Unified Patents LLC v. Maybell Quantum Industries Inc.

This patent infringement litigation involves Maybell Quantum Industries, Inc. as the plaintiff, an operating company specializing in cryogenic infrastructure for quantum computing and low-temperature research, and defendants QD Oxford UK Ltd, Quantum Design International Inc., Oxford Instruments PLC, and Oxford Instruments Nanotechnology Tools Ltd.. Maybell Quantum, founded in 2021 and based in Denver, Colorado, manufactures products like dilution refrigerators (e.g., "Fridge" and "Big Fridge"), wiring solutions, and magnets to advance quantum innovation. QD Oxford UK Ltd and Quantum Design International Inc. are part of a global group that designs, manufactures, and distributes high-technology instrumentation for scientific research, including quantum technologies, nanotechnology, and advanced materials. Oxford Instruments PLC is a UK-based manufacturing and research company that provides high-technology products and services, including tools and systems for industry and research. Oxford Instruments Nanotechnology Tools Ltd. appears to be an affiliate of Oxford Instruments PLC, involved in similar high-tech instrumentation.

The accused products are likely the ProteoxQX refrigerators and other cryogenic systems offered by the defendants, specifically those that allegedly incorporate the features claimed in US Patent 12,313,320. US Patent 12,313,320, titled "Integrated dilution refrigerators," generally describes a dilution refrigerator with an outer vacuum chamber that includes at least one substantially planar surface and an opening on that surface to provide access to the interior. This design aims to offer advantages such as a more compact configuration and easier access compared to traditional cylindrical systems.

The procedural posture involves a patent infringement lawsuit, Maybell Quantum Industries, Inc. v. Oxford Instruments PLC et al. (Case # 1:25-cv-00949), filed in the District of Delaware. The case is currently in the pre-trial motion phase, awaiting rulings on motions to dismiss filed by the defendants. Concurrently, an Inter Partes Review (IPR2026-00291) challenging the validity of US Patent 12,313,320 was filed by QD Oxford UK Ltd and Quantum Design International Inc. before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). The IPR challenges claims 1-6, 8, and 17-19 of the patent on grounds of obviousness and anticipation over various prior art. The District of Delaware is a common venue for patent litigation due to its established patent law expertise and efficient case management.

This case is notable due to its linkage between the district court patent infringement litigation and the parallel PTAB IPR proceeding, where the IPR petitioners are also defendants in the infringement suit. This dynamic often leads to strategic interplay between the two forums. The litigation also highlights the competitive landscape in the rapidly evolving field of quantum computing, specifically concerning the essential cryogenic infrastructure required for quantum technologies. The outcome could significantly impact the market for dilution refrigerators and other low-temperature research tools, given the involvement of key players like Maybell Quantum, an emerging company, and established entities like Oxford Instruments and Quantum Design International.

Key Legal Developments and Outcome for US Patent 12313320

This case involves parallel proceedings: an Inter Partes Review (IPR) before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) and a patent infringement lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware.

Parallel PTAB IPR Proceeding: IPR2026-00291

Caption: Quantum Design Intl Inc v. Maybell Quantum Industries Inc.
Case Number: IPR2026-00291
Filing Date: March 16, 2026
Patents at Issue: US Patent 12,313,320

Petitioners: QD Oxford UK Ltd and Quantum Design Intl Inc.
(Note: The initial prompt incorrectly identified Unified Patents LLC as the petitioner for IPR2026-00291. Unified Patents LLC is a frequent IPR petitioner in other cases but is not listed as a party in this specific IPR proceeding, according to official PTAB documents.)

Patent Owner: Maybell Quantum Industries, Inc.
Challenged Claims: Claims 1-6, 8, and 17-19 of US Patent 12,313,320.
Grounds for Unpatentability: The petition asserts grounds of obviousness over prior art references including Batey and Dain, and additional obviousness challenges based on Batey in view of PWS (WO 2020/182671) and anticipation/obviousness challenges based on Wikus (a 2007 dissertation). The '320 patent describes integrated dilution refrigerators, particularly those with a cuboid-shaped outer vacuum chamber instead of a cylindrical shape, with challenged claims directed to a refrigerator comprising an outer housing with at least one substantially planar surface that includes an opening for access to an internal experimental volume.

Status: The IPR proceeding is currently pending before the PTAB. As of May 30, 2026, no institution decision has been rendered, which is expected given the recent filing date.

District Court Patent Infringement Litigation: 1:25-cv-00949

Caption: Maybell Quantum Industries, Inc. v. Oxford Instruments PLC et al.
Court: U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware
Case Number: 1:25-cv-00949
Filing Date: July 29, 2025

Plaintiff: Maybell Quantum Industries, Inc.
Defendants:

• Initially: Oxford Instruments PLC and Oxford Instruments Nanotechnology Tools Ltd.
• Later added via amended complaint: QD Oxford UK Limited and Quantum Design International Inc.

Key Legal Developments:

• Filing of Complaint (2025-07-29): Maybell Quantum Industries, Inc. filed a complaint for patent infringement against Oxford Instruments PLC and Oxford Instruments Nanotechnology Tools Ltd., asserting US Patent 12,313,320.
• Amended Complaint (2026-02-06): An amended complaint for patent infringement was filed, adding QD Oxford UK Limited and Quantum Design International Inc. as defendants. These new defendants are also the petitioners in the parallel IPR challenging the '320 patent.
• Motions to Dismiss (2026-01-26 & 2026-02-20):
  • Oxford Instruments Nanotechnology Tools Ltd. and Oxford Instruments PLC filed a partial motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim, specifically targeting willful, induced, and contributory infringement claims. An answering brief/response was due by February 6, 2026.
  • QD Oxford UK Limited and Quantum Design International Inc. filed a separate motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim on February 20, 2026. Answering brief/response for this motion was due by March 6, 2026.

Current Posture: The district court litigation is in its early stages, with motions to dismiss currently pending. No answers, counterclaims beyond what might be inferred from the motions to dismiss, claim construction (Markman) outcomes, or significant discovery milestones have been publicly reported to date. Given the recent filing and ongoing motions, the case has not progressed to trial.

Effect of Parallel PTAB IPR: The IPR challenges the validity of the same patent (US 12,313,320) asserted in the district court litigation, and the IPR petitioners are among the defendants in the district court case. It is common for district courts to consider staying litigation pending the outcome of an IPR, especially if the IPR is instituted and has the potential to simplify the issues in the district court case. As of the current date, no motion to stay pending IPR has been identified, but such a motion would likely be filed following an institution decision from the PTAB. The PTAB has shown a willingness to deny IPR institution when parallel district court litigation is well underway, particularly if the court is likely to resolve validity issues first. Recent trends also indicate increased discretionary denials of IPRs, often based on factors like domestic manufacturing, transparency regarding real parties in interest, and the principle that IPRs are not a "second bite at the apple" after district court validity contests.

The plaintiff in the district court litigation, Maybell Quantum Industries, Inc. v. Oxford Instruments PLC et al. (D. Del. Case No. 1:25-cv-00949), is Maybell Quantum Industries, Inc. The following counsel represent Maybell Quantum Industries, Inc. in this case:

• Andrew Russell (Local Counsel)
  • Firm: Shaw Keller LLP, Wilmington, DE
  • Note: Andrew Russell is listed on the docket as filing documents for Maybell Quantum Industries, Inc., including the First Amended Complaint.
• Karen Elizabeth Keller (Local Counsel)
  • Firm: Shaw Keller LLP, Wilmington, DE
  • Note: Karen Keller is listed as counsel for Maybell Quantum Industries, Inc.
• Mark J. Consilvio (Counsel)
  • Firm: Not specified in the provided search results, but associated with the plaintiff.
• Michael A. Albert (Counsel)
  • Firm: Not specified in the provided search results, but associated with the plaintiff.
• Chad S. Campbell (Counsel)
  • Firm: Perkins Coie, Phoenix, AZ
  • Note: Chad Campbell is a seasoned litigator with 35 years of experience in intellectual property litigation, representing technology companies in patent and other commercial disputes. He has been recognized for his IP and patent litigation work by Best Lawyers in America for 19 consecutive years and Chambers USA.
• Chris Campbell (Counsel)
  • Firm: Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP
  • Note: Chris Campbell is a first-chair trial lawyer with over 30 years of jury trial experience in complex patent infringement and trade secret cases, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes patent trials across various technology sectors.

It is important to reiterate that the initial case metadata incorrectly identified Unified Patents LLC as the plaintiff. The district court litigation, for which this counsel information is provided, has Maybell Quantum Industries, Inc. as the plaintiff. Unified Patents LLC is not a party in this specific district court case.

Maybell Quantum Industries Inc. is the defendant in IPR2026-00291, a PTAB proceeding, and the plaintiff in the related district court patent infringement case, 1:25-cv-00949, in the District of Delaware. The IPR challenges US Patent 12,313,320, owned by Maybell Quantum.

Based on the available docket information for the district court case (1:25-cv-00949), Maybell Quantum Industries Inc. is represented by:

• Andrew Russell
  • Role: Counsel
  • Firm: Shaw Keller LLP (Delaware)
  • Note: Shaw Keller LLP is a Delaware-based law firm that handles intellectual property litigation, including patent infringement cases.

It is important to note that while the IPR lists Maybell Quantum Industries Inc. as the Patent Owner, specific counsel for Maybell Quantum within the IPR proceeding (IPR2026-00291) is not explicitly detailed in the provided search results beyond their identification as the patent owner. The correspondence address for Maybell Quantum Industries, Inc. in relation to US Patent 12,313,320 is listed as WOLF GREENFIELD & SACKS, P.C. in Boston, MA. This firm may be involved in the patent prosecution or other intellectual property matters for Maybell Quantum.