Patent board invalidates Graphic Packaging paper cup laminate claims

The US Patent Trial and Appeal Board has ruled unpatentable the challenged claims of a Graphic Packaging International patent covering a laminated, biodegradable paper-based cup, finding them anticipated or obvious over prior art. The decision, issued 24 September 2026, came in an inter partes review brought by competitor Clearwater Paper.

Why this mattersThe ruling strips patent protection from a Graphic Packaging cup laminate design, potentially opening the way for rivals to use similar constructions.

• The Patent Trial and Appeal Board issued the decision on 24 September 2026
• The patent covers a laminated paper cup made of a biodegradable paper-based laminate
• Clearwater Paper filed the inter partes review challenging the patent's claims
• The board found the claims anticipated or obvious over prior art disclosing similar laminate and cup structures

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