chore-time,

REVERSED 

1600 Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry 

Ex Parte Conrad et al 10/344,246 GRIMES 112(2)/103(a) ELI LILLY & COMPANY 

Ex Parte Schultz et al 10/022,138 GRIMES 103(a) JOHNSON & JOHNSON 

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering 

Ex Parte Balan et al 10/881,407 WARREN 102(e) GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY 

Ex Parte Bries et al 09/809,805 SMITH 103(a) 3M Innovative Properties Company 

Ex Parte Roba et al 09/986,622 COLAIANNI 112(2)/103(a) FINNEGAN, HENDERSON,FARABOW, GARRETT & DUNNER, LLP 

2100 Computer Architecture and Software 

Ex Parte Collet et al 10/639,373 BLANKENSHIP 103(a) HOFFMAN WARNICK LLC 

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security

Ex Parte Chang et al 10/228,165 HOFF 103(a) MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD 

Ex Parte Lockridge et al 10/223,844 HOFF 112(1)/102(b)/103(a) THOMSON MULTIMEDIA LICENSING INC.

2800 Semiconductors, Electrical and Optical Systems and Components 

Ex Parte Choi et al 10/874,011 RUGGIERO 103(a)/112(2) 37 C.F.R. § 41.50(b) F. CHAU & ASSOCIATES, LLC 

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review 

Ex Parte Broach et al 10/751,349 FISCHETTI 112(2)/103(a) Westinghouse Electric Company LLC 

Ex Parte Rusman et al 11/315,046 CRAWFORD 102(b) HAMILTON & TERRILE, LLP 

AFFIRMED-IN-PART

2100 Computer Architecture and Software 

Ex Parte Toyoshima 09/972,781 HAIRSTON 102(b)/103(a) ROGITZ & ASSOCIATES 

2800 Semiconductors, Electrical and Optical Systems and Components 

Ex Parte Park 11/327,681 HAIRSTON 102(b) MYERS BIGEL SIBLEY & SAJOVEC 

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review 

Ex Parte Mascavage et al 09/991,379 CRAWFORD 103(a) TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW, LLP 

It is well-established that an invention may be held to have been obvious without a specific finding of a particular level of skill where the prior art itself reflects an appropriate level. See Chore-Time Equip., Inc. v. Cumberland Corp., 713 F.2d 774, 779 (Fed. Cir. 1983). 

Chore-Time Equipment, Inc. v. Cumberland Corp., 713 F.2d 774, 218 USPQ 673 (Fed. Cir. 1983) . . . . . . . . . 2141.03 

Ex Parte Rosenberg 11/024,620 LEE, Dissenting SCHAFER 103(a) FRANK ROSENBERG 

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design 

Ex Parte Janzig et al 10/731,699 PATE III obviousness-type double patenting/102(b) 103(a) 37 C.F.R. § 41.50(b) SHUMAKER & SIEFFERT, P. A.

aristocrat, harris2, ghuman,

REVERSED 

1600 Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry 

Ex Parte Hollingsworth et al 10/795,652 WALSH 103(a) IAN C. McLEOD, P.C. 

Ex Parte Rollat et al 10/023,330 ADAMS 103(a) FINNEGAN, HENDERSON, FARABOW, GARRETT & DUNNER, LLP 

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering 

Ex Parte Sjoberg 10/309,345 SMITH 103(a) NOVAK, DRUCE + QUIGG L.L.P. - PERGO

Ex Parte Weeks 10/528,610 DELMENDO 103(a) THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY 

Ex Parte Bartenbach et al 10/806,232 HANLON 102(b)/103(a) NOVAK DRUCE DELUCA + QUIGG LLP 

Ex Parte Nam et al 10/374,980 KIMLIN 103(a) ROBERT E. BUSHNELL & LAW FIRM 

Ex Parte Petzoldt et al 10/934,525 NAGUMO 103(a)/provisionalobviousness-type double patenting OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLANDMAIER & NEUSTADT, LLP 

Ex Parte Beutel et al 10/755,128 TIMM 103(a) HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C. 

2100 Computer Architecture and Software 

Ex Parte Bit-Babik et al 10/945,234 HAIRSTON 102(e) MOTOROLA, INC. 

Ex Parte Awada et al 10/845,534 THOMAS 103(a)/101 37 C.F.R. § 41.50(b) IBM CORP 

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security 

Ex Parte McGowan et al 10/632,072 HAIRSTON 103(a) IBM CORPORATION 

2600 Communications 

Ex Parte Andreason 09/898,480 WHITEHEAD, JR. 103(a) NIXON & VANDERHYE, PC

Ex Parte Chen et al 11/121,877 HAIRSTON 102(b)/103(a) CARLSON, GASKEY & OLDS, P.C./Alcatel-Lucent 

AFFIRMED-IN-PART 

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering 

Ex Parte Bristow et al 11/618,950 GARRIS 103(a)/provisional obviousness-type double patenting CANTOR COLBURN, LLP 

Ex Parte Bristow et al2 10/805,760 GARRIS 102(b)/103(a) CANTOR COLBURN, LLP 

2100 Computer Architecture and Software 

Ex Parte Sonkin et al 10/872,633 SIU Concurring JEFFERY 112(2)/101/102(e) WOODCOCK WASHBURN LLP (MICROSOFT CORPORATION) 

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security 

Ex Parte Brabson et al 10/045,556 NAPPI 102(b)/103(a) IBM CORPORATION 

The Federal Circuit has stated that simply disclosing a general purpose computer as the structure to perform the claimed function does not meet the corresponding structure requirement of 35 U.S.C. § 112 sixth paragraph. Aristocrat, 521 F.3d at 1333. Rather, "the corresponding structure for a § 112 paragraph 6 claim for a computer-implemented function is the algorithm disclosed in the specification." Id (citing Harris Corp. v. Ericsson Inc., 417 F.3d 1241, 1249 (Fed. Cir. 2005)). 

2600 Communications

Ex Parte Fritz et al 10/307,680 HOFF 101/102(e)/103(a) 37 C.F.R. § 41.50(b) HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY 

Ex Parte Marvit et al 10/807,561 EASTHOM 103(a) BAKER BOTTS L.L.P. 

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review 

Ex Parte Bunker 10/089,011 STAICOVICI 103(a) DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC 

Consistent with the holding in BPAI precedential opinion Ex Parte Ghuman, 88 USPQ2d 1478, 1480 (BPAI 2008), Appellant may not reserve arguments for some later time. Arguments Appellant could have made but chose not to make in the Briefs are waived. See 37 C.F.R. § 41.3 (c)(1)(vii)(2009).

free motion, ormco, tec air,

REVERSED 

1600 Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry 

Ex Parte Luzzatti 10/079,569 WALSH 103(a) AJAY PATHAK 

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering 

Ex Parte Morrow et al 10/830,754 GARRIS 103(a) COMMSCOPE BY MUNCY,GEISSLER, OLDS & LOVE, PLLC 

Ex Parte YAGI et al 11/697,842 PAK 103(a) OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND MAIER & NEUSTADT, L.L.P. 

Ex Parte Allibert et al 11/433,713 ROBERTSON 103(a) WINSTON & STRAWN LLP 

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security 

Ex Parte Bodin et al 10/105,122 JEFFERY 102(e)/103(a) BIGGERS & OHANIAN, LLP 

“The doctrine of claim differentiation creates a presumption that each claim in a patent has a different scope . . . . The difference in meaning and scope between claims is presumed to be significant to the extent that the absence of such difference in meaning and scope would make a claim superfluous.” Free Motion Fitness, Inc. v. Cybex Int’l, Inc., 423 F.3d 1343, 1351 (Fed. Cir. 2005) (internal quotation marks and citations omitted). 

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review 

Ex Parte De Jonge et al 10/820,424 HORNER 102(e)/103(a) 37 C.F.R. § 41.50(b) PRICE HENEVELD COOPER DEWITT & LITTON, LLP 

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design 

Ex Parte Babbidge et al 10/794,092 BARRETT 103(a) KING & SCHICKLI, PLLC 

Because claims 24 and 25 include all the limitations recited in claim 23, we conclude claim 23 must have been obvious based on our conclusion of obviousness of claims 24 and 25. See Ormco v. Align Tech., 498 F.3d 1307, 1319 (Fed. Cir. 2007) (when a dependent claim is “found to have been obvious, the broader claims . . . must also have been obvious”). 

AFFIRMED-IN-PART 

1600 Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry 

Ex Parte Strebelle et al 10/534,299 FREDMAN 103(a) OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND, MAIER & NEUSTADT P.C. 

2100 Computer Architecture and Software 

Ex Parte Gu et al 10/447,862 BARRY 103(a) HICKMAN PALERMO TRUONG & BECKER/ORACLE 

2600 Communications 

Ex Parte Parry et al 09/861,991 HAHN 102(e)/103(a) HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY 

2800 Semiconductors, Electrical and Optical Systems and Components 

Ex Parte Ross et al 11/265,671 OWENS 103(a) CHRISTOPHER P. RICCI 

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review 

Ex Parte Ruppert et al 11/210,461 BAHR 102(b)/103(a)/non-statutory obviousness-type double patenting CARLSON, GASKEY & OLDS, P.C. 

See Tec Air Inc. v. Denso Mfg. Michigan Inc., 192 F.3d 1353, 1360 (Fed. Cir. 1999) (Where the proposed modification would render the prior art invention being modified inoperable for its intended purpose, the proposed modification would not have been obvious.)

gordon, nuijten, rasmussen, chiron, superguide, e-pass,

REVERSED 

1600 Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry 

Ex Parte Dalvit 10454898 SCHEINER 103(a) BERNSTEIN.SCULLY, SCOTT MURPHY & PRESSER 

Ex Parte Schwartz et al 10754861 GRIMES 112(1) FULBRIGHT & JAWORSKI, LLP 

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering 

Ex Parte Devine et al 10490422 NAGUMO 103(a) NIXON & VANDERHYE, PC 

Ex Parte Basheer et al 11099399 COLAIANNI 102(b)/103(a) DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC 

Ex Parte Chiang et al 10921604 FRANKLIN 112(1)/103(a) PATENT LAW GROUP LLP 

If the proposed modification would render the prior art invention being modified unsatisfactory for its intended purpose, then there is no suggestion or motivation to make the proposed modification. 

In re Gordon,733 F.2d 900, 902 (Fed. Cir. 1984). Gordon, In re, 733 F.2d 900, 221 USPQ 1125 (Fed. Cir. 1984) . . . . . . . . . .2143.01, 2144.08

Ex Parte Fan 10642852 NAGUMO 103(a) GAS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE

Ex Parte Fischer et al 10445146 TIMM 103(a) BURNS, DOANE, SWECKER & MATHIS, L.L.P. 

Ex Parte Gartland et al 10956440 TIMM 102(b)/103(a) CARLSON, GASKEY & OLDS, P.C. 

Ex Parte Ohtani et al 10946072 COLAIANNI nonstatutory obviousness-type double patenting FISH & RICHARDSON P.C. 

2100 Computer Architecture and Software 

Ex Parte Chen et al 10612542 HUGHES 101 Blakely Sokoloff Taylor & Zafman LLP

Thus, we find that Appellants’ claimed tangible machine readable media does not implicate a non-statutory carrier wave or a signal modulated by a carrier over a transmission medium. See In re Nuijten, 500 F.3d at 1357; Subject Matter Eligibility of Computer Readable Media, 1351 Off. Gaz. Pat. Office 212 (Feb. 23, 2010).

Nuitjen, In re, Docket No. 2006-1371 (Fed. Cir. Sept. 20, 2007) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2106 

Ex Parte Djugash et al 10901591 SIU 102(e) IBM CORPORATION 

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design 

Ex Parte REINMULLER 08732408 STAICOVICI 102(e)/103(a)/112(2) 37 C.F.R. § 41.50(b) FULBRIGHT & JAWORSKI LLP 

AFFIRMED-IN-PART 

1600 Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry 

Ex Parte Frippiat et al 10182064 GRIMES 103(a) HAYES SOLOWAY P.C. 

Ex Parte Itoh et al 10214371 SCHEINER 102(b)/103(a)/112(2) BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH 

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering 

Ex Parte Chou et al 11157895 McKELVEY 102(e)/102(b)/103(a)/obviousness-type double patenting 37 C.F.R. § 41.50 (b) E.I. duPONT de NEMOURS AND COMPANY 

Ex Parte Simmons 10870608 HANLON 103(a) GIFFORD, KRASS, SPRINKLE, ANDERSON & CITKOWSKI, P.C. 

2100 Computer Architecture and Software 

Ex Parte Jung et al 10385464 HUGHES 101/112(1)/132(a)/102(b) North Star Intellectual Property Law, PC

(“a rejection of an amended claim under § 132 is equivalent to a rejection under § 112, first paragraph”) (quoting In re Rasmussen, 650 F.2d 1212, 1214 (CCPA 1981)); see also Chiron Corp. v. Genentech, Inc. , 363 F.3d 1247, 1255 (Fed. Cir. 2004) (“The written description requirement prevents applicants from . . . . add[ing] new matter to their disclosures . . . defeating an accurate accounting of the priority of invention. See 35 U.S.C. 132.”) 

Rasmussen, In re, 650 F.2d 1212, 211 USPQ 323 (CCPA 1981) . . 706.03(o), 1504.04, 2163, 2163.01, 2163.04, 2163.05, 2163.06

Chiron v. Corp. v. Genentech Inc., 363 F.3d 1247, 70 USPQ2d 1321 (Fed. Cir. 2004). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2164.03, 2164.05(a)

2600 Communications 

Ex Parte Quine 10650511 MARTIN 103(a) Pitney Bowes Inc. 

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review 

Ex Parte Haskell et al 10252972 FETTING 112(2)/103(a) Siemens Corporation 

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design 

Ex Parte Khosravi et al 10461106 STAICOVICI 102(e)/103(a) VIDAS, ARRETT & STEINKRAUS, P.A.

Although the broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim under consideration must be consistent with the specification, we must be careful not to read a particular embodiment appearing in the written description into the claim if the claim language is broader than the embodiment. See Superguide Corp. v. DirecTV Enterprises, Inc., 358 F.3d 870, 875 (Fed. Cir. 2004). See also E-Pass Techs., Inc. v. 3Com Corp., 343 F.3d 1364, 1369 (Fed. Cir. 2003).

Superguide Corp. v. Direct TV Enterprises, Inc., 358 F.3d 870, 69 USPQ2d 1865 (Fed. Cir. 2004) . . . . . . . 2111.01 

E-Pass Techs., Inc. v. 3Com Corp., 343 F.3d 1364, 67 USPQ2d 1947 (Fed. Cir. 2003).. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2106, 2111.01

Ex Parte Sun et al 10279769 BAHR 102(b)/103(a) KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC. 

Ex Parte Zawilinski et al 10930329 MEDLEY 103(a) CARLSON, GASKEY & OLDS, P.C.

warmerdam, foster, lowry, ngai, mathias,

REVERSED 

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering 

Ex Parte Han et al 11158047 OWENS 103(a) ROBERT E. BUSHNELL & LAW FIRM EXAMINER WEDDLE, ALEXANDER MARION 

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review 

Ex Parte Davis et al 11086943 LORIN 103(a)/101 37 C.F.R. § 41.50(b) JACKSON WALKER LLP EXAMINER AUGUSTIN, EVENS J 

AFFIRMED-IN-PART 

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering 

Ex Parte Butzer et al 11062777 HASTINGS 103(a) Mr. Edward J. Timmer EXAMINER D'ANIELLO, NICHOLAS P 

2100 Computer Architecture and Software 

Ex Parte Heikes et al 11021009 HUGHES 103(a) FISH & RICHARDSON P.C. EXAMINER TAKELE, MESEKER 

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security 

Ex Parte Park 10377746 DIXON 103(a) SUGHRUE MION, PLLC EXAMINER STRANGE, AARON N 

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review 

Ex Parte Eisenberg et al 09974321 LORIN 103(a)/101 37 C.F.R. § 41.50(b) 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY EXAMINER BUCHANAN, CHRISTOPHER R 

According to current Office policy, computer programs per se are not considered patentable subject matter under §101, as they are in themselves purely non-functional descriptive constructs. See U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, Interim Examination Instructions for Evaluating Subject Matter Eligibility Under 35 U.S.C. § 101, Aug. 2009, at 2, available at http://www.uspto.gov/patents/law/comments/2009-08-25_interim_101_instructions.pdf. Also see MPEP § 2106.01 (I), citing In re Warmerdam, 33 F.3d 1354, 1361 (Fed. Cir. 1994). 

Warmerdam, In re, 33 F.3d 1354, 31 USPQ2d 1754 (Fed. Cir. 1994) . .2106, 2106.01, 2106.02 

Ex Parte Foster et al 09931123 LORIN 101/103(a) SCHIFF HARDIN, LLP EXAMINER FELTEN, DANIEL S 

Patentable weight need not be given to descriptive material absent a new and unobvious functional relationship between the descriptive material and the substrate (here the system). See In re Lowry, 32 F.3d 1579, 1582-83 (Fed. Cir. 1994). In re Ngai, 367 F.3d at 1338. See also, Ex parte Mathias, 191 Fed. Appx. 959 (CCPA sic [Fed. Cir.] 2006). 

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

Ngai, In re, 367 F.3d 1336, 70 USPQ2d 1862 (Fed. Cir. 2004) . . . . . . . . . . 2106.01, 2112.01

cochrane, diamond1, gottschalk,

REVERSED 

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering 

Ex Parte Imachi et al 11091368 COLAIANNI 102(b)/103(a) KUBOVCIK & KUBOVCIK EXAMINER RHEE, JANE J

2100 Computer Architecture and Software

Ex Parte Clinton 10179624 BARRETT 112(2)/103(a) LEYDIG VOIT & MAYER, LTD EXAMINER MITCHELL, JASON D 

Ex Parte Nightingale et al 10142148 DANG 112(1)/102(b)/103(a) NIXON & VANDERHYE, PC EXAMINER PATEL, SHAMBHAVI K 

Ex Parte Sattler et al 11026052 DIXON 101/103(a) KENYON & KENYON LLP EXAMINER CHOI, MICHELE C 

“A process is . . . an act, or a series of acts, performed upon the subject-matter to be transformed and reduced to a different state or thing.” Cochrane v. Deener, 94 U.S. 780, 788 (1877). “‘Transformation and reduction of an article ‘to a different state or thing’ is the clue to the patentability of a process claim that does not include particular machines.’” Diamond v. Diehr, 450 U.S. 175, 184 (1981) (quoting Gottschalk v. Benson, 409 U.S. 63, 70 (1972)). 

Diamond v. Diehr, 450 U.S. 175, 209 USPQ 1 (1981) . . 2106, 2106.01, 2106.02, 2107.01 

Gottschalk v. Benson, 409 U.S. 63, 175 USPQ 673 (1972). . . . .2106, 2106.01, 2106.02 

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security 

Ex Parte Hellerstein et al 09731937 BLANKENSHIP 103(a) Mason & Lewis, LLP EXAMINER NGUYEN, THANH T 

AFFIRMED-IN-PART 

2100 Computer Architecture and Software 

Ex Parte McMullin 10607127 DANG 103(a) HESLIN ROTHENBERG FARLEY & MESITI P.C. EXAMINER CAMPBELL, JOSHUA D

ruff, ariad, vas-cath,

REVERSED 

1600 Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry 

Ex Parte Kivits et al 10/484,255 LEBOVITZ 102(a)/103(a) nonstatutory obviousnesstype double patenting YOUNG & THOMPSON 

Ex Parte Sakuma et al 10/502,404 PRATS 103(a) OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND MAIER & NEUSTADT, L.L.P. 

Appellants also argue that a conclusion of obviousness cannot be based on equivalence known only to an applicant (Reply Br. 3 (citing In re Ruff, 256 F.2d 590, 598 (CCPA 1958)). 

Ruff, In re, 256 F.2d 590, 118 USPQ 340 (CCPA 1958). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2144.06 

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering 

Ex Parte Collins et al 10/461,022 PAK 102(b)/103(a) HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY 

2100 Computer Architecture and Software 

Ex Parte Adams 10/158,353 THOMAS 103(a) PATE PIERCE & BAIRD 

Ex Parte Leveille et al 11/419,936 THOMAS 102(e)/103(a) FISH & RICHARDSON P.C. 

Ex Parte Martin et al 10/484,541 COURTENAY 102(e)/103(a) KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP 

Ex Parte Barboi et al 10/981,837 HOMERE 101/112(2)/102(a)/101 37 C.F.R. § 41.50(b) FISH & RICHARDSON PC 

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security 

Ex Parte Jackson et al 10/357,949 HUGHES 112(1)/102(b)/103(a) Myers Bigel Sibley & Sajovec 

Thus, “the description must ‘clearly allow persons of ordinary skill in the art to recognize that [the inventor] invented what is claimed.’” Ariad Pharmas. v. Eli Lilly and Co., --- F.3d ----, 2010 WL 1007369, at *12 (Fed. Cir. 2010) (quoting Vas-Cath Inc. v. Mahurkar, 935 F.2d 1555, 1563 (Fed. Cir. 1991)). In other words, the test for sufficiency is whether the disclosure of the application relied upon reasonably conveys to those skilled in the art that the inventor had possession of the claimed subject matter as of the filing date. Id. “[T]he test for sufficiency is whether the disclosure of the application relied upon reasonably conveys to those skilled in the art that the inventor had possession of the claimed subject matter as of the filing date. Ariad, --- F.3d ----, 2010 WL 1007369 at *12 (citing Vas-Cath, 935 F.2d at 1563.) 

Vas-Cath, Inc. v. Mahurkar, 935 F.2d 1555, 19 USPQ2d 1111 (Fed. Cir. 1991). . .1504.20, 2161, 2163, 2163.02, 2164, 2181 

2600 Communications 

Ex Parte Coles et al 10/393,729 NAPPI 103(a) JOHN C. MORAN, ATTORNEY, P.C. 

Ex Parte Satoh et al 10/537,417 HOFF 103(a) OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND MAIER & NEUSTADT, L.L.P. 

Ex Parte Spinelli 11/360,401 HOFF 103(a) PILLSBURY WINTHROP SHAW PITTMAN, LLP 

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review 

Ex Parte Bellick et al 10/821,334 PATE III 103(a) SENNIGER POWERS LLP 

Ex Parte Kummer et al 10/823,032 MOHANTY 102(b)/103(a) PITNEY BOWES INC. 

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design 

Ex Parte Vanderbilt et al 10/640,131 HORNER 102(b)/103(a) BAUSCH & LOMB INCORPORATED 

AFFIRMED-IN-PART 

1600 Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry 

Ex Parte Hill 10/702,406 GREEN 103(a) MATTHEW R. JENKINS, ESQ. 

Ex Parte Podlich et al 10/874,813 LEBOVITZ 103(A)/112(1)/101 POTTER ANDERSON & CORROON LLP 

2100 Computer Architecture and Software 

Ex Parte Zargham et al 10/013,091 BLANKENSHIP 102(e)/103(a) HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY 

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review 

Ex Parte Hogan 10/667,680 BAHR 112(1)/102(b)/103(a) Woodcock Washburn LLP

fritch, gorman, gordon,

REVERSED 

1600 Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry 

Ex Parte Loughner 11/351,765 FREDMAN 103(a) DOW AGROSCIENCES LLC 

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review 

Ex Parte Bevilacqua 10/839,198 SILVERBERG 103(a) BROUSE MCDOWELL LPA 

Ex Parte Sultan et al 09/899,265 FETTING 102(e) BLAKE, CASSELS & GRAYDON, LLP 

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design 

Ex Parte Gagliardi et al 10/346,962 STAICOVICI 102(b)/103(a) THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY 

AFFIRMED-IN-PART 

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering Ex Parte Shannon et al 10/823,364 OWENS 103(a) MOSER IP LAW GROUP / APPLIED MATERIALS, INC. 

2100 Computer Architecture and Software Ex Parte Mennecart et al 10/450,872 BARRY 102(b)/103(a) THE JANSSON FIRM 

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review 

Ex Parte Kokis et al 10/294,998 FETTING 102(e)/103(a) FISH & RICHARDSON P.C. 

"It is impermissible to use the claimed invention as an instruction manual or 'template' to piece together the teachings of the prior art so that the claimed invention is rendered obvious." In re Fritch, 972 F.2d 1260, 1266 (Fed. Cir. 1992) (citing In re Gorman, 933 F.2d 982, 987 (Fed. Cir. 1991)). Furthermore, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit "has previously found a proposed modification inappropriate for an obviousness inquiry when the modification rendered the prior art reference inoperable for its intended purpose." Fritch, 972 F.2d at 1266 n.12 (citing In re Gordon, 733 F.2d 900, 902, 221 USPQ 1125, 1127 (Fed. Cir. 1984)). 

Fritsch v. Lin, 21 USPQ2d 1731 (Bd. Pat. App. & Inter. 1991) . . . .2137.01, 2138.06 

Gorman, In re, 933 F.2d 982, 18 USPQ2d1885 (Fed. Cir. 1991) . . . . . . . . . . . 707.07(f), 2145 

Gordon, In re, 733 F.2d 900, 221 USPQ 1125 (Fed. Cir. 1984) . . . . . . . . . .2143.01, 2144.08

Tuesday April 20, 2010

REVERSED

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering
Ex Parte Aseere et al 10/919,098 NAGUMO 103(a) JOHNS MANVILLE

Ex Parte Hamalainen et al 10/511,382 LANE 102(b)/103(a) Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney PC

2100 Computer Architecture and Software
Ex Parte Elwood et al 11/095,655 DANG 103(a) NIXON & VANDERHYE, PC

Ex Parte Nguyen 10/764,835 JEFFERY 103(a) PILLSBURY WINTHROP SHAW PITTMAN, LLP

Ex Parte Bodin et al 10/756,146 DIXON 103(a) INTERNATIONAL CORP (BLF) C/O BIGGERS & OHANIAN, LLP
2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security
Ex Parte Blume 10/251,874 THOMAS 103(a)/101 37 C.F.R. § 41.50(b) HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY

AFFIRMED-IN-PART

1600 Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry
Ex Parte Lersch et al 11/675,280 GRIMES 112(2)/103(a) SCULLY SCOTT MURPHY & PRESSER, PC

Ex Parte Lisziewicz et al 10/081,922 FREDMAN Opinion dissenting-in-part McCOLLUM 112(2)/102(e)/103(a) LOOPER,VALERIE E.

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering
Ex Parte Skala 10/961,698 DELMENDO 102(b)/103(a) GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION

2100 Computer Architecture and Software
Ex Parte Kaminsky et al 10/652,109 COURTENAY 101/102(e) CAREY, RODRIGUEZ, GREENBERG & PAUL, LLP

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security
Ex Parte Freed et al 09/900,494 BARRY 112(1)/103(a) SHUMAKER & SIEFFERT, P.A

kamal, sneed, moore, sarett, optivus, scholl

REVERSED 

1600 Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry 

Ex Parte Ellington et al 10/431,634 PRATS 102(b)/103(a) SEED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW GROUP PLLC 

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering 

Ex Parte Yagi et al 10/942,107 KIMLIN 112(2)/102(b)/103(a) SUGHRUE – 265550 

It is by now axiomatic that claim language is not to be read in a vacuum but in light of the supporting specification as it would reasonably be read by one of ordinary skill in the art. In re Sneed, 710 F.2d 1544, 1548 (Fed. Cir. 1983); In re Moore, 439 F.2d 1232, 1235 (CCPA 1971). Also, claims are not to be read in manner that renders them inoperative. In re Kamal, 398 F.2d 867, 872 (CCPA 1968); In re Sarett, 327 F.2d 1005, 1019 (CCPA 1964). 

Sneed, In re, 710 F.2d 1544, 218 USPQ 385 (Fed. Cir. 1983) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1445, 2145 

Moore, In re, 439 F.2d 1232, 169 USPQ 236 (CCPA 1971) . . . . . . . .1504.04, 2164.08, 2172 

Sarett, In re, 327 F.2d 1005, 140 USPQ 474 (CCPA 1964) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .804 

2600 Communications 

Ex Parte Ginggen et al 11/098,071 BAUMEISTER 102(e)/103(a) CHERYL F. COHEN, LLC 

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design 

Ex Parte Moriyama et al 10/263,642 ADAMS 103(a) BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH 

AFFIRMED-IN-PART 

2800 Semiconductors, Electrical and Optical Systems and Components 

Ex Parte Kuwahara et al 10/702,661 RUGGIERO 102(b) RADER FISHMAN & GRAUER PLLC 

See Optivus Tech., Inc. v. Ion Beam Appl’ns S.A. , 469 F.3d 978, 989 (Fed. Cir. 2006) (“[A]n issue not raised by an appellant in its opening brief . . . is waived.”) (citation omitted) (internal quotation marks omitted); see also Ex parte Scholl, No. 2007-3653, slip op. at 18 n.13 (BPAI Mar. 13, 2008) (informative), available at  http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/dcom/bpai/its/fd073653.pdf.

Friday April 16, 2010

REVERSED

1600 Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry
Ex Parte Agris et al 10/190,795 GREEN 103(a) MYERS, BIGEL, SIBLEY & SAJOVEC

2100 Computer Architecture and Software
Ex Parte Kincaid 10/318,809 JEFFERY 102(e)/103(a) Docket Clerk

AFFIRMED-IN-PART

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering
Ex Parte King 10/793,588 HASTINGS 103(a) PPG Industries, Inc.

2100 Computer Architecture and Software
Ex Parte Tabor 10/810,377 HUGHES 102(b)/103(a) Quarles & Brady LLP

Thursday April 15, 2010

REVERSED

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering
Ex Parte Hofstadt et al 10513041 KIMLIN 102(b)/103(a) NOVAK DRUCE DELUCA + QUIGG LLP

Ex Parte Kuibira et al 10478278 PAK 102(b)/103(a) MCDERMOTT WILL & EMERY LLP

2100 Computer Architecture and Software
Ex Parte Wood et al 10449559 STEPHENS 102(b)/103(a) GLENN PATENT GROUP

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security
Ex Parte Barsness et al 10255484 LUCAS 102(e) IBM CORPORATION

AFFIRMED-IN-PART

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering
Ex Parte Ivanov et al 10462343 KIMLIN 103(a) DAFFER MCDANIEL LLP

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review
Ex Parte Saliba et al 09751436 MOHANTY 102(e)/103(a) MICROSOFT CORPORATION

Wednesday April 14, 2010

REVERSED

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering
Ex Parte Henshaw et al 09621234 GARRIS 251 improper recapture BERESKIN AND PARR LLP

2100 Computer Architecture and Software
Ex Parte Peleg et al 10403500 STEPHENS 103(a) HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY

2600 Communications
Ex Parte Dodgson et al 10648560 RUGGIERO 102(b)/103(a) THE FARRELL LAW FIRM, LLP

Tuesday April 13, 2010

REVERSED

1600 Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry
Ex Parte Carney et al 10722256 WALSH 103(a) CIBA VISION CORPORATION

Ex Parte Cohenford et al 10323188 WALSH 112(1)/103(a) CYTYC CORPORATION

Ex Parte Fu 10865623 WALSH 112(1) BARNES & THORNBURG LLP

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering
Ex Parte Stenzel et al 10522672 KIMLIN 103(a) OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND MAIER & NEUSTADT, L.L.P.

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security
Ex Parte Teixeira 10605644 HUGHES 102(e) John A. Smart

Ex Parte Singh 10028574HOFF 102(b)/103(a) Philips Intellectual Property & Standards

2600 Communications
Ex Parte Ohl et al 10491929HAIRSTON 112(1) KENYON & KENYON

2800 Semiconductors, Electrical and Optical Systems and Components
Ex Parte Ehlert 10861945 NAPPI 103(a) SCOTT N. BARKER, ESQ.

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design
Ex Parte Feeney et al 11539180 PATE III 103(a) JOSEPH SWAN, A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION

AFFIRMED-IN-PART

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security
Ex Parte Cherkasova et al 10601992 JEFFERY 101/102(b)/103(a) HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY

Ex Parte Kristjansson 10346705 HAIRSTON 112(1)/112(2)/103(a) SCULLY SCOTT MURPHY & PRESSER, PC

fisher,

REVERSED 

1600 Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry 

Ex Parte Nezu et al 10/762,154 WALSH 101/112(1) FISH & RICHARDSON PC

[A]n application must show that an invention is useful to the public as disclosed in its current form, not that it may prove useful at some future date after further research. Simply put, to satisfy the “substantial” utility requirement, an asserted use must show that that claimed invention has a significant and presently available benefit to the public. . . . in addition to providing a “substantial” utility, an asserted use must also show that the claimed invention can be used to provide a well-defined and particular benefit to the public.

In re Fisher, 421 F.3d 1365, 1371 (Fed. Cir. 2005). “It is well established that the enablement requirement of § 112 incorporates the utility requirement of § 101.” Fisher, 421 F. 3d at 1378. 

Fisher, In re, 421 F.3d 1365, 76 USPQ2d1225 (Fed. Cir. 2005) . . . .. . . . . . . .2106, 2107.01 

 

Ex Parte Schmid-Schonbein et al 11/850,169 PRATS 102(b)/103(a)/101 37 C.F.R. § 41.50(b) FISH & ASSOCIATES, PC 

AFFIRMED-IN-PART 

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering 

Ex Parte Chen 11/084,571 KIMLIN 103(a) HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY 

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design 

Ex Parte Ihde 10/714,200 PATE III 112(1)/102(b)/103(a) HUSCH BLACKWELL SANDERS LLP

Friday April 9, 2010

REVERSED

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering
Ex Parte Griffin et al 11/345,866 DELMENDO 103(a) E I DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY

Ex Parte Hild et al 10/848,203 GARRIS 102(a)/103(a) HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.

2100 Computer Architecture and Software
Ex Parte Samoto 10/669,687 STEPHENS 103(a) OLIFF & BERRIDGE, PLC

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design
Ex Parte Berry et al 11/095,725 BARRETT 102(b)/103(a) HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.

Ex Parte Schaffrath et al 11/170,974 LEE 102(b) RENNER, OTTO, BOISSELLE & SKLAR, LLP

AFFIRMED-IN-PART

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering
Ex Parte Bonnemann et al 10/518,703 LANE 103(a) Norris, McLaughlin & Marcus, PA

perfect web,KSR,

REVERSED 

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering 

Ex Parte Keck et al 10/950,881 KRATZ 102(b)/103(a) KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC. EXAMINER CHEVALIER, ALICIA ANN 

Ex Parte Ott et al 11/142,786 TIMM 103(a) MCNEES, WALLACE & NURICK LLC EXAMINER ZHU, WEIPING 

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design 

Ex Parte Raczuk 10/752,110 BAHR 102(b) KRIEG DEVAULT LLP EXAMINER WILSON, LEE D 

AFFIRMED-IN-PART 

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review 

Ex Parte Gross 11/369,660 LORIN 103(a)/101 37 C.F.R. § 41.50(b) LAW OFFICE OF J. NICHOLAS GROSS EXAMINER RUHL, DENNIS WILLIAM 

DENIED 

2800 Semiconductors, Electrical and Optical Systems and Components 

Ex Parte Ramberg et al 10/131,881 GAUDETTE 103(a) HONEYWELL/FOGG EXAMINER PRITCHETT, JOSHUA L 

In KSR, the Court indicated that there is "no necessary inconsistency between the idea underlying the TSM test and the Graham analysis" provided that the test is not applied as a "rigid and mandatory" formula. Id. at 419. The TSM test is applied in an overly rigid and formalistic manner when the "obviousness analysis" is confined "by a formalistic conception of the words teaching, suggestion, and motivation, or by overemphasis on the importance of published articles and the explicit content of issued patents." Id. 

KSR International Co. v. Teleflex Inc., 550 USPQ2d 1385 (2007) . . . . . . . . .2141 to 2145, 2216, 2242, 2286, 2616, 2642, 2686.04 

"Common sense has long been recognized to inform the analysis of obviousness if explained with sufficient reasoning and where there is a factual foundation from which the analysis flows." Perfect Web Technologies, Inc. v. InfoUSA, Inc., 587 F.3d 1324, 1328 (Fed. Cir. 2009).