Sterne Kessler Secures PTAB Institution in IPR Filed for ToughBuilt

Washington, D.C. (February 17, 2025) – Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox secured institution of an IPR petition challenging U.S. Patent No. 11,192,689 that was filed on behalf of ToughBuilt Industries, Inc. at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). ToughBuilt is a small U.S. company based in Irvine, CA that engineers innovative tools for the construction industry. Meridian International Co., Ltd., asserted the ’689 patent against ToughBuilt in August 2024.

Issued on February 10, 2026, the Director’s institution decision marks an important milestone for ToughBuilt in its ongoing dispute with Meridian. “The PTAB is an important forum for parties like ToughBuilt to defend themselves against patent suits from larger competitors. Despite recent commentary, the decision shows that the PTAB remains available in appropriate circumstances to review the validity of certain patents,” said Richard Bemben, Director and Co-Chair of Sterne Kessler’s PTAB Trials practice.

The Sterne Kessler team representing ToughBuilt in IPR2025-01462 includes Directors Richard Bemben, Timothy Tang, and William Milliken, and Patent Agent Reuben Moses.

About Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox

Based in Washington, D.C. and renowned for more than four decades for dedication to the protection, enhancement, and enforcement of intellectual property rights, Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox is one of the most highly regarded intellectual property specialty law firms in the world. Its team of attorneys, registered patent agents, technical specialists, specialized trademark paralegals, and law clerks include some of the country’s most respected practitioners of IP law, tackling innovations across a broad spectrum of industries. The firm’s practitioners represent Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, start-ups, inventors, venture capital firms, and universities in a client service driven environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating. Visit the firm online at sternekessler.com.