Jury verdict of no infringement and invalidity upheld
Arcelormittal France, et al. v. AK Steel Corporation, et al., Civ. No. 10-050-SLR, August 25, 2011.
Robinson, J. Plaintiff’s motion for JMOL new trial is denied. Defendant’s motion for JMOL of noninfringement is denied as moot.
This case involves patented technology directed to coated hot- and cold-rolled steel sheets. Following a January 11-14, 2011 trial, the jury returned a verdict of no infringement and found the patent-in-suit invalid. Plaintiff moved for JMOL of no anticipation and no obviousness and for a new trial. The motions were denied. Substantial evidence supported the jury’s finding that alleged prior art publication anticipated the asserted claims, as well as its finding of motivation to combine on the issue of obviousness. A new trial is not warranted.
