Presenting Complicated Technology Effectively At The PTAB

The PTAB recently hosted a Boardside Chat on effectively presenting technology in AIA proceedings. Patent Trial and Appeal Board Boardside Chat: Presenting Technology in AIA Proceedings, (Nov. 17, 2022) ("Presenting Technology"). Three APJs and two experienced practitioners discussed several strategies for an effective presentation including knowing the audience, determining where technology descriptions should be included throughout the life of the litigation, providing effective technology descriptions in the papers, and presenting technology at the oral hearing.

Know the Audience

First, the panelists emphasized the importance of knowing the audience. They noted that unlike a jury, patent judges have a technical background and experience in patent law; thus, showmanship is unpersuasive and discouraged. With that experience in mind, the panel noted that APJs should be better equipped than some district court judges to understand patented technology. If the