Opinion
Case No. 18-cv-00510-EMC
2022-10-19
FULLVIEW, INC., Plaintiff, v. POLYCOM, INC., Defendant.
Bruce J. Wecker, Seth R. Gassman, Hausfeld LLP, San Francisco, CA, for Plaintiff. Katherine Vidal, Kelly C. Hunsaker, Winston & Strawn LLP, Redwood City, CA, David Paul Dalke, Joe Saratool Netikosol, Winston & Strawn LLP, Los Angeles, CA, Eimeric Reig-Plessis, Winston & Strawn/Chicago, San Francisco, CA, Karalena M. Guerrieri, Pro Hac Vice, Samantha Maxfield Lerner, Pro Hac Vice, Winston & Strawn LLP, Chicago, IL, Noorossadat Torabi, Thermo Fisher Scientific, South San Francisco, CA, for Defendant.
Bruce J. Wecker, Seth R. Gassman, Hausfeld LLP, San Francisco, CA, for Plaintiff. Katherine Vidal, Kelly C. Hunsaker, Winston & Strawn LLP, Redwood City, CA, David Paul Dalke, Joe Saratool Netikosol, Winston & Strawn LLP, Los Angeles, CA, Eimeric Reig-Plessis, Winston & Strawn/Chicago, San Francisco, CA, Karalena M. Guerrieri, Pro Hac Vice, Samantha Maxfield Lerner, Pro Hac Vice, Winston & Strawn LLP, Chicago, IL, Noorossadat Torabi, Thermo Fisher Scientific, South San Francisco, CA, for Defendant.
ORDER GRANTING PLAINTIFF'S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND DENYING DEFENDANT'S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
Docket Nos. 190, 195-196 EDWARD M. CHEN, United States District Judge
Plaintiff FullView, Inc. ("FullView") filed suit against Defendant Polycom, Inc. ("Polycom") for patent infringement of U.S. Patent No. 6,128,143 ("the '143 patent"). Now pending before the Court are cross-motions for summary judgment. FullView moves for summary judgment that Polycom has infringed claims 10-12 of its '143 patent, Docket No. 190 ("FullView MSJ"); Polycom moves for summary judgment of non-infringement of the same claims, Docket No. 195 ("Polycom MSJ"). Additionally, Polycom moves to file the Keller Declaration Exhibits 1 and 2 under seal. Docket No. 196.
For the following reasons, the Court GRANTS FullView's motion for summary judgment and DENIES Polycom's motion for summary judgment. Additionally, the Court GRANTS Polycom's motion to file under seal.
I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
A. Factual Background
1. The '143 Patent
FullView is a contractor for the U.S. Navy and provides up-to-360° panoramic cameras for aircraft carriers. Docket No. 75 ("Compl.") ¶ 7-8. FullView owns a group of patents directed to technology that creates composite images, otherwise known as panoramic photographs. Id. ¶ 10-11. One of these patents—the '143 patent—is entitled "Panoramic viewing system with support stand" and lists Dr. Vishvjit Singh Nalwa as the inventor. Docket No. 1-2, Exh. B. The claims of the '143 patent are directed to a "compact high resolution omnidirectional or panoramic viewer [with] several cameras with a common virtual optical center . . . arranged to form a continuous 360 degree view of an area when taken as a whole." Id. Figure 2 further illustrates such "a four camera omnidirectional or panoramic viewing system using a four-sided pyramid with reflective surfaces":
Image materials not available for display. Id. at col. 3, ll. 1-3.
At issue are independent claim 10 and dependent claims 11 and 12. Claim 10 is representative and recites:
A panoramic viewing apparatus, comprising:
Id. at col. 16, ll. 20-34 (emphases added). This Court has construed "pyramid shaped element" as "an object that has the shape of a pyramid, except that its apex and base may be absent or incomplete." Docket No. 142 at 2:4-7. The Court has also construed "inner volume" as "inside the space defined and bounded by the pyramid shaped element." Docket No. 137 at 12:17-19. Claims 11 and 12 depend upon claim 10. Claim 11 requires that the "image processing devices" are "secured to a portion of the support member extending out from the pyramid shaped element," and claim 12 further requires that the "support member" be "hollow." '143 Patent at 16:34-39. Neither party requested that the Court construe any other claim term.plurality of image processing devices, each having an optical center and a field of view;
a pyramid shaped element having a plurality of reflective side facets facing in different directions, each of at least two of the plurality of reflective side facets redirecting a field of view of one of the plurality of image processing devices to create a plurality of virtual optical centers; and
a support member intersecting an inner volume of the pyramid shaped element, the pyramid shaped element being secured to the support member and the plurality of image processing devices being secured to the support member.
2. Alleged Infringement
FullView alleges that Polycom has infringed the '143 patent with its CX5000 Successor Products, which include CX5000 HD, CX5100, CX5500, CX8000 360°, and RealPresence Centro. Compl. ¶ 31, 61. All the CX5000 Successor Products "provide[ ] panoramic 360° video for videoconferencing applications using the camera-mirror arrangement of Figure 2 of the '711 Patent, but with five cameras ('sensors') instead of four." Id. ¶ 35-36. The CX5000 product was previously sold as the Microsoft Roundtable product, shown below in its assembled and disassembled forms:
FullView also alleged that Polycom has infringed U.S. Patent No. 6,700,711 ("the '711 patent"). Docket No. 1-1. This Court found the '711 patent invalid. Polycom filed a partial motion to dismiss for lack of patentable subject matter as to the '711 patent claims, arguing that the claims were directed to an unpatentable abstract idea. Docket No. 80. The Court granted the motion. Docket No. 105. The '711 patent is not at issue here.
Image materials not available for display. Id. ¶ 27, 35-36.
Effective April 1, 2011, FullView licensed the '143 patent to Polycom to manufacture and sell CX5000 products. Id. ¶ 14, 49. Over the next few years, Polycom ceased selling CX5000 products and began selling CX5000 Successor Products (such as CX5000 HD, CX5100, CX5500, CX8000 360° and RealPresence Centro). Id. ¶ 31, 50. Negotiations for a license for the CX5000 Successor Products were unsuccessful. Id. ¶ 17. On July 2, 2012, Polycom gave FullView notice to terminate the license agreement effective October 1, 2012, then disavowed this date for an earlier date after both dates had elapsed. Id. ¶ 16. FullView initiated arbitration and prevailed. Id. B. Procedural History
On January 31, 2019, Polycom filed a petition for IPR of the '143 patent, challenging claims 1-3 and 10-12. Docket No. 118-1, Exh. C; Compl. ¶ 24. After an exchange of expert declarations, the Patent Trial and Appeals Board ("Board") determined that the prior art references did not anticipate or render obvious the challenged claims. Docket No. 180-18 at 12-22. The Board denied institution of Polycom's petition. Id.
FullView filed its original Complaint herein on January 23, 2018. Docket No. 1. FullView filed its Second Amended Complaint on July 2, 2020, alleging infringement of its '143 patent under 35 U.S.C. § 271. Docket No. 75 ("Compl.") ¶ 44-47.
Polycom filed a motion for summary judgment of invalidity. Docket No. 179. FullView filed a cross-motion for summary judgment of validity. Docket No. 181. The Court denied Polycom's motion, reasoning that Polycom failed to carry its burden to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that the two prior art references render claim 10 obvious, and granted FullView's motion. Docket No. 187, at 20, 23.
Following a claim construction hearing, FullView filed a motion for summary judgment of infringement. Docket No. 190 ("FullView MSJ"). Polycom filed a cross-motion for summary judgment of non-infringement. Docket No. 195 ("Polycom MSJ").
II. LEGAL STANDARD
A. Motion for Summary Judgment (Rule 56)
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 56 provides that a "court shall grant summary judgment [to a moving party] if the movant shows that there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law." Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(a). A dispute is genuine only if there is sufficient evidence for a reasonable jury to find for the nonmoving party. See Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248-49, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986). "The mere existence of a scintilla of evidence . . . will be insufficient; there must be evidence on which the jury could reasonably find for the [nonmoving party]." Id. at 252, 106 S.Ct. 2505. At the summary judgment stage, evidence must be viewed in the light most favorable to the nonmoving party and all justifiable inferences are to be drawn in the nonmovant's favor. See id. at 255, 106 S.Ct. 2505.
Where a defendant moves for summary judgment based on a claim for which the plaintiff bears the burden of proof, the defendant need only point to the plaintiff's failure "to make a showing sufficient to establish the existence of an element essential to [the plaintiff's] case." Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 322, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986).
These standards for summary judgment apply with full force to summary judgment motions involving patent claims. See Union Carbide Corp. v. Am. Can Co., 724 F.2d 1567, 1571 (Fed. Cir. 1984). "Summary judgment on the issue of infringement is proper when no reasonable jury could find that every limitation recited in a properly construed claim either is or is not found in the accused device either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents." PC Connector Solutions LLC v. SmartDisk Corp., 406 F.3d 1359 (Fed. Cir. 2005) (citing Bai v. L & L Wings, Inc., 160 F.3d 1350, 1353-54 (Fed. Cir. 1998)). B. Patent Infringement
To prove direct infringement, FullView must show by a "preponderance of the evidence that 'one or more claims of the patent read on the accused device literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.' " Spansion, Inc. v. Int'l Trade Comm'n, 629 F.3d 1331, 1349 (Fed. Cir. 2010) (citing Cross Med. Prods., Inc. v. Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Inc., 424 F.3d 1293, 1310 (Fed. Cir. 2005)). Literal infringement occurs when the accused product embodies every limitation of the asserted claim. Revolution Eyewear, Inc. v. Aspex Eyewear, Inc., 563 F.3d 1358, 1369 (Fed. Cir. 2009). Infringement under the doctrine of equivalents occurs when the accused device "performs substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain the same result." Graver Tank & Mfg. Co. v. Linde Air Prods. Co., 339 U.S. 605, 608, 70 S.Ct. 854, 94 L.Ed. 1097 (1950) (citing Sanitary Refrigerator Co. v. Winters, 280 U.S. 30, 42, 50 S.Ct. 9, 74 L.Ed. 147 (1929)); see also Warner-Jenkinson Co. v. Hilton Davis Chemical, 520 U.S. 17, 21, 39-40, 117 S.Ct. 1040, 137 L.Ed.2d 146 (1997).
III. DISCUSSION
This Court grants summary judgment of infringement. Polycom's CX5000 literally infringes the '143 patent and, in the alternative, infringes under the doctrine of equivalents. A. Literal Infringement
To determine whether a product literally infringes, a court must first determine the meaning and scope of the asserted claims. Markman v. Westview, Instruments Inc., 52 F.3d 967, 979 (Fed. Cir. 1995) (en banc). The trier of fact must then determine whether the claims as thus construed read on the accused product. Southwall Techs., Inc. v. Cardinal IG Co., 54 F.3d 1570, 1575 (Fed. Cir. 1995). Literal infringement occurs only when the accused product embodies every limitation of the asserted claim. Revolution Eyewear, 563 F.3d at 1369. Here, the CX5000 must embody every limitation of claim 10: (1) a "plurality" of (2) "image processing devices, each having an optical center and a field of view," (3) "a pyramid shaped element having a plurality of reflective side facets facing in different directions, each of at least two of the plurality of reflective side facets redirecting a field of view of one of the plurality of image processing devices to create a plurality of virtual optical centers," and (4) "a support member intersecting an inner volume of the pyramid shaped element, the pyramid shaped element being secured to the support member and the plurality of image processing devices being secured to the support member." '143 Patent at col. 16, ll. 20-34 (emphases and numbering added to reflect disputed terms).
In its motion for summary judgment, FullView asserts that there is no genuine dispute of material fact that the Polycom CX5000 embodies every limitation of claim 10 of FullView's '143 patent. FullView MSJ at 12. FullView first argues that the term "image processing device" must be in essence a "camera" and that each set of lens and image sensor device, together with associated circuitry which converts the optical image into a digital signal, constitutes an "image processing device," i.e., a camera. Id. at 13. FullView also argues that the CX5000 has a "plurality" of five cameras and that they are "secured to" the support member because it is attached via a circuit board. Id. at 14.
In its cross-motion for summary judgment, Polycom asserts that FullView's interpretation of the "secured to the support member" limitation effectively eliminates the "support member" term. Polycom MSJ at 1. Further, Polycom asserts that the CX5000 does not embody "a plurality of image processing devices" because the CX5000's five imagers are part of one inseparable camera. Id. at 2, 5. Because every element of the asserted claims must be present in the accused device, including the support member, Polycom concludes that the CX5000 does not literally infringe claim 10. Id. at 1.
We parse and address each claim limitation in turn.
1. "image processing devices"
The CX5000 embodies claim 10's "image processing devices" limitation. To determine infringement, the Court must first address the matter of claim construction. "Consistent with claim construction principles, we look first to the language of the claims, followed by the language of the specification and prosecution history." Allergan Sales, LLC v. Sandoz, Inc., 935 F.3d 1370, 1374 (Fed. Cir. 2019). The words of the claims "are generally given their ordinary and customary meaning." Old Town Canoe Co. v. Confluence Holdings Corp., 448 F.3d 1309, 1315-16 (Fed. Cir. 2006); see also Middleton, Inc. v. Minnesota Mining & Mfg. Co., 311 F.3d 1384, 1387 (Fed. Cir. 2002) (holding that "the most important indicator of the meaning of [a term] is its usage and context within the claim itself"). Here, claim 10 expressly requires that every "image processing device" have a single "optical center" and a single "field of view." '143 Patent at col. 16, ll. 21-22. Because a "camera" comprises of a single image sensor and lens that forms an image on the sensor—thereby one optical center and one field of view—each set of lens, image sensor, and circuitry can be considered a single "camera." Accordingly, the language of the claims supports FullView's construction of "image processing devices" as what in common parlance is a "camera."
Moreover, this conclusion is reinforced by the structure in the figures in the '143 patent and the accompanying descriptions. "[B]ecause a claim construction that would exclude the preferred embodiment 'is rarely, if ever, correct and would require highly persuasive evidentiary support,' a court mindful of this canon of construction would need to examine the written description and the drawings to determine whether the preferred embodiment falls within the scope of a construed claim." Rexnord Corp. v. Laitram Corp., 274 F.3d 1336, 1342 (Fed. Cir. 2001) (citing Vitronics Corp. v. Conceptronic, Inc., 90 F.3d 1576, 1583 (Fed. Cir. 1996)). To be sure, "[a] patent that discloses only one embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment. It is improper to read limitations from a preferred embodiment described in the specification—even if it is the only embodiment—into the claims absent a clear indication in the intrinsic record that the patentee intended the claims to be so limited." GE Lighting Sols., LLC v. AgiLight, Inc., 750 F.3d 1304, 1309 (Fed. Cir. 2014) (internal citations and quotation marks omitted). Nonetheless, a PHOSITA would be guided by Figure 17 of the '143 patent, which discloses:
Image materials not available for display. Exh. 116-1 at ¶ 30 (red comments added by Dr. Nalwa). The specification describes "cameras 810" as connected to cables running through "hollow tube 804." '143 Patent at col. 12, ll. 1-2. Figure 17 makes clear that the claimed "image processing devices" are the functional equivalent to "cameras."
Next, turning to the prior art referenced in its Invalidity Contentions, Polycom repeatedly cited prior art language that maps the term "image processing device" to a camera. The claim language of U.S. Patent No. 3,118,340 ("Iwerks") describes "cameras 11 (or image processing devices)." Docket No. 180-4, Exh. A, at 5. The article "Generation of High-resolution Stereo Panoramic Images by Omnidirectional Imaging Sensor Using Hexagonal Pyramidal Mirrors," by Yamazawa et al. ("Yamazawa 1998") explains that "the sensor of Yamazawa 1998 captures reflected images using two sets of six cameras, which are examples of image processing devices . . . Each camera has an optical center and field of view." Id. at 29. The related article "High-resolution Omnidirectional Stereo Imaging Using Pyramidal Mirrors," by Yamazawa et al. ("Yamazawa 1997") likewise explains that "the sensor of Yamazawa 1997 captures reflected images using two sets of six cameras, which are examples of image processing devices." Id. at 37. These prior art references cannot be considered as intrinsic evidence because they are cited in the challenger's invalidity contentions, not the patentee's own representations or patent language. Seachange Int'l, Inc. v. C-COR, Inc., 413 F.3d 1361, 1372 (Fed. Cir. 2005) ("The prosecution history constitutes a public record of the patentee's representations concerning the scope and meaning of the claims . . ."). But the Court may consider these prior art references as independent extrinsic evidence of how to construe "image processing device" since that evidence is informative of how a PHOSITA would interpret the term. See 1 ANNOTATED PATENT DIGEST § 7:1 ("Extrinsic evidence encompasses 'all evidence external to the patent and prosecution history, including expert and inventor testimony, dictionaries, and learned treatises.' ") (citing Markman v. Westview Instruments, Inc., 517 U.S. 370, 116 S.Ct. 1384, 134 L.Ed.2d 577 (1996)). These references clearly consider an "image processing device" synonymous with a "camera."
Thus, there is no dispute of material fact that a PHOSITA would find that each of CX5000's cameras itself embodies an "image processing device."
2. "plurality"
The CX5000's five image sensors and five corresponding lens—together, the equivalent of five cameras—embody claim 10's "plurality" of image processing devices. Polycom argues that the CX5000's five imagers "are part of a single inseparable camera board/module, which cannot be separately adjusted or reconfigured once they are attached to the circuit board, in contrast to the claimed image processing devices." Polycom MSJ at 16-17. Polycom also argues that "the imagers do not perform any image processing [because t]he unprocessed, raw image data from the imagers are sent to a physically separate image processing board/module outside of where the five imagers reside." Id. at 17. Polycom concedes that this is not their main argument and, indeed, this Court does not find the logic persuasive.
First, there are five sets of image processing devices—each comprised of a lens, an image sensor, and associated circuitry—i.e., the equivalent of five cameras. There is no reason why a plurality of such devices, fixed and unable to be reconfigured easily, should be conflated into a single device simply because they are located on one circuit board. Moreover, this construction conflicts with the express language of the claims. Claim 10 expressly requires that every "image processing device" have a single "optical center" and a single "field of view." '143 Patent at col. 16, ll. 21-22. Each of the five "image processing devices," (i.e. each camera), has a single optical center and field of view. To consider the collection of all five devices as being only one "image processing device" would mean that the singular image processing device would have multiple optical centers and fields of view—a result which is not only nonsensical but would be in conflict with the express terms of claim 10 of the patent. Furthermore, that the panoramic integration of the image data from the five cameras—the additional processing of the data from the five fields of view—takes place elsewhere in a separate singular data processing module does not negate the fact that there are five image processing devices at the front end of the process. Thus, for instance, the fact that images from a camera are subject to editing does not make that editing equipment part of the camera. Accordingly, there is no dispute that a PHOSITA would find that the CX5000 embodies a plurality of imaging processing devices.
3. "pyramid shaped element"
The CX5000 embodies claim 10's "pyramid shaped element" limitation. The Court previously construed a "pyramid shaped element" to be "an object that has the shape of a pyramid, except that its apex and base may be absent or incomplete." Docket No. 142 at 2:4-7. A PHOSITA would clearly find that a CX5000's pyramidal mirror has a polygonal base with triangular sides, with "a plurality of reflective side facets facing in different directions" and cameras pointed in those directions. Polycom does not dispute that the CX5000 embodies this limitation.
According to Dr. Nalwa's declaration, "[a] pyramid is a polyhedron with a polygonal base and triangular side facets, each triangular side facet extending from one complete edge of the polygonal base to a common vertex." Docket No. 116-1 ¶ 20. In a "pyramid shaped element," "the apex of the pyramid may be truncated" and "the base of the pyramid may be incomplete and may have for instance a hole in it." Id. at ¶ 21.
4. "secured to the support member"
The CX5000 embodies claim 10's "secured to the support member" limitation. In a CX5000, the five imaging processing devices are not mounted directly on the support member. Rather, they are mounted on an intervening structure: the cameras' lens is epoxied to an image sensor, which in turn is soldered onto the circuit board, which is screwed to a steel chassis with a circular hole through which passes the support member. Docket No. 190-1, Exh. 1 at ¶ 68-70; FullView MSJ at 14; Polycom MSJ at 2. The support member is attached to the chassis with a washer and nut. Docket No. 190-1, Exh. 1 at ¶ 68-70. The configuration appears as follows:
Image materials not available for display. Docket No. 190-1, Exh. 1 at ¶ 68 (red and yellow comments added by Dr. Nalwa). In this arrangement, the image processing devices are "secured to" the support member. It does so even if they are not directly attached to the support member but secured through a series of fixed connections.
The plain meaning of the term "secured" allows for two objects to be fastened or attached in some way, such as with bolts or welding, without direct contact between the two objects. Indeed, Polycom agrees that "[d]irect physical contact is possible but not required by the '143 patent for image processing devices to be secured to the support member." Polycom MSJ at 12; see also id. at 13 (asserting that requiring direct contact "is not and never has been Polycom's proposed construction"); Deere & Co. v. Bush Hog, LLC, 703 F.3d 1349, 1354 (Fed. Cir. 2012) (agreeing with the parties "that two objects may be 'secured to' one another without being in direct contact"). If a rigid bracket can secure to separate objects, why can't two brackets connected to each other do the same? Or a bracket, connected to a chassis or a steel plate? What if a camera is screwed to that steel plate? What if that camera is fixed and soldered to a circuit board which, like a steel plate, is screwed to the metal chassis which is directly attached to the support member? Polycom offers no principled reason for distinguishing among these configurations. In each, all the elements are secured to each other.
Additionally, dictionary definitions of the term "secure" support FullView's construction. Although not alone determinative, the Court "may rely on dictionary definitions, 'so long as the dictionary definition does not contradict any definition found in or ascertained by a reading of the patent documents.' " Trustees of Columbia Univ. in City of New York v. Symantec Corp., 811 F.3d 1359, 1363 (Fed. Cir. 2016) (citing Phillips v. AWH Corp., 415 F.3d 1303, 1321-22 (Fed. Cir. 2005)); see also Brookhill-Wilk 1, LLC. v. Intuitive Surgical, Inc., 334 F.3d 1294, 1300 (Fed. Cir. 2003) ("While dictionaries and treatises are useful resources in determining the ordinary and customary meaning or meanings of disputed claim terms, the correct meaning of a word or phrase is informed only by considering the surrounding text."). The Oxford Dictionary defines the term "to secure" as "to attach or fasten something so that it does not move." The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as "to fasten one object firmly to another." The key to attachment or fastening is that it does not allow movement. Neither definition imposes any requirement that the two objects must be in direct contact with one another. Nothing prevents fastening via intermediate elements like a bracket.
In sum, Polycom has raised no genuine disputes of material fact that would preclude granting a motion for summary judgment of literal infringement. A PHOSITA would conclude that the CX5000's cameras are "image processing devices," consistent with the plain language of the claim and Polycom's own implicit construction. A PHOSITA would conclude that the CX5000 has a plurality of five image processing devices or cameras, even if they are all attached to a single circuit board. A PHOSITA would conclude that these cameras are secured to the support member, even if not directly in contact. Thus, the CX5000 embodies every limitation of claim 10. B. Infringement Under the Doctrine of Equivalents
In the alternative, summary judgment of infringement is also supported by the doctrine of equivalents. An accused product that does not literally infringe a claim may infringe under the doctrine of equivalents if "it performs substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain the same result." Graver Tank, 339 U.S. at 608, 70 S.Ct. 854. "What constitutes equivalency must be determined against the context of the patent, the prior art, and the particular circumstances of the case . . . . It does not require complete identity for every purpose and in every respect." Id. at 609, 70 S.Ct. 854. This is a limitation-by-limitation inquiry: "Each element contained in a patent claim is deemed material to defining the scope of the patented invention, and thus the doctrine of equivalents must be applied to individual elements of the claim, not to the invention as a whole." Warner-Jenkinson, 520 U.S. at 29, 117 S.Ct. 1040.
The primary disputed issue—the "secured to" limitation—is embodied by the CX5000 under the doctrine of equivalents. As FullView asserts, "[t]hat the cameras in CX5000 are mounted on the circuit board does not affect their 'function, way, and result' relative to that of 'image processing devices' in the patent." FullView MSJ at 21. This argument is persuasive. Both the secured objects in the CX5000 and in claim 10 perform substantially the same function: to provide a consistent geometry between the cameras, the pyramid shaped element, and the support member. The secured objects in the CX5000 and claim 10 both obtain the same result: a rigid connection between the camera, the pyramid shaped element, and the support member that does not shift. Both perform the function in "substantially the same way." Two products may function in substantially the same way when the differences are minimal, unlikely, or negligible. See Omark Indus., Inc. v. Textron, Inc., 688 F.2d 1242, 1250 (9th Cir. 1982) (holding that the accused saw chain performs in the "same way" as the patented saw chain in decreasing kickback, despite the differing "location of the pivot point on the cutting link" in the designs); Micro Motion, Inc. v. Exac Corp., 741 F. Supp. 1426, 1438 (N.D. Cal. 1990) (holding that two conduit devices perform in the same way to measure mass flow rate despite the accused device being "nonplanar . . . subject to hydrostatic, inertial, and centrifugal forces" because those extraneous forces are "unlikely" and "can be removed from the mass flow measurements by . . . 'zeroing' [or] minimal 'fine tuning' "). The use of an intermediary structure between the camera and the support member does not substantially change the way the cameras are secured to the support member. Polycom concedes this. A PHOSITA would know that the securing method in the CX5000 could be interchanged with the securing method in claim 10. See Graver Tank, 339 U.S. at 609, 70 S.Ct. 854 ("Consideration must be given to the purpose for which an ingredient is used in a patent, the qualities it has when combined with the other ingredients, and the function which it is intended to perform. An important factor is whether persons reasonably skilled in the art would have known of the interchangeability of an ingredient not contained in the patent with one that was.").
This Court thus grants summary judgment of infringement. C. Motion to File Under Seal
Additionally, Polycom moves to file under seal the Keller Declaration Exhibits 1 and 2. Docket No. 196. Civil Local Rule 79-5 permits this Court to seal documents that contain material that is "privileged, protectable as a trade secret or otherwise entitled to protection under the law." Civil L.R. 79-5(b). Litigants may file under seal documents reflecting confidential, trade secret, and propriety information related to a party's products and businesses practices. See Finisar Corp. v. Nistica, Inc., 2015 WL 3988132, at *4 (N.D. Cal. 2015). Exhibits 1 and 2 attached to the Declaration of Kurtis Keller in Support of Polycom's Motion for Summary Judgment of Noninfringement contain proprietary, non-public circuit diagrams of certain components of the accused products. They were designated as "Attorneys' Eyes Only - Confidential." Furthermore, Polycom followed the filing requirements of Civil Local Rule 79-5(d)(1)(A)-(D). Courts routinely grant motions to seal such information, and the Court likewise does so here.
IV. CONCLUSION
For the foregoing reasons, the Court GRANTS Plaintiff's motion for summary judgment and, accordingly, DENIES Defendant's motion for summary judgment. Additionally, the Court GRANTS Defendant's motion to file under seal.
This order disposes of Docket No. 190, 195, and 196.
The Court sets a further status conference to discuss future scheduling for November 15, 2022, at 2:30 p.m. via Zoom.
IT IS SO ORDERED.