Prosecution Insights
Last updated: April 19, 2026
Application No. 18/269,587

CORROSION INHIBITOR

Final Rejection §103
Filed
Jun 26, 2023
Examiner
KUVAYSKAYA, ANASTASIA ALEKSEYEVNA
Art Unit
1731
Tech Center
1700 — Chemical & Materials Engineering
Assignee
Illinois Tool Works Inc.
OA Round
2 (Final)
70%
Grant Probability
Favorable
3-4
OA Rounds
3y 4m
To Grant
99%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 70% — above average
70%
Career Allow Rate
41 granted / 59 resolved
+4.5% vs TC avg
Strong +39% interview lift
Without
With
+39.1%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 4m
Avg Prosecution
56 currently pending
Career history
115
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
1.4%
-38.6% vs TC avg
§103
55.7%
+15.7% vs TC avg
§102
16.1%
-23.9% vs TC avg
§112
24.9%
-15.1% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 59 resolved cases

Office Action

§103
DETAILED ACTION Response to Amendment In response to the amendment received on 12/10/2025: claims 1-6 and 8-21 are currently pending claims 1, 8 and 12 are amended claim 21 is added previously presented claim objection is withdrawn in light of the amendment to the claim new prior art grounds of rejection applying Moradian, Laura, Pomero, Arafat, Moloney, Walden and Maulad are presented herein Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. The text of those sections of Title 35 U.S. Code not included in this action can be found in a prior Office Action. Claim 1-6, 8-9, 11-13 and 18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Moradian et al. (US 6312509 B1), hereinafter referred to as MORADIAN, in view of Laura et al. (US 4729791 A), hereinafter referred to as LAURA. Regarding claim 1, MORADIAN teaches a corrosion inhibiting composition (Col. 1, lines 48-50: the products of the present invention are extremely resistant to chemical, salt and corrosive environment) comprising: a paraffinic oil present from 5 to 10 total weight percent (Table 1: b) naphthanic and paraffinic oils; and Col. 2, line 57: (b) 0.05 to 20 weight percent; and Col. 4, lines 32-33: naphthanic and paraffinic oil is a mixture containing from about 5 to 95 weight percent of paraffinic oil), thus, MORADIAN teaches 0.0025 to 19 weight percent paraffinic oil; a sulfonated oil present from 15 to 25 total weight percent (Table 1: c) oil-soluble alkali-metal sulfonate; and Col. 2, line 56: (b) 0.02 to 25 weight percent); a paraffin wax present from 1 to 10 total weight percent (Table 1: a) microcrystalline wax; and Col. 2, line 55: (a) 5 to 60 weight percent); at least one solvent present from 50 to 70 total weight percent (Table 1: g) solvent, e.g., mineral spirit; and Col. 2, line 61: (g) 15 to 70 weight percent). MORADIAN teaches ranges which overlap and render obvious the claimed ranges. In the case where the claimed ranges "overlap or lie inside ranges disclosed by the prior art" a prima facie case of obviousness exists. In re Wertheim. See MPEP §2144.05(I). But MORADIAN fails to explicitly teach a polymer present from 1 to 5 total weight percent, the polymer being selected from the group consisting of polyurethanes, polyethylene powder, polyamides, tetrafluoroethylene polyester, and combinations thereof. However, LAURA discloses coating compositions for metals effective to inhibit corrosion (see LAURA at Abstract). LAURA teaches corrosion-inhibiting compositions comprising additives together with the thixotropic over based alkaline earth metal organic sulfonate/alkaline earth metal carbonate complex, the drying oil, and the drier (see LAURA at Col. 12, lines 66-68 – Col. 13, lines 1-3). LAURA also teaches additives components comprising microcrystalline waxes, mineral oil, particularly paraffins, resins (see LAURA at Col. 13, lines 13-18). Additionally, LAURA teaches oil-modified polyurethane resin (see LAURA at Col. 17, lines 63-64), and discloses that resins impart to the coating compositions the property of forming coating on the metals which are firm rather than being soft and greasy; firm coatings being advantageous because they provide additional resistance to the abrasion, dirt pickup, etc. (see LAURA at Col. 5, lines 17-22). LAURA also teaches that the proportions of the resins are variable, but it is preferred that they be used in amounts ranging from about 3 to about 10 wt.% of the corrosion-inhibiting compositions as a whole (see LAURA at Col. 18, lines 2-5). MORADIAN and LAURA both disclose corrosion-inhibiting compositions comprising similar components. According to MPEP § 2144.06(I), "It is prima facie obvious to combine two compositions each of which is taught by the prior art to be useful for the same purpose, in order to form a third composition to be used for the very same purpose.... [T]he idea of combining them flows logically from their having been individually taught in the prior art." In re Kerkhoven, 626 F.2d 846, 850, 205 USPQ 1069, 1072 (CCPA 1980). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the composition of MORADIAN by including the resin such as oil-modified polyurethane resin in amounts ranging from about 3 to about 10 wt.% of the corrosion-inhibiting compositions as a whole as disclosed by LAURA since LAURA explicitly teaches that resins impart to the coating compositions the property of forming coating on the metals which are firm rather than being soft and greasy; firm coatings being advantageous because they provide additional resistance to the abrasion, dirt pickup, etc. (see LAURA at Col. 5, lines 17-22). Regarding claim 2, MORADIAN as modified by LAURA teaches the corrosion inhibiting composition of claim 1 wherein the paraffinic oil is present from 7 to 8 total weight percent (see MORADIAN at Table 1: b) naphthanic and paraffinic oils; and Col. 2, line 57: (b) 0.05 to 20 weight percent; and Col. 4, lines 32-33: naphthanic and paraffinic oil is a mixture containing from about 5 to 95 weight percent of paraffinic oil). Thus, MORADIAN teaches 0.0025 to 19 weight percent paraffinic oil, which overlaps and renders obvious the claimed range. Regarding claim 3, MORADIAN as modified by LAURA teaches the corrosion inhibiting composition of claim 1 wherein the sulfonated oil is present from 21 to 22 total weight percent (see MORADIAN at Table 1: c) oil-soluble alkali-metal sulfonate; and Col. 2, line 56: (b) 0.02 to 25 weight percent). MORADIAN teaches a range which overlaps and renders obvious the claimed range. Regarding claim 4, MORADIAN as modified by LAURA teaches the corrosion inhibiting composition of claim 1 wherein the paraffin wax is present from 4 to 5 total weight percent (see MORADIAN at Table 1: a) microcrystalline wax; and Col. 2, line 55: (a) preferably 5 to 15 weight percent). MORADIAN teaches a range which overlaps and renders obvious the claimed range. Regarding claim 5, MORADIAN as modified by LAURA teaches the corrosion inhibiting composition of claim 1 wherein the polymer is present from 2 to 3 total weight percent (rejection of claim 1 above and LAURA at Col. 18, lines 2-5: in amounts ranging from about 3 to about 10 wt.% of the corrosion-inhibiting compositions as a whole). LAURA teaches 3-10 wt .%, which overlaps and renders obvious the claimed range. Regarding claim 6, MORADIAN as modified by LAURA teaches the corrosion inhibiting composition of claim 1 wherein the paraffin wax is a microcrystalline wax (see MORADIAN at Table 1: a) microcrystalline wax). Regarding claim 8, MORADIAN as modified by LAURA teaches the corrosion inhibiting composition of claim 1 wherein a polyurethane is present as the polymer as one of the polyurethanes (see rejection of cliam1 above and LAURA at Col. 17, lines 63-64: oil-modified polyurethane resins). Regarding claim 9, MORADIAN as modified by LAURA teaches the corrosion inhibiting composition of claim 1 wherein the composition dries as a film after application (see MORADIAN at Col. 7, lines 6-7: the compositions are applied to substrates to achieve a thickness of … dry film thickness). Regarding claim 11, MORADIAN as modified by LAURA teaches the corrosion inhibiting composition of claim 1 wherein the solvent includes an organic solvent (Table 1: g) solvent, e.g., mineral spirit). Regarding claim 12, MORADIAN as modified by LAURA teaches the corrosion inhibiting composition of claim 11 wherein the solvent is present from 50 to 60 total weight percent (see MORADIAN at Table 1: g) solvent, e.g., mineral spirit; and Col. 2, line 61: (g) 15 to 70 weight percent). MORADIAN teaches a range which is within and anticipates the claimed range. Regarding claim 13, MORADIAN as modified by LAURA teaches the corrosion inhibiting composition of claim 11 wherein the organic solvent is mineral spirits (see MORADIAN at Table 1: g) solvent, e.g., mineral spirit). Regarding claim 18, MORADIAN as modified by LAURA teaches the corrosion inhibiting composition of claim 1 further comprising at least one additive present from 0 to 5 total weight percent (see MORADIAN at Table 1: o) UV-resistant pigment; and Col. 3, line 3: (o) 2 to 35 weight percent). Claim 10 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over MORADIAN in view of LAURA as applied to claim 1 above, and further in view of Pomero et al. (FR 2869918 A1) with reference to the provided machine translation, hereinafter referred to as POMERO. Regarding claim 10, MORADIAN as modified by LAURA teaches the corrosion inhibiting composition of claim 1, but fails to explicitly teach wherein the composition is an aerosol. However, POMERO discloses a method for combating lead corrosion by coating the outer surface of lead objects with a paraffin and that this paraffin can be placed in different ways, using melted paraffin or paraffin emulsion or aerosol or paraffin oil or paste induction (see POMERO at paragraph [0004]). POMERO teaches that the paraffin mixture can be vaporized or sprayed onto heavy metal object in the form of aerosols using a pressurized gas, which is very convenient and produces a film of very controlled thickness (see POMERO at paragraph [0007], p. 5). One of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized the potential benefit of applying the composition of MORADIAN by means of spaying in the form of aerosol as disclosed by POMERO since POMERO explicitly teaches that the paraffin mixture can be vaporized or sprayed onto heavy metal object in the form of aerosols using a pressurized gas, which is very convenient and produces a film of very controlled thickness (see POMERO at paragraph [0007], p. 5). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have applied the composition of MORADIAN by means of spaying in the form of aerosol as disclosed by POMERO in order to conveniently produce a film of very controlled thickness. Claims 14-15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over MORADIAN in view of LAURA as applied to claim 1 above, and further in view of Arafat et al. (US 7820076 B2), hereinafter referred to as ARAFAT. Regarding claims 14-15, MORADIAN as modified by LAURA teaches the corrosion inhibiting composition of claim 1, but fails to explicitly teach wherein the at least one solvent includes a glycol ether solvent present from 2 to 4 total weight percent. However, ARAFAT discloses corrosion-inhibiting composition (see ARAFAT at Abstract). ARAFAT teaches compositions comprising from about 20 to 60 parts by weight of at least one oleaginous material e.g. lubricating oil, 10 to 40 parts by weight of at least one organic solvent, 20 to 60 parts by weight of corrosion inhibitors, 0.1 to 2.0 parts by weight of antioxidants, 0.0 to 5.0 parts by weight of water-displacing compounds (see ARAFAT at Col. 3, lines 40-48). ARAFAT also teaches that the water-displacing agents or compounds are added to the mildew and corrosion-resistant composition in amounts ranging from about 0.1 to 5.0 parts; water-displacing agents include the glycols, alkoxyalcohols, aliphatic alcohols such as butanol, ethers, ether alcohols, alkylene glycols such as propylene or ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, 2-butoxethanol, pentanediol, hexylene glycol, glycol ethers, alkylene glycol ethers and mixtures thereof (see ARAFAT at Col. 6, lines 60-67). MORADIAN and ARAFAT both disclose corrosion-inhibiting compositions comprising similar constituents. According to MPEP § 2144.06(I), "It is prima facie obvious to combine two compositions each of which is taught by the prior art to be useful for the same purpose, in order to form a third composition to be used for the very same purpose.... [T]he idea of combining them flows logically from their having been individually taught in the prior art." In re Kerkhoven, 626 F.2d 846, 850, 205 USPQ 1069, 1072 (CCPA 1980). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the composition of MORADIAN by including the 0.1 to 5 parts of water-displacing agent such as glycol ether as disclosed by ARAFAT. The rationale for such modification would have been combining prior art elements according to known methods to yield predictable results. See MPEP §2143(I) (Exemplary rationale (A)). Claims 16-17 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over MORADIAN in view of LAURA as applied to claim 1 above, and further in view of ARAFAT and Moloney et al. (US 10858575 B2), hereinafter referred to as MOLONEY. Regarding claims 16-17, MORADIAN as modified by LAURA teaches the corrosion composition of claim 1, but fails to explicitly teach wherein the at least one solvent includes a propylene glycol butyl ether solvent present from 5 to 6 total weight percent. However, ARAFAT discloses corrosion-inhibiting composition (see ARAFAT at Abstract). ARAFAT teaches that the water-displacing agents or compounds are added to the mildew and corrosion-resistant composition in amounts ranging from about 0.1 to 5.0 parts; water-displacing agents include alkylene glycol ethers (see ARAFAT at Col. 6, lines 60-67). The motivation to have modified the composition of MORADIAN by including the 0.1 to 5 parts of water-displacing agent such as glycol ether as disclosed by ARAFAT was discussed in the rejection of claims 14-15 above. Additionally, MOLONEY discloses compositions useful as corrosion inhibitors (see MOLONEY at Abstract). MOLONEY teaches that the glycol ethers are suitable for reducing the rate of corrosion (see MOLONEY at Col. 2, lines 51-52). Additionally, MOLONEY teaches exemplary glycol ethers including … propylene glycol butyl ether (see MOLONEY at Col. 13, lines 51-63). One of ordinary skill in the art would have anticipated success utilizing propylene glycol butyl ether disclosed by MOLONEY as a solvent in the composition of MORADIAN as modified by ARAFAT based on the teachings of ARAFAT describing that water-displacing agents include alkylene glycol ethers (see ARAFAT at Col. 6, lines 60-67). Therefore, it would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the corrosion inhibiting composition of MORADIAN as modified by ARAFAT by utilizing disclosed by propylene glycol butyl ether disclosed by MOLONEY. The rationale for such modification would have been simple substitution of one known element for another to obtain predictable results. See MPEP §2143(I) (Exemplary rationale (B)). Claims 19-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over MORADIAN in view of LAURA as applied to claim 18 above, and further in view of Walden et al. (Pub. No.: US 20130251589), hereinafter referred to as WALDEN. Regarding claim 19, MORADIAN as modified by LAURA teaches the corrosion inhibiting composition of claim 18, but fails to explicitly teach wherein the at least one additive includes a fragrance present from 0.1 to 1 total weight percent. However, WALDEN discloses a composition for the creation of a protective barrier on a wide variety of materials to prevent the deterioration and degradation caused by exposure to moisture and sun over time (see WALDEN at Abstract). WALDEN also discloses that the composition provided remarkable protection and corrosion resistance, providing 100% corrosion protection and durability (see WALDEN at paragraph 0044]). WALDEN teaches the composition comprising the additives such as dye and fragrance (see WALDEN at paragraph [0027]). WALDEN also teaches a composition comprising wax, glycerol ester, oil mineral spirits and about 1-2% of fragrance (see WALDEN at paragraph [0016]). Additionally, WALDEN teaches fragrances include, but are not limited to, fruit, plant, flower and freshener scents known to those of ordinary skill in the art (see WALDEN at paragraph [0027]). Both MORADIAN’s and WALDEN’s disclosures are form the same field of endeavor and describe the corrosion inhibiting composition. According to MPEP § 2144.06(I), "It is prima facie obvious to combine two compositions each of which is taught by the prior art to be useful for the same purpose, in order to form a third composition to be used for the very same purpose.... [T]he idea of combining them flows logically from their having been individually taught in the prior art." In re Kerkhoven, 626 F.2d 846, 850, 205 USPQ 1069, 1072 (CCPA 1980). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the composition of MORADIAN by including additives, e.g., 1-2% of fragrance as disclosed by WALDEN (see WALDEN at paragraph [0016]). One of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized that addition of fragrance would improve the scent of the composition based on teachings of WALDEN describing that fragrances include, but are not limited to, fruit, plant, flower and freshener scents known to those of ordinary skill in the art (see WALDEN at paragraph [0027]). The rationale for such modification would have been combining prior art elements according to known methods to yield predictable results. See MPEP §2143(I) (Exemplary rationale (A)). Regarding claim 20, MORADIAN as modified by LAURA teaches the corrosion inhibiting composition of claim 18, wherein the at least one additive includes a dye present from 0.01 to 0.05 total weight percent. However, WALDEN discloses a composition for the creation of a protective barrier on a wide variety of materials to prevent the deterioration and degradation caused by exposure to moisture and sun over time (see WALDEN at Abstract). WALDEN also discloses that the composition provided remarkable protection and corrosion resistance, providing 100% corrosion protection and durability (see WALDEN at paragraph 0044]). WALDEN teaches the composition comprising the additives such as dye and fragrance (see WALDEN at paragraph [0027]). WALDEN also teaches a composition comprising wax, glycerol ester, oil mineral spirits and about 0.2-1.5% carbon black dye (see WALDEN at paragraph [0028]). Additionally, WALDEN teaches that in no way is disclosed listing of ranges and specific percentages intended to be exhaustive, as other ranges could be contemplated in additional embodiments of the composition. (see WALDEN at paragraph [0027]). Both MORADIAN’s and WALDEN’s disclosures are form the same field of endeavor and describe the corrosion inhibiting composition. According to MPEP § 2144.06(I), "It is prima facie obvious to combine two compositions each of which is taught by the prior art to be useful for the same purpose, in order to form a third composition to be used for the very same purpose.... [T]he idea of combining them flows logically from their having been individually taught in the prior art." In re Kerkhoven, 626 F.2d 846, 850, 205 USPQ 1069, 1072 (CCPA 1980). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the composition of MORADIAN by including additives, e.g., dye as disclosed by WALDEN (see WALDEN at paragraph [0028]). Furthermore, MPEP states that "[w]here the general conditions of a claim are disclosed in the prior art, it is not inventive to discover the optimum or workable ranges by routine experimentation", and “the normal desire of scientists or artisans to improve upon what is already generally known provides the motivation to determine where in a disclosed set of percentage ranges is the optimum combination of percentages” (see MPEP § 2144.05(II)(A)). Based on teachings of WALDEN describing that in no way is disclosed listing of ranges and specific percentages intended to be exhaustive, as other ranges could be contemplated in additional embodiments of the composition. (see WALDEN at paragraph [0027]), one of ordinary skill in the art would have modified the composition of MORADIAN by including the dye in the composition and by adjusting amount of dye to be within the claimed range. The rationale for such modification would have been combining prior art elements according to known methods to yield predictable results. See MPEP §2143(I) (Exemplary rationale (A)). Claim 21 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over MORADIAN in view of LAURA as applied to claim 8 above, and further in view of Maulad et al. (Synthesis of polyurethane using soybean oil based polyol and characterization of their coating properties, IEEE Xplore, 2011, pages 184-187), hereinafter referred to as MAULAD. Regarding claim 21, MORADIAN as modified by LAURA teaches the corrosion inhibiting composition of claim 8, but fails to explicitly teach wherein the polyurethane is a soya oil modified polyurethane. However, MAULAD discloses that polymeric materials prepared from natural and renewable resources have attracted the attention due to their potential to substitute petrochemical derivatives; and that interest in cheap biodegradable polymeric materials has encouraged the development of such materials from readily available, renewable, inexpensive natural sources such as edible oils (see MAULAD at I. Introduction, left column, first paragraph, p. 184). MAULAD teaches that polymeric coating based on renewable sources such as soybean oil is attractive due to its low cost and biodegradable properties (see MAULAD at Abstract). MAULAD also teaches that the modification of different polyol from soybean oil had been done for polyurethane synthesis application (see MAULAD at Abstract). MPEP §2143(I)(Example Rationale (F)) states: “Known work in one field of endeavor may prompt variations of it for use in either the same field or a different one based on design incentives or other market forces if the variations are predictable to one of ordinary skill in the art.” Thus, one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized the potential benefit of improving the composition of MORADIAN as modified by LAURA by utilizing polyurethane synthesized using soybean oil as disclosed by MAULAD since MAULAD explicitly teaches that polymeric coating based on renewable sources such as soybean oil is attractive due to its low cost and biodegradable properties (see MAULAD at Abstract). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the composition of MORADIAN as modified by LAURA by utilizing polyurethane synthesized using soybean oil as to reap the benefits as disclosed by MAULAD such as lowering cost. Response to Arguments Applicant's arguments filed on 12/10/2025 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. Applicant argues that MORADIAN fails to teach or motivate as to alternatives or variations to the very specific formulation discloses; and that a PHOSITA would not be motivated by MORADIAN alone or in combination with evidence from Keywax to arrive at the instant claimed invention, and that PHOSITA would not be motivated to combine MORADIAN and LAURA to arrive at the instantly claimed invention. See Remarks received on 12/10/2025 spanning paragraphs on pages 7-10. However, the examiner respectfully disagrees for the following reasons. The rejection of claims as being unpatentable over MORADIAN with evidence from Keywax is withdrawn. As was discussed in the rejection of claim 1 above, the new grounds of rejection are based on the combination of MORADIAN and LAURA. It is noted that MORADIAN discloses that component (p), i.e., dispersion of butyl rubber or polyisobutylene in paraffin or microcrystalline wax, e.g., Keywax rubber concentrate, is optionally used in combination with (a) (see MORADIAN at Table 1, (p); and Col. 3, lines 4-5). MORADIAN also discloses that various changes may be made in the process, components and compositions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing its material advantages, the process and products hereinbefore described are merely illustrative of preferred embodiments of the invention (see MORADIAN at Col. 7, lines 16-22). According to MPEP §2123(I): “A reference may be relied upon for all that it would have reasonably suggested to one having ordinary skill in the art, including nonpreferred embodiments. Merck & Co. v. Biocraft Labs., Inc. 874 F.2d 804, 10 USPQ2d 1843 (Fed. Cir. 1989), cert. denied, 493 U.S. 975 (1989).” Thus, based on the disclosure of MORADIAN describing that various changes may be made in the process, one of ordinary skill in the art would have recognized the possibility of modifying the composition of MORADIAN. Furthermore, LAURA’s disclosure that resins such as oil-modified polyurethane resins impart to the coating compositions the property of forming coating on the metals which are firm rather than being soft and greasy; firm coatings being advantageous because they provide additional resistance to the abrasion, dirt pickup, etc. (see LAURA at Col. 5, lines 17-22) provides a motivation to modify the composition disclosed by MORADIAN. In response to Applicant’s argument regarding properties of polyurethane, it is noted that the features upon which Applicant relies (i.e., superior tolerance to oils, greases, exceptional chemical and weather resistance, higher resistance to cuts, tears, and abrasion, etc.) are not recited in the rejected claim. Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Hattori et al. (US 4946503 A) discloses a rust preventive coating composition of the present invention is comprised of asphalt, metallic salt of petroleum sulfonic acid, metallic salt of petrolatum oxide, wax-like material, microwax, metallic salt of lanolin fatty acid, metallic salt of synthetic sulfonic acid, plasticizer, solvent, extender pigment, additive, reforming agent, and inorganic running preventive agent (Col. 1, lines 52-59), wherein the reforming agent of the rust preventive coating composition is rubber such as SBR, EVA, ordinary temperature drying type alkyd resin, polyurethane resin and/or the like; the reforming agent is blended in an amount ranging from 1 to 10 wt% of the total amount of the rust preventive coating composition (Col. 3, lines 48-52). Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a). A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ANASTASIA KUVAYSKAYA whose telephone number is (703)756-5437. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Thursday 7:00am-5:00pm. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Amber Orlando can be reached at 571-270-3149. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /A.A.K./Examiner, Art Unit 1731 /ANTHONY J GREEN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 1731
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Jun 26, 2023
Application Filed
Sep 08, 2025
Non-Final Rejection — §103
Dec 10, 2025
Response Filed
Jan 16, 2026
Final Rejection — §103
Apr 07, 2026
Interview Requested

Precedent Cases

Applications granted by this same examiner with similar technology

Patent 12590030
METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUBGRADE UTILITY VAULTS, LIDS AND TRENCHES USING RECYCLED POLYSTYRENE
2y 5m to grant Granted Mar 31, 2026
Patent 12577161
DRY MORTAR, IN PARTICULAR CEMENTITIOUS TILE ADHESIVE
2y 5m to grant Granted Mar 17, 2026
Patent 12570884
BONDED ABRASIVE AND METHODS OF FORMING SAME
2y 5m to grant Granted Mar 10, 2026
Patent 12570575
BENEFICIATION OF METAL SLAGS FOR USE AS CEMENT MATERIAL
2y 5m to grant Granted Mar 10, 2026
Patent 12565449
ULTRA-HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETES WITH HIGH EARLY STRENGTH
2y 5m to grant Granted Mar 03, 2026
Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

AI Strategy Recommendation

Get an AI-powered prosecution strategy using examiner precedents, rejection analysis, and claim mapping.
Powered by AI — typically takes 5-10 seconds

Prosecution Projections

3-4
Expected OA Rounds
70%
Grant Probability
99%
With Interview (+39.1%)
3y 4m
Median Time to Grant
Moderate
PTA Risk
Based on 59 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allow rate.

Sign in with your work email

Enter your email to receive a magic link. No password needed.

Personal email addresses (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) are not accepted.

Free tier: 3 strategy analyses per month