Opinion ID: 775954
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Equivalent of a Means-Plus-Function Limitation

Text: 46 Finally, Infinite argues that Interactive cannot assert infringement by equivalents of the image transform processor means limitation, because that limitation is not literally present in the SmoothMove(r) software, and the equivalent feature that is present in the SmoothMove(r) software predates the '667 patent. Infinite cites Chiuminatta Concrete Concepts, Inc. v. Cardinal Indus., Inc., 145 F.3d 1303, 46 USPQ2d 1752 (Fed. Cir. 1998), as the basis for its argument. 47 Interactive responds that this case is distinguishable from Chiuminatta; we agree. In Chiuminatta, we held that a finding that a component of an accused product is not a structure equivalent to the corresponding structure of a means-plus-function limitation for purposes of literal infringement analysis precludes a finding that the same structure is equivalent for purposes of the doctrine of equivalents, unless the component constitutes technology arising after the issuance of the patent. Id. at 1311, 46 USPQ2d at 1758. However, when a finding of noninfringement under 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6, is premised on an absence of identical function, then infringement under the doctrine of equivalents is not thereby automatically precluded. WMS Gaming Inc. v. Int'l Game Tech., 184 F.3d 1339, 1353, 51 USPQ2d 1385, 1395 (Fed. Cir. 1999). That is because infringement under the doctrine of equivalents may be premised on the accused and the patented component having substantially the same function, whereas structure corresponding to the disclosed limitation in a means-plus-function clause must perform the identical function. Id. 48 In this case, as in WMS Gaming, the absence of literal infringement is due to a lack of identical function of the claimed means, not a lack of equivalent structure, as the district judge aptly recognized. Interactive Pictures, Corp. v. Infinite Pictures, Inc., No. 3:96-CV-849, slip op. at 3-5 (E.D. Tenn. Sept. 25, 2000). More precisely, the difference is that a different signal is input to the image transform processor means. The claim recites that the input signal constitutes said digitized signals, which refer to a digitized form of the image signals produced by a fisheye lens camera imaging system, whereas the asserted equivalent's input signal is an equirectangular panorama file. A difference of inputs to a signal processing element resulting in the same output necessarily implies a difference in function performed by the element. In fact, the jury in this case concluded that the difference was insubstantial. We will not reverse that fact-based decision as a matter of law. Accordingly, we affirm the district court's denial of Infinite's post-trial motion for JMOL on this issue.