2103 Patent Examination Process [R-9]

I. DETERMINE WHAT APPLICANT HAS INVENTED AND IS SEEKING TO PATENT

A. Identify and Understand Any Utility for the Invention

B. Review the Detailed Disclosure and Specific Embodiments of the Invention To Understand What the Applicant Has Invented

C. Review the Claims

HINIKER

In re Hiniker Co., 150 F.3d 1362, 1369, 47 USPQ2d 1523, 1529 (Fed. Cir. 1998) (“[T]he name of the game is the claim.”).

Unclaimed features cannot impart patentability to claims. In re Hiniker Co., 150 F.3d 1362, 1369 (Fed. Cir. 1998).

See In re Hiniker Co., 150 F.3d 1362, 1369 (Fed. Cir. 1998) (“[The] proffered facts . . . are not commensurate with the claim scope and are therefore unpersuasive.”).

"The invention disclosed in [Appellants'] written description may be outstanding in its field, but the name of the game is the claim." In re Hiniker Co., 150 F.3d 1362, 1369 (Fed. Cir. 1998).

II. CONDUCT A THOROUGH SEARCH OF THE PRIOR ART

III. DETERMINE WHETHER THE CLAIMED INVENTION COMPLIES WITH 35 U.S.C. 101

A. Consider the Breadth of 35 U.S.C. 101 Under Controlling Law

IV. EVALUATE APPLICATION FOR COMPLIANCE WITH 35 U.S.C. 112

A. Determine Whether the Claimed Invention Complies with 35 U.S.C. 112, Second Paragraph Requirements

B. Determine Whether the Claimed Invention Complies with 35 U.S.C. 112, First Paragraph Requirements

1. Adequate Written Description

2. Enabling Disclosure

3. Best Mode

VI. DETERMINE WHETHER THE CLAIMED INVENTION COMPLIES WITH 35 U.S.C. 102 AND 103

VII. CLEARLY COMMUNICATE FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND THEIR BASES