United States v. Samuel J. Hester, 262 F.3d 1258 (11th Cir. 2001). · Go Syfert
United States v. Samuel J. Hester, 262 F.3d 1258 (11th Cir. 2001). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
607 citation events (607 in the last 25 years) across 59 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: ASK Chemicals LLC v. Novis Works, LLC (ohnd, 2020-07-09) · Strongest negative: Wyeth v. Sandoz, Inc. (nced, 2008-07-03)
Treatment trajectory · 2001 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
2001 2013 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 50 distinct citers. How cited ↗
examined Cited "but see" Wyeth v. Sandoz, Inc. (3×) also: Cited as authority (rule)
E.D.N.C. · 2008 · signal: but cf. · confidence high
Where a patentee chooses to act as its own lexicographer, the patentee “must clearly express that *825 intent in the written description.” Helmsderfer, 527 F.3d at 1381 (emphasis added); see Phillips, 415 F.3d at 1316 ; Bell Atl., 262 F.3d at 1268; but cf. Bell Atl, 262 F.3d at 1267-68 (“[A] claim term may be clearly redefined without an explicit statement of redefinition.... [T]he specification may define claim terms by implication such that the meaning may be found in or ascertained by a reading of the patent documents.” (citations & quotations omitted)).
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) ASK Chemicals LLC v. Novis Works, LLC
N.D. Ohio · 2020 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
he patentees defined the term "mode" by implication, through the term's consistent use throughout the '786 patent specification.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) 3M Innovative Properties Co. v. GDC, Inc. (2×) also: Cited as authority (rule)
D. Minnesota · 2015 · signal: see also · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
as a starting point, we give claim terms their ordinary and accustomed meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) SkinMedica, Inc. v. Histogen Inc. (8×) also: Cited as authority (rule)
Fed. Cir. · 2013 · quote attribution · 2 verbatim quotes · confidence high
may not be used to vary, contradict, expand, or limit the claim language from how it is defined, even by implication, in the specification or file history.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Irdeto Access, Inc. v. Echostar Satellite Corporation
Fed. Cir. · 2004 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
thus, when a patentee uses a claim term throughout the entire patent specification, in a manner consistent with only a single meaning, he has defined that term by implication'.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Irdeto Access, Inc. v. Echostar Satellite Corp.
Fed. Cir. · 2004 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
thus, when a patentee uses a claim term throughout the entire patent specification, in a manner consistent with only a single meaning, he has defined that term 'by implication'.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Laser Light Technologies v. Brick Markers, USA
E.D. Mo. · 2001 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
it is true that limitations stated in dependent claims are normally not to be read into the independent claim from which they depend.
examined Cited as authority (quoted) Hd Silicon Solutions LLC v. Microchip Technology Inc.
Fed. Cir. · 2025 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
xtrinsic evidence may be used only to assist in the proper understanding of the disputed limitation; it may not be used to vary, contradict, expand, or limit the claim lan- guage from how it is defined, even by implication, in the specification or file history.
discussed Cited as authority (quoted) 10X Genomics, Inc. v. Parse Biosciences, Inc.
D. Del. · 2024 · signal: see · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
when a patentee uses a claim term throughout the entire patent specification, in a manner consistent with only a single meaning, he has defined that term "by implication.
discussed Cited as authority (quoted) Innovaport LLC v. IKEA North America Services LLC
E.D. Wis. · 2024 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
t is generally impermissible to limit claim terms by a preferred embodiment or inferences drawn from the description of a preferred embodiment.
discussed Cited as authority (quoted) CliniComp International, Inc. v. Cerner Corporation
S.D. Cal. · 2022 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
xtrinsic evidence . . . may not be used to vary, contradict, expand, or limit the 28 claim language from how it is defined, even by implication, in the specification or file 1 history.
discussed Cited as authority (quoted) Echologics, LLC v. Orbis Intelligent Systems, Inc.
S.D. Cal. · 2022 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
xtrinsic evidence . . . may not be used to vary, contradict, expand, or limit the 11 claim language from how it is defined, even by implication, in the specification or file 12 history.
discussed Cited as authority (quoted) Uniloc 2017 LLC v. Google LLC
E.D. Tex. · 2020 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
hen a patentee uses a claim term throughout the entire patent specification, in a manner consistent with only a single meaning, he has defined that term 'by implication.
discussed Cited as authority (quoted) Super Interconnect Technologies LLC v. Huawei Device Co. Ltd.
E.D. Tex. · 2020 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
when a patentee uses a claim term throughout the entire patent specification, in a manner consistent with only a single meaning, he has defined that term by implication
examined Cited as authority (quoted) Davies Innovations, Inc. v. SIG Sauer, Inc., et al.
D.N.H. · 2017 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
extrinsic evidence may be used only to assist in the proper understanding of the disputed limitation; it may not be used to vary, contradict, expand, or limit the claim language from how it is defined, even by implication, in the specification or file history
discussed Cited as authority (quoted) Frontline Placement Technologies v. Crs, Inc.
E.D. Pa. · 2011 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
hen a patentee uses a claim term throughout the entire patent specification, in a manner consistent with only a single meaning, he has defined that term by implication.
discussed Cited as authority (quoted) Nextec Applications v. BROOKWOOD COMPANIES, INC.
S.D.N.Y. · 2010 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
he specification may define claim terms 'by implication' such that the meaning may be 'found in or ascertained by a reading of the patent documents.
discussed Cited as authority (quoted) Laboratoires Perouse v. W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
S.D.N.Y. · 2007 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
he specification may define claim terms 'by implication' such that the meaning may be 'found in or ascertained by a reading of the patent documents.
discussed Cited as authority (quoted) Edward H. Phillips v. Awh Corporation, Hopeman Brothers, Inc., and Lofton Corporation, Defendants-Cross
Fed. Cir. · 2006 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
claim term may be clearly redefined without an explicit statement of redefinition.
discussed Cited as authority (quoted) Phillips v. Awh Corporation
Fed. Cir. · 2005 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence low
claim term may be clearly redefined without an explicit statement of redefinition.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Mobility WorkX, LLC v. Ericsson, Inc.; Mobility WorkX, LLC v. Nokia Corporation, Nokia Solutions and Networks OY, and Nokia of America Corporation
E.D. Tex. · 2025 · confidence medium
Network Servs., 262 F.3d at 1267.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. v. Moderna, Inc. (2×) also: Cited "see"
Fed. Cir. · 2025 · confidence medium
Cir. 2002). “[T]he intrinsic evidence must ‘clearly set forth’ or ‘clearly redefine’ a claim term so as to put one reasonably skilled in the art on notice that the patentee intended to so redefine the claim term.” Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. v. Covad Communications Group, Inc., 262 F.3d 1258, 1268 (Fed.
cited Cited as authority (rule) R2 Solutions LLC v. Databricks, Inc.
E.D. Tex. · 2024 · confidence medium
Network Servs., 262 F.3d at 1267.
cited Cited as authority (rule) WAPP TECH LIMITED PARTNERSHIP v. JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
E.D. Tex. · 2024 · confidence medium
Network Servs., 262 F.3d at 1267.
cited Cited as authority (rule) BioNTech SE v. CureVac SE
E.D. Va. · 2024 · confidence medium
Network Servs., 262 F.3d at 1267.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Shibumi Shade, Inc. v. Beach Shade LLC (2×) also: Cited "see"
E.D.N.C. · 2023 · confidence medium
See Covad Communications Group, Inc.; 262 F.3d at 1279 (holding that a determination of no infringement under the all elements rule “must be remised upon a proper claim construction”); E.D.N.C.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Electrolysis Prevention Solutions LLC v. Daimler Truck North America LLC (2×) also: Cited "see"
W.D.N.C. · 2022 · confidence medium
The court should give the disputed claim terms “their ordinary and accustomed meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.” Bell Atlantic, 262 F.3d at 1267.
cited Cited as authority (rule) SB IP Holdings LLC v. Vivint, Inc.
E.D. Tex. · 2021 · confidence medium
Network Servs., 262 F.3d at 1267.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Pactec, Inc. v. I.C.E. Service Group, Inc. (TWP2)
E.D. Tenn. · 2021 · confidence medium
(Docs. 202, 197.) The Special Master recommends the term “lifting frame” be construed as “a grid structure having a plurality of a parallel lift bars connected to a center support and a plurality of lifting hooks, wherein each lifting hook is designed for receiving one lifting strap connector.” (Doc. 195, at 28.) Special Master Bayer grounds his recommended construction in the principle that claims are construed in accordance with how they would be understood by someone of ordinary skill in the art, see Covad Communications, 262 F.3d at 1268, and that there is intrinsic evidence indica…
cited Cited as authority (rule) Brian Robert Blazer v. Best Bee Brothers LLC
E.D. Wis. · 2021 · confidence medium
Bell Atlantic, 262 F.3d at 1280-81.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Scorpcast, LLC dba HaulStars v. Boutique Media
E.D. Tex. · 2021 · confidence medium
Id. at 1314; C.R.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Enserion, LLC v. Orthofix, Inc.
E.D. Tex. · 2021 · confidence medium
Network Servs., 262 F.3d at 1267.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Wapp Tech Limited Partnership v. Micro Focus International PLC
E.D. Tex. · 2020 · confidence medium
Network Servs., 262 F.3d at 1267.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Wapp Tech Limited Partnership v. Bank of America Corp.
E.D. Tex. · 2020 · confidence medium
Network Servs., 262 F.3d at 1267.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Wapp Tech Limited Partnership v. Wells Fargo & Co.
E.D. Tex. · 2020 · confidence medium
Network Servs., 262 F.3d at 1267.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Swivel Rental & Supply L L C v. Petro Pull L L C
W.D. La. · 2020 · confidence medium
Network Servs., Inc., 262 F.3d at 1268, 1273.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Dareltech, LLC v. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
E.D. Tex. · 2020 · confidence medium
Network Servs., 262 F.3d at 1267.
cited Cited as authority (rule) AptusTech LLC v. Trimfoot Co., LLC
E.D. Tex. · 2020 · confidence medium
Network Servs., 262 F.3d at 1267.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Covidien Lp v. Advanced Skeletal Innovations LLC
D.D.C. · 2015 · confidence medium
Network Servs., 262 F.3d at 1268 (“The prosecution history is considered to determine whether or not there were any express representations made in obtaining the patent regarding the scope and meaning of the claims.” (citing Vitronics, 90 F.3d at 1582 )); see also 800 Adept, Inc. v. Murex Sec., Ltd., 539 F.3d 1354, 1364-65 (Fed.Cir.2008) (consulting prosecution history to “use ... as support for the construction already discerned from the claim language”); Dunhall Pharm., Inc. v. Discus Dental, Inc., 243 F.3d 564 , 2000 WL 1608803 , at *4 (Fed.Cir.2000) (unpublished) (“The exchange b…
cited Cited as authority (rule) Smartflash LLC v. Apple Inc.
E.D. Tex. · 2014 · confidence medium
Network Servs., 262 F.3d at 1267.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Invensys Systems, Inc. v. Emerson Electric Co.
E.D. Tex. · 2014 · confidence medium
Network Servs., 262 F.3d at 1267.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Intex Recreation Corporation v. Team Worldwide Corporation (2×)
D.D.C. · 2013 · confidence medium
Network Sens., Inc. v. Covad Commc’ns Grp., Inc., 262 F.3d at 1270 (giving narrower construction to claim term “mode” as distinct from “rate” where “patentees, throughout the specification, use the terms ‘rate’ and ‘mode’ to refer to separate and distinct concepts”). 13 TWW’s proposed construction — “an opening or hollow that forms a holder for something” — would disregard this distinction, while Intex’s proposed construction — “a structure that fits and holds onto an inserted part, so that the structure and the part are detachably connected to each other�…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) INVISTA North America S.à.r.l. v. M & G USA Corp.
D. Del. · 2013 · confidence medium
The court does not find that the patentee clearly redefined the broad term “comprising.” Bell Atlantic, 262 F.3d at 1268 (“In redefining the meaning of particular claim terms away from their ordinary meaning, the intrinsic evidence must ‘clearly set forth’ or ‘clearly redefine’ a claim term so as to put one reasonably skilled in the art on notice that the patentee intended to so redefine the claim term.” (Citation omitted)).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Ia Labs Ca, LLC v. Nintendo Co. (4×)
D. Maryland · 2012 · confidence medium
Network Servs., 262 F.3d at 1267.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Hynix Semiconductor Inc. v. Rambus Inc. (2×)
Fed. Cir. · 2011 · confidence medium
Finally, this court specifically recognized that inventors may define terms in the specification "implicitly," and, like in Phillips , cited Bell Atlantic Network Services Inc. v. Covad Communications Group, Inc., 262 F.3d 1258, 1268 (Fed.Cir.2001) for the proposition that "[a] claim term may be clearly redefined without an explicit statement of redefinition." Infineon, 318 F.3d at 1088.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Eon Corp. IP Holdings, LLC v. Sensus USA Inc.
E.D. Tex. · 2010 · confidence medium
Network Servs., 262 F.3d at 1267.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Eon Corp. IP Holdings, LLC v. Verizon Clinton Center Drive Corp.
E.D. Tex. · 2010 · confidence medium
Network Servs., 262 F.3d at 1267.
examined Cited as authority (rule) Hochstein v. Microsoft Corp. (8×) also: Cited "see"
E.D. Mich. · 2010 · confidence medium
The presumption can be overcome “where the patentee has chosen to be his own lexicographer.” Bell Atlantic Network Servs., Inc. v. Covad Commc’n Group, Inc., 262 F.3d 1258 , 1268 (Fed.Cir.2001). “[T]he patentee may act as his own lexicographer by using the *718 specification to define terms either expressly or ‘by implication.’ ” Id. at 1269.
examined Cited as authority (rule) Attic Tent, Inc. v. Copeland (3×) also: Cited "see"
W.D.N.C. · 2008 · confidence medium
Second, it compares the properly construed claims to the accused device.” Bell Atlantic Network Services, Inc. v. Covad Communications Group, Inc., 262 F.3d 1258, 1267 (Fed.Cir.2001).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Robinson v. ADVANCED DECOY RESEARCH, INC. (3×)
S.D. Cal. · 2007 · confidence medium
Bell Atlantic, 262 F.3d at 1268.
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
UNITED STATES of America, Plaintiff-Appellee,
v.
Samuel J. HESTER, Defendant-Appellant
97-9232.
Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
Aug 24, 2001.
262 F.3d 1258
Steven Lane, King & Spaulding, Washington, DC, for DefendanL-Appellant., Dean Soble Daskal, John Larkin Lynch, Columbus, OH, for Plaintiff-Appellee.
Black, Wilson, Roney.
Published
11 passages pin-cited by 13 cases
Pinpoint authority: #5,038 of 633,719
Citer courts: Federal Circuit (3) · S.D. California (2) · S.D. New York (2) · E.D. Texas (2) · D. Delaware (1) · D. New Hampshire (1) · E.D. Pennsylvania (1)
BY THE COURT:

Upon the Court’s own motion, the opinion previously rendered in this case on August 9, 2001, is vacated. The Court will hold the case in abeyance for further consideration until the en banc court in Nos. 00-13347 & 00-13447, United States v. Sanchez, issues its decision.