Supreme Court takes Two More Patent Cases

The Supreme Court has granted writs of certiorari in two pending patent cases. 

In Kappos v. Hyatt, the Supreme Court will decide (1) whether a patent applicant who files a Section 145 civil action has a right to present new evidence to the Federal District Court that could have been (but was not) presented during the proceedings before the USPTO and (2) when new evidence is presented, whether the court may decide the related factual questions de novo and without deference to prior PTO findings.  An en banc Federal Circuit previously sided with the applicant, Hyatt, and held that the district court must allow new evidence and that factual conclusions affected by the new evidence must be decided de novo even if previously determined by the PTO. Judge Kimberly Moore penned the en banc opinion after dissenting from the original panel that had arrived at the opposite conclusion. This is Hyatt’s second case at the Supreme Court.  He won the first against the State of California who was attempting to tax his receipts from patent licensing awards.  Hyatt’s patents are related to computer micro-controller designs and claim a 1975 priority date.

Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Ltd. v. Novo Nordisk A/S is a brand versus generic pharmaceutical dispute involving the scope of a generic company’s right to counterclaim against the brand based upon a brand’s overbroad description of claim scope submitted to the FDA.  The Federal Circuit held that the Hatch-Waxman Act only allows for deleting of improperly listed patents while the petitioner here argues that the Act also allows for correction of misstatements for patent scope.

The Supreme Court today also decided two personal jurisdiction  that could have some impact on how foreign entities are treated in US patent cases. In  J. McIntyre Machinery v. Nicastro, the court held that a the “stream of commerce” theory of personal jurisdiction was being taken too far and that the foreign manufacturer (Nicastro) could not be subject to courts located in New Jersey because it had not engaged in activities in that state that “revealed an intent to involde or benefit from the protection of the [New Jersey] laws.”  In Goodyear Luxembourg Tires v. Brown, the court held that courts located in North Carolina did not have general jurisdiction over Goodyear’s foreign subsidiary.

195 thoughts on “Supreme Court takes Two More Patent Cases

  1. 195

    6, someone already did tell it to the Courts in Benson, Flook, Diehr and Bilksi, with Diehr controlling them all.

    What we have all learned from this thread is that when your feet is held to the fire you can’t back up your talk.

    So all Actual Inventors out there, and their attorneys please note for the record, ( and book mark this thread if needed), IF you get a PE that rejects your business method, as being directed to an abstract idea,( and your method is not a mental process/concept. math/algorithm) with the rationale that all applications of the abstract idea are covered by your claims, it’s probably 6.

    And all have to do is asked this one question….

    1. Please show an example of how another business would not be able to use the abstract idea if my claim is issued?

    There will be no answer.

    Just like in this thread his entire basis for the rejection will fold like house of cards.

    Case Closed!

  2. 194

    Also, an interesting thing is, just how the f is my application that was filed years ago supposed to be a continuation of an application filed a week ago? Stup idly written statute I’m guessing.

    Bad guess, since the statute doesn’t mention continuations or continuations-in-part. To answer your question, however, it can’t. So you’ve badly misunderstood something.

  3. 193

    “or intentionally withheld in bad faith”

    Kind of like what happened in the instant case? Oh yeah, kind of like that.

    “But you advocate preventing any evidence that it would ever be possible for the Applicants to submit before the Office, even if it’s new grounds of rejection, even if it requires reopening prosecution, and I presume, even if it requires filing a continuation and abandoning the appeal.”

    Why not? So yes, I advocate it, you lost on the record before the board. If you just come in with some new evidence and change the whole case around then perhaps the examiner will simply grant you your patent and not waste the board’s time or the court’s time. The examiner’s rejection was presumptively reversed and the board gave a new rejection. He should be able to tell if your new evidence overcomes the board’s rejection. This might come as somewhat of a surprise to you, but the board and DC are kind of busy. But I would technically be fine with any standard that furthers the interests of economy. We cannot afford, in this time of an already crunched judicial economy, to go willy nilly about inviting more people to get involved in it for trivial reasons.

    “When could Applicants ever submit new evidence under your requirments, since they always have the option of filing a continuation to get the evidence before the office?”

    The same times that they’ve historically been able to? One time, for instance, would be when your trial is about to start in the DC and lo and behold, new evidence appears! There are of course others, and I would expect a DC to be lenient in making its determination. It may be that traditionally testimony is always entered. But it really is up to the judge to make the decision as to whether or not they admit your new evidence. Traditionally, they seem to have had pretty high standards and for good reason.

    And just fyi, they don’t rely on the ability to file a con to determine if you had a chance to give it to us at the office I don’t think. I believe the req is whether you had the chance to give it to us at the office before you got your final.

    The bottom line, broje, is that we examine your patent on the record before us. Any changing of the fundamental record needs to happen before you get your final. Not after. And certainly not once your appeal has commenced. This attitude of “reactive filing of evidence” is the arse backwards save a buck kind of thinking that should not permeate your mind if your client gives a crp about his ability to appeal on a robust record and preserve PTE etc. If you want to save a buck/not tip your hand then accept the consequences. It is perfectly fine for 99.9% of appellants going to the board as the stats show.

    I note that I currently have a case that is going to be a pain to determine what to do with because of something like this. In that case the applicant saw me using a reference under 102a that had a diff inventive entity by one inventor. Now get this, I don’t know how often this manuever is used, but it seemed pretty smooth to me, the applicant files a continuation in part to the application underlying the reference (a pgpub) I was using, and then claims that the application I’m dealing with is a CON of the newly filed continuation in part. Then they file a 131?132? stating that the company has no problems with changing the inventorship of my instant application. Then they file an amended inventorship so that the inventorship is all the same on the 102a as with my application. So now they may, or may not, have priority back to the 102a reference’s date, depending on whether or not WD support exists in the grandparent. So now the question is whether or not I should allow the 131 in AF or not. And, the other part to this question is what happens if I don’t allow the 131 in.

    Also, an interesting thing is, just how the f is my application that was filed years ago supposed to be a continuation of an application filed a week ago? Stup idly written statute I’m guessing.

  4. 192

    6, the only “prior precedent” that was reversed by the CAFC was the 2009 panel decision. As the majority points out below, the only precedent to exclude evidence in 145 actions was if it was deliberately suppressed or intentionally withheld in bad faith, not merely negligently left out:

    “The Director is correct that, prior to the 1952 Act, some regional circuits excluded or gave less weight to evidence based on an applicant’s conduct before the Patent Office. The courts did so under an array of inconsistent standards (including willful withholding, intentional suppression, and bad faith). See, e.g., Barrett Co. v. Koppers Co., 22 F.2d 395, 397 (3d Cir. 1927) (holding that a when a party intentionally withholds evidence within his possession before the Patent Office, he may not later introduce that evidence in a suit under § 4915); Dowling v. Jones, 67 F.2d 537, 538 (2d Cir. 1933) (explaining that in Barrett “the Third Circuit refused to consider evidence which the inventor had deliberately suppressed in the interference, and used broader language than the exact situation required . . . However, it does not follow that it would have extended the doctrine to evidence not suppressed, but merely neglected through the plaintiff’s slackness in preparation.”); Knutson v. Gallsworthy, 164 F.2d 497, 509 (D.C. Cir. 1947) (“[I]f no bad faith on the part of the profferer is involved, such as deliberate with-holding for some tactical reason, the court could receive the evidence.”). In many of the cases cited by the Director, the court both admitted and considered the applicant’s new evidence. See, e.g., Globe-Union, Inc. v. Chi-cago Tel. Supply Co., 103 F.2d 722, 727 (7th Cir. 1939) (“We can not escape the strength and the compelling influence of the additional evidence that was adduced in the district court.”) Some courts held that an applicant’s failure to previously introduce the evidence before the Patent Office goes to the weight of the evidence, not to its admissibility. E.g., Western Electric Co. v. Fowler, 177 F. 224, 228-29 (7th Cir. 1910); Standard Cartridge Co. v. Peters Cartridge Co., 77 F. 630, 638 (6th Cir. 1896). As we explain in greater detail below, when failure to introduce the evidence earlier casts doubt as to its credibility or reliability, we believe this is the correct approach.”

    But you advocate preventing any evidence that it would ever be possible for the Applicants to submit before the Office, even if it’s new grounds of rejection, even if it requires reopening prosecution, and I presume, even if it requires filing a continuation and abandoning the appeal. How can you continue to defend such an unreasonable position? When could Applicants ever submit new evidence under your requirments, since they always have the option of filing a continuation to get the evidence before the office?

  5. 191

    “Wow. And you you don’t think applicants need an avenue to the Court other than first reopening prosecution with the likes of of you to submit the evidence and then wait in your RCE or BPAI queue for several more years only to be served up another erroneous, but new (and therefore unappealable without requesting rehearing), rejection? If you are so concerned about the BPAI’s chances to review the new evidence beforte the appeal to the court, why don’t you champion the casue of allowing Applicants to submit the evidence traversing the new rejections with the request for rehearing? Or do you rely on the requirement that applicants reopen prsecution with you to supplement your income?”

    Wow! If 6 is real he is the most dishonest, corrupt PE on the planet!

  6. 190

    “Because it goes the other way. The caselaw for over a century has permitted entry of new evidence submitted by applicants appealing to the district court from the BPAI.”

    Not all evidence Broje. Like the court ruled here. Maybe I haven’t been using specific enough language for you in this thread since I thought we were already on the same page re what kind of evidence each of us believes should and shouldn’t be allowed in.

    Go review the caselaw.

    The DC was highly restrictive of what new evidence could be presented. Iirc, it was “if there was no way for the evidence to be presented at the PTO” was the general rule. In other words, if we’ve arrived at the DC for a good reason and everyone is already here and there is some evidence that couldn’t have been prior entered we may as well look at it since to remand and do all the admin review again would waste resources worse than just letting it in.

    That isn’t the same thing as saying, oh, just send us in some new evidence to change the entire case just because you want to screw over the process.

    There’s a world of difference between the two. And I certainly support the introduction of evidence that couldn’t have been previously introduced. It saves on resources. It is making the best of a bad situation. Not creating bad situations wholesale for the purpose of making a bad situation.

    “So if anyone here is arguing for a change in the well-settled aspect of law, it’s you. Own it.”

    I’ll own it when the caselaw says it. In fact, if the caselaw says it, I will join your position.

    The liklihood of that happening is approximately -infinity percent. Courts have not been so s tupid as to completely ignore basic tenants of admin law up until the CAFC took a shot at it just now.

    “Meanwhile, I expect that SCOTUS merely picked up this case to address the point brought up in the dissent and in Newman’s concurrence.”

    Yeah we’ll see. Just like we saw in Ariad. Right? Right? lol. You’re a lawyer. At least pretend to act like one.

    Just fyi, the court took the case in re the PTO’s petition. Which you can find easily online. And it doesn’t raise any of the nonsense you just dreamed up.

    “It goes to logical reasoning ability.”

    Logical reasoning and logic games are two different sections little lady. And I did quite well in the former. Quite poor in the latter. Like I told you, I have problems applying the law to the facts, that’s called logic games on the LSAT. I did not have trouble in the other areas, like logical reasoning and reading comp, indeed I excelled in them scoring high above avg. Like I said, if I could score avg on logic games, i.e. the application of the law to facts, I’d be in GW law school right now, easily having gotten a 170. Well, and if I hadn’t just set the LSAT aside due to all the horror stories. I’m in no hurry to jump into a pit of sharks for no good reason.

    Maybe you should read this again Broje:

    link to patentlyo.com

    Read the first paragraph.

    “In a 6-2-1 en banc decision, the Federal Circuit has reversed its prior precedent and held that a patent applicant must be allowed to introduce new evidence in a Section 145 civil action filed to challenge a USPTO refusal to grant patent rights and that the issues implicated by the new facts must be considered de novo.”

    WHY THE MAJOR TURN AROUND? Hmmm?

  7. 189

    “It’s when people get this entitlement attitude on them that gets me rilled up, like they can change some well-settled aspect of the law just so that they don’t have some small problem. If you have an issue with the rules of the introduction of evidence then fine, take issue with them and have them changed. If you have an issue with no PTA then fine have that changed. Whatever your issue is, address the issue. Don’t try to do a bizarre run-around of the actual issues you have.”

    Are you under the impression that the “well-settled aspect of the law” was that new evidence could not be submitted to the district court? Because it goes the other way. The caselaw for over a century has permitted entry of new evidence submitted by applicants appealing to the district court from the BPAI. Even the the dissent acknowledges that new evidence can be submitted. It just argues that there should be limits, and that appellants should not be allowed to submit any and all evidence. And I wonder what circumstances the dissent even would think that new evidence ought to be permitted? Could it be when the BPAI raises new grounds of rejection?

    So if anyone here is arguing for a change in the well-settled aspect of law, it’s you. Own it.

    Meanwhile, I expect that SCOTUS merely picked up this case to address the point brought up in the dissent and in Newman’s concurrence. The CAFC majority ruled that, absent submission of new evidence by the appellant, the Court must bow it’s knee to the BPAI findings. Of course that can’t be allowed to stand. Moreover, it would be ridiculous to rule that Appellants cannot submit new evidence, and that the Court must also bow its knee to the BPAI absemt new evidence. That would completely vitiate the statute. So you know that part about the Court having to bend it’s knee is going to have to go, unless SCOTUS allows new evidence in at least some circumstances.

    But I’m not surprised that you are having trouble with this part. It goes to logical reasoning ability.

  8. 188

    Actually Maxie thats not far off from what is supposed to occur in the US. But your biddy 6 disagrees with you. Even though the PTO does require the claim be read in light of the specification. Thats why 6’s personal abstract idea pre -empter analysis machine, BS maker upper, or whatever he calls it this week folds like a 5 dollar bill when challenged.

  9. 187

    The likes of me? Lol, you wish you had the likes of me to deal with. I’d probably allow your evidence in if a. it looked like I’d be able to allow your case or b. it looked like I’d still reject the same way and maybe c. for lolz. I’m a pretty reasonable guy to work with irl. I’m pretty nice about setting people forth a good way to proceed. And I don’t wait a year to do an RCE. It’s when people get this entitlement attitude on them that gets me rilled up, like they can change some well-settled aspect of the law just so that they don’t have some small problem. If you have an issue with the rules of the introduction of evidence then fine, take issue with them and have them changed. If you have an issue with no PTA then fine have that changed. Whatever your issue is, address the issue. Don’t try to do a bizarre run-around of the actual issues you have.

    And yes, I do expect you to wait for your next “erroneous” action after the RCE/BPAI line. The PTO is called an administrative agency for a reason.

    I also note that the rejection isn’t erroneous if you need to submit evidence to overcome it. There’s this thing called the prima facie case standard and you might want to look into it.

    The record before the board is set evidencially speaking. They cannot change the evidence which they are given (if they do cite zurko and req. for rehearing). If you see a prima facie case within the evidence and facts reasonably found therefrom that are going to the board that you think they might base a new grounds upon then you better darn well submit your evidence to overcome beforehand. And if you didn’t see that prima facie case just sitting in the record waiting for you to see it then well, guess what, that isn’t the PTO’s fault either. The PTO is made up of people, and they make mistakes sometimes. Maybe the rejection they used wasn’t the best one, but if there is still one to be made on that record then it needs to be made, that’s why the board gets to enter new grounds.

    Oh, and just btw, if congress agrees with you that you need such an outlet, then I’m sure they’ll have no problem amending 145 or whatever the statutory section was upon your simple written request after the USSC gets through remedying this situation. Simply put pen to paper. When they lol@u don’t come crying to me.

    I and others at the PTO might be getting pis sy with you because you’re going down a ridonkulous road, but if you’d restrict yourself to more reasonable requests for a remedy to your issue(s) then you might find the people at the PTO a bit more willing to help you.

    “Or do you rely on the requirement that applicants reopen prsecution with you to supplement your income?”

    I would if it made any significant impact in such. But since it doesn’t then meh. If there was someone uber-skilled enough to use this procedure to do so, then I say more power to them so long as they’re observing the best rejection practices. Applicants have plenty of tools to not have to deal with this sort of nonsense anyway, including but not limited to, including extra inds for different claim languages they might be willing to accept and reviewing the record prior to appeal so as to avoid being blindsided by the board.

    “If you are so concerned about the BPAI’s chances to review the new evidence beforte the appeal to the court, why don’t you champion the casue of allowing Applicants to submit the evidence traversing the new rejections with the request for rehearing?”

    I would have less of an issue with that happening. But still, that sidesteps the examiner. Remember, the board is just reviewing the examiner’s position so as to come to the agency’s final position. Again, I’m not going to champion anything that is nothing more than an attempt to remove yourself from the statutory pathway set forth by congress that has served us fairly well for centuries.

    If I could champion anything to solve this sub-issue of the board putting forth new grounds, it would be to say the board is not allowed to introduce new grounds of rejection, but at the same time remove the need for director’s approval to reopen after appeal. That way the board can suggest a possible rejection which the examiner can then apply or not apply. However, I recognize that this has the profound side effect of wantonly wasting resources. And for that reason I believe the status quo is perfectly fine for that sub issue.

    If I could do absolutely anything to solve this overall issue I would change the examination system so that only attorneys could be examiners and the board would be done away with (the government would be authorized to put people through law school in return for service for 8 years or whatever if they wanted to or whatever). Your appeal is to the Fed. Circ. period. You maybe could request internal review pre-appeal. That would solve a great many issues. But, alas, we have this legacy system of ~infinite appeals that leads to the board becoming a super examiner on occasion when it introduces a new grounds. And I feel fine.

    Oh, and broje, you know what I’d do? If I were you I’d write Director Kappos a letter, or catch him at some meeting and talk to him for a second, and present your issues to him. Be sure to steer clear of the actual case on appeal though. He, personally, is a party to this mess, so ask him what he thinks you could do to mitigate or eliminate your problems in similar cases. He’s a pretty reasonable guy from all accounts, and yet it is him that is bringing this pet. for cert. That should tell you something. And what it should tell you is that if you were practicing properly that this situation should never come up in 100 years of practicing patent law. Specifically, you should be reviewing the evidenciary record pre-appeal for possible new grounds and get that rebuttal evidence in before you enter the BPAI que. In most cases you can probably review the entire record in like 20 minutes.

  10. 186

    Wow. And you you don’t think applicants need an avenue to the Court other than first reopening prosecution with the likes of of you to submit the evidence and then wait in your RCE or BPAI queue for several more years only to be served up another erroneous, but new (and therefore unappealable without requesting rehearing), rejection? If you are so concerned about the BPAI’s chances to review the new evidence beforte the appeal to the court, why don’t you champion the casue of allowing Applicants to submit the evidence traversing the new rejections with the request for rehearing? Or do you rely on the requirement that applicants reopen prsecution with you to supplement your income?

  11. 185

    “We can’t ever get Declarations submitted to traverse the new rejections in the final Office action and on the record for Appeal. ”

    How is asking you to do that pre-final some sort of inequitable situation? Je sus K rist Broje, is the 1k dollars for an RCE that big of a deal to you? If so, maybe your client should determine whether he really needs a patent because he sure as f isn’t going to be able to do anything with it.

    “I swear there seem to be a ton of Examiners who have simply learned the trick of keeping Applicants from Appealing, just by never standing their ground on rejections, but always fabricating new ones out of whole cloth, secure in the knowledge that Applicants can’t submit the evidence they need to submit after Final in order to go to appeal. ”

    That implies a level of sophistication which I can assure you does not exist save in perhaps like .1% of the corps. Although, I personally wish that it were 100%, there is no reason not to use the process to bring a case to a proper close.

    “And now it seems like the BPAI is trying to use the same trick,”

    So file a fking RCE? Je sus K rist Almighty!

    “It’s a good thing we don’t have such a system, and Applicants do get to introduce the evidence needed to go outside the Office for a ruling, without having to wait for the BPAI to try and fail to make a prima facie case (for which we know the standard is ridiculously low (i.e., a mere allegation untraversed by Applicants)).”

    Well, we’ll see about that. The USSC doesn’t normally take cases to affirm whatever rubbish the CAFC dreamed up now does it?

    “If Applicant’s couldn’t submit new evidence, then the BPAI could essentially prevent any successful appeals simply by always raising new grounds that satisfy the prima facie case requirements, and that need submission of affidavits for an effective traversal. ”

    Yeah, that’s kind of how the system works. It’s the office’s final say ON THE RECORD BEFORE IT.

    “Even if the Applicant gets to file a Continuation, what has happened to the Applicant’s patent term as a result of sitting in the BPAI queue, and what will happen to it every time it bounces back out on new grounds of rejection that the Applicant can’t appeal to the Courts until the BPAI actually chooses to stand its ground and not issue new grounds of rejection? ”

    So what you’re saying is: boo hoo we totally didn’t see that prima facie case that the BPAI just made BASED ON A RECORD WE ALREADY HAD OUR HANDS ON and now we wasted everyone’s time for awhile and our patent term extension is bad now, boo hoo. That is what you’re qqing about. Seriously? Are you a baby or a grown woman? Or just an attorney skilled in the qq?

    “The bottom line, as you are so fond of putting it, is that we need to be able to submit evidence after Final and go to appeal, without the Examiner being allowed to simply change, yet again, the grounds of rejection.”

    Why in the fcking he ll would you need the ability to appeal a position which the examiner hasn’t even had the chance to make? Please. Spell it out. Because it sounds re tarded on its face.

    “Similarly, we need to be able to appeal new BPAI grounds of rejection by submitting the evidence.”

    Same thing as the above, why the fin he ll would you need the ability to appeal new BPAI rejections by changing the entire situation upon which the entire case is built? Because that sounds re tarded on its face. You have a strong prima facie case of re tardedness weighing heavily against your position.

    You think you deserve patent term extension for going to appeal with a record that supports a prima facie case against you? Really? Why? Why would you get such a special privilege? Just who the f do you think you are? Furthermore, why not simply get congress to give you PTA if they think it appropriate in that situation?

    “As it is, we have to appeal to the BPAI, wait far too long, and then Appeal again to the Courts just to get the evidence submitted that we needed to put in to traverse the Examiner’s new grounds of rejection presented in the final Office action.”

    As it’s going to be here in a few months you’ll appeal to the BPAI, wasting everyone’s time, and not get to appeal to the courts just to get new evidence submitted, and then go back and file your fin RCE like a good little applicant would have done years ago without wasting everyone’s time AND judicial resources.

  12. 183

    “But under my interpretation they must review SPECIFICALLY the action taken by the government, not an action that was never taken by the government, such as, oh idk, maybe the PTO rejecting this guy’s claims for lack of WD ivo this new evidence that he wants to present. The office literally never even got to take that action/position, how could it possibly be properly under review?

    The introduction of new evidence changes, fundamentally, the situation the office has to take a position on. It would be silly (or more properly fkin st upid) to allow people to change the entire position upon which the office is supposed to take a position on and then review their old position. Surprise surprise it might not be the correct position since the underlying situation has changed!

    Again, the bottom line is that the office’s determination was the correct application of the laws to the record before it. The court should simply affirm the office’s position if it is the proper one to take on the record that was before it and until the record changes. And the place to make changes to the record is in the office, not at the DC. To hold otherwise is re ta rded and not to mention a waste of judicial resources.”

    As patent practitioners, we are all too familiar with the inequitable situation we face versus Examiners who change the grounds of rejection in every Office action. We can’t ever get Declarations submitted to traverse the new rejections in the final Office action and on the record for Appeal. I swear there seem to be a ton of Examiners who have simply learned the trick of keeping Applicants from Appealing, just by never standing their ground on rejections, but always fabricating new ones out of whole cloth, secure in the knowledge that Applicants can’t submit the evidence they need to submit after Final in order to go to appeal.

    And now it seems like the BPAI is trying to use the same trick, but such a system would be far too rigged and subject to gamesmanship on the part of USPTO personnel. It’s a good thing we don’t have such a system, and Applicants do get to introduce the evidence needed to go outside the Office for a ruling, without having to wait for the BPAI to try and fail to make a prima facie case (for which we know the standard is ridiculously low (i.e., a mere allegation untraversed by Applicants)). If Applicant’s couldn’t submit new evidence, then the BPAI could essentially prevent any successful appeals simply by always raising new grounds that satisfy the prima facie case requirements, and that need submission of affidavits for an effective traversal.

    And what is the mechanism by which the Applicant EVER gets to introduce the new evidence to traverse those new grounds of rejection? Upon the BPAI denial based on the new grounds, what do you think happens? Even if the Applicant gets to file a Continuation, what has happened to the Applicant’s patent term as a result of sitting in the BPAI queue, and what will happen to it every time it bounces back out on new grounds of rejection that the Applicant can’t appeal to the Courts until the BPAI actually chooses to stand its ground and not issue new grounds of rejection?

    The bottom line, as you are so fond of putting it, is that we need to be able to submit evidence after Final and go to appeal, without the Examiner being allowed to simply change, yet again, the grounds of rejection. Similarly, we need to be able to appeal new BPAI grounds of rejection by submitting the evidence. As it is, we have to appeal to the BPAI, wait far too long, and then Appeal again to the Courts just to get the evidence submitted that we needed to put in to traverse the Examiner’s new grounds of rejection presented in the final Office action.

  13. 182

    6, the two links you posted to the dictionary definition of abstract and idea did not provide a meaning for abstract idea that was NOT a mental process, math/algorithm, as the SCOTUS has legally defined the term.

    Nor have you been able to write a definition of your own, not that it would carry any legal weight but at least you would have something to argue for.

    And your idea of cherry picking meanings from the dictionary for each separate separate word, and then arranging them into your own definition, did not provide a definition of Abstract idea that is NOT a mental process, math/algorithm either.

    So at the end of the day you still have nothing.

    No example.

    No a definition.

    No prima facie case

    You have completely and utterly failed.

  14. 181

    “Yet you have NEVER said what that additional definition is.”

    I’ve said it many a times, I’m guessing 100? now. Must I repeat myself every thread?

    link to dictionary.reference.com

    Take any one of the first three definitions and then combine them with any of the first three of these definitions:

    link to dictionary.reference.com

    Use the first two definitions for each word if you start to get confused. This isn’t rocket surgery ya arse. Try to accommodate for context, if that isn’t too far above your English level.

    What, is English your second language? Or did you just flunk your way through English class?

    Attorneytards that try to make this into some hugely hard question are over-analyzing the simplest part of the whole inquiry. For a grade A attempt, you really should read Weeds and Seeds.

    link to papers.ssrn.com

    “Now you claim that the SCOTUS in a year or so will spell out that additional definition for tards. ”

    Nah, they probably won’t define “abstract idea” within this year. Hopefully they’ll use the Mayo case to spell out explicitly the analysis itself. That is what I was originally talking about when I was stating that within a year they’d set things out for tards. However, dealing specifically with your lack of ability to define two simple words and use them together, it would be nice if they also accept another case that will set that definition a little more straight for people who are dictionary challenged. Maybe they’ll pick the first definitions of each word just to keep things simple. Or maybe they’ll just let people rely on a dictionary since that is the easiest way to do it.

    But just so you have something hard to work with:
    1.
    thought of apart from concrete realities, specific objects, or actual instances: an abstract idea.

    1.
    any conception existing in the mind as a result of mental understanding, awareness, or activity.

    So let’s COMBINE THEM, OMFG HARD STUFF! Watch out, stand back! I might ascend to godhood if I accomplish this feat! If I’m not there already because of my previous successes! I can’t promise your safety if you’re standing too close or trying to ride my coattails!

    Any conception existing in the mind as a result of mental understanding, awareness, or activity which is thought of apart from concrete realities, specific objects, or actual instances, e.g. an abstract idea.

    OMG CAN YOU FEEL THE POWER? I MIGHT BE OMNIPOTENT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    “Oh and here is tip, when you have to go to your well known “tard” rants in discussions, you know you have already lost the debate”

    No, it means that I’m not feeling so charitable at the moment. I have patience for students, but when they’re actively trying to make up bs, and new bs after every single thing I tell them at that, it gets frustrating.

    Here’s how this discussion went:

    Me: well AI if you tards wouldn’t claim ridiculous nonsense then we wouldn’t have this issue.

    TardAI: blah blah blah but but but the court didn’t use your analysis even though all other courts are using it now!

    Me: Explains analysis to TardAI, holding his hand the whole way.

    TardAI: But but but your way of viewing things is too simple and yet I still don’t understand! Besides, courts only held “math” or “mental processes and math” excluded, not all abstract ideas!

    Me: Explains that courts repeatedly acknowledged that it was all abstract ideas that were preempt.

    TardAI: But but but “abstract idea” is defined as mental processes/math/algorithms (note we’ve gone from math to mental processes and math to mental processes, math and algorithms).

    Me: Um no, “abstract idea” is no special term of law it simply takes its ordinary meaning as courts have been applying it for the last year.

    TardAI: What can I think of next to derail his line of simple reasoning that’s being followed in the courts to the letter?!?!?! Worthless “inventions” for me to hold up legitimate businesses MUST BE PATENTABLE FOR THE ARTS TO PROGRESS OMFG!!!!!!!!!! MUST THINK OF SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If only I could remember how I outsmarted that stu pid tutor in HS that was trying to help me pass algebra! I sure showed him, even if I got an F on the test!!!!!!

    I’VE GOT IT!!!!!!! I’LL SAY BILSKI 14 AND THEN BANG AN IMAGINARY GAVEL THAT’LL DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  15. 180

    “”Claim one from Bilski is a concept for hedgin risk you say? ”

    No I don’t AI, ”

    Well, the SCOTUS did here is the exact quote:

    Petitioners seek to patent both the concept of hedging risk and the application of that concept to energy markets. See Bilski III

    “Claim 1 of Bilski was to an application of an abstract ideas. It included finding buyers and sellers iirc, and making transactions etc. etc. There was nothing mental about it.”

    The Court disagrees with you. SCOTUS said:

    The key claims are claims 1 and 4. Claim 1 describes a series of steps instructing how to hedge risk. Claim 4 puts the concept articulated in claim 1 into a simple mathematical formula.Claim 1 consists of the following steps: “(a) initiating a series of transactions between said commodity provider and consumers of said commodity wherein said consumers purchase said commodity at a fixed rate based upon historical averages, said fixed rate corresponding to a risk position of said consumers; “(b) identifying market participants for said commodity having a counter-risk position to said consumers; and “(c) initiating a series of transactions between said commodity provider and said market participants at asecond fixed rate such that said series of market participant transactions balances the risk position of said series of consumer transactions.” App. 19–20. Bilski”

    6, all we have here in Bilski’s claim of an application of a Hedging Concept are mental steps, processes, and concepts that consist of initiating, identifying, and initiating. And that’s taking the claim as a whole. Because these mental steps involve communicating and instructing they are applied mental steps, but mental steps none the less.

    Bilski didn’t build, make, or even operate a thing in claim one. So how can it be anything but an applied mental concept? Even when Bilski applied the concept to energy markets it still was nothing more than mental concepts, processes, and later in claim 4, math. And that’s why the Court ruled Bilski’s claim one and 4 an abstract idea.

    Personally I disagree with the law and think such subject matter should be patentable. I have always been honest about that. I have also been honest about accepting the law and following it.

    6, you on the other hand have been neither. If everything you have said in this thread about yourself is true, you in my opinion, are a dishonest, unethical scofflaw, patent examiner.

  16. 179

    “Newsflash tardface, “abstract ideas” is more broad than pure math, mental processes/concepts, and algorithms. Great job trying to weasel out of having to say you’re wrong by redefining words ya tard.”

    I have not redefined any words from any source. And 6, calling me a “tard” does not change, nor distract from the fact you can’t provide this additional definition of abstract ideas you base your entire argument on.

    “But let me guess, once you’re finally cornered on that subject as well, you’ll simply throw out some nonsensical definition of mental processes that showed that you were in agreement with me from square one!”

    Cornered?

    1. I have said consistently that the only abstract ideas the courts have ruled as non statutory subject matter are, mental processes/concepts, math and algorithms.

    Thats a fact that can’t be rebutted or disputed.

    2. I have also said that the only application of abstract ideas the Court has ruled are non statutory subject matter are mental processes/concepts and math/algorithms.

    Thats a fact that can’t be rebutted or disputed.

    You keep saying or implying there is some other definition of abstract ideas (apparently secret) the SCOTUS has defined ( apparently just for you), and that you use to reject claims as non statutory subject matter.

    But since it is a secret between you and the Court, (perhaps your main man Steven’s passed it on to you before he departed,) I guess we will never know.

    Oh well, time to shoot fireworks!

  17. 178

    Oh..so I see you want to appeal?

    Okay let’s see what ya got..Well, 6 you had two days to type 5,000 words, and claim dozens of times that there is some other definition of an abstract idea that is NOT a mental process, math/algorithm.

    Yet you have NEVER said what that additional definition is.

    Now you claim that the SCOTUS in a year or so will spell out that additional definition for tards.

    Well, apparently you and the SCOTUS have a secret pact and you guys and gals can’t tell anyone thats not a tard, until a year from now.

    That’s what you believe right?

    Seriously 6, no one is going to give that rationale any credibility. Oh and here is tip, when you have to go to your well known “tard” rants in discussions, you know you have already lost the debate

  18. 177

    “Will things be differently in a year or so when the next SCOTUS 101 Comes down? ”

    No, they’ll be the same, but hopefully they’ll spell it out in english for re tards like you. In the mean time, I’ll continue to apply the law, not your made up fiction of what abstract ideas supposedly are.

  19. 176

    “Honestly 6, I dont think I have ever seen anyone make that argument on this blog.”

    Orly? Lulz, because that’s what you seemed to be saying for the last 2x days now.

    “The fact is SCOTUS banned pure math, mental processes/concepts, and algorithms because that is all abstract ideas are.”

    Riiiiiight, so your special definition of abstract ideas is what the USSC meant instead of the ordinary and custom meaning of both words being used. Newsflash tardface, “abstract ideas” is more broad than pure math, mental processes/concepts, and algorithms. But let me guess, once you’re finally cornered on that subject as well, you’ll simply throw out some nonsensical definition of mental processes that showed that you were in agreement with me from square one!

    Great job trying to weasel out of having to say you’re wrong by redefining words ya tard.

  20. 175

    “Claim one from Bilskiis a concept for hedgin risk you say? ”

    No I don’t AI, if you’ve been paying attention at all you’d know this. I ha te to sound like a kindergarten teacher but you keep fin up by not paying attention and/or remembering things you should have remembered from before.

    Claim 1 of Bilski was to an application of an abstract ideas. It included finding buyers and sellers iirc, and making transactions etc. etc. There was nothing mental about it. Underlying the claim was a concept of hedging, an abstract idea if you will, which, if the claim was granted would have all of its applications covered by the claim. That abstract idea was not a purely mental process either. Just as your doughnut shop abstract idea wasn’t purely mental. The abstract idea of hedging involved buying specific things i.e. transferring legal ownership.

    Indeed, to call claim 1 only a mental process would be in violation of the whole “take the claims as a whole” doctrine you’re so fond of, and which I can assure you myself and the USSC adhere strictly to.

    “But the SCOTUS and BPAI, as well as the CAFC did share the view that mental processes/concepts, and math/algorithms are abstract ideas. ”

    Yeah, they do. But they certainly do not share the view that they’re the only abstract ideas. Indeed, you can see that in the recent BPAI, CAFC, and district court opinions. Which, like I told you, are all available over at watchdog.

    I’m through discussing it sir. We’ve tied down precisely what your problem is (other than your base self-interest that makes you want to misinterpret for your own gain). And it is that you are interpreting the USSC’s decision as adopting the board’s opinion that claim 1 was to a “mental process” as their own. Even in the face of them explicitly reciting otherwise. Remedy that misinterpretation and you’ll at least be on the road to understanding. Until then there simply is nothing more I can do for you. Other than perhaps finding you a copy of claim 1. If you cannot google it and wish to see it then just ask.

  21. 174

    “That’s not what SCOTUS said! SCOTUS only banned mental processes, math and algorithms, not all abstract ideas ”

    Honestly 6, I dont think I have ever seen anyone make that argument on this blog.

    The fact is SCOTUS banned pure math, mental processes/concepts, and algorithms because that is all abstract ideas are.

    CASE CLOSED

    ::Bangs Gavel::

  22. 173

    “Exactly. I win. In one year’s time, you might, MIGHT, understand why. We’ll see.”

    LOL..thats what you said when I boxed your ears for years on Diehr and later when SCOTUS Bilski came done I won, Bilski 14 Diehr controls, business methods statutory!

    Will things be differently in a year or so when the next SCOTUS 101 Comes down?

    We will see indeed. Until then 6, follow the law as it is today, not the way you wish it to be.

  23. 172

    “You’re right those are abstract ideas, but they aren’t the only ones. For instance, a concept of hedging risk is one as well. ”

    Claim one from Bilskiis a concept for hedgin risk you say? Okay, if you look up the word “Concept” in the dictionary it says: concept |ˈkänˌsept| Philosophy an idea or mental picture, noun an abstract idea; a general notion (American Heritage Dictionary.)

    So claim one of Bilski is just that a mental proces/algorithm and nothing more. Claim four of Bilski was simply claim one reduced to math.

    Those are the facts about that and anything else is just your unsubstantiated, unvalidated, and non legal opinion. And if you choose to desperately hang on to the notion that Bilski claim one was something other than a mental process then you ought to at least say exactly what that is, and where the Court concurred.

    “Also, bombarding customers with the sight and smell of doughnuts before putting them in a circular line is an abstract idea.”

    Yup, a mental process, concept indeed. However the hypothetical claim you are referring to did not claim the mental concept you wrote above, which is would legally be an abstract idea. The hypothetical claimed an application of that concept, which is legally statutory.

    “No, at the end of the day it appears that you like to put words into SCOTUS’s mouth by reading their opinion to mirror that of the board. You need to stop that, its bad practice o lawl.”

    Wrong. Replace the word board, with “6” and this is what you do with your self confessed interpretation of the law to support your own home made analysis/test for 101.

    I have done no such thing. The SCOTUS opinion obviously did not mirror the opinion of the board, or the CAFC. But the SCOTUS and BPAI, as well as the CAFC did share the view that mental processes/concepts, and math/algorithms are abstract ideas.

    You can’t creditably argue different, no matter how many names you call me, or how many times you say I have not read the cases. At this point alll your arguments are circular now. Which means you have run out of intellect…time to bang the gavel….

  24. 171

    “End of debate.”

    Exactly. I win. In one year’s time, you might, MIGHT, understand why. We’ll see.

  25. 170

    “Yes, it is a business method.”

    Only under a re tarded definition of business method AI. THE REST OF THE WORLD doesn’t bow a knee to your re tarded definition. THE WORLD DOES NOT REVOLVE AROUND YOU, OR YOUR DEFINITIONS. I”M SAYING THIS VERY LOUD SO MAYBE YOU”LL FUKING GET IT THROUGH YOUR THICK SKULL. Read the art, the legal art in this case, for discussions about how that term would be defined.

    “And no, its not a method of making bottle caps.”

    I didn’t say that it was. Read what I said. You’re a bad reader. Seriously, you could work on your reading skills. A lot.

    “Its a method/process of attaching plastic caps to plastic bottles”

    … to make bottles with caps.

    “there is more to methods of conducting business than money transactions. ”

    I agree AI, there can be. But if there is, then we usually don’t call those business methods. Only re tards like yourself do. It’s a matter of nomenclature. What you name a certain something. You’re out in la la land using your own definition that is very different than that which the mainstream uses. And that’s fine, for you, but if you’re going to come and communicate to the rest of us in an intelligent manner you need to use the same sort of definitions as the rest of humanity would. You’re not your own lexicographer when conversing with someone else unless they say you can be. I know this is hard for you to accept, other people have different ways of speaking than you do, because you’re partially re tarded, but it’s a fact. Indeed, a reasonable jury would find it.

    In any event, this has been a productive conversation AI. It appears that through a simple misreading of Bilski you’ve lifted the board’s ruling into the USSC ruling. Guess what? The rest of the nation and the world didn’t make that mistake. Been good talking to you, I’ll let you bang your gavel that you can’t read if you’d like. All your law are belong to me now.

  26. 169

    “Actually there is one caveat. Your philosophy gives you the “subjective” power to to pick and choose which inventions you think deserve to pass 101. ”

    I know right? LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

    Nah, but seriously, it really doesn’t AI. At first it appears that way, but once you embrace it and try to apply it a few times you’ll soon realize that it is quite difficult to wield properly, and it is completely 100% objective. And the reason is that anytime anything subjective comes up the other person can point out that they feel subjectively different. And if that happens, then you probably did the analysis wrong. However, by making only objective determinations, such as a claim construction and a determination of law, you can make it nearly 100% impossible for the other party to argue against you. Except of course for them to cry “but but but that’s not tha lawl! That’s not what SCOTUS said! SCOTUS only banned mental processes, math and algorithms, not all abstract ideas like they explicitly said several hundred times! WAH WAH WAH!” People can still argue that way, indeed, you’re doing it right now. However, it hasn’t been convincing a lot of courts lately. And it sure as f hasn’t convinced me, my spe, or the people in charge of policy at the office (i.e. people other than the examiner you’re likely going to get if you file some pos application who’ll let it sail right on through! So consider yourself lucky, until you get to court.)

    “If you went by the letter of the law, and not your interpretation,”

    Well, I have to go by my interpretation, I’m sworn to. Indeed, 151 requires it in combination with my oath I took. However, since the office’s official interpretation/policy is now a cliff’s notes version of what I’ve been saying for years now I’m also obligated to do it because the boss mans want me to.

  27. 168

    “Instead, the Board denied petitioners’ patent on two alter-native, although similar, grounds: first, that the patent involves only mental steps that do not transform physical subject matter, id., at 181a–184a; and, second, that it is directed to an “abstract idea,” id., at 184a–187a. SEE BILSKI”

    That’s what the board ruled AI, not what the USSC ruled. You have to read the rest of the decision to see what the USSC ruled, and indeed I already cited it for you.

    “And apparently the SCOTUS agreed with the BPAI and the CAFC.”

    No, Scotus went their own direction. That’s why their decision didn’t just read: “we affirm for the reasons stated in the board’s decision”.

    You need to learn to read old man.

    “Obviously the Court is recognizing that the concept in claim one was a mental concept, or mental process, ”

    Orly? Why didn’t they say that? Oh, I know, because claim 1 doesn’t involve a mental process! GO AND READ CLAIM 1. You re tard, I’ve been telling you this for awhile now, are you having trouble finding a copy? There is no way the USSC read it as being a mental step. Such tomfoolery is relegated to lower bodies like the BPAI.

    “especially when it is then reduced to pure math in claim 4”

    No, merely the concept of hedging was reduced to math. Not some “mental process”.

    “So its clear from these cases the Court has established that mental processes, math/algorithms are abstract ideas.”

    You’re right those are abstract ideas, but they aren’t the only ones. For instance, a concept of hedging risk is one as well. Also, bombarding customers with the sight and smell of doughnuts before putting them in a circular line is an abstract idea.

    “Because the paragraph you cited above actually supports my argument that the courts intended to limit the definition of “abstract ideas” to the subject matter of Benson, Flook and Diehr, which was math/algorithms and mental processes.”

    Um no, again, AI, courts DO NOT SET FORTH THE LAW SO THAT IT IS ONLY APPLICABLE TO THE FACTS BEFORE THEM. Je sus Chri st son. Attempts to argue this way are an attempt to distinguish on the facts. And I’ve already discussed this with you. FFS, go look it up.

    “Yes unanimous that Bilski was nothing more than a mental processes and math which is declared to be an abstract idea. ”

    At this point I’m pretty sure you’re well aware that this is your opinion, not the court’s. We saw just above where you attempted to read into their words the words of the BPAI. Inappropriate AI. Inappropriate. Ask your lawltard.

    “These types of business methods where allowed,”

    Really? Well then why wasn’t bilski’s claim, which had nothing to do with a mental process (go read the claim) allowed?

    “So at the end of the day it appears you have nothing to base your ” self reported practice of rejecting claims to the applications of business concepts, that are not mental processes, math/or algorithms, as abstract ideas.”

    No, at the end of the day it appears that you like to put words into SCOTUS’s mouth by reading their opinion to mirror that of the board. You need to stop that, its bad practice o lawl.

  28. 167

    Al,
    For the longest time I thought you were that Gorey Guy. And maybe you are. And the math would be, take one, destroy the other so we can all have both? But I think not.
    I still for the life of me can’t get the Superman delivery wrapped around my head. Appearing out of no where, only to fly down from the cold and regroup. And then to have mine do just the opposite. Wow! Amazing! Now that is a Business method. And a very sloppy one at that. October 19, a date I will never forget. Infamy! Or is it you had it in for me? Doesn’t matter you lose whoever you are. Imagine 3 becoming 4, Clark becoming Superman, and October 19th showing a 3rd Morphing, where in the first cut and pasted from paragraph one to paragraph two, and now this, Love it! Thank you for showing your IQ in Donuts. And the number 19.. See there it is again LOLOLOL

  29. 166

    “Well why can’t you? ”

    One, I am not you. Two, I don’t share your philosophy. Three, I don’t interpret the law.( And neither should you really. ) Thats for the SCOTUS. I follow the law. ( And so should you )

    “According to you, if you were to apply my philosophy, or interpretation of the law, then all processes would fall as being directed to an abstract idea! What’s the matter tough guy? When push comes to shove you can’t do it? Or do you just not understand my position well enough to apply it?”

    Actually there is one caveat. Your philosophy gives you the “subjective” power to to pick and choose which inventions you think deserve to pass 101.

    If you went by the letter of the law, and not your interpretation, there would be no problem, and more advancement of progress in innovations that benefit all.

  30. 165

    “A method of attaching a plastic cap to a plastic bottle comprising holding a bottle with ridges that extend in a screw-like fashion on a top of the bottle and screwing the plastic cap on to the plastic bottle.

    101? What ye say?”

    That seems perfectly like a valid claim to me. And it doesn’t have anything to do with a “business method”. It’s a method of making bottles with caps. That has nothing to do with the transaction of business. You can sell the bottles later, but that has nothing to do with the making of the bottles with caps.”

    Yes, it is a business method. And no, its not a method of making bottle caps. Its a method/process of attaching plastic caps to plastic bottles. Before twist on bottle caps this would have been a very novel invention in fact. Manufacturing the twist on caps is another invention altogether.

    “That has nothing to do with the transaction of business. You can sell the bottles later, but ..”

    It’s amazing how much you have adopted Steven’s thinking. 6, look, there is more to methods of conducting business than money transactions. Business methods can involve operations, productions, sales, strategic planning, marketing, quality improvement and more. Most of these business processes qualify as patentable subject matter, providing they don’t claim mental processes, and math/algorithms, which the court have declared abstract ideas.Thats really all you need to know on that.

  31. 164

    I asked, “show an example of how another business would not be able to use the idea of , as you say, “bombarding customers with the view and smell of oven baked doughnuts before they’re put into a “circular pathway” line in the hopes of selling more doughnuts.”

    You replied, “My answer is, there aren’t any,”

    End of debate.

    Oh I know you wrote a lengthy response with lots of rationalization and strained, confusing and often circular logic, and a whole lot of illegal dissection but all it called for was a simple answer of one example and yours was…..

    “there aren’t any,”

    Next stop 102!

    See how easy the law works 6 when you are honest and follow the rules?

    Oh and just to keep you honest…. you said ” it is a simple question of law. Are there are any abstract ideas that have all their applications preempt by this claim? ”

    As a matter of law the only applications of abstract ideas that the Courts have said are non statutory are mental processes, math, and algorithms. And there were none in the hypothetical claim.

  32. 163

    “A method of attaching a plastic cap to a plastic bottle comprising holding a bottle with ridges that extend in a screw-like fashion on a top of the bottle and screwing the plastic cap on to the plastic bottle.

    101? What ye say?”

    That seems perfectly like a valid claim to me. And it doesn’t have anything to do with a “business method”. It’s a method of making bottles with caps. That has nothing to do with the transaction of business. You can sell the bottles later, but that has nothing to do with the making of the bottles with caps.

  33. 162

    “I can’t.”

    Well why can’t you? According to you, if you were to apply my philosophy, or interpretation of the law, then all processes would fall as being directed to an abstract idea! What’s the matter tough guy? When push comes to shove you can’t do it? Or do you just not understand my position well enough to apply it?

    Fact of the matter is, there are processes that can be invalidated with my interpretation, and those that can’t. In this thread you have a great example of both.

  34. 161

    “That is all an invention is, an application of an abstract idea.”

    That’s true, but normal inventions, i.e. the statutory ones, don’t wholly preempt any abstract ideas. Some of them preempt ideas about doing something irl like, pour cement, make some metal, bend some metal etc. on down the line, but those aren’t really “abstract ideas” indeed, they are as concrete of an idea as one can have.

    Although I will tell you that over the last 30 years or so claim drafting has become somewhat of a joke in so far as people moved away from claiming their invention and more towards trying to claim an abstract idea, even in manufacturing etc. arts. It is a pity that courts haven’t held them more accountable.

    Indeed, I’ve dealt with a few cases like this in manufacturing arts. All of them have amended appropriately with no huge issues. I have one guy right now that wants to claim an application of signals to a device and plotting the results of measurements done on the device to measure the results of the application of the signals. I’ve given him a 101 so far, he’s up in arms, mainly because of the way I worded his rejection though. It was my bad, I was feeling kind of lazy that day.

  35. 160

    “Well, if that is the rationale for your rejection the immediate and logical question that comes to mind is, prove it? ”

    That’s nothing but a question of claim construction and a matter of law based thereon.

    For instance, in this case, what is the construction of the claim?

    It is a supposed “method for organizing a counter” even though it involves moving oven vents, a step involving a vent, something which ordinarily I wouldn’t consider part of a “counter”. So, let’s say, it seems apparent that the “counter” is the “counter area” of a restaurant. Sound good so far?

    We thus have a method of organizing a “counter area”.

    It comprises 3x steps and a “result”/intended use.

    first step is displaying doughnuts in such a manner as they are visible as the customer enters

    second step is putting customers in a “circular” line. along with a intended use limitation of of this step of moving people quicker. (notably there is a 112 2nd problem in this step but we’ll ignore it for now)

    third step is positioning oven vents in an entrance direction. Along with another intended use limitation for this step of “enticing”.

    Finally we have one big intended use limitation for the whole method of selling more doughnuts. (again there is another 112 2nd problem here, but we’ll ignore it).

    So, what we’re left with is a method of organizing a “counter area” comprising:

    displaying doughnuts in such a manner as they are visible as the customer enters

    putting customers in a “circular” line

    and

    positioning oven vents in an entrance direction.

    What do you think? That a pretty good construction? I think so.

    After that, it is a simple question of law. Are there are any abstract ideas that have all their applications preempt by this claim? One I submit is:

    the abstract idea of bombarding customers with the view and smell of oven baked doughnuts before they’re put into a “circular pathway” line in the hopes of selling more doughnuts.

    So let’s take a look. What is required in all applications of this abstract idea? Well, you’re going to need to present the doughnuts at the entrance to the overall “area” or “counter area”. That much I think we can agree on. Also, you’re going to need to put customers in a circular line by some means. I think we can agree on this. You’re going to need to bring the smell of the baked doughnuts to the customer. Seems to me like you’re going to need to use a vent of some sort to do this no matter what and it’s going to need to be positioned towards the entrance to the area or “counter area”. Sounds all about right. What do you think? Are those the things you’d need to implement any application of this abstract idea? I think we can agree that they are.

    Now, the question is, does the claim cover all applications which would fulfill these criteria? Well, let’s find out!

    We need presentation of doughnuts to the entrance! Looking to the claim, we have that! In fact, the step is so broadly worded as to cover any means of doing this.

    Next we need people put into a circular line. Looking to the claim, we have that! In fact, the step is so broadly worded as to cover any means of doing this.

    Finally, we need to have vents pointed to the entrance to deliver doughnut smell. Looking to the claim, it appears we have that! Indeed, again, the step is so broadly worded as to cover all means of doing that.

    Hmmm, so from the above we have determined that there is an abstract idea that might be relevant, determined what all applications of it would entail, and determined how this claim is properly interpreted and finally determined that the construction indeed covers all applications of the abstract idea.

    And I did all that without ascending to godhood! At least I think so!

    “By prove it I mean show an example of how another business would not be able to use the idea”

    Sure thing. Another business would not be able to use the abstract idea I mentioned in the case of this patent claim being asserted against them and an injunction granted.

    Though, to be fair, I think what you’re trying to ask is “what is an example of someone trying to use that abstract idea and being caught by this claim but who isn’t doing exactly what is claimed”. Right? That’s what you’re trying to ask even though you’re not very good at writing/speaking.

    My answer is, there aren’t any, that is the whole point of why we’re not allowed to give you the claim. And there is no way to “prove a negative” so don’t bother asking me to. Indeed, from your disbelief, I believe you already agree with me that there aren’t any. IF, and I stress IF, there were some such examples then we’d either let the claim past 101 or take a look at some slightly different abstract ideas that might be a problem.

    And finally I note that the specific recitation of an abstract idea I threw out there isn’t perfect, if I were doing this at my job I’d refine it a bit further. It’s easy to draft a shty claim, it is a lot harder to cipher out the 101 problem. Indeed, that’s why the courts just say screw it and write down that there is an abstract idea and it’s being preempt, not bothering with a long drawn out analysis.

    “Until you identify on the record and with specificity sufficient to support a prima facie case there is nothing to actually rebut.”

    Orly? Going to try an In re Jung maneuver huh? Gl with that.

    And AI, if you choose to respond, keep the response all in one response plz. It’s hard enough dealing with your missing the point entirely, having to charitably scan the entire thread for new clues as to why you don’t understand isn’t called for.

  36. 159

    “O rly? Where specifically did they rule it a mental process? Go ahead, cite me a cite. ”

    The Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences (Board) affirmed the examiner’s decision, but it rejected the posi-tion that a patentable process must relate to “technologi-cal arts” or be performed on a machine. Id., at 180a–181a. Instead, the Board denied petitioners’ patent on two alter-native, although similar, grounds: first, that the patent involves only mental steps that do not transform physical subject matter, id., at 181a–184a; and, second, that it is directed to an “abstract idea,” id., at 184a–187a. SEE BILSKI

    “I’ll cite you one showing that they ruled it to be an abstract idea though ok?”

    The BPAI, apparently felt mental steps and abstract ideas are the same, as is math. And apparently the SCOTUS agreed with the BPAI and the CAFC. They certainly did not say anything to the contrary. In fact the Court offered the following rational.

    “The concept of hedging, described in claim 1 and reduced to a mathemati-cal formula in claim 4, is an unpatentable abstract idea,just like the algorithms at issue in Benson and Flook. ”

    Obviously the Court is recognizing that the concept in claim one was a mental concept, or mental process, especially when it is then reduced to pure math in claim 4, as the Court said. And the court said this is just like algorithms.

    So its clear from these cases the Court has established that mental processes, math/algorithms are abstract ideas.

    “Rather than adopting categorical rules that might have wide-ranging and unforeseen impacts, the Court resolves this casenarrowly on the basis of this Court’s decisions in Benson, Flook, and Diehr, which show that petitioners’ claims arenot patentable processes because they are attempts to patent abstract ideas.”

    6, did you make a mistake? Because the paragraph you cited above actually supports my argument that the courts intended to limit the definition of “abstract ideas” to the subject matter of Benson, Flook and Diehr, which was math/algorithms and mental processes. And let us not forget that in Bilski paragraph 14, the Court affirmed that Diehr controls Flook and Benson.

    “Indeed, all members of the Court agree that the patent application at issue here falls out-side of §101 because it claims an abstract idea.” It was unanimous AI. 9-0.”

    Yes unanimous that Bilski was nothing more than a mental processes and math which is declared to be an abstract idea. However the Court was split when it came to banning business methods, that where NOT mental processes, math/algorithms. These types of business methods where allowed, even though the Court was of the laymen opinion that not many business methods existed outside of the abstract idea categories of mental processes, math/algorithms. Maybe they where thinking of law, sales and negotiation business methods, but clearly those are but a small percentage.

    So at the end of the day it appears you have nothing to base your ” self reported practice of rejecting claims to the applications of business concepts, that are not mental processes, math/or algorithms, as abstract ideas.

    Any final statement before the gavel is banged?

  37. 158

    “”The Courts have only ruled math, mental processes/algorithms are abstract ideas, and therefore can be treated as such. You are not given carte blanche to run amok calling anything and everything you don’t like as patentable subject matter, an abstract idea.”

    Well, what other legal abstract ideas are there, besides mental processes/math//algorithms?

  38. 157

    “2. nah, the purpose, since the beginning, was to gain a temporary monopoly over an invention. Not over all applications of an “abstract idea that you actually invented”.

    That is all an invention is, an application of an abstract idea.

  39. 156

    “1. nah, there’s still plenty left patentable. Try this claim on for size:

    A method of attaching a plastic cap to a plastic bottle comprising forming ridges that extend in a screw-like fashion on a top of the bottle and screwing the plastic cap on to the plastic bottle.

    Go ahead, try n invalidate it as being directed to an abstract idea. Be my guest.”

    I can’t. But then again I am not the one claiming that applications of business concepts that are not pure mental processes, algorithms/math, are abstract ideas. That’s your position. But I would be glad to take that claim and show you how a business method version would apply and still be patentable subject matter.

    A method of attaching a plastic cap to a plastic bottle comprising holding a bottle with ridges that extend in a screw-like fashion on a top of the bottle and screwing the plastic cap on to the plastic bottle.

    101? What ye say?

  40. 155

    ” it appears as if that is a claim that is attempting to claim the abstract idea of bombarding customers with the view and smell of oven baked doughnuts before they’re put into a “circular pathway” line in the hopes of selling more doughnuts.

    Yay or nay?”

    Well, if that is the rationale for your rejection the immediate and logical question that comes to mind is, prove it?

    By prove it I mean show an example of how another business would not be able to use the idea of , as you say, “bombarding customers with the view and smell of oven baked doughnuts before they’re put into a “circular pathway” line in the hopes of selling more doughnuts.”

    Until you identify on the record and with specificity sufficient to support a prima facie case there is nothing to actually rebut.

  41. 154

    “6, furthermore, if your rationale was taken to its ultimate conclusion, then nothing would be patentable subject matter, since all inventions are applications of abstract ideas, and the purpose of getting a patent is to gain a temporary monopoly over all applications of an abstract idea that you actually invented.”

    1. nah, there’s still plenty left patentable. Try this claim on for size:

    A method of attaching a plastic cap to a plastic bottle comprising forming ridges that extend in a screw-like fashion on a top of the bottle and screwing the plastic cap on to the plastic bottle.

    Go ahead, try n invalidate it as being directed to an abstract idea. Be my guest.

    2. nah, the purpose, since the beginning, was to gain a temporary monopoly over an invention. Not over all applications of an “abstract idea that you actually invented”.

  42. 153

    Well AI, I can’t say for sure, and you can feel free to rebut it if you’d like, but it appears as if that is a claim that is attempting to claim the abstract idea of bombarding customers with the view and smell of oven baked doughnuts before they’re put into a “circular pathway” line in the hopes of selling more doughnuts.

    Yay or nay?

  43. 152

    “You said up thread that you would treat the applied business concept for a better way to run the counter at a Krispy Kreme the same as mental processes, and algorithms/math.”

    I said that it depended on the specifics. I note you’ve put the specifics in the thread now so I’ll run it through the ol’ analysis for you.

  44. 151

    “No, Bilski claim one does not give you that reason, as explained before the Courts ruled it a mental process. ”

    O rly? Where specifically did they rule it a mental process? Go ahead, cite me a cite. I’ll cite you one showing that they ruled it to be an abstract idea though ok?

    “Rather than adopting categorical rules that might have wide-rangingand unforeseen impacts, the Court resolves this casenarrowly on the basis of this Court’s decisions in Benson, Flook, and Diehr, which show that petitioners’ claims arenot patentable processes because they are attempts to patent abstract ideas.”

    “Indeed, all members of the Court agree that the patent application at issue here falls out-side of §101 because it claims an abstract idea.”

    It was unanimous AI. 9-0.

    “The Courts have only ruled math, mental processes/algorithms are abstract ideas, and therefore can be treated as such. You are not given carte blanche to run amok calling anything and everything you don’t like as patentable subject matter, an abstract idea.”

    Says whom? You? They said abstract ideas. They didn’t say only math/mental algorithms/mental processes. You are the one making up an imaginary limitation on the holdings that have gone back half a century.

  45. 150

    “Only you can’t identify any legally recognized abstract ideas, other than mental processes, algorithms, and abstract ideas can you? ”

    Sure I can. A specific method of hedging. Claim 1 of Bilski.

  46. 149

    “Your hypo isn’t really structured as a claim just yet AI. Go ahead and do that and I’ll run it through the ol’ analysis for you.”

    Okay, I posted this by accident under another thread but ya go. Time to back up your stuff.

    A process for organizing and running a counter at a doughnut shop,

    1 Displaying doughnuts under glass cases so customers can see them soon as they enter the store.

    2. Queuing customers in a circular pathway to the ordering counter so as to move lines more quickly

    3. Positioning oven vents in direction of entrance so as to entice said customers to purchase more of said doughnuts when entering said doughnut shop

    Whereby said process results in selling more of said doughnuts to more customers in less time is said doughnut shop.

  47. 148

    Fun. Take the EPO. Assume D1 discloses every feature except “circular”. Assume (for the purposes of this artificial exercise don’t question it, however unbelievable you might find it) that the specification includes comparative data that prove that a circular pathway really does get more doughnut customers served in unit time than by the prior art straight queue pathway.

    On that basis, expect from the EPO a Notice of Allowance as the first Office Action.

  48. 147

    Hey DOLPH,
    Now that I know you are AI. and you are the one that tried to get me to sign another Foreign Insurance form after .. You or Wenzel tore it up. I need to ask you one thing…??????? Who forged the Foreign Insurance form to file it in O CANADA?

  49. 146

    “A better way to run the counter at KK? Hmmm, idk, it’ll depend on the specific claim, but it sounds to me like it might be an attempt to claim all applications of the abstract idea of running to a counter in a KK. But, specifically what I will do is evaluate the claim.”

    Okay here is a process/business method claim. Technical issues to object to I am sure. But under 101, reject as an abstract idea or not?

    A process for organizing and running a counter at a doughnut shop,

    1 Displaying doughnuts under glass cases so customers can see them soon as they enter the store.

    2. Queuing customers in a circular pathway to the ordering counter so as to move lines more quickly

    3. Positioning oven vents in direction of entrance so as to entice said customers to purchase more of said doughnuts when entering said doughnut shop

    Whereby said process results in selling more of said doughnuts to more customers in less time is said doughnut shop.

  50. 145

    “However, that special situation just so happens to encompass most, if not all, of the application of methods for improving or conducting business. This is what the authors of Bilski were trying to explain to you, which you apparently did not understand.”

    Then apparently you don’t understand conducting business because only about 1% of methods of conducting business, when applied, are nothing more than mental processes, math/algorithms. Bilski, may have been in the 1% category but everything else sails right thru the 101 gates.

    6, furthermore, if your rationale was taken to its ultimate conclusion, then nothing would be patentable subject matter, since all inventions are applications of abstract ideas, and the purpose of getting a patent is to gain a temporary monopoly over all applications of an abstract idea that you actually invented.

  51. 144

    “Their language was broad enough to encompass all abstract ideas.”

    Only you can’t identify any legally recognized abstract ideas, other than mental processes, algorithms, and abstract ideas can you?

    Yeah I now you feel you can do whatever you like you are a PE. But you can’t fulfill your burden of proof on your initial rejection of an application of a business concept.

    No, Bilski claim one does not give you that reason, as explained before the Courts ruled it a mental process. The Courts have only ruled math, mental processes/algorithms are abstract ideas, and therefore can be treated as such. You are not given carte blanche to run amok calling anything and everything you don’t like as patentable subject matter, an abstract idea.

    “”Had the USSC ruled with the Steven’s minority and said business methods are not patentable subject matter then you would have the case law and legal basis for treating applications of business concepts the same as mental processes, and algorithms/math. ”

    “I’ve never made that proposition so I don’t need it”

    Yes you have. This entire thread is based on your proposition for treating applications of business concepts the same as mental processes, and algorithms/math. You said up thread that you would treat the applied business concept for a better way to run the counter at a Krispy Kreme the same as mental processes, and algorithms/math.

    Of Now of course having lost the argument on the merits you want to start arguing in circles and such. Deny that you said it, then say again.

    And the last time I checked you have not claimed to be a lawyer and/or judge either so reading into case law legal conclusions not intended and/or explicitly expressed by the Courts is best left to judges.

    Of course you can express your opinions on such rulings, and certainly free to disagree but whatever the letter of the law is at the present time you are obligated to follow like anyone else.

  52. 143

    “6, I do believe you failed to answer the question. The case law you cited above is for cases involving algorithms/math and mental processes.”

    Like I said, your attempt to distinguish on the facts is unavailing AI. You might not even understand that this is what you’re trying to do since you’re not a lawyer. It is well recognized that all abstract ideas are at issue, not just math/mental processes. You may see the article named Seeds and Weeds by Donald Chisum if you really really really believe otherwise and feel like you might understand this better from an expert.

    “So, the question remains. Please cite the case law that says an application of an abstract idea ( that is not a mental process, math, or an algorithm) is non statutory subject matter?””

    Benson and Bilski.

    “So simply repeating these cases will not help you answer the question above.”

    Yes actually it will. Their language was broad enough to encompass all abstract ideas. The facts in those cases, that they were to specifically math and or mental processes, is irrelevant for our discussion on the law. You need to separate the law from the facts AI. The facts are that in benson and somewhat in Flook, we were dealing with math. Also in Diehr they focused on math. In Bilski they focused on the abstract idea of a specific manner of hedging and in specifically claim 4 some math. Your facts have to do with a method of running to a counter at KK and will likely raise the issue of an abstract idea. The law in BFDB relates to all of abstract ideas. Likewise, the law in your case will also relate to all of abstract ideas.

    When you rely on those cases all having been involving math/mental processes (since you’re still apparently completely oblivious that Bilski’s claim 1 had nothing to do with math and related only to an abstract idea) to say that the law clearly recited in them doesn’t apply to your hypo (and presumably other claims you’ll want to file IRL) that is an attempt by you to distinguish the holdings in those cases on the facts. However, that is unavailing in the situation where the law applied is clearly and explicitly broader in nature than the nature of the case at hand.

    “Once again, the only problem is the case law you cite is for cases involving algorithms/math and mental processes.”

    That is an attempt to distinguish on the facts. And it isn’t going to be sufficient here. Ask your lawlyer.

    “I do not believe the Courts have ever ruled that the application of methods for improving or conducting business are de facto abstract ideas.”

    They did not. Je sus christ. I’ve already told you, they only ruled on the “special situation” that I told you about in the previous post. It’s a special situation, it isn’t a general banning of applications of methods for improving or conducting business. However, that special situation just so happens to encompass most, if not all, of the application of methods for improving or conducting business. This is what the authors of Bilski were trying to explain to you, which you apparently did not understand.

    “However the USSC and the CAFC have positively recited that business methods are statutory subject matter and can receive a patent.”

    So long as they don’t run afoul of the special situation then sure. But not many manage to not run afoul of it. If any.

    “Had the USSC ruled with the Steven’s minority and said business methods are not patentable subject matter then you would have the case law and legal basis for treating applications of business concepts the same as mental processes, and algorithms/math. ”

    I’ve never made that proposition so I don’t need it.

    “I know you claim that you will continue to do this anyway,”

    Well, I am in fact sworn to do it.

  53. 142

    “”If you want to equate a concept to that of an abstract idea okay. But please cite the case law that says an application of an abstract idea ( that is not math, or an algorithm) is non statutory subject matter?”

    6, I do believe you failed to answer the question. The case law you cited above is for cases involving algorithms/math and mental processes. I admit I should have included mental processes to be clear. Most courts however have equated mental processes with algorithms.

    So, the question remains. Please cite the case law that says an application of an abstract idea ( that is not a mental process, math, or an algorithm) is non statutory subject matter?”

    “in the special situation that the claim to an application of an abstract idea is broad enough to encompass all applications of the abstract idea then you may see Benson. You may also see Bilski.”

    The special sitution/cases you refer to above in Benson, and Bilski, and later Flook and Diehr are all for Mental Processes, Algorithms/Math. Of this there can be no debate. So simply repeating these cases will not help you answer the question above.

    “Your attempt to distinguish all the abstract idea caselaw from the kinds of claims that you feel like I would wrongly reject is not sufficient AI. The courts, both the USSC and the CAFC, have acknowledged repeatedly that it is all abstract ideas, not just math, that is excluded.”

    Once again, the only problem is the case law you cite is for cases involving algorithms/math and mental processes. I do not believe the Courts have ever ruled that the application of methods for improving or conducting business are de facto abstract ideas.

    However the USSC and the CAFC have positively recited that business methods are statutory subject matter and can receive a patent. See Bilski.

    Had the USSC ruled with the Steven’s minority and said business methods are not patentable subject matter then you would have the case law and legal basis for treating applications of business concepts the same as mental processes, and algorithms/math. Until that happens the analysis you claim to use is quite illegal.

    I know you claim that you will continue to do this anyway, but at some point you will have to write a report for a panel of BPAI judges citing the legal basis for your rationale/analysis, and just like in this thread, you will come up empty. If I can see this surely smart patent attorneys will too, so get ready for it.

  54. 141

    “If you want to equate a concept to that of an abstract idea okay. But please cite the case law that says an application of an abstract idea ( that is not math, or an algorithm) is non statutory subject matter?”

    In the special situation that the claim to an application of an abstract idea is broad enough to encompass all applications of the abstract idea then you may see Benson. You may also see Bilski.

    “And while you are at it please further cite the case law that says ALL applications of an abstract idea ( that is not math, or an algorithm) is non statutory subject matter?”

    Diehr, I put the quote for you above. From Diehr:

    Excluded from such patent protection are laws of nature, natural phenomena, and abstract ideas. See Parker v. Flook, 437 U.S. 584 (1978);

    “I honestly don’t believe you can do it. And if you can’t then you have no legal basis whatsoever for rejecting the above hypothetical with the rationale of it being directed to..”all applications of the abstract idea of running a counter in a KK.””

    Your hypo isn’t really structured as a claim just yet AI. Go ahead and do that and I’ll run it through the ol’ analysis for you.

    Your attempt to distinguish all the abstract idea caselaw from the kinds of claims that you feel like I would wrongly reject is not sufficient AI. The courts, both the USSC and the CAFC, have acknowledged repeatedly that it is all abstract ideas, not just math, that is excluded.

  55. 140

    “Claim 1 had nothing to do with an algorithm AI. You need to read the claims. What’s more, the USSC did not read it to have anything to do with an algorithm. ”

    Yes, it did. Claim one is very much an algorithm. Its a word problem that can be, and was written as a mathematical formula. Furthermore the cases the USSC used to determine claim one was an abstract idea, Benson, Flook, and Diehr, all had math/algorithms at the center.

    “A better way to run to the counter at KK? Hmmm, idk, it’ll depend on the specific claim, but it sounds to me like it might be an attempt to claim all applications of the abstract idea of running to a counter in a KK.”

    If you want to equate a concept to that of an abstract idea okay. But please cite the case law that says an application of an abstract idea ( that is not math, or an algorithm) is non statutory subject matter?

    And while you are at it please further cite the case law that says ALL applications of an abstract idea ( that is not math, or an algorithm) is non statutory subject matter?

    I honestly don’t believe you can do it. And if you can’t then you have no legal basis whatsoever for rejecting the above hypothetical with the rationale of it being directed to..”all applications of the abstract idea of running a counter in a KK.”

  56. 139

    “Right, claim one is an algorithm. So when you get a claim to an applied business concept for a better way to run the counter at a Krispy Kreme, and it clearly is NOT an algorithm/mathematics what are you gonna do? ”

    Claim 1 had nothing to do with an algorithm AI. You need to read the claims. What’s more, the USSC did not read it to have anything to do with an algorithm. They read claim 4 to have something to do with a mathematical formula. Because, indeed, it did.

    A better way to run to the counter at KK? Hmmm, idk, it’ll depend on the specific claim, but it sounds to me like it might be an attempt to claim all applications of the abstract idea of running to a counter in a KK. But, specifically what I will do is evaluate the claim.

    “Of course if one claims algorithms/math then you would have a monopoly over all current applications and future ones, because you have claimed the algorithm/mathematical formula itself. But again, that does not apply to an application of a business concept such as the Krispy Kreme hypothetical above.”

    That’s true, it doesn’t.

  57. 138

    “The only judicial recognized abstract idea besides a pure mental process is an algorithm/mathematical formula. And that’s as far as you are allowed to go.”

    I lulzed. Come on AI. Have you forgotten Diehr already?

    “Excluded from such patent protection are laws of nature, natural phenomena, and abstract ideas. See Parker v. Flook, 437 U.S. 584 (1978); ”

    link to caselaw.lp.findlaw.com

    That’s all abstract ideas sir, not just math.

    “Business methods that are not algorithms/math and apply a concept are 101 eligible subject matter. And that’s all you need to know, on that.”

    Most aren’t that is true, but a great many of them are an attempt to preempt an abstract idea. And I will end them, as I said, with a flourish, should they happen to pass over my desk.

  58. 137

    “The concept of hedging, described in claim 1 and reduced to a mathemati-cal formula in claim 4, is an unpatentable abstract idea,just like the algorithms at issue in Benson and Flook. Allowing petitioners to patent risk hedging would pre-empt use of this approach in all fields, and would effec-tively grant a monopoly over an abstract idea.” See Bilski.”

    Right, claim one is an algorithm. So when you get a claim to an applied business concept for a better way to run the counter at a Krispy Kreme, and it clearly is NOT an algorithm/mathematics what are you gonna do?

    Declare it non statutory because the SCOTUS said algorithm/mathematics is considered abstract ideas and therefore non statutory?

    Even you have to admit there is no legal basis for such a rejection.

    Of course if one claims algorithms/math then you would have a monopoly over all current applications and future ones, because you have claimed the algorithm/mathematical formula itself. But again, that does not apply to an application of a business concept such as the Krispy Kreme hypothetical above.

  59. 136

    “I did not try such a thing. Nor do I plan to. I will however use the abstract idea judicial exception to end claims that encompass all applications, both existing and future, of an abstract idea. And I will do it with a flourish.”

    The only judicial recognized abstract idea besides a pure mental process is an algorithm/mathematical formula. And that’s as far as you are allowed to go.

    Business methods that are not algorithms/math and apply a concept are 101 eligible subject matter. And that’s all you need to know, on that.

  60. 135

    “Except the USSC makes no such assertion in Bilski. That’s your spin on the case, which if you are an examiner is totally inappropriate to do.”

    Orly?

    “The concept of hedging, described in claim 1 and reduced to a mathemati-cal formula in claim 4, is an unpatentable abstract idea,just like the algorithms at issue in Benson and Flook. Allowing petitioners to patent risk hedging would pre-empt use of this approach in all fields, and would effec-tively grant a monopoly over an abstract idea.” See Bilski.

    There’s no spin there old man. That’s straight up to your ears.

    “What Bilski was trying to patent was a mathematical formula and the Court has arbitrarily ruled math to equate to laws of nature and natural phenomenon, and thus be an abstract idea and judicial exception. ”

    Claim 4 included a mathematical formula for determining inputs into the hedging method of claim 1. You need to read the actual claims old man. There was no math involved in claim 1. At all.

    “The problem is you are taking the judicial exception of mathematics, and applying it to ALL processes, or at least all business methods. ”

    I haven’t done anything like that. And I certainly haven’t done in this thread. Why do you go all batshtcrazy for no reason right in the middle of a conversation AI? Could you just calm the batsht in your brain for a second? K? You remind me of JAOI. Couldn’t fu cking calm his ADHD long enough to focus on w t f he was talking about. It was even funnier to see him in a video of him with some CEO’s of bigcorp.

    Bilski’s claim 1 had nothing to do with math. Claim 4 did. Claim 4 involved monte carlo simulations. Are you familiar with them? They involve doing specific math. That’s claim 4. Claim 1 does not involve math. Read the claims.

    “There is zero case law to support any such analysis. If that was the case the Supremes could have just ruled processes, ( and that includes methods for conducting business) as unconstitutional.”

    Ruled them unconstitutional? AI, stop with the batshtcrazyarse rambling dude. Who brought the constitution into the discussion? We’re talking about 101 and judicial exceptions dude. Leave the constitution out of it.

    After you’ve left the constitution out of it, note that the court does specifically cite to Benson and Flook.

    “just like the algorithms at issue in Benson and Flook.” See Bilski.

    “For you to try and impede the progress of the useful art of improving business with a mathematics judicial exception, especially when no math is claimed, is not only a gross error in logic and law, its unscrupulous and down right sinister.”

    I did not try such a thing. Nor do I plan to. I will however use the abstract idea judicial exception to end claims that encompass all applications, both existing and future, of an abstract idea. And I will do it with a flourish.

  61. 134

    “However I will assert the same thing that the USSC did, that his claim to a specific application of of his specific manner of hedging covered all (existing and future) applications of his specific manner of hedging.”

    Except the USSC makes no such assertion in Bilski. That’s your spin on the case, which if you are an examiner is totally inappropriate to do.

    Here is the exact quote from the Court in the final opinion….

    “Allowing petitioners to patent risk hedging would preempt use of this approach in all fields, and would effectively grant a monopoly over an abstract idea.”

    What Bilski was trying to patent was a mathematical formula and the Court has arbitrarily ruled math to equate to laws of nature and natural phenomenon, and thus be an abstract idea and judicial exception.

    Even when Bilski’s math formula is taught or applied to different problems or fields, it is still math. And math is not patentable. I personally disagree about math not being patent eligible but thats the law for now.

    The problem is you are taking the judicial exception of mathematics, and applying it to ALL processes, or at least all business methods.

    There is zero case law to support any such analysis. If that was the case the Supremes could have just ruled processes, ( and that includes methods for conducting business) as unconstitutional.

    Fact is there are many methods of improving the efficiency of businesses that do not use or claim math that inventors could improve on. And who knows how many more to pioneer.

    For you to try and impede the progress of the useful art of improving business with a mathematics judicial exception, especially when no math is claimed, is not only a gross error in logic and law, its unscrupulous and down right sinister.

  62. 133

    AI, if you are labeling all conservative bigots, you will have proven something about yourself.

    I grew up in the North in before the civil rights movement. Let me assure you that a significant portion of the population I personally knew were out and out racists, and horrifyingly so. Not a single one of these racists was a Republican or a conservative.

    In contrast to this, every conservative that I knew, including my Dad, was not a bigot at all. Every one. No exceptions.

    Now this is just my personal experience. Yours might be differenct.

  63. 132

    “There’s a big difference between Congress setting out rules for when Courts should exclude evidence in an ordinary controversy, versus Congress setting out rules for when Courts should exclude evidence in performing Judicial review of the laws, or Executive compliance in enforcing those laws. The latter violates the SoP Doctrine, and the former does not.”

    Oh, so SoP doctrine does not apply when it is an ordinary controversy. Gotcha. Novel idea, but I see. I guess you have your reasons for believing this but I don’t really care.

    “Do you think Congress could draft 101 to grant patents on Applications of ideas of only a certain creed or color of people?”

    Probably not without changing the constitution, but they could if they wanted to by changing the constitution.

    “Congress could prevent the Courts from performing Judicial review by placing all authority in the Patent Office.”

    Maybe, maybe not. Congress could certainly do that, but maybe courts would take such cases anyway, for issues of lawl anyway. But they would have to find jurisdiction somewhere or disregard their own desire for jurisdiction. Idk where they might find that, but there might be a place other than 35 USC that grants such.

    “Your position appears to be that, assuming Congressional repeal of 141-146, so long as the PTO refused to grant the patent, the Applicant has no recourse to the Courts, and no Judicial review of the new 101 can occur.”

    Well that’s how it would operate in theory yes. But like I say, there are a lot of legal loopholes that might come into effect, I don’t know them all.

    “Similar, your position would require that, assuming that the BPAI rasied the issue of the Applicants creed or color for the first time in the appeal, then the Applcant cannot introduce new evidence to the Court pertaining to the Constitutionality of that ruling. Of course that is hogwash, and no law passed by Congress to prevent Applicants from introducing such evidence could be Constitutional”

    Why you bring up the nonsense about creed or color I don’t know. But the bottom line is that the previous position, the one that is the same as, oh, I don’t know, the widely held belief about 145 pre-this court case, being constitutional is certainly constitutional.

    The bottom line broje is not that under my interpretation courts do not have the ability to review actions taken by the government, because they certainly do under my interpretation. But under my interpretation they must review SPECIFICALLY the action taken by the government, not an action that was never taken by the government, such as, oh idk, maybe the PTO rejecting this guy’s claims for lack of WD ivo this new evidence that he wants to present. The office literally never even got to take that action/position, how could it possibly be properly under review?

    The introduction of new evidence changes, fundamentally, the situation the office has to take a position on. It would be silly (or more properly fkin st upid) to allow people to change the entire position upon which the office is supposed to take a position on and then review their old position. Surprise surprise it might not be the correct position since the underlying situation has changed! Generally speaking courts (and this is apparently true across all fields not just patent lawl) usually don’t even take such actions, because the people haven’t fully fleshed out the issue in the agency just yet which is where the issue is supposed to get fleshed out. Once the issue is fully fleshed out then congress has provided applicants with the ability to go to the courts and have the agency’s determination to be reviewed.

    145 was not, so far as I’m aware, ever supposed to be a place where you can just go to get the court to issue you a patent for no reason. It was supposed to be a place you could go to if the office denied your appolication for a patent on the record before it and you were unsatisfied with that specific denial.

    Again, the bottom line is that the office’s determination was the correct application of the laws to the record before it. The court should simply affirm the office’s position if it is the proper one to take on the record that was before it and until the record changes. And the place to make changes to the record is in the office, not at the DC. To hold otherwise is re ta rded and not to mention a waste of judicial resources.

  64. 131

    “You may have gotten away with it several times now. Sooner or later someone like me will come along and smack you down for it.”

    Lulz, I look forward to it.

    I also look forward to some In re jung type of language in re to your pathetic arguments that you’ll be making to attempt such a smack down. I <3 the replies that repeat back to me where I state that such and such appears to be x in a mocking tone, but never quite go so far as to say that such is not a proper factual finding. I lulz at them very much.

    " IIRC that's a law of nature or natural phenomenon. "

    Law o nature, natural phenom, and abstract ideas to be exact. Just to help out your "old man" memory.

    "Now if you are asserting that his application of hedging covered all future applications of hedging"

    I didn't assert that, and neither did the USSC. However I will assert the same thing that the USSC did, that his claim to a specific application of of his specific manner of hedging covered all (existing and future) applications of his specific manner of hedging.

    And I don't recall them being too concerned with a burden of proof, I'm pretty sure you are misusing the term. Either the claim as constructed does or does not preempt all uses of the judicial exception, there is nothing to "prove" (other than the godship of the examiner/judge), there are only things to determine. It is a question of law, based upon the underlying claim construction which is also a question of law. No evidence, other than the application itself is usually required as the claims can usually be constructed without other evidence other than the spec and claims.

    "A very successful and profitable cult. "

    Yeah, it and scientology.

    Who would I vote for? Well, not that it matters, because Obama is probably sadly going to sweep that sht just like last time (all he has to do is whip his base into a frenzy with smooth sounding words, which he has plenty of, and he will win) but I would probably vote republican or ind. if they can field a decent candidate. I gave the dems a chance to get us the f out of war, and look, we're still in Afghanistan. I note that to date the most promising rep cand was Trump and he's little more than a political joke.

    Now, if they were to allow Stephen Colbert to run... awesome.

    Personally I'd like to see an independent candidate sweep the field and usher in a new era free of republicans and dems. But that is just wishful thinking.

    Also, Romney has no passion. He's just a flat ol' guy so far as I can see. You're never going to beat Obama like that. You've got to be fired up and your base needs to be as well. Cause you can bet Obama's supporters are going to be. You can take that to the bank and deposit it sir.

    ps. Bachman is hot but that's about it. Like Palin. Her chances are literally below 0%.

  65. 130

    “Wait, I took a “civil service exam”? Funny I don’t remember it.”

    That sounds about right. lol

    “Really? Because I’ve done it several times now.”

    You may have gotten away with it several times now. Sooner or later someone like me will come along and smack you down for it.

    “draft a claim that involves a judicial exception that it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to predict all of the applications of? ”

    Judicial exception? IIRC that’s a law of nature or natural phenomenon. Bilski’s claim was neither. Now if you are asserting that his application of hedging covered all future applications of hedging, then yes, the burden of proof is on you.

    “lulz, mormon. I’m not throwing my vote away on someone unelectable due to their association with a cult founded by a con man.”

    A very successful and profitable cult. He should of got a patent on it! Besides , Mormons are some of the most niece and respectful people I have ever met. And you better hope its Romney or who you gonna vote for? Bachman? She is not smart enough to walk down the street with Obama, on the other hand she could probably do your job.

  66. 129

    “you don’t seem to want to tell me what this has to do with the fact that congress can (and has for some time now) control when courts can allow the introduction of new evidence.”

    There’s a big difference between Congress setting out rules for when Courts should exclude evidence in an ordinary controversy, versus Congress setting out rules for when Courts should exclude evidence in performing Judicial review of the laws, or Executive compliance in enforcing those laws. The latter violates the SoP Doctrine, and the former does not.

    Do you think Congress could draft 101 to grant patents on Applications of ideas of only a certain creed or color of people? Of course that would violate the Constitution. But under your argument, Congress could prevent the Courts from performing Judicial review by placing all authority in the Patent Office. Your position appears to be that, assuming Congressional repeal of 141-146, so long as the PTO refused to grant the patent, the Applicant has no recourse to the Courts, and no Judicial review of the new 101 can occur. Similar, your position would require that, assuming that the BPAI rasied the issue of the Applicants creed or color for the first time in the appeal, then the Applcant cannot introduce new evidence to the Court pertaining to the Constitutionality of that ruling. Of course that is hogwash, and no law passed by Congress to prevent Applicants from introducing such evidence could be Constitutional. Similarly, as an agency of the Executive branch, the PTO must carry out the USC properly, and the Courts must have the ability to review whether they are doing so. Thus, for these same reasons, Congress cannot prevent the Courts from considering new evidence traversing [b]new grounds of rejection raised for the first time by the BPAI[/b]. If you don’t understand that, I don’t know how to make it any more clear to you. If you think I have moved the goalpost by talking about new grounds of rejection raised by the BPAI, refer to my original post.

  67. 128

    ” happened to have read that one and I was less than riveted. I can’t even remember most of it.”

    That would seem to apply to most of what you read.

  68. 126

    “since you took your civil service exam”

    Wait, I took a “civil service exam”? Funny I don’t remember it.

    “”appears” is not a fact. You can’t establish a prima facie case with that kind of language.” ”

    Really? Because I’ve done it several times now.

    “Then you have an idea in the abstract. 6 you do much better as SNERT. When you try and act like you can think ahead you just run around in circles.”

    Snert?

    “Prove it.”

    What’s to prove? That the judge/examiner is an all knowing god? Or that you et al. decided to draft a claim that involves a judicial exception that it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to predict all of the applications of? Because that sht happens all the time and it isn’t really hard to “prove”, the proof is right there in the claim and its construction.

    “vote Romney.”

    Vote Romney? lulz, mormon. I’m not throwing my vote away on someone unelectable due to their association with a cult founded by a con man.

  69. 125

    In other words you have no facts for rebuttal, and therefore tacitly admit you lost the debate on the merits. Typical Maxie, not even calling Mooney in to hold your hand could save you. Now feel free to wax on about other irrelevant sub issues.

    BTW, we actually split the atom.

  70. 124

    “Escaping death by the skin of one’s teeth and badly bloodied is not my idea of a “major victory”. But, to each his own I suppose.”

    Delusional theatrics indeed.

    “You should go have a look at how 101 is being treated in the courts, at the BPAI and the Fed. over at watchdog while it’s the fresh article.”

    Oh the CAFC and the SCOTUS are all that really matters and they have smacked you silly in the last year. Backing up every single argument I beat you over the head with since you took your civil service exam and declared yourself a PE and dared to show up here. Who cares what the BPAI is saying really. A BPAI decision has no force of law and the big Courts handle them gingerly. I know you hope and pray you will make it there one day but today you are just a bill yup you are only bill not even on Capitol Hill…

    “I mean that he lost not because of some twist by the USSC but rather because of the already established law from the BFD trilogy. I think that you agree with that from your comments.”

    No, Bilski lost because the SCOTUS wanted to set an arbitrary limit on the boundaries of processes that stopped short of human communication. However the statute clearly gives Bilski the right to his patent, as did Diehr. But the SCOTUS has the power to interpret the statute and it’s own precedent as it sees fit. So thats the law. The important thing to understand is that they do not think the way you do. Thank God.

    “Hmmm, perhaps so, but they can factually say that it appears that a claim will cover all future applications. And the applicant can readily agree that such is the case.”

    “appears” is not a fact. You can’t establish a prima facie case with that kind of language.”

    “Oh rly? If the claim covers all current applications of an abstract idea etc. then you think that should be a 102 issue? ”

    Well, can you produce the prior art? Smokem if ya got em.

    “What if there are no “current” applications of the abstract idea etc. ”

    Then you have an idea in the abstract. 6 you do much better as SNERT. When you try and act like you can think ahead you just run around in circles.

    “And, finally, let’s just say, that you have an all knowing judge/examiner (or maybe just a regular one which you regard as a god since they are so far above your intelligence) reviewing the case who can factually tell quite easily that the claim would cover all the rest of the applications of the abstract idea that could ever be made, what then?”

    Prove it.

    “101 issue then? Let’s just suppose that such an examiner/judge existed and was looking at your case. What say you, 101 issue?”

    Nothing issues at 101. And if you were the examiner on a case of mine and asking such questions as above, I would just pray that a judge enters the picture as soon as possible, and for God to have mercy on the next inventor that the cruel winds of fate may send your way. That or vote Romney.

  71. 123

    Actual, I do take seriously the advance of science, based on the accumulated evidence. I try always to judge according to the evidence available. I will judge you too, according to the evidence you serve up, in your own words in these columns.

    Now, what exquisite thing was it Mark Twain said about it being better not to say anything?. He would have loved these columns, don’t you think?

    No such thing as “scientific fact” is there? Only measurements, and theories to explain them. To explain reality we have only a “theory for the time being” to serve us until a better theory comes along. I agree with you though, that the more beautiful the theory, the less chance of it being displaced tomorrow by some theory that better fits with the evidence we have gathered and which we are using to test the validity of our “theory for the time being”.

  72. 122

    “As someone who believes we need more socialism for the non-wealthy and less for the wealthy”

    What you really mean is we need more capitalist to freely give or in some cases, be forced to give money to the non wealthy. And if that is going to occur then we have to have strong patent rights. But why anyone would chose to be, and/or remain non-wealthy and less for the wealthy in a capitalist country is beyond me.

    Everyone can be wealthy if the socialist would just get out of the way. And for those that don’t want to be wealthy, don’t complain, and don’t ask the wealthy to take care of you.

  73. 121

    Escaping death by the skin of one’s teeth and badly bloodied is not my idea of a “major victory”. But, to each his own I suppose.

    You should go have a look at how 101 is being treated in the courts, at the BPAI and the Fed. over at watchdog while it’s the fresh article.

    “What does “properly lost” mean?”

    I mean that he lost not because of some twist by the USSC but rather because of the already established law from the BFD trilogy. I think that you agree with that from your comments.

    “No PE, Judge, or anyone on earth can ever factually say that an invention covers all future applications. ”

    Hmmm, perhaps so, but they can factually say that it appears that a claim will cover all future applications. And the applicant can readily agree that such is the case.

    “Thats a fallacy of the worse kind, since such a judgement would require an Examiner to be an all knowing God. ”

    Well, modesty forbids me from making any such claims, but you can look up to me if you wish.

    “But if it covers all current applications and nothing more then its a 102 issue and thats where your analysis belongs. NOT IN 101! ”

    Oh rly? If the claim covers all current applications of an abstract idea etc. then you think that should be a 102 issue? What if there are no “current” applications of the abstract idea etc. (i.e. references disclosing such) and there is only the claim? Would that nullify any possibility that 102 is an issue? Let us presume that in our instance it does.

    And, finally, let’s just say, that you have an all knowing judge/examiner (or maybe just a regular one which you regard as a god since they are so far above your intelligence) reviewing the case who can factually tell quite easily that the claim would cover all the rest of the applications of the abstract idea that could ever be made, what then?

    101 issue then?

    Let’s just suppose that such an examiner/judge existed and was looking at your case. What say you, 101 issue?

  74. 120

    Hey Malcolm, hows the treatment going for the PTSD you suffered after Bilski? Here are four facts to help your recovery…

    * You can’t dissect claims EVER!

    * Pre-emption does not mean dissection EVER!

    * 102 and 103 can’t be mixed with 101 EVER!

    * Useful does no equate to commercial EVER!

    Say hello Anthony Wiener.

  75. 119

    “Actual, you write: “in the 21st century everything is technology”. You cannot be serious”

    Only as serious as Quantum Mechanics but thats the beauty of scientific facts, they exist whether people like you take them serious or not.

  76. 118

    “So then you agree that Bilski, an “actual inventor” did not win and properly lost”

    What does “properly lost” mean? We all know the outcome of the case, and right or wrong, its the law now. But you know my commentary on that case. Bilski was a sacrifice for the greater good. Actual Inventors across the land scored a major victory from SCOTUS Bilski case.

    “Does it matter if it covers all systems for providing heat to all homes present and future and systems for providing heat to homes are the only application of the abstract idea of specifically hedging in that manner?”

    No PE, Judge, or anyone on earth can ever factually say that an invention covers all future applications. Thats a fallacy of the worse kind, since such a judgement would require an Examiner to be an all knowing God. But if it covers all current applications and nothing more then its a 102 issue and thats where your analysis belongs. NOT IN 101!

    You are NOT ALLOWED to dissect Claims and you are NOT ALLOWED to bring Novelty into 101 analysis!

    And if I have anything to say about it you never will be!

  77. 117

    Sorry, I cannot take you seriously (despite having thought about it).

    I went through that process with respect to AI about three or four years ago and arrived at the same conclusion. Easily one of the nuttier patent txxbxgger in the blogging world.

  78. 116

    Since Thomas is a descendant of American slaves, he should be wary of giving too much weight to the thinking of our founding fathers expressed in the constitution

    It’s not quite as subtle as that.

    Since Thomas is a descendant of American slaves, we should all be wary of giving too much weight to any limitations the founders thought our rights had.

    You don’t have to be a descendant of slaves to understand that society changes, and our rights should evolve with it without requiring highly specific constitutional amendments for every social convention that existed 200 years ago.

    Abolishing slavery shouldn’t have needed an amendment either, but it did. Even so, the existence of that amendment is a pathetic excuse to deny other people any of their constitutional rights by negative implication.

  79. 114

    I agree with Malcolm’s post below in this issue. The point that IANAE was trying to raise was subtle, but it simply is this:

    Since Thomas is a descendant of American slaves, he should be wary of giving too much weight to the thinking of our founding fathers expressed in the constitution as that very constitution recognized slavery and involuntary servitude.

    Accepting that that is IANAE’s position, I still think that one can distinguish the FF on slavery from everything else. Their thinking on slavery was ended by a civil war and by two amendments to the constitution.

    But that does not mean the rest of what the FF thought at the time should be rejected for this reason. That kind of thinking is not rational.

    As to Thomas’ position, it was wrong for the reasons stated by Scalia, who himself is a notorious originalist.

    But you must also see what Thomas wrote about the 14th Amendment in the Heller case. He was demonstrably angry that the Supreme Court, by interpretation, threw the privileges and immunites section into the trash can so that the Southern Democrats could impose Jim Crow. Most constitutional scholars today agree with Thomas on this point.

  80. 113

    Actual, you write: “in the 21st century everything is technology”. You cannot be serious. For example, the useful art of entertaining children, by telling them your newly invented stories, in a way that appeals to their imagination, is still part of life, in this century as in every previous one, but has nothing whatsoever to do with “technology”. Sorry, I cannot take you seriously (despite having thought about it).

  81. 112

    Good. Thanks Ned. Given how many business method patents the EPO grants, and upholds after opposition (see below) I personally see no contradiction between the green State Street light and the EPO’s “technical” filter.

    Given how many business method patents the EPO issues, I can well understand the turmoil at SCOTUS, when having to decide on the Bilski claims without recourse to the way the EPO would have done it.

  82. 111

    “The EPO’s “technical” test is well able to cope with 21st century technology, thank you very much. ”

    Not if your “technical test” does not recognize that in the 21st century everything is technology. Which it apparently does not since it you have a test for it. Think about it, Maxie, Think.

  83. 110

    “Similarly, even if Congress removed those provisions 141-1467 allegedly creating jurisdiction for review of BPAI decisions, Applicants who were wrongfully denied patents would be able to ask the Court to intervene, and compel the USPTO to grant the patents. For example, if the BPAI rasies new grounds of rejection, and the Applicant is not given an opportunity to submit evidence traversing that ground of rejection, then there is a strong argument that the Executive branch is not carrying out the laws passed by Congress in accordance with its duty. ”

    When you get there and the court says they have no jurisdiction imma lol.

    “If Congress passed a law restricting the Court’s power to hear the new evidence and compel the issuance of the patent, then that law would violate the separation of powers doctrine, and be unconstitutional”

    Really? Novel idea. I wonder, are the federal rules of evidence similarly unconstitutional?

    “Additionally, I don’t parse the statutory language the same way that you do. There’s more than one way to read it, and you have chosen the one that violates the SoP doctrine.”

    The SoP doctrine eh?

    Well, I will say this, it appears that the congress has been violatin’ on the SoP doctrine for quite awhile now and nobody has said anything.

    But you’re right Broje, there is more than one way to read it. The right way, and the wrong way(s).

    Still, as much as you like this hypothetical play, you don’t seem to want to tell me what this has to do with the fact that congress can (and has for some time now) control when courts can allow the introduction of new evidence.

  84. 109

    “No 6, that’s simply a statement of a business concept. However if it is applied technology then we have a process.”

    So then you agree that Bilski, an “actual inventor” did not win and properly lost?

    “Doesn’t matter if it covers all systems for providing heat to all homes present and future. It’s still passes 101”

    Does it matter if it covers all systems for providing heat to all homes present and future and systems for providing heat to homes are the only application of the abstract idea of specifically hedging in that manner?

  85. 108

    “I think that they could strike 141-146 and that might effectively legislate away the power of SCOTUS to hear (most) patent cases arising in the office. And I also think that they could make the PO the sole arbiter of patentability … they could probably just strike the infringement statutes as well and replace them with statutes that tell people to bring infringement actions over to the office to get sorted out. I’m not sure why you think the constitution would come up in these situations …”

    There is not a law that can Congress can pass that the Judiciary does not have the power to review, nor an Executive refusal to properly administer such laws that the Judiciary does not not have the power to compel. For example, when President Nixon impounded Federal Funds stipulated by Congress to be spent by the Executive branch for certain purposes, the persons having a reasonable expectation of receiving those funds brought suit, and the Judiciary heard the cases and compled the Executive branch to spend the money in the manner Congress had instructed.

    Similarly, even if Congress removed those provisions 141-1467 allegedly creating jurisdiction for review of BPAI decisions, Applicants who were wrongfully denied patents would be able to ask the Court to intervene, and compel the USPTO to grant the patents. For example, if the BPAI rasies new grounds of rejection, and the Applicant is not given an opportunity to submit evidence traversing that ground of rejection, then there is a strong argument that the Executive branch is not carrying out the laws passed by Congress in accordance with its duty.

    If Congress passed a law restricting the Court’s power to hear the new evidence and compel the issuance of the patent, then that law would violate the separation of powers doctrine, and be unconstitutional. Similarly, if the laws that Congress passed to create the avenue by which Applciants can appeal directly to the CAFC or other specific court are found to limit the ability of the Judiciary to hear the new evidence in such circumstances, then those laws must be unconstitutional.

    Of course, there is nothing preventing the Jusdiciary from refusing to hear such cases, or refusing to admit the new evidence. But the Courts certainly have the discretion to rule that they have the power to admit the new evidence and hear the cases, regardless of the statutory language.

    Additionally, I don’t parse the statutory language the same way that you do. There’s more than one way to read it, and you have chosen the one that violates the SoP doctrine.

  86. 107

    Speaking of which:

    When Eric Cantor shut down debt ceiling negotiations last week, it did more than just rekindle fears that the U.S. government might soon default on its debt obligations — it also brought him closer to reaping a small financial windfall from his investment in a mutual fund whose performance is directly affected by debt ceiling brinkmanship.

    Last year the Wall Street Journal reported that Cantor, the No. 2 Republican in the House, had between $1,000 and $15,000 invested in ProShares Trust Ultrashort 20+ Year Treasury EFT. The fund aggressively “shorts” long-term U.S. Treasury bonds, meaning that it performs well when U.S. debt is undesirable.

    PROMOTE THE PROGRESS!

  87. 106

    Max, I think they refer to State Street Bank. That case held that there was no prohibition in the statutes regarding BM. I think the majority in Bilski agreed. Of course, Stevens minority disagreed.

    So the real question is why were the claims in Bilski held unpatentable if they could not simply say BMs are unpatentable?

    The majority of the Fed said there was not MOT. But having just decided that that test was not exclusive, the Supremes punted. They adopted the Radar “declaration,” which essentially is that when Radar can’t explain his decision, he simply declares it and surrounds it with ten pages of legal history.

    We think that the basis for the Supreme’s decision in Bilski was that the balancing of risk is not a technical result. But they didn’t say that. Left open is the possiblity that the claim might be patentable, as in State Street, by requiring the claimed risk calculations be carried out on a computer.

    Circling back, if the basis for their decision was that a business result is not technical, they in truth decided that business methods are not useful within the constitutional ambit of “useful Arts.” But this, in essence, is the position of Stevens and the minority.

    Bilski is a very confusing case. We really do not know what it decided and why.

  88. 105

    First you say: “The non-technical nature of “useful” was established prior to Bilski”

    Then, when challenged, you assure me, just as vehemently, that “there is absolutely nothing that is established”

    “Perhaps” you plead, Ned Heller can come to your rescue. Perhaps. We are both panting in anticipation, and agog with expectation. Ned, are you there today?

  89. 104

    Ned,

    IANAE did no such thing. My god, learn to read, man.

    All he did was point out the absurdity of Thomas’ posotion. How did anything IANAE said suggest Thomas was ignorant of the plight of the black man in this country. I think that says something more about you tahn IANAE. Again, the whole point was that Thomas’ logic was faulty.

  90. 102

    And of course the other one is in the same mess. The only difference is the second was a little less obvious. The Drawings HOOOOOOOOO HUMMMMMMMMMMMM.
    I can’t wait to get started myself!

  91. 100

    Afterthought: AI, visit http://www.bailii.org and download the March 2011 EWCA Decision in Gemstar v Virgin. All about processes of choosing your favourite TV program. Malcolm Mooney might also be interested. But, warning, it does get quite technical.

    I would have provided a link but don’t know how. Too technical for me.

    I would have given you the serial number of the stock trading patent, so you could then read the entire EPO opposition file up to date but, because I learned of the patent number through a colleague, in deference to his client I refrain from giving access to the EPO file to the ten thousand readers of this blog.

  92. 99

    AI, what would you say to it, if I told you there is an important patent case running in the EPO, on a patent that is concurrently in litigation in your country, and which is all about presenting stock trading information on a computer screen. Trading stocks, that is, not curing rubber. None of the multiple Opponents, all competently represented, has suggested that the subject matter lacks technical character. More interestingly, none has suggested that the invention does other than solve an objective technical problem.

    The EPO’s “technical” test is well able to cope with 21st century technology, thank you very much. It’s not me that’s equating “technical” with “the grand old iron age”. That’s you. Is that because you don’t understand, or (more likely) because you don’t want to understand.

    As to mental acts, I hope you go through a “process” of thinking, before you contribute here. So, in both your jurisdiction and mine, some processes are patent-eligible while others are not. My statute forbids mental acts. Yours manifestly does not, but you still ban them anyway.

    As “process” so “useful”.

    I’m patient. But I do expect to see in your jurisdiction, from now on, steady progress into the 21st century of patent law. OK?

  93. 98

    Maxie, as it has been pointed out to you before there is no tech requirement in US Patent Law, rules or regs. Your problem is that you are confusing technology with machines, iron, and steel, from the grand old iron age that gave rise to patents.

    However here in the USA we have moved beyond the iron age to the quantum age and technology takes on a more sophisticated and scientifically valid meaning.

    We now know everything is technology. Even your thoughts are technology. We don’t allow patents on thoughts though as a matter of practical policy but every other application of technology to specific industrial processes pass 101 slam dunk.

    That’s the way it should be in the EPO as well, and will be some day, assuming your country keeps progress with modern physics and the super quantum age.

  94. 97

    No 6, that’s simply a statement of a business concept. However if it is applied technology then we have a process. If its applied technology to a specific industrial process..e.g. maybe to systems for providing heat to homes then we have met 101. Doesn’t matter if it covers all systems for providing heat to all homes present and future. It’s still passes 101. The scope has no bearing.

  95. 96

    Dennis,

    6’s comment above in triplicate – no doubt due to the software bugginess.

    Can we expect any improvements to this?

  96. 95

    MaxDrei,

    I do not think that pleading an argument means that the issue was previously not established. If it were the case that making an argument means that the subject is not established, then there is absolutely nothing that is established, as all law is subject to change.

    Perhaps our friend and historian Ned can cite the case that did eliminate the “technical” requirement in the US jurisprudence…

  97. 94

    Established? Really? From what I remember of the briefing we got in Europe from one of those who actually pleaded the case at the Supreme Court, and from what I remember of the Amicus Briefs, the issue was very much alive as we waited for the SC judges to opine. The authority please, on which you rely, for your “established” assertion.

  98. 92

    “You realize this has nothing to do with either the merit of Hyatt’s claims or his arguments. Isn’t the whole point of going to the district court a chance to present the facts anew? ”

    Traditionally I had been under the impression that everyone was of one mind that the “whole point” of going to the DC was to overcome office bias against one’s claims or to get a wholly new opinion on matters of law without going straight to the CAFC.

  99. 91

    “6, do you think that Congress can legislate away the power of SCOTUS to hear patent cases, and make the Patent Office the sole arbiter of patentability?”

    I think that they could strike 141-146 and that might effectively legislate away the power of SCOTUS to hear (most) patent cases arising in the office. And I also think that they could make the PO the sole arbiter of patentability, indeed it pretty much already is, save in the context of a court proceeding and even then it probably still is pre-issuance. Although, they could probably just strike the infringement statutes as well and replace them with statutes that tell people to bring infringement actions over to the office to get sorted out.

    I’m not sure why you think the constitution would come up in these situations, but if it came to it then sure, they could amend the constitution.

    “but neither Congress nor the Executive Branch can simply grant and seize property without Judical oversight in interpreting and applying the laws that Congress passed for the Executive Branch to enforce.”

    O rly? Why is that?

    Although, what does any of that have to do with the fact that congress can control when courts can allow the introduction of new evidence?

  100. 90

    “6, do you think that Congress can legislate away the power of SCOTUS to hear patent cases, and make the Patent Office the sole arbiter of patentability?”

    I think that they could strike 141-146 and that might effectively legislate away the power of SCOTUS to hear (most) patent cases arising in the office. And I also think that they could make the PO the sole arbiter of patentability, indeed it pretty much already is, save in the context of a court proceeding and even then it probably still is pre-issuance. Although, they could probably just strike the infringement statutes as well and replace them with statutes that tell people to bring infringement actions over to the office to get sorted out.

    I’m not sure why you think the constitution would come up in these situations, but if it came to it then sure, they could amend the constitution.

    “but neither Congress nor the Executive Branch can simply grant and seize property without Judical oversight in interpreting and applying the laws that Congress passed for the Executive Branch to enforce.”

    O rly? Why is that?

    Although, what does any of that have to do with the fact that congress can control when courts can allow the introduction of new evidence?

  101. 89

    “6, do you think that Congress can legislate away the power of SCOTUS to hear patent cases, and make the Patent Office the sole arbiter of patentability?”

    I think that they could strike 141-146 and that might effectively legislate away the power of SCOTUS to hear (most) patent cases arising in the office. And I also think that they could make the PO the sole arbiter of patentability, indeed it pretty much already is, save in the context of a court proceeding and even then it probably still is pre-issuance. Although, they could probably just strike the infringement statutes as well and replace them with statutes that tell people to bring infringement actions over to the office to get sorted out.

    I’m not sure why you think the constitution would come up in these situations, but if it came to it then sure, they could amend the constitution.

    “but neither Congress nor the Executive Branch can simply grant and seize property without Judical oversight in interpreting and applying the laws that Congress passed for the Executive Branch to enforce.”

    O rly? Why is that?

    Although, what does any of that have to do with the fact that congress can control when courts can allow the introduction of new evidence?

  102. 88

    As someone who believes we need more socialism for the non-wealthy and less for the wealthy, I resent that specious connection. Politically I tend to agree with Mooney. He’s just too wrapped up in his insular world of bio-chem to recognize the realities of patents for most people.

  103. 87

    Why?

    You realize this has nothing to do with either the merit of Hyatt’s claims or his arguments. Isn’t the whole point of going to the district court a chance to present the facts anew?

    Regardless of what you believe the applicant should be entitled to, the law currently provides two paths for appeal – one to an appellate court and one to a district court. How else would you interpret the applicable statutes.

  104. 85

    The latter. Of course, there would be an exception for video games depicting the crucifixation of Jxsxs.

    As Scalia points out in his footnote directed to Thomas, Thomas’ interpretation of the First Amendment would permit the state to freely pass all kinds of sweeping laws requiring “minors'” to obtain parental permission before expressing themselves or accessing virtually any kind of speech.

  105. 84

    And I thought the Parent was the one held responsible until the child was no longer considered a minor. Am I missing something here? Or has the court just taken the rights away from the Parents on decisions? Then you may as well not have an age of consent. Give it to the Children. You know what the say about wasted Youth. Don’t waste another minute.

  106. 83

    6, do you think that Congress can legislate away the power of SCOTUS to hear patent cases, and make the Patent Office the sole arbiter of patentability? Maybe Congress could do that via a Constitutional Amendment. But otherwise, Congress can’t simply bypass the Judicial Branch, or empower the Executive Branch to do so. Congress can choose to conditionally cede power in certain cases by statutorily creating causes of action that allow the Judiciary to handle matters, but neither Congress nor the Executive Branch can simply grant and seize property without Judical oversight in interpreting and applying the laws that Congress passed for the Executive Branch to enforce. That is, unless the Judiciary decides to let them.

  107. 82

    Ned, did the law make it illegal for parents to buy violent video games fand give them to their kids, or did it make it illegal to sell violent video games to minors?

  108. 81

    Oh really? A method of hedging risk is an application of science and tech to specific industrial processes? Which industrial process is at play in that situation?

  109. 79

    Taking from me what was mine,…. and then protecting the Thief.
    Then allowing it to continue,and then gifting the next one with full Employment for the same Crime… Seems to me,,, Criminal!
    Policy is not Law! And Crime should not be paid! Imagine if you what I have you would understand the term ONION!

  110. 78

    but racism is something new, and a little surprising here.

    That’s nothing – you should see the full-on face-plant on the other thread where some joker does not understand the difference between ethics and law.

    There’s a real case of danger there – somebody who thinks that the limits of law actually define right and wrong.

  111. 77

    It is the comparison of the Constitution’s “useful arts” with the EPO’s “technical” which explains the SCOTUS dilemma in Bilski.

    Um, no.

    The non-technical nature of “useful” was established prior to Bilski.

  112. 76

    I’m used to the patent prosecutors stumbling when they try to comment on “law,” but racism is something new, and a little surprising here.

  113. 75

    Exactly. The court would have done that instead of granting cert in the first place.

  114. 74

    Take Europe for example. The EPC forbids patents on business methods “as such”. But the EPO is pumping out an ever-heavier stream of “business method patents” as drafters learn how to write so that they fulfill the second of the EPO’s two “technical” litmus tests, the one for non-obviousness. Not all business method subject matter gets through, but much does.

    It is the comparison of the Constitution’s “useful arts” with the EPO’s “technical” which explains the SCOTUS dilemma in Bilski.

  115. 73

    “Well AI, if they’d do that then people won’t have a problem. Somehow I doubt that you’re willing to do that though. ”

    That’s what “people” already do and that’s what all “business methods” are and ever will be, ( with the exception of mere verbal acts).

    If you just accept that then no one would have a problem, except the socialists.

  116. 71

    “Because smart Inventors and their attorney’s would simply direct claims to applications of science and technology to specific industrial processes, ala Diehr. Then what could the court do? ”

    Well AI, if they’d do that then people won’t have a problem. Somehow I doubt that you’re willing to do that though.

  117. 70

    “6 they took this case so they could smack down your pre-emption non sense once and for all. ”

    I lulzed.

    “They will smack you over head hard with fact that Diehr set a limit on pre-emption and it can’t go to the point that it reaches dissection. ”

    Preemption “can’t go to the point of dissection”? I lulzed AI. I lulzed. You should understand by now AI that the preemption doctrine shall we call it, cannot, by its very nature, “go to the point of dissection” not because of some arbitrary limit placed upon it by the judiciary in Diehr.

    Oh and also, I lulzed.

    “And if you still don’t get it by then hopefully the patent reform act will include a clause to make it easy to fire incompetent , scofflaw examiners that wish they were smart enough to be Actual Inventors, especially if they can’t cut it as Actual Attorneys.”

    I lulzed.

  118. 69

    6 they took this case so they could smack down your pre-emption non sense once and for all. They will tell you once again that Diehr controls and Benson and Flook have to be viewed thru the lense of Diehr.

    The Court will explain further that before Diehr, pre-emption had been used without limits, ( especially in Flook) to dissect claims for novelty and obviousness, which are 102, and 103 issues.

    They will smack you over head hard with fact that Diehr set a limit on pre-emption and it can’t go to the point that it reaches dissection.

    And if you still don’t get it by then hopefully the patent reform act will include a clause to make it easy to fire incompetent , scofflaw examiners that wish they were smart enough to be Actual Inventors, especially if they can’t cut it as Actual Attorneys.

  119. 68

    Well, clearly Stevens was and had three on his side. But even if Obama appoints 2 more justices that think as the wise Latina does, that the Court should just say “business methods are not patent eligible”, such a ruling would still fail to eliminate business methods.

    Because smart Inventors and their attorney’s would simply direct claims to applications of science and technology to specific industrial processes, ala Diehr. Then what could the court do?

    There would need to be an amendment to the Constitution itself to take out useful Arts, A.K.A. technology and there is no political will for such an effort.

    So one way or another, business methods are safe for the next 1000 years.

  120. 67

    No, Actual Inventard, he needs to go to jail for not reporting all the cash he and his wife have been hiding from his big business cronies. The rest of the world doesn’t revolve around 101 you know.

  121. 66

    Let’s see all he ever did to you was vote with Scalia to uphold business methods, maintain processes as a separate category of the statute, and reaffirm Diehr as controlling precedent of 101 statutory subject mater, and in effect crush your anti patent wet dreams and sent Steven’s out to pasture.

    and for this you want to put Thomas in Jail ???? Wow… you are a bitter socialist beach aren’t you?

    ” The old road to Pre-emption no longer goes all the way to Dissection. It now stops at the Diehr Claims as a Whole overpass, built in 1981. ”

  122. 65

    Tinla, I think the problem with Thomas’s position is that he conflates the right of parents to control their kids access to expression with the right of the government to control the kids access to expression. The holding of the court here should say nothing about parental rights.

  123. 63

    I agree broje, that would be strange. Fortunately, we won’t have such a strange situation on our hands because it would have been congress that granted that agency such an authority. Note the “as the facts in the case may appear” clause of 145.

  124. 62

    OTOH, the fact that slavery was ever constitutional is an extremely powerful argument against originalism, and it would seem to me that for a black man to be an originalist would require a hilarious degree of mental gymnastics. Actually, that would still hold true if he were white, except that a white person might find such a huge inconsistency easier to sweep under the carpet and/or they may have no trouble with it at all – if they were a bigot!

  125. 60

    “How I long for those good ‘ol days when no one knew what we did and didn’t care, but would pay good money to get it done.”

    In a nutshell this is how patent law became a disaster zone in the 80’s-2000.

  126. 59

    We don’t let parents prevent their girl children from being exposed to education, such as learning to read.

    Clearly, parents do not get to exercise absolute control over the speech to which their chidren are exposed.

  127. 58

    Goodwin’s Law Clerk has been absent from this blog for years.

    Rule #12 has been violated so many times here as to be meaningless.

  128. 57

    Truthiness – I see no “pesky facts” from IANAE, yet (On the contrary, it is IANAE’s world view that is messed up with such pesky facts – his worldview only exists without any of those pesky facts).

    IANAE – Pretty please provide such a real world example rather than your “possibilities” as has been asked of you.

    2nd Request.

  129. 56

    “demonstrating my igornance”

    Internet Rule #12: Whilst attempting to point out another’s ignorance, do not demonstrate your own.

  130. 54

    Rather a bummer that the real world just always gets in the way of the ivory tower theories, isn’t it?

    There are two possibilities here.

    Either you’re right that this big three-dimensional world is way too complicated for a lowly academic such as myself, or you don’t know what words mean and what you call “socialism” is indistinguishable from a capitalist system that somebody has already won.

    Bit odd, though, calling it a “real world application of socialism” when the people in charge are doing the opposite of socialism.

  131. 53

    You’re thinking of capitalism again.

    No, I am not.

    I am thinking of the real world application of Socialism. I am sure that if you disagree you will quickly provide an example of real world socialism that is different than what I indicate, won’t you? Pretty please?

    Rather a bummer that the real world just always gets in the way of the ivory tower theories, isn’t it?

    The truth is just plain messy that way.

  132. 52

    And that would be none (except the socialist leaders, of course).

    You’re thinking of capitalism again.

    Maybe what you have in mind is a sophisticated form of capitalism where a few capitalists have convinced everybody else to be an impoverished socialist.

  133. 51

    Socialists want everybody to have roughly the same amount of money.

    And that would be none (except the socialist leaders, of course).

    Let’s move that half-truth statement to full-truth, shall we?

  134. 50

    It’s okay if anybody else makes money, they just don’t want you to have any.

    Socialists want everybody to have roughly the same amount of money.

    The ones who like money, but want all of yours for themselves, are called “capitalists”. They’re even pretty understanding if you try to hold on to your money, so long as you fail.

  135. 49

    does anyone think that the SCOTUS is trying to interpret 101 to get rid of business method patents? I mean think about it

    Clearly no. Bilski was an apt case for that and included briefing on that point. The Stevens’ “concurrence” spoke at length on this.

    Stevens failed.

    Stop trolling.

  136. 48

    No. Socialist leaning extremists are only against you doing anything commercial, corporate or capitalistic. It’s okay if anybody else makes money, they just don’t want you to have any. Isn’t that sad?

    “words will be interpreted as taking their ordinary, contemporary common meaning”

  137. 47

    Someone appreciates the levity. On a more serious note, does anyone think that the SCOTUS is trying to interpret 101 to get rid of business method patents? I mean think about it . . . we have a new patent bill so the SCOTUS opinion will be suspect on this point, because the statute it is interpreting has a limited number of days remaining. Could this be the SCOTUS taking action to interpret a Constitutional limit on patentable subject matter?

  138. 46

    If you read these threads long enough you will quickly learn that Mooney is basically against anything commercial, corporate, and capitalistic. Like most socialist leaning extremist he has no logical or rational reason for this mind set.

    ” The old road to Pre-emption no longer goes all the way to Dissection. It now stops at the Diehr Claims as a Whole overpass, built in 1981. ”

  139. 45

    Trademark applicants have long be able to appeal a TTAB decision to a District Court, where any and all new and old evidence may be considered, subject to local rules. In addition to the ability to introduce new evidence, at the end, the standard of review may be a factor – preponderance in most District Court proceedings, or having to show error by clear and convincing evidence at CAFC?

    Why have an “alternate” venue by statute in patent cases if you can only ride the appeal railroad out of town as conducted by the PTO? Were you before a panel of ALJs? (NOT!!) Are you as the adversely affected party getting ALL APA protections? Have you ever read a decision where the Commissioner was on the panel and obviously took over the proceedings ? (It happens…. seen it….)… The enabling statute authorizes it !!! (see below)…

    A separate statute that provides independent protection needs to allow independent introduction and review of evidence….

    *****

    35 U.S.C. 6

    (a) ESTABLISHMENT AND COMPOSITION.- There shall be in the United States Patent and Trademark Office a Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences. The Director, the Deputy Commissioner, the Commissioner for Patents, the Commissioner for Trademarks, and the administrative patent judges shall constitute the Board. The administrative patent judges shall be persons of competent legal knowledge and scientific ability who are appointed by the Director.

    (b) DUTIES.- The Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences shall, on written appeal of an applicant, review adverse decisions of examiners upon applications for patents and shall determine priority and patentability of invention in interferences declared under section 135(a). Each appeal and interference shall be heard by at least three members of the Board, who shall be designated by the Director. Only the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences may grant rehearings.

  140. 44

    “It was riveting.”

    I happened to have read that one and I was less than riveted. I can’t even remember most of it.

  141. 43

    Yeah, because the Constitution is a “living document” (*gag*), and it means whatever nine unelected and unaccountable judges say it means based on their own beliefs and politics.
    Because that is far superior to interpreting the document to mean what the men who wrote, debated, and signed it thought it meant and then amending it if that is necessary. Yeah, I guess your approach, which effectively means the constitution has not meaning at all, is better….

  142. 42

    Mooney’s epitaph:“How I long for those good ‘ol days, like yesterday, when no one, including me, knew what I was doing and sure didn’t care, and, because I was spending all my time blogging – demonstrating my igornance and bitter petter partisanship, and h8ted money so much, wouldn’t pay me a dime.”

  143. 41

    Did the Founding Fathers support authority over Mooney so that he would just shuht uhp? i-d-i-yut…

  144. 40

    “How I long for those good ‘ol days when no one knew what we did and didn’t care, but would pay good money to get it done.”

    I think that’s Kenneth Lay’s epitaph.

  145. 39

    Perhaps. However, just from observing the remarks of Barak Obama and Juan Williams, it strikes me that blacks in the US are more conservative on issues of families than the average American. I think Thomas is speaking from the heart as a black man more than a constitutional scholar in this opinion.

    As I said elsewhere, I find fault in the sponsors of this legislation. They are seeking to impose their views of morality on everyone. That to me is repugnant.

  146. 38

    Was there any doubt that Malcolm would feel this way?

    Both victories and being correct are in such short supply that the mere thought of such brings out Malcolm dancing in the proverbial streets.

    That’s rather pathetic.

  147. 37

    And just what exactly would you be celebrating?

    USPTO victory.

    why would a celebration be in order?

    USPTO is correct.

  148. 36

    How I long for those good ‘ol days when no one knew what we did and didn’t care, but would pay good money to get it done.

    There are oh so many things wrong with this sentence.

  149. 33

    I just think drinks are nice way to celebrate. I won’t be offended if someone brings chips and dip.

  150. 32

    He knows very well how slaves were treated. You seem to imply that he does not.

    I think the implication was that Thomas certainly knows how slaves were treated which makes his worshipful stance towards the “beliefs” of the “founding generation” (*gag*) even more bizarre.

    As m0r0nic as Thomas’ dissent is, it’s at least consistent with his vapid, bankrupt interpretive theory for the Constitution. Scalia is the real hypocrite here for forsaking the “strict” approach but that ceased to be surprising a long time ago.

  151. 31

    I guess it goes hand in hand with his explanation of why drinks would be in order if Hyatt loses. If you are not going to answer pertinent questions, you might as well try to change the topic.

  152. 30

    IANAE, on “color,” your statement can be read otherwise.

    Further, you go out of your way to suggest that Thomas is ignorant of the plight of the black man in this country, or that chooses to ignore it. You should read some of his opinions. Read the one, for example, in the Heller Second Amendement case. It was riveting.

  153. 29

    I remember in law school when my colleagues thought how boring patent law must have been. They were going to work in more exciting areas of law like Civil Rights and International Law or Securities Law. Now we have no less than three Supreme Court cases pending on patent law. How I long for those good ‘ol days when no one knew what we did and didn’t care, but would pay good money to get it done.

  154. 27

    “Or is that why he’s so quiet on the bench? You have to admire the man’s commitment to his convictions.”

    OMFG ROFL. IANAE what the f spurred you to make that comment?

  155. 26

    “Is there any historical evidence of what sort of authority the Founders thought they ought to have over a guy like Justice Thomas, and what sorts of freedoms he ought to be able to enjoy?”

    LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL. Good question, maybe Justice Thomas. He’s an expert and seems to differ to them.

  156. 25

    Thomas is a son of slavery. He knows very well how slaves were treated. You seem to imply that he does not.

    You seem to imply that Thomas is not the son of parents, and he doesn’t know how children were treated.

    Incidentally, I don’t think his color has anything to do with whether he has what it takes to be a Supreme Court justice.

  157. 24

    You are right in this contention. You are wrong to bring up slavery when Thomas is a son of slavery. He knows very well how slaves were treated. You seem to imply that he does not.

    I have read enough of Thomas’s opinions to note that he fully recognizes the bigotry and hatred for the black man that once existed and still exists in this country as exhibited by people who would suggest that sons of slavery do not have what it takes to be a Supreme Court justice.

    Now where would I have gotten that idea?

  158. 23

    Speaking of the Supreme Court, did everyone see Justice Thomas’ dissent in Brown v. Merchants Association?

    Threadjack much? lulz.

  159. 21

    What are the going odds that they’ll remand it in view of i4i without an opinion? Because it’s another “deference to the Patent Office” case.

  160. 20

    I do apologize for implying in any way that free speech should be reserved for only those who had a recognized right of free speech back in the day.

    I can’t imagine where I would have gotten such a crazy idea.

  161. 18

    The only real question is whether this is an appeal or whether this is the PTO vs. the applicant where the court decides who is right on both the law and the facts. The record in the PTO is of course introduced, but I would suggest that even without new evidence, the court may decide the facts de novo. Anything else is bogus, as it makes a mockery of the proceeding.

  162. 17

    Section 145 says:
    The court may adjudge that such applicant is entitled to receive a patent for his invention, as specified in any of his claims involved in the decision of the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, as the facts in the case may appear, and such adjudication shall authorize the Director to issue such patent on compliance with the requirements of law.

    Taken literally, this seems to imply that you go to the District Court with the same junk you went to the BPAI with. The “may appear” language makes me think that the facts are not set, but may be reviewed though. And if the facts may be reviewed, why couldn’t new facts be added? And if you can’t add new facts, what’s the purpose of the District court proceeding anyway?

    I don’t have any experience with this, but have always wondered about this avenue over the BPAI.

  163. 15

    Wow – was that the race card?

    No, it was a joker.

    Don’t blame me, I’m only applying Thomas’ own principles of constitutional interpretation. If he doesn’t think he should have more rights than he would have had 200 years ago, I’m not going to argue with him. After all, he’s a pretty authoritative figure when it comes to this sort of thing.

  164. 14

    Malcolm, I would have thought you would have reserved your most damning ire to those moral police who drafted and imposed the law in the first place. These folks, whoever they are, should be put up against the wall and ….

  165. 13

    I think it would be strange for the top court of the judicial branch to grant an agency of the executive branch the authority to make findings of fact to which the judiciary must bend its knee. It would strike me similarly as strange for them to limit the judiciary’s power to consider new evidence traversing new grounds of rejection raised for the first time by the BPAI.

  166. 12

    They amended it to abolish slavery, but since when does that entitle Thomas to freedom of speech?

    Wow – was that the race card?

  167. 11

    Thomas would say that Congress did right thing to fix that problem, which was to amend the Constitution,

    They amended it to abolish slavery, but since when does that entitle Thomas to freedom of speech?

    Or is that why he’s so quiet on the bench? You have to admire the man’s commitment to his convictions.

  168. 10

    Except Thomas would say that Congress did right thing to fix that problem, which was to amend the Constitution, not to engage in activist judicial interpretation of the Constitution that would make Ben Franklin cry.

  169. 9

    You need to understand that Thomas is arguing here about the degree of control that the government can have over the right of “minors” to speak, or the right of minors to access speech. Thomas believes that “the founding generation” (*gag*) did not intend the first amendment to cover minors and so, according to Thomas’ “legal reasoning,” that effectively ends his analysis of whether a law restricting a minor’s right to access speech is Constitutional or not.

    Fyi, Scalia’s reply to Thomas’ dissent did sound very much like a disappointed parent scolding an irresponsible child. That’s happened a couple times before, if I remember correctly. Always amusing.

  170. 8

    The historical evidence shows that the founding generation believed parents had absolute authority over their minor children and expected parents to use that authority to direct the proper development of their children.

    That’s wonderful.

    Is there any historical evidence of what sort of authority the Founders thought they ought to have over a guy like Justice Thomas, and what sorts of freedoms he ought to be able to enjoy?

  171. 7

    Yes, because parents should not have such control over their children.

    Uh?, no wait.

  172. 5

    “n Kappos v. Hyatt, the Supreme Court will decide (1) whether a patent applicant who files a Section 145 civil action has a right to present new evidence to the Federal District Court that could have been (but was not) presented during the proceedings before the USPTO and (2) when new evidence is presented, whether the court may decide the related factual questions de novo and without deference to prior PTO findings. An en banc Federal Circuit previously sided with the applicant, Hyatt, and held that the district court must allow new evidence and that factual conclusions affected by the new evidence must be decided de novo even if previously determined by the PTO. Judge Kimberly Moore penned the en banc opinion after dissenting from the original panel that had arrived at the opposite conclusion. This is Hyatt’s second case at the Supreme Court. He won the first against the State of California who was attempting to tax his receipts from patent licensing awards. Hyatt’s patents are related to computer micro-controller designs and claim a 1975 priority date. ”

    NIIIIIIICE.

    Drinks for me! Are you coming to DC?

  173. 4

    Speaking of the Supreme Court, did everyone see Justice Thomas’ dissent in Brown v. Merchants Association?

    In my view, the “practices and beliefs held by the Founders” reveal another category of excluded speech: speech to minor children bypassing their parents. The historical evidence shows that the founding generation believed parents had absolute authority over their minor children and expected parents to use that authority to direct the proper development of their children. It would be absurd to suggest that such a society understood “the freedom of speech” to include a right to speak to minors (or a corresponding right of minors to access speech) without going through the minors’ parents.

    Please, please, please let’s get this buffoon off the bench and into jail where he belongs.

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