Alfonso Cioffi et al v. Google, Inc.
Filing
1
COMPLAINT for Patent Infringement against Google, Inc. ( Filing fee $ 350 receipt number 0540-3987246.), filed by Morgan Rozman, Alfonso Cioffi, Megan Rozman, Melanie Rozman. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - U.S. Reissue Patent No. RE43,103, # 2 Exhibit B - U.S. Reissue Patent No. RE43,500, # 3 Exhibit C - U.S. Reissue Patent No. RE43,528, # 4 Exhibit D - U.S. Reissue Patent No. RE43,529, # 5 Civil Cover Sheet)(Davis, William)
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS
MARSHALL DIVISION
ALFONSO CIOFFI, an individual,
MELANIE ROZMAN, an individual,
MEGAN ROZMAN, an individual, and
MORGAN ROZMAN, an individual,
Case No. 2:13-cv-103
Plaintiffs,
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
vs.
GOOGLE, INC.
Defendants.
COMPLAINT FOR PATENT INFRINGEMENT
Plaintiffs Alfonso Cioffi, Melanie Rozman, Megan Rozman, and Morgan Rozman
(together, “Plaintiffs”) allege as follows for their complaint against Google, Inc. (“Google”):
JURISDICTION AND VENUE
1.
This action arises under the patent laws of the United States, Title 35 of the
United States Code. This Court has original subject matter jurisdiction over this action pursuant
to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 1338.
2.
The Court has personal jurisdiction over Google because Google has transacted
and is transaction business in the Eastern District of Texas that includes, but is not limited to the
use and sale of products and systems that practice the subject matter claimed in the patents-insuit.
3.
Venue is proper in the district under 28 U.S.C. §§ 1391 and 1400(b) because a
substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claims occurred in this District
-1-
where Google has done business and committed infringing acts and continues to do business and
to commit infringing acts.
PARTIES
4.
Plaintiff Alfonso Cioffi is the co-inventor and co-owner of the Patents-in-Suit,
and lives in Murphy, Texas, within the Eastern District of Texas.
5.
Plaintiff Melanie Rozman is the daughter of the co-inventor, the late Al Rozman,
and co-owner of the Patents-in-Suit, and lives in Murphy, Texas within the Eastern District of
Texas.
6.
Plaintiff Morgan Rozman is the daughter of the co-inventor, the late Al Rozman,
and co-owner of the Patents-in-Suit, and lives in Murphy, Texas within the Eastern District of
Texas.
7.
Plaintiff Megan Rozman is the daughter of the co-inventor, the late Al Rozman,
and co-owner of the Patents-in-Suit, and lives in Murphy, Texas within the Eastern District of
Texas.
8.
Collectively, Alfonso Cioffi, Melanie Rozman, Morgan Rozman and Megan
Rozman are the joint and one hundred percent (100%) owners of the Patents-in-Suit.
9.
On information and belief, defendant Google is a Delaware Corporation having its
principal place of business at 1600 Amphitheater Parkway, Mountain View, California 94043.
On information and belief, Google is in the business of providing web browsers (Chrome),
mobile web browsers (Chrome for Android) and hardware installed with Chrome and Chrome
for Android (e.g., Chromebooks and Nexus mobile devices), and that a significant portion of
Google’s revenue derives from the use of these technologies. On information and belief, Google
has done and continues to do business in the Eastern District of Texas.
PATENTS
10.
Plaintiffs are the owner of all rights, title and interests in U.S. Reissue Patent
RE43,103 (the “’103”), entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING A
COMPUTER SYSTEM FROM MALICIOUS SOFTWARE.” The ‘103 Reissue Patent was duly
-2-
and legally issued on January 10, 2012 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. A
true and correct copy of the ‘103 Reissue Patent is attached hereto as Exhibit A.
11.
Plaintiffs are the owner of all rights, title and interests in U.S. Reissue Patent
RE43,500 (the “500”), entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING A
COMPUTER SYSTEM FROM MALICIOUS SOFTWARE.” The ‘500 Reissue Patent was duly
and legally issued on July 3, 2012 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. A true and
correct copy of the ‘500 Reissue Patent is attached hereto as Exhibit B.
12.
Plaintiffs are the owner of all rights, title and interests in U.S. Reissue Patent
RE43,528 (the “’528”), entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING A
COMPUTER SYSTEM FROM MALICIOUS SOFTWARE.” The ‘528 Reissue Patent was duly
and legally issued on July 17, 2012 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. A true
and correct copy of the ‘528 Reissue Patent is attached hereto as Exhibit C. Mr. Cioffi wrote to
Google on December 11, 2012, placing Google on notice of the ‘528 Reissue Patent.
13.
Plaintiffs are the owner of all rights, title and interests in U.S. Reissue Patent
RE43,529 (the “’529”), entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING A
COMPUTER SYSTEM FROM MALICIOUS SOFTWARE.” The ‘529 Reissue Patent was duly
and legally issued on July 17, 2012 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. A true
and correct copy of the ‘529 Reissue Patent is attached hereto as Exhibit D. Mr. Cioffi wrote to
Google on December 11, 2012, placing Google on notice of the ‘529 Reissue Patent.
14.
Reissue Patents ‘103, ‘500, ‘528 and ‘529 are collectively herein referred to as the
“Patents-in-Suit.”
COUNT 1 – INFRINGEMENT OF THE ‘103 REISSUE PATENT
15.
Paragraphs 1-14 are incorporated by reference as if stated fully herein.
16.
On information and belief, Google has been and is directly infringing, either by
literal infringement or under the doctrine of equivalents, the ‘103 Reissue Patent in this judicial
district and elsewhere in the United States by making, using, offering to sell, and selling (1) all
versions of Google Chrome in existence as of the filing of the complaint, and all later versions,
-3-
(2) Google Chrome for Android 4.0, 4.1, and all later versions, (3) Chromebook versions Cr-48,
Series 5 XE500C21, AC700, Series 5 XE550C22, Series 3 XE303C12, C7 and X131e,
Chromebox models Series 3 XE300M22-A01US, Series 3 XE300M22-A02US, and all similar
computers sold by Google with Chrome pre-installed, and (4) the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus
10 devices (collectively, the “Chrome Products”), that infringe one or more claims of the ‘103
Reissue Patent. Google is thus liable for infringement of the ‘103 Reissue Patent pursuant to 35
U.S.C. § 271(a).
17.
Individual end-users of the Chrome Products (“Chrome Users”) directly infringe,
either by literal infringement or under the doctrine of equivalents, the ‘103 Reissue Patent in this
judicial district and elsewhere in the United States by using Chrome Products which incorporate
methodologies that infringe one or more claims of the ‘103 Reissue patent. On information and
belief, Chrome Users cannot use the Chrome Products without infringing the ‘103 Reissue
patent. Google has known of the ‘103 Reissue Patent since at least the filing of this complaint.
Google’s inducement and contributory infringement of the ‘103 Reissue Patent includes, but is
not limited to, actively encouraging and instructing Chrome Users to use Chrome Products in
ways that infringe the ‘103 Reissue Patent. Given that Chrome Users cannot use the Chrome
Products without infringing the ‘103 Reissue Patent, Google has known that Chrome Users’ use
of these products directly infringe the ‘103 Reissue Patent. As a result of Google’s knowledge of
the ‘103 Reissue Patent, and knowledge that use by the Chrome Users constitutes direct
infringement of the ‘103 Reissue Patent, Google has knowingly induced Chrome Users to
infringe the ‘103 Reissue Patent, and knowingly contributed to the infringement by Chrome
Users of the ‘103 Reissue Patent, in this judicial district and elsewhere in the United States. The
Chrome Products are not staple articles or commodities of commerce suitable for substantial
noninfringing use. Google is thus liable for inducing and contributing to the infringement of the
‘103 Reissue Patent pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §§ 271(b) and (c) from at least the filing of this
complaint and after.
-4-
COUNT 2 – INFRINGEMENT OF THE ‘500 REISSUE PATENT
18.
Paragraphs 1-17 are incorporated by reference as if stated fully herein.
19.
On information and belief, Google has been and is directly infringing, either by
literal infringement or under the doctrine of equivalents, the ‘500 Reissue Patent in this judicial
district and elsewhere in the United States by making, using, offering to sell, and selling
(1) Google Chrome for Android 4.0, 4.1, and all later versions, and (2) the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and
Nexus 10 devices (collectively, the “Chrome Mobile Products”), that infringe one or more claims
of the ‘500 Reissue Patent. Google is thus liable for infringement of the ‘500 Reissue Patent
pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 271(a).
20.
Individual end-users of the Chrome Mobile Products directly infringe, either by
literal infringement or under the doctrine of equivalents, the ‘500 Reissue Patent in this judicial
district and elsewhere in the United States by using the Chrome Mobile Products which
incorporate methodologies that infringe one or more claims of the ‘500 Reissue patent. On
information and belief, Chrome Users cannot use the Chrome Mobile Products without
infringing the ‘500 Reissue patent. Google has known of the ‘500 Reissue Patent since at least
the filing of this complaint. Google’s inducement and contributory infringement of the ‘500
Reissue Patent includes, but is not limited to, actively encouraging and instructing Chrome Users
to use the Chrome Mobile Products in ways that infringe the ‘500 Reissue Patent. Given that
Chrome Users cannot use the Chrome Mobile Products without infringing the ‘500 Reissue
Patent, Google has known that Chrome Users’ use of these products directly infringe the ‘500
Reissue Patent. As a result of Google’s knowledge of the ‘500 Reissue Patent, and knowledge
that use by the end-user constitutes direct infringement of the ‘500 Reissue Patent, Google has
knowingly induced end-users of the Chrome Mobile Products to infringe ‘500 Reissue Patent,
and knowingly contributed to the infringement by end-users of the Chrome Mobile Products to
infringe the ‘500 Reissue Patent in this judicial district and elsewhere in the United States. The
Chrome Mobile Products are not staple articles or commodities of commerce suitable for
-5-
substantial noninfringing use. Google is thus liable for inducing and contributing to the
infringement of the ‘500 Reissue Patent pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §§ 271(b) and (c) from at least the
filing of this complaint and after.
COUNT 3 – INFRINGEMENT OF THE ‘528 REISSUE PATENT
21.
Paragraphs 1-20 are incorporated by reference as if stated fully herein.
22.
On information and belief, Google has been and is directly infringing, either by
literal infringement or under the doctrine of equivalents, the ‘528 Reissue Patent in this judicial
district and elsewhere in the United States by making, using, offering to sell, and selling the
Chrome Products that infringe one or more claims of the ‘528 Reissue Patent. Google is thus
liable for infringement of the ‘528 Reissue Patent pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 271(a).
23.
Chrome Users directly infringe, either by literal infringement or under the
doctrine of equivalents, the ‘528 Reissue Patent in this judicial district and elsewhere in the
United States by using the Chrome Products which incorporates methodologies that infringe one
or more claims of the ‘528 Reissue patent. On information and belief, Chrome Users cannot use
the Chrome Products without infringing the ‘528 Reissue patent. Google has known of about the
‘528 Reissue Patent since at least December 11, 2012 when Mr. Cioffi wrote to Google and put
Google on notice of the ‘528 Reissue Patent. Google’s inducement and contributory
infringement of the ‘528 Reissue Patent includes, but is not limited to, actively encouraging and
instructing Chrome Users to use the Chrome Products in ways that infringe the ‘528 Reissue
Patent. Given that Chrome Users cannot use the Chrome Products without infringing the ‘528
Reissue Patent, Google has known that Chrome Users’ use of these products directly infringe the
‘528 Reissue Patent. As a result of Google’s knowledge of the ‘528 Reissue Patent, and
knowledge that use by Chrome Users constitutes direct infringement of the ‘528 Reissue Patent,
Google has knowingly induced Chrome Users to infringe the ‘528 Reissue Patent, and
knowingly contributed to the infringement by Chrome Users of the ‘528 Reissue Patent, in this
judicial district and elsewhere in the United States. The Chrome Products are not staple articles
or commodities of commerce suitable for substantial noninfringing use. Google is thus liable for
-6-
inducing and contributing to the infringement of the ‘528 Reissue Patent pursuant to 35 U.S.C.
§§ 271(b) and (c) from at least December 11, 2012 and after.
COUNT 4 – INFRINGEMENT OF THE ‘529 REISSUE PATENT
24.
Paragraphs 1-23 are incorporated by reference as if stated fully herein.
25.
On information and belief, Google has been and is directly infringing, either by
literal infringement or under the doctrine of equivalents, the ‘529 Reissue Patent in this judicial
district and elsewhere in the United States by making, using, offering to sell, and selling Chrome
Products that infringe one or more claims of the ‘529 Reissue Patent. Google is thus liable for
infringement of the ’529 Reissue Patent pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 271(a).
26.
Chrome Users directly infringe, either by literal infringement or under the
doctrine of equivalents, the ‘529 Reissue Patent in this judicial district and elsewhere in the
United States by using the Chrome Products which incorporate methodologies that infringe one
or more claims of the ‘529 Reissue patent. On information and belief, Chrome Users cannot use
the Chrome Products without infringing the ‘529 Reissue patent. Google has known of the ‘529
Reissue Patent since at least December 11, 2012 when Mr. Cioffi wrote to Google and put
Google on notice of the ‘529 Reissue Patent. Google’s inducement and contributory
infringement of the ‘529 Reissue Patent includes, but is not limited to, actively encouraging and
instructing Chrome Users to use Chrome Products in ways that infringe the ‘529 Reissue Patent.
Given that Chrome Users cannot use the Chrome Products without infringing the ‘529 Reissue
Patent, Google has known that Chrome Users’ use of these browsers directly infringe the ‘529
Reissue Patent. As a result of Google’s knowledge of the ‘529 Reissue Patent, and knowledge
that use by the Chrome Users constitutes direct infringement of the ‘529 Reissue Patent, Google
has knowingly induced Chrome Users to infringe the ‘529 Reissue Patent, and knowingly
contributed to the infringement by Chrome Users of the ‘529 Reissue Patent, in this judicial
district and elsewhere in the United States. The Chrome Products are not staple articles or
commodities of commerce suitable for substantial noninfringing use. Google is thus liable for
-7-
inducing and contributing to the infringement of the ‘529 Reissue Patent pursuant to 35 U.S.C.
§§ 271(b) and (c) from at least December 11, 2012 and after.
WILLFULNESS ALLEGATIONS
27.
Paragraphs 1-26 are incorporated by reference as if stated fully herein.
28.
On information and belief, Google’s acts of infringement have been and continue
to be willful. Google is infringing the ‘528 and ‘529 Reissue Patents in willful disregard of the
plaintiffs’ rights making this an exceptional case pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 285. Google has
known of the ‘528 and ‘529 Reissue Patents since December 11, 2012. Despite this knowledge,
and despite an objective likelihood that its actions constituted infringement, Google has
continued to infringe the ‘528 and ‘529 Reissue Patents. This objective risk of infringement is so
obvious that Google either knew, or should have known, of it. Google has disregarded this
obvious objective risk that its actions constitute infringement and indirect infringement of the
‘528 and ‘529 Reissue Patents.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
Wherefore, Plaintiffs requests that this Court enter:
A.
A judgment in favor of plaintiffs that Google has directly infringed and induced
others and contributed to others to infringement of the Patents-in-Suit;
B.
A judgment and order requiring Google to pay plaintiffs damages resulting from
the infringement of the Patents-in-Suit, along with costs, expenses, pre-judgment and
post-judgment interest;
C.
A judgment holding that the Google’s infringement of the ‘528 and ‘529 Reissue
Patents is willful and a trebling of damages pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §284;
D.
A judgment holding that this action is an exceptional case, and awarding plaintiffs
their attorneys’ fees and costs pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §285;
E.
An accounting;
F.
A post-trial compulsory license for ongoing infringement, after entry of judgment
for infringement;
-8-
F.
Any and all additional relief which the Court may deem just and proper.
JURY DEMAND
Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 38, Plaintiffs requests a trial by jury of any
issues so triable as of right.
Dated: February 5, 2013
Respectfully submitted,
By: /s/ William Davis, III______
William E. Davis, III
Texas State Bar No. 24047416
THE DAVIS FIRM, PC
111 West Tyler Street
Longview, Texas 75601
Telephone: (903) 230-9090
Facsimile: (903) 230-9090
Email: bdavis@bdavisfirm.com
Charles Ainsworth
Texas State Bar No. 00783521
Robert Christopher Bunt
Texas State Bar No. 00787165
Judge Robert M. Parker
Texas State Bar No. 15498000
PARKER, BUNT & AINSWORTH, P.C.
100 E. Ferguson, Suite 1114
Tyler, Texas 75702
Telephone: (903) 531-3535
Facsimile: (903) 533-9687
Email: charley@pbatyler.com
Email: rcbunt@pbatyler.com
Email: rmparker@pbatyler.com
Counsel for Plaintiffs Alfonso Cioffi, Melanie
Rozman, Morgan Rozman and Megan Rozman
-9-
Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia.
Why Is My Information Online?