Opinion ID: 741849
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Effect of our disposition of the cross-appeal on the remand

Text: 46 Since we uphold the district court's discretionary denial of enhanced damages and attorney fees, assuming a lawful verdict of willfulness, whether or not NEC's infringement was indeed willful cannot affect the amount of damages awarded to Laitram. Thus, even though the district court should have heard the motion for JMOL of non-willfulness after Laitram II rendered it no longer moot, our holding on this aspect of the cross-appeal renders the motion once again moot. In contrast, if the motion for JMOL of claim non-identicality is granted, it will have an effect on the damages calculation because damages will only be given for the period of time after the Reexamination Certificate issued. We therefore vacate the jury verdict of willfulness, and remand with instructions to dismiss as moot the motion for JMOL of non-willfulness. See United States v. Munsingwear, Inc., 340 U.S. 36, 39, 71 S.Ct. 104, 106-07, 95 L.Ed. 36 (1950).