DCT

1:23-cv-00368

Better Mouse Co LLC v. ACCO Brands Corp

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I. Executive Summary and Procedural Information

  • Parties & Counsel:
  • Case Identification: 1:23-cv-00368, N.D. Ill., 01/20/2023
  • Venue Allegations: Venue is alleged to be proper in the Northern District of Illinois because Defendants maintain their principal place of business in the district and have allegedly committed acts of infringement there.
  • Core Dispute: Plaintiff alleges that Defendant’s Kensington-branded computer mice, which feature on-device resolution adjustment buttons, infringe a patent related to setting mouse resolution via hardware switches without external software.
  • Technical Context: The technology concerns a hardware-based method for users to change a computer mouse's sensitivity (dots-per-inch or DPI) directly on the device, bypassing the need for software drivers on the connected computer.
  • Key Procedural History: The complaint does not mention any prior litigation, inter partes review proceedings, or licensing history related to the patent-in-suit. Plaintiff asserts ownership of the patent and all rights to enforce it.

Case Timeline

Date Event
2004-05-05 '200 Patent Priority Date
2009-05-12 '200 Patent Issue Date
2023-01-20 Complaint Filing Date

II. Technology and Patent(s)-in-Suit Analysis

U.S. Patent No. 7,532,200 - "Apparatus for Setting Multi-Stage Displacement Resolution of a Mouse"

  • Patent Identification: U.S. Patent No. 7,532,200, "Apparatus for Setting Multi-Stage Displacement Resolution of a Mouse", issued May 12, 2009.

The Invention Explained

  • Problem Addressed: The patent addresses the inconvenience of prior art methods for adjusting mouse resolution, which required users to install and navigate a software driver or tool on a computer. The patent notes that users may find this process difficult or may lose the physical media (e.g., a CD-ROM) containing the necessary software. (’200 Patent, col. 1:12-34).
  • The Patented Solution: The invention is an apparatus within the mouse itself that allows a user to directly set the resolution using a physical switch. The patented system includes a displacement detector, a switching circuit, and a microcontroller that reads the state of the switch, sets the corresponding resolution value in a register, and controls the cursor movement based on that stored value, all without needing an external software driver. (’200 Patent, col. 1:38-56, Fig. 1).
  • Technical Importance: This approach provides a self-contained, driverless method for on-the-fly resolution adjustment, simplifying the user experience and making the mouse's functionality independent of host computer software. (’200 Patent, col. 3:45-50).

Key Claims at a Glance

  • The complaint asserts infringement of at least independent Claim 6.
  • The essential elements of Claim 6 are:
    • An X-Y axis plane displacement detector for sensing mouse movement.
    • An N-stage switch with a manually-operated switching button for setting a resolution value by activating a connected resolution setting pin.
    • A mouse microcontroller with a register, which is coupled to the detector and the switch. The microcontroller:
      • determines the resolution value based on the state of the setting pins;
      • sets the mouse resolution based on that value;
      • stores the resolution value in the register; and
      • provides a control signal to the computer to move the cursor "directly based on the resolution value stored in the register."

III. The Accused Instrumentality

Product Identification

  • The complaint names "Kensington branded computer mice" as the accused products, specifically identifying the Pro Fit Wired Mid-Size Mouse USB, Pro-Fit Wireless Mid-Size Mouse, Pro Fit Full-Size Wireless Mouse, Pro Fit Left-Handed Ergo Wireless Mouse, Pro Fit Ergo Vertical Wireless Mouse, and Pro Fit Ergo Wireless Mouse, as well as similar mice with "DPI adjustment buttons." (Compl. ¶12).

Functionality and Market Context

  • The complaint alleges these products are computer mice equipped with a physical button or switch that allows the user to adjust the device's resolution (DPI). (Compl. ¶¶12, 15). The packaging for an accused product references an "Adjustable HD Sensor," which the complaint presents as evidence of the infringing functionality. (Compl. ¶12, p. 4). A product diagram included in the complaint identifies a control for "DPI Adjustment." (Compl. ¶13, p. 4). The complaint does not provide further detail on the market context or commercial importance of the accused products.

IV. Analysis of Infringement Allegations

Claim Chart Summary

| Claim Element (from Independent Claim 6) | Alleged Infringing Functionality | Complaint Citation | Patent Citation |
|:----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|:----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |:----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |:----------------------|:-------------------|
| a X-Y axis plane displacement detector, for sensing a distance and a moving direction generated by the mouse in a two-dimensional space; | The Accused Products comprise an X-Y axis plane displacement detector for sensing movement in a two-dimensional space. | ¶14 | col. 2:46-51 |
| an N-stage switch for setting a resolution value, the N-stage switch circuit having a switching button capable of being manually switched to one of positions 1 to N, and accordingly activating a connected resolution setting pin to indicate a state, where N is a positive integer; | The Accused Products are alleged to have an N-stage switch with a manually-operable button that sets a resolution value. The complaint includes an image of a top-mounted button identified as a DPI adjustment control. A photo of the mouse underside shows an additional switch. | ¶15 | col. 3:22-34 |
| a mouse micro controller with a register, coupled to the X-Y axis plane displacement detector and the switching circuit... | The Accused Products are alleged to contain a microcontroller coupled to the detector and switch. The complaint provides a photo highlighting the alleged microcontroller on the device's internal circuit board. | ¶16 | col. 2:51-56 |
| ...the mouse micro controller determining the resolution value based on the state of the connected resolution setting pins, setting a mouse resolution based on the resolution value and storing the resolution value in the register... | The microcontroller allegedly determines, sets, and stores the resolution based on the state of the switch. | ¶16 | col. 2:51-56 |
| ...the mouse micro controller responding to the distance and moving direction sensed by the X-Y axis plane displacement detector to provide a control signal to a computer connected to the mouse, thereby moving the mouse cursor on a screen of the computer, the mouse cursor being moved directly based on the resolution value stored in the register. | The microcontroller allegedly responds to movement data and provides a control signal to the computer, with cursor movement being "directly based on the resolution value stored in the register." | ¶16 | col. 4:48-54 |

Identified Points of Contention

  • Scope Questions: A central question may be whether the term "N-stage switch", as used in the patent, reads on the specific hardware implementations in the accused products. The complaint points to both a top-mounted "DPI Adjustment" button and a bottom-mounted slide switch, raising the question of whether both or either meet the claim's definition. (Compl. ¶15, p. 5).
  • Technical Questions: The complaint alleges that the accused microcontroller performs a specific sequence of functions: determining, setting, storing, and then controlling the cursor "directly based on the resolution value stored in the register." (Compl. ¶16). A key technical question will be whether the accused products operate in this self-contained manner, or if there is any involvement from a host-side driver that might negate the "directly based on" limitation. The complaint alleges the functionality but does not provide architectural evidence beyond a photograph of the microcontroller. (Compl. ¶16, p. 6).

V. Key Claim Terms for Construction

  • The Term: "N-stage switch"
  • Context and Importance: The definition of this term is critical because infringement hinges on whether the physical buttons or switches on the accused Kensington mice fall within its scope. Practitioners may focus on this term because the patent discloses multiple embodiments (e.g., a DIP switch and a button-operated switch), and the accused products also feature buttons and switches, creating a potential dispute over the term's breadth.
  • Intrinsic Evidence for Interpretation:
    • Evidence for a Broader Interpretation: The patent uses the general term "N-stage switch" in the claim itself. The specification describes different embodiments, including a "DIP (Dual In-line Package) switch" (col. 3:18-21; Fig. 3) as well as an alternative "N-stage switch 31" having a "switching button 311" (col. 3:22-26; Figs. 4-5). This may support an argument that the term is not limited to a single type of switch and can encompass various hardware for selecting a state.
    • Evidence for a Narrower Interpretation: A party could argue the term should be limited by the specific structures disclosed. For example, one could argue that the term requires a switch that directly sets one of N "resolution setting pins" to a specific state, as depicted in the circuit diagrams of Figures 2 and 4. Language describing a specific embodiment, such as "the switch 20 is a DIP switch," could be used to argue for a narrower construction limited to the disclosed examples. (col. 3:18-21).

VI. Other Allegations

  • Indirect Infringement: The prayer for relief seeks a judgment for indirect infringement. (Compl. p. 7, ¶A). However, the body of the complaint does not set forth specific factual allegations to support a claim for either induced infringement (e.g., specific instructions to users to perform infringing acts) or contributory infringement.
  • Willful Infringement: The complaint requests enhanced damages for willful infringement. (Compl. p. 7, ¶B). The complaint does not allege any facts to support this claim, such as pre-suit knowledge of the ’200 Patent or objectively reckless conduct by the Defendant.

VII. Analyst’s Conclusion: Key Questions for the Case

  1. A core issue will be one of claim construction: Can the term "N-stage switch", as defined by the patent's specification and claims, be construed broadly enough to encompass the specific "DPI Adjustment" buttons and switches implemented in the accused Kensington mice?
  2. A key evidentiary question will be one of technical operation: Does the accused products' firmware operate as claimed, with the microcontroller performing the full sequence of determining, setting, and storing the resolution value internally, and then moving the cursor "directly based on" that stored value, or does it rely on a host computer's software drivers in a way that falls outside the claim's scope?