Apple, Inc. v. Ameranth, Inc.

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Ameranth’s patents disclose computer systems with hardware and software and describe a preferred embodiment of the invention for use in the restaurant industry. The specifications note that “ordering prepared foods has historically been done verbally, either directly to a waiter or over the telephone, whereupon the placed order is recorded on paper by the recipient or instantly filled” and explain that the “unavailability of any simple technique for creating restaurant menus and the like for use in a limited display area wireless handheld device or that is compatible with ordering over the internet ha[d] prevented widespread adoption of computerization in the hospitality industry.” The Patent Trial and Appeal Board conducted three Covered Business Method reviews and found certain claims unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. 101. The Federal Circuit affirmed in part, upholding the construction of “menu” features, determinations that the patents are not patents for technological inventions, a determination that the preamble recitations of “synchronous communications system” are not limiting, the construction of “central processing unit,” and a conclusion that the claims are directed to an abstract idea. The court reversed with respect to certain independent claims. View "Apple, Inc. v. Ameranth, Inc." on Justia Law

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