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Markman v. Westview Instruments, Inc.

United States Supreme Court
517 U.S. 370, 116 S. Ct. 1384, 134 L. Ed. 2d 577 (1996)

Written by Alexis Tsotakos, JD

Facts

Markman (plaintiff) sued Westview (defendant) for infringing its patent to an inventory-control system for use by dry cleaners. A key issue was the construction of the claim term “inventory.” After a jury verdict, Westview moved for judgment as a matter of law. The district court held that claim construction is a matter of law for the court and found noninfringement. Markman appealed to the court of appeals for the federal circuit, which upheld the district court decision en banc. Markman petitioned for a writ of certiorari, which was granted.

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning (Souter, J.)

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A "yes" or "no" answer to the question framed in the issue section;
A summary of the majority or plurality opinion, using the CREAC method; and
The procedural disposition (e.g., reversed and remanded, affirmed, etc.).

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