In a series of decisions issued on August 27, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit delivered setbacks to Apple Inc. in its ongoing patent disputes with Smart Mobile Technologies LLC. The court declined to revive Apple’s challenges to certain patent claims and overturned the Patent Trial and Appeal Board’s (PTAB) invalidation of other claims, effectively favoring Smart Mobile Technologies in these proceedings.
One of the key cases, docket number 25-1090, involved U.S. Patent No. 9,191,083, which pertains to mobile device antenna technology. The Federal Circuit vacated and remanded the PTAB’s decision, identifying issues with the Board’s claim construction and its failure to address Apple’s alternative arguments. Specifically, the court found fault with the Board’s interpretation requiring the “plurality of antennas” to include at least some bidirectional antennas. This construction was deemed erroneous, leading to the vacatur of the Board’s decision. The court also noted that the PTAB did not consider Apple’s alternative arguments presented in response to Smart Mobile’s claim construction proposed after the institution of the review. ([cafc.uscourts.gov](https://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/08-27-2026-25-1090-apple-inc-v-smart-mobile-technologies-llc-opinion-25-1090-opinion-8-27-2026_2746224/?utm_source=openai))
In another related case, docket number 24-1352, the Federal Circuit addressed the PTAB’s findings concerning U.S. Patent No. 8,472,936. The court reversed the Board’s judgment regarding claim 1 of the ‘936 patent, citing issue preclusion based on prior inter partes review proceedings involving similar claims. The court also vacated the Board’s decision on the dependent claims and remanded the case for further proceedings. ([cafc.uscourts.gov](https://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/01-21-2026-24-1352-apple-inc-v-smart-mobile-technologies-llc-opinion-24-1352-opinion-1-21-2026_2635427/?utm_source=openai))
These decisions underscore the complexities inherent in patent litigation, particularly in the technology sector where claim constructions and prior art considerations play pivotal roles. For Apple, these rulings represent significant challenges in its efforts to invalidate Smart Mobile Technologies’ patents. Conversely, for Smart Mobile Technologies, the Federal Circuit’s decisions bolster the validity of its patent portfolio, potentially strengthening its position in any future licensing negotiations or litigation.
Legal professionals and corporate counsel should closely monitor these developments, as they may have broader implications for patent strategy and litigation tactics within the tech industry. The Federal Circuit’s emphasis on precise claim construction and thorough consideration of all presented arguments highlights the critical importance of meticulous preparation and presentation in patent disputes.