Stratasys Defends FDM Patents

Stratasys, a provider of 3D printing solutions, has stated that the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) and the U.S. Trademark Office has denied Afinia’s request for inter partes review of three FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology patents.

The patents were directed to liquefier structure, temperature control and tool paths for constructing part parameters. Inter partes review is a process in which the PTAB determines the validity of claims in a patent. The board determined that Afinia “has not demonstrated a reasonable likelihood of prevailing,” with respect to any of the challenged claims in Stratasys’ patents, the company states.

“We are very pleased with the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board’s decision,” said Soonhee Jang, Stratasys vice president and chief IP counsel. “These dismissals are evidence of the strength of our patent portfolio.”

For more information, visit Stratasys.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.