Ryko Manufacturing Co. v. Nu-Star, Inc.
United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
950 F.2d 714, 21 U.S.P.Q.2d 1053 (1991)
- Written by Eric Miller, JD
Facts
Ryko Manufacturing Company (Ryko) (plaintiff) held a patent on the use of an electrical numerical keypad device in an automatic-car-wash system. The keypad device was intended to replace the mechanical insertion devices that had been the standard means of activating automatic car washes. The mechanical devices required extensive maintenance—a longstanding problem for the car-wash industry. Ryko brought an infringement action against Nu-Star, Inc. (defendant) in federal district court. The court considered factors including (1) the commercial success of the device, (2) previously unsolved needs, and (3) the failure of others to create the invention. Although the court found that these considerations weighed in favor of Ryko, it nevertheless held that the patent was invalid on the ground of obviousness in light of the prior art. Summary judgment was granted in favor of Nu-Star. Ryko appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Smith, J.)
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