Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Election/Restrictions
Applicant's election with traverse of group ! in the reply filed on 12/19/2025 is acknowledged. The traversal is on the ground(s) that the response traverses the teachings of Zheng are different. This is not found persuasive because Mittmann (US20050136395).teaches nucleic acids encompassed by the claims
Claims 8-13 withdrawn from further consideration pursuant to 37 CFR 1.142(b), as being drawn to a nonelected invention, there being no allowable generic or linking claim. Applicant timely traversed the restriction (election) requirement in the reply filed on 12/19/2025.
Priority
The instant application was filed 06/12/2024 and claims priority from provisional application 63507596 , filed 06/12/2022.
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 7/31/2023 is being considered by the examiner.
The listing of references in the specification is not a proper information disclosure statement. 37 CFR 1.98(b) requires a list of all patents, publications, or other information submitted for consideration by the Office, and MPEP § 609.04(a) states, "the list may not be incorporated into the specification but must be submitted in a separate paper." Therefore, unless the references have been cited by the examiner on form PTO-892, they have not been considered.
Nucleotide and/or Amino Acid Sequence Disclosures
Specific deficiency - Sequences appearing in the drawings are not identified by sequence identifiers in accordance with 37 CFR 1.831(c) (figure 4A, 4B, 5A and 6A.). Sequence identifiers for sequences (i.e., “SEQ ID NO:X” or the like) must appear either in the drawings or in the Brief Description of the Drawings.
Required response – Applicant must provide:
Amended drawings in accordance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) inserting the required sequence identifiers;
AND/OR
A substitute specification in compliance with 37 CFR 1.52, 1.121(b)(3), and 1.125 inserting the required sequence identifiers (i.e., “SEQ ID NO:X” or the like) into the Brief Description of the Drawings, consisting of:
• A copy of the previously-submitted specification, with deletions shown with strikethrough or brackets and insertions shown with underlining (marked-up version);
• A copy of the amended specification without markings (clean version); and
• A statement that the substitute specification contains no new matter.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of 35 U.S.C. 112(a):
(a) IN GENERAL.—The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor or joint inventor of carrying out the invention.
The following is a quotation of the first paragraph of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112:
The specification shall contain a written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains, or with which it is most nearly connected, to make and use the same, and shall set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention.
Claims 1-7 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), first paragraph, as failing to comply with the written description requirement. The claim(s) contains subject matter which was not described in the specification in such a way as to reasonably convey to one skilled in the relevant art that the inventor or a joint inventor, or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the inventor(s), at the time the application was filed, had possession of the claimed invention.
As set forth in In re Alonso 88 USPQ2d 1849 (Fed. Cir. 2008), at 1851:
The written description requirement of 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶ 1, is straightforward: “The specification shall contain a written description of the invention ….” To satisfy this requirement, the specification must describe the invention in sufficient detail so “that one skilled in the art can clearly conclude that the inventor invented the claimed invention as of the filing date sought.” Lockwood v. Am. Airlines, Inc., 107 F.3d 1565, 1572 [41 USPQ2d 1961] (Fed. Cir. 1997); see also LizardTech, Inc. v. Earth Res. Mapping, Inc., 424 F.3d 1336, 1345 [76 USPQ2d 1724] (Fed. Cir. 2005); Eiselstein v. Frank, 52 F.3d 1035, 1039 [34 USPQ2d 1467] (Fed. Cir. 1995).
Alonso at 1852:
A genus can be described by disclosing: (1) a representative number of species in that genus; or (2) its “relevant identifying characteristics,” such as “complete or partial structure, other physical and/or chemical properties, functional characteristics when coupled with a known or disclosed correlation between function and structure, or some combination of such characteristics.” Enzo, 323 F.3d at 964.
In applying the test as set forth in Alonso, it is noted that applicant is claiming A deoxyribozyme containing or consisting of nucleotide sequence: 5'-XIX2X3AX4X5-R' -X6X7X8X9X10-bp 1-helix 1-R2-helix2-bp2-X" TGACX12TGGGAX13-helix3 -X14-R3-3' (SEQ ID NO. 1) wherein X1 is G or T; X2 is G or T; X3 is A or C; X4 is G or T; X5 is A or T; X6 is G or T or A; X7 is A or C or G or T; X8 is A or G or T; X9 is T or C or A or G; X10 is A or T or G; X" is G or A; X12 is T or C or G; X13 is T or G or C; X14 is G or A or C or T; R1 represents a nucleotide sequence containing 3 to 30 nucleotides; R2 represents a nucleotide sequence containing 3 to 30 nucleotides; R3 represents a nucleotide sequence containing 0 to 30 nucleotides; bpl and bp2 are nucleotides selected from G, A, C, T, which together form a base pair; helix1, helix2, and helix3 each independently denotes a nucleotide sequence preferably containing 4 or more nucleotides, wherein helix1, helix2, and helix3 together form a triple helical structure.
The specification pages 5-6 teaches, “The invention thus provides a deoxyribozyme that phosphorylates itself in the presence of a phosphate group-containing substrate, such as phosphate-stabilized 1,2-dioxetane substrates, to generate an optical signal. By "deoxyribozyme", it is meant a DNA oligonucleotide which catalyzes a chemical reaction. This meaning includes DNA oligonucleotides with chemical modifications. Deoxyribozymes of the present invention were developed with the aid of a method of artificial evolution called in vitro selection. Catalytic oligonucleotides isolated using in vitro selection typically contain a catalytic core, usually consisting of stems formed by A-T, T-A, G-C, and C-G base pairs, interspersed with sequence elements not required for function.”
Thus the claims broadly encompass any deoxyribozyme", it is meant a DNA oligonucleotide which catalyzes a chemical reaction.. The claims encompass any X1 is G or T; X2 is G or T; X3 is A or C; X4 is G or T; X5 is A or T; X6 is G or T or A; X7 is A or C or G or T; X8 is A or G or T; X9 is T or C or A or G; X10 is A or T or G; X" is G or A; X12 is T or C or G; X13 is T or G or C; X14 is G or A or C or TR1 represents a nucleotide sequence containing 3 to 30 nucleotides; R2 represents a nucleotide sequence containing 3 to 30 nucleotides; R3 represents a nucleotide sequence containing 0 to 30 nucleotides; bpl and bp2 are nucleotides selected from G, A, C, T, which together form a base pair; helix1, helix2, and helix3 each independently denotes a nucleotide sequence preferably containing 4 or more nucleotides, wherein helix1, helix2, and helix3 together form a triple helical structure. This is an enormous genus as it encompasses any deoxyribozyme that is consistent with the formula. However the sequence listing provides for SEQ ID NO 1:
nnnannnnnn nnnnnnnntg acntgggann nn
Further the claims encompass any thing which can be considered R1 of 3 to 30 nucleotides, R2 of 3 to 30 nucleotides, R3 can be 0 to 30 nucleotides, Further the claims encompass anything which can be considered wherein helix1, helix2, and helix3 together form a triple helical structure by any standard. Further the claims require the functional requirement ; bpl and bp2 are nucleotides selected from G, A, C, T, which together form a base pair with anything. Thus the claims encompass any enormous genus of species with functional outcomes. Further it encompasses anything which can be considered as triple helical structure as it does not appear to be defined by the claims or specification
Claim 2 draws the invention to The deoxyribozyme according to claim 1, containing or consisting of nucleotide sequence: 5'-XIX2X3AX4X5-R' -X6X7X8X9X10-bp 1-helix 1-R2-helix2-bp2-X" TGACX12TGGGAX13-helix3 -X14-R3-3' (SEQ ID NO. 1) whereinX' is G; X2 is G; X3 is A or C; X4 is G; X5 is A or T; X6 is G; X7 is A; X8 is A; X9 is T or C; X'0 is A; X" is G; X12 is T or C; X13 is T; X'4 is G or A or C or T; and wherein one or more, preferably one or two, of X'-X'4 are replaced by the following nucleotides: X' = T; X2 = T; X4 = T; X6 = T or A;X7=CorGorT;X8=GorT;X9=AorG; T or G; X" G or C.
However the sequence listing provides for SEQ ID NO 1:
nnnannnnnn nnnnnnnntg acntgggann nn
This encompasses an enormous genus as well
Claim 3 is drawn to the deoxyribozyme according to claim 1, containing or consisting of nucleotide sequence: 5' -GGX3AGX5-R' -GAAX9A-bp 1-helix 1-R2-helix2-bp2-GTGACX12TGGGAT-helix3 -X'4-R3-3' (SEQ ID NO. 2) wherein X3 is A or C; X5 is A or T; X9 is T or C; X12 is T or C; X'4 is G or A or C or T
However, SEQ ID NO 2 of the sequence listing recites:
ggnagnngaa nannnnngtg acntgggatn nn
This encompasses an enormous genus as well.
Claim 4 is drawn to : The deoxyribozyme according to claim 1, containing or consisting of nucleotide sequence: 5' -GGAAGA-R' -GAATA-bp 1-helix 1-R2-helix2-bp2-GTGACT TGGGAT-helix3 -G-R3-3' (SEQ ID NO. 3), wherein R' represents a nucleotide sequence containing 3 to 30 nucleotides; R2 represents a nucleotide sequence containing 3 to 30 nucleotides; R3 represents a nucleotide sequence containing 0 to 30 bp1 and bp2 are nucleotides selected from G, A, C, T, which together form a base pair; helix 1, helix2, and helix3 each independently denotes a nucleotide sequence preferably containing 4 or more nucleotides, wherein helix 1, helix2, and helix3 together form a triple helical structure. Further it encompasses anything which can be considered as triple helical structure as it does not appear to be defined by the claims or specification
However, the sequence listing provides
SEQ ID NO 3 as ggaagangaa tannnnngtg acttgggatn gn
This encompasses an enormous genus as well.
Claim 6 depends from claim 1 and requires wherein helix1, helix2, helix3 is CCCC, GGGG, GGGG; or CCCT, AGGG, GGGT; or CTCC, GGAG, GAGG; or CCCT, AGGG, GGGA.. Thus the claim appears to encompass any combination of the recited nucleotide sequences.
Claim 7 recites, “containing or consisting of a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO. 20, SEQ ID NO. 21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO. 23, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:29, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO:35, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO:37, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:41, SEQ ID NO:42. SEQ ID NO:43, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO:45, SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:47, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:49, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO:51, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:53, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO:55, SEQ ID NO:56, SEQ ID NO:57, SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO:59, SEQ ID NO:60, SEQ ID NO:61, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO:63, SEQ ID NO:64, SEQ ID NO:66, SEQ ID NO:67, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO:69, SEQ ID NO:70, SEQ ID NO:71, SEQ ID NO:72, SEQ ID NO:73, SEQ ID NO:76, SEQ ID NO:77, SEQ ID NO:78, SEQ ID NO:79, SEQ ID NO:80, SEQ ID NO:81, SEQ ID NO:82, SEQ ID NO:84, SEQ ID NO:92, SEQ ID NO:93, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO:95, SEQ ID NO:96, SEQ ID NO:97, SEQ ID NO:98, SEQ ID NO:100, SEQ ID NO:101, SEQ ID NO:102, SEQ ID NO:108, SEQ ID NO:109, SEQ ID NO:110, SEQ ID NO:111, SEQ ID NO:113, SEQ ID NO:114, SEQ ID NO:115, SEQ ID NO:118, SEQ ID NO:119, SEQ ID NO:120, SEQ ID NO:121, SEQ ID NO:122, SEQ ID NO:123, SEQ ID NO:124, SEQ ID NO:125, SEQ ID NO:126, SEQ ID NO:127, SEQ ID NO:128, SEQ ID NO:129, SEQ ID NO:130, SEQ ID NO:131, SEQ ID NO. 132, SEQ ID NO:133, SEQ ID NO:134, SEQ ID NO:136, SEQ ID NO:143, SEQ ID NO:144, SEQ ID NO:145, SEQ ID NO:146, SEQ ID NO:148, SEQ ID NO:149, SEQ ID NO:152, SEQ ID NO:153, SEQ ID NO:154, SEQ ID NO:155, SEQ ID NO:156, SEQ ID NO:157, SEQ ID NO:158, SEQ ID NO:159, SEQ ID NO:160, SEQ ID NO:161, SEQ ID NO:162, SEQ ID NO:163, SEQ ID NO:164, SEQ ID NO:167, SEQ ID NO:168, SEQ ID NO:169, SEQ ID NO:170, SEQ ID NO:171, SEQ ID NO:172, SEQ IDNO:173, SEQ ID NO:174, SEQ ID NO:175, SEQ ID NO:176, SEQ ID NO:177, SEQ IDNO:178, SEQ ID NO:179, SEQ ID NO:180, SEQ ID NO:181, SEQ ID NO:182, SEQ IDNO:183, SEQ ID NO:184, SEQ ID NO:185, SEQ ID NO:186, SEQ ID NO:187, SEQ IDNO:188, SEQ ID NO:189, SEQ IDNO:190, SEQ ID NO:191, SEQ ID NO:192, SEQ IDNO:193, SEQ ID NO:194, SEQ ID NO:195, SEQ ID NO:196, SEQ ID NO:197, SEQ IDNO:198, SEQ ID NO:199, SEQ ID NO:200, SEQ ID NO:201, SEQ ID NO:202, SEQ ID NO:203, SEQ ID NO:204, SEQ ID NO:205, SEQ ID NO:206, SEQ ID NO:207, SEQ IDNO:208, SEQ ID NO:209, SEQ ID NO:210, SEQ ID NO:211, SEQ ID NO:212, SEQ IDNO:213, SEQ ID NO:214, SEQ ID NO:215, SEQ ID NO:216, SEQ ID NO:217, SEQ IDNO:218, SEQ ID NO:219, SEQ ID NO:220, SEQ ID NO:221, SEQ ID NO:222, SEQ ID NO:223, SEQ ID NO:224, SEQ ID NO:225, SEQ ID NO:226, SEQ ID NO:227, SEQ IDNO:228, SEQ ID NO:229, SEQ ID NO:230, SEQ ID NO:231, SEQ ID NO:233, SEQ ID NO:235, SEQ ID NO:237, and SEQ ID NO:239. While these recite an large genus it is unclear how they relate to the formula provided in claim 1.
Thus while the claims encompass an enormous genus of nucleotide sequences encompassed by the formula of claim 1, however the claims and specification in view of the sequence listing do not provide a representative number of species of the genus encompassed by the formula set forth in claims 1-6. Thus the claims lack adequate written description.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claims 1-7 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
Claim 1 is drawn to a deoxyribozyme containing or consisting of nucleotide sequence: 5'-XIX2X3AX4X5-R' -X6X7X8X9X10-bp 1-helix 1-R2-helix2-bp2-X" TGACX12TGGGAX13-helix3 -X14-R3-3' (SEQ ID NO. 1) wherein X1 is G or T; X2 is G or T; X3 is A or C; X4 is G or T; X5 is A or T; X6 is G or T or A; X7 is A or C or G or T; X8 is A or G or T; X9 is T or C or A or G; X10 is A or T or G; X" is G or A; X12 is T or C or G; X13 is T or G or C; X14 is G or A or C or T; R1 represents a nucleotide sequence containing 3 to 30 nucleotides; R2 represents a nucleotide sequence containing 3 to 30 nucleotides; R3 represents a nucleotide sequence containing 0 to 30 nucleotides; bpl and bp2 are nucleotides selected from G, A, C, T, which together form a base pair; helix1, helix2, and helix3 each independently denotes a nucleotide sequence preferably containing 4 or more nucleotides, wherein helix1, helix2, and helix3 together form a triple helical structure.” The sequencing listing provides:
<120> Deoxyribozymes generating chemiluminescent signals
<130> P
<140> US 18/275,046
<141> 2023-07-31
<160> 242
<170> PatentIn version 3.5
<210> 1
<211> 32
<212> DNA
<213> artificial
<220>
<223> general sequence of deoxyribozyme
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (1)..(1)
<223> G or T
<220>
<221> misc_feature
<222> (1)..(3)
<223> n is a, c, g, t or u
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (2)..(2)
<223> G or T
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (3)..(3)
<223> A or C
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (5)..(5)
<223> G or T
<220>
<221> misc_feature
<222> (5)..(18)
<223> n is a, c, g, t or u
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (6)..(6)
<223> A or T
<220>
<221> unsure
<222> (7)..(7)
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (8)..(8)
<223> G or T or A
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (9)..(9)
<223> A or C or G or T
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (10)..(10)
<223> A or G or T
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (11)..(11)
<223> T or C or A or G
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (12)..(12)
<223> A or T or G
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (13)..(13)
<223> A or T or G or C
<220>
<221> unsure
<222> (14)..(14)
<223> helix
<220>
<221> unsure
<222> (15)..(15)
<220>
<221> unsure
<222> (16)..(16)
<223> helix
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (17)..(17)
<223> T or A or C or G
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (18)..(18)
<223> G or A
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (23)..(23)
<223> T or C or G
<220>
<221> misc_feature
<222> (23)..(23)
<223> n is a, c, g, t or u
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (29)..(29)
<223> T or G or C
<220>
<221> misc_feature
<222> (29)..(32)
<223> n is a, c, g, t or u
<220>
<221> unsure
<222> (30)..(30)
<223> helix
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (31)..(31)
<223> G or A or C or T
<220>
<221> unsure
<222> (32)..(32)
<400> 1
nnnannnnnn nnnnnnnntg acntgggann nn 32
Thus the metes and bounds are unclear what is required of the claim as the formula of claim 1 is different that the SEQ ID NO 1. Further it is noted the sequence rules require
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452
623
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Further the claim recites, “bpl and bp2 are nucleotides selected from G, A, C, T, which together form a base pair.” The metes and bounds are unclear what “which together form a base pair” requires or encompasses. It is unclear what is basepairing and/or what it is base pairing to.
Claim 1 recites, “helix1, helix2, and helix3 each independently denotes a nucleotide sequence preferably containing 4 or more nucleotides, wherein helix1, helix2, and helix3 together form a triple helical structure.” The metes and bounds are unclear what “independent denotes” requires as it is not an art accepted term. Further it appears to be a relative term. Further it is unclear how or what is required of helix1, helix2, and helix3. Further it is unclear what is required of a triple helical structure as it does not appear to be defined by the claims or specification
Regarding claim1 , the phrase "preferably" renders the claim indefinite because it is unclear whether the limitations following the phrase are part of the claimed invention. See MPEP § 2173.05(d).
Claim 2 draws the invention to The deoxyribozyme according to claim 1, containing or consisting of nucleotide sequence: 5'-XIX2X3AX4X5-R' -X6X7X8X9X10-bp 1-helix 1-R2-helix2-bp2-X" TGACX12TGGGAX13-helix3 -X14-R3-3' (SEQ ID NO. 1) whereinX' is G; X2 is G; X3 is A or C; X4 is G; X5 is A or T; X6 is G; X7 is A; X8 is A; X9 is T or C; X'0 is A; X" is G; X12 is T or C; X13 is T; X'4 is G or A or C or T; and wherein one or more, preferably one or two, of X'-X'4 are replaced by the following nucleotides: X' = T; X2 = T; X4 = T; X6 = T or A;X7=CorGorT;X8=GorT;X9=AorG; T or G; X" G or C.
However the sequence listing provides for SEQ ID NO 1:
nnnannnnnn nnnnnnnntg acntgggann nn
<120> Deoxyribozymes generating chemiluminescent signals
<130> P
<140> US 18/275,046
<141> 2023-07-31
<160> 242
<170> PatentIn version 3.5
<210> 1
<211> 32
<212> DNA
<213> artificial
<220>
<223> general sequence of deoxyribozyme
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (1)..(1)
<223> G or T
<220>
<221> misc_feature
<222> (1)..(3)
<223> n is a, c, g, t or u
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (2)..(2)
<223> G or T
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (3)..(3)
<223> A or C
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (5)..(5)
<223> G or T
<220>
<221> misc_feature
<222> (5)..(18)
<223> n is a, c, g, t or u
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (6)..(6)
<223> A or T
<220>
<221> unsure
<222> (7)..(7)
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (8)..(8)
<223> G or T or A
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (9)..(9)
<223> A or C or G or T
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (10)..(10)
<223> A or G or T
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (11)..(11)
<223> T or C or A or G
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (12)..(12)
<223> A or T or G
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (13)..(13)
<223> A or T or G or C
<220>
<221> unsure
<222> (14)..(14)
<223> helix
<220>
<221> unsure
<222> (15)..(15)
<220>
<221> unsure
<222> (16)..(16)
<223> helix
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (17)..(17)
<223> T or A or C or G
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (18)..(18)
<223> G or A
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (23)..(23)
<223> T or C or G
<220>
<221> misc_feature
<222> (23)..(23)
<223> n is a, c, g, t or u
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (29)..(29)
<223> T or G or C
<220>
<221> misc_feature
<222> (29)..(32)
<223> n is a, c, g, t or u
<220>
<221> unsure
<222> (30)..(30)
<223> helix
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (31)..(31)
<223> G or A or C or T
<220>
<221> unsure
<222> (32)..(32)
<400> 1
nnnannnnnn nnnnnnnntg acntgggann nn 32
Thus the metes and bounds are unclear what is required of the claim as the formula of claim 2 is different that the SEQ ID NO 1. Further it is noted the sequence rules require
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452
623
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Greyscale
Regarding claim 2 , the phrase "preferably" renders the claim indefinite because it is unclear whether the limitations following the phrase are part of the claimed invention. See MPEP § 2173.05(d).
Claim 3 is drawn to the deoxyribozyme according to claim 1, containing or consisting of nucleotide sequence: 5' -GGX3AGX5-R' -GAAX9A-bp 1-helix 1-R2-helix2-bp2-GTGACX12TGGGAT-helix3 -X'4-R3-3' (SEQ ID NO. 2) wherein X3 is A or C; X5 is A or T; X9 is T or C; X12 is T or C; X'4 is G or A or C or T
However, SEQ ID NO 2 of the sequence listing recites:
<210> 2
<211> 32
<212> DNA
<213> artificial
<220>
<223> general sequence of deoxyribozyme
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (3)..(3)
<223> A or C
<220>
<221> misc_feature
<222> (3)..(3)
<223> n is a, c, g, t or u
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (6)..(6)
<223> A or T
<220>
<221> misc_feature
<222> (6)..(7)
<223> n is a, c, g, t or u
<220>
<221> unsure
<222> (7)..(7)
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (11)..(11)
<223> T or C
<220>
<221> misc_feature
<222> (11)..(11)
<223> n is a, c, g, t or u
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (13)..(13)
<223> A or T or G or C
<220>
<221> misc_feature
<222> (13)..(17)
<223> n is a, c, g, t or u
<220>
<221> unsure
<222> (14)..(14)
<223> helix
<220>
<221> unsure
<222> (15)..(15)
<220>
<221> unsure
<222> (16)..(16)
<223> helix
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (17)..(17)
<223> T or A or C or G
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (23)..(23)
<223> T or C
<220>
<221> misc_feature
<222> (23)..(23)
<223> n is a, c, g, t or u
<220>
<221> unsure
<222> (30)..(30)
<223> helix
<220>
<221> misc_feature
<222> (30)..(32)
<223> n is a, c, g, t or u
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (31)..(31)
<223> G or A or C or T
<220>
<221> unsure
<222> (32)..(32)
<400> 2
ggnagnngaa nannnnngtg acntgggatn nn 32
Thus the metes and bounds are unclear what is required of the claim as the formula of claim 3 is different that the SEQ ID NO 2. Further it is noted the sequence rules require
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452
623
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Regarding claim 2 , the phrase "preferably" renders the claim indefinite because it is unclear whether the limitations following the phrase are part of the claimed invention. See MPEP § 2173.05(d).
Claim 4 is drawn to, “The deoxyribozyme according to claim 1, containing or consisting of nucleotide sequence: 5' -GGAAGA-R' -GAATA-bp 1-helix 1-R2-helix2-bp2-GTGACT TGGGAT-helix3 -G-R3-3' (SEQ ID NO. 3), wherein R' represents a nucleotide sequence containing 3 to 30 nucleotides; R2 represents a nucleotide sequence containing 3 to 30 nucleotides; R3 represents a nucleotide sequence containing 0 to 30 bp1 and bp2 are nucleotides selected from G, A, C, T, which together form a base pair; helix 1, helix2, and helix3 each independently denotes a nucleotide sequence preferably containing 4 or more nucleotides, wherein helix 1, helix2, and helix3 together form a triple helical structure.” SEQ ID NO 3 of the sequence listing recites,:
<210> 3
<211> 32
<212> DNA
<213> artificial
<220>
<223> general sequence of deoxyribozyme
<220>
<221> unsure
<222> (7)..(7)
<220>
<221> misc_feature
<222> (7)..(7)
<223> n is a, c, g, t or u
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (13)..(13)
<223> A or T or G or C
<220>
<221> misc_feature
<222> (13)..(17)
<223> n is a, c, g, t or u
<220>
<221> unsure
<222> (14)..(14)
<223> helix
<220>
<221> unsure
<222> (15)..(15)
<220>
<221> unsure
<222> (16)..(16)
<223> helix
<220>
<221> variation
<222> (17)..(17)
<223> T or A or C or G
<220>
<221> unsure
<222> (30)..(30)
<223> helix
<220>
<221> misc_feature
<222> (30)..(30)
<223> n is a, c, g, t or u
<220>
<221> unsure
<222> (32)..(32)
<220>
<221> misc_feature
<222> (32)..(32)
<223> n is a, c, g, t or u
<400> 3
ggaagangaa tannnnngtg acttgggatn gn 32
Thus the metes and bounds are unclear what is required of the claim as the formula of claim 4 is different that the SEQ ID NO 3. Further it is noted the sequence rules require
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Further the claim recites, “bpl and bp2 are nucleotides selected from G, A, C, T, which together form a base pair.” The metes and bounds are unclear what “which together form a base pair” requires or encompasses. It is unclear what is bae pairing and/or what it is base pairing to.
Claim 4 recites, “helix1, helix2, and helix3 each independently denotes a nucleotide sequence preferably containing 4 or more nucleotides, wherein helix1, helix2, and helix3 together form a triple helical structure.” The metes and bounds are unclear what “independent denotes” requires as it is not an art accepted term. Further it appears to be a relative term. Further it is unclear how or what is required of helix1, helix2, and helix3. Further it is unclear what is required of a triple helical structure as it does not appear to be defined by the claims or specification.
Regarding claim 4 , the phrase "preferably" renders the claim indefinite because it is unclear whether the limitations following the phrase are part of the claimed invention. See MPEP § 2173.05(d).
Claim 6 recites, “The deoxyribozyme according to claim 1, wherein helix1, helix2, helix3 is CCCC, GGGG, GGGG; or CCCT, AGGG, GGGT; or CTCC, GGAG, GAGG; or CCCT, AGGG, GGGA.” The metes and bounds are unclear what is required. It is unclear how helix1, helix2, helix3 relate to the recited sequences. Thus the claims are vague and unclear.
Further claim 7 recites numerous SEQ ID NO. However it is unclear how these sequences map to the requirements of claims, as it does not specifically appear to have the helix1, helix 2, and helix 3 sequences provided in the claims.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
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 following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
(a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claim(s) 1is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1)/102 (a)(2) as being anticipated by Mittmann (US20050136395).
As detailed above claims 1-7 are vague and unclear as to what is required in view of the claims, SEQ ID NO and sequence listing. Thus the claims are being given the broadest reasonable interpretation of the SEQ ID NO as presented in the sequence listing in view of the sequence listing requirements.
Mittman teaches SEQ ID NO 118755
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Claim(s) 1-3 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1)/102 (a)(2) as being anticipated by Horn (US20130332133).
As detailed above claims 1-7 are vague and unclear as to what is required in view of the claims, SEQ ID NO and sequence listing. Thus the claims are being given the broadest reasonable interpretation of the SEQ ID NO as presented in the sequence listing in view of the sequence listing requirements.
With regards to claims 1-3,Horn teaches SEQ ID NO 318616
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Summary
No claims are allowed.
SEQ ID NO 25 is free of the prior art, but the claims have numerous 112 issues to be overcome, before further species are searched.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to STEVEN C POHNERT PhD whose telephone number is (571)272-3803. The examiner can normally be reached Monday- Friday about 6:00 AM-5:00 PM, every second Friday off.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Anne Gussow can be reached at (571)272-6047. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/Steven Pohnert/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 1683
Prosecution Insights