Seiko Epson Corp. v. Coretronic Corp.

Re: Cross-Motions for Summary Judgment of Invalidity

Plaintiff/counter-defendant Seiko Epson Corporation (“Seiko Epson”) brought this action against defendant/counter-claimant Coretronic Corporation and Optoma Technology, Inc. (collectively “Coretronic”), alleging infringement of several United States patents, including U.S. Patent No. 6,203,158 (“the '158 patent”) and U.S. Patent No. 6,527,392 (“the '392 patent”). Coretronic counterclaimed, alleging infringement of two United States patents, including U.S. Patent No. 6,742,899 (“the '899 patent”). Now before the court are the parties’ cross-motions for summary judgment of invalidity of the '158, '392 and '899 patents. Having considered the parties’ arguments and submissions, and for the reasons set forth below, the court enters the following order.

BACKGROUND

The patents-in-suit concern projectors. Projectors may use a high-brightness light source inside a casing to generate light. The light is modulated to create images. High-brightness light sources generate significant amounts of heat. Seiko Epson’s '158 patent and Coretronic’s '899 patent claim improvements to projector designs that increase the effectiveness of…