Opinion ID: 1087461
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The ’270 Patent and Accused Devices

Text: Synthes filed this action alleging that SK’s M6-C and M6-L intervertebral implants infringed claims 29–31 of the ’270 patent. See Synthes (USA) v. Spinal Kinetics, Inc., 5:09-cv-1201-RMW, ECF No. 1 (N.D. Cal. Nov. 12, 2008). The ’270 patent originated from a German language PCT application filed on April 14, 2003. The asserted claims were added by amendment on February 19, 2008. The ’270 patent is directed to an “Intervertebral Implant,” which is a prosthetic device designed to replace a diseased or degenerated disc located between adjacent vertebrae of the human spine: A healthy disc (depicted below) has a fibrous, outer band called the annulus fibrosus, which surrounds a central, gel-like substance called the nucleus pulposus: 4 SYNTHES USA, LLC v. SPINAL KINETICS, INC. A natural disc provides shock-absorbing functions and helps maintain proper spacing, stability, and motion within the spine. Artificial discs attempt to replace some or all of these functions. Claim 29, the independent claim from which claims 30 and 31 depend, provides: 29. An intervertebral implant for implantation between an upper and lower vertebrae, the implant having a central axis, the implant comprising: a first substantially rigid bone contacting plate having an external surface extending generally transversely to the central axis for contacting at least a portion of the upper vertebra; a second substantially rigid bone contacting plate having an external surface extending generally transversely to the central axis for contacting at least a portion of the lower vertebra; a third plate operatively coupled to the first bone contacting plate, the third plate including a plurality of openings; a fourth plate operatively coupled to the second bone contacting plate, the fourth plate including a plurality of openings; SYNTHES USA, LLC v. SPINAL KINETICS, INC. 5 a central part substantially located between the third and fourth plates, the central part including a flexible core and a fiber system, wherein the core is substantially cylindrical and includes a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface of the core being in contact with the third plate and the bottom surface of the core being in contact with the fourth plate, and wherein the fiber sys- tem at least partially surrounds the core, and is at least partially received within the plurality of openings formed in the third and fourth plates so that the fiber system is joined to the third and fourth plates; and an elastic sheathing body at least partially sur- rounding the fiber system and the core, and con- nected to the third and fourth plates. ’270 patent, col. 8, ll. 19–48. Claim 30 requires that the first and second bone contacting plates recited in claim 29 be made from titanium or titanium alloy. Id. at col. 8, ll. 49–51. Claim 31 requires the fiber system recited in claim 29 to be constructed of an “ultra high molecular weight polyethylene material.” Id. at col. 8, ll. 52–54. According to Synthes, claims 30 and 31 stand or fall with claim 29. The main features of claim 29 are depicted in Figures 3 and 4 of the ’270 patent: SYNTHES USA, LLC v. SPINAL KINETICS, INC. 7 Except for the shape of the cores, the M6-C and M6-L are identical for purposes of this litigation.