THALES VISIONIX INC. v. USA

Filing 157

REPORTED ORDER. Unsealed version of 143: order granting in part and denying in part 108 Motion to Compel. Signed by Judge Ryan T. Holte. (nb7) Service on parties made.

In the United States Court of Federal Claims
No. 14-513
(Filed under seal: 6 April 2020)
(Reissued: 23 June 2020*)
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THALES VISIONIX, INC.,
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Plaintiff,
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v.
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THE UNITED STATES,
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Defendant,
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and
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ELBIT SYSTEMS OF AMERICA, LLC,
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Third-Party Defendant. *
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Patent Infringement; Motion to Compel
Production of Source Code; RCFC 26(b)(1).

Meredith Martin Addy, AddyHart P.C., of Atlanta, GA, with whom were Daniel I.
Konieczny and Katherine M. O’Brien, Tabet DiVito & Rothstein LLC, both of Chicago, IL, for
plaintiff.
Carrie Rosato, Trial Attorney, Commercial Litigation Branch, Civil Division,
Department of Justice, with whom were Joseph H. Hunt, Assistant Attorney General, Gary L.
Hausken, Director, and Scott Bolden, of counsel, all of Washington, DC, for defendant. Andrew
P. Zager, Department of Navy, of Washington, DC, of counsel.

*

This order was originally filed under seal and the parties were given the opportunity to propose redactions no later
than 16 April 2020. In lieu of proposed redactions, on 16 April, third-party defendant Elbit Systems of America,
LLC (“Elbit”) filed an unopposed motion to temporarily maintain this order under seal. See Mot. to Temporarily
Maintain Order Under Seal, ECF No. 144. Elbit indicated that due to the current health pandemic, all of their
physical office locations were closed. Id. In order to comply with the various protective orders and export control
licenses in this case, the parties were limited in the physical locations in which they could review documents
containing any sensitive and protected information, thus prohibiting the parties from reviewing the order in detail to
propose redactions. Id. After convening with the parties on two separate occasions to discuss these logistical
concerns, the Court granted Elbit’s motion in part, giving the parties until 19 June 2020 to file proposed redactions.
See Order, ECF No. 149. The parties proposed extensive redactions. Following a status call with the Court on 22
June 2020, the parties agreed to a final redacted version of the Court’s 6 April order. The Court accepts the parties’
proposed redactions and reissues the order, with redacted language replaced as follows: “[XXXXX];” and redacted
images replaced with a blank box.

Kurt G. Calia, Covington & Burling LLP, of Palo Alto, CA, with whom were Ranganath
Sudarshan, Matthew Kudzin, and Rajesh Paul, Covington & Burling LLP, all of Washington,
DC, for third-party defendant Elbit Systems of America, LLC.
OPINION AND ORDER
HOLTE, Judge.
Plaintiff accuses the government of infringing a single United States patent. The
government noticed various third-parties associated with the development of the technology.
One of the third-parties, Elbit Systems of America, LLC (“Elbit”), responded to the notice and
joined the case. Numerous motions are fully briefed and currently pending before the Court.
Among the pending motions is plaintiff’s motion to compel the production of certain technical
documents and source code from third-party defendant Elbit. Following a status conference, the
Court ordered the parties to meet and confer to attempt to resolve the present discovery dispute.
The Court then ordered plaintiff to submit supplemental discovery requests. No resolution was
reached. The Court held oral argument on plaintiff’s motion to compel 10 January 2020. For the
following reasons, plaintiff’s motion to compel is GRANTED-IN-PART and DENIED-INPART.
I.

Overview

Plaintiff Thales Visionix, Inc. is the owner of U.S. patent no. 6,474,159 (the '159 patent).
Compl. ¶ 11. The '159 patent relates to technology regarding the “inertial tracking of objects for
head mounted displays,” such as those used by aircraft pilots. Id. ¶¶ 4, 12. Conventional
systems used in inertial tracking typically “measure head motion relative to a reference frame
that is stationary relative to the ground.” Id. ¶ 12. The '159 patent, however, relates to a system
“using inertial trackers to track motion relative to a moving platform instead of relative to the
earth.” Id.
Conventional motion tracking systems use an inertial sensor mounted on the tracked
object and another mounted on the moving reference frame, such as the aircraft. Pl.’s Mot. to
Compel (“Mot. to Compel”) at 2, ECF No. 108. “Inertial sensors measure linear accelerations or
rotation rates with respect to the reference frame of the earth.” Id. The linear accelerations or
rotation rates are integrated to reveal the orientation of the object relative to the earth. Id. The
difference between these values reveals the relative orientation or position of the respective
sensors. See id. The helmet-mounted display system (“HMDS”) of the '159 patent is
synchronized with changes in the helmet’s orientation based upon the “orientation of the tracked
object relative to the moving reference frame,” rather than relative to the earth. Compl. ¶ 13.
“[T]he system determines a ‘relative’ angular rate or acceleration signal from the sensors, and
then integrates that relative signal to determine the orientation or position of the helmet relative
to the aircraft.” Mot. to Compel at 2–3. For purposes of differentiating the two methods of
motion tracking, the conventional systems are hereinafter referred to as the “old method,” while
the systems of the '159 patent are referred to as the “new method.”

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Plaintiff accuses the government of infringing the '159 patent by utilizing systems
covered by the “new method” in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter tactical fighter jet. Id. at 2. The
government notified Elbit as a subcontractor involved in the development of various components
implicated in plaintiff’s infringement allegations, including providing the “magnetic, optical, and
inertial sensors used in the helmet for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.” Third-Party Def. Elbit
Systems of America’s Opp’n to Pl. Thales Visionix, Inc.’s Mot. to Compel (“Resp. to Mot. to
Compel”) at 3, ECF No. 110; see also Motion to Notice Third Party Elbit Systems of America,
LLC, ECF No. 10. Specifically, Elbit possesses the complete source code for the HMDS, which
is “the software that calculates the position and orientation of the helmet. . . . The source code
does not merely describe how the system works, it is the actual, operative computer code used in
the F-35.” Resp. to Mot. to Compel at 7 (emphasis omitted). Elbit maintains “every version of
the software ever installed in an F-35” on an internal “source code repository . . . located and
maintained in Israel.” Id. at 19–20 (emphasis omitted). Source code maintained on the
repository is not withdrawn absent a specific need for access to the source code. See Tr. at
134:24–135:1, ECF No. 142 (“All of the source code that has been produced in this case has
never before entered the United States.”).
II.

Procedural History

Plaintiff filed its complaint on 16 June 2014. See Compl. Along with answering the
complaint on 14 October 2014, see Def.’s Answer, ECF No. 11, the government also motioned
to notify a series of interested parties based upon their involvement in the development of the
accused systems. See Mot. to Notice Third Party Lockheed Martin, ECF No. 8; Mot. to Notice
Third Party Rockwell Collins, ECF No. 9; and Mot. to Notice Third Party Elbit Systems of
America, LLC, ECF No. 10. This Court granted each of the government’s motions to notify
interested third parties on 16 October 2014, see Order, ECF No. 12, and notice was issued on 17
October 2014. See Notice, ECF No. 13. Of the noticed third parties, only Elbit joined the case,
filing an answer to the complaint on 9 December 2014. See Elbit Systems of America, LLC’s
Answer and Affirmative Defenses to Pl. Thales Visionix, Inc.’s Compl., ECF No. 16. On 27
March 2015, the government and Elbit jointly moved for judgment on the pleadings pursuant to
Rule 12(c) of the Rules of the Court of Federal Claims (“RCFC”). See Mot. for J. on the
Pleadings Under RCFC 12(c) Filed by the United States of America and Elbit Systems of
America, ECF No. 29.
The government and Elbit’s joint motion for judgment on the pleadings argued the claims
of the '159 patent are “invalid as a matter of law because they claim a patent-ineligible law of
nature in violation of 35 U.S.C. § 101.” Id. at 1. This Court granted the defendants’ joint
motion, dismissing plaintiff’s complaint on the pleadings and finding the '159 patent invalid for
claiming patent-ineligible subject matter under § 101. See Thales Visionix, Inc. v. United States,
122 Fed. Cl. 245, 257 (2015). Plaintiff appealed this decision to the Federal Circuit. On 8
March 2017, the Federal Circuit reversed this Court’s decision invalidating the claims of the '159
patent and remanded the case for further proceedings. See Thales Visionix Inc. v. United States,
850 F.3d 1343, 1349 (Fed. Cir. 2017). The Federal Circuit found the claims of the '159 patent
“are not directed to an abstract idea,” but rather “specify a particular configuration of inertial
sensors and a particular method of using the raw data from the sensors in order to more
accurately calculate the position and orientation of an object on a moving platform.” Id.
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Elbit further filed a petition for inter partes review of the '159 patent with the Patent Trial
and Appeal Board (“PTAB”), arguing the '159 patent was “obvious over U.S. Patent No.
4,722,601 (“McFarlane”) in combination with two other prior art references.” Elbit Sys. of Am.,
LLC v. Thales Visionix, Inc., 881 F.3d 1354, 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2018). The PTAB issued a final
written decision on 14 October 2016 invalidating some, but not all, of the claims of the '159
patent under 35 U.S.C. § 103. Id. Elbit appealed the PTAB’s decision to the Federal Circuit. Id.
On remand from the Federal Circuit’s original decision in Thales Visionix, Inc. v. United States,
this Court stayed proceedings “pending the resolution of the appeal of the inter partes review
decision.” See Stay Order, ECF No. 73. The Federal Circuit affirmed the PTAB’s decision,
finding “Elbit failed to demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence” that certain claims of
the '159 patent “would have been obvious over [McFarlane] in combination with two other prior
art references.” Elbit Sys. of Am., 881 F.3d at 1355. This Court lifted the stay of proceedings on
6 April 2018. See Order Lifting Stay, ECF No. 75.
The parties resumed proceedings in April 2018 and filed a joint status report addressing
discovery proceedings. See Joint Status Report, ECF No. 76. On 15 June 2018, in place of
customary discovery proceedings, Elbit took the unconventional step of serving plaintiff with a
memorandum alleging noninfringement of the remaining claims of the '159 patent following the
Federal Circuit’s affirmance of the PTAB’s decision. See Third-Party Def. Elbit Systems of
America’s Mot. for Summ. J. (“Mot. for Summ. J.”) at Ex. A, ECF No. 107 (Ex. A is hereinafter
referred to as the “Noninfringement Memo”). This Court then ordered Elbit to provide plaintiff
with “all relevant technical documents that support the memorandum” and for plaintiff to
“complete review of the memorandum and supporting documents, and restate or update its
remaining claims of infringement.” Order, ECF No. 82. The parties engaged in lengthy
settlement discussions, keeping the Court apprised of their progress by filing periodic joint status
reports. See, e.g., Joint Status Report, ECF No. 87; Joint Status Report, ECF No. 90; Joint Status
Report, ECF No. 95. Settlement negotiations broke down sometime in summer 2019, after
which the parties filed respective motions seeking relief. This case was transferred to the
undersigned Judge on 29 July 2019. See Order, ECF No. 105.
On 6 August 2019, plaintiff filed a motion to compel, seeking the production of source
code for various software components associated with the F-35 HMDS, in addition to various
related technical documents. See Mot. to Compel. Elbit filed its response on 20 August 2019.
See Resp. to Mot. to Compel. On 13 September 2019, plaintiff filed its reply in support of its
motion to compel. See Plaintiff Thales Visionix, Inc.’s Reply in Supp. of Mot. to Compel
(“Reply in Supp. of Mot. to Compel”), ECF No. 119. The government, although not directly
involved in the motion to compel as either the movant or respondent, filed a paper discussing its
views on the pending motion. See Views of the United States with Respect to Pending Motions
(“Gov’t Brief I”), ECF No. 124. Following the 19 September 2019 status conference, the Court
ordered the parties to “meet and confer . . . regarding the additional discovery plaintiff seeks.”
Order at 1, ECF No. 125. The Court further ordered plaintiff to serve Elbit “with a list of
interrogatories and request for additional production of documents specifically identifying the
additional discovery they are seeking as a result of the . . . meet and confer.” Id. Elbit was
required to either respond or object with specificity. Id. The Court’s order further required the
parties to serve these requests and responses under seal with the Court. Id. at 2. On 4 October
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2019, plaintiff filed its Supplemental Discovery Requests (“Suppl. Req.”), ECF No. 129. Elbit
filed its Notice of Objections and Responses to Supplemental Discovery Requests (“Resp. to
Suppl. Req.”), ECF No. 133, on 28 October 2019. The government filed a supplemental paper
further discussing its views on the pending motion. See Further Views of the United States with
Respect to Pending Motions (“Gov’t Brief II”), ECF No. 135.1
The parties also filed various other motions. On 31 July 2019, Elbit filed a motion for
summary judgment of noninfringement based upon previously provided “technical documents
showing that the accused [HMDS] in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter does not practice any of the
asserted claims of U.S. Patent No. 6,474,159.” Mot. for Summ. J. at 1. The following week,
Elbit filed an RCFC 11 motion for sanctions against plaintiff, arguing plaintiff “does not have a
good faith basis to assert that the [HMDS] used in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter practices any of
the claims of U.S. Patent No. 6,474,159.” Third-Party Def. Elbit Systems of America’s Mot. for
Sanctions Under Court of Federal Claims Rule 11 at 1, ECF No. 111. In response to Elbit’s
motion for summary judgment, plaintiff filed a motion pursuant to RCFC 56(d) “respectfully
mov[ing] the Court to deny or at least defer Elbit’s motion for summary judgment until the Court
has a full record on which to decide the issues.” Thales Visionix, Inc.’s Combined Rule 56(d)
Mot. to Den., or in the Alternative, Defer Elbit’s Mot. for Summ. J. at 1, ECF No. 123. During
the 27 November 2019 status conference, the Court indicated it will resolve plaintiff’s motion to
compel before the other pending motions. See Tr. at 56:12–63:22, ECF No. 140. Accordingly,
the Court stayed “consideration of all other pending motions until resolution of plaintiff’s
Motion to Compel.” Order at 1, ECF No. 138.
III.

Factual History

According to the Federal Circuit, the '159 patent “eliminates the need to calculate an
object’s position relative to the ground” by mounting an Inertial Measurement Unit (“IMU”) on
the head mounted display “relative to a ‘reference’ IMU rigidly attached to the moving
platform.” Elbit Sys. of Am., 881 F.3d at 1355 (quoting U.S. Patent No. 6,474,159 to Foxlin and
Altshuler (hereinafter “'159 Patent”), at Abstract) (internal quotation marks omitted). This
simplified calculation results in “improve[d] functionality when tracking on moving vehicles.”
Id. (quoting '159 Patent at col. 6:65–67) (internal quotation marks omitted). The Federal Circuit
found claim 3 to be “effectively representative” of the technology of the '159 patent. Id. at 1356.
As claim 3 depends from claim 2, which in turn depends from independent claim 1, all three
claims are reproduced below:
1. A system for tracking the motion of an object relative to a moving reference
frame, comprising:
a first inertial sensor mounted on the tracked object;
a second inertial sensor mounted on the moving reference frame; and

Although the government’s supplemental views address other motions in addition to plaintiff’s motion to compel,
the substance of the government’s views bear on Elbit’s territoriality argument presented in response to plaintiff’s
motion to compel. See id.
1

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an element adapted to receive signals from said first and second inertial
sensors and configured to determine an orientation of the object relative to
the moving reference frame based on the signals received from the first and
second inertial sensors.
2. The system of claim 1 in which the first and second inertial sensors each
comprises three angular inertial sensors selected from the set of angular
accelerometers, angular rate sensors, and angular position gyroscopes.
3. The system of claim 2, in which the angular inertial sensors comprise angular
rate sensors, and the orientation of the object relative to the moving reference frame
is determined by integrating a relative angular rate signal determined from the
angular rate signals measured by the first and second inertial sensors.
'159 Patent col. 11:49–12:2.
The inter partes review (“IPR”) concerned whether the claims of the '159 patent were
obvious in view of the prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a). Elbit Sys. of Am., 881 F.3d at 1356.
The PTAB reviewed one prior art reference in particular, McFarlane, to determine whether the
“method of integrating the ‘relative angular rate signal’ taught in claim 3 of the '159 patent
would have been obvious to a [person having ordinary skill in the art].” Id. at 1357 (footnote
omitted). In differentiating the “new method” of the '159 patent from the “old method” disclosed
in the prior art, plaintiff’s expert witness provided the following explanation of the two-step
process which the “new method” follows: “the raw signal data from the inertial sensors . . . is
used to determine the relative angular rate signal;” and “[t]hat relative angular rate signal . . . is
then used to calculate the relative orientation.” Id. at 1358.
Following the Federal Circuit’s affirmance of the PTAB’s decision in the IPR of the '159
patent, the only remaining asserted claims in the present action are: claims 3–5, 13, 24–26, and
34. See Noninfringement Memo at 1. According to Elbit, these claims are directed to the “new
method” of computing the relative orientation of the tracked object. Id. Elbit argues the helmet
tracking system of the F-35 does not infringe these remaining claims of the '159 patent because
the system “does not integrate a relative rate signal.” Id. [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] whereas the only remaining claims for which
infringement is alleged practice the “new method.” Id. at 2. According to Elbit, [XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXX] Resp. to Mot. to Compel at 5–6. The HMDS of the F-35 “does not integrate a
relative angular rate signal. [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] Id. at 6 (emphasis, citation, and
internal quotation marks omitted). [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] See id.
The following block diagram provides a helpful illustration of the interrelation between
various modules in the HMDS:
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Mot. for Summ. J., Ex. O at 5. [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXX] Id.
After serving plaintiff with the Noninfringement Memo on 15 June 2018, “Elbit produced
an additional 7,000 pages of documents describing the operation of the F-35 helmet tracking
system” pursuant to this Court’s order. Resp. to Mot. to Compel at 7. In addition, Elbit provided
the operative source code for the Hybrid Tracker Software (“HTS”), which “does not merely
describe how the system works, [but] is the actual, operative computer code used in the F-35.”
Id. (emphasis omitted). After reviewing the technical documents and HTS source code, plaintiff
amended its infringement contentions, pursuant to this Court’s order, on 1 November 2018. Mot.
to Compel at 5. Rather than confirming “that the review would negate [plaintiff’s] good faith
basis for the lawsuit,” plaintiff “confirmed [its] good faith basis for alleging infringement.” Id.
Among the documents Elbit produced was a document “containing a signal processing procedure
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that infringes the asserted claims if implemented.” Id. at 13. Plaintiff refers to this signal
processing procedure as “the smoking gun” document, a term which the Court hereinafter adopts
when discussing the allegedly infringing signal processing procedure; however, the Court takes
no position on plaintiff’s conclusions regarding the document. See Tr. at 124:11–13, ECF No.
142 (“[T]he reason why we call this a smoking gun is because this diagram literally shows the
two signal processing steps that are found in the claims.”). Elbit disagrees with plaintiff’s
characterization of “the smoking gun” document, describing it as merely “a single figure
illustrating an algorithm that Elbit used in some early computer simulations.” Resp. to Mot. to
Compel at 24. Elbit “denies that the simulations practiced any of the claims of the '159 patent,”
and further raises jurisdictional challenges to the production of further discovery related to “the
smoking gun” document. Id. As Elbit refused to produce any further documents related to “the
smoking gun” document, plaintiff still found the production of documents and source code to be
incomplete. Mot. to Compel at 6.
After the parties engaged in unsuccessful settlement negotiations, Elbit agreed to
“produce additional source code in response to [plaintiff’s] concerns about the incomplete
production.” Id. Elbit produced three additional versions of source code for the HTS in
February 2019, which plaintiff again found to be incomplete for failure to include: certain
previous versions of the HTS source code; source code pertaining to other modules on the
HMDS; and “any additional documents relating to the infringing signal processing procedure
found in the documents Elbit previously produced.” Id. Plaintiff responded to this second
production on 29 March 2019 by serving “narrow, targeted document requests seeking the
production of the relevant source code and documents relating to infringement that remained
missing from Elbit’s production.” Id. After initial objections on 29 April 2019, Elbit produced
an additional nine versions of source code for the HTS. Id. Plaintiff, however, again sought the
production of source code and related technical documents for additional modules of the F-35
HMDS, in addition to “documents relating to the infringing signal processing procedure found in
the documents Elbit previously produced.” Id.
Settlement negotiations thereafter resumed, but eventually broke down sometime after a
status conference with this Court on 29 May 2019. The parties then filed respective motions,
including plaintiff’s motion to compel. After this case was transferred to the undersigned Judge
on 29 July 2019, the Court attempted to restore the previous negotiations between the parties.
See Order, ECF No. 125. The Court ordered plaintiff to serve Elbit with narrowly targeted
supplemental interrogatories and document requests (“Supplemental Requests”) following a
meet and confer, with copies of both the Supplemental Requests and responses being filed with
the Court under seal. Id. The Court ordered the Supplemental Requests to “specifically identify
any modules alleged to use data from the inertial sensors, the basis for such allegations, and the
nature of the information being requested.” Id.
Plaintiff’s Supplemental Requests contain specific allegations as to the basis for each
request. For example, Supplemental Request 1 seeks the production of “source code for the
HMDS Support Package (‘HSP’)” discussed in technical documents Elbit previously produced.
Suppl. Req. at 2. Supplemental Requests 2–6 specifically target the source code of other discrete
modules operating on the HMDS. See id. at 2–6. Supplemental Requests 7–9 request source
code and technical documents related to the specific signals plaintiff identified in relation to the
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calculation of orientation rates or acceleration on the HMDS. See id. at 6. In Supplemental
Requests 10 and 11, plaintiff seeks the production of all documents related to “the smoking gun”
document, or the signal processing procedure plaintiff claims infringes the '159 patent if
implemented. Id. The final Supplemental Request, Request 12, seeks “unredacted versions of
all documents previously produced . . . in redacted form.” Id. at 7. As plaintiff’s counsel stated
during oral argument, the Supplemental Requests effectively modify the scope of the documents
requested in plaintiff’s motion to compel by narrowing the focus of the requests. See Tr. at
7:16–18, ECF No. 142 (“Those requests are the focus of our motion to compel, Your Honor.
The supplemental document requests and interrogatory responses.”). Accordingly, in resolving
plaintiff’s motion to compel, the Court considers the specific requests for production included in
the Supplemental Requests to define the scope of the requested documents.
Plaintiff attached the declaration of its expert, Gregory Welch, PhD, to the motion to
compel. See Decl. of Gregory F. Welch, Ph.D. in Supp. of Mot. to Compel (“Welch Decl.”),
ECF No. 109. Exhibit O to the Welch declaration contained the following flow diagram:

Welch Decl., Ex. O at 10. The above diagram details the flow of data through the various
computer software configuration items (CSCIs) of the display management computer/helmet
(DMC/H). Id.
Elbit responded in part to the Supplemental Requests, but also raised a number of
objections. See Resp. to Suppl. Req. Among Elbit’s objections were: the requested documents
“are not in Elbit’s possession, custody, or control;” the information sought “is not relevant to any
claim or defense raised in this litigation;” any modules using the computed orientation or
position of a pilot’s helmet are outside the scope of the claims of the '159 patent; and the output
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of various functions sought “is not computed directly from the raw signals from the inertial
sensors and are therefore not a ‘relative angular rate signal’ within the meaning of the asserted
claims.” Id. at 8–10. Elbit did not produce any additional documents or source code in response
to the Supplemental Requests. Tr. at 12:7–9, ECF No. 140.
IV.

Standard of Review and Applicable Law

This Court’s interpretation of the Rules of the Court of Federal Claims is guided by case
law interpreting the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. See 2002 Rules Committee Note, Rules of
the United States Court of Federal Claims (as amended July 1, 2019) (“[I]nterpretation of the
court’s rules will be guided by case law and the Advisory Committee Notes that accompany the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.”). RCFC 26(b)(1) permits parties to “obtain discovery
regarding any nonprivileged matter that is relevant to any party’s claim or defense and
proportional to the needs of the case. . . . Information within this scope of discovery need not be
admissible in evidence to be discoverable.” RCFC 34(a)(1)(A) further permits a party to request
the production of “any designated documents or electronically stored information—including
writings, drawings, graphs, charts, photographs, sound recordings, images, and other data or
compilations—stored in any medium from which information can be obtained. . . .” Whether
information is relevant “has been construed broadly to encompass any matter that bears on, or
that reasonably could lead to other matter that could bear on, any issue that is or may be in the
case.” Oppenheimer Fund, Inc. v. Sanders, 437 U.S. 340, 351 (1978) (citing Hickman v. Taylor,
329 U.S. 495, 501 (1947)).
“Questions of the scope and conduct of discovery are . . . committed to the discretion of
the trial court.” Florsheim Shoe Co., Div. of Interco, Inc. v. United States, 744 F.2d 787, 797
(Fed. Cir. 1984). The Court of Federal Claims generally “afford[s] a liberal treatment to the
rules of discovery.” Securiforce Int’l Am., LLC v. United States, 127 Fed. Cl. 386, 400 (2016)
aff’d, 879 F.3d 1354 (Fed. Cir. 2018), and cert denied, 139 S. Ct. 478 (mem.) (2018). In
deciding the proper scope of discovery, “the court must be careful not to deprive a party of
discovery that is reasonably necessary to afford a fair opportunity to develop and prepare the
case.” Heat & Control, Inc. v. Hester Indus., Inc., 785 F.2d 1017, 1024 (Fed. Cir. 1986)
(quoting Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(b)(1) Notes of Advisory Committee on Rules, 1983 Amendment).
“[P]atent litigation often requires the production of technical information that is highly
sensitive and difficult to reproduce for production.” Peter S. Menell et al., Patent Case
Management Judicial Guide 4-5 (3d ed. 2016). When the accused device or system involves
computer-related technology, such technical information may include computer source code,
“often a company’s most sensitive and most valuable property.” Drone Techs., Inc. v. Parrot
S.A., 838 F.3d 1283, 1300 n.13 (Fed. Cir. 2016). “Source code is the text of a software program
written in a human-readable programming language.” Blueport Co., LLC v. United States, 533
F.3d 1374, 1377 n. 1 (citing Microsoft Computer Dictionary 491 (5th ed. 2002)). “Once written,
source code is compiled into machine-readable object code that runs on a computer.” Id. (citing
Microsoft Computer Dictionary 372 (5th ed. 2002)). “Software programmers usually provide
users with only the object code in order to prevent users from modifying the program.” Id.
(citing Theodore C. McCullough, Understanding the Impact of the Digital Millennium Copyright

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Act on the Open Source Model of Software Development, 6 Marq. Intell. Prop. L. Rev. 91, 93–94
(2002)).
There are often protections put in place for the disclosure and viewing of such sensitive
information. See Menell et al., supra, at 4-5–4-6. With such protections in place, there is no
elevated standard when seeking the discovery of source code; a party need only satisfy the
general provisions of RCFC 26(b)(1) when seeking the “discovery of the source code as relevant
to its claims.” Baron Servs., Inc. v. Media Weather Innovations LLC, 717 F.3d 907, 913 n.9
(Fed. Cir. 2013) (emphasis omitted); see also Apple Inc. v. Samsung Elecs. Co., No. 11-1846,
2012 WL 1595784, at *1 (N.D. Cal. May 4, 2012) (“There is, however, no source code exception
to the production requirements of [Rule] 34. And so, subject to the proportionality and burden
considerations imposed by [Rule] 26, when a patentee requests source code for one or more
accused products, a defendant must produce it.”). In Baron Services, the Federal Circuit vacated
the trial court’s award of summary judgment as premature and permitted the plaintiff to conduct
additional limited discovery related to source code and claim construction. Id. at 914. As
summarized by one scholar in the context of discovery in both patent infringement and trade
secret litigation, “while source code production can be maddening, time consuming, and costly,
it is by now relatively common in software cases.” Sonia K. Katyal, The Paradox of Source
Code Secrecy, 104 Cornell L. Rev. 1183, 1275 (2019). Thus, because “source code production is
not an uncommon occurrence, litigators have ready-made tools at their disposal to address the
merit of software-related disputes while ensuring that the source code remains protected and yet
disclosed in a litigation dispute.” Id. at 1275–76.
Plaintiff’s document requests rely extensively on declarations of its expert witness. The
trial court serves as the gatekeeper of expert testimony, “ensur[ing] that any and all scientific
testimony or evidence admitted is not only relevant, but reliable.” Daubert v. Merrell Dow
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 509 U.S. 579, 589 (1993). In this regard, “the law grants the trial judge
broad latitude to determine” the reliability of expert evidence. Kumho Tire Co. v. Carmichael,
526 U.S. 137, 153 (1999). The liberal standard of discovery, however, requires only relevancy
and proportionality to the needs of the case; RCFC 26 does not require the Court to adjudicate
any threshold issues of reliability at this early stage of the proceedings. See RCFC 26(b)(1).
Other trial courts have reached similar conclusions after reviewing the general standards
prescribed by both Daubert and Kumho Tire when evaluating expert testimony during
discovery.2
V.

Discussion

For example, other trial courts have noted: “so long as requested discovery is relevant under discovery’s broad
standard, this court—supervising discovery as it does—is not to employ the discovery rules to prematurely decide
evidentiary issues that are reserved for the [fact finder].” U.S. ex rel. Guardiola v. Renown Health, No. 12-295,
2015 WL 5123375, at *4 (D. Nev. Sept. 1, 2015). Thus, trial courts generally “decline[] to prematurely adjudicate
evidentiary issues related to expert testimony during the discovery process.” Id. See also Apple iPod iTunes
Antitrust Litig., No. 05-0037, 2014 WL 4809288, at *6 (N.D. Cal. Sept. 26, 2014) (“Unless beyond the realms of
reason and reliability, [issues that speak to an expert’s methodology] are fully within the province of experts to
debate and [the fact finder] to resolve.”); Urrutia v. Ekdahl, No. 03-1990, 2005 WL 5976564, at *4 (D. Ariz. July
15, 2005) (“Questions concerning the accuracy and reliability of a witness’ factual basis, data and methods goes to
the weight and credibility of the witness’ testimony and are questions of fact properly reserved for the [fact
finder].”).
2

- 11 -

A. Production of Source Code for Additional F-35 HMDS Modules
Plaintiff seeks the production of the “F-35 HMDS source code for all software
components that have access to signals originating or derived from helmet-mounted inertial
sensors.” Mot. to Compel at 7. This includes any signals leaving the HTS for which Elbit has
already produced the source code. Id. Thus, the source code sought is “the code for all software
components running on the dedicated computer that controls the F-35 HMDS, called the
‘DMC/H.’” Id.
Relying on the testimony of its expert, plaintiff argues the source code of the HTS
module “points to the undisclosed part of the source code as the location where infringement
likely occurs.” Id. at 9 (citing Welch Decl. ¶¶ 33–52). Elbit, however, asserts it “has already
produced all of the source code used in the F-35 to track the position and orientation of the
helmet relative to the aircraft.” Resp. to Mot. to Compel at 13. The HTS, according to Elbit, is a
“discrete piece of software” which performs all “tracking of the position and orientation of the
helmet.” Id. As plaintiff did not provide any explanation of “how or why it believes any
software other than the HTS is relevant to this case,” Elbit refuses plaintiff’s repeated requests to
produce the source code for additional modules of the HMDS.3 Id. at 15.
A showing of relevancy to plaintiff’s claims and proportionality to the needs of the case
are required to satisfy a request to produce source code. RCFC 26(b)(1). For example, in Baron
Services, Inc. v. Media Weather Innovations LLC, the plaintiff sought delay in the district court’s
ruling on defendant’s “summary judgment motion until [plaintiff] had . . . the opportunity to
examine [defendant’s] source code and to depose [defendant employees].” 717 F.3d at 912. The
plaintiff in Baron Services represented to the district court that “[defendant’s] source code could
show that the accused devices met several of the limitations of the asserted claims.” Id. at 913.
The Federal Circuit vacated the trial court’s award of summary judgment and permitted plaintiff
to conduct additional “limited discovery” related to claim construction. Id. at 914. In a footnote,
the Federal Circuit clarified where the patent holder “seeks discovery of the source code as
relevant to its claims[,] [the patent holder’s] burden” is as set forth in Rule 26(b)(1).4 Id. at 913
n.9.

Elbit also argues plaintiff’s motion to compel was not timely filed. See Resp. to Mot. to Compel at 10. RCFC 37
does not prescribe a defined period for filing a motion to compel. “[T]here is no specified time for filing a motion to
compel, [and] courts generally look[] to the deadline for completion of discovery in considering whether a motion to
compel has been timely filed.” Hitkansut LLC v. United States, 119 Fed. Cl. 40, 49 (2014) (quoting Days Inn
Worldwide, Inc. v. Sonia Invs., 237 F.R.D. 395, 397 (N.D. Tex. 2006)) (internal citation and quotation marks
omitted). This case was never placed on a formal discovery schedule. Instead, based upon the unique nature of the
case as outlined supra, this Court permitted the parties to engage in limited, focused discovery regarding the issue of
noninfringement. This Court did not set a deadline for the completion of discovery, but instead periodically held
status conferences throughout the limited discovery to stay apprised of the parties’ progress. See, e.g., Scheduling
Order, ECF No. 98. Given these circumstances, the Court finds it improper to consider the timeliness of plaintiff’s
motion to compel.
4
A dissenting opinion attempted to attribute an elevated “good cause” standard to the accused infringer’s production
of source code, however, the Federal Circuit refused to recognize such a heightened bar during discovery. Baron
Services addresses the scope of Rule 26(b)(1) as it appeared in 2013. In 2015, the language of Rule 26(b)(1) was
amended, removing the following language: “reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible
3

- 12 -

Plaintiff thus need only show that the source code for related modules, other than the
HTS, is relevant to the asserted claims of the '159 patent as they allege infringement against the
F-35 HMDS. See Oppenheimer, 437 U.S. at 351; see also Baron Servs., 717 F.3d at 913 n.9.
The relevancy of the related modules, such as those receiving signals from the HTS, was the
subject of plaintiff’s expert report prepared by Dr. Welch. According to Dr. Welch, there are
two critical questions which must be answered to determine whether the F-35 HMDS practices
the “new method:” (1) “Does the F-35 HMDS determine a relative signal from signals measured
by inertial sensors on the aircraft and on the helmet?” and (2) “Does the F-35 HMDS determine
relative orientation or position by integrating such a relative signal?” Mot. to Compel at 9 (citing
Welch Decl. ¶ 33). According to plaintiff’s expert, the answer to the first question is yes: the
source code for the HTS shows the calculation of a “relative angular rate signal from inertial
sensors on the aircraft and on the helmet.” Id. (citing Welch Decl. ¶ 36) (emphasis omitted).
The second question, however, cannot be definitively answered based upon the information
currently made available to plaintiff. Based on Dr. Welch’s analysis, the relative angular rate
signal is sent to various other modules in the F-35 HMDS. Id. Plaintiff, however, suggests “the
F-35 HMDS can predict orientation at instants in time not otherwise provided, which can be
accomplished by integrating the relative angular rate signal.” Id. (citing Welch Decl. ¶¶ 38–42)
(emphasis omitted).
The documents plaintiff seeks, as provided in the Supplemental Requests, are hereinafter
analyzed according to the following groupings based upon the specific subject matter of the
requests: (1) Supplemental Requests 1–5; (2) Supplemental Request 6; (3) Supplemental
Request 7; (4) Supplemental Requests 8–9; (5) Supplemental Requests 10–11; and (6)
Supplemental Request 12.
1. Supplemental Requests 1–5
Supplemental Document Requests 1–5 each identify a specific module which, according
to plaintiff’s expert Dr. Welch, “likely uses inertial signals.” Suppl. Req. at 3. Plaintiff’s expert
further provides particularized reasons for why each of these modules is likely to use the inertial
signals. Supplemental Request 1 seeks the production of the “current or most recent version of
the source code for the HMDS Support Package (‘HSP’) CSCI.” Id. at 2. Plaintiff identifies
individual components within the HSP module, as well as the following justification for
production:
The basis for Thales’ understanding that this software likely uses inertial signals is
set forth in the Welch Declaration at paragraphs 33–47 and the exhibits cited in the
Declaration and above. The basis for Thales’ understanding includes that [XXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
evidence.” See 2015 Advisory Committee Note, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (as amended Dec. 1, 2015). “The
phrase [was] used by some, incorrectly, to define the scope of discovery.” Id. Accordingly, the rule was amended
to read as follows, without any substantive change in scope: “information within this scope of discovery need not be
admissible in evidence to be discoverable.” Id.

- 13 -

XXXXXXXXXXXXX] This component is also documented to perform the
function of [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] All
software installed on the DMC/H may have access to relevant inertial signals. Even
if this software does not itself use the inertial signals, it may control access to those
signals (for example through the “HMDS Interface Package (HIP)”) and therefore
may be relevant to determining what other software is likely to use them.
Id. at 3 (internal citations omitted). Most of plaintiff’s discussion regarding Supplemental
Request 1 is equally applicable, and in fact reproduced, for Supplemental Requests 2–5. Unique
to Supplemental Request 1, however, is the documented performance of [XXXXXXXXXXX]
Supplemental Request 2 seeks production of the “current or most recent version of the
source code for the Video and Symbology Driver (‘VSD’) CSCI.” Id. at 3. Plaintiff identifies
specific components of the VSD, as well as indicating this module’s documented performance of
[XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] Id. Plaintiff further notes the VSD’s
documented ability to [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] Id. (internal quotation marks omitted).
Supplemental Request 3 seeks production of the “current or most recent version of the
source code for the Operational Flight Program (‘OFP’) CSCI.” Suppl. Req. at 3. Plaintiff
identifies various capabilities and components of the OFP, further indicating this module “is
documented to perform [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] Id. at 4.
Supplemental Request 4 seeks production of the “current or most recent version of the
source code for the Video and Graphics Accelerator Driver (‘VGAD’) CSCI.” Id. Plaintiff
provides various capabilities and components of the VGAD. Id. Plaintiff further states this
module “perform[s] [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] in addition to
[XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXX] Id. at 5 (internal quotation marks omitted).
Supplemental Request 5 seeks production of the “current or most recent version of the
source code for the Board Support Package (‘HDP BSP’ and ‘HTS BSP’) CSCIs.” Id. Plaintiff
notes various capabilities of this module but does not supply any additional comments on the
components or documented functions of the various BSPs. While the specific rationale varies
from module to module, each of the modules identified in Supplemental Requests 1–5 may be
evaluated together under the liberal discovery standard of Rule 26(b)(1).
a. Integration of the Relative Angular Rate Signal

- 14 -

According to the technical documents already provided, plaintiff argues it is more than
“mere speculation” that the integration occurs in modules other than the HTS. Mot. to Compel at
9. The F-35 HMDS is capable of [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXX] Id. at 10 (citing Welch Decl. ¶¶ 38–42). In order to know the orientation at the
correct instant, the system “must [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] Id.
While Elbit does disclose the source code for the HTS, which is the software directly
responsible for tracking the position and orientation of the helmet, Elbit does not provide any
evidence that Dr. Welch’s second critical question is not answered by other modules in the
system. Instead, Elbit asserts the HTS does not perform the integration critical to the inquiry.
See, e.g., Resp. to Mot. to Compel at 14 (“[T]he HTS does not use the alleged ‘new way.’”); id.
(“[T]he HTS does not integrate a relative rate signal.”); id. at 17–18 (“Elbit has already produced
the source code used in the F-35 HMDS to track the position and orientation of the helmet”).
To shield it from producing additional documents and materials, Elbit cites to a series of
non-binding authority seemingly discussing a heightened burden for the production of source
code. See Resp. to Mot. to Compel at 14 (citing Ameranth, Inc. v. Pizza Hut, Inc., No. 11-1810,
2013 WL 636936, at *7 (S.D. Cal. Feb. 20, 2013) (limiting discovery of source code to that
which is “sufficient to show the operation of those system aspects” relevant to infringement)
(internal quotation marks omitted); Synopsys, Inc. v. Nassda Corp., No. 01-2519, 2002 WL
32749138, at *1 (N.D. Cal. Sept. 16, 2002) (requiring a showing that source code is “both
relevant and necessary to this action”). As previously discussed, there is no heightened burden
on the discovery of source code in a patent infringement action. See Oppenheimer, 437 U.S. at
351; see also Baron Servs., 717 F.3d at 913 n.9 (finding a patent holder need only satisfy the
requirements of Rule 26(b)(1) for access to source code).
The Court recognizes the F-35 HMDS contains numerous modules, and some of those
modules may be wholly unrelated to calculation of the position and orientation of the helmet.
This is why the Court ordered plaintiff to narrowly target the Supplemental Requests,
specifically identifying “any modules alleged to use data from the inertial sensors, the basis for
such allegations, and the nature of the information being requested.” Order, ECF No. 125.
Plaintiff appears to have done just that. In the Supplemental Requests, plaintiff identified five
specific modules [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX]
See Suppl. Req. These five modules are: the HMDS Support Package (“HSP”); the Video and
Symbology Driver (“VSD”); the Operational Flight Program (“OFP”); the “Video and Graphics
Accelerator Driver (“VGAD”); and the Board Support Package (“HDP BSP” and “HTS BSP”).
See id. at 2–5. Plaintiff further identified specific signals leaving the HTS, as well as individual
operations performed by the various modules. Id. The specifically identified signals include [X
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] Id. at 5. According to plaintiff and
plaintiff’s expert, it is undisputed that at least the modules identified in Supplemental Requests
1–4, that is the HSP, VSD, OFP, and VGAD, perform computations involving [XXXXXXXXX
XXX] See Tr. at 106:12–15, ECF No. 142 (“With respect to the VSD, the VGAD, the OFP, and
the HSP, we understand that these modules [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] Production of the
- 15 -

source code for these specific modules would confirm whether these computations involve the
integration of a relative angular rate signal.
Despite the specificity of these requests, Elbit maintains its position: the source code for
the HTS has already been produced, and the HTS “is the actual software component in the
accused F-35 HMDS that is used [to] calculate the orientation and position of a pilot’s helmet
relative to the airplane.” Resp. to Suppl. Req. at 9. Elbit did, however, provide a more targeted
response as to why it views these specific signals “not relevant to any of [plaintiff’s]
infringement contentions:”
[XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX]
Resp. to Suppl. Req. at 10. Based on this statement, and when pressed on the use of specific
signals on particular modules, Elbit offers nothing more than conclusory statements regarding
intended use of the signals. While the Court appreciates the sensitive nature of the source code
at issue, this case is subject to two protective orders,5 in addition to the government’s inspection
and certification of the security systems of both plaintiff’s and Elbit’s outside counsel. See
Notice of Inspection and Certification, ECF No. 81. [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] producing the source code for the modules
receiving this signal would confirm Elbit’s position. Assuming Elbit’s position is correct, the
source code would show no integration of the relative angular rate signal, and any fears
regarding disclosure of this limited information will be adequately protected pursuant to careful
measures already implemented in this case.
Elbit provides only a conclusory statement regarding the function of the modules without
providing the source code. Similarly, Elbit provided a specific response regarding [XXXXXXX
XXX]:
[XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXX] The '159 patent claims methods and systems for computing relative
orientation of a moving object relative to a moving reference frame. But the '159
patent does not claim any method or system describing the use of that orientation,
once determined. The use of the computed orientation or position of a pilot’s
helmet relative to the F-35 is therefore not relevant to any of [plaintiff’s]
infringement contentions.

See Order, ECF No. 51, granting the parties’ Stipulated Protective Order for Information Produced Subject to
Controls Administered by the Israeli Ministry of Defense and/or the U.S. State Department, Directorate of Defense
Trade Controls (“IMOD/DDTC”), and Order, ECF No. 79, granting the parties’ Stipulated Protective Order
covering all protected or confidential information not covered by the IMOD/DDTC protective order.
5

- 16 -

Resp. to Suppl. Req. at 10. The attempt to focus on the scope of the claims of the '159 patent as
being restricted to computation of position or orientation, which Elbit distinguishes from the
“use” of the position or orientation, ignores [XXXXXXXXXXX]. Specifically, Elbit does not
address [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] Yet plaintiff specifically identifies
the HSP as receiving [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] Suppl. Req. at 3. The HSP is
further identified as [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] Id.
b. Limited Claim Construction of the '159 Patent
Elbit does specifically address one particular function, [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXX] According to plaintiff’s expert, [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXX] Welch Decl. ¶ 34. Plaintiff therefore identifies [XXXXXXXXX] as a function
[XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] with the potential to infringe the '159 patent:
Elbit has made the statement in their interrogatory responses that [XXXXXXXXX
XXX] which is what we call the relative angular rate signal, is not integrated. That’s
what they say. But we know there’s a calculation being performed there. And that
makes sense, because these modules are based on the schematic documents, the
high-level documents we’ve gotten, in the pipeline, from the inertial sensors
through to the display on the helmets. And when we’re trying to trace these signals,
that’s generally the pipeline that we’re trying to follow.
Tr. at 106:19–107:5, ECF No. 142. In fact, Dr. Welch disclosed he was “not aware of any reason
for [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX]
Welch Decl. ¶ 38.6
Elbit first generally notes any outputs of the function [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXX] are not relevant to [plaintiff’s] infringement contentions.” Resp. to Suppl.
Req. at 10–11. More particularly, Elbit provides the following explanation regarding [XXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX]:
[XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] The
asserted claims are specifically confined to the use of raw signal data from inertial
sensors, and [plaintiff] is legally precluded from arguing otherwise, based on the
doctrines of judicial estoppel and prosecution history disclaimer. [XXXXXXXX
During oral argument, Elbit’s counsel responded to Dr. Welch’s observation, identifying [XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] Tr. at 47:7, ECF No. 142. However, when the
Court asked Elbit if they had “provided all documents related to [XXXXXXXXXX] does or touches or is used for,”
counsel for Elbit could not provide a definitive answer: “Honestly, I don’t know that. We have certainly described
these functions and provided documents for it. . . .” Id. at 49:9–14.
6

- 17 -

XXXX] does not contain a “relative angular rate signal.” Therefore, no software
could use [XXXXXXXXXXXX] to practice any of the asserted claims of the '159
patent.
Id.
Elbit’s position invokes the use of a particular claim construction for the following claim
limitation in claim 3 of the '159 patent: “integrating a relative angular rate signal determined
from the angular rate signals measured by the first and second inertial sensors.” '159 Patent at
col. 11:66–12:2 (emphasis added). Elbit reads this claim limitation as computing the relative
angular rate signal “directly from raw signal data” based upon statements made by plaintiff’s
expert, Dr. Welch, during the IPR. See Resp. to Mot. to Compel at 28–30. Thus, according to
Elbit, neither [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] contain a relative angular
rate signal. See Resp. to Suppl. Req. at 10–11 ([XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] is not
used by any Elbit software on the F-35 to compute a relative position or orientation and is
therefore not relevant to any of [plaintiff’s] infringement contentions.”); see also id. (“[N]o
software could use [XXXXXXXXXXXXXX] practice any of the asserted claims of the '159
patent.”).
During the IPR, Dr. Welch differentiated the “old method” (calculating orientation
relative to the earth) from the “new method” (calculating orientation relative to a moving
reference frame) based upon the use of “raw signals directly from sensors . . . mounted on the
object and the moving reference frame to compute relative orientation.” Resp. to Mot. to
Compel at 29–30 (quoting Decl. of Welch from the IPR, Resp. to Mot. to Compel, Ex. B at ¶¶
67–68). A demarcation was therefore allegedly drawn between the use of “processed” signals
and “raw signals.” Now, however, Dr. Welch asserts [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] is a
relative angular rate signal. Id. at 30. According to Elbit, these two positions are mutually
exclusive: if the relative angular rate signal is [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] then such a signal is a “processed” signal explicitly excluded
from the scope of the claims of the '159 patent. Id. at 31 (internal quotation marks omitted)
(quoting Welch Decl. ¶ 34). Elbit argues “[t]he asserted claims are specifically confined to the
use of raw signal data from inertial sensors, and [plaintiff] is legally precluded from arguing
otherwise, based on the doctrines of judicial estoppel and prosecution history disclaimer.” Resp.
to Suppl. Req. at 10.7

7

Elbit references the doctrines of both prosecution history disclaimer and judicial estoppel as a basis for its
proposed claim construction in its response to the Supplemental Requests. Though not directly addressed in its
response to plaintiff’s motion to compel, Elbit also discussed both doctrines during oral argument, seemingly using
the terms interchangeably. According to Elbit, application of the respective doctrines stem from the same arguments
presented by plaintiff, but differ only in the venue in which the arguments were presented:
COUNSEL FOR ELBIT: [Y]ou can view it either as an issue of claim construction, or also a question of
judicial estoppel.
THE COURT: [B]ecause of what was argued and stated at the PTO?
COUNSEL FOR ELBIT: In the PTO and also at the Federal Circuit. And the Federal Circuit adopted their
position. . . .

- 18 -

“Prosecution disclaimer ‘preclud[es] patentees from recapturing through claim
interpretation specific meanings disclaimed during prosecution.’” Aylus Networks, Inc. v. Apple
Inc., 856 F.3d 1353, 1359 (Fed. Cir. 2017) (quoting Omega Eng’g., Inc. v. Raytek Corp., 334
F.3d 1314, 1323 (Fed Cir. 2003)). Although Elbit does cite Federal Circuit case law discussing
prosecution history disclaimer, plaintiff rightly points out that none of Elbit’s cited cases are
directed to statements made during an IPR proceeding. While the parties seem to have avoided
this line of cases entirely, the Federal Circuit has directly addressed the use of statements made
during IPR proceedings when construing the claims during subsequent infringement litigation.
“Because an IPR proceeding involves reexamination of an earlier administrative grant of a
patent, it follows that statements made by a patent owner during an IPR proceeding can be
considered during claim construction and relied upon to support a finding of prosecution
disclaimer. . . . [T]o invoke the doctrine of prosecution disclaimer, any such statements must ‘be
both clear and unmistakable.’” Aylus Networks, 856 F.3d at 1361 (quoting Omega Eng’g., 334
F.3d at 1326).
Plaintiff argues against construing this particular claim term in isolation at this stage of
proceedings, while further rejecting Elbit’s attempts to invoke prosecution disclaimer based upon
statements and positions allegedly taken during the IPR. See Reply in Supp. of Mot. to Compel
at 18–20. According to plaintiff, “Dr. Welch’s prior statements are consistent with the claim
language and the context in which they occurred.” Id. at 18. In particular, both “Dr. Welch and
[plaintiff] refer to the use of ‘raw’ signals when they are referring to the advantages of the
embodiment described in the patent, which are available to any system that computes motion
using a relative signal.” Id. (emphasis omitted). Plaintiff further notes the “PTAB did not
conduct any claim construction during the [IPR]” with regards to the claim term now invoked by
Elbit, emphasizing “none of the arguments or rulings in the [IPR] depended upon or even
addressed how a relative angular rate signal is to be determined.” Id. (emphasis omitted).
This case has wandered into a unique procedural posture. Claim construction has not
begun. In fact, the parties have yet to even exchange a listing of proposed claim terms.
Although Elbit now asks the Court to take up claim construction of this particular claim
limitation in isolation, it was Elbit who initiated the unique trajectory of this case resulting in the
limited infringement-related discovery before conventional claim construction proceedings.
When discussing the procedural posture of this case during a status conference in September
2019, Elbit’s counsel stated:
[W]e were very clear that, given the handful of claims that were remaining that
were very narrow, that there was no viable infringement case, and we took the
unusual step at that time to provide a detailed memorandum explaining, in great
detail, with recitation to documents as well, why there is no infringement case here,
and we also agreed to make available technical documentation, including source
code.

Tr. at 38:12–19, ECF No. 142. Based on Elbit’s characterization of these arguments, the Court finds its discussion
of the doctrine of prosecution history estoppel sufficient to cover Elbit’s similarly raised, if not identical, arguments
raising the doctrine of judicial estoppel.

- 19 -

Tr. at 12:4–11, ECF No. 128; see also Reply in Supp. of Mot. to Compel at 1 (“Elbit avoided a
case management order that would have set deadlines for claim construction and the completion
of all discovery by making a bold representation: Elbit claimed that it would produce source
code files and documents that would prove there is no infringement so decisively that [plaintiff]
would have no good faith basis to pursue this case.”). Now, however, in response to plaintiff’s
request to compel the production of additional source code and documents, Elbit attempts to
invoke the doctrine of prosecution disclaimer, outside the traditional vehicle of claim
construction, to limit the scope of its production.
The Court does not make any findings as to the applicability of Elbit’s prosecution
history disclaimer arguments. Rather, the Court notes such arguments are better reserved for
claim construction. The Court recognizes it may “engage in claim construction during various
phases of litigation, not just in a Markman order.” Conoco, Inc. v. Energy & Envtl. Int’l., L.C.,
460 F.3d 1349, 1359 (Fed. Cir. 2006). Here, however, the parties have not even exchanged
proposed terms for construction. Plaintiff does not have the opportunity to present its proposed
construction, but rather only respond to Elbit’s proposed construction. Further, Elbit’s
arguments regarding prosecution history disclaimer are only one element of a claim construction
analysis. As the Federal Circuit noted, “statements made by a patent owner during an IPR
proceeding can be considered during claim construction and relied upon to support a finding of
prosecution disclaimer.” Aylus Networks, 856 F.3d at 1361 (emphasis added). Trial courts have
discretion in directing the scope and conduct of discovery. Florsheim Shoe Co., 744 F.2d at 797.
It would be premature for the Court to construe this particular claim limitation in isolation
according to Elbit’s proposed construction based upon the incomplete record currently available.
Plaintiff further identifies documented functions and activities of the various modules
implicating [XXXXXXXXXXXX]. The Video and Symbology Driver [XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] Suppl. Req. at 3. The Operational Flight Program
[XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] Id. at 4 (internal quotation marks omitted). The Video and
Graphics Accelerator Driver [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] Id. at
5. Elbit does not provide any response to plaintiff’s specific identification of these module’s
functions.
The Court finds it premature to construe a particular claim limitation in isolation at this
stage of the proceedings, and in particular on the current record available. See, e.g., Baron
Servs., 717 F.3d at 914 (vacating the district court’s award of summary judgment without
conducting any claim construction and remanding for further proceedings to permit plaintiff the
opportunity to pursue “claim construction with appropriately limited discovery”); In re Bill of
Lading Transmission & Processing Sys. Patent Litig., 681 F.3d 1323, 1343 n.13 (Fed. Cir. 2012)
(finding the district court’s reliance on a “narrow construction of the patent’s claims” at the
pleading stage prior to conducting any discovery and “with no claim construction process
undertaken . . . was inappropriate”); Menell et al., supra, at 5-5 (noting a majority of district
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courts choose to hold a Markman hearing midway through or near the end of discovery as “[t]his
timing affords the parties sufficient discovery in advance of the claim-construction hearing to
gain an understanding of the liability issues and accurately identify the terms needing
construction”). Absent even limited claim construction, Elbit cannot maintain why discovery of
the source code for the identified modules is not relevant to plaintiff’s claims for infringement, as
liberally construed. Plaintiff is permitted to seek discovery of those modules specifically
identified as receiving signals from the HTS or otherwise performing functions related thereto.
Plaintiff’s motion to compel the production of source code for the modules identified in
Supplemental Document Requests 1–5 is granted.
2. Supplemental Request 6
In Supplemental Request 6, plaintiff seeks the source code for the following modules:
Boot-Strap; LDR1; LDR2 LOSIC; LDR2 Display; LDR2 GP; HTS Debug; Marshalling0.1; and
Marshalling. Suppl. Req. at 5. Plaintiff further seeks the production of “all other software that is
installed on the DMC/H.” Id. Plaintiff states the following regarding these modules:
The basis for Thales’ understanding that this software likely uses inertial signals is
set forth in the Welch Declaration at paragraphs 33–47 and the exhibits cited in the
Declaration and above. The basis for Thales’ understanding includes that [XXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] and that these components are installed on the
DMC/H and therefore may have access to relevant inertial signals. Even if this
software does not itself use the inertial signals, it may control access to those signals
and therefore may be relevant to determining what other software is likely to use
them.
Id. at 6.
Elbit characterizes these modules as nothing but “low-level software” used for
performing basic, unrelated functions. See Tr. at 117:9–11, ECF No. 142. Additionally, Elbit
explicitly states the “Boot-Strap,” “LDR1,” “LDR2 LOSIC,” “LDR2 Display,” and “LDR2 GP”
modules [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXX] Resp. to Suppl. Req. at 41. Elbit bases this conclusion on consultation with the
“technical manager for the F-35 program at the relevant time, who helped design and develop the
helmet tracking software used in the HMDS.” Id. at 42. Elbit makes no further representations
regarding the “HTS Debug” or either of the “Marshalling” modules.
Unlike the modules discussed previously in Supplemental Requests 1–5, and in particular
requests 1–4 for which plaintiff identifies specific computations being performed, plaintiff does
not identify specific computations involving [XXXXXXXXXXX] performed by the modules
identified in Supplemental Request 6. See Tr. at 106:12–22, ECF No. 142 (discussing the
computations performed only by those modules identified in Supplemental Requests 1–4). It is
not as if plaintiff is seeking the source code for wholly irrelevant modules on the plane, such as
the engine thrusters, landing gear, weapons systems, etc. See Tr. at 123:11–17 (“We have done
our best to identify the specific modules. . . . [W]e’re not talking about an enormous amount of
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data, we’re not talking about, you know, things that are unrelated to the HMDS. We’re talking
about, you know, a handful of modules that are running on the actual machine that makes this
work.”).
Although plaintiff notes the specific modules grouped together in Supplemental Request
6 are “less relevant” than those identified in Supplemental Requests 1–5 (such as those identified
as performing specific computations in requests 1–4), this does not render the secondary group
of modules identified in Supplemental Request 6 entirely irrelevant to plaintiff’s infringement
contentions. Tr. at 109:24, ECF No. 142. Elbit has not rebutted plaintiff’s showing that these
modules satisfy the liberal relevancy standards of discovery. To the extent plaintiff identifies
specific modules in Supplemental Request 6, such specifically identified modules are
discoverable. The final provision of Supplemental Request 6, however, is overly broad and not
adequately supported by plaintiff’s arguments regarding “all other software that is installed on
the DMC/H.” Suppl. Req. at 5. Any additional software modules running on the DMC/H not
specifically identified in Supplemental Request 6 are not discoverable, unless otherwise
indicated in relation to one of the other Supplemental Requests.
Similar to the modules identified in Supplemental Requests 1–5, Elbit cannot maintain
why discovery of the source code for the specifically identified modules in Supplemental
Request 6 are not relevant to plaintiff’s claims for infringement pursuant to Rule 26(b)(1)’s
liberally construed discovery standard. Accordingly, plaintiff’s motion to compel the production
of source code for the modules specifically identified in Supplemental Document Request 6 is
granted in part. Elbit shall produce the source code for the following modules: Boot-Strap;
LDR1; LDR2 LOSIC; LDR2 Display; LDR2 GP; HTS Debug; Marshalling0.1; and Marshalling.
To the extent plaintiff’s motion to compel seeks the production of source code for all other
software installed on the DMC/H, plaintiff’s motion is denied.
3. Supplemental Request 7
Supplemental Request 7 is styled as a “catch-all” provision, addressing any versions,
whether developed by Elbit or another third-party, with access to the implicated signals not
covered by Supplemental Requests 1–6. Specifically, plaintiff seeks “the current or most recent
version of all source code for software relating to the HDMS [sic] with access to or controlling
access to [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX], or any orientation rates or
accelerations that originate or are calculated using data from inertial sensors mounted in a helmet
of any HMDS.” Suppl. Req. at 6.
According to plaintiff, Supplemental Request 7 takes an alternative approach from the
format of Supplemental Requests 1–6. In Supplemental Requests 1–6, plaintiff identified the
specific modules on the DMC/H currently known to [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX]. In Supplemental Request 7, however, plaintiff attempts to trace
the signals themselves, in the event they are received by additional modules not yet identified:
What we’re trying to do with the source code is we are trying to trace the flow of
information from the inertial sensors on the helmet to an end point. And that end

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point is either the helmet display or it is some other end point where our expert can
conclude there is no infringement in the system.
Tr. at 14:19–25, ECF No. 142. Elbit’s response to Supplemental Request 7 mirrored that for
Supplemental Requests 1–6: conclusory statements that [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX] a relative angular rate signal is not
integrated anywhere in the HMDS; and reliance on Elbit’s own self-serving construction of the
claims. See, e.g., Tr. at 29:9–11, ECF No. 142 (“[W]e made clear that [XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXX]; id. at 32:23–25 (“[T]here’s no other software in the helmet system that integrates it or
that calculates a position or orientation.”); id. at 32:3–10 (“[W]e believe there is no relative
angular rate signal . . . based on explicit representations that [plaintiff] has made both to the
Patent Office and to the Federal Circuit about the meaning of those claims.”).
Elbit further fails to maintain why discovery of the source code for the remaining
modules with access to, or controlling access to, the relevant signals, as liberally construed
pursuant to Rule 26(b)(1), are not relevant to plaintiff’s claims for infringement. Accordingly,
plaintiff’s motion to compel the production of source code for any remaining modules having
access to, or controlling access to, the relevant signals as set forth in Supplemental Document
Request 7 is granted.
4. Supplemental Requests 8–9
In Supplemental Request 8, plaintiff seeks all versions of source code “released from
Elbit’s source code repository for potential use for tracking motion on a moving platform from
the earlier of January 1, 2011 or the first date on which any helmet developed for the HMDS
contained an inertial sensor.” Suppl. Req. at 6. Plaintiff emphasizes the need to review previous
versions of source code to understand “how the system evolved over time.” Tr. at 66:24, ECF
No. 142. Elbit, again, refers to its production of all 13 versions of source code for the HTS
which entered the United States for use by the government. Tr. at 82:16–20, ECF No. 142 (“The
versions that were installed in aircrafts, the versions that actually went to the United States
Government, have been produced. You know, we’ve produced 13 versions, all of those have
already been produced.”).
To the extent Elbit contends the production of additional versions of source code would
be unduly burdensome based upon the volume of production, plaintiff proposes several methods
of reducing any such burden on Elbit. See Resp. to Suppl. Req. at 59; see also Tr. at 97:22–98:2
(“[T]o ask a company to simply turn over every piece of source code, and when you read these in
total, that’s basically what they’re asking for, is every piece of source code, without any showing
that it’s relevant, that is an extraordinary burden. . . .”). For example, during oral argument,
plaintiff rightly clarified not every iteration of source code would be necessary, such as those
showing minor or otherwise trivial modifications. See Tr. at 67:4–22, ECF No. 142 (“We’re
open to any reasonable way to limit that to something that makes sense. . . . [W]hen we talk
about versions, we’re talking about versions of the software that are like a milestone, not literally
every revision that is made to any particular source code file.”). Production could be limited to
only significant revisions to the source code, such as those constituting the various “generation
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versions” of the HMDS or other significant modifications. See id. In Supplemental
Interrogatory 6, plaintiff posits whether any objections to production “based on undue burden
could be avoided by producing a sample of the unproduced versions.” Suppl. Req. at 8. Elbit
does not show the inadequacy of such safeguards to limit any unduly burdensome production.
Accordingly, plaintiff’s motion to compel as it relates to Supplemental Request 8 is
granted in part. Elbit shall produce all previous versions of source code requested in
Supplemental Requests 1–7 used for tracking motion on a moving platform, as defined in this
opinion and order, pursuant to Supplemental Request 8. The parties shall meet and confer to
determine the most efficient manner for producing the source code, followed by submission of a
joint status report indicating the specific versions to be produced.
Supplemental Request 9 seeks “all technical documents relating to the design or
operation of the ‘HTS’ CSCI or the software components for which source code is requested in
Supplemental Document Requests 1–8.” Id. at 6. According to plaintiff, “[a]n effective source
code review requires access to documents relating to the operation of the software and the
development of the code.” Mot. to Compel at 12. Elbit initially argues plaintiff never before
requested these documents and therefore the request is improper. Resp. to Mot. to Compel at 22.
The Supplemental Requests were required by the Court, however, and were submitted after the
parties’ initial briefs to effectively modify the scope of plaintiff’s initial requests. Suppl. Req. at
6. The timing of this request is accordingly not improper.
Elbit offers no further arguments against the production of related technical documents
beyond once again disputing their relevancy, reiterating that “[t]he only relevant software is the
Hybrid Tracker Software.” Resp. to Mot. to Compel at 24. The Court agrees technical
documents assist in understanding source code, particularly source code involving complex
systems: plaintiff is “simply looking for the technical documents so that it’s clear it’s not just the
source code, because as our expert has often reminded us, looking at source code in the absence
of the context is much harder to do.” Tr. at 70:19–23, ECF No. 142; see also McKesson Info.
Sols. LLC v. Epic Sys. Corp., 495 F. Supp. 2d 1329, 1334 (N.D. Ga. 2007) (finding “the source
code alone is not sufficient to reasonably show the operation of the . . . software” in the absence
of related technical designs and documents for complex software).
Plaintiff’s motion to compel as it relates to Supplemental Request 9 is granted. Elbit
shall produce all technical documents related to the HTS, if not already produced, in addition to
all relevant technical documents related to the operation and development of the specific
modules identified in each of Supplemental Request Nos. 1–8, as indicated in Supplemental
Request 9.
B. Production of Documents Related to the Alleged Infringing Signal Processing
Procedure (“the Smoking Gun” Document): Supplemental Requests 10–11
In response to this Court’s order to produce “relevant technical documents that support
[the Noninfringement Memo],” Elbit produced a series of technical documents “containing a
signal processing procedure that infringes the asserted claims if implemented.” Mot. to Compel

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at 13. Below is a representative example of the allegedly infringing signal processing procedure,
or “the smoking gun” document:

Mot. to Compel, Ex. 13 at 2. According to plaintiff’s expert Dr. Welch, the two critical signal
processing questions are answered affirmatively based upon “the smoking gun” document:
Signal Processing Questions
Does the F-35 HMDS determine a relative
signal from signals measured by inertial
sensors on the aircraft and on the helmet?

Answers
Yes, as shown by [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX].

Does the F-35 HMDS determine relative
orientation or position by integrating such a
relative signal?

Yes, as shown by [XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXX].

Id. at 13.
After reviewing “the smoking gun” document, plaintiff requested additional “documents
that refer or relate to the information set forth in documents produced by Elbit showing the
infringing procedure.” Id. According to plaintiff:

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Documents related to an infringing procedure plainly are relevant to [plaintiff’s]
claims of infringement and Elbit’s assertion of non-infringement. In fact, they are
potentially among the most relevant documents. . . . Elbit already conceded that
the infringing signal processing procedure and related information are relevant by
producing these documents. . . . [T]here is no dispute that the signal processing
procedure relates to Elbit’s work on the F-35 HMDS.
Mot. to Compel at 13–14.
Elbit did not produce additional documents related to “the smoking gun” document.
Instead, Elbit objected based upon the relevancy of the documents, claiming the “simulation
algorithm was never used in the F-35.” Resp. to Mot. to Compel at 24 (emphasis omitted).
“Indeed, it was never used anywhere in the United States.” Id. Elbit relies on the declaration of
Dr. Efrat, “a senior algorithms engineer and the manager of the Algorithms Development Group”
at Elbit, who stated “the allegedly infringing algorithm ‘was never used or tested in the United
States.’” Id. at 24–25 (quoting Mot. for Summ. J., Ex. B ¶ 20) (emphasis omitted). The only
location where this algorithm was allegedly used was Israel. Id. at 25. The government
similarly characterizes “the smoking gun” document as “a single diagram that Elbit asserts was
part of an early computer simulation run only in Israel and never delivered to the United States.”
Gov’t Brief II at 8. The government further reiterates Dr. Efrat’s statements to “explain[] that
Elbit abandoned the simulation algorithm by early 2012, well before the first [allegedly
infringing] helmets were retrofitted with inertial sensors and delivered to the Government for
testing.” Id. (citation omitted).
Elbit and the government both refer to 28 U.S.C. § 1498 to dispute the relevancy of “the
smoking gun” document. See Resp. to Mot. to Compel at 24; Gov’t Brief II at 8–9. Section
1498 waives the government’s sovereign immunity for patent infringement actions in limited
circumstances:
Whenever an invention described in and covered by a patent of the United States is
used or manufactured by or for the United States without license of the owner
thereof or lawful right to use or manufacture the same, the owner’s remedy shall be
by action against the United States in the United States Court of Federal Claims for
the recovery of his reasonable and entire compensation for such use and
manufacture.
28 U.S.C. § 1498(a). Section 1498, however, does “not apply to any claim arising in a foreign
country.” Id. § 1498(c).
Elbit argues it “does not provide the source code for the helmet tracking software to the
United States government, and the United States government does not have any ability to access
Elbit’s source code database.” Resp. to Mot. to Compel at 21. According to Elbit, the following
have already been produced: “every version of the helmet tracking software that uses inertial
data that has ever been installed in any F-35 aircraft;” “the current production version of the
software;” “the source code for all previous production versions of the software;” and “all
versions that were installed on any F-35 for testing purposes.” Id. at 19 (emphasis omitted).
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Thus, Elbit concludes any additional documents or materials regarding the algorithm are not
relevant to the infringement claims in this case because “[t]he only issue before the Court is
whether the inventions covered by the asserted claims of the '159 patent were used or
manufactured by or for the United States.” Id. at 26. “[A]ny claim that Elbit’s internal
simulations practiced the '159 patent would have ‘aris[en] in a foreign country’ and would
therefore be beyond the jurisdiction of this Court.” Id. at 25–26 (quoting 28 U.S.C. § 1498(c)).
The Federal Circuit interprets § 1498 as follows: “the use or importation within the
United States [of] a product which is made by a process patented in the United States constitutes
use of the invention without lawful right because the products embody the invention itself.”
Zoltek Corp. v. United States, 672 F.3d 1309, 1326 (Fed. Cir. 2012) (internal quotation marks
omitted). Where a party “seek[s] production of documents and source code regarding potentially
infringing systems” for infringement claims arising in foreign countries, however, this Court
“does not have jurisdiction over these claims” and any such discovery is improper. 3rd Eye
Surveillance, LLC v. United States, No. 15-501, 2017 WL 2609233, at *2 (Fed. Cl. June 16,
2017).
The difficulty presented here is the final product of the F-35 aircraft helmet ultimately
imported and used in the United States does not incorporate the algorithm from “the smoking
gun” document. The algorithm was never implemented into the F-35 aircraft which is the sole
subject of plaintiff’s infringement allegations. See Resp. to Mot. to Compel at 24. Plaintiff does
not provide any argument or citation to authority rebutting Elbit’s assertions regarding the
relevancy of the extraterritorial development of the algorithm. Rather, plaintiff summarily infers
that “[i]t is axiomatic that all documents relating to an infringing signal processing procedure
developed and implemented in any manner in connection with the F-35 HMDS are relevant and
must be produced.” Reply in Supp. of Mot. to Compel at 16. During oral argument, plaintiff
described the development of the algorithm in relation to the final product F-35 helmet as
follows:
[I]t was produced as part of a production relating to the F-35. It is conceded that
that is not like a separate program. It’s not like there were two programs and this
is the other one. There was one program, this is a part of the development of that
program. If this is a roadmap to infringement, we’re allowed to see that document.
Tr. at 137:17–23, ECF No. 142.
Neither § 1498 nor the case law supports this premise. Without entering the United
States, or being implemented into the products used by the United States and therefore subject to
the government’s limited waiver of sovereign immunity, this Court cannot maintain jurisdiction
over any claims or discovery resulting therefrom. See Zoltek, 672 F.3d at 1326 (“However, in
this case, § 1498(c) does not exempt the United States from liability because the infringing
acts—use or importation of the products resulting from the process—occurred in the United
States. Importation occurs when the product crosses the United States’ border, and use occurs
within the United States.”); see also 3rd Eye Surveillance, 2017 WL 2609233, at *2
(“Infringement claims based at U.S. embassies are outside the jurisdiction of this court, however,
because they ‘arise in a foreign country’ within the meaning of 28 U.S.C. § 1498(c).”). The
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algorithm contained in “the smoking gun” document relates to claims arising only in a foreign
country. Absent jurisdiction over the underlying claims, the discovery of information related to
systems developed and maintained entirely in a foreign country is improper. See id. (“Therefore,
as the court does not have jurisdiction over these claims, plaintiffs’ discovery of information
related to systems located at U.S. embassies is improper.”). Accordingly, plaintiff’s attempts to
seek discovery regarding extraterritorial documents and materials concerning “the smoking gun”
document are improper. Plaintiff’s motion to compel the production of documents and materials
in Supplemental Requests 10 and 11 is denied.
C. Redaction of Documents Based Upon Relevancy of Information:
Supplemental Request 12
Lastly, plaintiff seeks unredacted versions of documents Elbit previously produced in
redacted form. Mot. to Compel at 14. Rather than redacting the documents based upon a claim
of privilege, Elbit redacted various documents based upon the relevancy of the disclosed
information, a tactic which plaintiff claims is improper. Id. Elbit asserts the information
redacted from the previously produced documents “relate[s] to a few other products that are not
used in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and are therefore not relevant to this case.” Resp. to Mot. to
Compel at 26. The parties cite to a series of competing district court cases supporting their
respective propositions. See Mot. to Compel at 15; Resp. to Mot. to Compel at 27.
Plaintiff does not explain why the redacted information should be produced. In fact,
plaintiff does not rebut Elbit’s assertions that the redacted information relates to products not
accused of infringing the '159 patent. Plaintiff selectively cites district court cases challenging
the unilateral redaction of documents by the producing party. See Mot. to Compel at 14–15
(citing Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. v. CIA Wheel Grp., No. 15-246, 2016 WL 6246384, at *2 (C.D.
Cal. Feb. 23 2016)) (finding defendant “may not redact otherwise responsive documents because
those documents contain irrelevant material”); Melchior v. Hilite Int’l, Inc., No. 13-50177, 2013
WL 2238754, at *3 (E.D. Mich. May 21, 2013) (finding a nonparty “cannot unilaterally redact
portions of documents based on relevancy grounds”). While the Court notes these district court
cases found unilateral redaction of documents based on relevancy improper, neither of these
cases presents an analogous factual situation to the present case. Here, plaintiff alleges
infringement against the government based on its use of a signal-processing system implicated in
one specific product: the F-35 fighter helmet. Plaintiff’s complaint does not allege infringement
by the government against any other products, software, or systems. Yet plaintiff seeks the
production of documents containing information unrelated to the accused product or the
government’s use thereof.
In Gilead Sciences, Inc. v. Merck & Co., Inc., Magistrate Judge Paul Grewal grappled
with a similar factual scenario. No. 13-04057, 2016 WL 146574 (Jan. 13, 2016), aff’d on other
grounds, 888 F.3d 1231 (Fed. Cir. 2018), and cert. denied, 139 S. Ct. 797 (2019). In Gilead, the
plaintiff brought a declaratory judgment action against the patent holder seeking to invalidate
two of the defendants’ patents. See Gilead Scis., Inc. v. Merck & Co., Inc., 888 F.3d 1231, 1233
(Fed. Cir. 2018). The patent holder “counter-claimed for infringement.” Id. The technology at
issue involved various classes of compounds “identified by structural formulas, and the
administration of therapeutically effective amounts of such compounds.” Id. Among the
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plaintiff’s arguments was that “it was the one to conceive and reduce to practice the inventions”
prior to the defendant. Gilead, 2016 WL 146574, at *1. A photograph surfaced in a related
proceeding showing tube labels listing the molecular weight of the contents of the respective
tubes were the same as the accused compound. Id. Defendant sought “further production of
further information about the tubes and their contents, including the tubes themselves.” Id.
Defendant already possessed, however, “information from [the plaintiff] that confirms that the
tubes in question held” different compounds with the same molecular weight. Id. In discussing
the proportionality of defendant’s demands pursuant to Rule 26(b)(1), Magistrate Judge Grewal
found:
[The defendant’s] demands are exactly the type of disproportionate demands that
Rule 26(b)(1) proscribes. Sure, it’s possible that [the plaintiff’s] evidence . . . is
false and even concocted. But [the defendant] offers no real evidence that this is
the case, and as the court recently explained in denying a motion to compel by [the
plaintiff], “[w]ithout more specific information triggering some reason for doubt,
the Court must take the producing party . . . at its word.” And so that leaves [the
plaintiff] in the position of having to produce discovery on all sorts of compounds
that bear no indication of any nexus to the disputes in this case. This is untenable.
It would be like requiring GM to produce discovery on Buicks and Chevys in a
patent case about Cadillacs simply because all three happen to be cars. In the
absence of any reason to doubt the proof [the plaintiff] has tendered about the
identity of the disputed compounds, and given the cost and potential delay
introduced by the requested production, [the defendant’s] request is precisely the
kind of disproportionate discovery that Rule 26—old or new—was intended to
preclude.
Id. at 2 (footnotes omitted).8
Here, Elbit produced documents deemed relevant to specific production requests with
“minimal redactions to protect against disclosure of irrelevant information related to unaccused
systems.” Resp. to Mot. to Compel at 27–28. Plaintiff has failed to show how or why any
unaccused systems are relevant to its infringement claims against the F-35 fighter helmet. In
fact, plaintiff does not even argue that the redacted information is potentially responsive to the
requests for production. Rather, plaintiff only argues Elbit may not make unilateral redactions
based on relevancy and notes the documents are already designated as “Highly Protected –
8

Other district courts have reached similar conclusions unique to patent infringement cases. See, e.g., BlackBerry
Ltd. v. Facebook, Inc., No. 18-1844, 2019 WL 4544425, at *6 (C.D. Cal. Aug. 19, 2019) (finding request for
production of all electronically stored information relating to a particular search term not relevant to the needs of the
case under Rule 26(b) because “the adjudication of the infringement claims in this action will turn on the specifics of
the Patents-in-Suit and the implementing source code for those accused patents”); Nazomi Commc’ns, Inc. v.
Samsung Telecomms., Inc., No. 10-05545, 2012 WL 1980807, at *3 (N.D. Cal. June 1, 2012) (declining to extend
the production of source code beyond “the portion that is covered by its infringement claims”); Funai Elec. Co. v.
Orion Elec. Co., Nos. 02-2605, 01-3501, 2002 WL 1808419, at *7 (S.D.N.Y. Aug. 7, 2002) (“To the extent that [the
plaintiff] seek[s] documents pertaining to testing and analysis of products that are not related to accused . . . products
or to the extent that they seek documents pertaining to testing of accused products regarding aspects not covered by
the claims, they are overbroad. Since [the plaintiff] has failed to show the relevance of this information, [the
plaintiff’s] motion to compel is denied and [the defendant] need not produce more than it has agreed to.”).

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Outside Attorneys’ Eyes Only pursuant to a highly restrictive protective order.” Mot. to Compel
at 15.
The government only waives sovereign immunity to patent infringement suits in limited
circumstances based on the “use[] or manufacture[] by or for the United States.” 28 U.S.C. §
1498(a). This Court cannot maintain jurisdiction over claims failing to identify the government
as the direct infringer. To the extent otherwise relevant documents produced by Elbit contain
redactions concerning unrelated products or systems not accused of infringement in plaintiff’s
complaint, the Court finds such redactions appropriate pursuant to Rule 26(b)(1). Documents
and materials concerning such unaccused products or systems are not relevant to plaintiff’s
claims of infringement against the F-35 fighter helmet under § 1498.
Plaintiff’s motion to compel the production of unredacted versions of all documents
previously produced in redacted form, as set forth in Supplemental Document Request 12, is
denied.
VI.

Conclusion

For the reasons stated herein, plaintiff’s motion to compel is hereby GRANTED-INPART and DENIED-IN-PART. Elbit shall produce the following documents and materials:
(1) the source code for those specifically identified modules requested in Supplemental
Document Request Nos. 1–8; and (2) the technical documents requested in Supplemental
Document Request 9. Elbit need not produce the technical documents or unreacted versions of
previously produced documents requested in Supplemental Document Request Nos. 10–12. The
parties shall meet and confer to discuss, amongst other issues, the timing of production, any
arrangements necessary for viewing source code, and the efficient identification of source code
versions consistent with this Opinion and Order. On or before 1 May 2020 the parties shall
submit a joint status report detailing the parties’ proposed agreement for the completion of
discovery as set forth herein. After the parties submit the joint status report, the Court will hold a
status conference to discuss the remaining pending motions.
IT IS SO ORDERED.

s/ Ryan T. Holte
RYAN T. HOLTE
Judge

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