A reminder that even strong infringement claims can vanish if the underlying patent doesn’t hold up.

Causam Enterprises v. International Trade Commission, 2025 WL 2919058 (Fed. Cir. 2025)

In this Federal Circuit case, Causam Enterprises sued the International Trade Commission, claiming that imported “smart thermostat” products infringed on its energy-management patent. The Commission ruled there was no infringement, and Causam appealed. While the case was pending, a related patent challenge before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board found the same patent invalid for obviousness, and the Federal Circuit affirmed that finding. With the patent itself deemed “unpatentable,” Causam’s infringement claim was rendered moot and dismissed.

For technology companies, this decision underscores how interconnected patent disputes can be. Even if ownership or infringement arguments are successful in one forum, parallel proceedings like inter partes reviews can erase the underlying rights that support the initial claim. Once a patent is found invalid, any ongoing infringement case effectively disappears.

Businesses relying on intellectual property should treat portfolio management and enforcement strategy as one coordinated effort.

Before filing or defending against infringement claims, ensure key patents can withstand validity challenges. Otherwise, as in Causam, there is the risk of winning the procedural battle but losing the war when the patent is invalidated.

This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.  If you have questions about your specific situation, you should contact a lawyer for assistance.  Nothing herein is intended to create any attorney-client relationship between you and DLM LAW.