Ecolab, Inc. v. FMC Corp.

United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
2008-1228, -1252

ECOLAB, INC.,

Plaintiff-Appellant,

v.

FMC CORPORATION,

Defendant-Cross Appellant.

Thomas L. Hamlin, Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P., of Minneapolis,
Minnesota, argued for plaintiff-appellant. With him on the brief were Stephen P.
Safranski and Heather M. McElroy.

Rudolf E. Hutz, Connolly Bove Lodge & Hutz LLP, of Wilmington, Delaware,
argued for defendant-cross appellant. With him on the brief was Francis DiGiovanni.
Of counsel was Steven A. Nash. Of counsel on the brief was Alan M. Anderson, Briggs
and Morgan, P.A., of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Appealed from: United States District Court for the District of Minnesota

Judge James M. Rosenbaum
 United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

2008-1228, -1252

ECOLAB, INC.,

Plaintiff-Appellant,

v.

FMC CORPORATION,

Defendant-Cross Appellant.

Appeals from the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota in
case no. 05-CV-831, Judge James M. Rosenbaum.

______________________

DECIDED: June 9, 2009
______________________

Before RADER, GAJARSA, and DYK, Circuit Judges.

GAJARSA, Circuit Judge.

In this patent infringement case, Ecolab, Inc. appeals and FMC Corporation

cross appeals from the final judgment of the United States District Court for the District

of Minnesota, which was based on the jury’s verdict that: Ecolab infringed specified

claims of FMC’s U.S. Patent No. 5,632,676 (“the ’676 patent”); FMC willfully infringed

specified claims of two patents asserted by Ecolab—U.S. Patent Nos. 6,010,729 (“the

’729 patent”) and 6,113,963 (“the ’963 patent”); and specified claims of each patent

asserted by Ecolab are invalid as anticipated or obvious. We find no error regarding the
majority of issues presented on appeal. However, we hold the district court erred by

denying FMC’s motions for judgment as a matter of law (“JMOL”) that claim 7 of the

’729 patent and claims 25–28 of the ’963 patent are invalid, by failing to conduct the

proper analysis when considering the permanent injunction motions, and by failing to

award interest. Thus, we affirm-in-part, reverse-in-part, vacate-in-part, and remand for

further proceedings consistent with this opinion.

Background

I. The Technology and Patents

Ecolab and FMC sell chemical products used by beef and poultry processors to

reduce pathogens, such as E. coli and salmonella, on uncooked beef and poultry.

Ecolab sells Inspexx, with Inspexx 100 marketed for use on poultry and Inspexx 200

marketed for use on beef. FMC sells FMC-323, which is used on either beef or poultry.

The Inspexx and FMC-323 products contain the antimicrobial compound peracetic acid

(“PAA”), which the food processing and food service industries have long used as a

surface sanitizer. Additionally, the Inspexx products contain peroctanoic acid and

octanoic acid, whereas FMC-323 does not.

Both Ecolab and FMC have obtained patents directed to the use of PAA as a

sanitizer in beef and poultry processing. In April 1993, Ecolab obtained U.S. Patent No.

5,200,189 (“the Oakes patent”), which was not asserted in this case but is relevant prior

art. That patent claims a peroxyacid antimicrobial composition containing peracetic,

peroctanoic, and octanoic acids. According to the Oakes patent, the combination of the

three acids “produces a synergistic effect, producing a much more potent biocide than

can be obtained by using these components separately.” Oakes Patent col.2 ll.51–53.

The patent states that the claimed sanitizing solution “can be used effectively to clean or

2008-1228, -1252 2
sanitize facilities and equipment used in the food processing, food service and health

care industries.” Id. at col.2 ll.56–59. In October 1993, FMC submitted a patent

application that disclosed a method for sanitizing meat, specifically processed fowl, by

applying PAA directly to the meat. That patent application issued as the ’676 patent in

1997. The patent described the invention as “an extremely effective method for

sanitizing a fowl carcass without unduly affecting the skin or the flesh of the bird

carcass.” ’676 Patent col.2 ll.60–62. In 1998 and 1999, Ecolab filed three patent

applications directed to methods for applying PAA alone or in combination with other

peracids directly to meat products, including beef or poultry, to reduce microbial

populations on the meat surface. Those applications issued in 2000 as the ’729 patent,

the ’963 patent, and U.S. Patent No. 6,103,286 (“the ’286 patent”).

II. The Proceedings before the District Court

Ecolab filed an action against FMC for infringement of the ’729, ’286, and ’963

patents. FMC counterclaimed that Ecolab infringed FMC’s ’676 patent, and each party

asserted its opponent’s patent claims are invalid. The case was tried before a jury, and

the jury found that: (1) claims 17, 19, 20, and 22 of Ecolab’s ’729 patent are invalid as

anticipated or obvious; (2) claims 1–4 of Ecolab’s ’286 patent are invalid as obvious; (3)

claims 7, 17, 19, 20, and 22 of Ecolab’s ’963 patent are invalid as anticipated or

obvious; (4) the ’676 patent claims asserted by FMC are not invalid; (5) FMC willfully

infringed claim 7 of the ’729 patent and claims 25, 27, and 28 of the ’963 patent; (6)

Ecolab infringed claims 1, 5, 6, and 7 of FMC’s ’676 patent; and (7) neither party

induced infringement of any claims. The jury awarded reasonable royalty damages to

both parties, and the district court entered judgment on the jury’s verdict.

2008-1228, -1252 3
 Both Ecolab and FMC filed post-trial motions. Ecolab filed motions for JMOL, a

permanent injunction, enhanced damages, attorney fees, prejudgment and post-

judgment interest, an accounting, and amendment of the judgment. FMC filed various

JMOL and new trial motions and a motion to alter the judgment that included a request

for a permanent injunction, prejudgment and post-judgment interest, and an accounting.

The district court denied all post-trial motions in summary form and without explanation.

Order, Ecolab, Inc. v. FMC Corp., No. 05-CV-831 (D. Minn. Feb. 22, 2008). Ecolab and

FMC timely appealed to this court. We have jurisdiction pursuant to 28 U.S.C.

§ 1295(a)(1).

Discussion

Ecolab appeals and FMC cross appeals the district court’s denial of their

respective JMOL motions. Ecolab further asserts the district court erred by denying its

motions for a permanent injunction, enhanced damages, attorney fees, interest, and an

accounting. FMC further asserts the district court erred by misconstruing a claim term,

by imposing an improper damages award, and by denying its requests for a permanent

injunction, prejudgment interest, and an accounting.

I. The JMOL Motions

Both Ecolab and FMC assert that the district court erred by denying their

respective JMOL motions. Specifically, Ecolab contends the district court should have

granted JMOL that Ecolab did not infringe the ’676 patent claims and that FMC induced

infringement of Ecolab’s patent claims. FMC contends the district court should have

granted JMOL that claim 7 of the ’729 patent and claims 25–28 of the ’963 patent are

invalid as anticipated or obvious, that Ecolab induced infringement of FMC’s patent

claims, and that FMC did not willfully infringe Ecolab’s patent claims.

2008-1228, -1252 4
 A. Standard of Review

This court applies the procedural law of the relevant regional circuit when

reviewing the district court’s denial of a motion for JMOL. MicroStrategy Inc. v. Bus.

Objects, S.A., 429 F.3d 1344, 1348 (Fed. Cir. 2005). Under Eighth Circuit law, “[w]e

review de novo the denial of a motion for judgment as a matter of law, using the same

standards as the district court.” Concord Boat Corp. v. Brunswick Corp., 207 F.3d 1039,

1049 (8th Cir. 2000). We “must assume as proven all facts that the nonmoving party’s

evidence tended to show, give [the nonmovant] the benefit of all reasonable inferences,

and assume that all conflicts in the evidence were resolved in [the nonmovant’s] favor.”

Hathaway v. Runyon, 132 F.3d 1214, 1220 (8th Cir. 1997). We must consider all the

evidence, without weighing witness credibility, and if the only reasonable conclusion is

not the one reached by the jury, JMOL is appropriate and should have been granted.

See Concord Boat Corp., 207 F.3d at 1050.

B. Ecolab’s Motion for JMOL of Noninfringement

The jury found Ecolab infringed claims 1, 5, 6, and 7 of FMC’s ’676 patent, all of

which include the following:

A method for sanitizing fowl that has been killed, plucked
and eviscerated, comprising contacting the fowl with an
aqueous peracetic acid solution, which consists essentially
of a sanitizing concentration of at least a 100 ppm peracetic
acid . . . and maintaining that contact for a time sufficient to
sanitize the fowl without adversely affecting the fowl.

’676 Patent col.10 ll.15–48. Ecolab argues it is entitled to JMOL of noninfringement for

two reasons. First, Ecolab argues that when the ’676 patent claims are properly

construed in light of FMC’s prosecution history disclaimer, Inspexx does not infringe

because the patent claims cover only solutions containing PAA as the sole antimicrobial

2008-1228, -1252 5
agent. Second, Ecolab argues it does not infringe because Inspexx does not “sanitize”

meat products under the patent’s definition of that term. We find neither argument

persuasive and hold that the district court did not err when it denied Ecolab’s motion for

JMOL of noninfringement.

1. Prosecution History Disclaimer

Ecolab first argues that, during prosecution, FMC disclaimed compositions

containing multiple antimicrobial agents. Thus, because Inspexx contains three

antimicrobial agents, Ecolab argues that Inspexx does not infringe the ’676 patent as a

matter of law. Whether prosecution history disclaimer applies is a legal question this

court reviews de novo. Cybor Corp. v. FAS Techs., 138 F.3d 1448, 1456 (Fed. Cir.

1998) (en banc). As this court has noted, “since, by distinguishing the claimed invention

over the prior art, an applicant is indicating what the claims do not cover, he is by

implication surrendering such protection.” Ekchian v. Home Depot, Inc., 104 F.3d 1299,

1304 (Fed. Cir. 1997). However, we will find that the applicant disclaimed protection

during prosecution only if the allegedly disclaiming statements constitute “a clear and

unmistakable surrender of subject matter.” Bayer AG v. Elan Pharm. Research Corp.,

212 F.3d 1241, 1251 (Fed. Cir. 2000). Even if an isolated statement appears to

disclaim subject matter, the prosecution history as a whole may demonstrate that the

patentee committed no clear and unmistakable disclaimer. Elbex Video, Ltd. v.

Sensormatic Elecs. Corp., 508 F.3d 1366, 1372–73 (Fed. Cir. 2007).

FMC contends the district court did not err when it declined to apply prosecution

history disclaimer because its prosecution statements cannot reasonably be interpreted

as disclaimers when they are properly read in the context of the entire patent disclosure

and prosecution history. In addition, FMC argues that because the ’676 patent claims

2008-1228, -1252 6
cover the use of products that “consist essentially of” PAA, ’676 Patent col.10 ll.15–51,

the district court properly determined that the claims encompass products that contain

PAA in combination with other antimicrobial agents. We agree with FMC.

In the first office action issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office,

the Examiner rejected all claims as anticipated by U.S. Patent No. 5,208,057 (“the

Greenley patent”) and as obvious in light of the combination of the Greenley and Oakes

patents. FMC responded to those rejections by arguing, inter alia, that its invention

uses sanitizing solutions containing PAA as the only antimicrobial agent. In particular,

FMC stated: “The peracetic acid is the sole antimicrobial agent in the sanitizing

solution.” Amendment and Remarks at 2, U.S. Patent Appl. Ser. No. 08/134,995 (Oct.

6, 1994) (emphasis added). To distinguish the Greenley patent, FMC stated: “Greenley

et al. do not teach the use of peracetic acid alone as a sanitizer.” Id. at 3 (emphasis

added). To distinguish the Oakes patent, FMC stated: “Oakes et al. appears to be

strongly advocating and teaching the use of mixtures of biocides, not the use of a single

biocide.” Id. at 3 (emphasis added).

In response to those statements, the Examiner noted that the claims are

directed to the use of a composition “which consists essentially of” PAA and are thus

not limited to compositions containing PAA as the sole antimicrobial agent. Examiner’s

Action at 2, U.S. Patent Appl. Ser. No. 08/134,995 (Mar. 1, 1995) (“[I]t should be noted

that the terminology ‘consisting essentially’ does not mean that Applicants’ sanitizing

solution is consisted ‘solely’ of a peracetic acid solution.”). Following the Examiner’s

clarification, FMC never repeated the allegedly disclaiming statements and instead

offered alternative reasons to overcome the Greenley and Oakes prior art. The

2008-1228, -1252 7
Examiner eventually allowed the claims over the cited prior art, without any change to

the claims’ “consists essentially of” language. For these reasons, a reasonable reader

of this prosecution history could conclude that FMC’s initial statements that PAA is the

sole antimicrobial agent used in its claimed method were hyperbolic or erroneous, that

the Examiner corrected FMC’s error in the following communication, that FMC

recognized its error and never again repeated or relied upon the erroneous rationale,

and that the claims were allowed for reasons independent of the allegedly disclaiming

statements. Thus, when FMC’s statements are considered in the context of the

prosecution history as a whole, they simply are not clear and unmistakable enough to

invoke the doctrine of prosecution history disclaimer.

Ecolab argues that FMC cannot rely on the claims’ “consists essentially of”

language because the ’676 patent disclosure and prosecution history clearly altered the

meaning of that language. While “consisting essentially of” usually “signals that the

invention necessarily includes the listed ingredients and is open to unlisted ingredients

that do not materially affect the basic and novel properties of the invention,” PPG Indus.

v. Guardian Indus. Corp., 156 F.3d 1351, 1354 (Fed. Cir. 1998), Ecolab correctly notes

that a patentee can alter that typical meaning, see id. at 1355 (stating that a patent

applicant “could have defined the scope of the phrase ‘consisting essentially of’ for

purposes of its patent by making clear in its specification what it regarded as

constituting a material change in the basic and novel characteristics of the invention”);

see also Water Techs. Corp. v. Calco, Ltd., 850 F.2d 660, 666 (Fed. Cir. 1988) (looking

to the prosecution history to determine if a specified ingredient was excluded from a

“consisting essentially of” claim). Specifically, Ecolab argues that the ’676 patent clearly

2008-1228, -1252 8
limits the claim scope to compositions containing PAA as the sole antimicrobial agent

because all the examples in the ’676 patent use PAA as the only antimicrobial agent.

We find that argument unpersuasive. The patent examples describe compositions that

contain agents other than PAA, such as hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid, or sulfuric acid.

See, e.g., ’676 Patent col.2 ll.27–31, col.4 ll.13–14, col.5 ll.13–14. Although the ’676

patent does not explicitly identify hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid, or sulfuric acid as an

antimicrobial agent, evidence of record indicates that an ordinarily skilled artisan

reading the patent would understand that those components are considered

antimicrobial agents. See J.A. at 6051 (testimony describing hydrogen peroxide as an

“antimicrobial”); U.S. Patent No. 3,934,044 col.2 ll.46–55 (filed Dec. 6, 1974) (describing

the antibacterial effect of acetic acid on a meat surface); U.S. Patent No. 5,436,008

col.6 ll.20–34 (filed Aug. 5, 1993) (describing the “antimicrobial character” of sulfur

compounds such as sulfuric acid). Thus, the ’676 patent disclosure does not limit the

claims to the use of compositions containing PAA as the sole antimicrobial agent; it

covers the use of compositions consisting essentially of PAA.

Because FMC has neither altered the typical meaning of “consists essentially of”

nor clearly disclaimed compositions containing multiple antimicrobial agents, the district

court did not err when it denied Ecolab’s JMOL motion.

2. Construction of “Sanitize”

The ’676 patent claims are directed to a “method for sanitizing fowl,” ’676 Patent

col.10 l.15, and the patent explicitly states that the term “sanitize” “denote[s] a bacterial

population reduction to a level that is safe for human handling and consumption,” id. at

col.2 ll.10–12. Thus, Ecolab argues that Inspexx cannot infringe the ’676 patent claims

because it does not and cannot make raw poultry safe for human consumption; cooking

2008-1228, -1252 9
is required. The district court instructed the jury that, in the context of the ’676 patent,

the “sanitized” meat was not necessarily safe for human consumption immediately after

treatment with PAA; the “sanitized” meat was not safe for consumption until it was

cooked. Thus, Ecolab argues that “[b]y incorporating a subsequent ‘cooking’ element

into the term ‘sanitize,’ the district court overrode the express definition of ‘sanitize’ set

forth in the ’676 patent.” Appellant’s Br. at 41. We review the district court’s claim

construction determination de novo, Cybor Corp., 138 F.3d at 1456, and we find

Ecolab’s argument unpersuasive.

It is well-settled that an inventor may act as his own lexicographer to define a

patent term, Phillips v. AWH Corp., 415 F.3d 1303, 1316 (Fed. Cir. 2005) (en banc), as

FMC clearly chose to do here—notably failing to state that the invention can make

poultry safe for consumption only after it is cooked. It is likewise well-settled that courts

generally may not re-draft claims; we must construe the claims as written. Chef Am.,

Inc. v. Lamb-Weston, Inc., 358 F.3d 1371, 1374 (Fed. Cir. 2004). Ecolab relies heavily

on Chef America in asserting that the district court erred when it construed “sanitize.” In

that case, the claim at issue regarded a method for baking cookies and required

“heating the resulting batter-coated dough to a temperature in the range of about

400° F. to 850° F.” Id. Clearly, the patentee meant that the user should set the oven so

as to heat the dough at 400–850°, rather than to 400–850°; otherwise, the dough would

be burned to a crisp and the claims would be nonsensical. Still, this court held that “in

accord with our settled practice we construe the claim as written, not as the patentees

wish they had written it. As written, the claim unambiguously requires that the dough be

heated to a temperature range of 400° F. to 850° F.” Id. (emphasis added).

2008-1228, -1252 10
 Because the claim language at issue in Chef America was unambiguous, that

case is distinguishable from the present case. In the present case, the definition of

“sanitize” is ambiguous in that it does not indicate when consumption is to take place—

the definition does not indicate whether the consumption would occur immediately after

application of PAA or, for example, at a later time after the meat is cooked. The

testimony of Ecolab’s expert, Dr. Tompkin, helps to resolve that ambiguity, albeit in

FMC’s favor. Specifically, Dr. Tompkin admitted that in-plant inspectors examine

poultry that has been treated with PAA to determine if it is “fit for human consumption.”

J.A. at 5785. Surely, the inspectors do not require the poultry to be “fit for human

consumption” in its uncooked state. Thus, Chef America is distinguishable, and the

district court did not err when it construed the term “sanitize” to mean that the treated

meat has become safe for human handling and post-cooking consumption.

In summary, FMC did not, via an explicit or implicit disclaimer, limit the claims to

the use of compositions containing PAA as the only antimicrobial agent, and FMC’s

claims do not require that PAA-treated fowl be safe for immediate raw consumption.

Thus, we affirm the district court’s denial of Ecolab’s motion for JMOL of

noninfringement.

C. FMC’s Motion for JMOL of Invalidity

FMC moved for JMOL that claim 7 of the ’729 patent is invalid as anticipated or

obvious and that claims 25–28 of the ’963 patent are invalid as obvious. For the

following reasons, we reverse the district court’s denial of FMC’s motions.

1. Anticipation

FMC argues it is entitled to JMOL that claim 7 of the ’729 patent is invalid as

anticipated by a prior art publication, J. Labadie et al., Development of a New

2008-1228, -1252 11
Technique for Obtaining Axenic Meat, 4 Eur. J. of Applied Microbiology 67 (1977)

(“Labadie”). To anticipate claim 7, Labadie must explicitly or inherently disclose each

and every limitation of the claim. See Advanced Display Sys., lnc. v. Kent State Univ.,

212 F.3d 1272, 1282 (Fed. Cir. 2000); Celeritas Techs., Ltd. v. Rockwell Int’l Corp.,

150 F.3d 1354, 1361 (Fed. Cir. 1998). Claim 7 is dependent on claim 1 and includes

the following limitations:

A method of treating an animal carcass to reduce a microbial
population in resulting cut meat, the method comprising the
steps of: (a) applying to said carcass an antimicrobial
composition comprising:

(i) at least 2 ppm of one or more mono- or di-
peroxycarboxylic acids having up to 12 carbon atoms;
and

(ii) at least 20 ppm of one or more carboxylic acids
having up to 18 carbon atoms;

wherein said composition is applied in an amount and time
sufficient to reduce the microbial population.

. . . wherein the carcass is selected from a muscle meat
including beef, pork, veal, buffalo or lamb.

’729 Patent col.23 ll.11–22 (the limitations in claim 1), col.23 ll.36–38 (the additional

limitation in claim 7).

According to the special verdict form, the jury explicitly found that claim 7 of the

’729 patent is not invalid as anticipated by Labadie. Because that is a factual finding,

Advanced Display Sys., 212 F.3d at 1281, we will not overturn it so long as it is

supported by substantial evidence in the record, United States v. Vertac Chem. Corp.,

453 F.3d 1031, 1039 (8th Cir. 2006). We will “not substitute our judgment for that of the

jury simply because there are other reasonable possibilities.” United States v. Wells,

2008-1228, -1252 12
721 F.2d 1160, 1162 (8th Cir. 1982). However, we cannot uphold the jury’s verdict here

because it is not supported by substantial evidence.

FMC bore the burden of demonstrating that claim 7 is anticipated. As we have

explained:

Evidence of invalidity must be clear as well as convincing.
Typically, testimony concerning anticipation must be
testimony from one skilled in the art and must identify each
claim element, state the witnesses’ interpretation of the claim
element, and explain in detail how each claim element is
disclosed in the prior art reference.

Schumer v. Lab. Computer Sys., Inc., 308 F.3d 1304, 1315 (Fed. Cir. 2002). FMC met

that burden here. Specifically, FMC presented expert testimony from Professor Russell

that addressed each claim element and showed how each element was disclosed in

Labadie.

Labadie states: “After immersion in a 3% solution of peracetic acid for 2 min, the

surfaces of muscles obtained from pig, horse and cattle were shown to be completely

decontaminated.” Labadie at 67. Dr. Russell explained how that statement, along with

other portions of the article, met all of the claim limitations. J.A. at 5958–59. He

explained that Labadie disclosed “[a] method of treating an animal carcass to reduce a

microbial population in resulting cut meat,” ’729 Patent col.23 ll.11–12, because it

describes a method for sanitizing the surfaces of muscles obtained from animals. He

explained that the Labadie method disclosed the application of PAA to the muscle

surface by immersing the cut meat in a 3% PAA solution, which discloses the claim

limitations requiring application to the animal carcass of “at least 2 ppm of one or more

mono- or di-peroxycarboxylic acids having up to 12 carbon atoms,” id. at col.23 ll.16–18.

Dr. Russell further testified that the method described by Labadie disclosed the

2008-1228, -1252 13
limitation requiring “at least 20 ppm of one or more carboxylic acids having up to 18

carbon atoms,” id. at col.23 ll.19–20, because acetic acid is present in the specified

concentration as an equilibrium solution with the PAA. Dr. Russell noted that the

limitation requiring that “the carcass is selected from a muscle meat including beef,

pork, veal, buffalo or lamb,” id. at col.23 ll.36–38, was disclosed in the Labadie

publication because Labadie utilized muscles obtained from pig, horse, and cattle.

Finally, Dr. Russell explained that the limitation requiring that the PAA be “applied in an

amount and time sufficient to reduce the microbial population,” id. at col.23 ll.21–22,

was disclosed by Labadie because the authors reported that the muscle surfaces were

decontaminated as a result of the PAA treatment. Thus, FMC presented a strong prima

facie case that claim 7 is invalid as anticipated by the Labadie publication.

Ecolab argues that despite Dr. Russell’s testimony, the jury could reasonably

conclude that Labadie does not anticipate claim 7. First, Ecolab asserts the claimed

method is distinct from Labadie because the claimed method is directed to “applying

peracetic acid to beef [to] reduce microbial populations in the complex setting of a

processing plant.” Appellant’s Reply Br. at 25. That argument is unpersuasive because

claim 7 is written broadly and is not limited to PAA treatment in a meat processing plant.

Second, Ecolab asserts that it presented “voluminous evidence of undue

experimentation” to the jury. Id. at 27. It is true that an anticipating prior art reference

“must teach one of ordinary skill in the art to make or carry out the claimed invention

without undue experimentation.” Minn. Mining & Mfg. Co. v. Chemque, Inc., 303 F.3d

1294, 1306 (Fed. Cir. 2002). However, from the evidence presented, the jury could not

reasonably conclude that Ecolab’s evidence of undue experimentation overcame FMC’s

2008-1228, -1252 14
strong evidence of anticipation. First, Ecolab presented no evidence that any

experimentation would be required to practice claim 7 using the PAA treatment step

disclosed in Labadie. Moreover, a careful analysis of the evidence reveals that the

experimentation upon which Ecolab relies employed PAA solutions that were far less

concentrated than the 3% PAA solution used in the Labadie method. For example,

experiments cited by Ecolab, J.A. at 5801, 5893–94, and working examples in Ecolab’s

own ’729 patent, ’729 Patent col.13 ll.11–14, col.17 ll.18–22, used approximately 0.01–

0.025% PAA. Considering that the antimicrobial properties of PAA have long been

known, and considering that 0.01–0.025% PAA can effectively reduce the microbial

population on meat, it is unreasonable to conclude that one would have to perform

experimentation—much less undue experimentation—to use Labadie’s disclosed 3%

PAA solution to reduce the microbial population on the surface of cut meat. Thus, the

evidence Ecolab presented regarding the “extensive testing” required to develop its

product, J.A. at 5715, is not sufficient to support the jury’s verdict.

Finally, Ecolab argues that its claimed method is distinct from the method

disclosed in the Labadie publication because Labadie teaches that each of two PAA

treatment steps is followed by a trimming step, wherein the PAA-treated surface of the

meat is trimmed away and discarded. See Labadie at 68–69. Ecolab also notes that

Labadie teaches the use of sterile conditions to practice the method. See id. Because

the Labadie article reported the results of sterility tests performed after the meat was

twice treated with PAA and the PAA-treated surface was twice trimmed away, id. at 69,

Ecolab argues the jury reasonably concluded that Labadie did not disclose the required

limitation that the PAA be “applied in an amount and time sufficient to reduce the

2008-1228, -1252 15
microbial population,” see ’729 Patent col.23 ll.21–22. In other words, Ecolab argues

the jury could reasonably conclude that Labadie does not disclose that the PAA

treatment alone is sufficient to reduce the microbial population on a meat surface. We

disagree.

First, the Labadie publication disclosed that muscle surfaces were

decontaminated by PAA treatment before the trimming steps were performed, Labadie

at 68 (“Decontamination of the muscle took place in an extemporaneously prepared

(Fig.2) bath of peracetic acid (3%) connected to the sterile lock isolator 1. The muscle

was immersed in the acid bath for 2 min. Subsequently, . . . the peripheral part [of the

muscle] exposed to acid was cut away.” (emphasis added)), and before sterile

conditions were imposed, id. at 67 (describing the disclosed method as “superficial

decontamination of muscle tissue obtained from a carcass and its subsequent handling

in sterile isolators” (emphasis added)). The fact that the Labadie method discloses

additional trimming steps performed under sterile conditions cannot render claim 7 valid

because Labadie discloses all of the claim 7 limitations.

Moreover, the only reasonable conclusion that can be drawn from the evidence

presented to the jury is that Labadie’s immersion of cut meat into a 3% PAA solution for

two minutes was, in the words of claim 7, “in an amount and time sufficient to reduce

the microbial population.” ’729 Patent col.23 ll.21–22. As discussed in the previous

paragraph, the Labadie publication itself discloses that the meat surface was

decontaminated by the PAA treatment prior to any subsequent trimming steps. Dr.

Tompkin, Ecolab’s expert witness, agreed that the Labadie article teaches the use of a

3% PAA solution to kill bacteria on the surface of treated meat. J.A. at 5801 (agreeing

2008-1228, -1252 16
that the Labadie article discloses the use of PAA to achieve a “total kill” of surface

bacteria and “teach[es] contacting the surface of these red meat articles with peracetic

acid to kill bacteria”). 1 In addition, Ecolab’s ’729 patent taught treating meat with 0.01–

0.025% PAA for thirty seconds to achieve a reduction in the microbial population, ’729

Patent col.13 ll.3–31, and no evidence before the jury suggested that treatment with 3%

PAA for two minutes, as disclosed in the Labadie publication, would be insufficient to

reduce the microbial population on a meat surface. Thus, in light of the evidence

presented, no reasonable jury could conclude that Labadie’s disclosure of treatment

with 3% PAA for two minutes is not “in an amount and time sufficient to reduce the

microbial population.” See id. at col.23 ll.21–22.

Under well-established law, “[t]hat which would literally infringe if later in time

anticipates if earlier than the date of invention.” Lewmar Marine, Inc. v. Barient, Inc.,

827 F.2d 744, 747 (Fed. Cir. 1987) (emphasis omitted). For the reasons discussed

above, it is clear that if one were to now practice the PAA treatment step of the Labadie

method, he would infringe Ecolab’s claim 7. The evidence cannot reasonably support a

different conclusion. Thus, we reverse the district court’s denial of JMOL because the

jury’s verdict is not supported by substantial evidence.

2. Obviousness

FMC moved for JMOL that claim 7 of the ’729 patent and claims 25–28 of the

’963 patent are invalid as obvious, and the district court denied that motion. We need

not address FMC’s argument that claim 7 of the ’729 patent is invalid as obvious

1
Dr. Tompkin did discuss his criticism that the 3% solution used by Labadie
“would cause some denaturation at the surface of the meat.” J.A. at 5801. However,
that distinction does not affect our anticipation analysis because Ecolab’s claim 7
contains no limitation requiring that the meat maintain its natural surface properties.

2008-1228, -1252 17
because we have already determined that claim 7 is invalid as anticipated. Regarding

claims 25–28 of the ’963 patent, we reverse the district court’s denial of FMC’s JMOL

motion.

“When reviewing a district court’s JMOL determination as to obviousness, this

court reviews a jury’s conclusions on obviousness, a question of law, without deference,

and the underlying findings of fact, whether explicit or implicit within the verdict, for

substantial evidence.” Dippin’ Dots, Inc. v. Mosey, 476 F.3d 1337, 1343 (Fed. Cir.

2007) (internal quotation marks omitted). Those underlying factual findings “include the

familiar Graham factors: the scope and content of the prior art, the differences between

the prior art and the claims at issue, the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, and

secondary considerations, otherwise known as objective indicia of nonobviousness.”

Finisar Corp. v. DirecTV Group, Inc., 523 F.3d 1323, 1338–39 (Fed. Cir. 2008) (citing

Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 17–18 (1966)). “[A] combination of familiar

elements according to known methods is likely to be obvious when it does no more than

yield predictable results.” KSR Int’l Co. v. Teleflex Inc., 127 S. Ct. 1727, 1731 (2007).

FMC argues the district court erred by denying its motion for JMOL that claims

25–28 of the ’963 patent are obvious over a combination of the ’676 patent and other

pieces of prior art, such as U.S. Patent No. 5,143,739 (“the Bender patent”). We agree.

Claim 25 is directed to “a method of treating a meat product to reduce a microbial

population in the meat product,” wherein the method comprises steps for treating meat,

such as poultry, with a PAA composition under specified conditions. ’963 Patent

col.25 l.43–col.26 l.8. Claims 26–28 are dependent on claim 25. Id. at col.26 ll.9–16.

The claims require specified temperature, spray pressure, and contact time limitations.

2008-1228, -1252 18
Id. at col.25 l.49 (“at a temperature of up to about 60º C”), col.25 l.48 (“at a pressure of

at least 50 psi”), col.25 l.49–col.26 l.1 (“resulting in a contact time of at least 30

seconds”). FMC correctly notes that its ’676 prior art patent discloses the temperature

and contact time limitations. ’676 Patent col.9 ll.47–49 (disclosing the preferred

temperature for PAA treatment as 4ºC–40ºC), col.3 ll.42–43 (applying PAA for 0.5

minutes or more). The parties agree that the ’676 patent does not, however, disclose

treatment of poultry with PAA at a particular spray pressure, and the parties primarily

limit their dispute to whether Ecolab’s addition of the “at least 50 psi” pressure limitation

in the ’963 patent claims would have been obvious. 2

FMC’s ’676 prior art patent disclosed “rapidly spraying” PAA onto poultry in

order to sanitize the poultry, but it did not disclose that such rapid spraying should be at

50 psi or greater. Id. at col.3 ll.34–37. However, Ecolab’s expert acknowledged that the

advantages of spraying antimicrobial solutions onto meat at a pressure greater than 50

psi were known in the prior art. J.A. at 5796. Such advantages include ensuring

sufficient contact between the antimicrobial solution and the bacteria on the meat

surface and using the pressure to “vigorously wash” the meat surface. Bender Patent

col.8 ll.14–35, col.9 ll.59–61. The Bender patent disclosed spraying an antibacterial

2
Ecolab also argues the jury could have reasonably concluded that the
prior art did not disclose “achieving at least a one log10 reduction in the microbial
population,” as required by claims 25–28. That argument is unpersuasive. The
evidence established that one skilled in the art would have known how to vary the PAA
concentration or other parameters in order to achieve the disclosed one log10 reduction.
J.A. at 5802. Such experimentation is routine and cannot render an otherwise obvious
claim valid. See Pfizer, Inc. v. Apotex, Inc., 480 F.3d 1348, 1368 (Fed. Cir. 2007) (“The
experimentation needed, then, to arrive at the subject matter claimed in the ’303 patent
was nothing more than routine application of a well-known problem-solving strategy,
and we conclude, the work of a skilled artisan, not of an inventor.” (internal citations,
quotation marks, and brackets omitted)).

2008-1228, -1252 19
solution, specifically a trialkali orthophosphate treatment, onto poultry at a pressure of

“20 to 150 psi to cause a spray of medium particle size to impact the inside and outside

of the poultry with sufficient force for good cleaning.” Id. at col.6 ll.10–16, col.8 ll.14–19.

Ecolab’s expert admitted that one skilled in the art would know how to adjust application

parameters to determine the optimum parameters for a particular solution. The

question then is whether it would have been obvious to combine the high pressure

parameter disclosed in the Bender patent with the PAA methods disclosed in FMC’s

’676 patent. The answer is yes.

First, “there was an apparent reason to combine the known elements in the

fashion claimed by the patent at issue.” See KSR, 127 S. Ct. at 1741. The advantages

of spraying antimicrobial solutions onto meat at high pressure were known, and

methods for sanitizing meat with PAA were known. There was an apparent reason to

combine these known elements—namely to increase contact between the PAA and the

bacteria on the meat surface and to use the pressure to wash additional bacteria off the

meat surface during the PAA treatment. Second, the person of ordinary skill would

have known how to make this combination; he could have used the mechanical high

pressure sprayer disclosed in the Bender patent. See Bender Patent col.8 ll.15–19,

col.8 ll.33–35. Because the Bender patent disclosed using high pressure to improve the

effectiveness of an antimicrobial solution when sprayed onto meat, and because an

ordinarily skilled artisan would have recognized the reasons for applying PAA using high

pressure and would have known how to do so, Ecolab’s claims combining high pressure

with other limitations disclosed in FMC’s patent are invalid as obvious. See KSR, 127

S. Ct. at 1740 (“[I]f a technique has been used to improve one device, and a person of

2008-1228, -1252 20
ordinary skill in the art would recognize that it would improve similar devices in the same

way, using the technique is obvious unless its actual application is beyond his or her

skill.”). Finally, the claims are invalid as obvious because the combination of the high

pressure treatment disclosed in the Bender patent with the methods disclosed in FMC’s

patent is merely the combination of familiar elements to yield predictable results. See

id. at 1739 (“The combination of familiar elements according to known methods is likely

to be obvious when it does no more than yield predictable results.”). Thus, we cannot

uphold the jury’s verdict that claims 25–28 of the ’963 patent are nonobvious, and we

reverse the district court’s denial of FMC’s JMOL motion. 3

D. FMC’s Motion for JMOL of Induced Infringement

FMC moved for JMOL, asserting that Ecolab induced infringement of its patent

claims. To prevail on an induced infringement claim, the patentee must establish “that

the alleged infringer’s actions induced infringing acts and that he knew or should have

known his actions would induce actual infringements.” DSU Med. Corp. v. JMS Co.,

471 F.3d 1293, 1304 (Fed. Cir. 2006) (en banc in relevant part) (quoting Manville Sales

Corp. v. Paramount Sys., Inc., 917 F.2d 544, 554 (Fed. Cir. 1990)). Here, substantial

evidence supports the jury’s verdict that Ecolab did not induce infringement of the ’676

patent claims because the jury could have reasonably concluded that Ecolab lacked the

required intent. See Kinetic Concepts, Inc. v. Blue Sky Med. Group, Inc., 554 F.3d

1010, 1024 (Fed. Cir. 2009) (holding substantial evidence of lack of intent supported the

3
Because we hold that claim 7 of the ’729 patent and claims 25–28 of the
’963 patent are invalid as a matter of law, we need not consider several other
arguments raised on appeal—e.g. FMC’s argument that the district court misconstrued
the “muscle meat” term in claim 7 of the ’729 patent and the parties’ arguments
regarding willful infringement or induced infringement of claim 7 of the ’729 patent and
claims 25, 27, and 28 of the ’963 patent.

2008-1228, -1252 21
jury’s verdict of no induced infringement). Thus, we affirm the district court’s denial of

JMOL.

Ecolab presented evidence from which the jury could have reasonably concluded

that Ecolab personnel reasonably believed that FMC’s ’676 patent claims did not cover

the use of Inspexx. For example, Dr. Cords testified regarding the three antimicrobial

components of Inspexx, the synergistic effect achieved by that combination, and the fact

that the Oakes patent—which was prior art against the ’676 patent—disclosed that

same combination of antimicrobial agents. From that testimony, the jury could have

reasonably concluded that Ecolab lacked the intent required for induced infringement.

See DSU, 471 F.3d at 1307. Namely, the jury could have concluded that Ecolab

personnel reasonably believed that the use of Inspexx would not infringe FMC’s patent

claims because Inspexx contains a synergistic combination of three antimicrobial

agents, and thus does not “consist essentially of” PAA. Dr. Cords’s testimony also

supports the conclusion that Ecolab personnel reasonably believed that the ’676 patent

did not cover Inspexx because Inspexx contains the same combination of antimicrobial

agents disclosed in the prior art Oakes patent. While evidence of intent is not required

to prove infringement, it is required to prove induced infringement. See id. Thus, even

though Ecolab’s product was ultimately found to infringe, the jury had substantial

evidence from which it could have reasonably concluded that Ecolab did not induce

infringement because it lacked the required intent.

II. The Permanent Injunction Motions

Both parties assert the district court erred in denying their respective motions for

a permanent injunction. We need not consider Ecolab’s assertion of error because we

hold today that the claims found to be infringed by FMC are invalid as a matter of law;

2008-1228, -1252 22
thus, any error committed by the district court regarding its consideration of Ecolab’s

motion for injunctive relief is harmless. 4 Regarding FMC’s assertion of error, we vacate

the district court’s denial of its motion for a permanent injunction and remand for the

district court to perform the required analysis.

To obtain injunctive relief, the plaintiff must demonstrate “(1) that it has suffered

an irreparable injury; (2) that remedies available at law, such as monetary damages, are

inadequate to compensate for that injury; (3) that, considering the balance of hardships

between the plaintiff and defendant, a remedy in equity is warranted; and (4) that the

public interest would not be disserved by a permanent injunction.” eBay Inc. v.

MercExchange, L.L.C., 547 U.S. 388, 391 (2006). We review the district court’s

decision to grant or deny injunctive relief for an abuse of discretion. Id. “We may find

an abuse of discretion on a showing that the court made a clear error of judgment in

weighing relevant factors or exercised its discretion based upon an error of law or

clearly erroneous factual findings.” Innogenetics, N.V. v. Abbott Labs., 512 F.3d 1363,

1379 (Fed. Cir. 2008) (internal quotation marks omitted). “To the extent the court’s

decision is based upon an issue of law, we review that issue de novo.” Sanofi-

Synthelabo v. Apotex, Inc., 470 F.3d 1368, 1374 (Fed. Cir. 2006).

Here, the district court failed to consider any of the eBay factors and failed to

make any factual findings regarding those factors. That is an abuse of discretion. See

eBay, 547 U.S. at 391–93 (instructing district courts to consider four equitable principles

when assessing the propriety of injunctive relief in patent disputes); Nutrition 21 v.

4
For the same reasons, we need not consider FMC’s argument that the
district court imposed an improper damages award against it or Ecolab’s arguments that
the district court erred in denying its motions for enhanced damages, attorney fees,
interest, and an accounting.

2008-1228, -1252 23
United States, 930 F.2d 867, 869 (Fed. Cir. 1991) (“Sufficient factual findings on the

material issues are necessary to allow this court to have a basis for meaningful

review.”). In eBay, the Supreme Court held that four traditional and well-established

equitable principles apply when a patentee seeks equitable relief for infringement.

547 U.S. at 391–93. In that case, the Supreme Court vacated the injunction because

“[n]either the District Court nor the Court of Appeals below fairly applied these traditional

equitable principles in deciding respondent’s motion for a permanent injunction.” Id. at

393. We must do likewise and vacate the district court’s order. Because the district

court decided FMC’s motion for injunctive relief without stating its reasons for denial, we

must conclude that it failed to apply any of the traditional equitable principles discussed

in eBay. Thus, the district court abused its discretion.

Although the district court did not consider the eBay factors, FMC nonetheless

asserts that it made the required showing and that it is entitled to injunctive relief.

However, we decline to analyze the eBay factors in the first instance. See Acumed LLC

v. Stryker Corp., 483 F.3d 800, 811 (Fed. Cir. 2007) (“If we were to weigh the evidence

ourselves to reach a conclusion on injunctive relief, we would effectively be exercising

our own discretion as if we were the first-line court of equity. That role belongs

exclusively to the district court. Our task is solely to review the district court’s decisions

for an abuse of discretion.”); see also eBay, 547 U.S. at 394 (vacating an injunction and

remanding “so that the District Court may apply that framework [i.e. the four equitable

factors described in eBay] in the first instance”).

2008-1228, -1252 24
 Accordingly, we vacate the district court’s denial of FMC’s motion for a

permanent injunction, and we remand for the district court to perform the analysis

required under eBay.

III. FMC’s Motion for Prejudgment Interest

FMC asserts the district court abused its discretion when it denied FMC’s motion

for prejudgment interest, and we agree. It is unclear why the district court denied that

motion because it gave no explanation for doing so. According to statute, “[u]pon

finding for the claimant the court shall award the claimant damages adequate to

compensate for the infringement, but in no event less than a reasonable royalty for the

use made of the invention by the infringer, together with interest and costs as fixed by

the court.” 35 U.S.C. § 284 (emphases added). When a patentee asserts a patent

claim that is held to be valid and infringed, prejudgment interest is generally awarded.

See GM Corp. v. Devex Corp., 461 U.S. 648, 656–57 (1983) (holding that some

circumstances, such as a patentee’s undue delay in prosecuting the lawsuit, may justify

limiting or withholding prejudgment interest but noting that “prejudgment interest should

be awarded under § 284 absent some justification for withholding such an award”).

Accordingly, on remand, the district court must award interest or provide a valid

justification for withholding interest. 5

As for the parties’ remaining arguments, we have carefully considered them and

find them unpersuasive.

5
FMC additionally asserts that an accounting is necessary to adequately
compensate it for Ecolab’s infringement. To the extent that an accounting is so
required—e.g. to calculate and award damages for post-verdict sales—the district court
should order an accounting on remand.

2008-1228, -1252 25
 Conclusion

For the foregoing reasons, the decision of the district court is affirmed-in-part,

vacated-in-part, reversed-in-part, and remanded for further proceedings consistent with

this opinion.

AFFIRMED-IN-PART, VACATED-IN-PART, REVERSED-IN-PART,

AND REMANDED

COSTS

No costs.

2008-1228, -1252 26