BTL Healthcare Technologies A.S.

Patent Trials and Appeals Board

Mar 21, 2022

IPR2021-01284 (P.T.A.B. Mar. 21, 2022)

Trials@uspto.gov Paper 8 571-272-7822 Date: March 21, 2022 UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE BEFORE THE PATENT TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD LUMENIS BE LTD.,1 Petitioner, v. BTL HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGIES A.S., Patent Owner. IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 Before BARBARA A. PARVIS, ZHENYU YANG, and DAVID COTTA, Administrative Patent Judges. PARVIS, Administrative Patent Judge. DECISION Denying Institution of Inter Partes Review 35 U.S.C. § 314 1 Further to Petitioner’s request, we have changed the case caption to reflect that Lumenis Be Ltd., is the successor-in-interest of Lumenis Ltd. Paper 4. IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 2 I. INTRODUCTION The predecessor-in-interest of Lumenis Be Ltd. (“Petitioner”), Lumenis Ltd., filed a Petition (Paper 2 (“Pet.”)) requesting inter partes review of claims 14-29 (“challenged claims”) of U.S. Patent No. 10,709,895 B2 (Ex. 1001, “the ’895 patent”), along with the supporting Declaration of Marom Bikson, Ph.D. (Ex. 1002). BTL Healthcare Technologies A.S. (“Patent Owner”), filed a Preliminary Response. Paper 7 (“Prelim. Resp.”). The standard for institution is set forth in 35 U.S.C. § 314, which provides that an inter partes review may not be instituted unless the information presented in the Petition and the Preliminary Response shows that “there is a reasonable likelihood that the petitioner would prevail with respect to at least 1 of the claims challenged in the petition.” 35 U.S.C. § 314 (2019); see also 37 C.F.R § 42.4(a) (“The Board institutes the trial on behalf of the Director.”). Upon consideration of the parties’ contentions and the evidence of record, we conclude that Petitioner has not established a reasonable likelihood of prevailing in demonstrating the unpatentability of any challenged claim of the ’895 patent. Accordingly, we do not grant Petitioner’s request and do not institute an inter partes review. II. BACKGROUND A. Real Parties-in-Interest Petitioner names itself, Lumenis Be Ltd., as the real party-in-interest. Pet. 2; Paper 4, 1. Patent Owner names itself and BTL Industries, Inc. as the real parties-in-interest. Paper 3, 1. B. Related Matters As required by 37 C.F.R. § 42.8(b)(2), each party identifies a judicial matter that would affect, or be affected by, a decision in this proceeding. The IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 3 parties inform us that the ’895 patent was recently, but is no longer, involved in the following district court case: BTL Industries, Inc. v. Allergen Ltd., Case No. 1-20-cv-01046 (D. Del.), which was filed August 5, 2020 and is now settled. Pet. 3, Paper 3, 1. The parties additionally identify the following settled proceeding as a related matter: Certain Non-Invasive Aesthetic Body Contouring Devices, Components Thereof, and Methods of Using the Same, Inv. No. 337-TA-1219 (ITC), filed August 5, 2020. Pet. 3; Paper 3, 1-2. Petitioner further identifies the following post-grant review proceedings: Allergan, Inc. et al v. BTL Medical Technologies SRO et al, PGR2021- 00015 (PTAB, Filed Dec. 14, 2020) (institution denied); and Allergan, Inc. et al v. BTL Medical Technologies SRO et al, PGR2021-00016 (PTAB, Filed Dec. 14, 2020) (institution denied). Pet. 3. The ’895 patent is also the subject of IPR2021-01279. Pet. 2-3; Paper 3, 1. Petitioner challenges claims 1-13 of the ’895 patent in IPR2021-01279 in a separate petition “[d]ue to word-count constraints and the large number of claims.” Pet. 2-3 (citing PTAB Consolidated Trial Practice Guide2, 59- 61; see also 84 Fed. Reg. 64,280 (Nov. 21, 2019)). Petitioner also has contemporaneously filed petitions for review of related patents as follows: (1) petitions for inter partes review of U.S. Patent No. 10,478,634 B2 (IPR2021-01273 and IPR2021-01280) (institution was denied in both proceedings); (2) petitions for inter partes review of U.S. Patent No. 10,709,894 B2 (IPR2021-01278 and IPR2021-01285); (3) petitions for inter partes review of U.S. Patent No. 10,632,321 B2 (IPR2021-01275 and IPR2021-01282) (institution was denied in both proceedings); and (4) petitions for inter partes review of U.S. Patent No. 2 Available at http://www.uspto.gov/TrialPracticeGuideConsolidated. IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 4 10,695,575 B1 (IPR2021-01276 and IPR2021-01283) (institution was denied in both proceedings). Paper 3, 1. C. The ’895 Patent The’895 patent relates to devices and methods using the influence of magnetic and induced electric field on biological structure. Ex. 1001, 1:65- 2:1. A circuit for providing high power pulses to the stimulating magnetic field generating device is shown in Figure 5b, reproduced below. Figure 5b, above, shows a circuit for providing high power pulses for improved function of a treatment device. Id. at 15:58-59. Figure 5b, above, includes magnetic field generating device 28 and energy storage device 29 connected in series and disposed in parallel to switch 30. Id. at 15:59-62. To provide an energy pulse, controlled shorting of energy source 31 takes place through switch 30. Id. at 15:63-65. Energy source 31 or switch 30, or alternately both, may be regulated by control unit 115. Id. at 16:2-6. IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 5 An exemplary embodiment of a magnetic treatment device including two independent magnetic field generating circuits is shown in Figure 12, reproduced below. Figure 12, above, shows an embodiment of the magnetic treatment device including two independent magnetic field generating circuits. Id. at 19:41-43. The circuit shown in Figure 12 above includes magnetic field generating circuit 52 and magnetic field generating circuit 57. Id. at Fig. 12, 19:43-49. Magnetic field generating circuit 52 includes energy source 53, switching device 54, energy storage device 55, and magnetic field generating device 56. Id. at 19:43-46. Magnetic field generating circuit 57 includes energy source 58, switching device 59, energy storage device 60, and magnetic field generating device 61. Id. at 19:46-49. A control unit controls providing energy from the energy storage devices to the coils to generate magnetic impulses by the coils. Id. at 20:7-10. IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 6 D. Illustrative Claims Petitioner challenges claims 14-29 of the ’895 patent. Pet. 1, 6. Claims 14 and 21 are the independent claims. Claims 15-20 depend, directly or indirectly, from claim 14. Claims 22-29 depend, directly or indirectly, from claim 21. Independent claim 14, reproduced below, is illustrative of the claimed subject matter. 14. [14.pre]3 A treatment device for toning a muscle of a patient, comprising: [14.a] a first applicator comprising a first magnetic field generating coil, the first magnetic field generating coil having a first inductance in a range of 500 nH to 1 mH, [14.b] wherein the first applicator is configured to be coupled to a first area of a body region; [14.c] a second applicator comprising a second magnetic field generating coil, the second magnetic field generating coil having a second inductance in a range of 500 nH to 1 mH, and wherein the first inductance is equal to the second inductance, [14.d] wherein the second applicator is configured to be coupled to a second area of the body region, and [14.e] a belt configured to be coupled to the first applicator and the second applicator, and to hold the first applicator to the first area of the body region and the second applicator to the second area of the body region, [14.f] wherein the body region comprises one of a buttocks or an abdomen; [14.g] a first energy storage device having a capacitance in a range of 5 nF to 100 mF; 3 Petitioner’s designations to reference the elements of claim 14 are set forth in brackets. Pet. 15-27. Herein, we refer to the elements of the challenged claims using Petitioner’s designations. IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 7 [14.h] a second energy storage device having a capacitance in a range of 5 nF to 100 mF; [14.i] a first switching device configured to be selectively switched in order to discharge energy from the first energy storage device to the first magnetic field generating coil such that the first magnetic field generating coil generates a first time-varying magnetic field with a pulse repetition rate in a range of 1 Hz to 300 Hz; and [14.j] a second switching device configured to be selectively switched in order to discharge energy from the second energy storage device to the second magnetic field generating coil such that the second magnetic field generating coil generates a second time-varying magnetic field with a pulse repetition rate in a range of 1 Hz to 300 Hz; [14.k] a control unit configured to assemble: [14.l] a first train of sequential magnetic pulses lasting for a first time period, a second train of sequential magnetic pulses lasting for a second time period, a third train of sequential magnetic pulses lasting for a third time period, a fourth train of sequential magnetic pulses lasting for a fourth time period, a fifth train of sequential magnetic pulses lasting for a fifth time period, and a sixth train of sequential magnetic pulses lasting for a sixth time period, [14.m] wherein the first magnetic field generating coil is configured to generate the first train of sequential magnetic pulses, the second train of sequential magnetic pulses, and the third train of sequential magnetic pulses in response to a communication from the control unit, [14.n] wherein the second magnetic field generating coil is configured to generate the fourth train of sequential magnetic pulses, the fifth train of sequential magnetic pulses, and the sixth train of sequential magnetic pulses in response to the communication from the control unit, IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 8 [14.o] wherein the sequential magnetic pulses within the first train of sequential magnetic pulses have an increasing amplitude of magnetic flux density, [14.p] wherein the sequential magnetic pulses within the second train of sequential magnetic pulses have a constant amplitude of magnetic flux density, [14.q] wherein the sequential magnetic pulses within the third train of sequential magnetic pulses have a decreasing amplitude of magnetic flux density, [14.r] wherein the sequential magnetic pulses within the fourth train of sequential magnetic pulses have an increasing amplitude of magnetic flux density, [14.s] wherein the sequential magnetic pulses within the fifth train of sequential magnetic pulses have a constant amplitude of magnetic flux density, [14.t] wherein the sequential magnetic pulses within the sixth train of sequential magnetic pulses have a decreasing amplitude of magnetic flux density, [14.u] wherein the first train of sequential magnetic pulses, the second train of sequential magnetic pulses, and the third train of sequential magnetic pulses are configured to be applied to muscle fibers, neuromuscular plates, or nerves innervating muscle fibers in the first area of the body region such that a series of first muscle contractions are caused in a first muscle in the first area of the body region such that over time the first muscle is toned, and [14.v] wherein the fourth train of sequential magnetic pulses, the fifth train of sequential magnetic pulses, and the sixth train of sequential magnetic pulses are configured to be applied to muscle fibers, neuromuscular plates, or nerves innervating muscle fibers in the second area of the body region such that a series of second muscle contractions are caused in a second muscle in the second area of the body region such that, over time, the second muscle is toned. Ex. 1001, 111:40-112:67. IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 9 E. Evidence Petitioner relies on the patent document references summarized below (Pet. 5): Name Patent Document Exhibit Simon US 2015/0165226 A1 1004 Burnett ’870 US 2014/0148870 A1 1005 Petitioner relies on the non-patent literature reference summarized below (Id.): Name Non-Patent Literature Title Author(s) Exhibit Magstim The Guide to Magnetic Stimulation, The Magstim Company (July 2006). Chris Hovey BSc, Reza Jalinous, Ph.D. 1006 F. Asserted Grounds Petitioner asserts that the challenged claims of the ’895 patent are unpatentable based on the following grounds summarized below (Id. at 6): Claim(s) Challenged 35 U.S.C. §4 Reference(s)/Basis 14-29 103 Simon 14-29 103 Burnett ’870, Magstim 14-29 103 Simon, Burnett ’870 III. ANALYSIS A. Legal Standards “In an [inter partes review], the petitioner has the burden from the onset to show with particularity why the patent it challenges is 4 Because the challenged claims of the ’895 patent have an apparent effective filing date on or after March 16, 2013, the 35 U.S.C. §§ 102 and 103 provisions of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (“AIA”), Pub. L. No. 112-29, §§ 3(b)-3(c), 3(n)(1), 125 Stat. 284, 285-87, 293 (2011) apply and we apply the AIA versions of these statutes. Our application of the AIA law is not an affirmative ruling on the actual effective filing date of this patent. IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 10 unpatentable.” Harmonic Inc. v. Avid Tech., Inc., 815 F.3d 1356, 1363 (Fed. Cir. 2016) (citing 35 U.S.C. § 312(a)(3) as “requiring [inter partes review] petitions to identify ‘with particularity . . . the evidence that supports the grounds for the challenge to each claim’”); see also 37 C.F.R. § 42.104(b) (requiring a petition for inter partes review to identify how the challenged claim is to be construed and where each element of the claim is found in the prior art patents or printed publications relied upon). That burden never shifts to the patentee. Dynamic Drinkware, LLC v. Nat’l Graphics, Inc., 800 F.3d 1375, 1378 (Fed. Cir. 2015). Furthermore, Petitioner cannot satisfy its burden of proving obviousness by employing “mere conclusory statements.” In re Magnum Oil Tools Int’l, Ltd., 829 F.3d 1364, 1380 (Fed. Cir. 2016). A patent claim is unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. § 103 if the differences between the claimed subject matter and the prior art are such that the subject matter, as a whole, would have been obvious at the time the invention was made to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which said subject matter pertains. KSR Int’l Co. v. Teleflex Inc., 550 U.S. 398, 406 (2007). The question of obviousness is resolved on the basis of underlying factual determinations including: (1) the scope and content of the prior art; (2) any differences between the claimed subject matter and the prior art; (3) the level of ordinary skill in the art; and (4) when in evidence, objective evidence of nonobviousness.5 Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 17-18 (1966). B. Level of Ordinary Skill in the Art Petitioner asserts the following: 5 Patent Owner does not present objective evidence of nonobviousness. IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 11 On or before 5/10/2016, [persons of ordinary skill in the art] POSITAs would have had a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or [a] related field, and two or more years of professional experience working with the design, development, and/or use of devices that apply electromagnetic energy to stimulate biological tissue. Additional graduate education could substitute for professional experience, or significant experience in the field could substitute for formal education. Pet. 8-9 (citing Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 1-36). Patent Owner does not provide a response on this issue. See generally Prelim. Resp. We find Petitioner’s proposal that the skilled artisan would have had “two or more” years of experience to be too vague as it encompasses skill levels beyond the proposal level without a defined limit. We adopt Petitioner’s proposal except we do not adopt the “or more” terminology above. We determine that with our changes Petitioner’s proposal is consistent with the level of skill reflected in the ’895 patent Specification and the prior art of record. See Okajima v. Bourdeau, 261 F.3d 1350, 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2001). C. Claim Construction We construe the challenged claims by applying the standard used in federal courts, in other words, “the same claim construction standard that would be used to construe the claim in a civil action under 35 U.S.C. [§] 282(b),” which is articulated in Phillips v. AWH Corp., 415 F.3d 1303 (Fed. Cir. 2005) (en banc). 37 C.F.R. § 42.100(b) (2020). Neither party seeks claim construction other than the plain and ordinary meaning of claim terms. See Pet. 9; see generally Prelim. Resp. Petitioner states “[p]ursuant to §42.104(b)(3), regarding the term ‘control unit,’ the Board has denied institution on Allergan’s PGRs of IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 12 related patents (sharing substantially the same specification) determining that the term is not indefinite and does not invoke §112(f).” Pet. 9 (citing Allergan, Inc. et al v. BTL Healthcare Technologies A.S., PGR2021-00017, Paper 16, 10-16 (PTAB, Filed Dec. 14, 2020) (“Allergan-17,” Paper 16); Allergan, Inc. et al v. BTL Healthcare Technologies A.S., PGR2021-00020, Paper 16, 10-16 (PTAB, Filed Dec. 14, 2020)). The decision denying institution in Allergan-17 states the following: Consistent with Patent Owner’s contentions, the Specification does not treat the “control unit” as simply a black box recitation of any structure capable of performing the claimed function, but rather treats the term as referring to known structures such as a personal computer, a human machine interface includ[ing] or alternatively, a “PD and/or PID controller.” Ex. 1005, 8:57-9:5, 14:34-48, 75:18-20. Consistent with this, Figures 5a and 5b depict control unit 115 as a physical structure positioned between the power supply and switch. Ex. 1005, Figs. 5a, 5b. Because the term “control unit” refers to these known structures it is not a means plus function claim limitation. See Samsung, 948 F.3d at 1354 (finding that claimed “digital processing unit” was not a means plus function limitation where the term referred to “a class of known structures - central processing units - that could be found in any general-purpose computer”). Allergan-17, Paper 16, 13. Our Decision here is consistent with that prior determination. D. Obviousness over Simon-Claims 14-29 Petitioner asserts that claims 14-29 would have been obvious over Simon. Pet. 6. We begin with a summary of Simon, then turn to the parties’ dispute. IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 13 1. Simon Simon relates to delivery of energy impulses (and/or fields) to bodily tissues for therapeutic purposes. Ex. 1004 ¶ 2. Simon describes toroidal magnetic stimulation devices, as well as non-invasive methods for treating medical conditions using energy that is delivered by such devices. Id. Simon’s device is shown in Figure 1, which is reproduced below. Figure 1, above, is a schematic diagram of nerve stimulating/modulating device 300 for delivering impulses of energy to nerves for the treatment of medical conditions. Id. ¶ 54. As shown in Figure 1, stimulating device 300 includes impulse generator 310, power source 320, and control unit 330, respectively. Id. Impulse generator 310 is connected by wires to toroidal-shaped magnetic stimulator coil 340 located within electrically conducting medium 350. Id. ¶¶ 54, 56. Simon illustrates an exemplary electrical voltage/current profile for electrical impulses that are applied to a portion or portions of a nerve in Figure 2, reproduced below. IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 14 Figure 2, above, illustrates a graph of electrical voltage/current profile 400 with modulating impulse 410 having pulse train 420 shown in the graph with current on the y-axis and time on the x-axis. Id. ¶¶ 60, 61. Simon describes that pulse generator 310 is implemented using power source 320 and control unit 330 having, for instance, a processor, a clock, and a memory. Id. Pulse generator 310 produces pulse train 420 to stimulator coils(s) 340 that deliver stimulating, blocking and/or modulating impulse 410 to the nerve. Id. Simon’s dual-toroid magnetic stimulator coil is shown in Figures 3A- 3D, which are reproduced below. IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 15 Figures 3A-3D, above, illustrate dual-toroid magnetic stimulator coil 30 situated within housing 37. Id. ¶¶ 45, 93, 98. Figures 3A-3D, above, illustrate top and bottom views of toroidal magnetic stimulator 30. Id. ¶ 93. Stimulator 30 includes two cylindrical- shaped but interconnected conducting medium chambers 34. Id. ¶ 95, Figs. 3A-3D. Each chamber 34 includes coils of wires 35 wound around toroidal cores 36. Id. at 97. 2. Independent Claim 14 Claim 14 recites the following: [14.u] wherein the first train of sequential magnetic pulses, the second train of sequential magnetic pulses, and the third train of sequential magnetic pulses are configured to be applied to muscle fibers, neuromuscular plates, or nerves innervating muscle fibers in the first area of the body region such that a series of first muscle contractions are IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 16 caused in a first muscle in the first area of the body region such that over time the first muscle is toned, and [14.v] wherein the fourth train of sequential magnetic pulses, the fifth train of sequential magnetic pulses, and the sixth train of sequential magnetic pulses are configured to be applied to muscle fibers, neuromuscular plates, or nerves innervating muscle fibers in the second area of the body region such that a series of second muscle contractions are caused in a second muscle in the second area of the body region such that, over time, the second muscle is toned. Ex. 1001, 112:50-67. For 14.u, Petitioner asserts the following: See [14.pre]-Simon discloses placing applicators on target region (abdomen). The resulting consecutive “electrical impulses” stimulate muscles/tissues. Simon, Abstract, [0012], [0053], [0060]-[0061], [0083], [0105], Fig. 2. Simon teaches-as was well-known-that muscles “contract” while stimulated. Simon, [0158], [0194], [0195]. It was known that using biphasic pulsed current to stimulate muscles causing “serial bouts” of muscle “contractions” would allow muscle strengthening and enhancement-getting “larger and stronger,” thereby toning them. See, e.g., Belanger, 223-234, 234. Simon teaches applying consecutive impulses of a magnetic field to muscle fibers causing multiple contractions. Bikson, ¶¶177-180, 39-67. Pet. 26. For 14.v, Petitioner asserts the following: See [14.pre], [14.u]-abdomen comprises multiple muscles. It was known in the art to treat multiple muscles (abdomen). Simon, [0035]; See, e.g., Belanger, Fig. 13-16 (depicting multiple pairs of applicators “positioned over the quadriceps contractile area”), 246 (position applicators on “two different muscle groups); Burnett-’870, Fig. 9B, [0114] (“abdominal garment” worn over both buttocks). Bikson, ¶¶181-182, 39-75. Id. at 27. IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 17 Patent Owner disputes Petitioner’s contentions arguing that Simon’s device does not apply a magnetic field within the patient’s body, as required by claim 1. Prelim. Resp. 12, 24-25. Patent Owner argues in Simon’s device the magnetic field “remains essentially within the toroid” and “is not intended to generate a magnetic field within bodily tissue.” See, e.g., id. at 12 (citing Ex. 1004 ¶¶ 37, 122). Patent Owner also argues that Simon “produces ‘its effect through a different mechansim than conventional magnetic stimulation,’” specifically “by generating and applying an electric field or current at the surface of the patient’s skin.” Id. at 13-14 (citing Ex. 1004 ¶¶ 27, 37, 122). Consistent with Patent Owner’s arguments, Simon describes that its device is an improvement over conventional magnetic stimulators that operate differently. Simon describes conventional magnetic stimulators as having disadvantages. Ex. 1004 ¶ 19 (describing conventional magnetic stimulators as “generally complex and expensive”), ¶ 20 (describing that conventional magnetic stimulators “overheat when used over an extended period of time”), ¶ 21 (describing that conventional magnetic stimulators cause “unpleasantness or pain”). Simon describes that its stimulation devices overcome problems with conventional magnetic stimulators. See, e.g., id. ¶ 37 (describing that Simon’s stimulators have “virtually no unpleasant peripheral nerve stimulation” and “produce virtually no heating”). Petitioner relies on Simon’s device for most recitations in claim 14. More specifically, Simon’s device is illustrated in, for example, Figures 1, 3, and 5 and is described with respect to Figure 2 and the textual description corresponding to Figures 1, 3, and 5. Ex. 1004 ¶ 54; see also id. ¶¶ 54, 60, 61 (describing that electrical voltage/current profile 400 in Figure 2 is IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 18 achieved “using pulse generator 310,”6 which as shown in Figure 1 is included in nerve stimulating/modulating device 300.), ¶¶ 92, 93 (describing that the embodiment of “magnetic stimulator coil 340 in FIG. 1” shown in Figures 3A-3D “reduces the volume of conducting material that must surround a toroidal coil, by using two toroids, side-by-side, and passing electrical current through the two toroidal coils in opposite directions.”), ¶ 47 (describing that Figure 5 “illustrates the housing and cap of the dual- toroid magnetic stimulator coils of FIGS. 3A-3D.”). The Petition identifies Simon’s nerve stimulating/modulating device described with respect to Figures 1-3 and 5 as supporting evidence for most recitations in claim 14. See, e.g., Pet. 15-17 (relying on Simon’s Figures 3A-3D and Figure 5 for element 14.a), 19-20 (relying on Simon’s Figure 1 for element 14.i), 22-23 (relying on Simon’s Figure 2 for teaching element 14.l), 24-25 (relying on Simon’s Figure 2 for teaching element 14.p). Similarly for element 14.u, Petitioner relies on Simon’s stimulating device and related teachings. See, e.g., Pet. 26 (citing Ex. 1004, code (57), ¶¶ 53, 60-61, 158, 194, 195, Fig. 2). For instance, Petitioner relies on Simon’s teaching of its device achieving an electrical voltage/current profile used for stimulating selected nerves, which is shown in Figure 2 and is produced by the stimulator shown in Figure 1. See Ex. 1004 ¶¶ 60-61, Fig. 2. As another example, Petitioner relies on Simon’s Figure 1 and Simon’s teaching of programming “control unit 330 of FIG. 1 to control the impulse generator 310 of FIG. 1 in such a way as to temporally modulate stimulation by the magnetic stimulator coil 340 in FIG. 1, in order to enhance a 6 Simon interchangeably refers to the generator that generates signals for the magnetic coils as impulse generator 310 and pulse generator 310. Id. ¶¶ 57, 60. IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 19 physiological response that occurs preferentially during a particular phase of respiration.” Ex. 1004 ¶ 195; Pet. 27. Petitioner acknowledges that in Simon’s devices “consecutive ‘electrical impulses’ stimulate muscles/tissues” and does not assert that the magnetic field produces the effect. Pet. 26 (citing, e.g., Ex. 1004, code (57), ¶¶ 12, 53, 60-61, Fig. 2). Simon’s disclosures that Petitioner relies upon are consistent with Patent Owner’s arguments that the magnetic field is not applied within bodily tissue and does not stimulate muscles/tissues. See, e.g., Ex. 1004, code (57) (describing that “the coil induces an electric current and/or an electric field within the patient, thereby stimulating tissue and/or one or more nerve fibers within the patient”), ¶ 53 (describing “inducing applied electrical impulses that interact with the signals of one or more nerves, or muscles, to achieve a therapeutic result”). Indeed, Simon’s disclosures of its stimulating device throughout are consistent with Patent Owner’s arguments. See, e.g., Prelim. Resp. 12-14. For instance, Simon describes that the magnetic field in its devices “remains essentially within the toroid” and “it is in fact the electric fields and/or currents that are induced outside the stimulator that produce an effect in the patient, not the magnetic field.” Ex. 1004 ¶ 37. Although Simon describes that “[t]he magnetic field of [Simon’s] disclosed device may be produced by a coil other than a toroid,” Simon describes that in alternative coil designs “the magnetic field outside the coil falls rapidly as a function of distance from the coil.” Id. ¶ 82. According to Simon, one such an alternative would include “magnetic shielding” that is “interposed between the patient and coil of the device in such a way that the magnetic field that is produced by the device does not effectively penetrate the patient’s tissue.” Id. Simon states clearly “[a]s described above, the magnetic stimulation device disclosed IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 20 herein is not intended to generate a magnetic field within bodily tissue, so it would produce its effect through a different mechanism than conventional magnetic stimulation.” Id. ¶ 122 (emphasis added). In other words, Simon’s disclosures are directly contrary to Petitioner’s assertion (Pet. 26-27) in that Simon teaches the magnetic field is not applied within bodily tissue and the magnetic field does not produce the effect. Simon does not teach element 1.q. For element 14.u, Petitioner also cites as supporting evidence Alain- Yvan Belanger, Therapeutic Electrophysical Agents, 3d Edition, Wolters Kluwer (2015) (Ex. 1011, “Belanger”). Pet. 26 (citing Ex. 1011, 223-234). Petitioner asserts “[i]t was known that using biphasic pulsed current to stimulate muscles causing ‘serial bouts’ of muscle ‘contractions’ would allow muscle strengthening and enhancement-getting ‘larger and stronger,’ thereby toning them.” Id. That current stimulates muscles does not remedy the aforementioned deficiency. Petitioner also cites to Dr. Bikson’s testimony as supporting evidence. Pet. 27 (citing Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 177-180, 39-67). Paragraphs 177, 178, and 180 of Dr. Bikson’s testimony are substantially the same as the contentions in the Petition and are deficient for the same reasons given above. Compare Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 177, 178, 180, with Pet. 26-27. Paragraph 179 includes Dr. Bikson’s testimony that “Simon discloses that a magnetic field induces electric current within tissues/muscles.” Ex. 1002 ¶ 179 (citing Ex. 1004 ¶¶ 53, 83, 105). Dr. Bikson’s testimony does not indicate any use for the magnetic field other than inducing electric current and, therefore, his testimony does not remdy the aforementioned deficiency. Id. Paragraphs 39 through 67 of Dr. Bikson’s testimony are in a section titled “TECHNICAL BACKGROUND AND STATE OF THE ART” and provide Dr. Bikson’s IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 21 opinion relating to stimulation including parameters and components of a conventional magnetic stimulation device and generating pulses. Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 39-67. Paragraphs 39 through 67 of Dr. Bikson’s testimony do not pertain to or mention Simon (id.), which is the art relied on by Petitioner. See, e.g., Pet. 6, 26-27. Dr. Bikson’s testimony does not remedy the deficiencies in the Petition. Petitioner’s contentions and evidence for element 14.v relate to applying pulses in “second area of the body region.” Pet. 27 (citing Pet. 15, 26; Ex. 1004 ¶ 35; Ex. 1011, 246, Figs. 13-16; Ex. 1005 ¶ 114, Fig. 9B; Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 181-182, 39-75). Petitioner asserts that it was known to treat multiple muscles, for example, with a pair of applicators. Id. Petitioner’s contentions and evidence for element 14.v do not remedy the deficiency discussed with respect 14.u. After consideration of the contentions and the evidence of record, we determine that Petitioner has not shown sufficiently that Simon teaches each recitation of claim 14. Accordingly, we conclude that Petitioner has not demonstrated a reasonable likelihood that it would prevail in showing that claim 14 is unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as obvious over Simon. 3. Independent Claim 21 Independent claim 21 recites [21.aa] wherein the first time-varying magnetic field is configured to cause a first series of muscle contractions in a first muscle in the body region when the first time- varying magnetic field is applied to the muscle fibers, neuromuscular plates, or nerves innervating muscle fibers in the body region such that over time the first muscle is toned, and [21.bb] wherein the second time-varying magnetic field is configured to cause a second series of muscle contractions IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 22 in a second muscle in the body region when the second time-varying magnetic field is applied to the muscle fibers, neuromuscular plates, or nerves innervating muscle fibers in the body region such that over time the second muscle is toned. Ex. 1001, 114:56-115:2. Elements 14.u and 14.v recite applying trains of magnetic pulses, whereas elements 21.aa and 21.bb recite applying magnetic fields. Compare id. at 112:50-67, with id. at 114:56-115:2. Like elements 14.u and 14.v, elements 21.aa and 21.bb require application to the muscle fibers, neuromuscular plates, or nerves innervating muscle fibers in the body region. Id. Elements 21.aa and 21.bb recite that the application is such that over time the muscle is toned. Id. at 114:56-115:2. For elements 21.aa and 21.bb, the Petition references elements 14.u and 14.v, as well as 14.pre relied on for 14.u and 14.v. See Pet. 33. The Petition also includes a citation to Dr. Bikson’s Declaration testimony that refers to elements 14.pre, 14.u, and 14.v and other testimony, i.e., paragraphs 39 through 67, cited in connection with elements 14.u and 14.v, as discussed above. See supra § III.D.2. Petitioner’s contentions and evidence for elements 21.aa and 21.bb are deficient for the same reasons given for elements 14.u and 14.v. We, therefore, determine Petitioner has not shown sufficiently that Simon teaches elements 21.aa and 21.bb. Accordingly, we conclude that Petitioner has not demonstrated a reasonable likelihood that it would prevail in showing that claim 21 is unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as obvious over Simon. 4. Dependent Claims 15-20 and 22-29 Each of claims 15-20 depends, directly or indirectly, from claim 14. Each of claims 22-29 depends, directly or indirectly, from claim 21. IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 23 Petitioner’s arguments and evidence for dependent claims 15-20 and 22-29 do not remedy the deficiencies discussed with respect to claims 14 and 21. Pet. 34-43. Accordingly, we conclude that Petitioner has not demonstrated a reasonable likelihood that it would prevail in showing that claims 15-20 and 22-29 are unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as obvious over Simon. E. Obviousness over Burnett ’870 and Magstim-Claims 14-29 Petitioner asserts that claims 14-29 would have been obvious over Burnett ’870 and Magstim. Pet. 6. We begin with summaries of Burnett ’870 and Magstim, and then turn to the parties’ dispute. 1. Burnett ’870 Burnett ’870 describes a system for electromagnetic induction therapy that generates a magnetic field focused on a target nerve, muscle, or other body tissue. Ex. 1005 ¶ 21. An embodiment of Burnett ’870’s system is shown in Figure 34 reproduced below. Figure 34 illustrates a schematic view of a system including multiple back applicators placed on a human back, a sensor, and a logic controller. Id. ¶ 56. IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 24 Figure 34, above, illustrates a profile view of the upper half of a human body with one or more back applicators 350 and sensor 352. Id. ¶ 209. Back applicators 350 and sensor 352 are connected by wires to logic controller 354. See id. Referring to Figure 34, Burnett ’870 discloses that applicators 350 may include multiple coils that are fired sequentially. Id. ¶ 209. Burnett ’870 discloses another variation of back applicator 360 with several coils that are pulsed intermittently. Id. ¶ 210. The applicator may be held on a patient by an ergonomic position element, e.g., a belt. Id. Additionally, coil power line 365 for supplying power or current from logic controller 364 may include “fluid cooling, e.g., air or liquid cooling.” Id. Burnett ’870 discloses a variation of the system, shown in Figure 9B, in which coils 106 are disposed within an abdominal garment. Id. ¶ 114. Figure 9B, above, illustrates shorts 108, including two separate sets of 3 interlocking rings labelled coils 106 that connected to a logic controller (not shown) by connector 110. Id. ¶ 114, Fig. 9B. Burnett ’870’s shorts 108 includes one or more sensors (not shown) that provide feedback to the logic controller. Id. ¶ 113. Marking 112 may be added to one side of shorts 108 to indicate wrap orientation. Id. ¶ 114. IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 25 2. Magstim Magstim describes techniques of magnetic stimulation for clinical applications. Ex. 1006, 1.7 Magstim illustrates its magnetic stimulator in Figure 2, reproduced below. Figure 2, above, illustrates a block diagram of the Magstim Model 2008 monophasic stimulator including a transformer, charging circuitry, a capacitor, an electronic switch, and a coil. See id. at 4. 7 Magstim includes two sets of page numbers, specifically, original page numbers and page numbers added by Petitioner. We refer to the original page numbers in Magstim. 8 Magstim describes its Magstim Model 200 or Magstim 200 as a stimulator that was launched in 1986. Id. at 3. IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 26 Magstim discloses that the transformer charges the capacitor under the control of a microprocessor. Id. The capacitor is connected to the coil via an electronic switch when the user wishes to apply the stimulus. Id. Magstim’s coil is illustrated in Figure 3, reproduced below. Figure 3, above, illustrates a circular coil winding showing the lines of force generated when current flows through the winding. Id. at 5. Magstim discloses that the Magstim 200 is supplied with a single circular coil or a double coil shaped as a butterfly or figure of eight. Id. at 5, 9. Double coils use two windings, normally placed side by side. Id. 3. Independent claim 14 a) Elements 14.g and 14.h: “a first energy storage device having a capacitance in a range of 5 nF to 100 mF” and “a second energy storage device having a capacitance in a range of 5 nF to 100 mF” Petitioner provides a mapping for element 14.g in its claim chart. Pet. 55-56. For element 14.h, Petitioner provides the following “See [14.g]. Bikson, ¶¶ 359-360.” Id. at 56. Dr. Bikson’s testimony cited for element IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 27 14.h is simply a conclusory statement that the element is met and a reference to his testimony for element 14.g. Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 359-360. We treat Petitioner’s mapping for element 14.g as pertaining to elements 14.g and 14.h. Patent Owner disputes Petitioner’s mapping asserting that the combination of Burnett ’870 and Magstim lacks two capacitors. Prelim. Resp. 16-18, 39-44. Patent Owner acknowledges that Burnett discloses a single-capacitor system. See, e.g., id. at 16. For completeness, we review each of the assertions in Petitioner’s mapping of elements 14.g in sequence. Petitioner starts by pointing to two patents described in the background section of Burnett ’870. Pet. 56 (citing Ex. 1005 ¶¶ 13, 14). One of those patents describes “a magnetic stimulation device which consists of a stimulation coil, a high-voltage capacitor, and a controllable network part.” Ex. 1005 ¶ 14 (emphases added). The other patent describes a coil, a body applicator, and “[a] reserve capacitor.” Id. ¶ 13 (emphasis added). Consistent with Patent Owner’s assertions, both patents cited by Petitioner from the background section of Burnett ’870 describe a stimulator with a single capacitor. Next Petitioner asserts that Burnett ’870’s provisional application[9] “discloses using a LoFIT system described in Burnett-’185[10] in its invention.” Pet. 56 (citing Ex. 1023 ¶¶ 1, 2, 20). Consistent with Petitioner’s contentions, the ’720 provisional describes the Low Frequency Induction Therapy (“LoFIT”) system. Ex. 1023 ¶¶ 1-2 (describing treatment “with the 9 Petitioner references provisional application No. 60/848,720 (“the ’720 provisional,” Ex. 1023). 10 Petitioner references U.S. Patent No, 6,701,185 B2 (“Burnett ’185,” Ex. 1024). IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 28 use of Low Frequency Induction Therapy (LoFIT)”), 20 (“The LoFIT™ System is currently protected by 3 patents pending and one issued patent: U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,185 entitled ‘Method and apparatus for electromagnetic stimulation of nerve, muscle, and body tissues.’”). The ’720 provisional references U.S. Patent No, 6,701,185 B2 (“Burnett ’185,” Ex. 1024). The portions of the ’720 provisional relied on do not describe details of the LoFIT system. Petitioner next asserts “Burnett-’185 discloses incorporating a capacitor in the circuitry of the device, allowing it to be charged, and using a switch to discharge it to the coil.” Pet. 56 (citing Ex. 1024, 6:66-7:2, 7:27- 8:26). Burnett ’185 describes that “[t]he internal circuitry of the logic controller 20 comprises or alternatively consists of a transformer, a capacitor, an inducting coil, a diode, and a switch.” Ex. 1024, 6:66-7:1 (emphasis added). Burnett ’185 further describes “[a] capacitor and a stimulating coil (not shown) are provided in parallel.” Id. at 7:27-28 (emphases added). Throughout the portions of Burnett ’185 relied on by Petitioner, Burnett ’185’s disclosure is limited to a single capacitor. Id. at 7:27-8:26 (describing embodiments having describes “a capacitor” or referring to “the capacitor”). In contrast, Burnett ’185 describes alternative embodiments with multiple coils. See id. at 7:53-54 (describing “[o]ne or more coils or arrays of coils”). In one embodiment, Burnett ’185 describes having a single capacitor and an array of coils 32, which are activated sequentially or simultaneously. Ex. 1024, 7:60-67. Burnett ’185 describes that the sequential activation is accomplished by a switching mechanism. Id. Burnett ’185, more specifically, describes the following: IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 29 In the other position, the switch prevents the capacitor from discharging to ground and allows the capacitor to be charged. Each coil 32 attached to the logic controller 20 may have its own internal switching mechanism to allow firing of the coil 32 in sequence or to allow the firing of multiple coils simultaneously. Ex. 1024, 7:62-67. Regardless of the number of coils, consistent with Patent Owner’s assertions (Prelim. Resp. 16-18, 39-44), Burnett ’185’s disclosure is limited to a single capacitor. Id. at 6:66-7:2, 7:27-8:26. Petitioner next asserts that a person having ordinary skill in the art: would have been motivated and found it obvious to incorporate capacitors in Burnett-’870 device based on its reference to the LoFIT system, and its guidance to store energy for the coils, and POSITAs would have understood to charge the capacitors such that they would be discharged to the coils as was known in the art. Pet. 56 (citing pages 3-4 and Figure 2 of Magstim (Ex. 1006) as supporting evidence). Petitioner’s annotated Figure 2 of Magstim is reproduced below. Figure 2, above, illustrates a block diagram of the Magstim Model 200 monophasic stimulator, which includes a capacitor, an electronic switch, and a coil. Ex. 1006, 4, Fig. 2. Magstim describes that the transformer of the Magstim charges the capacitor under the control of a microprocessor. Ex. 1006, 4. Magstim IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 30 further describes that the capacitor is connected to the coil via the electronic switch when the user wishes to apply the stimulus. Id. Magstim discloses that the Magstim 200 is supplied with a single circular coil or a double coil shaped as a butterfly or figure of eight. Id. at 5-6, 9. Below is a picture of the Magstim with a double coil. Figure 13 of Magstim, above, is a photograph of a Magstim 200 magnetic stimulator with a double coil. Id. at 9. Consistent with Patent Owner’s arguments (Prelim. Resp. 39-44), Magstim describes the Magstim 200 as having a single capacitor. Ex. 1006, 4, Fig. 2. The Magstim 200 may operate with a double coil. Id. at 5-6, 9. Petitioner’s mapping includes the following citation: “See VIII.B.3.” (Pet. 56), which refers to a section of the Petition entitled “Motivation to Combine” (id. at 49 (§ VIII.B.3)). We turn to the “Motivation to Combine” discussion in the Petition. Id. Petitioner asserts the following: Because Burnett- ’870 discloses using activating two coils “differentially,” and in view of known teachings to use a capacitor for storing energy for a coil, POSITAs would have recognized Burnett- ’870 as teaching separate energy source and storage per coil that would allow for independent control of separate coils to provide programmable discharge patterns of pulse channels. It would have been an obvious, “typical,” implementation to double the energy source, capacitor and switch for a two-coiled design such that each coil has its own IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 31 circuitry. POSITAS would have been motivated and found it obvious to apply Magstim’s teaching in implementing Burnett- ’870’s stimulation device to charge and discharge the capacitors using switches such that energy would be stored in the capacitors and that the discharge of the capacitors would be controlled to provide power to the coils to generate the time-varying magnetic fields. Bikson, ¶¶317-319, 76-77. Pet. 49-50. Dr. Bikson’s declaration includes similar testimony. Ex. 1002 ¶ 319. Petitioner is correct that Burnett ’870 describes activating coils “differentially.” In particular, Burnett ’870 describes “[w]hen multiple coils 26 are present, coils 26 may be activated simultaneously or differentially to generate the desired magnetic field.” Ex. 1005 ¶ 87. Burnett ’870, more specifically, describes activating coils differentially as a “firing sequence.” Id. However, the evidence of record does not support that the disclosure of “differential” activation of coils requires separate energy storage per coil. In this regard, we note that Burnett ’870’s description of the differential and sequential activation of coils 26 is similar to the description of activating multiple coils sequentially set forth in Burnett ’185. Compare Ex. 1005 ¶ 87 (“When multiple coils 26 are present, coils 26 may be activated simultaneously or differentially to generate the desired magnetic field.”), with Ex. 1024, 7:64-67 (“Each coil 32 attached to the logic controller 20 may have its own internal switching mechanism to allow firing of the coil 32 in sequence or to allow the firing of multiple coils simultaneously”). As discussed above, Burnett ’185 describes its stimulator as having a single capacitor. Burnett ’870’s use of multiple coils activated by a single capacitor is also similar to Magstim. Burnett ’870’s coils 26 are within coil wrap 20. IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 32 Ex. 1005 ¶ 79. Burnett ’870’s coil wrap 20 is shown in Figure 1, reproduced below. Figure 1 of Burnett ’870, above, illustrates coil wrap 20 disposed over ankle 22, which includes one or more conductive coils 26. Id. ¶¶ 77, 79. Burnett ’870 describes that coils 26 “may be a single coil shaped in a simple helical pattern or as a figure eight coil, [or] a four leaf clover coil.” Id. ¶ 79. Burnett ’870’s description of multiple coils 26 as including, for example, a “figure eight coil” (id.) is similar to the description in Magstim of its double coil being a “figure of eight coil” (Ex. 1006, 5). Magstim’s double coil “is supplied standard” with the Magstim 200. Id. at 5-6. The Magstim 200 has a single capacitor. Id. at 4, Fig. 2. Thus, the mere existence of multiple coils does not require multiple capacitors. Interpreting “differential” activation of coils as not requiring multiple capacitors is consistent with the disclosure of Burnett ’870. Burnett ’870 describes that “[t]he electric current that produces the magnetic field by flowing through coils 26 is supplied by programmable logic controller 28, which is connected to coils 26, for example, with a power cord 32.” IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 33 Ex. 1005 ¶ 81. Burnett ’870’s description of its coil wrap 20 does not indicate that coil wrap 20 includes a capacitor. See, e.g., id. ¶¶ 77, 79, 81, 87. Petitioner acknowledges that “Burnett- ’870 leaves the powering of [its] coils to [the] POSITA.” Pet. 49. Upon consideration of Burnett ’870, including Burnett ’870’s description of “activating two coils ‘differentially’” and the disclosures of Magstim relied on by Petitioner, we are not persuaded that they support using two capacitors or energy storage devices. Instead, the disclosures of Burnett ’870, Burnett ’185, and Magstim are consistent with Patent Owner’s assertions that the Petition demonstrates a teaching of only a single capacitor. We turn to Petitioner’s assertion that “[i]t would have been an obvious, ‘typical,’ implementation to double the energy source, capacitor and switch for a two-coiled design such that each coil has its own circuitry.” Pet. 49-50. Dr. Bikson’s Declaration includes testimony that is the same. Ex. 1002 ¶ 319. This statement is not followed by a citation to support what Petitioner and Dr. Bikson consider to be a “typical” implementation. Id. However, immediately preceding this statement, the Petition cites Magstim (page 4 and Figure 2) as an example of the “circuitry of a ‘typical simulator’ to control charging (from an energy source, e.g., transformer) and discharging of a capacitor.” Pet. 49. And immediately following the “typical” statement, Petitioner references applying Magstim’s teaching in Burnett ’870’s device. As such, we infer that Petitioner relies on Magstim as illustrating a typical implementation. This is problematic for Petitioner because the cited portions of Magstim do not include two capacitors. See Ex. 1006, 4, Fig 2. IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 34 We turn to the citations in the Petition to Dr. Bikson’s Declaration testimony regarding U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,662 (Ex. 1033, “Jalinous”). Pet. 50, 56 (citing Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 76-77). Dr. Bikson testifies that Jalinous discloses that its magnetic stimulator “comprises two sets of capacitors 3 each having a respective, independently controllable discharge control, connected in parallel to provide one common output for each set of capacitors. The two outputs may be used to drive different coils.” Ex. 1002 ¶ 77 (citing Ex. 1033, 2:7-11). Jalinous describes that its apparatus shown in Figure 1 “comprises two sets of capacitors 3,” which “may [ ] be used to drive different coils or may [ ] be coupled in parallel to drive a single stimulating coil.” Ex. 1033, 2:7-14. Importantly, Petitioner and Dr. Bikson rely not on incorporating the teachings of Jalinous in Burnett ’870’s device, but on incorporating Magstim. Pet. 50 (explaining that the person having ordinary skill in the art would have found it obvious “to apply Magstim’s teaching in implementing Burnett- ’870’s stimulation device to charge and discharge the capacitors using switches such that energy would be stored in the capacitors . . . to provide power to the coils to generate time-varying magnetic fields”); Ex. 1002 ¶ 319 (“The application of Magstim’s teaching to Burnett- ’870 would allow energy to be stored in the capacitors, for control of the discharge of the capacitors to provide power to the coils, to thereby generate the time-varying magnetic fields.”). Although the Petition does include citations to Dr. Bikson’s testimony on Jalinous, the citations appear, without explanation, and do not change the fact that Petitioner and Dr. Bikson rely on incorporating Magstim’s teachings on capacitors in Burnett ’850’s device. See, e.g., Pet. 50, 56. Absent further explanation, Petitioner’s citation is insufficient to explain how Jalinous supports Petitioner’s position. IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 35 Dr. Bikson also testifies that “it would have been an obvious design choice to keep the same capacitor-to-coil 1:1 ratio in implementing the two- coiled embodiment of [the] Burnett ’870 device.” Ex. 1002 ¶ 319. A mere design choice, which does not need to be shown explicitly in the prior art, is generally a minor and obvious choice that solves no stated problem. Cf. In re Kuhle, 526 F.2d 553, 555 (CCPA 1975) (“Use of such a means of electrical connection in lieu of those used in the references solves no stated problem and would be an obvious matter of design choice within the skill [in] the art.” (citations omitted)). Furthermore, a finding of obviousness based on design choice is precluded where the difference between the claimed feature and prior art results in a functional difference. In re Gal, 980 F.2d 717, 719 (Fed. Cir. 1992). Here, the current record supports that adding a capacitor to the two- coiled embodiment of Burnett ’870 is not minor and would result in a functional difference. See e.g., Ex. 1001, 19:41-49, 19:64-20:3 (teaching that an embodiment with multiple energy storage devices offers the benefit of “provid[ing] the magnetic treatment at the same time without necessity of alternating the magnetic field generating devices during treatment”); 20:4-6 (teaching that an embodiment with multiple energy storage devices offers the benefit of generating magnetic fields with different parameters); 19:50- 53 (disclosing that the “magnetic field generating circuit may include a plurality of energy storage devices providing energy to a magnetic field generating device in order to enable higher energy pulse”). Dr. Bikson’s testimony that “it would have been an obvious design choice to keep the same capacitor-to-coil 1:1 ratio in implementing the two-coiled embodiment of [the] Burnett ’870 device” (Ex. 1002 ¶ 319) is conclusory and does not address whether such a change would result in a functional difference. In IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 36 addition, Dr. Bikson cites Magstim as supporting a 1:1 capacitor-to-coil ratio, but does not address that Magstim discloses single capacitor-to- multiple coil ratios, including, for example, a 1:2 capacitor-to-coil ratio. See, e.g., Ex. 1006, 9 (“Single Pulse Systems may be used for cortical or peripheral stimulation with either single circular or double figure of eight coils.”). Accordingly, we are not persuaded that the Petition establishes that the prior art supports maintaining a 1:1 capacitor-to-coil ratio or that doubling the capacitor would be an obvious design choice. We turn back to Petitioner’s mapping in its claim chart. Petitioner provides contentions and evidence relating to choosing a capacitor (Pet. 56) in the claimed range, i.e., “in a range of 5 nF to 100 mF” (Ex. 1001, 111:60- 61). Those contentions do not remedy the aforementioned deficiency. Petitioner’s mapping in its claim chart concludes with a list of citations to Dr. Bikson’s Declaration. Pet. 56 (citing Ex. 1002 ¶¶ 349-358, 76-77). Much of that testimony is the same as the portions of the Petition discussed above. None of the testimony remedies the aforementioned deficiency. Consistent with Patent Owner’s contentions (Prelim. Resp. 39-44), Burnett ’870 refers to Burnett ’185, and both Burnett ’185 and Magstim describe stimulators having multiple coils and a single capacitor. Ex. 1024, 7:27-8:26; Ex. 1006, 4, Fig. 2. For the reasons given above, we determine Petitioner has not shown sufficiently that the combination of Burnett ’870 and Magstim teaches elements 14.g and 14.h, i.e., “a first energy storage device having a capacitance in a range of 5 nF to 100 mF” and “a second energy storage device having a capacitance in a range of 5 nF to 100 mF.” IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 37 b) Conclusion-Obviousness of Claim 14 over Burnett ’870 and Magstim After consideration of the contentions and the evidence of record, we determine that Petitioner has not shown sufficiently that the combination of Burnett ’870 and Magstim teaches each recitation of claim 14. Accordingly, we conclude that Petitioner has not demonstrated a reasonable likelihood that it would prevail in showing that claim 14 is unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as obvious over the combination of Burnett ’870 and Magstim. 4. Independent Claim 21 Independent claim 21 recites “a first energy storage device regulated by the control unit” and “a second energy storage device regulated by the control unit.” For these recitations in claim 21, Petitioner refers to its arguments and evidence for claim 14 without supplementation. Pet. 63-64. Petitioner’s arguments and evidence for claim 21 do not remedy the deficiencies discussed with respect to claim 14. Accordingly, we conclude that Petitioner has not demonstrated a reasonable likelihood that it would prevail in showing that claim 21 is unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as obvious over Burnett ’870 and Magstim. 5. Dependent Claims 15-20 and 22-29 Each of claims 15-20 depends, directly or indirectly, from claim 14. Each of claims 22-29 depends, directly or indirectly, from claim 21. Petitioner’s arguments and evidence for dependent claims 15-20 and 22-29 do not remedy the deficiencies discussed with respect to claims 14 and 21. Pet. 69-77. Accordingly, we conclude that Petitioner has not demonstrated a reasonable likelihood that it would prevail in showing that claims 15-20 and IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 38 22-29 are unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as obvious over the combination of Burnett ’870 and Magstim. F. Obviousness over Simon and Burnett ’870-Claims 14-29 As an alternative to obviousness over Simon alone, Petitioner asserts that claims 14-29 would have been obvious over Simon and Burnett ’870. Pet. 77-82. Petitioner, however, does not supplement its contentions regarding elements 14.u, 14.v, 21.aa, and 21.bb. Id. Accordingly, we conclude that Petitioner has not demonstrated a reasonable likelihood that it would prevail in showing that claims 14-29 would have been obvious over Simon and Burnett ’870. IV. DISCRETIONARY DENIAL Patent Owner asserts that we should exercise our discretion under 35 U.S.C. § 325(d) to deny inter partes review because the Petition presents the same or substantially the same prior art and arguments previously presented to the Office. Prelim. Resp. 63-70. We need not address Patent Owner’s contentions concerning discretionary denial under § 325(d) because Petitioner has not established a reasonable likelihood of prevailing in demonstrating the unpatentability of any challenged claim of the ’895 patent. V. CONCLUSION We have reviewed the Petition and Preliminary Response, and have considered all of the evidence and arguments presented by Petitioner and Patent Owner. For the foregoing reasons, we conclude that the information presented in the Petition does not establish a reasonable likelihood that Petitioner would prevail in showing that the challenged claims of the ’895 patent are unpatentable. IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 39 VI. ORDER In consideration of the foregoing, it is hereby: ORDERED that the Petition is denied, and no trial is instituted. IPR2021-01284 Patent 10,709,895 B2 40 FOR PETITIONER: Scott McKeown Scott.mckeown@ropesgray.com James L. Davis, Jr. James.l.davis@ropesgray.com Keyna Chow Keyna.chow@ropesgray.com FOR PATENT OWNER: Richard D. Coller Rcoller-ptab@sternekessler.com Jon Wright Jwright-ptab@sternekessler.com Richard Bemben Rbemben-ptab@sterenkessler.com Lestin Kenton Lkenton-ptab@sternekessler.com Christian Camarce Ccamarce-ptab@sternekessler.com