cescon, ergo, noah

REVERSED

1600 Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry
1626 Ex Parte Dietrich et al 11/320,121 FREDMAN 103(a) FROMMER LAWRENCE & HAUG EXAMINER KOSACK, JOSEPH R

See In re Cescon, 474 F.2d 1331, 1334 (CCPA 1973) (concluding that, although not every compound within the scope of the claims was tested, the evidence of secondary considerations was sufficient where evidence showed a correlation and there was no factual basis to expect the compounds to behave differently in different environments).

1636 Ex Parte Koide 09/903,412 FREDMAN 102(e)/103(a) VIKSNINS HARRIS & PADYS PLLP EXAMINER WESSENDORF, TERESA D

2100 Computer Architecture and Software
2159 Ex Parte Kolz et al 11/463,342 ARBES 103(a) IBM CORPORATION EXAMINER
CHANG, JEFFREY

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security
2434 Ex Parte Cochran et al 09/726,852 HOMERE 112(2)/102(e)/103(a) HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY EXAMINER POLTORAK, PIOTR

2600 Communications
2627 Ex Parte Weirauch 10/618,115 GIANNETTI 102(e)/103(a) 37 C.F.R. § 41.50(b) 102(a)/112(2)HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY EXAMINER FEILD, JOSEPH H

The use of means-plus-function language in a claim does not excuse Appellant from complying with the claim definiteness requirement of 35 U.S.C. § 112, second paragraph. See Ergo Licensing, LLC v. CareFusion 303 LLC, Inc., No. 2011-1229, 2012 WL 987833 at *1 (Fed. Cir. Mar. 26, 2012); Noah Sys., Inc. v. Intuit Inc., No. 2011-1390, 2012 WL 1150216 at *7 (Fed. Cir. Apr. 9, 2012). If an Applicant does not disclose structure for a means plus function term, the claim is indefinite. Ergo, 2012 WL 987833 at *1. The indefiniteness analysis requires us first to construe the claim. Noah, 2012 WL 1150216 at *7. Normally this is a two-step process. First, the claimed function must be determined. Next, the corresponding structure in the written description of the patent that performs that function must be identified. Id.

2800 Semiconductors, Electrical and Optical Systems and Components
2834 Ex Parte Caddell 11/043,343 ZECHER 102(b)/103(a) CARLSON, GASKEY & OLDS, P.C. EXAMINER LE, DANG D

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review
3646 Ex Parte Camp 11/168,044 ROBERTSON 103(a) MYERS BIGEL SIBLEY & SAJOVEC, P.A. EXAMINER LIU, HARRY K

3674 Ex Parte Verwoerd 10/550,133 LEE 112(1)/103(a) COLLARD & ROE, P.C. EXAMINER
LEE, GILBERT Y

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design
3731 Ex Parte Goshgarian 10/427,351 ADAMS 103(a) MEDTRONIC VASCULAR, INC. EXAMINER SEVERSON, RYAN J

3735 Ex Parte Jina 11/277,731 ADAMS 102(e)/103(a) SHAY GLENN LLP EXAMINER D'ANGELO, MICHAEL J 

3761 Ex Parte Roberts et al 11/733,964 ADAMS 103(a) BAKER BOTTS L.L.P. EXAMINER TREYGER, ILYA Y

AFFIRMED-IN-PART

3900 Central Reexamination Unit (CRU)
2818 Ex Parte 6,314,051 et al RAMBUS, INC. Patent Owner, Appellant and Respondent v. SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. Requestor and MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC. Requester, Cross-Appellant and Respondent 95/001,107 & 95/001,132 09/629,497 EASTHOM 102/103 37 C.F.R. § 41.77(b) 102/103 FINNEGAN, HENDERSON, FARABOW, GARRETT & DUNNER LLP EXAMINER ESCALANTE, OVIDIO original EXAMINER NGUYEN, TAN

2818 Ex Parte 6,266,285 et al RAMBUS, INC. Patent Owner, Appellant and Respondent  v. SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS, CO., LTD. Requestor and MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC. Requestor, Cross-Appellant and Respondent 95/001,106 & 95/001,131 09/566,551 EASTHOM 102/103 37 C.F.R. § 41.77(b) 102/103 FINNEGAN, HENDERSON, FARABOW, GARRETT & DUNNER LLP EXAMINER ESCALANTE, OVIDIO original EXAMINER NGUYEN, TAN

AFFIRMED

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering
1734 Ex Parte Cherepy et al 11/445,569 OWENS 112(2)/102(b)/103(a) LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL LABORATORY EXAMINER HOBAN, MATTHEW E

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security
2445 Ex Parte Nancy Soetens et al 10/171,971 RUGGIERO 103(a) SUGHRUE MION, PLLC EXAMINER BIAGINI, CHRISTOPHER D

2471 Ex Parte Krause 09/790,998 SMITH 103(a) SIEMENS CORPORATION EXAMINER WONG, WARNER

2600 Communications
2611 Ex Parte Citta et al 10/340,973 MOORE 103(a) ZENITH ELECTRONICS LLC EXAMINER
ODOM, CURTIS B

2611 Ex Parte Tierno 10/668,562 HOMERE 103(a) Ryan, Mason & Lewis, LLP EXAMINER MALEK, LEILA

2613 Ex Parte Azadet 10/219,905 SAADAT 102(e)/103(a) RYAN, MASON & LEWIS, LLP EXAMINER LI, SHI K

2800 Semiconductors, Electrical and Optical Systems and Components
2856 Ex Parte Guha et al 10/699,399 HOMERE 103(a) FLEIT GIBBONS GUTMAN BONGINI & BIANCO P.L. EXAMINER JAGAN, MIRELLYS

2887 Ex Parte Brady et al 11/564,408 HUGHES 103(a) WALL & TONG, LLP/ALCATEL-LUCENT USA INC. EXAMINER MARSHALL, CHRISTLE I

2895 Ex Parte Hovis et al 11/522,164 Per Curiam 112(2) 102(b) IBM CORPORATION EXAMINER
WOJCIECHOWICZ, EDWARD JOSEPH

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review
3623 Ex Parte Sarkar et al 11/216,797 PER CURIAM 103(a) GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY EXAMINER LAN, TZU-HSIANG

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design
3779 Ex Parte Nesbitt 11/330,499 GREEN 103(a) K&L Gates LLP EXAMINER SWEET, THOMAS

thorner

REVERSED

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering
1727 Ex Parte Ji 10/913,860 TIMM 103(a) HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C. EXAMINER BEST, ZACHARY P

2100 Computer Architecture and Software
2162 Ex Parte Chan et al 11/249,217 KOHUT 102(b)/103(a) CAREY, RODRIGUEZ, GREENBERG & O'KEEFE, LLP STEVEN M. GREENBERG EXAMINER ALAM, SHAHID AL

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security
2445 Ex Parte Xie et al 10/778,515 PER CURIAM 102(e) HICKMAN PALERMO TRUONG BECKER BINGHAM WONG/ORACLE EXAMINER JAKOVAC, RYAN J

2600 Communications
2651 Ex Parte Alli et al 10/387,250 GARRIS 103(a) H. Sanders Gwin, Jr. Shumaker & Sieffert, P.A. EXAMINER FIGUEROA, NATALIA

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review
3643 Ex Parte Lang et al 11/508,703 GRIMES 103(a) 37 C.F.R. § 41.50(b) 102(b) PRAXAIR, INC. EXAMINER PARSLEY, DAVID J

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design
3733 Ex Parte Pelo et al 10/483,465 GRIMES 102(e)/103(a) Barnes & Thornburg EXAMINER
HOFFMAN, MARY C

3736 Ex Parte Goodall et al 11/523,172 GRIMES 103(a) THE INVENTION SCIENCE FUND
CLARENCE T. TEGREENE EXAMINER HOEKSTRA, JEFFREY GERBEN

3776 Ex Parte Wen 11/074,300 ADAMS 102(b)/103(a) ALIGN TECHNOLOGY C/O WAGNER BLECHER LLP EXAMINER PATEL, YOGESH P

AFFIRMED-IN-PART

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering
1788 Ex Parte Whittaker et al 11/843,790 DELMENDO 103(a) 103(a) PANDUIT CORP. EXAMINER NORDMEYER, PATRICIA L

2100 Computer Architecture and Software
2169 Ex Parte Bohannon et al 10/626,835 BARRY 103(a) 103(a) RYAN, MASON & LEWIS, LLP EXAMINER KIM, PAUL

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review
3654 Ex Parte Sorensen 10/454,255 BAHR 103(a) 103(a) Thompson E. Fehr EXAMINER KRUER, STEFAN

To act as its own lexicographer, a patent applicant must clearly set forth a definition of the claim term in question other than its plain and ordinary meaning. Thorner v. Sony Comp. Entm’t Am., LLC, 669 F.3d 1362, 1365 (Fed. Cir. 2012). “It is not enough for a [patent applicant] to simply disclose a single embodiment or use a word in the same manner in all embodiments, the [applicant] must ‘clearly express an intent’ to redefine the term.” Id. (citation omitted).

3900 Central Reexamination Unit (CRU)
3644 Ex Parte Arvanities et al VIP PRODUCTS, L.L.C., Requestor and Respondent, v. MARGHERITA JESSIE ARVANITES, Patent Owner and Appellant. 95/001,507 6,918,355 10/694,562 SCHAFER 103(a) 103(a) Kunzler Needham Massey & Thorpe EXAMINER CLARK, JEANNE MARIE original EXAMINER SHAW, ELIZABETH ANNE

AFFIRMED

1600 Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry
1618 Ex Parte Lim et al 10/623,481 FREDMAN 103(a) King & Spalding LLP EXAMINER
YOUNG, MICAH PAUL

1657 Ex Parte Schmieding et al 11/350,078 MILLS 103(a) DICKSTEIN SHAPIRO LLP EXAMINER
SCHUBERG, LAURA J

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering
1741 Ex Parte Boehm et al 10/499,107 GARRIS 103(a) ROTHWELL, FIGG, ERNST & MANBECK, P.C. EXAMINER CORDRAY, DENNIS R

2100 Computer Architecture and Software
2166 Ex Parte Banks et al 11/099,310 DANG 112(2)/102(e)/103(a)  IBM CORP. (WSM) c/o WINSTEAD P.C. EXAMINER CHEMPA KASERIL, ANN J

2169 Ex Parte Mack 11/308,723 DIXON 102(b)/103(a) WALTER J. TENCZA JR. EXAMINER MCCUE, BRITTANY N

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security
2424 Ex Parte Beyers et al 09/973,610 CHEN 103(a) MERCHANT & GOULD SCIENTIFIC ATLANTA, A CISCO COMPANY EXAMINER HOSSAIN, FARZANA E

2424 Ex Parte Newton et al 10/483,866 HOFF 103(a) Laurie E Gathman US Philips Corporation EXAMINER SHEPARD, JUSTIN E

2469 Ex Parte Denecheau et al 10/411,593 MacDONALD 103(a) HARRINGTON & SMITH EXAMINER MOORE, IAN N

2600 Communications
2617 Ex Parte Shiflett 11/003,113 WINSOR 103(a) COATS & BENNETT/SONY ERICSSON EXAMINER NGUYEN, DAVID Q

2625 Ex Parte Parry et al 10/625,241 HOMERE 103(a) HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY EXAMINER MILIA, MARK R

2800 Semiconductors, Electrical and Optical Systems and Components
2814 Ex Parte McHugo 10/892,983 JEFFERY 103(a) Kathy Manke Avago Technologies Limited EXAMINER SAYADIAN, HRAYR

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design
3731 Ex Parte Atladottir et al 10/806,828 FRANKLIN 102(b)/103(a) FULWIDER PATTON LLP EXAMINER HOUSTON, ELIZABETH

3731 Ex Parte Greenberg et al 10/962,001 GRIMES 103(a) BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE/CHICAGO/COOK EXAMINER TANNER, JOCELIN C

3762 Ex Parte Annicelli et al 11/417,288 BONILLA 103(a) DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE EXAMINER STOKLOSA, JOSEPH A

bj servs., union pac., venner, bell and howell

REVERSED

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering

1785 Ex Parte Kasperchik et al 10/783,610 TIMM 103(a) HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY EXAMINER SHEWAREGED, BETELHEM

2100 Computer Architecture and Software

2161 Ex Parte Murashige et al 10/662,998 POTHIER 103(a) 37 C.F.R. § 41.50(b) 101/112(1) Go Daddy Operating Company, LLC EXAMINER DAYE, CHELCIE L

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design

3718 Ex Parte Gilmore et al  10/641,368 BAHR 102(b) NIXON PEABODY LLP EXAMINER PANDYA, SUNIT 

3761 Ex Parte Rydenstam 10/904,359 SCHEINER 102(b)/103(a) BUCHANAN, INGERSOLL & ROONEY PC EXAMINER HAND, MELANIE JO

3772 Ex Parte Strait 10/834,492 GREENHUT 112(1)/102(b)/103(a) CHRISTIE, PARKER & HALE, LLP EXAMINER NGUYEN, CAMTU TRAN

3775  Ex Parte Becker 10/259,300 SAINDON 102(b)/103(a) EXAMINER BOLES, SAMEH RAAFAT 

3900 Central Reexamination Unit (CRU)

2162 Ex Parte 7096212 et al INTELLIGENT HOSPITAL SYSTEMS LTD. Requester and Appellant v. FORHEALTH TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Patent Owner and Respondent 95/000,333 CHANG 103(a) 37 C.F.R. § 41.77(b) 103(a) Leason Ellis LLP EXAMINER LEE, CHRISTOPHER E  original EXAMINER TO, BAOQUOC N 

AFFIRMED-IN-PART

2600 Communications

2612 Ex Parte Arik et al 11/275,188 RUGGIERO 103(a) 37 C.F.R. § 41.50(b) 103(a) GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY EXAMINER WU, DANIEL J

AFFIRMED

1600 Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry

1652  Ex Parte Lyamichev et al 11/489,665 WALSH 103(a) Casimir Jones, S.C. EXAMINER RAMIREZ, DELIA M 

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering

1741  Ex Parte Kunert et al 10/362,045 HASTINGS 103(a) Todd T Taylor Taylor & Aust EXAMINER LAZORCIK, JASON L 

1783 Ex Parte Savicki et al 10/980,657 PRAISS 112(2)/102(b)/103(a) THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY EXAMINER OHERN, BRENT T 

A claim satisfies the definiteness requirement of 35 U.S.C. § 112, second paragraph, when one skilled in the art understands the claim parameters as read in light of the specification. BJ Servs. Co. v. Halliburton Energy Servs., Inc. 338 F.3d 1368, 1372 (Fed. Cir. 2003) (quoting Union Pac. Res. Co. v. Chesapeake Energy Corp., 236 F.3d 684, 692 (Fed. Cir. 2001) (“The definiteness inquiry focuses on whether those skilled in the art would understand the scope of the claim when the claim is read in light of the rest of the specification.”)).

Union Pacific Resources Co. v. Chesapeake Energy Corp., 236 F.3d 684, 57 USPQ2d 1293 (Fed. Cir. 2001) . . . . .2164.06(a)

2100 Computer Architecture and Software

2127 Ex Parte Schreder et al 10/729,774 COURTENAY 103(a) HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC. EXAMINER NORTON, JENNIFER L 

Broadly providing an automatic way to replace a manual activity accomplishing the same result is not sufficient to distinguish an automated process over the prior art. In re Venner, 262 F.2d 91, 95 (CCPA 1958).

Venner, In re, 262 F.2d 91, 120 USPQ 193 (CCPA 1958) . . . . . . . . 2144.04

We are also mindful that an inventor’s self-serving statements are rarely relevant to the proper construction of a claim term. Bell & Howell Document Mgmt. Prods. v. Altek Sys.,132 F.3d 701, 706 (Fed.Cir.1997).

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

3636 Ex Parte Combest 11/389,539 SAINDON 103(a) GLOBAL IP COUNSELORS, LLP EXAMINER MCPARTLIN, SARAH BURNHAM

3663  Ex Parte De Sousa et al 10/691,795 DILLON 102(a)/103(a) BACHMAN & LAPOINTE, P.C. EXAMINER EL CHANTI, HUSSEIN A 

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design

3738 Ex Parte Masini 11/409,404 KAUFFMAN 102(b)/103(a) GIFFORD, KRASS, SPRINKLE,ANDERSON & CITKOWSKI, P.C EXAMINER SNOW, BRUCE EDWARD

standard havens

REVERSED

1600 Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry
1615 Ex Parte Bracht et al 10/296,802 ADAMS 103(a) William F Lawrence Frommer Lawrence & Haug EXAMINER AHMED, HASAN SYED

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security
2436 Ex Parte Choti et al 10/985,334 HAHN 103(a) FOLEY AND LARDNER LLP EXAMINER REZA, MOHAMMAD W

2600 Communications
2617 Ex Parte Jones et al 10/779,261 WINSOR 103(a) 37 C.F.R. § 41.50(b) 102(e)/103(a) SPRINT EXAMINER D AGOSTA, STEPHEN M

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review
3643 Ex Parte Breuil et al 10/975,390 FRANKLIN 102(b)/103(a) GREENBLUM & BERNSTEIN, P.L.C. EXAMINER PARSLEY, DAVID J

3662 Ex Parte Chiayee et al 10/523,669 CALVE 102 Ratner/Prestia EXAMINER TO, TUAN C

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design
3762 Ex Parte Toy et al 10/836,117 FREDMAN 112(1) IPLM GROUP, P.A. EXAMINER HOLMES, REX R

3763 Ex Parte Chin et al 11/297,786 FRANKLIN 103(a) FAY KAPLUN & MARCIN, LLP EXAMINER STIGELL, THEODORE J

AFFIRMED-IN-PART

2100 Computer Architecture and Software
2162 Ex Parte Vedula 11/307,366 DANG 103(a) 102(e) LAW FIRM OF NAREN THAPPETA C/o Landon-IP Inc. EXAMINER ALAM, SHAHID AL

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security
2467 Ex Parte Hsu et al 10/308,687 DANG 103(a) 103(a) KIRTON AND MCCONKIE EXAMINER MAIS, MARK A

AFFIRMED

1600 Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry
1618 Ex Parte Lyu et al 10/640,702 WALSH 112(1)/103(a) MEDTRONIC VASCULAR, INC. EXAMINER ROGERS, JAMES WILLIAM

1618 Ex Parte Sparer et al 10/640,853 WALSH 102(e)/102(b)/103(a) EXAMINER ROGERS, JAMES WILLIAM

1618 Ex Parte Sparer et al 10/640,714 WALSH 102(e)/102(b)/103(a) MUETING, RAASCH & GEBHARDT, P.A. EXAMINER ROGERS, JAMES WILLIAM

2100 Computer Architecture and Software
2141 Ex Parte Gomes et al 10/676,634 DANG 103(a) Jeffrey C. Hood Meyertons, Hood, Kivlin, Kowert & Goetzel PC EXAMINER AUGUSTINE, NICHOLAS

2187 Ex Parte Cox et al 11/050,551 HOMERE obviousness-type double patenting/103(a) MUIRHEAD AND SATURNELLI, LLC EXAMINER RUTZ, JARED IAN

2192 Ex Parte Krasikov et al 10/684,552 DILLON 112(1)/101/103(a) LAW OFFICE OF IDO TUCHMAN (YOR) EXAMINER WEI, ZHENG

2600 Communications
2617 Ex Parte Spain 10/668,634 HAHN 103(a) DEMONT & BREYER, LLC EXAMINER SHEDRICK, CHARLES TERRELL

2800 Semiconductors, Electrical and Optical Systems and Components
2859 Ex Parte Williams 11/479,420 RUGGIERO 102(e)/103(a) Fellers, Snider, Blankenship, Bailey & Tippens EXAMINER WILLIAMS, ARUN C

"An anticipatory reference . . . need not duplicate word for word what is in the claims." Standard Havens Prods. v. Gencor Indus., 953 F.2d 1360, 1369 (Fed. Cir. 1991).

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review
3651 Ex Parte Ghezzi 10/514,987 HOELTER 103(a) COLEMAN SUDOL SAPONE, P.C. EXAMINER KUMAR, RAKESH

klein, dann, stepan

REVERSED

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design
3723 Ex Parte Kemper et al 10/732,162 BAHR 103(a) DORSEY & WHITNEY, LLP EXAMINER REDDING, DAVID A

3732 Ex Parte Shirasuka 11/582,111 FRANKLIN 103(a) STETINA BRUNDA GARRED & BRUCKER EXAMINER EIDE, HEIDI MARIE

3734 Ex Parte Quijano et al 11/263,302 FRANKLIN 102(b) Paul T. Parker PERKINS COIE LLP EXAMINER YABUT, DIANE D

3764 Ex Parte Stenberg 09/879,151 BONILLA 102(e)/103(a) Ronald L. Grudziecki BURNS, DOANE, SWECKER & MATHIS, L.L.P. EXAMINER ANDERSON, CATHARINE L

AFFIRMED-IN-PART

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design
3732 Ex Parte Ruddle et al 11/227,934 PRATS 103(a) 103(a) 37 C.F.R. § 41.50(b) 112(2) Polster, Lieder, Woodruff & Lucchesi, L.C. EXAMINER EIDE, HEIDI MARIE

See In re Klein, 647 F.3d 1343, 1348 (Fed. Cir. 2011) (A reference is analogous prior art when it is “from the same field of endeavor, regardless of the problem addressed . . . .”) (emphasis added).

AFFIRMED

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security
2476 Ex Parte Colin et al 10/675,363 BISK 103(a) JAMES M. STOVER TERADATA CORPORATION EXAMINER AHMED, SALMAN

2800 Semiconductors, Electrical and Optical Systems and Components
2852 Ex Parte Hoffman 11/196,139 PER CURIAM 102(e) FLETCHER YODER P.C. EXAMINER FULLER, RODNEY EVAN

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review
3636 Ex Parte Nazginov 10/964,436 HOELTER 103(a) 37 C.F.R. § 41.50(b) 103(a) OSTROLENK FABER LLP EXAMINER BARFIELD, ANTHONY DERRELL

3687 Ex Parte Love et al 11/416,946 FISCHETTI 103(a) 37 C.F.R. § 41.50(b) 103(a) KING & SPALDING EXAMINER ADE, OGER GARCIA

The mere existence of differences between the prior art and the claim does not establish nonobviousness. Dann v. Johnston, 425 U.S. 219, 230 (1976). The issue is “whether the difference between the prior art and the subject matter in question ‘is a differen[ce] sufficient to render the claimed subject matter unobvious to one skilled in the applicable art.’” Dann, 425 U.S. at 228 (citation omitted)

Dann v. Johnston, 425 U.S. 219, 189 USPQ 257 (1976) . . . . . . 716.01(a), 2141, 2141.03

3900 Central Reexamination Unit (CRU)
1711 Ex Parte 6359022 et al Ex parte STEPAN COMPANY Appellant 90/006,824 and 90/007,619 09/289,043 PER CURIAM 102(b)/103(a) 37 C.F.R. § 41.50(b) 102(a)/103(a) MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD EXAMINER DIAMOND, ALAN D original EXAMINER GORR, RACHEL F

The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit vacated the Board’s Decision in the above-identified ex parte reexamination proceedings, and remanded the proceedings with instructions to designate the Decision as including a new ground of rejection. In re Stepan Co., 660 F.3d 1341, 1346 (Fed. Cir. 2011).

monarch knitting, purdue pharma

REVERSED

2100 Computer Architecture and Software
2165 Ex Parte Cragun et al 10/600,382 PERRY 103(a) IBM CORPORATION EXAMINER HICKS, MICHAEL J

2179 Ex Parte Grotjohn 10/329,277 HOMERE 101/102(b) STEVEN M. GREENBERG CAREY, RODRIGUEZ, GREENBERG & O'KEEFE, LLP EXAMINER CHUONG, TRUC T

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design
3749 Ex Parte Hesse et al 10/917,836 STAICOVICI 103(a) FRANK ROSENBERG EXAMINER PRICE, CARL D

AFFIRMED-IN-PART

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security
2444 Ex Parte Ooki et al 10/668,260 BISK 103(a) 103(a) WHITHAM, CURTIS & CHRISTOFFERSON & COOK, P.C. EXAMINER BENGZON, GREG C

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review
3622 Ex Parte Datar et al 11/394,135 KIM 112(2)/103(a) 103(a) Straub & Pokotylo EXAMINER SORKOWITZ, DANIEL M

3629 Ex Parte DiMarco 10/379,188 FETTING 112(1)/103(a) 103(a) ANTHONY M. DIMARCO EXAMINER MCCORMICK, GABRIELLE A

AFFIRMED

2600 Communications
2612 Ex Parte Heller 10/354,842 MOORE 103(a) Florek & Endres PLLC EXAMINER SWARTHOUT, BRENT

See also Monarch Knitting Machinery v. Sulzer Morat GMBH, 139 F.3d 877, 884 (Fed. Cir. 1998) (“The relevant secondary consideration is ‘long-felt but unsolved need,’ not long-felt need in isolation.”).

2629 Ex Parte Kuroki 10/572,044 ZECHER 102(b)/103(a) RADER FISHMAN & GRAUER PLLC EXAMINER STEINBERG, JEFFREY S

2800 Semiconductors, Electrical and Optical Systems and Components
2887 Ex Parte Swaine et al 10/992,450 HUGHES 103(a) PAUL W. MARTIN NCR CORPORATION EXAMINER LE, THIEN MINH

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review
3652 Ex Parte Schmid 10/350,239 BAHR 103(a) GREER, BURNS & CRAIN, LTD. EXAMINER LOWE, MICHAEL S

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design
3721 Ex Parte Boswinkel et al 12/002,914 STAICOVICI 112(2)/102(b) Nields, Lemack & Frame, LLC EXAMINER SMITH, SCOTT A

3732 Ex Parte Szymaitis 11/511,052 KAUFFMAN 112(1) BUCHANAN INGERSOLL & ROONEY PC EXAMINER ROSEN, ERIC J

see also Purdue Pharma L.P. v. Faulding, Inc., 230 F.3d 1320, 1326-27 (Fed. Cir. 2000) (“one cannot disclose a forest in the original application, and then later pick a tree out of the forest and say [‘]here is my invention.[’] In order to satisfy the written description requirement, the blaze marks directing the skilled artisan to that tree must be in the originally filed disclosure.”).

Purdue Pharma L.P. v. Faulding, Inc., 230 F.3d 1320, 56 USPQ2d 1481 (Fed. Cir. 2000) . . . . .2163, 2163.05

REVERSED

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering
1711 Ex Parte Kim et al 10/923,784 GARRIS 112(1) MCKENNA LONG & ALDRIDGE LLP EXAMINER PERRIN, JOSEPH L

2100 Computer Architecture and Software
2164 Ex Parte Weber et al 10/383,356 HOMERE 103(a) Robert D. Shedd, Patent Operations EXAMINER CHOJNACKI, MELLISSA M

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security
2448 Ex Parte Kim 10/692,895 DILLON 103(a) THE FARRELL LAW FIRM, P.C. EXAMINER WHIPPLE, BRIAN P

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review
3673 Ex Parte Martin 12/001,999 BAHR 103(a) BLACK LOWE & GRAHAM, PLLC EXAMINER BOSWELL, CHRISTOPHER J

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design
3714 Ex Parte Blackburn et al 10/794,423 DIXON 103(a) SCHWEGMAN, LUNDBERG & WOESSNER/WMS GAMING EXAMINER TORIMIRO, ADETOKUNBO OLUSEGUN

3721 Ex Parte Gross et al 11/586,104 STAICOVICI 102(b) HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C. EXAMINER CHUKWURAH, NATHANIEL C

AFFIRMED-IN-PART

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security
2444 Ex Parte Butterworth et al 10/090,404 HOMERE 102(e) 102(e) John L. Rogitz Rogitz & Associates EXAMINER CLOUD, JOIYA M

2600 Communications
2618 Ex Parte Oliveira 10/098,907 KRIVAK 103(a) 103(a) QUALCOMM INCORPORATED EXAMINER HUANG, WEN WU

AFFIRMED

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering
1762 Ex Parte Miyoshi et al 11/203,245 KATZ 103(a) BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH EXAMINER YOON, TAE H

2100 Computer Architecture and Software
2156 Ex Parte Wu et al 11/137,684 JEFFERY obviousness-type double patenting/103(a) MINTZ, LEVIN, COHN, FERRIS, GLOVSKY & POPEO, P.C. EXAMINER NOFAL, CHRISTOPHER P

2159 Ex Parte Baek et al 11/448,445 DILLON 103(a) H.C. PARK & ASSOCIATES, PLC EXAMINER SOMERS, MARC S

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security
2421 Ex Parte Howe et al 10/335,835 PER CURIAM 102(e) AT & T LEGAL DEPARTMENT - Toler EXAMINER SALCE, JASON P

2600 Communications
2618 Ex Parte Merboth et al 10/799,815 MacDONALD 103(a) FLETCHER YODER (LUCENT) EXAMINER WENDELL, ANDREW

2628 Ex Parte Eagen et al 11/383,564 GONSALVES 102(b) MARTIN & ASSOCIATES, LLC EXAMINER CHU, DAVID H

3900 Central Reexamination Unit (CRU)
1725 Ex Parte 6,987,242 et al THE LINCOLN ELECTRIC COMPANY Requester and Respondent v. Patent of ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, INC. Patent Owner and Appellant 95/000,203 10/826,534 PER CURIAM 103(a) GEORGE R. CORRIGAN CORRIGAN LAW OFFICE EXAMINER NGUYEN, LINH M original EXAMINER SHAW, CLIFFORD C

1725 Ex Parte 6815639 et al THE LINCOLN ELECTRIC COMPANY Requester and Respondent v. Patent of ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, INC. Patent Owner and Appellant 95/000,204 PER CURIAM 103(a) GEORGE R. CORRIGAN CORRIGAN LAW OFFICE EXAMINER NGUYEN, LINH M original EXAMINER SHAW, CLIFFORD C

1725 Ex Parte 6329636 et al THE LINCOLN ELECTRIC COMPANY Requester and Respondent v. Patent of ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, INC. Patent Owner and Appellant 95/000,202 09/540,567 PER CURIAM 103(a) GEORGE R. CORRIGAN CORRIGAN LAW OFFICE EXAMINER NGUYEN, LINH M original EXAMINER SHAW, CLIFFORD C

REHEARING

DENIED

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review
3617 Ex Parte Krueger 12/356,660 7,360,846 McCARTHY 251/103(a) HISCOCK & BARCLAY, LLP EXAMINER BELLINGER, JASON R

REVERSED

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering
1785 Ex Parte Moffatt et al 10/672,486 BEST 102(b)/103(a) HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY EXAMINER SHEWAREGED, BETELHEM

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security
2492 Ex Parte Kumar et al 10/620,258 NAPPI 103(a) Ryan, Mason & Lewis, LLP EXAMINER NASH, LASHANYA RENEE

AFFIRMED-IN-PART

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering
1711 Ex Parte Jerg et al 10/564,230 GUEST 102(b) 102(b)/103(a) BSH HOME APPLIANCES CORPORATION EXAMINER OSTERHOUT, BENJAMIN LEE

1711 Ex Parte Jerg et al 11/791,380 GUEST 103(a) 102(b)/103(a) BSH HOME APPLIANCES CORPORATION EXAMINER KO, JASON Y

1788 Ex Parte Trigg et al 10/943,683 BEST 103(a) 103(a) 37 C.F.R. 41.50(b) 112(2) HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY EXAMINER NORDMEYER, PATRICIA L

2100 Computer Architecture and Software
2156 Ex Parte Wu et al 11/318,074 JEFFERY 103(a) obviousness-type double patenting/103(a) MINTZ, LEVIN, COHN, FERRIS, GLOVSKY & POPEO, P.C. EXAMINER NOFAL, CHRISTOPHER P

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design
3761 Ex Parte Ahmed 11/925,418 FREDMAN 103(a) 102(b)/103(a) CONNORS ASSOCIATESpc EXAMINER TREYGER, ILYA Y

AFFIRMED

1600 Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry
1628 Ex Parte Diehl et al 10/665,343 FREDMAN 103(a) ROHM AND HAAS COMPANY c/o The Dow Chemical Company EXAMINER QAZI, SABIHA NAIM

1631 Ex Parte Curry et al 11/193,912 FREDMAN 103(a) Agilent Technologies, Inc. in care of: CPA Global EXAMINER WHALEY, PABLO S

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering
1712 Ex Parte Jerg et al 11/791,383 GUEST 103(a) BSH HOME APPLIANCES CORPORATION EXAMINER WALDBAUM, SAMUEL A

1771 Ex Parte Steffens et al 11/266,726 GARRIS 103(a) ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Company EXAMINER BOYER, RANDY

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review
3643 Ex Parte Thibault 11/691,419 FREDMAN 102(b) THOMPSON & THOMPSON, P.A. EXAMINER NGUYEN, SON T

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design
3731 Ex Parte Elkins et al 10/422,638 FREDMAN 102(b) MEDTRONIC VASCULAR, INC. EXAMINER HOUSTON, ELIZABETH

REHEARING

DENIED

1775 Ex Parte Haq 11/688,491 HASTINGS 102/103 David W. Highet, VP & Chief IP Counsel Becton, Dickinson and Company EXAMINER BEISNER, WILLIAM H

sandisk3

REVERSED

1600 Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry
1631 Ex Parte Raghavan et al 10/442,989 MILLS 103(a) Don W. Bulson, Esq. RENNER, OTTO, BOISSELLE & SKLAR EXAMINER NEGIN, RUSSELL SCOTT

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering
1716 Ex Parte Sakai et al 10/492,539 OWENS 103(a) OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND MAIER & NEUSTADT, L.L.P. EXAMINER KACKAR, RAM N

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security
2487 Ex Parte Bruls et al 10/498,953 NAPPI 103(a) US Philips Corporation EXAMINER ANYIKIRE, CHIKAODILI E

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design
3739 Ex Parte Sutter et al 11/378,503 GRIMES 102(b)/103(a) VOLPE AND KOENIG, P.C. EXAMINER HUPCZEY, JR, RONALD JAMES

3761 Ex Parte Gallogly et al 11/760,089 PRATS 103(a) WOOD, HERRON & EVANS, LLP EXAMINER HANRAHAN, BENEDICT L

AFFIRMED-IN-PART

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design
3733 Ex Parte Schlienger et al 11/299,337 PRATS 102(e) 102(e)/103(a) Fay Kaplun & Marcin, LLP EXAMINER COTRONEO, STEVEN J

See SanDisk Corp. v. Memorex Products, Inc., 415 F.3d 1278, 1284 (Fed. Cir. 2005) ("As a patent law term of art, "includes" means "comprising." Neither includes, nor comprising, forecloses additional elements that need not satisfy the stated claim limitations.”)

AFFIRMED

1600 Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry
1613 Ex Parte Chapple et al 11/367,007 FREDMAN 112(2)/103(a) JEANNE E. LONGMUIR EXAMINER LEA, CHRISTOPHER RAYMOND

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering
1763 Ex Parte Harasin et al 11/300,957 GAUDETTE 103(a) BAYER MATERIAL SCIENCE LLC EXAMINER LEONARD, MICHAEL L

2100 Computer Architecture and Software
2156 Ex Parte Wu et al 11/137,710 JEFFERY obviousness-type double patenting/103(a) Mintz Levin Cohn Ferris Glovsky Popeo PC EXAMINER NOFAL, CHRISTOPHER P

2193 Ex Parte Chen et al 10/687,953 Per Curiam 101 TROP, PRUNER & HU, P.C. EXAMINER MALZAHN, DAVID H

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security
2436 Ex Parte Suleiman et al 11/243,858 JEFFERY 103(a) SoCAL IP LAW GROUP LLP EXAMINER POGMORE, TRAVIS D

2600 Communications
2624 Ex Parte Gerritsen et al 10/071,405 BISK 102(b)/103(a)/101/112(1)/112(2) PHILIPS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & STANDARDS EXAMINER TUCKER, WESLEY J

2800 Semiconductors, Electrical and Optical Systems and Components
2838 Ex Parte Miles 10/729,183 PER CURIAM 102(a) OSTROLENK, FABER, GERB & SOFFEN, LLP EXAMINER VU, BAO Q

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review
3661 Ex Parte Kane et al 11/339,801 BAHR 103(a)/112(2) DLA PIPER LLP (US) EXAMINER KONG, SZE-HON

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design
3732 Ex Parte Khouri 11/008,805 WALSH 103(a) HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C. EXAMINER EIDE, HEIDI MARIE

3777 Ex Parte Donaldson 11/433,952 PRATS 103(a) DEAN D. SMALL THE SMALL PATENT LAW GROUP LLP EXAMINER REARDON, ROCHELLE D

3900 Central Reexamination Unit (CRU)
2623 Ex Parte 6,856,698 et al MVTec SOFTWARE GmbH Requester, Respondent v. COGNEX CORPORATION Patent Owner, Appellant 95/001,182 10/273,855 SIU 102(b)/103(a) COGNEX CORPORATION EXAMINER LAROSE, COLIN M original EXAMINER DASTOURI, MEHRDAD

2624 Ex Parte 7,065,262 et al MVTec SOFTWARE GmbH Requester, Respondent v. COGNEX CORPORATION Patent Owner, Appellant 95/001,181 10/705,563 SIU 102(b)/103(a) COGNEX CORPORATION EXAMINER LAROSE, COLIN M original EXAMINER MARIAM, DANIEL G

datamize, KCJ, abtox, insituform, baldwin graphic

AFFIRMED-IN-PART

2100 Computer Architecture and Software
2128 Ex Parte San Martin 09/861,314 GONSALVES 103(a) 102(e)/102(b)/103(a) CONLEY ROSE, P.C. EXAMINER JONES, HUGH M

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review
3644 Ex Parte Nottingham et al 11/065,963 CALVE 102(b)/103(a) 112(2) PITTS & LAKE P C EXAMINER BERONA, KIMBERLY SUE

See Datamize, LLC v. Plumtree Software, Inc., 417 F.3d 1342, 1350 (Fed. Cir. 2005) (“The scope of claim language cannot depend solely on the unrestrained, subjective opinion of a particular individual purportedly practicing the invention.”).

Datamize LLC v. Plumtree Software, Inc., 417 F.3d 1342, 75 USPQ2d 1801 (Fed. Cir. 2005).. . . . . .2173.05(b)
3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design
3738 Ex Parte Leydet et al 11/741,397 WALSH 112(2)/103(a)/102(e) 102(b)/102(e)/103(a) GIFFORD, KRASS, SPRINKLE,ANDERSON & CITKOWSKI, P.C EXAMINER WILLSE, DAVID H

This court has repeatedly emphasized that an indefinite article “a” or “an” in patent parlance carries the meaning of “one or more” in openended claims containing the transitional phrase “comprising.” KCJ Corp. v. Kinetic Concepts, Inc., 223 F.3d 1351, 1356 (Fed. Cir. 2000). That “a” or “an” can mean “one or more” is best described as a rule, rather than merely as a presumption or even a convention. The exceptions to this rule are extremely limited: a patentee must “evince[ ] a clear intent” to limit “a” or “an” to “one.” Id. The subsequent use of definite articles “the” or “said” in a claim to refer back to the same claim term does not change the general plural rule, but simply reinvokes that non-singular meaning. An exception to the general rule that “a” or “an” means more than one only arises where the language of the claims themselves, the specification, or the prosecution history necessitate a departure from the rule. See, e.g., Abtox Inc. v. Exitron Corp., 122 F.3d 1019 (Fed. Cir. 1997); Insituform Techs., Inc. v. Cat Contracting, Inc., 99 F.3d 1098 (Fed. Cir. 1996).

Baldwin Graphic Systems, Inc. v. Siebert, Inc., 512 F.3d 1338, 1342-1343 (Fed. Cir. 2008).

The indefinite article “a” or “an” in patent parlance carries the meaning of “one or more” in open-ended claims containing the transitional phrase “comprising.” Baldwin Graphic Systems, 512 F.3d at 1342.

AFFIRMED

2100 Computer Architecture and Software
2164 Ex Parte Cowan et al 10/743,848 KOHUT 103(a) AT&T Legal Department - CC EXAMINER PULLIAM, CHRISTYANN R

2197 Ex Parte Falk et al 10/844,985 FRAHM 101/103(a) Kenneth F. Kozik EXAMINER RUTTEN, JAMES D

Because the data structure is not limited to being associated with the structured data object or the structured content model representation (i.e., “a data object” lacks antecedent basis linking it to either the structured data object or the structured content model representation), the claimed structured data object also imparts no functionality and is not embodied in a tangible computer readable medium. See Subject Matter Eligibility of Computer Readable Media, 1351 Off. Gaz. Pat. Office 212 (Feb. 23, 2010).

swinehart

REVERSED

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering
1787 Ex Parte Ellringmann et al 11/559,991 DELMENDO 112(2)/103(a) Briscoe, Kurt G. Norris McLaughlin & Marcus, PA EXAMINER HUANG, CHENG YUAN

Contrary to the Examiner’s belief, it is well settled that applicants are free to claim a product by what it does rather than by what it is in appropriate circumstances. See, e.g., In re Swinehart, 439 F.2d 210, 212 (CCPA 1971) (“transparent to infrared rays” did not render claim to be indefinite). See also MPEP § 2173.05(g) (8th ed., Rev. 6, Sept. 2007).

Swinehart, In re, 439 F.2d 210, 169 USPQ 226 (CCPA 1971) . . . . . .2114, 2173.01, 2173.05(g), 2183

AFFIRMED-IN-PART

2800 Semiconductors, Electrical and Optical Systems and Components
2857 Ex Parte Casler et al 11/335,056 WEINBERG 103(a) 102(b) FormFactor/BSTZ Blakely Sokoloff Taylor & Zafman LLP EXAMINER BARBEE, MANUEL L

AFFIRMED

2600 Communications
2629 Ex Parte Sullivan 10/482,865 PER CURIAM 102(e) ZAGORIN O'BRIEN GRAHAM LLP EXAMINER CHOWDHURY, AFROZA Y

3600 Transportation, Construction, Electronic Commerce, Agriculture, National Security, and License & Review
3637 Ex Parte Rosenbauer et al 10/437,548 BAHR 112(1)/112(2)/102(b)/103(a) BSH HOME APPLIANCES CORPORATION EXAMINER NOVOSAD, JENNIFER ELEANORE

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design
3731 Ex Parte Field et al 11/534,805 FREDMAN 103(a) C. R. Bard, Inc. Bard Biopsy Systems EXAMINER SONNETT, KATHLEEN C

3762 Ex Parte Davis et al 10/966,629 McCOLLUM 103(a) ALFRED E. MANN FOUNDATION FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH EXAMINER LAVERT, NICOLE F

3762 Ex Parte Duncan et al 10/383,551 MILLS 103(a) KILPATRICK TOWNSEND & STOCKTON LLP EXAMINER GETZOW, SCOTT M

REVERSED

2600 Communications
2617 Ex Parte Grant et al 11/254,172 PERRY 103(a) COATS & BENNETT, PLLC EXAMINER CHAMBERS, TANGELA T

AFFIRMED-IN-PART

3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Products & Design
3742 Ex Parte Morrow et al 11/379,675 LEE 103(a) 103(a) WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION - MD 0750 EXAMINER PATEL, VINOD D

AFFIRMED

1700 Chemical & Materials Engineering
1764 Ex Parte Engelmann et al 11/576,646 GUEST 103(a) CONNOLLY BOVE LODGE & HUTZ LLP EXAMINER LEE, DORIS L

2100 Computer Architecture and Software
2113 Ex Parte Mendonca et al 11/261,379 DANG 102(e) HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY EXAMINER RIAD, AMINE

2166 Ex Parte Spangler 11/344,303 WEINBERG 103(a) FREDERICK W. GIBB, III GIBB & RILEY, LLC EXAMINER YEN, SYLING

2167 Ex Parte Paek et al 10/809,172 CALDWELL 103(a) LEE & HAYES, PLLC EXAMINER WILSON, KIMBERLY LOVEL

2181 Ex Parte Nguyen et al 10/894,143 DILLON 103(a) HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE P.L.C. EXAMINER TAYLOR, BROOKE JAZMOND

2400 Networking, Mulitplexing, Cable, and Security
2433 Ex Parte Cai et al 11/018,893 DILLON 103(a) Werner Ulrich EXAMINER GOODCHILD, WILLIAM J

2600 Communications
2622 Ex Parte Said et al 10/300,103 DILLON 102(b)/103(a) HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY EXAMINER YODER III, CHRISS S YODER III, CHRISS S