US 12294082

US Patent 12294082, titled "Negative electrode and electrochemical apparatus containing same, and electronic apparatus", was issued on May 6, 2025. The application was filed on March 29, 2022. The assignee is Ningde Amperex Technology Ltd, and the inventors are Ting YI, Hang Cui, and Yuansen XIE. [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt.]

Abstract:
A negative electrode includes a negative current collector, a first negative active material layer, and a second negative active material layer. The first negative active material layer is situated on one side of a first portion of the negative current collector, while the second negative active material layers are on two sides of a second portion (which is different from the first portion) of the negative current collector. The ratio (K) of the weight per unit area of the first negative active material layer to that of the second negative active material layer on the negative current collector is between 0.47 and 0.52. Additionally, the ratio (R) of the compacted density of the first negative active material layer to the compacted density of the second negative active material layer is between 0.9 and 1.1. [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt.]

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Independent Claim 1: This claim describes a negative electrode for an electrochemical apparatus. It specifies that the electrode has a negative current collector. There are two types of active material layers: a first layer on one side of a part of the current collector, and a second layer on both sides of a different part of the current collector. The claim defines specific ratios for the weight per unit area (K between 0.47 and 0.52) and the compacted density (R between 0.9 and 1.1) between these two layers. Crucially, it also specifies a thickness range of 40 µm to 60 µm for both the first negative active material layer and each side of the second negative active material layer. [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt]
• Independent Claim 10: This claim describes an electrochemical apparatus (e.g., a lithium-ion battery). It includes a positive electrode, a separator, and the negative electrode as described in Claim 1. The separator is positioned between the positive and negative electrodes. The specifics of the negative electrode's layers, including the weight per unit area ratio (0.47 to 0.52), compacted density ratio (0.9 to 1.1), and individual layer thicknesses (40 µm to 60 µm), are reiterated as essential components of this electrochemical apparatus. [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt]
• Independent Claim 11: This claim describes an electronic apparatus that incorporates the electrochemical apparatus detailed in Claim 10. [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt]

CAFC 2026 Dockets:
A search of the CAFC 2026 dockets did not return any specific litigation or challenges directly referencing US patent 12294082 as of April 26, 2026. The search results show general information about patent cases in the Federal Circuit and various legal updates for February and March 2026, but no direct hits for this specific patent number.

Known litigation involving US patent 12294082 includes at least one case filed in the Texas Eastern District Court. [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt.]

Case Details:

• Jurisdiction: Texas Eastern District Court [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt.]
• Case Number: 2:26-cv-00139 [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt.]
• Plaintiff(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided patent text.
• Defendant(s): Not explicitly stated in the provided patent text.
• Filing Date: Not explicitly stated in the provided patent text for this specific case, but the patent states "2022-03-29 Application filed by Ningde Amperex Technology Ltd" [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt.]. The case number 2:26-cv-00139 suggests a 2026 filing year.
• Outcome or Current Status: The patent indicates "litigation Critical" and "US case filed in Texas Eastern District Court" [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt.], implying the case is active. Further details on outcome or specific current status are not provided in the patent text.

Proceedings overview

Currently, there is one active AIA trial proceeding on US Patent 12294082. This Inter Partes Review (IPR) is in a pending status, meaning no claims have been invalidated or sustained by the PTAB yet. This gives a defendant a neutral defensive posture, as the patent's validity is currently being challenged.

IPR2026-00401 — Zhuhai CosMX Battery Co., Ltd. et al. v. Ningde Amperex Technology Ltd

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: 2026-07-22
• Status: Pending. The petition was filed yesterday and is awaiting initial processing and assignment of a judge panel.
• Judge panel: Not yet assigned or publicly available due to the very recent filing date.
• Petition grounds: Details of claims challenged, specific prior art, and statutory bases (§ 102 / § 103 / § 112) are not yet publicly available as the proceeding is in its earliest stages.
• Institution decision: Not yet issued. The deadline for institution is typically within three months of the Patent Owner's preliminary response or six months from the petition filing if no preliminary response is filed.
• Final Written Decision: Not yet issued.
• Settlement / termination: No settlement or termination has occurred.
• Appeal: No appeal has occurred.
• Defensive value: This proceeding indicates that US12294082 is actively being challenged by Zhuhai CosMX Battery Co., Ltd. et al. If instituted, the outcome of this IPR could significantly impact the strength and scope of the patent. As of now, the claims remain valid, but a challenge has been formally initiated.

Strategic summary

As of July 23, 2026, US Patent 12294082 has one Inter Partes Review (IPR2026-00401) on file, which was very recently filed on July 22, 2026. Given the "Pending" status, all claims of US12294082 are currently UNTESTED by the PTAB. There are no claims that have been canceled or explicitly sustained through PTAB final written decisions.

The estoppel landscape has not yet formed for this patent. Since no institution decision has been rendered, and certainly no Final Written Decision, the petitioner (Zhuhai CosMX Battery Co., Ltd. et al.) and its privies are not yet estopped from raising any grounds. All prior-art grounds remain potentially available to other defendants. There is no public information indicating a pattern of multiple IPR filings on this patent by the same petitioner or aggressive PTAB appeal strategies by the patent owner. The petitioner is Zhuhai CosMX Battery Co., Ltd. et al., which does not immediately indicate a defensive aggregator like Unified Patents, but further investigation into the petitioner might reveal more about their strategic intent.

Recommended next steps

• For a defendant facing assertion of US12294082, it is crucial to monitor IPR2026-00401 closely. The key upcoming milestone will be the institution decision, which is expected within several months (typically, the Patent Owner's preliminary response is due three months after the petition is filed, followed by the Board's institution decision).
• Review the IPR petition (once publicly available via the USPTO PTAB E2E system) to understand the specific claims being challenged and the prior art cited. This information will be vital for assessing the patent's vulnerability and informing any potential defense strategy.
• If no PTAB activity exists for a particular patent, as was the case for this patent until yesterday, it can sometimes be a signal that the patent has not yet been widely asserted or is not considered a high-value target for invalidation by potential infringers. However, with IPR2026-00401 now filed, this landscape is changing.## Proceedings overview

Currently, there is one active AIA trial proceeding on US Patent 12294082, which is an Inter Partes Review (IPR). This IPR is in a pending status, meaning no claims have been invalidated or sustained by the PTAB yet. This gives a defendant a neutral defensive posture, as the patent's validity is currently being challenged in its initial stages.

IPR2026-00401 — Zhuhai CosMX Battery Co., Ltd. et al. v. Ningde Amperex Technology Ltd

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: 2026-07-22
• Status: Pending. The petition was filed yesterday and is awaiting initial processing and assignment of a judge panel.
• Judge panel: Not yet assigned or publicly available due to the very recent filing date of the petition.
• Petition grounds: Details of claims challenged, specific prior art, and statutory bases (§ 102 / § 103 / § 112) are not yet publicly available as the proceeding is in its earliest stages.
• Institution decision: Not yet issued. The Board's decision on institution is typically due within approximately six months from the petition filing date if no Patent Owner preliminary response is filed, or three months from the filing of a preliminary response.
• Final Written Decision: Not yet issued.
• Settlement / termination: No settlement or termination has occurred.
• Appeal: No appeal has occurred.
• Defensive value: This active IPR indicates that US12294082 is currently being challenged by Zhuhai CosMX Battery Co., Ltd. et al.. While the claims remain presumptively valid, a successful institution and subsequent invalidation of claims could significantly weaken the patent. For a defendant, closely monitoring this proceeding is essential.

Strategic summary

As of July 23, 2026, US Patent 12294082 has one Inter Partes Review (IPR2026-00401) on file, which was very recently filed on July 22, 2026. Given the "Pending" status of this single IPR, all claims of US12294082 are currently UNTESTED by the PTAB. No claims have been canceled or explicitly sustained through a PTAB final written decision.

The estoppel landscape has not yet formed for this patent. Since the institution decision has not been rendered, the petitioner (Zhuhai CosMX Battery Co., Ltd. et al.) and its privies are not yet estopped from raising any grounds. This means that all prior-art grounds, whether raised in the current petition or not, remain potentially available for other parties to challenge. There is no public information indicating a pattern of multiple IPR filings on this patent by the same petitioner or aggressive PTAB appeal strategies by the patent owner. The petitioner is Zhuhai CosMX Battery Co., Ltd. et al..

Recommended next steps

• For a defendant facing assertion of US12294082, it is crucial to monitor IPR2026-00401 closely. The key upcoming milestone will be the institution decision, which is typically due within several months.
• Review the IPR petition once it becomes publicly available through the USPTO's Patent Trial and Appeal Case Tracking System (P-TACTS), formerly PTAB E2E. This will provide insight into the specific claims being challenged and the prior art cited, which is vital for assessing the patent's vulnerability and informing any potential defense strategy.
• Given that the IPR was filed only yesterday, there is no further PTAB activity to report at this time. The absence of prior PTAB challenges is a data point, but the current filing indicates active scrutiny of the patent.

Inventors

The named inventors are Ting YI, Hang Cui, and Yuansen XIE. [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt.] At the time of filing (March 29, 2022), the original assignee was Ningde Amperex Technology Ltd, which is likely their employer. [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt.] There are no unusual patterns indicating all inventors departing the original assignee within 12 months of filing.

Original assignee

The entity named on the issued patent and the original assignee is Ningde Amperex Technology Ltd. [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt.] Ningde Amperex Technology Ltd (also known as CATL, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited, or ATL, Amperex Technology Limited) is a major global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries, including those for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. They ship products embodying the claims, given the patent relates to negative electrodes for electrochemical apparatuses like lithium-ion batteries. Their primary line of business is the research, development, manufacturing, and sales of battery systems. The company is currently operating and is a publicly traded company.

Assignment timeline

I will now perform a live search on the USPTO Assignment Center for US12294082.

No public assignment records were found for US Patent 12294082 on the USPTO Patent Assignment Search database (https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/) other than the initial assignment from the inventors to Ningde Amperex Technology Ltd which is indicated in the Google Patents legal events but not explicitly found as a separate recorded assignment in the public search (it's often part of the application filing process). The Google Patents page for US12294082 shows "2022-03-29 Assigned to NINGDE AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY LIMITED" as a legal event, and this is typically the assignment from the inventors to the initial assignee. However, this specific assignment does not appear as a separate, publicly recorded document with a reel/frame number in the USPTO Assignment Center when searching by patent number.

Therefore, the only recorded assignment information available is that Ningde Amperex Technology Limited is the original and current assignee.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 12294082
    2022 : Application filed by Ningde Amperex Technology Ltd
         : Assigned to NINGDE AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    2025 : Patent issued to NINGDE AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY LIMITED

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — Not present. There are no recorded transfers from Ningde Amperex Technology Ltd to any shell entity. Ningde Amperex Technology Ltd is a known operating company.
2. Known asserter in the chain — Not present. The current and only assignee of record, Ningde Amperex Technology Ltd, is not identified as a known NPE.
3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — Not present. There is only one effective assignment of record (inventors to the original assignee, which is typically handled as part of the initial application filing), so no chain of assignments exists to show a repeat correspondent.
4. Cascading transfers — Not present. There are no multiple consecutive assignments.
5. Pre-litigation transfer — Unclear. While litigation is noted (2:26-cv-00139 in Texas Eastern District Court, filed in 2026), there are no recorded assignments leading up to this litigation that could be analyzed for this signal.
6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — Not present. There is no information to suggest Ningde Amperex Technology Ltd has filed for bankruptcy.
7. Privateering — Unclear. Without SEC filings or specific reporting, it's impossible to determine if Ningde Amperex Technology Ltd is engaging in privateering activities related to this patent.
8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — Not present. The patent is not currently held by a defensive aggregator.

Verdict

Operating-company assertion

The patent 12294082 is assigned to Ningde Amperex Technology Ltd, which is a large operating company in the lithium-ion battery sector and actively manufactures products embodying the claimed technology. There are no publicly recorded assignments to any other entity, nor any signals indicative of NPE behavior in the ownership chain. The current litigation (case 2:26-cv-00139) is presumed to be an assertion by the operating company itself.

USPTO Assignment Center search for US12294082: https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/

To identify the most relevant prior art for US patent 12294082, I will perform a search on the USPTO website for patent citations and then analyze those results.

Most Relevant Prior Art for US Patent 12294082

Prior art is any evidence that an invention was publicly known or available before the effective filing date of a patent application. It is crucial for determining the patentability of an invention, specifically its novelty and non-obviousness under 35 U.S.C. § 102 and § 103, respectively. Patent examiners use prior art to evaluate claims against existing knowledge and technology.

Based on the provided full patent text for US12294082, the patent itself lists "Citations (20)" and "Patent Citations (22)". These are the references that the patent examiner and/or the applicant considered relevant during the prosecution of US12294082. I will now go through these listed citations.

Here is an analysis of the most relevant prior art cited within US12294082, focusing on those that potentially anticipate claims under 35 U.S.C. § 102:

1. US2007/0048615A1

   • Full Citation: US2007/0048615A1 to Masatoshi Nagayama
   • Publication Date: March 1, 2007.
   • Filing Date: August 25, 2005.
   • Brief Description: This patent application describes a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery and a battery pack using the same. While the general field is relevant, a more detailed review of its claims and disclosure would be needed to identify specific features that directly anticipate the precise ratios and layer configurations of US12294082.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): A general electrochemical apparatus or components thereof. Specific anticipation of the defined ratios (K and R) and layer thicknesses (40-60 µm) would require a detailed comparison of its teachings with claims 1, 10, and 11 of US12294082.

2. CN101934269A

   • Full Citation: CN101934269A to Ningbo Vekon Battery Co., Ltd.
   • Publication Date: January 5, 2011.
   • Filing Date: July 2, 2009.
   • Brief Description: This patent application focuses on a coating process for cathode material lithium iron phosphate and a lithium-ion battery utilizing it. This primarily concerns the positive electrode and its manufacturing, rather than the specific negative electrode structure claimed in US12294082.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Less likely to directly anticipate the specific negative electrode structure of US12294082 due to its focus on the cathode and its coating process. Might be relevant for broader aspects of lithium-ion batteries as an electrochemical apparatus (Claim 10) or electronic apparatus (Claim 11).

3. CN101944607A

   • Full Citation: CN101944607A to Hunan Corun New Energy Co., Ltd.
   • Publication Date: January 12, 2011.
   • Filing Date: February 9, 2010.
   • Brief Description: This patent application describes a preparation method of a negative plate for a chemical battery. The method of preparation might be relevant, but without detailed disclosure of the resulting structure and its specific characteristics (like K and R ratios, and layer thicknesses), direct anticipation of the specific structural claims of US12294082 is not immediately apparent.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Could potentially anticipate aspects of the method of preparing a negative electrode, but specific anticipation of the structural features of claims 1, 10, or 11 would depend on whether its resulting negative electrode inherently possessed the claimed ratios and thicknesses.

4. JP2012248282A

   • Full Citation: JP2012248282A to Sanyo Electric Co Ltd
   • Publication Date: December 13, 2012.
   • Filing Date: May 25, 2011.
   • Brief Description: This patent application pertains to a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery. As with other general battery patents, a detailed analysis of its specifications and claims is necessary to determine if it discloses the precise structural and quantitative limitations of US12294082.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Similar to US2007/0048615A1, general aspects of an electrochemical apparatus might be anticipated. Direct anticipation of the specific negative electrode structure with defined K, R, and thickness parameters is less likely without explicit disclosure.

5. CN102856538A

   • Full Citation: CN102856538A to FDK Twicell Co., Ltd.
   • Publication Date: January 2, 2013.
   • Filing Date: June 30, 2011.
   • Brief Description: This patent application describes a negative-electrode plate and a cylindrical cell including the same. This reference is directly relevant to negative electrodes. A thorough review of its disclosure on the structure and properties of the negative electrode would be essential for assessing anticipation of US12294082's claims 1, 10, and 11.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference could potentially anticipate elements of claims 1, 10, and 11, particularly regarding the negative electrode structure, if it explicitly or inherently discloses the specific K and R ratios, and the 40-60 µm layer thicknesses for the first and second negative active material layers.

6. US2014/0227562A1

   • Full Citation: US2014/0227562A1 to Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.
   • Publication Date: August 14, 2014.
   • Filing Date: September 13, 2011.
   • Brief Description: This patent application concerns a lithium secondary-battery pack, an electronic device using the same, a charging system, and a charging method. This broadly covers the electrochemical apparatus and electronic apparatus aspects. However, its primary focus might not be on the intricate details of the negative electrode's active material layer structure as defined in US12294082.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Could potentially anticipate the broader concepts of an electrochemical apparatus (Claim 10) or electronic apparatus (Claim 11). Direct anticipation of the specific negative electrode parameters in Claim 1 is less likely without explicit disclosure of those parameters.

7. US2013/0171502A1

   • Full Citation: US2013/0171502A1 to Guorong Chen
   • Publication Date: July 4, 2013.
   • Filing Date: December 29, 2011.
   • Brief Description: This patent application describes a hybrid electrode and a surface-mediated cell-based super-hybrid energy storage device containing the same. The term "hybrid electrode" suggests a focus on material composition or structural variations that could be relevant to the negative active material layers in US12294082.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference might anticipate aspects of the active material layers. A detailed comparison is needed to determine if it discloses the specific K and R ratios and the 40-60 µm layer thicknesses.

8. CN103825044A

   • Full Citation: CN103825044A to Sony Corporation
   • Publication Date: May 28, 2014.
   • Filing Date: November 16, 2012.
   • Brief Description: This patent application relates to a battery, a battery pack, an electronic apparatus, an electric power storage apparatus, and an electric power system. Similar to other broad patents, it provides context for the overall system but may not delve into the minute structural details of the negative electrode layers as claimed in US12294082.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Could broadly anticipate the electrochemical apparatus (Claim 10) or electronic apparatus (Claim 11). Direct anticipation of the specific negative electrode features in Claim 1 is unlikely without explicit disclosure.

9. US2017/0033355A1

   • Full Citation: US2017/0033355A1 to Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
   • Publication Date: February 2, 2017.
   • Filing Date: December 25, 2013.
   • Brief Description: This patent application focuses on a negative electrode active material, a method for producing the same, and an electrical storage device. The focus on "negative electrode active material" and its production makes this a highly relevant reference.
   • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference is very likely to be relevant for anticipating elements of claims 1, 10, and 11, particularly regarding the composition and characteristics of the negative active material layers. A close examination is needed to see if it teaches or inherently discloses the specific K and R ratios and layer thicknesses.

10. WO2017/100415A1

    • Full Citation: WO2017/100415A1 to Nanoscale Components, Inc.
    • Publication Date: June 15, 2017.
    • Filing Date: December 9, 2015.
    • Brief Description: This international patent application describes methods for alkaliating roll anodes. "Anodes" are negative electrodes, and the "roll" aspect relates to the manufacturing process, which can influence layer configurations.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference could potentially anticipate aspects of the negative electrode and its manufacturing. A detailed comparison is necessary to determine if it discloses the specific K and R ratios and layer thicknesses claimed in US12294082.

11. CN108023117A

    • Full Citation: CN108023117A to Beijing Guoneng Battery Technology Co., Ltd.
    • Publication Date: May 11, 2018.
    • Filing Date: November 30, 2017.
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes a lithium ion battery of high-energy-density and a preparation method thereof. High energy density batteries often employ advanced electrode designs.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference could potentially anticipate aspects of the electrochemical apparatus and general negative electrode design if it inherently leads to the specific K, R, and thickness values.

12. US2018/0316001A1

    • Full Citation: US2018/0316001A1 to Samsung Sdi Co., Ltd.
    • Publication Date: November 1, 2018.
    • Filing Date: April 27, 2017.
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes an anode active material for a lithium secondary battery and a lithium secondary battery comprising an anode including the anode active material. Similar to US2017/0033355A1, the focus on "anode active material" makes this a highly relevant reference.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference is very likely to be relevant for anticipating elements of claims 1, 10, and 11, particularly regarding the composition and characteristics of the negative active material layers. A close examination is needed to see if it teaches or inherently discloses the specific K and R ratios and layer thicknesses.

13. CN109378480A

    • Full Citation: CN109378480A to Zhuhai CosMX Battery Co., Ltd.
    • Publication Date: February 22, 2019.
    • Filing Date: December 5, 2018.
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes a lithium-ion battery. This reference is from the same entity that filed the IPR against US12294082, suggesting it might contain relevant prior art used in their challenge.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Given the petitioner in the IPR is Zhuhai CosMX Battery Co., Ltd., this reference is highly likely to be considered by them as anticipating one or more claims of US12294082, particularly if it discloses aspects of the negative electrode structure, weight ratios, compacted densities, or layer thicknesses.

14. US2019/0148762A1

    • Full Citation: US2019/0148762A1 to Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    • Publication Date: May 16, 2019.
    • Filing Date: November 15, 2017.
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery. This is another general battery patent.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): General anticipation of electrochemical apparatus (Claim 10) or electronic apparatus (Claim 11). Less likely to anticipate the specific negative electrode parameters without explicit disclosure.

15. CN109841794A

    • Full Citation: CN109841794A to Ningde Amperex Technology Co., Ltd.
    • Publication Date: June 4, 2019.
    • Filing Date: March 29, 2019.
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes electrode plates and electrochemical appliance comprising the electrode plates. Notably, this is from the same assignee as US12294082, which means it represents earlier work by the same entity. This could be highly relevant for an obviousness challenge (35 U.S.C. § 103) if not for novelty (35 U.S.C. § 102) depending on the filing dates.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This is a highly relevant reference as it's from the same assignee and deals with electrode plates. It could potentially anticipate elements of claims 1, 10, and 11 if it discloses the specific K and R ratios and layer thicknesses for negative electrodes.

16. CN110010902A

    • Full Citation: CN110010902A to Ningde Amperex Technology Co., Ltd.
    • Publication Date: July 12, 2019.
    • Filing Date: March 29, 2019.
    • Brief Description: This patent application also describes electrode plates and electrochemical appliance comprising the electrode plates, again from the same assignee as US12294082. Similar to CN109841794A, this represents earlier work by the same entity.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Highly relevant due to the common assignee and subject matter. It could potentially anticipate elements of claims 1, 10, and 11 if it discloses the specific K and R ratios and layer thicknesses for negative electrodes.

17. US2019/0305317A1

    • Full Citation: US2019/0305317A1 to Nec Corporation
    • Publication Date: October 3, 2019.
    • Filing Date: October 6, 2016.
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes spacer included electrode structure and its application for high energy density and fast chargeable lithium ion batteries. The "electrode structure" and "high energy density" aspects make this potentially relevant.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): Could anticipate aspects of the negative electrode structure if the "spacer included" design inherently or explicitly leads to the claimed K, R, and thickness values.

18. US2023/0123455A1

    • Full Citation: US2023/0123455A1 to Zhuhai Cosmx Battery Co., Ltd.
    • Publication Date: April 20, 2023.
    • Filing Date: July 16, 2020.
    • Brief Description: This patent application describes a negative electrode plate and a lithium-ion battery. This is another relevant reference from the IPR petitioner, Zhuhai CosMX Battery Co., Ltd.
    • Potential Anticipation (35 U.S.C. § 102): This reference is also highly likely to be considered by the IPR petitioner as anticipating one or more claims of US12294082 due to its specific focus on negative electrode plates and lithium-ion batteries.

Summary of Anticipation Potential:

The most relevant prior art for potential anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102 would be those references that specifically disclose negative electrodes, their materials, and their structural configurations. Specifically:

• CN102856538A, US2017/0033355A1, and US2018/0316001A1 are highly relevant due to their explicit focus on negative electrodes and active materials.
• WO2017/100415A1 is also relevant for its discussion of anodes (negative electrodes) and manufacturing processes.
• CN109378480A and US2023/0123455A1 from Zhuhai CosMX Battery Co., Ltd. are particularly significant given their role as the petitioner in the IPR against US12294082. These references likely form part of their invalidation argument.
• CN109841794A and CN110010902A from the same assignee (Ningde Amperex Technology Co., Ltd.) are also very important, as they represent earlier work on similar technology by the same entity.

To definitively determine anticipation, a thorough claim-by-claim analysis would be required, comparing each element of claims 1, 10, and 11 of US12294082 against the full disclosures of these prior art documents, particularly looking for explicit or inherent disclosure of the specific ratios (K and R) and layer thicknesses (40-60 µm).

Obviousness Analysis of US Patent 12294082 Under 35 U.S.C. § 103

This analysis addresses the obviousness of US patent 12294082, titled "Negative electrode and electrochemical apparatus containing same, and electronic apparatus," under 35 U.S.C. § 103. The invention primarily relates to a negative electrode with specific ratios of weight per unit area (K) and compacted density (R) between a first negative active material layer (single-sided coating) and a second negative active material layer (double-sided coating), along with defined layer thicknesses, to mitigate lithium plating and improve cycle performance in electrochemical apparatuses, particularly lithium-ion batteries.

Independent Claims to be Challenged:

• Claim 1: Describes a negative electrode comprising a negative current collector, a first negative active material layer on one side of a first portion, and a second negative active material layer on two sides of a second portion. Critical limitations include a K ratio of weight per unit area (first to second layer) of 0.47 to 0.52, an R ratio of compacted density (first to second layer) of 0.9 to 1.1, and individual layer thicknesses of 40 µm to 60 µm for both the first and each side of the second negative active material layer. [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt]
• Claim 10: An electrochemical apparatus incorporating the negative electrode of Claim 1, along with a positive electrode and a separator. [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt]
• Claim 11: An electronic apparatus including the electrochemical apparatus of Claim 10. [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt]

The core inventive step lies in the specific numerical ranges for K, R, and thickness, applied to a negative electrode structure known in the prior art for addressing the recognized problem of lithium plating.

Known Problem and Motivation for a Person Having Ordinary Skill in the Art (PHOSITA):

The patent itself acknowledges that "the precipitation of lithium metal caused by the polarization of a negative electrode is one of the main reasons that impair the cycle performance of the lithium-ion battery" in the prior art. [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt] It further states that in the prior art, a common electrode design involves "active materials are arranged on two sides of a middle portion of an electrode piece and an active material is arranged on one side of an end portion of the pole piece," and that a "junction of the region of which the single side is provided with the active material and the region of which the two sides are provided with the active materials is easily deformed by heating, and then the lithium plating is intensified." [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt]

Moreover, the patent explicitly details the technical basis for the problem:

• "When the weights per unit area of the negative active material layers on the negative current collector are not consistent, a current density distributed on the active material layers with different weights per unit area is not uniform; and the non-uniform current density of the negative electrode may cause different retention conditions of lithium ions." [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt]
• "When the current density is large, the lithium ions are more easily retained on the surface under the condition that the transmission of the lithium ions is limited, and lithium plating is caused." [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt]
• Regarding compacted density, the patent explains that a higher compacted density increases resistance against lithium ion intercalation and deintercalation, making lithium plating easier. [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt]

Given these acknowledged problems and underlying mechanisms in the prior art, a PHOSITA would be clearly motivated to improve the cycle performance and safety of lithium-ion batteries by reducing lithium plating, especially at the critical junction regions between single-sided and double-sided active material coatings. The patent itself suggests the solution: making the "weight per unit area... more consistent" and the "compaction densities... more consistent" to reduce lithium plating. [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt]

Combinations of Prior Art for Obviousness:

A strong argument for obviousness can be made by combining the following categories of prior art references:

Combination 1: Known Electrode Structure + Silicon-Based Active Materials + Optimization of Physical Parameters to Enhance Uniformity

1. Reference A: Prior art disclosing the general negative electrode structure (single-sided and double-sided active material layers).

   • The patent itself explicitly states that the design of having "active materials are arranged on two sides of a middle portion of an electrode piece and an active material is arranged on one side of an end portion of the pole piece" is adopted in the prior art. [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt]
   • CN109841794A and CN110010902A (both to Ningde Amperex Technology Co., Ltd., filed March 29, 2019) represent earlier work from the same assignee on "electrode plates and electrochemical appliance." It is highly probable that these references would describe or suggest such common negative electrode configurations for winding-type electrode components.
   • CN102856538A (FDK Twicell Co., Ltd.) describes a "negative-electrode plate and cylindrical cell," providing a foundational understanding of negative electrode components and structures.

2. Reference B: Prior art disclosing the use of silicon-based materials in negative electrodes and their associated challenges.

   • The patent notes that "Silicon has a high theoretical gram capacity (4200 mAh/g) and has a broad prospect for application in lithium-ion batteries," but that the "silicon-based material is high in a thermal expansion rate" which intensifies lithium plating. [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt] These characteristics of silicon-based materials are well-known in the field.
   • US2017/0033355A1 (Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki) focuses on "negative electrode active material" and "electrical storage device," strongly implying the use of materials like silicon or silicon oxide.
   • US2018/0316001A1 (Samsung Sdi Co., Ltd.) similarly describes "anode active material for lithium secondary battery." These references would highlight both the benefits and the problems (like volume expansion and poor conductivity leading to plating) associated with silicon-based anode materials.

3. Reference C: Prior art or general knowledge teaching the importance of controlling electrode physical parameters (weight per unit area, compaction density, thickness) for performance optimization.

   • The patent explicitly states that when the "weight per unit area... are more consistent, the current density distribution... can be maintained, thereby reducing the lithium plating," and when "compaction densities... are more consistent, the lithium plating... are more uniform." [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt] This underscores a known principle in battery engineering.
   • CN101944607A (Hunan Corun New Energy Co., Ltd.) describes a "preparation method of a negative plate," which inherently involves controlling parameters like coating weight and compaction.
   • WO2017/100415A1 (Nanoscale Components, Inc.) describes "methods for alkaliating roll anodes," where precise control over coating parameters and resulting layer characteristics is crucial for performance.
   • US2019/0305317A1 (Nec Corporation) discusses "electrode structure" for "high energy density and fast chargeable lithium ion batteries," indicating that optimization of electrode geometry and physical properties is a known approach to improve battery performance.

Motivation for Combination:

A PHOSITA, aware of the established negative electrode structure (Reference A) and the increasing use of high-capacity silicon-based active materials (Reference B) despite their challenges with lithium plating and thermal expansion, would be motivated to address these known issues. Knowing that non-uniformity in parameters like current density and compaction density leads to intensified lithium plating (as explicitly stated in the background of US12294082), the PHOSITA would turn to known principles of electrode engineering (Reference C) to improve the uniformity of the active material layers.

The motivation would be to predictably improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries by mitigating lithium plating and enhancing cycle life. This would naturally lead a PHOSITA to systematically investigate and optimize the weight per unit area ratios (K), compacted density ratios (R), and layer thicknesses between the single-sided and double-sided coated regions. The selection of specific ranges for K (0.47 to 0.52), R (0.9 to 1.1), and thickness (40 µm to 60 µm) would be the result of routine experimentation and optimization within the capabilities of a skilled artisan, aiming to achieve the desired uniformity and performance improvement. The examples and comparative examples in US12294082, which explore various R and K values around the claimed ranges, further support that such experimentation was routine for finding optimal performance.

Conclusion on Obviousness:

Given that the general negative electrode structure with single-sided and double-sided active material layers, the use of silicon-based active materials, and the problems of lithium plating and polarization at junction regions are all recognized in the prior art, a PHOSITA would have a clear motivation to optimize the physical parameters of these layers. The patent itself identifies non-uniformity in weight per unit area and compacted density as causes of lithium plating and explicitly states that making them "more consistent" reduces lithium plating. [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt] Therefore, applying known optimization techniques to achieve more uniform characteristics through adjusting coating weights, compaction densities, and layer thicknesses to address a known problem in a known device, would have been obvious to a PHOSITA. The specific numerical ranges of K, R, and thickness claimed in US12294082 represent an optimization of known variables to solve a known problem, which is typically considered within the realm of obviousness through routine experimentation.

The USPTO patent 12294082, titled "Negative electrode and electrochemical apparatus containing same, and electronic apparatus," has the following details:

Patent Term Adjustments (PTA)

Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) is granted to compensate applicants for delays caused by the USPTO during the prosecution of a patent application. This adjustment adds time to the standard 20-year patent term from the earliest filing date.

To determine the exact PTA for US12294082, one would typically need to review the "Patent Term Adjustment" section on the patent's front page or details available in Public PAIR (Patent Application Information Retrieval) on the USPTO website. However, the provided patent text does not explicitly state the calculated PTA for US12294082. The adjusted expiration date provided in the patent text (2041-05-18) includes any PTA that was granted.

Patent Term Extensions (PTE)

Patent Term Extension (PTE) is granted to compensate for delays incurred in obtaining regulatory approval on a patented product, or methods of manufacturing or using the product. This typically applies to patents covering drug products, medical devices, food additives, or color additives that require FDA or USDA regulatory review.

There is no information in the provided patent text to suggest that US12294082 has been granted a Patent Term Extension. The subject matter of the patent (negative electrodes for electrochemical apparatuses) does not fall into the categories generally eligible for PTE.

Continuation and Divisional Applications

• Continuation Application (CON): A continuation application is a new application filed by an applicant to pursue additional claims to an invention already disclosed in an earlier-filed "parent" application. It retains the priority date and specifications of the parent application.
• Divisional Application (DIV): A divisional application is a type of continuing application that results from a restriction requirement made by the examiner in a parent application.

Based on the information provided in the patent text:

• US12294082B2 is a bypass continuation application of PCT application PCT/CN2019/130465, filed on December 31, 2019. [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt.]
• The PCT application PCT/CN2019/130465 claims the benefit of priority from Chinese patent application 201911267132.X, filed on December 11, 2019. [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt.]
• There is also a "Related Child Application" listed: US19/171,874, which is a continuation of US12294082B2 and was filed on April 7, 2025, and published as US20250233137A1. [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt.] This indicates that US12294082B2 itself has a continuation application.

Related Family Members

The patent family includes the following:

• Priority Application: Chinese patent application 201911267132.X (filed 2019-12-11). [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt.]
• PCT Application: PCT/CN2019/130465 (filed 2019-12-31, published as WO2021114436A1). [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt.]
• US Published Application (prior to grant): US20220223851A1 (published 2022-07-14). [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt.]
• Granted US Patent: US12294082B2 (publication date 2025-05-06). [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt.]
• US Continuation Application: US19/171,874 (filed 2025-04-07, published as US20250233137A1). [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt.]
• Other Country Equivalents: CN111029527B (derived from CN201911267132.XA) and CN113299877B (derived from CN202110557338.7A). [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt.]

Projected Expiration Date

The standard term for utility patents is 20 years from the earliest filing date of the application for which a benefit is claimed. US12294082 claims priority to Chinese patent application 201911267132.X, filed on December 11, 2019. [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt.]

Therefore, the unadjusted 20-year term would typically end on December 11, 2039.

However, the Google Patents information for US12294082 explicitly states: "Active, expires 2041-05-18". [cite: The full patent text is provided in the prompt.] This adjusted expiration date of May 18, 2041, reflects the addition of Patent Term Adjustment (PTA) to compensate for USPTO delays during prosecution.