USPTO Director Rejects Challenges To Cerebrum Tire Sensor Patents

Cerebrum Sensor Technologies has secured important victories defending its intellectual property portfolio.

In a precedential decision issued in January, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director John Squires rejected — for a second time — an effort by Revvo Technologies to challenge Cerebrum’s U.S. Patent No. 11,835,421 through inter partes review (IPR) proceedings.

Director Overturns PTAB Institution — Again

Revvo initially sought review of Cerebrum’s patent before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). Although a three-judge PTAB panel had instituted review, Director Squires vacated that decision in November, citing concerns over inconsistent claim construction arguments taken by Revvo in PTAB proceedings versus federal district court.

After being directed to reconsider, the PTAB again instituted review earlier this month. Director Squires has now vacated that decision as well, making clear that petitioners cannot take divergent legal positions in different forums and “wait and see” how courts may rule.

The Director concluded that the appropriate course under these circumstances was to deny institution.

This marks a significant procedural and substantive win for Cerebrum.

The Director additionally rejected an attempt by Revvo to seek review of Cerebrum and Tire Stickers' 11,124,027 patent, which was initially instituted for review.  Per Squires, "I recently rejected the same “wait and see” explanation as a disfavored approach. Revvo Techs., Inc. v. Cerebrum Sensor Techs., Inc., .... As such, the appropriate course of action is to grant Director Review, vacate the Decision, and deny institution."

Reinforcing Patent Integrity and Accountability

The Director’s rulings highlight an important principle: patent challengers must take consistent positions across venues and cannot use PTAB proceedings strategically to hedge their arguments. The decision comes amid broader changes at the PTAB that signal a more disciplined approach to IPR institution decisions 

For Cerebrum, this outcome reinforces the strength of our patent portfolio and validates our approach to protecting the innovations that define the smart tire industry.

As Keith Ferry, CEO of Cerebrum, stated:

“Cerebrum appreciates the checks and balances that the director's decision provides. Cerebrum prioritizes protection of its innovations as pioneers in the smart tire industry, and when necessary as here, asserting its patent rights in district court litigation.” 

Aligned with Cerebrum’s IP Enforcement Strategy

Cerebrum has built a broad and strategically aligned intellectual property portfolio covering foundational smart tire technologies. The strategy includes:

• Invest in pioneering innovation

• Secure strong patent protection

• License and enforce our rights when necessary

• Defend against opportunistic or inconsistent challenges

This decision underscores that Cerebrum's patents are being taken seriously — both by competitors and by regulators — and that Cerebrum's commitment to enforcement is delivering results.  Cerebrum welcomes collaborative relationships with OEMs, TPMS and tire manufacturers, and beyond to leverage its intellectual property portfolio and innovation and accelerate the adopt of Intelligent Tire Solutions (iTS) in the market.

As the smart tire ecosystem continues to evolve, Cerebrum remains focused on protecting the technology that powers safer, smarter mobility worldwide.