to the origin, sponsorship, or approval of his or her goods, services, or commercial activities by another person . . . shall be liable in a civil action by any person who believes that he or she is or is likely to be damaged by such act.44 A plaintiff asserting a trademark infringement claim must show first that its trade dress or trademark is a protectable interest under the Lanham Act, and second that there is a likelihood of confusion.45 If a plaintiff offers no evidence of a protectable interest, a court need not consider likelihood of confusion.46 Moreover, a Lanham Act claimant must describe its protectable interest with some clarity it 44 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a). 45 See Louis Vuitton Malletier v. Dooney & Bourke, Inc., 454 F.3d 108, 115 (2d Cir. 2006). 46 See Thompson Med. Co. v. Pfizer, Inc., 753 F.2d 208, 217 (2d Cir. 1985) ( If, however, secondary meaning cannot be established, [the product claiming protection] will be ineligible for protection, and our analysis will conclude without having to address the likelihood of confusion. Absent secondary meaning, purchasers will not associate [the product] with a particular source of origin. By definition, there could not be likelihood of confusion as to source. ). -13- must offer a precise expression of the character and scope of the claimed trade dress. 47 In order to succeed on a claim of trade dress infringement under Section 43(a) of the Lanham Act, a plaintiff must demonstrate: (1) that its claimed mark is either inherently distinctive or has acquired distinctiveness through secondary meaning; (2) that there is a likelihood of confusion between its trade dress and the defendant s; and (3) that the trade dress is non-functional.48 Inherent distinctiveness is evaluated as follows: [T]rade dress is classified on a spectrum of increasing distinctiveness as generic, descriptive, suggestive, or arbitrary/fanciful. Suggestive and arbitrary or fanciful trade dress are deemed inherently distinctive and thus always satisfy the first prong of the test for protection. A descriptive trade dress may be found inherently distinctive if the plaintiff establishes that its mark has acquired secondary meaning giving it distinctiveness to the consumer. A generic trade dress receives no Lanham Act protection.49 To determine whether a trade dress has acquired distinctiveness through secondary 47 Yurman Design, Inc. v. PAJ, Inc., 262 F.3d 101, 117 (2d Cir. 2001) (quoting Landscape Forms, Inc. v. Columbia Cascade Co., 113 F.3d 373, 381 (2d Cir. 1997)). 48 See Two Pesos, Inc. v. Taco Cabana, Inc., 505 U.S. 763, 769-70 (1992); Fun-Damental Too, Ltd. v. Gemmy Indus. Corp., 111 F.3d 993, 999 (2d Cir. 1997). 49 Fun-Damental Too, 111 F.3d at 999-1000 (citing Two Pesos, 505 U.S. at 769-70 and LeSportsac, Inc. v. K Mart Corp., 754 F.2d 71, 76 (2d Cir. 1985)). -14- meaning, a court should consider six factors: (1) advertising expenditures, (2) consumer studies linking the mark to a source, (3) unsolicited media coverage of the product, (4) sales success, (5) attempts to plagiarize the mark, and (6) length and exclusivity of the mark s use. 50 The Second Circuit generally disfavors summary judgment on questions of distinctiveness.51 The likelihood of confusion inquiry turns on whether numerous ordinary prudent purchasers are likely to be misled or confused as to the source of the product in question because of the entrance in the marketplace of defendant s mark. 52 [A] probability of confusion, not a mere possibility, must be found to 50 Cartier Inc. v. Jewelry, Inc., 294 Fed. App x 615, 617 (2d Cir. 2008). 51 See Mana Prods., Inc. v. Columbia Cosmetics Mfg., Inc., 65 F.3d 1063, 1069 (2d Cir. 1995) ( Granting a defendant s motion for summary judgment in an infringement action brought under the Act on the issue of whether plaintiff s product is or is not inherently distinctive is not generally favored. This is the general rule because a producer has endless options when packaging its products, so often trade dress will be arbitrary or fanciful and thus inherently distinctive. ). 52 Playtex Prods., Inc. v. Georgia-Pacific Corp., 390 F.3d 158, 161 (2d Cir. 2004) (quoting Cadbury Beverages, Inc. v. Cott Corp., 73 F.3d 474, 477-78 (2d Cir. 1996)). Accord Chambers v. Time Warner, Inc., 282 F.3d 147, 155 (2d Cir. 2002) ( Where there is a claim of consumer confusion [as] to the association of a product or service with another person s trademark, the central inquiry is whether it is likely that an appreciable number of ordinarily prudent purchasers will be misled as to the source or sponsorship of the product or service in question. ) (quoting EMI Catalogue P ship v. Hill, Holiday, Conors, Cosmopulos, Inc., 228 F.3d 56, 61-62 (2d Cir. 2000)). -15- exist in order to support a finding of infringement.53 Generally speaking, establishing that probability is the plaintiff s burden,54 which means that the defendant typically does not need to disprove a likelihood of confusion.55 In determining whether there is a likelihood of confusion, an eight-factor balancing test should be applied.56 A finding of confusion need not be based on survey evidence; confusion may be shown through statements.57 53 Gruner + Jahr USA Publ g v. Meredith Corp., 991 F.2d 1072, 1077 (2d Cir. 1993). Moreover, regardless of the name given to the infringement claim false designation of origin, unfair competition, or simply infringement the question under the Lanham Act and state law infringement claims is the same: is there a likelihood of confusion? See Two Pesos, Inc., 505 U.S. at 780. 54 See Lois Sportswear U.S.A., Inc. v. Levi Strauss & Co., 799 F.2d 867, 871 (2d Cir. 1986). 55 See KP Permanent Make-up, Inc. v. Lasting Impression I, Inc., 543 U.S. 111, 121 (2004). 56 See Starbucks Corp. v. Borough Coffee, Inc., 588 F.3d 97, 115 (2d Cir. 2009) (citing Polaroid Corp. v. Polarad Elec. Corp., 287 F.2d 492, 495 (2d Cir. 1961)). The Polaroid factors include: (1) strength of the plaintiff s mark; (2) degree of similarity between plaintiff s and defendant s marks; (3) the competitive proximity of the products; (4) the likelihood that either owner will bridge the gap; (5) the sophistication of the buyers; (6) the quality of defendant s product; (7) actual confusion; and (8) the existence of bad faith. See id. None of these factors is dispositive, and the above list is not exhaustive. See Streetwise Maps, Inc. v. Vandam, Inc., 159 F.3d 739, 743 (2d Cir. 1998). Instead, they are intended to act as a useful guide in determining if there exists a likelihood of confusion. Lois Sportswear, 799 F.2d at 872. 57 See Fun-Damental Too, 111 F.3d at 1003 (affirming a district court s grant of a preliminary injunction in a Lanham Act action, where the district court found actual confusion based on a sales manager s testimony regarding consumer -16- B. Unfair Competition Under New York Common Law The elements of unfair competition under New York law closely parallel the elements of unfair competition under the Lanham Act. However, there are two exceptions: a plaintiff must show either actual confusion or a likelihood of confusion, and there must be some showing of bad faith on the part of the defendants. 58 C. False Advertising Under the Lanham Act Section 43(a) of the Lanham Act prohibits any person from, in commercial advertising or promotion, misrepresent[ing] the nature, characteristics, qualities, or geographic origin of his or her or another person s goods, services, or commercial activities. 59 A claim of false advertising may be based on the theory that the challenged advertisement is literally false, i.e., false on its face ; alternatively, it may be based on the theory that the advertisement, while not literally false, is nevertheless likely to mislead or confuse consumers. 60 complaints ). 58 Sly Magazine, LLC v. Weider Publ ns L.L.C, 346 Fed. App x 721, 723 (2d Cir. 2009) (quoting Jeffrey Milstein, Inc. v. Greger, Lawlor, Roth, Inc., 58 F.3d 27, 34 35 (2d Cir. 1995)). 59 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a)(1)(B). 60 Time Warner, 497 F.3d at 153. -17- Standing to bring a false advertising claim under the Lanham Act requires a plaintiff to establish a reasonable interest to be protected against the false or misleading claims as well as a reasonable basis for believing that this interest is likely to be damaged by the false or misleading advertising. 61 Reasonable interest includes commercial interests, direct pecuniary interests, and even a future potential for a commercial or competitive injury. 62 To demonstrate a reasonable basis, a plaintiff must show both likely injury and a causal nexus to the false advertising. 63 Further: [I]n the case of a misleading, non-comparative commercial which tout[s] the benefits of the product advertised but ma[kes] no direct reference to any competitor s product . . . some indication of actual injury and causation is necessary to satisfy Lanham Act standing requirements and to ensure [the] plaintiff s injury [is] not speculative. 64 61 ITC Ltd. v. Punchgini, Inc., 482 F.3d 135, 169 (2d Cir. 2007) (quoting Societe Des Hotels Meridien v. LaSalle Hotel Operating P ship, 380 F.3d 126, 130 (2d Cir. 2004)). 62 Id. (citing PDK Labs, Inc. v. Friedlander, 103 F.3d 1105, 1111 (2d Cir. 1997)). 63 Id. (quoting Havana Club Holding, S.A. v. Galleon S.A., 203 F.3d 116, 130 (2d Cir. 2000)). 64 Time Warner Cable, Inc. v. DirecTV Inc., 497 F.3d 144, 162 (2d Cir. 2007) (quoting McNeilab, Inc. v. American Home Prods. Corp., 848 F.2d 34, 38 (2d Cir. 1988)). -18- D. False Advertising Under New York Law New York General Business Law ( GBL ) section 350 states: [f]alse advertising in the conduct of any business, trade or commerce or in the furnishing of any service in this state is hereby declared unlawful. A plaintiff must establish (1) that the act, practice or advertisement was consumer-oriented; (2) that the act, practice or advertisement was misleading in a material respect, and (3) that the plaintiff was injured as a result of the deceptive practice, act or advertisement. 65 Further, a violation of either [section 349 or section 350] requires that the defendant s conduct deceive a reasonable consumer in a material respect, work a harm to the public at large, and directly cause the plaintiff s injury. 66 A plaintiff must also demonstrate reliance, which typically means that the plaintiff must point to [a] specific advertisement or public pronouncement upon which [the consumer] relied. Finally, the alleged deception must have occurred in New York. 67 E. Deceptive Acts Under New York Law New York GBL section 349 makes unlawful [d]eceptive acts or 65 Leider v. Ralfe, 387 F. Supp. 2d 283, 292 (S.D.N.Y. 2005) (quoting Pelman v. McDonald s Corp., 237 F. Supp. 2d 512, 525 (S.D.N.Y. 2003)). 66 Id. 67 Id. -19- practices in the conduct of any business, trade or commerce or in the furnishing of any service. The New York Court of Appeals has further clarified: A plaintiff under section 349 must prove three elements: first, that the challenged act or practice was consumer-oriented; second, that it was misleading in a material way; and third, that the plaintiff suffered injury as a result of the deceptive act. Whether a representation or an omission, the deceptive practice must be likely to mislead a reasonable consumer acting reasonably under the circumstances. 68 Although section 349 is consumer-oriented, a competitor may bring a cause of action under those statutes if the gravamen of the complaint [is] consumer injury or harm to the public interest and if the matter affects the public interest in New York. 69 F. Unjust Enrichment Under New York law, a plaintiff seeking relief under a theory of unjust enrichment must show (1) that the defendant benefitted; (2) at the plaintiff s expense; and (3) that equity and good conscience require restitution. 70 68 Stutman v. Chemical Bank, 95 N.Y.2d 24, 29 (2000) (quoting Oswego Laborers Local 214 Pension Fund v. Marine Midland Bank, 85 N.Y.2d 20, 26 (1995)) (additional citations omitted). 69 Securitron Magnalock Corp. v. Schnabolk, 65 F.3d 256, 264 (2d Cir. 1995) (quoting Azby Brokerage, Inc. v. Allstate Ins. Co., 681 F. Supp. 1084, 1089 n.6 (S.D.N.Y. 1988)). 70 Leibowitz v. Cornell Univ., 584 F.3d 487, 509 (2d Cir. 2009). -20- G. Availability of Statutory Damages for Copyright Infringement Monetary remedies for copyright infringement may take the form of either compensatory damages or statutory damages.71 Section 504 also permits the recovery of attorney s fees. However: [N]o award of statutory damages or attorney s fees . . . shall be made for . . . (2) any infringement of copyright commenced after first publication of the work and before the effective date of its registration, unless such registration is made within three months after the first publication of the work.72 A copyright owner may elect to recover statutory damages (as opposed to actual damages) at any time before final judgment is rendered.73 H. Provisional Rights A patent comes with the right to obtain a reasonable royalty from those who infringed between the time that the patent application was published and the time that the patent was ultimately issued.74 This provisional remedy is not available unless the invention as claimed in the patent is substantially identical to 71 See 17 U.S.C. § 504(c)(1). 72 Id. § 412. 73 See id. § 504(c)(1) ( [T]he copyright owner may elect, at any time before final judgment is rendered, to recover, instead of actual damages and profits, an award of statutory damages. ). 74 See 35 U.S.C. § 154(d). -21- the invention as claimed in the published patent application. 75 This analysis requires a comparison of the scope of the claims in the patent application and the issued patent. 76 Although an amendment that merely clarifies the terms of a claim is not a substantial change . . . an amendment that narrows the scope of a claim is a substantial change. 77 Because the determination of provisional rights involves the construction and comparison of the application and the patent and considers no additional evidence, it, like claim construction, is a question of law.78 I. Patent Validity Whether a claim satisfies the enablement requirement of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶ 1 is a question of law, but it is based on the underlying facts.79 A patent enjoys a presumption of validity.80 A party seeking to destroy this presumption 75 Id. § 154(d)(2) 76 Baseball Quick, LLC v. MLB Advanced Media, L.P., No. 11 Civ. 1735, 2012 WL 1071230, at *4 (S.D.N.Y. Mar. 30, 2012) (citing Laitram Corp. v. NEC Corp., 163 F.3d 1342, 1346 (Fed. Cir. 1998)). 77 Prestige Pet Products, Inc. v. Pingyang Huaxing Leather & Plastic Co., 767 F. Supp. 2d 806, 812 (E.D. Mich. 2011) (citing Bloom Eng g Co. v. North Am. Mfg. Co., 129 F.3d 1247, 1250 (Fed. Cir. 1997)). 78 See Laitram, 163 F.3d at 1347. 79 See AK Steel Corp. v. Sollac, 344 F.3d 1234, 1238-39 (Fed. Cir. 2003). 80 See 35 U.S.C. § 282. Section 282 states that [e]ach claim of a patent (whether in independent, dependent, or multiple dependent form) shall be -22- must do so with clear and convincing evidence of invalidity.81 Clear and convincing evidence exists when the movant place[s] in the mind of the ultimate fact finder an abiding conviction that the truth of its factual contentions are highly probable. 82 This high burden generally makes summary judgment on validity issues more likely for patentees than accused infringers. The enablement requirement is satisfied when one skilled in the art, after reading the specification, could practice the claimed invention without undue experimentation. 83 Further, [t]he full scope of the claimed invention must be enabled. 84 Whether the amount of experimentation necessary is undue is also a question of law that [the Federal Circuit] review[s] de novo, based on underlying presumed valid independently of the validity of other claims; [and] dependent or multiple dependent claims shall be presumed valid even though dependent upon an invalid claim. 81 See Enzo Biochem, Inc. v. Gen-Probe, Inc., 424 F.3d 1276, 1281 (Fed. Cir. 2005). 82 Intel Corp. v. United States Int l Trade Comm n, 946 F.2d 821, 830 (Fed. Cir. 1991) (quoting Colorado v. New Mexico, 467 U.S. 310, 316 (1984)). 83 Sitrick v. Dreamworks, LLC, 516 F.3d 993, 999 (Fed. Cir. 2008) (quoting AK Steel, 344 F.3d at 1244). 84 Id. (citing Automotive Techs. Int l, Inc. v. BMW of N. Am., Inc., 501 F.3d 1274, 1285 (Fed. Cir. 2007)). -23- factual inquiries that [are] review[ed] for clear error. 85 The Federal Circuit has identified eight factors for courts to consider in making such a determination: (1) the quantity of experimentation necessary; (2) the amount of direction or guidance presented; (3) the presence or absence of working examples; (4) the nature of the invention; (5) the state of the prior art; (6) the relative skill of those in the art; (7) the predictability or unpredictability of the art; and (8) the breadth of the claims.86 A court need not consider all of these Wands factors, but rather only those relevant to the facts of the case.87 [I]t is axiomatic that if no methodology existed by which the invention could be practiced, the claims are not enabled. 88 J. Patent Infringement Determination of infringement involves two steps: (1) construing the terms of the asserted claims; and (2) determining whether the accused method 85 See ALZA Corp. v. Andrx Pharm., LLC, 603 F.3d 935, 940 (Fed. Cir. 2010) (quoting Enzo Biochem, Inc. v. Calgene, Inc., 188 F.3d 1362, 1371-72 (Fed. Cir. 1999)). 86 See In re Wands, 858 F.2d 731, 737 (Fed. Cir. 1988). 87 Amgen, Inc. v. Chugai Pharm. Co., Ltd., 927 F.2d 1200, 1213 (Fed. Cir. 1991). 88 Plant Genetic Sys., N.V. v. DeKalp Genetics Corp., 175 F. Supp. 2d 246, 255 (D. Conn. 2001), aff d, 315 F.3d 1335 (Fed. Cir. 2003). -24- infringes the claims as construed.89 Claim construction is a question of law, and infringement is a question of fact.90 Infringement occurs when a properly construed claim reads on the accused product.91 Summary judgment on the ground of non-infringement of a patent may be granted where the patentee s proof is deficient in meeting an essential part of the legal standard for infringement liability.92 A plaintiff may establish infringement either by proving literal infringement or by using the doctrine of equivalents.93 To prove literal infringement, the patentee must show by a preponderance of the evidence that the device accused of infringement contains every limitation in the asserted claims.94 This applies to both method claims and apparatus claims. For process patent or 89 See Metabolite Labs., Inc. v. Laboratory Corp. of Am. Holdings, 370 F.3d 1354, 1360 (Fed. Cir. 2004). 90 See Boss Control, Inc. v. Bombardier Inc., 410 F.3d 1372, 1376 (Fed. Cir. 2005) (citing Bai v. L & L Wings, Inc., 160 F.3d 1350, 1353 (Fed. Cir. 1998)). 91 See Baxter Healthcare Corp. v. Spectramed, Inc., 49 F.3d 1575, 1582 (Fed. Cir. 1995). 92 See Johnston v. IVAC Corp., 885 F.2d 1574, 1577 (Fed. Cir. 1989). 93 See Windbrella Prods. v. Taylor Made Golf Co., 414 F. Supp. 2d 305, 311 (S.D.N.Y. 2006). 94 See PC Connector Solutions LLC v. SmartDisk Corp., 406 F.3d 1359, 1364 (Fed. Cir. 2005). -25- method patent claims, infringement occurs when a party performs all of the steps of the process. 95 An infringement issue is properly decided upon summary judgment when no reasonable jury could find that every limitation recited in the properly construed claim either is or is not found in the accused device. 96 A plaintiff may demonstrate contributory infringement by proving that the defendant sells, or offers to sell, a material or apparatus for use in practicing a patented process. 97 Further, [t]hat material or apparatus must be a material part of the invention, have no substantial noninfringing uses, and be known (by the [defendant]) to be especially made or especially adapted for use in an infringement of such patent. 98 A plaintiff may establish induced infringement if it can show direct infringement, and that the alleged infringer knowingly induced infringement and possessed specific intent to encourage another s infringement. 99 K. Inequitable Conduct 95 BMC Res., Inc. v. Paymentech, L.P., 498 F.3d 1373, 1379 (Fed. Cir. 2007). 96 Gart v. Logitech, Inc., 254 F.3d 1334, 1339 (Fed. Cir. 2001). 97 i4i Ltd. P ship v. Microsoft Corp., 598 F.3d 831, 850-51 (Fed. Cir. 2010). 98 Id. at 851 (quoting 35 U.S.C. § 271(c)). 99 Id. (quoting MEMC Elec. Materials, Inc. v. Mitsubishi Materials Silicon Corp., 420 F.3d 1369, 1378 (Fed. Cir. 2005)). -26- As the Federal Circuit stated in Therasense, Inc. v. Becton, Dickinson & Co., [i]nequitable conduct is an equitable defense to patent infringement that, if proved, bars enforcement of a patent. 100 Due to its far-reaching consequences, a finding of inequitable conduct is the atomic bomb of patent law. 101 It is for this reason that counterclaims of inequitable conduct have become a common litigation tactic claims are routinely brought on the slenderest grounds 102 and have plagued not only the courts but also the entire patent system. 103 All individuals associated with the filing and prosecution of a patent are under a duty to disclose to the patent examiner all information material to the patentability of the claimed invention. This duty does not extend, however, to prior art already considered by or known to the patent examiner,104 who is deemed to have considered a reference listed in a search report if she initials the search history containing the reference, or the actual reference itself in the search 100 Therasense, Inc. v. Becton, Dickinson & Co., 649 F.3d 1276, 1285 (Fed. Cir. 2011). 101 Id. at 1288 (quoting Aventis Pharma S.A. v. Amphastar Pharm., Inc., 525 F.3d 1334, 1349 (Fed. Cir. 2008)). 102 Id. at 1289 (quoting Burlington Indus., Inc. v. Dayco Corp., 849 F.2d 1418, 1422 (Fed. Cir. 1988)). 103 Id. 104 See 37 C.F.R. § 1.56. -27- history.105 A party that brings a claim of inequitable conduct based on non disclosure of prior art must present clear and convincing evidence . . . that the applicant made a deliberate decision to withhold a known material reference. 106 Materiality and intent are separate requirements. With regards to intent, the Federal Circuit has explained: Because direct evidence of deceptive intent is rare, a district court may infer intent from indirect and circumstantial evidence. However, to meet the clear and convincing evidence standard, the specific intent to deceive must be the single most reasonable inference able to be drawn from the evidence. Indeed, the evidence must be sufficient to require a finding of deceitful intent in the light of all the circumstances. Hence, when there are multiple reasonable inferences that may be drawn, intent to deceive cannot be found.107 Materiality is generally determined on a but-for basis an inequitable conduct claim will fail unless the [United States Patent and Trademark Office ( PTO )] would not have allowed a claim had it been aware of the undisclosed prior art. 108 105 See Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. v. Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, Inc., 326 F.3d 1226, 1235-36 (Fed. Cir. 2003). 106 Id. at 1290 (emphasis in original). 107 Id. at 1290-91 (emphasis in original) (quotations and citations omitted). 108 Id. at 1291. -28- However, [w]hen the patentee has engaged in affirmative acts of egregious misconduct, the misconduct is itself material, and the accused infringer need not establish but-for materiality.109 This is because a patentee is unlikely to go to great lengths to deceive the PTO with a falsehood unless it believes that the falsehood will affect issuance of the patent. 110 V. DISCUSSION A. Unfair Competition and False Designation of Origin Under the Lanham Act 1. Trade Dress a. Descriptions of the Claimed Trade Dress Medisim defines its trade dress as its unique product configuration and distinctive packaging design.111 Medisim describes its product configuration as: [A] predominantly white teardrop[-]shaped device with light blue accents surrounding the elongated probe, and a body in an oval shape on which is centered a square LCD display, with a light 109 Id. at 1292 (finding that an unmistakably false affidavit was an affirmative act of egregious misconduct). 110 Id. 111 See Memorandum of Law in Opposition to BestMed s Motion for Summary Judgment ( Pl. Mem. ) at 1. -29- blue on/off switch positioned above the LCD display.112 BestMed s forehead thermometer also contains these features. Medisim also identifies two packaging designs which it asserts are distinctive and unique to forehead thermometers. The first is the packaging in which the digital temple thermometer was sold in CVS stores. Medisim describes its features as follows: [On the front] a rectangular box with a device-shaped cutaway covered by clear plastic to facilitate display of the device inside; the name of the product displayed in the upper left hand corner and a banner in the upper right hand corner bearing the word NEW! in red with a yellow background; a red band below this text that is pierced by the tip of the probe; promotional information about the product displayed to the right of the device cutaway; and a picture of a child having temperature taken with the device in the bottom right hand corner; [On the back] the name of the product displayed along the top; a rectangular graphic displaying and describing the function of the device; and a recitation of how to use the device corresponding to a labeled photograph of the device.113 In addition, the package displays CVS Pharmacy in red lettering on a white background on the top left corner of both the front and the back. The second packaging design Medisim identifies as distinctive is the packaging in which the thermometer was sold in Rite Aid pharmacies. Medisim describes its features as 112 Id. 113 Id. at 2. -30- follows: [On the front] a clear plastic clamshell box having an arch-shaped top, a protruding semicircular base that does not support the device, and a device-shaped recess that displays the device positioned at a 45° angle; the name of the product displayed in the upper right hand corner at a slight upward angle over a similarly oriented rainbow-spectrum band; and the protruding semicircular base displaying promotional language; [On the back] the name of the product in the upper right hand corner at a slight upward angle over a similarly oriented rainbow-spectrum band stating Non-Invasive; a rectangular graphic displaying and describing the function of the device; a recitation of how to use the device corresponding to a labeled photograph of the device; and two pictures of a child having temperature taken with the device in the bottom right hand corner.114 In addition, the package displays the Rite Aid logo on the top left corner of both the front and back. In both cases, the packaging in which BestMed sold K-Jumpmanufactured thermometers to CVS and Rite Aid respectively contains all of the features articulated by Medisim and has a strikingly similar overall look and appearance. BestMed asserts that throughout the litigation, Medisim ignored [its] duty to articulate the features of its product and packaging that it alleges are distinctive.115 BestMed argues that Medisim s articulation of these features in its 114 Id. at 3. 115 BestMed, LLC s Reply Memorandum of Law in Support of Its Motion for Summary Judgment ( Def. Reply Mem. ) at 1. -31- opposition to summary judgment is untimely, and that because Medisim failed to describe its allegedly protectable interest sooner, I should ignore its attempts to do so now. If BestMed believed Medisim s trade dress claims were legally deficient because they were too vague, then BestMed could have moved to dismiss these claims. Instead, BestMed waited until summary judgment to raise this challenge. BestMed argues that by waiting until the close of discovery to articulate a protectable interest, Medisim unfairly deprive[d] BestMed of fact and expert discovery on the previously unidentified features. 116 Yet the lack of fact and expert discovery on these features is a greater impediment to Medisim than BestMed Medisim carries the burden of proving that these features are distinctive, non-functional, and likely to cause confusion. b. Evidence of Distinctiveness Medisim argues that because its product packaging is inherently distinctive, it is not required to prove secondary meaning in order to obtain protection.117 The Second Circuit has explained that because the varieties of labels and packaging available to wholesalers and manufacturers are virtually unlimited . . . a product s trade dress typically will be arbitrary or fanciful and meet 116 Id. 117 See Pl. Mem. at 3. -32- the inherently distinctive requirement for § 43(a) protection. 118 Still, the Second Circuit cautioned that this principle is [not] hard and fast, and analysis will always require a look at the product and the market in which it competes. 119 BestMed asserts that Medisim has skipped this step that because Medisim has not provided an analysis of its product packaging s features relative to the marketplace, it has failed to provide sufficient evidence from which a jury could conclude that its trade dress is inherently distinctive.120 In support of this, BestMed cites Mana Products, Inc. v. Columbia Cosmetics Manufacturing, Inc., in which the Second Circuit allowed that where it is the custom in a particular industry to package products in a similar manner, a trade dress done in that style is likely to be generic. 121 Mana Products is easily distinguishable, however, in that the trade dresses at issue were black square/rectangular cosmetic compacts which the Second Circuit described as well-established industry custom 122 for which the 118 Fun-Damental Too, 111 F.3d at 1000 (citing Mana Prods. 65 F.3d at 1069). 119 Landscape Forms, 113 F.3d at 379. 120 See Def. Reply Mem. at 3. 121 Mana Prods., 65 F.3d at 1069-70. 122 Fun-Damental Too, 111 F.3d at 1000. -33- design possibilities were limited and commonplace. 123 Here, a virtually infinite array of colors, shapes, and text descriptions were available to both BestMed and Medisim.124 Still, there is a fatal defect in Medisim s trade dress claim: the fundamental test of distinctiveness is whether a trade dress serves to identify its particular source. 125 Medisim s packaging does not identify Medisim as the source of the digital thermometer indeed, Medisim is not mentioned anywhere on the package. Although in some instances a mark identifying goods as emanating from a particular anonymous source may be entitled to protection,126 123 Mana Prods., 65 F.3d at 1069-70. Accord Paddington Corp. v. Attiki Importers & Distrib., Inc., 996 F.2d 577, 583 (2d Cir. 1993) (noting that soda industry practice would render green cans generic for the purpose of packaging lime-flavored soda). 124 See Tecnimed SRL v. Kidz-Med, Inc., 763 F. Supp. 2d 395, 405 (S.D.N.Y. 2011) (finding that the packaging for a children s thermometer was inherently distinctive). 125 Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Samara Bros., Inc., 529 U.S. 205, 210 (2000) (quoting Two Pesos, 505 U.S. at 768). 126 See W.W.W. Pharm. Co. v. Gillette, Co., 984 F.2d 567, 572 (2d Cir. 1995) (noting that an assessment of a mark s strength should focus on the distinctiveness of the mark, or more precisely, its tendency to identify the goods sold under the mark as emanating from a particular, although possibly anonymous source. ) (quoting McGregor Doniger Inc. v. Drizzle Inc., 599 F.2d 1126, 1131 (2d Cir. 1979) (emphasis added)). -34- Medisim s packaging does identify a brand: CVS, Rite Aid, or another retailer.127 Medisim has provided no evidence that consumers are aware of or care about the identity of those who manufacture products carrying CVS or Rite Aid labels.128 Nor has Medisim cited any cases in which a manufacturer s trade dress was held to be entitled to Lanham Act protection notwithstanding that the trade dress identified the retailer and not the manufacturer.129 127 Cf. Tecnimed SRL, 763 F. Supp. 2d at 404-09 (holding that a thermometer manufacturer was likely to succeed in its trade dress claim against a former distributor because the manufacturer had identified both a protectable interest and a likelihood of confusion in its trade dress that identified the manufacturer and not a retailer). 128 Medisim also implies that CVS, Rite Aid, and other potential retailers might actually be the consumers in question. In support of this, Medisim offers some evidence indicating that retailers might have been confused as to the source of the thermometers. See Medisim s Local Rule 56.1(b) Response to BestMed s Local Rule 56.1(a) Statement of Undisputed Material Facts ( Medisim Resp. 56.1 ) ¶¶ 3, 6. However, to sustain a Lanham Act claim based on this argument, Medisim must offer evidence that the product shape and/or packaging acquired secondary meaning to the retailers. Medisim has failed to offer evidence that the retailers knew who Medisim was or identified the packaging/product shape of Medisim s thermometer with a particular source (other than, perhaps, BestMed). 129 The claimed mark is descriptive in that it tells something about a product, its qualities, ingredients or characteristics or point[s] to a product s intended purpose, its function or intended use, its size, or its merit. See Gruner + Jahr, 991 F.2d at 1076. While [a] descriptive mark is entitled to protection upon proof that it has obtained a secondary meaning, that is to say, an identity that consumers associate with a single source, even though the source itself may be unknown, a plaintiff must still offer proof that the mark has become identified as well as being described as originating from a single source. Id. Medisim offers no evidence that consumers identified its claimed trade dresses as -35- With regard to the product configuration, Medisim argues that its trade dress has secondary meaning, rather than being inherently distinctive.130 While several of the six factors relevant to whether a trade dress has acquired distinctiveness through secondary meaning weigh in Medisim s favor,131 the same defect persists: Medisim has provided no support for its contention that its trade dress is entitled to protection even though it identifies the retailer rather than Medisim. Medisim has failed to provide any consumer studies linking the mark to it, and it is difficult to envision how consumers would identify the packaging with an unidentified manufacturer.132 Because Medisim has failed to define a protectable interest under the Lanham Act, I need not consider likelihood of confusion or the functionality of the originating from a single manufacturer. On the contrary, each claimed trade dress identified a retailer, and each identified a different retailer (and thus, a different potential source for the same thermometer). 130 See Pl. Mem. at 4. 131 Medisim provides evidence of commercial success, advertising expenditures, and BestMed s allegedly intentional copying of the packaging. See id. at 4-5. 132 Presumably retailers either knew who manufactured the thermometers they sold or they did not care who was the source of BestMed s thermometers. Medisim has offered no evidence and no reason to believe that the retailers made purchasing decisions based on the shape or packaging of individual units. -36- trade dresses features.133 Accordingly, Medisim s Lanham Act claims based on their product configuration and packaging are dismissed.134 2. The CVS SKU At the pre-motion conference, Medisim identified the CVS SKU as a protectable interest. BestMed articulated a number of reasons why an SKU is neither inherently distinctive nor a protectable interest under the Lanham Act.135 Medisim did not respond directly to these arguments, and only referred to the SKU as evidence of BestMed s intentional copying.136 Because Medisim has offered no 133 This assumes that consumers are those that Medisim alleges are likely to be confused. If Medisim is actually pursuing a Lanham Act claim on the basis that retailers might be confused, its claim is also deficient for two reasons: (1) it has never claimed that the retailers were confused; and (2) it has offered no proof of actual confusion or the likelihood of confusion of retailers. Retailers are assumed to be more sophisticated buyers and thus less prone to confusion. W.W.W. Pharm. Co., 984 F.2d at 575-76. 134 See Laureyssens v. Idea Group, Inc., 964 F.2d 131, 137 (2d Cir. 1992) ( Where there is no actual secondary meaning in a trade dress, the purchasing public simply does not associate the trade dress with a particular producer. Therefore, a subsequent producer who adopts an imitating trade dress will not cause confusion, mistake, or deception as to the origin, sponsorship, or approval of the goods. Second, a junior producer s use of imitating trade dress bears no false designation of origin because, in the absence of secondary meaning in the senior producer s trade dress, the imitating trade dress suggests no particular origin to the consuming public. ). 135 See BestMed, LLC s Memorandum of Law in Support of Its Motion for Summary Judgment ( Def. Mem. ), at 5-6. 136 See Pl. Mem. at 5. -37- evidence either that its SKU is either a protectable interest or that BestMed s use of the same SKU is likely to lead to consumer confusion, any trade dress claim based on the SKU is dismissed. B. Unfair Competition Under New York Common Law The lack of evidence of secondary meaning is not fatal to Medisim s common law trade dress claim. However, in addition to likelihood of confusion, Medisim must also provide evidence of bad faith.137 BestMed argues that Medisim never pled a New York common law trade dress infringement claim, and cannot add such a claim now. However, the Complaint did include a claim for unfair competition under New York common law, and it did allege all of the elements of trade dress infringement under New York law.138 As trade dress infringement is a species of unfair competition, Medisim has sufficiently pled this cause of action. 1. Likelihood of Confusion Medisim has no evidence to support findings in its favor for several of the Polaroid factors, in particular the strength of its mark and the quality of 137 See Laureyssens, 964 F.2d at 139 ( [U]nder the New York common law of unfair competition, a plaintiff need not establish secondary meaning in order to prevent a competitor from using a confusingly similar trade dress where the competitor is engaged in palming off, actual deception, appropriation of the plaintiff s property, or deliberate copying of a trade dress. ). 138 See Complaint ¶¶ 61-64. -38- BestMed s product. However, Medisim has provided evidence supporting findings that: (1) there is a high degree of similarity between Medisim s trade dress and BestMed s trade dress;139 (2) the products are in competitive proximity;140 (3) the gap has been bridged;141 and (4) BestMed acted with bad faith.142 BestMed argues that because Medisim s expert on likelihood of confusion was excluded, Medisim cannot demonstrate actual confusion. Even if BestMed is correct,143 actual confusion is only one of the Polaroid factors, and the Second Circuit has 139 See Pl. Mem. at 2-3. 140 See Medisim Resp. 56.1 ¶¶ 7, 8. 141 See id. 142 See infra Part V.B.2. 143 Medisim asserts that even without the survey generated by its likelihood of confusion expert, it has evidence of actual confusion. See Declaration of John Wilson [president of Medisim U.S.A.] in Opposition to Defendant BestMed s Motion for Summary Judgment, Ex. R to Affirmation of Keith J. McWha in Support of Memorandum of Law in Opposition to Motion for Summary Judgment ( McWha Aff. ), ¶ 14 ( I further am personally aware of an incidence of actual confusion regarding a buyer at Walmart confusing the Medisim product with the BestMed product. On or about August 2008, I presented a Walmart buyer, now VP of Purchasing (Mr. Yale Martin), with the Medisim forehead thermometer. In response, Mr. Martin stated that he had seen this device before. At that time, the only other supplier of a temple forehead thermometer using a similar product configuration and packaging was BestMed. I later came to learn that Walmart purchased the BestMed product instead of the Medisim product. ); Deposition of Moshe Yarden, Medisim s 30(b)(6) designee, Ex. K to McWha Aff., at 179:3-182:1 ( I mean, we are coming to customers asking them about this product and saying, ooh, we didn t know that this is your product. Oh, just a second, we just saw another product, it s pretty similar. ). -39- repeatedly stated that no one factor is dispositive.144 Accordingly, Medisim has offered sufficient evidence from which a jury could conclude that there is a likelihood of confusion between its trade dress and BestMed s. 2. Bad Faith Medisim offers the following evidence of BestMed s bad faith: (1) testimony from BestMed that it desired the shape and packaging of the K-Jumpmanufactured thermometers to appear similar to the shape and packaging of Medisim s product;145 (2) testimony from BestMed that it asked K-Jump to copy the exact beep sequence of the Medisim device;146 (3) testimony from BestMed that it sent K-Jump an instruction manual from a Medisim thermometer so that it 144 See Nora Bevs., Inc. v. Perrier Grp. of Am., Inc., 269 F.3d 114, 119 (2d Cir. 2001); Streetwise Maps, 159 F.3d at 743. 145 See Deposition of Stanley Cohen, BestMed s CEO ( Cohen Dep. ), Ex. F to McWha Aff., at 210:17-25 ( Q. And you further state we need -- We ll need to make a running change with our customers so that product and the packaging can t look too different from our current model. Do you see that? A. Yes, correct. Q. And the current model is the Medisim product; is that right? A. It s the Medisim product that we were selling, yes. ), 267:9-12 ( Q. But the desire was to keep it as similar as possible rather than create new packaging; is that right? A. Yes. ). 146 See id. at 214:2-5 ( Did BestMed indicate to K-Jump that it should have the same number of beeps for the K-Jump product as for the Medisim product? A. Yes, we requested that. ). -40- could closely copy the device s operation;147 and (4) BestMed s use of the same SKU to sell its thermometer to CVS. In sum, there is sufficient evidence from which a jury could conclude that the similarities between Medisim s device/packaging and K-Jump s device/packaging were a result of BestMed s direct and intentional efforts. Accordingly, summary judgment on Medisim s New York unfair competition/trade dress claim is denied. C. False Advertising Under the Lanham Act 1. Standing To demonstrate standing under the Lanham Act, Medisim must articulate both a reasonable interest to be protected and a reasonable basis for believing that this interest will be damaged by BestMed s allegedly false advertising.148 Medisim argues that its reasonable interest[s] to be protected are: (1) its commercial and pecuniary interests in selling its products ; and (2) maintaining its commercial reputation. 149 Potential future sales are a reasonable 147 See Deposition of Michael Edmonds, BestMed s 30(b)(6) designee, Ex. G to McWha Aff., at 132:3-6 ( Q. You sent the instruction book so that K-Jump would design the product to operate in the same way as the Medisim product; is that right? A. Very similar, yes. ). 148 See supra Part IV.C. 149 Pl. Mem. at 11. -41- interest.150 However, because Medisim has no name recognition in the consumer market and its name does not appear on its own trade dress, it has no commercial reputation to be damaged. Medisim argues that it has a reasonable basis to believe that BestMed s allegedly false advertising will result in damage to Medisim s reputation because a customer who purchases Medisim s device expects to receive Medisim s high quality product, not BestMed s inferior Accused Device. 151 This argument is misguided for four reasons. First, Medisim has not provided evidence that it has any reputation in the marketplace, let alone a reputation for high quality product[s]. Second, Medisim has offered no evidence that purchasers of thermometers are repeat customers such that past experiences with products are likely to affect future purchasing decisions. Third, in arguing that dissatisfaction with a BestMed thermometer is likely to impact a consumer s impression of Medisim, Medisim is effectively arguing that there is a likelihood of confusion. But this is not a false advertising argument. Rather, it is a backdoor attempt to introduce a trade dress argument. Fourth, Medisim has offered no 150 See ITC Ltd., 482 F.3d at 169 (finding that commercial interests, direct pecuniary interests, and even a future potential for a commercial or competitive injury may satisfy the reasonable interest prong). 151 Pl. Mem. at 11. -42- evidence that BestMed s product is inferior.152 Aside from its reputational concerns, Medisim also argues that it has a reasonable basis to believe that BestMed s allegedly false advertising will harm its commercial interests by causing it to lose potential sales. However, the evidence Medisim provides pertains only to potential lost sales stemming from a likelihood of confusion between Medisim s thermometer and the Accused Device. 153 This is effectively another trade dress argument, not a false advertising one. And because the allegedly false advertising is non-comparative in that it tout[s] the benefits of the product advertised but ma[kes] no direct reference to any competitor s product, Medisim must offer some evidence of actual injury and causation. 154 As Medisim has failed to do so, it lacks standing to bring a Lanham Act false advertising claim. 2. Falsity and Likelihood of Misleading Consumers 152 For evidence of inferiority, Medisim points to testimony that the return rate for K-Jump-manufactured thermometers was greater than the return rate for Medisim-manufactured thermometers. The cited testimony supports the opposite conclusion. See Cohen Dep. at 275:24-276:10 ( Q. And do you know whether [the return rate for the Medisim digital temple thermometer] was greater or less than the return rate for the K-Jump products that you were selling[?] A. I believe it was greater. ). 153 See Medisim Resp. 56.1 ¶¶ 35, 41. 154 Time Warner Cable, 497 F.3d at 162 (quoting McNeilab, 848 F.2d at 38). -43- Assuming arguendo that Medisim had standing to bring its false advertising claim, it must offer evidence that BestMed s allegedly false advertisement was either literally false or likely to mislead consumers. The only statement that Medisim identifies as a false advertisement is BestMed s statement that its thermometer rapidly tracks heat flow. 155 When BestMed distributed Medisim s thermometer, it used the same rapidly tracks heat flow phrasing on its packaging. Medisim asserts that this phrase described the heat flux method performed by the two-sensor Medisim device. Although BestMed s K-Jump-manufactured device has one sensor and does not perform a heat flux calculation, its package also proclaims that it rapidly tracks heat flow. Medisim argues that because rapidly tracks heat flow is synonymous with performs a heat flux calculation, BestMed s advertising statement is literally false.156 BestMed, in turn, argues that Medisim has no evidence or expert analysis supporting its assertion that the statements are synonymous. Even were BestMed s statement literally false, Medisim would still need evidence that it was material, i.e. that it was likely to influence purchasing 155 Pl. Mem. at 12. 156 See id. -44- decisions.157 Medisim has offered no evidence that consumers are more likely to purchase thermometers that rapidly track heat flow than those that do not. Nor has Medisim provided evidence that consumers view that statement as synonymous with performing a heat flux calculation (let alone that consumers know or care what a heat flux calculation is). In sum, Medisim has failed to provide evidence that BestMed s statement is false in a way that is likely to influence consumer behavior.158 D. False Advertising and Deceptive Acts Under New York Law New York GBL sections 349 and 350 are consumer-oriented statutes. Medisim s claims under both statutes fail because the gravamen of [its] 157 See National Basketball Ass n v. Motorola, Inc., 105 F.3d 841, 855 (2d Cir. 1997) ( [I]n addition to proving falsity, the plaintiff must also show that the defendants misrepresented an inherent quality or characteristic of the product. This requirement is essentially one of materiality, a term explicitly used in other circuits. ) (citations and quotation marks omitted); American Tel. & Tel. Co. v. Winback and Conserve Program, Inc., 42 F.3d 1421, 1428 n.9 (3d Cir. 1994) (plaintiff alleging false advertising must prove that the deception is material in that it is likely to influence purchasing decisions ); Taquino v. Teledyne Monarch Rubber, 893 F.2d 1488, 1500 (5th Cir. 1990) (deception must be material, in that it is likely to influence the purchasing decision ). 158 Medisim argues that it need not prove literal falsity because it can prove that the rapidly tracks heat flow statement is likely to mislead consumers into believing they are purchasing Medisim s product. See Pl. Mem. at 13 (citing Perfect Pearl Co. v. Majestic Pearl & Stone, Inc., No. 10 Civ. 3998, 2012 WL 3526611, at *15 (S.D.N.Y. Aug. 14, 2012). As discussed above, this is either a backdoor trade dress infringement argument or an argument that Medisim s reputation may be damaged by BestMed s actions. -45- complaint is its harm to Medisim s interests, not consumer injury or harm to the public interest. 159 Although Medisim made no mention of consumer injury or public harm in its Complaint, it now argues that such harm will result if consumers are misled into buying BestMed s product when they really desire Medisim s product. Even if Medisim has proof of this contention, it would be insufficient as section 350 requires substantial injury to the public over and above ordinary trademark infringement. 160 Medisim also speculates that public harm will result if consumers are misled into buying an inferior thermometer that may pose a risk to consumer safety. 161 Medisim s speculation is not evidence, and Medisim s lack of proof of public harm is fatal to its section 349 and 350 claims, both of which are dismissed. E. Unjust Enrichment 159 Securitron Magnalock, 65 F.3d at 264 (quoting Azby Brokerage, 681 F. Supp. at 1089 n.6). 160 Nomination Di Antonio E Paolo Gensini S.N.C. v. H.E.R. Accesories Ltd., No. 07 Civ. 6959, 2009 WL 4857605, at *8 (S.D.N.Y. Dec. 14, 2009) (quoting National Distillers Prods. Co., LLC v. Refreshment Brands, Inc., 198 F. Supp. 2d 474, 486-87 (S.D.N.Y. 2002)) (emphasis in original). Medisim cites Kuklachev v. Gelman, 600 F. Supp. 2d 437, 476 (E.D.N.Y. 2009) for the proposition that public harm results when consumers are misled. In Kuklachev, the district court declined to dismiss plaintiffs claims because plaintiffs had pled that the misled customers were dissatisfied. Here, Medisim offers no evidence that customers have been misled, let alone that misled customers were harmed. 161 Pl. Mem. at 14 (emphasis added). -46- An unjust enrichment claim requires only that defendant was enriched at plaintiff s expense, and that it would be inequitable to allow defendant to retain the proceeds. Medisim has presented enough evidence to survive summary judgment on its unjust enrichment claim. BestMed s sole argument in opposition is that the claim must be dismissed because it is merely a catch-all for [Medisim s] other causes of action and therefore preempted.162 Where a party s unjust enrichment claim is merely duplicative of its copyright infringement cause of action, it is preempted.163 However, the Lanham Act does not preempt state law.164 Hence, even if Medisim s unjust enrichment claim duplicates its Lanham act claims Medisim argues that it does not dismissal of Medisim s unjust enrichment claim is not warranted. 162 Def. Reply Mem. at 7. 163 See Briarpatch Ltd., L.P v. Phoenix Pictures, Inc., 373 F.3d 296, 306 (2d Cir. 2004) (dismissing a plaintiff s unjust enrichment claim where the second and third elements of the claim would constitute copyright infringement). 164 See MyPlayCity, Inc. v. Conduit Ltd., No. 10 Civ. 1615, 2012 WL 1107648, at *24 (S.D.N.Y. Mar. 30, 2012) ( Unlike the Copyright Act, however, the Lanham Act does not preempt state law. [Plaintiff] s unjust enrichment claim is thus not preempted to the extent that it asserts [Defendant] s violation of [plaintiff] s trademark rights. ). Accord 20th Century Wear, Inc. v. Sanmark-Stardust Inc., 747 F.2d 81, 92 n.15 (2d Cir. 1984) ( [S]ection 43(a) created a new federal statutory tort and made pre-Lanham Act decisions based on the federal common law of unfair competition persuasive, even if not controlling. On this basis we see no reason for the district court not to apply the New York state law of unfair competition. ). -47- F. Availability of Statutory Damages Medisim s copyright registration claims a first publication date of July 1, 2005.165 The allegedly infringing work was published in May 2009, and Medisim registered its work on December 2, 2009.166 Thus, even if BestMed s thermometer instructions infringe on Medisim s thermometer instructions, the infringement commenced after first publication of the work, but before the registration of the work. Because the registration was made more than three months after the first publication of the work, neither statutory damages nor attorney s fees are available to Medisim.167 BestMed also now argues that Medisim has no evidence that it is entitled to compensatory damages.168 I decline to consider this argument as BestMed is making it for the first time in its reply brief, and Medisim has not had the opportunity to respond.169 In sum, BestMed s 165 See BestMed 56.1 ¶ 54. 166 See id. ¶¶ 55, 56. 167 See 17 U.S.C. § 412. Medisim now concedes that it is not entitled to attorney s fees on its copyright claim. See Pl. Mem. at 15 n.15. 168 See Def. Reply Mem. at 7 n.5. 169 Further, even if Medisim is not entitled to damages on its copyright claim, it may still be entitled to injunctive relief. See Arista Records LLS v. Lime Group LLC, No. 06 Civ. 5936, 2010 WL 6230927, at *5 (S.D.N.Y. Dec. 28, 2010) ( there are some remedies available to a plaintiff even against infringements that began before registration, including injunctive relief and actual damages. Statutory damages and attorney s fees, however, were meant by Congress to reward prompt -48- claim for statutory damages and attorney s fees is dismissed. G. Provisional Rights BestMed argues that because the Complaint includes no prayer for relief under section 154(d)(2) of Title 35 of the United States Code, Medisim s provisional rights claim should be denied.170 Medisim s failure to specifically reference section 154(d)(2) in the prayer for relief is immaterial, as it is well-settled that final judgment shall grant all the relief to which a plaintiff is entitled, whether or not demanded in [its] pleadings. 171 BestMed argues that the 710 application is not substantially identical to the 668 Patent, and that Medisim is therefore not entitled to provisional rights. BestMed refers to numerous amendments, but gives only one example: the removal of the phrase using a function comprising time-dependent parameters from independent claims 1 and 21, and the addition of that phrase to dependent claims 36 and 37.172 BestMed asserts that this change necessarily broadened the registration and cannot be made available in violation of that intent to the plaintiff who fails to act promptly. ) (quoting Love v. City of New York, No. 88 Civ. 7562, 1989 WL 140578, at *2 (S.D.N.Y. Nov. 17, 1989)). 170 See Def. Mem. at 13. 171 Fanchon & Marco v. Paramount Pictures, 202 F.2d 731, 734 (2d Cir. 1953). Accord Fed. R. Civ. P. 54(c). 172 See BestMed 56.1 ¶¶ 58-67. -49- scope of the patent because dependent claims are presumed to be narrower than independent claims.173 What BestMed failed to mention is that claims 1 and 21 still require the determination of time-dependent parameters and refer to conducting calculations based on those parameters.174 Medisim argues that the deletions were made to reduce redundancy and given the ongoing presence of language concerning time-dependent pararemeters did not affect the scope of the claims. Medisim is correct, and I construe both the 710 application and the 668 Patent as requiring that a thermometer use time-dependent parameters to calculate a local temperature. Because BestMed has not demonstrated any way in which the 710 application is not substantially identical to the 668 Patent, Medisim may be entitled to damages during the provisional rights period. H. Patent Validity The asserted claims require the calculation of both deep tissue temperature and core body temperature using temperature readings from one or more temperature sensors. 175 In my Markman opinion, I construed this phrase to 173 See Phillips v. AWH Corp., 415 F.3d 1303, 1315 (Fed. Cir. 2005) (en banc) ( [A] dependent claim that adds a particular limitation gives rise to a presumption that the limitation in question is not present in the independent claim. ). 174 See 668 Patent, col. 10 ll. 9-18, col. 11 ll. 30-41. 175 Id. col. 10 ll. 9-18, col. 11 ll. 30-38. -50- mean one or more thermistor or resistance temperature defectors (RTDs), or any form of thermistor, temperature sensor, or thermocouple. 176 BestMed asserts that because the 668 Patent fails to teach the use of a single temperature sensor to calculate deep tissue and core body temperature without undue experimentation, the 668 Patent does not enable the full scope of its claims and is invalid. However, BestMed cannot win summary judgment unless it meets its evidentiary burden to show facts supporting a conclusion of invalidity [by] clear and convincing evidence. 177 The only specific algorithm referred to by the 668 Patent for calculating deep tissue temperature is in U.S. Patent 6,280,397 ( the 397 Patent ). The 668 Patent s reference to the 397 Patent explicitly allows for the possibility that the algorithm might utilize readings from only one sensor: The 397 algorithm is based on solving a heat conduction equation by utilizing multiple temperature readings, preferably, though not necessarily, from more than one sensor. Alternatively, algorithms based on prediction and/or heat conduction may be used to determine the local temperature from sensor temperature readings.178 176 Markman Op., 2011 WL 2693896, at *11. 177 Liebel-Flarsheim Co. v. Medrad, Inc., 481 F.3d 1371, 1377 (Fed. Cir. 2007) (citing AK Steel, 344 F.3d at 1238-39). 178 668 Patent col. 6 ll. 62-67. -51- In the next column, the 668 Patent makes this more explicit by stating that [a]lternative empirical formulas may be derived . . . for probes with one sensor. 179 BestMed argues that these general suggestions that one could develop an algorithm are insufficient that the full scope of the claim is not enabled because the patent does not give any guidance as to how to derive an algorithm for a probe with one sensor. The relevant question is whether one reasonably skilled in the art could derive such an algorithm without undue experimentation.180 In support of its argument that undue experimentation would be required, BestMed offers evidence pertaining to several of the Wands factors.181 Specifically, BestMed offers evidence that: (1) a great deal of experimentation would be necessary182 (relevant to Wands factor 1 the quantity of experimentation necessary ); (2) the 668 Patent gives little guidance as to how one would derive an empirical formula for a thermometer with one sensor183 (relevant to Wands factor 2 the amount of direction or guidance presented ; (3) the 668 Patent does not provide any working examples of a thermometer using 179 Id. col. 7 ll. 19-21. 180 See Automotive Techs., 501 F.3d at 1282. 181 See supra Part IV.I; Wands, 858 F.2d at 737. 182 See BestMed 56.1 ¶¶ 106-108. 183 See id. ¶¶ 75-80; Automotive Techs., 501 F.3d at 1284-85. -52- one sensor to calculate deep tissue temperature184 (relevant to Wands factor 3 the presence or absence of working examples ); and (4) the prior art fails to teach how to use a single sensor to determine deep tissue temperature185 (relevant to Wands factor 5 the state of the prior art ). There is still a disputed issue of fact, however, for three reasons: (1) BestMed faces a very high evidentiary burden, and even though Goldberg BestMed s expert may testify on enablement, Medisim may ultimately discredit that testimony on cross-examination; (2) Yarden the inventor of the 668 Patent may testify on enablement; and (3) Lipson Medisim s expert may offer his opinion that the 668 Patent enables the full scope of its claims. Goldberg s opinion that undue experimentation is required does not provide clear and convincing evidence of enablement. In denying Medisim s motion to strike portions of Goldberg s report, I noted: The fact that Goldberg relied on arguably outdated materials provided to him by BestMed does not mean that he used unreliable methods. Instead, it indicates that his ultimate conclusions may be incorrect. Such a concern, however, goes to the weight to be accorded an opinion, not to its admissibility. Medisim can fully address its concerns regarding this portion of Goldberg s report on cross-examination, but it will not be stricken 184 See Def. Mem. at 17-18 (citing BestMed 56.1 ¶¶ 79, 80). 185 See BestMed 56.1 ¶¶ 84-86. -53- on this motion.186 In light of this, it would be inappropriate to grant summary judgment on enablement and deprive Medisim of the opportunity to argue that Goldberg s opinion should be accorded little weight. BestMed contends that Yarden s testimony on enablement is impermissible expert opinion.187 However, inventors may testify about matters within their personal knowledge, even if those matters touch upon technical issues.188 At the pre-motion conference, I clarified that while Yarden cannot offer an expert opinion, he can offer testimony on enablement: [BestMed] says it is an opinion [Yarden] can t give. I m not so sure it is an opinion. He is the inventor, he can talk about the ability to enable what he writes to practice, to reduce it to practice. That s all enablement is, isn t it? He can say that is . . . not an opinion, that sounds like a fact.189 186 Daubert Op., 861 F. Supp. 2d at 171-72. 187 See Def. Mem. at 12-13. 188 See Gart v. Logitech, Inc., 254 F. Supp. 2d 1119, 1123 (C.D. Cal. 2003); iRise v. Axure Software Solutions, Inc., No. 08 Civ. 3601, 2009 WL 3615075, at *30 n.10 (C.D. Cal. Sept. 11, 2009) ( [C]ourts regularly allow lay witnesses, specifically the creators of particular products or inventions, to testify with regard to their personal knowledge of [the] particular invention. ) (quoting Fresenius Med. Care Holdings, Inc. v. Baxter Int l, Inc., No. 03 Civ.1431, 2006 WL 1330002, at *3 (N.D. Cal. May 15, 2006)). 189 6/29/12 Hearing Tr., at 28:1-6. -54- In his declaration, Yarden offers such testimony.190 In my Daubert opinion, I held that Lipson relied on appropriate materials and applied the relevant law in reaching his conclusion that the 668 Patent enables the full scope of its claims.191 Between my Daubert and Reconsideration opinions, I conducted two full rounds of analysis of the expert reports and the parties arguments as to why they should be excluded. At the premotion conference, I made it crystal clear that I would not do a third round of Daubert analysis.192 And yet, in blatant contravention of my warning, BestMed repeatedly raises Daubert arguments,193 while insisting that it is not.194 Indeed, BestMed spends fifteen of the thirty-five pages in its Memorandum of Law addressing Lipson s opinions in one way or another. 190 See Yarden Decl. ¶¶ 5-9. 191 See Daubert Op., 861 F. Supp. 2d at 177-78 ( BestMed s real complaint [with Lipson s enablement opinion] is that Lipson reached a different conclusion than its own expert. ). 192 I think the lawyers are trying to get me to do another round of Daubert on Lipson. I m not going to do it. I m warning you now. 6/29/12 Hearing Tr. at 30:16-18. 193 See, e.g., Def. Mem. at 19 ( Medisim s technical expert, Dr. Lipson, simply disregards most of the Wands factors ); id. at 20 ( Lipson s reliance on the prior art to fill the gaps in the 668 Patent is improper as a matter of law. ); id. at 26 (referring to Lipson s statement as scientifically unreliable, his conclusion as ipse dixit, and his opinions as nothing but empty talk. ). 194 See Def. Reply Mem. at 11. -55- BestMed appears to be either unwilling or unable to understand the combined effect of my prior rulings. In the Daubert opinion, the only portion of Lipson s report that I struck was his opinion that BestMed s KD-2201 meets the deep tissue temperature limitation of the 668 Patent.195 I reconsidered this ruling and ultimately held that Lipson may testify that the KD-2201 meets the deep tissue temperature limitation of the 668 Patent, but that he may only do so on the basis of certain materials (and not on the basis of his own empirical testing).196 The sum of these opinions is that Lipson may testify as to all of his conclusions. One of these conclusions is his opinion that it would not have taken undue experimentation to develop a single sensor thermometer with a predictive algorithm using the teaching of 668 to determine a local deep tissue temperature and correcting that to estimate a core body temperature. 197 BestMed has not come close to meeting its high evidentiary burden. 195 See Daubert Op., 861 F. Supp. 2d at 180. In a footnote, I also noted that this particular opinion was struck from the rebuttal report as well as the expert report. See id. at 178 n.148 ( As his deep tissue temperature opinions in his rebuttal report are the same as those in his initial report, they are excluded for the same reasons. ). 196 See Reconsideration Op., 2012 WL 1450420, at *1-2. 197 Rebuttal Expert Report of David Lipson, Ph.D., Ex. G. to Declaration of Brian R. Michalek in Support of Defendant s Motion for Summary Judgment, at 19. -56- Not only will Medisim have the opportunity to cross-examine Goldberg (BestMed s expert), but the combination of Yarden s declaration and Lipson s report are sufficient to create a material issue of fact on enablement. Accordingly, BestMed s motion for summary judgment on validity is denied. I. Patent Infringement 1. The Apparatus Claim Claim 1 of the 668 Patent the apparatus claim requires that the device calculate a core body temperature by correcting for a difference between the core body temperature and the deep tissue temperature. 198 BestMed concedes that its device measures a surface temperature of the skin and calculates a body temperature based in part on the skin s surface temperature. BestMed argues that Medisim lacks evidence that the temperature produced by the accused device is a reliable estimation or approximation of core body temperature obtained by correcting for a difference between the core body temperature and the deep tissue temperature. 199 In response, Medisim offers Lipson s testimony. In my Daubert opinion, I ruled that Lipson may testify that the KD-2201 meets the core body temperature limitation of the 668 Patent, and that Lipson s testing methodology is 198 668 Patent col. 10 ll. 16-18. 199 Def. Mem. at 29. -57- not flawed.200 BestMed responds by finely parsing the relevant claim language into three parts: (1) obtaining deep tissue temperature; (2) performing a particular type of calculation; and (3) arriving at a core body temperature. When it derived the calculation algorithms for the accused device, KJump performed clinical trials in which it gathered data on measurements of subjects skin temperature, oral temperature, and corresponding ambient temperature.201 BestMed asserts that core body temperature can only be measured with a pulmonary catheter, and that because it calibrated its algorithm with oral temperature measurements, its device does not correct for a difference between the core body temperature and the deep tissue temperature. In essence, BestMed is arguing that the accused device calculates only oral temperature, not core body temperature. This is a distinction without a difference. In my Markman opinion, I defined calculation as using a computation to estimate, approximate, predict or determine. 202 Medisim has offered ample evidence that oral temperature is an approximation of core body temperature.203 In arguing that its device does not 200 See Daubert Op., 861 F. Supp. 2d at 176-77. 201 See BestMed 56.1 ¶¶ 127, 128. 202 Markman Op., 2011 WL 2693896, at *11 203 See Medisim Resp. 56.1 ¶¶ 130, 168, 169. -58- infringe the 668 Patent because it only approximates core body temperature, BestMed is ignoring the holding of my Markman opinion. BestMed also implies that Lipson s expert testimony does nothing to support Medisim s infringement claim. It is undisputed that one way to obtain a deep tissue temperature is through the zero heat flux method, which requires two sensors. Lipson s opinion that it is also possible to measure deep tissue temperature via a thermo-equilibrium method such as that employed by BestMed s one-sensor thermometer rests on two bases: (1) his own empirical testing; and (2) the 510(k) letters.204 In my Daubert rulings, I held that Lipson could offer his opinion but only based on the 510(k) letters.205 In the 510(k) letters and in their own testimony, BestMed and K-Jump provide evidence that the K-Jumpmanufactured device measures something close to deep tissue temperature, and operates in a way that is technically identical to Medisim s.206 In sum, Medisim 204 See Reconsideration Op., 2012 WL 1450420, at *1-2. 205 See id. 206 Deposition of Yen-Ming Hsu, employee of K-Jump, Ex. H to McWha Aff., at 88:14-24 ( Q. And if you turn to page -- the next page, K-J 00086 in this Substantial Equivalence section, it indicates that the KD-2200 product and the predicate device, that is the Medisim product, are technologically identical; do you see that? A. Yes, I see that. Q. Do you know what that means when it, when it refers to the devices as being technologically identical? A. I think it means that, likewise, you can obtain the -- your oral temperature reading by way of touch, from the temporal skin. ); Medisim Resp. 56.1 ¶¶ 152-154. -59- has offered sufficient evidence from which a jury could conclude that the accused device infringes every limitation of claim 1 of the 668 Patent.207 2. The Method Claim The first step of the method detailed in Claim 21 is applying the probe . . . to an external surface of a body of a subject. 208 In order to directly infringe a method claim, a party must perform every claimed step.209 BestMed argues that because the first step is carried out by a user and because the remaining steps are carried out by the thermometer s processing unit, no party can perform all of the claimed steps and there can be no direct infringement. 210 Not only does this argument defy common sense, it is also unsupported by either the law or the facts. First, Medisim provides direct evidence that BestMed employees 207 Because Medisim has provided sufficient evidence from which a jury could find infringement on a theory of literal infringement, I need not address BestMed s contention that Lipson s opinion does not present a limitation so as to create a triable issue of fact under a doctrine of equivalents theory. See Medinol Ltd. v. Guidant Corp., 417 F. Supp. 2d 280, 309 n.149 (S.D.N.Y. 2006) ( [t]he doctrine of equivalents only comes into play when there is no literal infringement ) (quoting Seattle Box Co. v. Industrial Crating & Packing, Inc., 731 F.2d 818, 828-29 (Fed. Cir. 1984)). 208 668 Patent col. 11 ll. 25-29. 209 See Joy Techs., Inc. v. Flakt, Inc., 6 F.3d 770, 773 (Fed. Cir. 1993). 210 Def. Mem. at 31-32. -60- tested the accused device on themselves.211 Such evidence supports an inference that BestMed applied the probe . . . to an external surface of a body of a subject, performed every step in the claimed method, and thus infringed the 668 Patent. In addition, BestMed s own packaging offers an example of a BestMed representative carrying out all steps of claim 21: the packaging depicts a child applying the KJump-manufactured thermometer to his forehead, and the thermometer in the image is providing a reading. This illustrates that the other steps of the claimed method have been carried out.212 Second, even were there no evidence that BestMed directly infringed, there is evidence that it instructed its customers to do so and that it therefore may be liable for contributory infringement and induced infringement. [D]irect evidence of infringement, as opposed to circumstantial evidence, is not necessary[,] 213 and Medisim has provided circumstantial evidence that customers 211 See Cohen Dep. at 73:18-19 ( When we -- when we first received samples [of the K-Jump-manufactured thermometers], we took our own temperatures . . . ), 282:23-25 ( Q. What was your basis [for] the statement [that] it was a more advanced algorithm [that the K-Jump-manufactured thermometer used]? A. Personal use of the product. ). 212 See Expert Report of Andrew W. Carter, Ex. C to McWha Decl., at 12. 213 Symantec Corp. v. Computer Assocs. Int l Inc., 522 F.3d 1279, 1293 (Fed. Cir. 2008) (citing Moleculon Research Corp. v. CBS, Inc., 793 F.2d 1261, 1272 (Fed. Cir. 1986)). This is especially the case where, as here, customers can -61- who bought the K-Jump-manufactured device infringed the method claims at BestMed s direction.214 In sum, Medisim has not only offered evidence that BestMed infringed claim 21, but it has also offered evidence of both contributory and induced infringement.215 Accordingly, BestMed s motion for summary judgment of non-infringement is denied.216 J. Inequitable Conduct Medisim is moving to dismiss BestMed s claim that Medisim engaged only use the device in an infringing matter. See id. 214 The instructions for use that BestMed included within each package of the accused device directed customers to use the thermometer in a manner that infringed every step of claim 21. See Medisim Resp. 56.1 ¶ 165. A jury could infer from this that at least one customer infringed on the method claim. 215 See supra Part IV.J; i4i Ltd. P ship, 598 F.3d at 851-52 (finding that evidence of instructions for use coupled with expert testimony that following the instructions for use would infringe the method claim was sufficient to support a jury verdict on inducement); AstraZeneca LP v. Apotex, Inc., 633 F.3d 1042, 1056-61 (Fed. Cir. 2008) (affirming a district court s determination that a set of instructions for use directing users to practice the claimed method supported a finding of inducement). 216 This is not a surprising result; at the pre-motion conference, I cautioned BestMed I have already decided that [Lipson may testify that the accused device infringes the 668 Patent]. By making the decision to let him testify I have been there, done that. I can t change my mind. I won t change my mind. It is not worth briefing. I can tell you right now if you really go through with this [motion for summary judgment on Medisim s infringement claim] you re wasting your client s money. I m going to direct you to show this transcript to your client because I m going to say having decided he can testify there is a disputed issue of fact and I can t revisit it. 6/29/12 Hearing Tr., at 11:17-24. -62- in inequitable conduct. BestMed alleges that Yarden engaged in inequitable conduct by: (1) not disclosing Medisim s pre-critical date217 commercial activities regarding the FHT-1 and FHT-2 to the PTO; (2) omitting two patents from his Information Disclosure Statement ( IDS ) to the PTO; and (3) misrepresenting the prior art that he did disclose. A party seeking to establish inequitable conduct faces a heavy burden,218 and BestMed has not provided evidence sufficient to meet this burden with regard to any of its three allegations. 1. Pre-Critical Date Commercial Activities BestMed asserts that Medisim s FHT-1 and FHT-2 thermometers were prior art that either fell within the claims of the 668 Patent or rendered them obvious. BestMed further contends that Yarden intentionally withheld information regarding Medisim s pre-critical date sales of the FHT-1/FHT-2 devices so as to dupe the PTO into issuing the 668 Patent.219 However, BestMed has failed to provide any evidence from which a jury could reasonably infer that Yarden: (1) 217 The critical date before which relevant information is considered prior art is one year prior to the date of the patent application. See 35 U.S.C. § 102(b). 218 See supra Part IV.K. 219 See BestMed, LLC s Memorandum in Opposition to Medisim s Motion for Summary Judgment of No Inequitable Conduct ( Def. IC Mem. ), at 47. -63- believed the FHT-1/FHT-2 were material to the 668 Patent; or (2) intentionally concealed commercial activities from the PTO. Yarden has repeatedly and consistently testified to his belief that the FHT-1 and FHT-2 devices do not calculate deep tissue temperature and therefore are not the invention embodied in the 668 Patent.220 BestMed argues that the devices do calculate deep tissue temperature, and it cites to Goldberg s expert report.221 Goldberg s opinion may be relevant to whether Yarden was wrong, but it is irrelevant to whether Yarden believed the devices were covered by the 668 Patent and intentionally withheld information regarding their sales so as to deceive the PTO.222 BestMed then asserts that Yarden has been inconsistent and at least once indicated a belief that the FHT1 calculates deep tissue temperature. However, none of the evidence that BestMed cites in support of this assertion mentions deep tissue temperature, 223 and thus none of the evidence BestMed 220 See Medisim IC 56.1 ¶¶ 15, 17, 26. 221 See Def. IC Mem. at 7. 222 See Therasense, 649 F.3d at 1290. 223 See Medisim, Ltd s Revised Reply to BestMed s Responsive Local Rule 56.1 Statement of Undisputed Material Facts in Support of Medisim Ltd s Motion for Summary Judgment of No Inequitable Conduct ( Medisim IC Reply 56.1 ), ¶¶ 15, 17, 26. For example, Yarden testified that the FHT-1 receives a value based on [an] algorithm that it is implementing the heat flow calculation . . . it takes this temperature that was coming out of the algorithm of the heat flow and -64- offers supports an inference that Yarden made a deliberate attempt to deceive the PTO. Moreover, it is undisputed that the 397 Patent covers the technology utilized by the FHT-1 and FHT-2 thermometers. If Yarden believed that the FHT1/FHT-2 and by extension the 397 Patent were prior art that either fell within or made obvious the 668 Patent, then he would not have felt it necessary to apply for the 668 Patent at all. The fact that he applied for the 668 Patent, and specifically referred to the 397 Patent in the specification, indicates a belief that the 668 Patent covers new technology not within the ambit of the 397 Patent. In sum, BestMed has not provided evidence sufficient to require a finding of deceitful intent in the light of all the circumstances. 224 BestMed lacks not only evidence of a deliberate attempt to mislead the PTO but also of materiality. During the prosecution of the 668 Patent, Medisim disclosed the FHT-1 through U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. puts it into a third order polynomial which produces the [core] body temperature. Deposition of Moshe Yarden, Ex. 4 to Declaration of Brian R. Michalek in Support of BestMed s Opposition to Medisim s Motion for Summary Judgment of No Inequitable Conduct ( Michalek IC Decl. ), at 162:6-22. BestMed s contention that Yarden described the scientific process of calculating deep tissue temperature is misleading; Yarden described the scientific process of calculating a temperature it is hotly contested whether the FHT-1 calculates deep tissue temperature, and Yarden s testimony does nothing to contradict his stated belief that it does not. 224 See Therasense, 649 F.3d at 1290-91 (emphasis in original). -65- 60/572,651 ( the 651 Provisional ).225 Medisim has offered evidence that the PTO examiner considered the 651 Provisional, establishing that he was aware of the FHT-1.226 Even if Yarden believed the FHT-1 was material prior art, and even if he intended to deceive the PTO, there can be no but for materiality when the patent issued over the disclosed reference.227 2. Omission of Two Patents from the IDS BestMed asserts that U.S. Patents 5,199,436 ( the 436 Patent ) and 6,059,452 ( the 452 Patent ) were material and prior art. Even if BestMed is correct, it must also produce evidence establishing that (1) these patents were material; and (2) Yarden was aware of these patents and knew that they were material. As evidence that Yarden intentionally hid these two patents from the PTO, BestMed asserts that the patents were found after a patent search conducted 225 See Medisim IC 56.1 ¶¶ 18, 19. 226 See id. 227 See Young v. Lumenis, Inc., 492 F.3d 1336, 1349-50 (Fed. Cir. 2007) ( [W]e cannot agree that there was inequitable conduct resulting from the failure to disclose material information when that information was disclosed to the PTO in time for the examiner to consider it. The essence of the duty of disclosure is to get relevant information before an examiner in time for him to act on it, and that did occur here. ). -66- at the behest of Yarden by [Medisim employee] Ilan Vadai, 228 and that Yarden instructed a Medisim employee to order and purchase [the two patents]. 229 The only evidence that BestMed offers for these assertions is an e-mail from Vadai to Medisim employee Yona Sasson forwarding a patent search order form.230 This is only proof that Vadai not Yarden requested that these patents be ordered. The e-mail fails to support BestMed s assertions that Yarden directed Vadai to conduct a patent search or that Vadai ever shared copies of these patents with Yarden. Even were Vadai s lone e-mail sufficient to support an inference that Yarden knew about the 436 and 452 patents, any duty to disclose them to the PTO was obviated by the fact that the PTO examiner found and considered them on his own, as indicated in his search notes.231 There is no duty to disclose 228 Def. IC Mem. at 8. 229 BestMed, LLC s Response to Medisim s Local Rule 56.1 Statement of Undisputed Material Facts Opposing Medisim s Motion for Summary Judgment of No Inequitable Conduct ( BestMed IC 56.1 ), ¶ 60. 230 See 1/4/04 E-mail from Vadai to Sasson, Ex. 3 to Michalek IC Decl., at MED015393. 231 See Search Notes, Ex. K to Supplemental Affirmation of Keith J. McWha in Support of Motion for Summary Judgment of No Inequitable Conduct, at MED000215, MED000256, MED000290. -67- references of which an examiner is already aware.232 BestMed s assertion that Yarden would not even have had the examiner s internal Search Notes, and therefore, would never have seen the 436 or 452 Patents mentioned therein is undercut by the fact that the search notes were appended to the July 9, 2008 office action rejection that was mailed to Yarden s counsel during the prosecution of the 668 Patent.233 Accordingly, BestMed has failed to provide evidence demonstrating that Yarden knew about these patents, believed them to be material, and deliberately withheld them from the PTO. 3. Yarden s Representations of the Prior Art During the prosecution of the 668 Patent, the PTO rejected the claims as anticipated or obvious in view of U.S. Patent Application Publication 2005/0043631 by Fraden ( Fraden ).234 Medisim s attorney responded with arguments as to why Fraden did not anticipate the 668 Patent.235 When the PTO again rejected the claims, Medisim s attorney responded with arguments that 232 See Kimberly-Clark Corp. v. Johnson & Johnson, 745 F.2d 1437, 1457 (Fed. Cir. 1984). 233 Medisim IC Reply 56.1 ¶ 78. 234 See BestMed IC 56.1 ¶¶ 79-85. 235 See excerpts from the file history of the 668 Patent, Ex. 2 to Michalek IC Decl., at MED00181. -68- BestMed asserts were inconsistent with its prior arguments.236 Even were BestMed correct, inconsistency in attorney arguments are not factual misrepresentations and cannot serve as the basis of an inequitable conduct claim. As the Federal Circuit explained in a similar situation: The district court found, with limited discussion, that [w]ithout question, [the inventor s] statements are affirmative misstatements of material fact. We do not agree. Those statements are attorney argument, attempting to distinguish the claims from the prior art, not gross mischaracterizations or unreasonable interpretations of the [a particular reference]. The examiner had the [reference] to refer to during the reexamination proceeding and initially rejected [the claim] based on that reference. [The inventor] argued against the rejection, and the examiner was free to reach his own conclusions and accept or reject [the inventor s] arguments. We therefore fail to see how the statements in the [inventor s response to the initial rejection], which consist of attorney argument and an interpretation of what the prior art discloses, constitute affirmative misrepresentations of material fact.237 As BestMed has failed to provide any evidence of an attempt to deceive,238 its 236 See Def. IC Mem. at 12-13; BestMed IC 56.1 ¶¶ 86, 87, 89, 90. Medisim vigorously disputes that its later arguments were inconsistent with its prior ones. See Reply in Support of Medisim s Motion for Summary Judgment of No Inequitable Conduct, at 8-10. 237 Young, 492 F.3d at 1349. 238 See Rothman v. Target Corp., 556 F.3d 1310, 1329 (Fed. Cir. 2009) (distinguishing arguments that attempt to characterize the prior art in a manner favorable to the attorney s client are far from deception and that no reasonable jury could rely on [such] statements as clear and convincing proof of inequitable -69- inequitable conduct claim is dismissed. VI. CONCLUSION For the reasons set forth above, the following claims brought by Medisim are dismissed: (1) Lanham Act Unfair Competition and False Designation of Origin; (2) Lanham Act False Advertising; (3) New York False Advertising; (4) New York Deceptive Acts. BestMed s inequitable conduct claim is also dismissed. Partial summary judgment is granted with respect to Medisim s copyright claim, in that Medisim is not entitled to statutory damages or attorney s fees. Summary judgment is denied with respect to the following Medisim claims: (1) New York Unfair Competition; (2) Unjust Enrichment; (3) damages during the provisional rights period; (4) the validity of the 668 Patent; and (5) patent infringement. The Clerk of the Court is directed to close these motions (Docket Nos. 89 and 94). Given the zealousness of BestMed s efforts in bringing all of these attacks despite the Court s pre-motion discussion BestMed s counsel should think long and hard before making a motion for reconsideration. The Court has now twice considered BestMed s arguments. A third consideration will be useless unless BestMed can meet the high standard required in such a motion (i.e. that the Court overlooked controlling decisions or data that might reasonably be expected to alter conduct ). -70- its conclusions).239 A conference is scheduled for December 3 at 4:30pm in Courtroom 15C. 239 See In re BDC 56 LLC, 330 F.3d 111, 123 (2d Cir. 2003). -71- Dated: New York, New York November 28,2012 -72 - Appearances For Medisim Ltd.: Gerald Levy, Esq. Keith J. McWha, Esq. Mark H. Anania, Esq. Scott Christie, Esq. McCarter English, LLP Four Gateway Center 100 Mulberry Street Newark, NJ 07102 (973) 622-4444 For BestMed LLC: Nicholas L. Coch, Esq. Kramer, Levin, Naftalis & Frankel, LLP 1177 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10036 (212) 715-9118 Talivaldis Cepuritis, Esq. Joseph M. Kuo, Esq. Anita M. Cepuritis, Esq. Brian R. Michalek, Esq. Olson & Cepuritis, LTD. 20 North Wacker Drive, 36th Floor Chicago, Illinois 60606 (312) 580-1180 -73-

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