REVERSED

2100 Computer Architecture and Software
Ex parte MCMANUS et al DIXON 102(b)/103(a) PITNEY BOWES INC.

"[A]bsence from the reference of any claimed element negates anticipation." Kloster Speedsteel AB v. Crucible, Inc., 793 F.2d 1565, 1571 (Fed. Cir. 1986).

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security
Ex Parte Kang HAIRSTON 103(a) ROBERT E. BUSHNELL & LAW FIRM

AFFIRMED-IN-PART

2100 Computer Architecture and Software
Ex parte DEMARCKEN et al THOMAS 102(e)/obviousness-type double patenting FISH & RICHARDSON PC

In addition, we find that the claimed recitations “travel planning query” and “flight pricing queries” both contain non-functional descriptive material, which does nothing to change the utility of the underlying method. For example, the focus of the “query” does not affect any machine function, but represents mere data that is being sent. The content of non-functional descriptive material is not entitled to weight in the patentability analysis. See in re Lowry, 32 F.3d 1579, 1583 (Fed. Cir. 1994) (“Lowry does not claim merely the information content of a memory. . . . Nor does he seek to patent the content of information resident in a database.”). See also Ex parte Nehls, 88 USPQ2d 1883, 1887-90 (BPAI 2008) (precedential); Ex parte Curry, 84 USPQ2d 1272 (BPAI 2005) (informative), aff’d, No. 06-1003 (Fed. Cir. Jun. 12, 2006) (Rule 36); Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) § 2106.01 (Eighth ed., Rev. 7, Jul. 2008).

Lowry, In re, 32 F.3d 1579, 32 USPQ2d 1031 (Fed. Cir. 1994) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2106.01

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security
Ex Parte Dayal et al STEPHENS 102(b)/102(e)/103(a) HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Designs
Ex Parte Schondorf et al SILVERBERG 102(b) BROOKS KUSHMAN P.C./FGTL/DSB