Abbott Laboratories v. Sandoz, Inc. (743 F. Supp. 2d 762, 2010)

United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois 2010-05-24

Citations

Full opinion text

ORDER

DAVID H. COAR, District Judge.

Presently before this Court are motions in limine filed by Plaintiffs, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Laboratories, Inc., and Abbott Pharmaceuticals PR LTD (collectively “Abbott” or “Plaintiff’), as well as motions in limine filed by Defendant, San-doz, Inc. (“Sandoz” or “Defendant”). Subject to the explanations below, Plaintiff Abbott’s motions in limine [478], [479], [483], and [484] are GRANTED, Plaintiff Abbott’s motions in limine [477], [480], [482], [486], [492], are DENIED, and Plaintiff Abbott’s motions in limine [481], [485], and [489] are DENIED IN PART and GRANTED IN PART. Defendant Sandoz’s motions in limine [468], [473], and [474] are GRANTED, and Defendant Sandoz’s motions in limine [469], [470], [471], [472], [475], and [476] are DENIED.

A. PLAINTIFF ABBOTT’S MOTIONS IN LIMINE

1. To preclude Sandoz from offering evidence or relying upon settlement agreement royalties. [Dkt. 492.]

Abbott entered into three settlement agreements (with Teva, Andrx, and Ranbaxy) involving the patents at issue in this case. As a term of these settlements, Abbott agreed to allow Teva, Andrx, and Ranbaxy to sell their generic versions of Biaxin XL on a royalty-free basis. Abbott argues that, under Federal Rules of Evidence 402, 403, and 408, the Court should prevent Sandoz from introducing the royalty rates to which Abbott agreed in those settlements. First, royalty rates from these settlements should be excluded under Rule 408 to further the important policy of promoting settlements. Second, the royalty rates are irrelevant under Rule 402; because amounts paid in prior settlement agreements are based on many factors in addition to the value of use of a patented product, such amounts are not probative of the amount a patentee should be awarded following a finding of infringement. For the same reason, the potentially marginal relevance of this evidence is outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice and potential to distract the jury under Rule 403. Finally, introducing this evidence would invite a mini-trial on the similarities or differences between the facts of this case and the cases against Andrx, Teva, or Ranbaxy, and Abbott’s reasons for settling those cases. (Abbott argues, for example, that one key difference between the instant case and the settled cases is that Sandoz chose to launch its product at risk, decreasing the likelihood that Abbott would offer Sandoz the same exclusivity it offered Andrx, Teva, and Ranbaxy.)

In response, Sandoz argues that, because Abbott’s damages expert put Abbott’s settlement agreements in issue, Sandoz is entitled to rely upon those agreements to rebut the expert’s testimony. During his deposition, Abbott’s expert stated that he considered the zero-percent royalty rate agreements when he conducted the “book of wisdom” analysis underlying his reasonable royalty calculation. Sandoz argues that because Federal Rule of Evidence 705 imposes upon the defendant the burden of showing on cross-examination the basis for the plaintiffs expert’s testimony, Sandoz is entitled to use the settlement agreements at issue to rebut the expert’s testimony. Century Wrecker Corp. v. E.R. Buske Mfg. Co., 898 F.Supp. 1334 (N.D.Iowa 1995). In addition, Sandoz argues that the settlement agreements are relevant evidence of Abbott’s perceived value of the patents-in-suit, and there is no hard-and-fast rule that royalty rates in settlement agreements may not be relied upon to determine a reasonable royalty rate in a patent infringement case.

On April 26, 2010, Sandoz submitted ResQNet.com, Inc. v. Lansa, Inc., 594 F.3d 860 (Fed.Cir.2010), as supplemental authority in further support of its opposition to this motion. In response, Abbott argues that this case is inapposite because it does not address the admissibility of licenses that are specifically part of settlement agreements. Abbott also submitted supplemental authority in support of its motion: Insight Technology Inc. v. SureFire LLC, No. 04-CV-74-JD, 2009 WL 3242554 (D.N.H.2009) (holding evidence of other settlement agreements inadmissible at trial to prove the value of a reasonable royalty); Uniloc USA, Inc. v. Microsoft Corp., 632 F.Supp.2d 147, 159 (D.R.I.2009) (excluding licenses entered into as part of settlements in other cases because they are not probative of a reasonable royalty and “whatever relevance the evidence could have as to reasonable royalty is substantially outweighed by the unfair prejudice ... and juror confusion that would likely result from these collateral issues”); Cornell Univ. v. Hewlett-Packard Co., No. 01- CV-1974, 2008 WL 2223122, at *1 (N.D.N.Y. May 21, 2008) (federal circuit judge sitting by designation excluded under Rules 402 and 408 testimony on the amounts the patentee had offered to license a third party in settlement negotiations).

Abbott’s motion will be DENIED. This determination would be easy if the question merely involved whether to admit evidence of license agreements contained in Abbott’s settlements with Andrx, Teva, and Ranbaxy. It is clear that these license agreements would be inadmissible under Fed.R.Evid’. 408 and the wealth of cases excluding evidence of settlement agreements offered to establish reasonable royalty rates in the context of patent infringement. However, the fact that Abbott’s expert relied on the license agreements at issue separates this case from the precedent and supports the admission of these agreements under Century Wrecker Corp. v. E.R. Buske Mfg. Co., 898 F.Supp. 1334 (N.D.Iowa 1995).

Even though a patent holder’s license agreements with third parties are permissible and relevant considerations in a reasonable royalty calculation, courts frequently exclude such agreements under Fed.R.Evid. 408. PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. v. Viacell, Inc. et. al., No. C.A. 02-148(GMS), 2003 WL 22387038, at *2, 2003 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 27869, at *6 (D.Del. Oct. 7, 2003); Century Wrecker, 898 F.Supp. at 1340. Evidence of settlement agreement royalties is generally excluded for two primary reasons. First, Rule 408 aims to promote settlements, and accordingly, admitting these agreements could chill parties’ willingness to engage in settlement negotiations. Vardon Golf Co., Inc. v. BBMG Golf Ltd., 156 F.R.D. 641, 652 (N.D.Ill.1994); PharmaStem, 2003 WL 22387038, at *3-4, 2003 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 27869, at *10. Second, because many considerations contribute to settlement agreements, such agreements are not very reliable guides for determining the value of a reasonable royalty. Uniloc USA, Inc. v. Microsoft Corp., 632 F.Supp.2d 147, 159 (D.R.I.2009); Vardon Golf Co., 156 F.R.D. at 651. Admitting evidence of settlement agreements with third parties would “invite a ‘mini-trial’ on similarities and differences in the facts regarding the ‘same’ claims against other defendants” to determine the value of the claim in the case at hand. Pioneer Hi-Bred Intern., Inc. v. Ottawa Plant Food, Inc., 219 F.R.D. 135, 145 (N.D.Iowa 2003). In addition, given the marginal relevance of the settlement agreements, their probative value is outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice under Rule 403. Id. at 144-15; see also Uniloc USA, Inc., 632 F.Supp.2d at 159.

Despite the plethora of cases and supplemental authority submitted by the parties, the two most relevant cases are Century Wrecker Corp. v. E.R. Buske Mfg. Co., 898 F.Supp. 1334 (N.D.Iowa 1995) and PharmaStem Therapeutics, Inc. v. Viacell, Inc. et al., No. C.A. 02-148(GMS), 2003 WL 22387038, 2003 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 27869 (D.Del. Oct. 7, 2003). These are the only two cases that deal with the admissibility of settlement agreements in patent infringement cases when the defendant’s expert has relied on such agreements in his reasonable royalty calculation. After noting the precedent supporting the exclusion of settlement agreements, the court in Century Wrecker held that, because the plaintiffs expert specifically relied upon settlement agreements in his reasonable royalty calculation, the defendant could present those agreements to rebut the expert’s testimony. Century Wrecker, 898 F.Supp. at 1841. The court explained that “Federal Rule of Evidence 705 imposes upon the opposing party the onus of eliciting the bases of an expert witness’ opinion on cross-examination” and went on to admit the evidence at issue, holding:

To the extent that defendants can show [plaintiffs expert] relied in any way on the settlement agreements in question in reaching his conclusions about a reasonable royalty in this case, defendants are entitled to present those settlement agreements and to show in what way they form an appropriate or inappropriate basis for [plaintiffs expert’s] calculations.

Id. Addressing essentially the same facts, the court in PharmaStem noted that it was not bound by Century Wrecker and held that it was “not required to allow otherwise inadmissible settlement agreements into evidence simply because one party’s expert relies on them in reaching a reasonable royalty.” PharmaStem, 2003 WL 22387038, at *3, 2003 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 27869, at *9. Citing the important policy considerations underlying Rule 408, the court opted to exclude the licenses altogether rather than admitting discussion of settlement negotiations. Id. at *3-4, 2003 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 27869, at *9-10.

This precedent presents the Court with two clear alternatives: (1) deny Abbott’s motion under Century Wrecker or (2) grant Abbott’s motion and preclude Abbott’s expert from relying on the license agreements as part of his reasonable royalty calculation. As neither party suggests option (2), I will simply deny Abbott’s motion under Century Wrecker.

2. To limit the use of deposition testimony. [Dkt. JS&]

a. Witnesses who are available and were not corporate designees or officers, directors, or managing agents of Abbott when deposed.

Abbott argues that, under Fed.R.Civ.P. 32, the Court should preclude Sandoz from offering the depositions of witnesses who are available to testify live and were not corporate officers, directors, managing agents, or 30(b)(6) designees of Abbott when deposed. Abbott contends that the Court should exclude the use of deposition testimony, for purposes other than impeachment, of the following witnesses:

• George Aynilian

• Karen Devcich

• Bernard Donner

• Ho-Wah Hui*

• James Lancaster

• Nelly Milman

• Gerard Notario

• Carol Olson

• Robert Palmer

• Nicholas Poulos

• Chetan Pujara

• Susan Semla*

• Victor Thomas*

Sandoz responds that it listed these witnesses as “[witnesses who will be called by deposition]” instead of testifying live to promote the order and efficient operation of the trial. Sandoz hopes to reach an agreement with Abbott regarding its ability to call the above witnesses by deposition. However, if this is not possible, San-doz requests leave to amend its witness list to include those individuals listed above as “witnesses who may be called” at trial.

If the parties do not reach agreement, I will GRANT Abbott’s motion to limit the use of these witnesses’ deposition testimony to impeachment only (assuming that they are available to testify), and I will GRANT Sandoz’s request to amend its list of witnesses who may be called.

b. Witnesses who will testify live at trial.

Abbott argues that the Court should not allow Sandoz “unfettered use” of the depositions of witnesses who will testify live and who were not officers, directors, managing agents, or corporate designees of Abbott when deposed. Also, Abbott argues that the depositions of former Abbott employees and expert witnesses should be excluded for the additional reason that it is hearsay. Abbott argues, finally, that under Fed.R.Civ.P. 32, Sandoz should be precluded from using Linda Gustavson’s deposition testimony of Sept. 9, 2005, Dec. 1, 2005, and Dec. 2, 2005 because, on those occasions, Gustavson testified as a mere employee of Abbott, not as a corporate designee under Rule 30(b)(6).

Sandoz responds that it intends only to use the depositions at issue for impeachment, or if the witnesses become unavailable. Additionally, although not entirely relevant to Abbott’s motion, Sandoz correctly notes that, under Rule 32(a)(3), it may use the deposition testimony of Abbott’s 30(b)(6) witnesses for any purpose.

I will GRANT Abbott’s motion. As the parties apparently agree, the depositions at issue may be used only for impeachment, in the case that a witness becomes unavailable, or to the extent that Rule 30(b)(6) is applicable.

3. To preclude Sandoz from, offering evidence or argument relating to invalidity theories not disclosed in discovery. [Diet. 4-85.]

I will address this motion in three parts, separately considering Abbott’s motion to exclude (a) defenses based on the '571 publication; (b) defenses based on the '667 motion; and (c) defenses and prior art that Abbott did not disclose during discovery.

a. Defenses based on the '571 publication

Abbott argues that the Court rejected Sandoz’s anticipation and obviousness defenses based on the '571 publication, and an issue decided by the court cannot be relitigated in the same case. Specifically, Abbott notes Sandoz’s intention to use the '571 patent as a basis for anticipation and obviousness defenses to claim 6 of the '718 patent and claim 2 of the '616 patent. Abbott argues that, even though these defenses were not directly at issue in Abbott’s summary judgment motion, the Court’s summary judgment decision precludes Sandoz from introducing them at trial. Abbott explains that each claim at issue improves one of the product’s side effects, and such improvements are tied to the different pharmacokinetic (“PK”) characteristics of the extended release composition. Abbott argues that, because the Court found at summary judgment that the '571 patent failed to disclose the PK characteristics that produce side effect improvements, that same deficiency should preclude Sandoz from relying on the '571 patent to show the invalidity of claim 6 of the '718 patent or claim 2 of the '616 patent.

Sandoz responds that, because these particular invalidity defenses were not at issue at summary judgment, Sandoz should be allowed to present them at trial. Sandoz points out that Abbott moved for summary judgment with respect to the validity and enforceability of claims 1, 2, and 4 of the '718 patent' — -not claim 6 of the '718 patent or claim 2 of the '616 patent. Sandoz argues that the Court must reject Abbott’s attempt to extend the Court’s summary judgment ruling (that the '571 publication did not render claims 1, 2, or 4 of the '718 patent invalid) to claim 6 of the '718 patent or claim 2 of the '616 patent. Sandoz also specifically rejects Abbott’s assertion that side effect improvements are tied to the PK characteristics of the extended-release composition. In fact, Sandoz argues that neither claim 6 of the '718 patent nor claim 2 of the '616 patent require any PK characteristics at all. It follows, according to San-doz, that the Court’s ruling that the '571 patent failed to disclose any PK characteristics does not preclude Sandoz’s invalidity defenses to claim 6 of the '718 patent and claim 2 of the '616 patent. Finally, Sandoz argues that invalidity challenges to a patent must be considered on a claim-by-claim basis.

Abbott’s motion to preclude Sandoz from offering invalidity defenses to claim 6 of the '718 patent and claim 2 of the '616 patent based on the '571 patent is DENIED. First, at summary judgment, the Court considered the validity of only claims 1, 2, and 4 of the '718 patent. Second, Abbott has not conclusively demonstrated that the Court’s holding with respect to claims 1, 2, and 4 of the '718 patent is broad enough to cover claim 6 of the '718 patent and claim 2 of the '616 patent. This is especially true in light of the well-established law that patent claims do not stand and fall together; rather the court considers invalidity on a claim-by-claim basis. See 35 U.S.C. § 282; Amazon v. Bamesandnoble.com, Inc., 239 F.3d 1343, 1351 (Fed.Cir.2001) (“infringement and validity analyses must be performed on a claim-by-claim basis”).

b. Defenses based on the '667 publication

Abbott argues that Sandoz should be precluded from basing an anticipation or obviousness defense on the '667 publication. When Abbott moved for summary judgment on obviousness and anticipation with regard to the '667 publication, Sandoz never attempted to defend its reliance on the '667 publication, leading Abbott to note in its reply that Sandoz had waived any claim that summary judgment should not be entered as to the '667 publication. The Court did not mention the '667 publication in its summary judgment opinion. Abbott submits that it is well-established that if a party does not present arguments for why summary judgment should be denied, those arguments are deemed waived.

Sandoz does not respond directly to this argument; it states only that the Court never adjudicated Sandoz’s defenses against claims that are devoid of PK limitations, including claim 6 of the '718 patent, which Sandoz argues is invalid based in part on the '571 publication and the '667 patent.

This motion is GRANTED with respect to Sandoz’s invalidity defense to claims 1, 2, or 4 of the '718 based on the '667 publication and DENIED with respect to Sandoz’s invalidity defense based on the '667 publication to claims not adjudicated at summary judgment — e.g., claim 6 of the '718 patent and claim 2 of the '616 patent.

c. Defenses and prior art that Sandoz did not disclose during discovery

Abbott argues that Sandoz’s failure to disclose its reliance on certain defenses and prior art during discovery precludes Sandoz from relying on those defenses or prior art at trial. Specifically, Abbott asserts that Sandoz did not disclose its intention to rely on enablement or written-description defenses to the '718 or '616 patent, and Sandoz failed to reference the '803 patent or Welling-1983 article as pri- or art supporting Sandoz’s obviousness and anticipation defenses to the '718 and '616 patents. Abbott argues that, under Fed.R.Civ.P. 37(c)(1), if a party fails to meet the discovery obligations required by Rules 26(a) or (e), the party may not introduce the material it failed to disclose at trial. (Abbott again argues for the exclusion of Sandoz’s enablement and written-description defenses in its Motion in Limine # 6.)

Sandoz argues that it should be permitted to rely on the defenses and prior art at issue because, even though they were not disclosed formally in response to interrogatories, they were disclosed in other ways. For example, Dr. Chambliss referenced the '803 patent and Welling-1983 article when opining on the invalidity of claim 6 of the '718 and claim 2 of the '616 patent. Sandoz notes that Abbott had the opportunity to question Dr. Chambliss about his reliance on these references and did so at his deposition. In addition, Sandoz contends that its enablement and written-description defenses were disclosed in “numerous forms” including expert reports, deposition testimony, and Sandoz’s preliminary injunction briefs. Sandoz argues that Abbott is not prejudiced because its awareness of these defenses and prior art references afforded Abbott the opportunity to investigate them. Sandoz likens this case to DataQuill Ltd. v. Handspring, Inc., in which the court held that “the extreme sanction of exclusion is not warranted under Rule 37(c)” where the defendant’s failure to include prior-art references in its interrogatory response was harmless because the plaintiff still had “a full opportunity to inquire into [defendant’s expert’s] opinion at his deposition.” No. 01 C 4635, 2003 WL 25696445, at *1 (N.D.Ill. Dec. 19, 2003).

Abbott’s motion is DENIED with respect to the '803 patent and Welling-1983 article for Sandoz’s reasons. Even though Sandoz did not disclose these prior art references in response to interrogatories, because Sandoz has established that Abbott was aware of these prior art references, and had a fair opportunity to investigate them during the course of discovery, they should not be excluded. However, Sandoz should be limited to relying on this prior art only as related to claim 6 of the '718 patent and claim 2 of the '616 patent. In Abbott’s Motion in Limine # 6, Abbott indicates, and Sandoz does not refute, that Dr. Chambliss did not opine that any of the claims other than claim 6 of the '718 patent and claim 2 of the '616 patent were invalid based on the '571 publication in combination with other references. (See Abbott Mot. in Limine # 6 at 2; Sandoz Resp. to Abbott Mot. in Limine # 3 at 6.)

Abbott’s motion is GRANTED with respect to Sandoz’s undisclosed enablement and written-description defenses for the reasons detailed in the analysis of Abbott’s Motion in Limine # 6 below.

4. To preclude Sandoz from introducing evidence regarding anti-generic or anti-competitive strategies. [Dkt. 181.]

I will address this motion in two parts, separately considering Sandoz’s motion to preclude (a) evidence of Abbott’s alleged anti-generic or anti-competitive strategy, and (b) invocation of terms such as “monopoly,” “milking strategy,” and “milking the brand.”

a. Evidence of Abbott’s alleged antigenerid'anti-competitive strategy

Abbott argues that evidence of its alleged anti-generic or anti-competitive strategy (e.g., internal memoranda suggesting that it developed the '718 patent in part to extend its clarithromycin monopoly) should be excluded as irrelevant, prejudicial, and misleading. With respect to the infringement and invalidity issues, Abbott argues that its subjective intent is irrelevant and therefore inadmissible under Fed.R.Evid. 401 and 402. For the proposition that the obviousness inquiry does not depend on inventors’ subjective motivations, Abbott cites Life Techs., Inc. v. Clontech Labs., Inc., 224 F.3d 1320, 1325 (Fed.Cir.2000), Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 17, 86 S.Ct. 684, 15 L.Ed.2d 545 (1966), and KSR Int’l Co. v. Teleflex Inc., 550 U.S. 398, 127 S.Ct. 1727, 1742, 167 L.Ed.2d 705 (2007). With respect to the issue of damages, Abbott suggests that, while Sandoz may properly offer evidence regarding demand for Biaxin XL, Abbott’s marketing expenditures, and the existence of acceptable non-infringing alternatives, evidence regarding Abbott’s “anti-generic” or “anti-competitive” intent bear no relevance to the calculation of lost profits or a reasonable royalty. Abbott further argues that, even if relevant, evidence of an alleged anti-generic or anti competitive strategy should be excluded because, under Fed.R.Evid. 403, the probative value (which is marginal) is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice and confusion as to the central issues of patent infringement and validity.

Sandoz responds that this evidence is relevant to its showing of obviousness and the issue of damages, and even if the evidence is prejudicial, the danger of unfair prejudice is not substantial enough to outweigh the probative value of the evidence. With respect to the obviousness issue, Sandoz argues that Graham and KSR teach that courts may look at any secondary considerations that would prove instructive of the obviousness inquiry, including market pressure. Sandoz argues that Abbott’s internal documents and memoranda, which capture its understanding of the market pressures threatening Abbott’s business at the time, are probative of the obviousness determination. With respect to the issue of damages, San-doz points out that Abbott’s internal documents and memoranda discuss the demand for clarithromycin and the extended-release formulation and argues that a lost profits analysis under Panduit Corp. v. Stahlin Bros. Fibre Works, Inc., 575 F.2d 1152, 1156 (6th Cir.1978) must take into account the demand for the patented product. According to Sandoz, Abbott’s interest in “extend[ing] the life of clarithromycin and keeping its] various product lines protected from generic competition” (Abbott Mot. in Limine # 4, Ex. A) shows that Abbott believed that the generic clarithromycin products would constitute “acceptable noninfringing substitutes.” Sandoz argues that this evidence is relevant to show the availability of acceptable noninfringing substitutes, or Abbott’s belief as to the availability of these substitutes under Panduit factor two. Further, Sandoz contends that evidence relating to Abbott’s marketing strategies is relevant to the reasonable royalty analysis under Georgiar-Pacific Corp. v. U.S. Plywood Corp., 318 F.Supp. 1116, 1120 (S.D.N.Y.1970). San-doz adds that this evidence was considered by both Abbott’s and Sandoz’s damages experts as part of their reasonable royalty analyses and should not be excluded at trial.

This motion is GRANTED. Evidence of Abbott’s alleged anti-generic or anticompetitive strategy is not relevant to the issue of obviousness. Although, under KSR, courts may look to “secondary considerations” helpful to the obviousness inquiry, such considerations must be “objective.” KSR, 550 U.S. at 406, 127 S.Ct. 1727. Because the court’s obviousness inquiry depends on the perspective of a “person having ordinary skill in the art,” id., Abbott’s subjective motivations for developing Biaxin XL are not relevant. Sandoz correctly states that KSR instructs courts to weigh “secondary considerations” such as market pressure; however, contrary to Sandoz’s interpretation, KSR directs courts to consider the market pressure, faced by an objective person of ordinary skill, to solve a particular problem. Id. at 421, 127 S.Ct. 1727. Abbott’s subjective experience of the market pressure to extend the life of its patent does not fall within the “secondary considerations” contemplated by the court in KSR. Even if such evidence is marginally relevant, because of its peripheral significance to the obviousness determination and potential to prejudice the jury against Abbott, its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice under Rule 403.

Additionally, to conduct a lost profits analysis under Pcmduit or a reasonable royalty analysis under Georgia-Pacific, Sandoz may offer evidence regarding demand for Biaxin XL, Abbott’s marketing expenditures, and the existence of acceptable non-infringing alternatives; however evidence of Abbott’s alleged anti-generic or anti-competitive strategy is not relevant to the damages consideration.

b. Invocation of terms such as “monopoly, ” “milking strategy, ” & “milking the brand ”

Abbott argues that terms such as “monopoly,” “milking strategy,” and “milking the brand” are not relevant, and invocation of such terms would unfairly prejudice Abbott under Rule 403 by suggesting that Abbott’s enforcement of patent rights is unfair or unlawful and improperly inviting the jury to view Abbott in a negative light.

Sandoz responds that these terms are not unfairly prejudicial. First, the term “monopoly” appropriately describes the patentee’s legal right to exclusion, and the jury would understand that this right is the reward for the patentee’s effort. Second, the terms “milking the brand” and “milking strategy” derive from Abbott’s internal documents, and because they are the names of Abbott’s strategy, excising the phrases would destroy the context of the evidence.

This motion is GRANTED for the reasons articulated by Abbott.

5. To preclude Sandoz’s presentation of inequitable conduct evidence to the jury. [Dkt. 177.]

Abbott argues that Sandoz has already agreed that the inequitable conduct issue, because it is wholly equitable in nature, should be decided by the Court outside of the presence of the jury. Recognizing that courts retain discretion to determine how inequitable conduct issues will be handled at trial, Abbott argues that the Court is justified in separating the presentation of the evidence on these issues in cases such as this one, where claims of inequitable conduct and infringement are distinct. Lastly, Abbott argues that presenting evidence of inequitable conduct to the jury risks unfairly prejudicing the jury against Abbott and causing confusion in an already complicated patent case.

Sandoz responds that this Court already decided against bifurcating the issue of inequitable conduct from the other issues during the 3/27/08 hearing on the matter. First, Sandoz’s evidence of inequitable conduct also relates to issues that will be decided by the jury such as noninfringement, invalidity, and the credibility of witnesses, and Sandoz will suffer prejudice if it is unable to present this evidence to the jury. Second, Abbott has not stated specifically what prejudice it might suffer if Sandoz is allowed to present the jury with evidence relating to both inequitable conduct and other issues, and any possible prejudice may be cured with a limiting instruction or cautionary warning to the jury. Finally, Sandoz adds that addressing all issues in a single case will promote convenience and judicial economy, especially because all of the witnesses testifying about inequitable conduct will also testify on other issues before the jury.

This motion will be DENIED. Inequitable conduct issue will be intertwined with the other issues in the trial. (See Sandoz Resp. to Abbott Mot. in Limine • 5, Ex. 1, 03/27/08 Hearing Transcript at 2-3.)

6. To preclude Sandoz from offering invalidity evidence or argument not disclosed in its expert reports. [DM. 478.1

Abbott moves to exclude the following invalidity evidence or argument that San-doz failed to disclose in its expert reports but apparently intends to introduce at trial:

• Claims 1, 2, 4, 10, 11, or 13 of the '718 patent are invalid on grounds of obviousness in light of the '571 patent in combination with other references;

• A written-description defense to the '616 or '718 patent; and

• An enablement defense to the '616 or '718 patent.

In addition to arguing that none of these defenses were addressed by Sandoz’s expert on invalidity, Dr. Chambliss, Abbott points out, in Motion in Limine # 3, that Sandoz never disclosed written-description or enablement defenses in either its initial or amended invalidity contentions, or in response to Abbott’s interrogatories requesting that Sandoz identify all of its invalidity and unenforceability arguments. (See Abbott Mot. in Limine # 3, Exs. 4, 5, & 6.)

Abbott argues that Sandoz should not be able to introduce evidence or argument relating to these invalidity theories because direct testimony of experts must be limited to the matters disclosed in their reports. See, e.g., Funai Elec. Co. v. Daewoo Elec. Corp., No. C 04-1830 CRB, 2007 WL 1089702, at *1 (N.D.Cal. Apr. 11, 2007). Abbott cites several cases in which courts precluded defendants from introducing particular invalidity theories that were not disclosed during discovery. See Transclean Corp. v. Bridgewood Servs., Inc., 290 F.3d 1364, 1374 (Fed.Cir.2002); Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd. v. Acushnet Co., No. CIVA 05-132 JJF, 2007 WL 521894, at *4-5 (D.Del. Feb. 15, 2007); Astrazeneca AB v. Mutual Pharm. Co., 278 F.Supp.2d 491, 508 (E.D.Pa.2003); Heidelberg Harris, Inc. v. Mitsubishi Heavy Ind., Ltd., No. 95 C0673, 1996 WL 680243 at *8-10 (N.D.Ill. Nov. 21, 1999). Abbott argues that, even if Sandoz were allowed to present these new invalidity defenses, because Sandoz cannot present expert testimony on its previously undisclosed defenses, it will be unable to support these defenses. As authority for this argument, Abbott cites a number of cases in which courts rejected invalidity defenses where defendants could not offer any expert testimony in support of those defenses. See Ry-Lock Co. v. Sears, Roebuck & Co., 227 F.2d 615, 616-18 (9th Cir.1955); Oxford Gene Tech. Ltd. v. Mergen Ltd., 345 F.Supp.2d 444, 451 (D.Del.2004); Johns Hopkins Univ. v. CellPro, 978 F.Supp. 184, 189 (D.Del.1997); United States Surgical Corp. v. Hasp. Prods. Int’l Party Ltd., 701 F.Supp. 314, 338-39 (D.Conn.1988). Finally, Abbott contends that its arguments for precluding Sandoz’s invalidity defenses also support the exclusion of Sandoz’s obviousness defense to claims 1, 2, 4, 10, 11, and 13 of the 718 patent.

Sandoz responds that Abbott’s motion should be denied because Abbott has been made aware of the invalidity arguments at issue through: (1) the expert reports and declarations of Dr. Chambliss (Sandoz’s expert); (2) Dr. Chambliss’s deposition testimony; (3) Sandoz’s preliminary injunction opposition and appeal briefs; and (4) the deposition testimony of Dr. Davis (Abbott’s expert). Sandoz cites Se-Kure Controls, Inc. v. Vanguard Prods. Group, Inc. for the proposition that expert testimony on an issue should not be excluded where “the information was made known to the other side in the context of the case itself.” No. 02-3767, 2007 WL 781253, at *6 (N.D.Ill. Mar. 7, 2007).

Sandoz’s arguments for the admission of its enablement and written-description defenses center on its contention that, under Dr. Davis’s construction of certain claim terms, including the term “pharmaceutically acceptable polymer,” Abbott’s patent claims are invalid on enablement and/or written-description grounds. Sandoz lists a number of ways in which it believes Abbott has been apprised of these defenses during the course of this litigation. Here are a few examples of Sandoz’s arguments:

• Dr. Chambliss laid the foundation for Sandoz’s enablement and written-description defenses when he stated, in response to Dr. Davis’s contention that the “pharmaceutically acceptable polymer” does not need to be the ingredient responsible for extending release, that “a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that Abbott did not describe or invent an extended-release composition in which the ‘pharmaceutically acceptable polymer’ does not extend release.” (Sandoz Resp. to Abbott Mot. in Limine # 6, Ex. 1, 3/2/07 Chambliss Rpt. at ¶ 12.)

• Dr. Chambliss showed that Dr. Davis’s proposed construction raises written-description concerns when he opined that Dr. Davis’s proposed construction is “divorced from the patent specification and seek[s] to re-write the specification to cover any extended release clarithromycin composition containing a polymer.” (Sandoz Resp. to Abbott Mot. in Limine # 6, Ex. 2, 3/22/07 Chambliss Rebuttal Rpt. ¶ 25.)

• Dr. Chambliss suggested that Dr. Davis’s broad construction may raise enablement issues when he stated that “Abbott’s inventors did not describe their compositions to encompass the range of compositions that Dr. Davis envisions in his report.” (Id.)

• In Sandoz’s preliminary injunction briefs both before this Court and the Federal Circuit, Sandoz argued: “Abbott’s patent is presumed to be enabled across the full scope of its claims.” Teva, 452 F.3d at 1350. Thus, Abbott cannot be heard to argue that a composition falling

In addition to citing these examples, San-doz argues that the Court’s summary judgment opinion “created a framework where enablement and written description are at issue in this case.” (Sandoz Resp. to Abbott Mot. in Limine # 6 at 5.) Sandoz notes that, at summary judgment, the Court stated that a person of ordinary skill in the art would not have had a reasonable expectation that the '571 compositions would satisfy the '718 patent’s PK requirements. See Abbott Labs. v. Sandoz Inc., 529 F.Supp.2d 893, 915-18 (N.D.Ill.2007). According to Sandoz, if this means that the PK properties are not inherent in Abbott’s patented compositions, then the claims are not enabled to their full extent.

Finally, with respect to the obviousness arguments at issue in this motion, Sandoz denies that it intends to argue that claims 2, 10, 11, or 13 of the '718 patent are invalid and contends that the rest of its obviousness arguments have been disclosed in reports and declarations of its experts. Sandoz argues that Abbott suggests that it is not familiar with the difference between prior art that discloses and/or renders obvious the claimed compositions and prior art that demonstrates the knowledge and skill of one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the invention. Sandoz points out that the law presumes that the person of ordinary skill in the art is aware of all prior art and argues that its experts provided detailed opinions on the application of prior art, and the knowledge of those skilled in the art, to the obviousness issues in this case. Sandoz broadly cites Abbott Mot. in Limine # 6, Ex. 1, 3/2/07 Chambliss Rpt. at ¶¶ 5-6, 61-62, 66-67, 57-123.

Abbott’s motion will be GRANTED. I will address separately (a) the enablement and written-description defenses, and (b) the argument that claims 1, 2, 4, 10, 11, or 13 are invalid due to obviousness.

a. Enablement and viritten description defenses

It is undisputed that Sandoz did not disclose these invalidity defenses during discovery — in its invalidity contentions, in its amended invalidity contentions, in response to Abbott’s interrogatories requesting that Sandoz disclose its invalidity defenses, or in any supplemental responses provided during the course of discovery. That said, the case law cited by Abbott does not reveal a hard-and-fast rule requiring the exclusion of invalidity defenses that were not disclosed during discovery. Rather, courts consider whether to exclude such undisclosed defenses and arguments on a case-by-case basis, depending on whether the plaintiff would suffer prejudice if these defenses or arguments were introduced. See Transclean Corp., 290 F.3d at 1374; Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd., 2007 WL 521894, at *4-5; Astrazeneca AB, 278 F.Supp.2d at 508; Heidelberg Harris, Inc., 1996 WL 680243 at *7-10. Thus, the key question in resolving this motion in limine is whether, as Sandoz contends, Abbott had sufficient notice of its intended enablement and written-description defenses such that it would not be prejudiced by their introduction at trial.

Although not entirely clear, Sandoz seems to argue that Dr. Davis’s construction of claim terms provide a foundation for enablement and written-description defenses. Sandoz cites several excerpts of Dr. Chambliss’s reports and deposition testimony that it believes provided Abbott notice that it may raise these defenses. One thing is certain about all of these excerpts: none actually uses the terms “enablement” or “written-description” or addresses these defenses directly. Looking closely at the excerpts cited by Sandoz, it is possible that they offer implicit support for Sandoz’s defenses. For example, Sandoz’s intended enablement and written-description defenses may be implicated by Dr. Chambliss’s statements that Dr. Davis’s construction is “divorced from the patent specification and seek[s] to re-write the specification to cover any extended release clarithromycin composition containing a polymer,” (Sandoz Resp. to Abbott Mot. in Limine # 6, Ex. 2, 3/22/07 Chambliss Rebuttal Rpt. ¶ 25,) and that “Abbott’s inventors did not describe their compositions to encompass the range of compositions that Dr. Davis envisions in his report” (id.).

Sandoz’s briefs during preliminary injunction proceedings do not invoke the defenses at issue any more directly. In the briefs presented to both this Court and the Federal Circuit, Sandoz argued, “Abbott’s patent is presumed to be enabled across the full scope of its claims. Teva, 452 F.3d at 1350. Thus, Abbott cannot be heard to argue that a composition falling squarely within the subject matter claimed in claim 1 would somehow not inherently exhibit the same claimed DFL and bioavailability properties.” (Sandoz Resp. to Abbott Mot. in Limine # 6, Ex. 6, 2/1/07 PI Opp. Br. at 7-8; Ex. 7, 7/2/07 PI Appeal Br. at 47-48.) It is not clear why Sandoz contends that this excerpt would have apprised Abbott of its intent to assert an enablement defense, when Sandoz stated directly that Abbott’s patent is presumed to be enabled.

The single case Sandoz cites in support of its argument that the Court should permit its written-description and enablement defenses is Se-Kure Controls, Inc. v. Vanguard Prods. Group, Inc. No. 02-3767, 2007 WL 781253 (N.D.Ill. Mar. 7, 2007). In that case, the court declined to preclude the declarations by two witnesses who the defendants had not explicitly disclosed as witnesses they intended to rely on under Rules 26(a)(1)(A) and 26(e). Id. at *6. The court held that the plaintiff was undoubtedly aware that the defendants might rely on these two witnesses as both provided clearly relevant declarations during discovery. Id. Here, alleged notice of Sandoz’s defenses — essentially through inferences drawn from Dr. Chambliss’s testimony — is far more subtle. It is even more subtle than the level of notice courts have deemed insufficient to prevent the exclusion of undisclosed evidence. See, e.g., Heidelberg Harris, Inc., 1996 WL 680243 at *7-10 (excluding undisclosed defense after rejecting argument that notice of defense in expert reports compensated for defendants’ failure to disclose defense by supplementing interrogatory responses as required by Rule 26(e)(2)). Under the facts of this case, Sandoz’s purported notice to Abbott of its enablement and written-description defenses is too subtle to compensate for its failure to disclose these defenses during discovery. Moreover, as Abbott argues, Sandoz has not provided any indication that it has evidence to support these defenses at trial. See Ry-Lock Co. v. Sears, Roebuck & Co., 227 F.2d 615, 616-18 (9th Cir.1955) (reversing district court’s finding of invalidity where defendant failed to support its invalidity claims with expert testimony); United States Surgical Corp. v. Hosp. Prods. Int’l Party Ltd., 701 F.Supp. 314, 338-39 (D.Conn.1988) (rejecting defendant’s enablement defense where “[t]he only testimony cited by the defendant to support [this defense] is the testimony of ... plaintiffs expert”). Sandoz should therefore be precluded from introducing enablement and written-description defenses at trial.

b. Obviousness defense to claims 1, 2, I, 10, 11, and 13 of the '718 patent

Abbott’s motion to preclude Sandoz from arguing that claims 1, 2, 4,10,11, are 13 of the '718 patent are invalid on grounds of obviousness in light of the '571 patent in combination with other references will be GRANTED. Sandoz denies that it intends to argue that claims 2, 10, 11, and 13 are invalid, leaving only claims 1 and 4 at issue. With respect to these claims, Sandoz does not point to any specific place where its obviousness defenses to claims 1 or 4 have been disclosed, citing only broadly to Dr. Chambliss’s expert report.

7. To preclude Sandoz from offering evidence or argument regarding alleged benefits of generic drugs. [.Dkt. 179.]

Abbott argues that such evidence should be excluded under Federal Rules of Evidence 402 and 403 because it is irrelevant to the issues in the ease, and it would unfairly prejudice Abbott, distract the jury, and cause confusion. Abbott expresses concern, specifically, that evidence regarding the benefits of generic drugs would conjure negative stereotypes of branded pharmaceutical companies and appeal to the popular concern about the perceived role of such companies in contributing to the rising cost of healthcare.

Sandoz responds that Abbott improperly seeks a broad, wholesale exclusion, without identifying specific evidence, even though evidence regarding the competition between branded and generic drug companies, and the reduced cost of generic versus branded pharmaceuticals, is relevant to the issue of damages (whether calculated using a lost profits analysis under Panduit or a reasonable-royalty analysis under Georgia-Pacific).

This motion will be GRANTED. Although Abbott does not seek to exclude specific pieces of evidence, the Court will exclude as irrelevant and prejudicial any evidence or argument regarding the general benefits of generic drugs over branded drugs. However, as Abbott concedes, the Court should (and will) admit evidence regarding the difference in cost between the drugs at issue because such evidence is relevant to damages. To the extent that competition between Abbott and generic brands sheds light on the issue of damages, this evidence will be admitted as well. Abbott may propose a limiting instruction as to the use of this type of evidence on the issue of damages.

8. To preclude Sandoz from offering inequitable conduct evidence or argument regarding (a) matters decided on summary judgment, (b) untimely and irrelevant inequitable conduct theories, and (c) the '407 patent. [Diet. 489.]

Abbott argues that, with respect to San-doz’s defense that the '718 and '616 patents are unenforceable due to inequitable conduct, a significant portion of the evidence that Sandoz intends to present should be barred based on prior rulings by this Court, the untimeliness of disclosure, and/or the inadmissibility of evidence. Sandoz responds that this evidence is admissible because it demonstrates that Abbott has engaged in a pattern of making false statements to, and withholding information from, the PTO during prosecution of the patents-in-suit, and from this pattern, the Court may infer an intent to deceive. Sandoz also claims that Abbott was sufficiently aware of the inequitable conduct defenses at issue, and moreover, because inequitable conduct is a bench issue, Abbott has not established any prejudice or harm warranting exclusion of San-doz’s inequitable conduct theories.

I will address this motion in three parts, separately considering Abbott’s arguments for the exclusion of inequitable conduct evidence regarding (a) matters decided on summary judgment, (b) untimely and irrelevant inequitable conduct theories, and (c) the '407 patent.

a. Matters decided at summary judgment

Abbott argues that, at summary judgment, the Court resolved several issues related to inequitable conduct in Abbott’s favor; accordingly, under the law-of-the-case doctrine, Sandoz may not re-introduce these issues at trial. See, e.g., South Beach Beverage Co. v. Rush Beverage Co., Inc., 2004 WL 416358, at *2 (N.D.Ill. Feb. 20, 2004) (“Under the law of the case doctrine, a ruling by a trial court, in an earlier stage of the case, is binding on subsequent stages of the case.”). According to Abbott, the issues resolved at summary judgment include:

• The Gustavson declaration — summary judgment in favor of Abbott on the issue of whether Abbott engaged in inequitable conduct when it submitted Dr. Linda Gustavson’s declaration in support of the '718 patent prosecution

• Biaxin XL and incidence rates — summary judgment in favor of Abbott on the issue of whether Abbott engaged in inequitable conduct by withholding material labeling data from the PTO

Sandoz responds that the summary judgment ruling does not preclude Sandoz from using evidence of Abbott’s conduct in connection with the Gustavson declaration and Biaxin XL label to show intent to deceive. Sandoz asserts that the Court did not even reach the issue of intent to deceive because it granted summary judgment to Abbott based on the Court’s determination that the Gustavson declaration and the taste perversion incidence rates in the label were not material. Sandoz argues further that the law-of-the-case doctrine does not apply because the Court only granted summary judgment that these individual incidents do not constitute inequitable conduct; the Court did not, however, consider whether this evidence, taken in combination with additional evidence of material misrepresentations and omissions, demonstrates an intent to deceive. Finally, Sandoz argues that the Court is free to revisit its rulings on whether each instance constituted inequitable conduct because, under Fed.R.Civ.P. 54(b), “any order or decision, however designated, that adjudicates fewer than all the claims ... does not end the action as to any of the claims ... and may be revised at any time before the entry of a judgment adjudicating all the claims ...”

Abbott’s motion to preclude Sandoz from introducing evidence related to the Court’s summary judgment findings on inequitable conduct is DENIED. Contrary to Sandoz’s last argument, the Court need not revisit its summary judgment rulings. However, Sandoz persuasively argues that the particular incidents addressed at summary judgment, even if they do not constitute inequitable conduct independently, may demonstrate an intent to deceive when combined with other evidence. Federal Circuit precedent permits the evidence at issue to be offered in this context. See Refac Intern., Ltd. v. Lotus Dev. Corp., 81 F.3d 1576, 1582 (Fed.Cir.1996) (omissions in certain affidavits, while not themselves constituting inequitable conduct, heighted the effect of another material omission in a related affidavit and supported a finding of intent to deceive); see also eSpeed, Inc. v. BrokerTec USA, LLC, 480 F.3d 1129, 1138 (Fed.Cir.2007) (“Intent to deceive may be ‘inferred from the facts and circumstances surrounding the applicant’s overall conduct.’ ”) (quoting Impax Labs. v. Aventis Pharms., 468 F.3d 1366, 1375 (Fed.Cir.2006)).

b. Inequitable conduct theories that Abbott alleges were improperly disclosed

Abbott argues that Sandoz improperly proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law relating to its inequitable conduct defense that included three new theories of inequitable conduct that Sandoz had not previously disclosed in its interrogatory responses, invalidity contentions, or other pleadings. Abbott argues that Sandoz should be precluded from presenting these inequitable conduct theories at trial because Sandoz flouted its Rule 26 discovery obligations by failing to timely disclose any of these theories in response to Abbott’s interrogatory requesting the basis of Sandoz’s unenforceability defense. Sandoz argues that, even though it did not formally disclose these theories, Abbott had sufficient notice of the theories such that they should not be excluded. Abbott moves to exclude the following theories:

®A claim that Abbott’s non-disclosure of Study W98-268/DMR 95 to the Patent Office constituted inequitable conduct with regard to Claim 4 of the '718 patent;

• A claim of inequitable conduct relating to the '407 patent based on Gustavson’s interview with the examiner during the prosecution of the patent; and

• A claim of inequitable conduct against the '718 patent based on the submission of a Rule 132 declaration from Gustavson during the prosecution of the '407 patent

Sandoz asserts that its arguments concerning the materiality of Study W98-268 to claim 1 of the '718 patent gave Abbott adequate notice of Sandoz’s argument with respect to claim 4. Moreover, given the questions Sandoz posed to Abbott’s experts about the results of the W98-268 study, Abbott cannot claim that it was unaware that Sandoz would argue that the W98-268 study was material to claim 4. Sandoz also asserts that it has repeatedly argued that Abbott’s failure to disclose the W98-268 study to the PTO constitutes inequitable conduct because the results contradict statements made in the '718 and '616 patent specification that were meant to distinguish the inventive composition from the prior art. Because these statements were meant to support patentability of the extended-release compositions as a whole — not just one claim — information that contradicts them would be material to all claims. Sandoz argues that, for this reason, Abbott’s argument that Sandoz should be precluded from alleging inequitable conduct related to claim 4 based on the W98-268 study is without merit. Additionally, Sandoz claims that Abbott was aware of the inequitable conduct arguments concerning Gustavson’s actions during the prosecution of the '407 patent based on the questions posed to Gustavson during her 30(b)(6) deposition and to Nick Poulos, the prosecuting attorney for the '407 patent, during his deposition.

With respect to Sandoz’s claim that Abbott’s non-disclosure of Study W98-268/ DMR 95 to the Patent Office constituted inequitable conduct with regard to Claim 4 of the '718 patent, the motion is DENIED. The same considerations addressed in Abbott’s Motion in Limine # 6 apply here. It is undisputed that Sandoz never disclosed this particular inequitable conduct defense in either its initial or amended invalidity contentions, or in response to Abbott’s interrogatories. Abbott correctly notes that courts have discretion — which they often exercise — to preclude parties from presenting arguments or evidence that they have not properly disclosed during the course of discovery. However, there is no hard-and-fast rule requiring courts to exclude undisclosed arguments or evidence. Rather, courts decide whether to exclude such arguments or evidence on a case-by-case basis, depending on whether the plaintiff would suffer prejudice if these defenses or arguments were introduced. See Transclean Corp., 290 F.3d at 1374; Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd., 2007 WL 521894, at *4-5; Astrazeneca AB, 278 F.Supp.2d at 508; Heidelberg Harris, Inc., 1996 WL 680243 at *7-10. Here, Sandoz argues persuasively (as summarized above) that Abbott had adequate notice of San-doz’s Study W98-268/DMR 95 argument such that it would not be prejudiced by the admission of this argument at trial. Because the notice provided to Abbott throughout the course of litigation compensates for Sandoz’s failure to disclose this defense during discovery, Sandoz may introduce this defense at trial.

c. Inequitable conduct issues regarding the '107 patent

Abbott argues that Sandoz’s inequitable conduct theories that relate to the '407 patent should be excluded because the '407 patent is no longer part of this case, and the evidence Sandoz seeks to introduce is not admissible in connection with any issue relating to the '718 and '616 patents. According to Abbott, Sandoz contends that evidence of inequitable conduct related to the '407 patent is admissible as evidence of inequitable conduct related to the '718 and '616 patents because it shows a pattern of intent to deceive. In response, Abbott argues that Sandoz never properly disclosed such a theory during discovery, and this theory is without legal basis because an inequitable conduct challenge must be directed to the patent or patents alleged to be infringed, not '407, which is no longer part of this case. Pharmacia Corp. v. Par Pharm. Inc., 417 F.3d 1369, 1375 (Fed.Cir.2005). Abbott also notes that, by seeking to introduce evidence regarding the '407 prosecution, San-doz seeks to challenge the enforceability of the '718 and '616 patents based on conduct that took place two years after the '718 patent was issued and two years after the filing of the '616 application.

Sandoz responds that the Stipulated Order that dismissed the claims and counterclaims related to the '407 patent does not preclude Sandoz from offering evidence related to the '407 patent “that otherwise would be admissible at trial of the remaining claims.” Sandoz argues that evidence concerning Abbott’s inequitable conduct during prosecution of the '407 patent is admissible because it reveals a pattern of behavior demonstrating Abbott’s overall deceptive intent during prosecution of the '718, '616, and '407 patents. Refac Int’l., Ltd. v. Lotus Dev. Corp., 81 F.3d 1576 (Fed.Cir.1996).

This motion is GRANTED. Federal Circuit precedent makes clear that inequitable conduct associated with the prosecution of a later patent does not affect the enforceability of an earlier patent. See Pharmacia Corp. v. Par Pharm. Inc., 417 F.3d 1369, 1375 (Fed.Cir.2005) (inequitable conduct in the prosecution of a later patent did not infect the enforceability of a prior patent); see also Lannett Co. Inc. v. KV Pharmaceuticals, No. 08-338 JJF, 2008 WL 4974579, at *3 (D.Del. Nov. 21, 2008) (“Inequitable conduct cannot be imputed to the earlier prosecuted [patents] based upon alleged conduct relating to later prosecuted patents.”). For that reason, Sandoz is precluded from introducing evidence or argument as to inequitable conduct in the prosecution of the '407 and '718 patents.

9. To preclude Dr. Pagano from offering evidence or opinions regarding Dr. Weiner’s rebuttal and supplemental expert reports that are contrary to or not included in his deposition testimony. [Dkt. 486.]

Abbott moves broadly to preclude Dr. Pagano, Sandoz’s expert, from offering any evidence or opinions responsive to Dr. Weiner’s rebuttal or supplemental exert reports that Sandoz has not previously disclosed. There is no indication that Dr. Pagano in fact plans to testify to undisclosed matters. However, Abbott’s concern that he may do so apparently stems from Dr. Pagano’s deposition testimony that he did not thoroughly review Dr. Weiner’s rebuttal or supplemental reports, and Sandoz’s subsequent assertion that it reserved the right to respond to these reports. Abbott bases its motion to exclude any undisclosed expert testimony by Dr. Pagano on Rule 26(a), which requires complete disclosure of expert opinions, and Rule 37(c)(1), which precludes a party from presenting expert testimony it did not disclose under Rule 26, unless the party can show that its Rule 26 violation was either justified or harmless.

In response, Sandoz argues that Abbott’s broad motion, which does not seek to exclude any specific testimony or evidence, is improper. Further, Sandoz contends that, “[i]n the unlikely event that Dr. Pagano’s opinions at trial somehow exceed the scope of subject matter that Abbott has notice of, the court can address this if Abbott raises an objection at trial.” (San-doz Resp. to Abbott Mot. in Limine # 9 at 1.)

This motion is DENIED. Specific objections to Dr. Pagano’s testimony can be addressed at trial, although it is clear that any such testimony must be confined to his previously disclosed report and testimony.

10. To preclude Sandoz’s experts from testifying regarding claim construction at trial. [Dkt. 480.]

Abbott moves to preclude San-doz’s experts from testifying about claim construction, arguing that claim construction is a matter of law for the court, not the jury, to decide. See Markman v. Westview Instruments, Inc., 52 F.3d 967, 978-79 (Fed.Cir.1995) (en banc), aff'd, 517 U.S. 370, 116 S.Ct. 1384, 134 L.Ed.2d 577; see also NTP, Inc. v. Research in Motion, Ltd., 418 F.3d 1282, 1305 n. 8 (Fed.Cir.2005).

Sandoz contests Abbott’s motion, arguing that it may be necessary for both parties’ experts to testify about the claim language so that the jury can understand that language. Sandoz cites no legal basis for this proposition. Instead, Sandoz argues that, in light of 02 Micro Int’l Ltd. v. Beyond Innovation Tech. Co., 521 F.3d 1351 (Fed.Cir.2008), the Court should revisit its prior claim construction. Sandoz’s arguments in this vein do not directly address Abbott’s motion in limine.

This motion is DENIED. Sandoz may not present evidence or argument that the Court’s claim construction, as stated in the final jury instruction, is incorrect. However, Sandoz may present evidence during trial that informs the Court what the final construction should be.

11. To preclude certain testimony from Dr. Walter Chambliss. [Dkt. 481.]

Abbott seeks the exclusion of testimony by Sandoz’s expert, Dr. Walter Chambliss, on three subjects: (a) alleged differences between the way in which Sandoz’s formulation and the formulations of the patents-in-suit function to extend release; (b) the development and licensing of Sandoz’s formulation; and (c) Abbott’s understanding of Sandoz’s formulation as a result of its licensing discussions with Madison Life Sciences employees. I will address (a) separately from (b) and (c).

a. Alleged differences between how Abbott’s and Sandoz’s products extend release

Abbott argues that Dr. Chambliss’s testimony comparing the ways in which Sandoz’s and Abbott’s formulations operate to extend release is irrelevant. Abbott explains that it plans to pursue a literal infringement claim rather than invoking the doctrine of equivalents, which provides that a product may infringe, if not literally, by performing “substanti