DETAILED ACTION
This Final Office Action is in response to the application filed on 02/12/2024 and the Amendment & Remark filed on 06/25/2026.
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 .
Status of Claims
Claims 1, 19 and 23 are amended.
Claims 1, 2, 4-6, 9 and 11-23 are pending.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 101
35 U.S.C. 101 reads as follows:
Whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent therefor, subject to the conditions and requirements of this title.
Claims 1, 2, 4-6, 9 and 11-23 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 because the claimed invention is directed to a judicial exception (i.e., a law of nature, a natural phenomenon, or an abstract idea) without significantly more.
As an initial matter, the claims as a whole are to a system and a method, which falls within one or more statutory categories. (Step 1: YES) The recitation of the claimed invention is then further analyzed as follow, in which the abstract elements are boldfaced.
The claim 1 recites:
A digital life and health claims processing system for electronically integrating multiple digital claims channels, where each of the claims channels includes a claims data set of claims characteristics related to a claim event, a policy data set of policy characteristics related to a claim policy regarding the claim event, a services data set of services characteristics related to claims services, and/or a risk-transfer product data set of product characteristics related to a product, and for processing one or more claims of a customer based on the multiple digital claims channel related to the customer, the system comprising:
a cloud-based infrastructure platform accessible via a digital network and configured to host a storage module, a data modelling module, a claims processing module, and a communication module including a signal generator; and
at least one data transmission interface configured to exchange data and/or information provided by at least one user device with the infrastructure platform via the digital network,
wherein at least the claims data set, the policy data set, and/or the services data set includes claimants doctors and medical cause data at least including measuring data for physical characteristics values quantifying the claim event and/or historic policy disclosure parameter values and/or product rule parameters and medical cause data and/or diagnostic measuring parameter values and/or laboratory measuring parameter values and/or measuring data for physical characteristics values quantifying a life or health claim event, wherein at least the policy data set includes the measuring data for physical characteristics values quantifying a life or health risk event exposure and/or a probability for an occurrence of a life or health risk event captured by diagnostic data, laboratory measuring data, and/or on-body sensor devices;
wherein the data modelling module includes a data validation structure configured to validate data of characteristics values of the claims data sets, the policy data sets, and/or the services data sets received via the data transmission interface,
wherein the data modelling module comprises a machine learning structure configured to analyze data sets of the multiple claims channels, the machine learning structure is realized as a supervised or unsupervised machine learning algorithm configured to analyze input data sets and to provide validation for the data of the input data sets, and the data modelling module provides the validated data for the structured data sets,
wherein for analyzing the input data sets and providing validation for the data of the input data sets, the data modelling module comprises a further machine learning structure using an extended, unsupervised linear mapping based on eigen vector search providing dimensionality reduction of the claims data set by reducing dimensionality of a feature space preserving a maximum amount of variance of the claims data sets, the machine learning structure being realized to select and/or extract data variables from the multiple claims channels data sets and the structured data sets simplifying the claims data sets, wherein dimensional reduction is realized to transform high dimensional representation of the claims data sets in low dimension representations,
wherein for the extended, unsupervised linear mapping first a set of uncorrelated features are identified by the system to define a high dimensional feature space, followed by providing a kernel matrix using principle eigen vectors and thus providing modelling of relations of the claims data set in a nonlinear manner by the kernel matrix, an inner product of new feature vectors being used to form the kernel matrix and the identification of the uncorrelated features being used on a centralized kernel matrix to generate a covariance matrix of the new feature vectors,
wherein the data modelling module combines a structured claims data set, a structured policy data set, and a structured services data set referring to the claim event to an integrated claims processing data set providing a master data set for said customer, which includes structured measuring data for physical characteristics values quantifying a claim life or health event and structured measuring data quantifying a life or health event impact exposure and/or a probability for an occurrence of a life event or health event or critical illness event or terminal illness event impacting physically an individual and capturable by sensor or measuring laboratory or diagnostic devices;
wherein the claims processing module includes a processing and analyzing structure configured to analyze the structured data sets according to claims requirements defined in the multiple claims channels, and to define a claim processing status, and
wherein the communication module provides a digital communication signal representing the claim processing status via the signal generator to a user device within the digital network.
The claim 2 recites:
wherein at least the policy data set includes the historic policy disclosure parameter values, and/or the product rule parameters and the medical cause data and/or the diagnostic measuring parameter values, and/or the laboratory measuring parameter values.
The claim 4 recites:
wherein a plurality of combined structured data sets of a plurality of customers is stored in the storage module.
The claim 5 recites:
wherein the multiple claim channels include policy data sets of policy characteristics and/or and service data sets of services characteristics related to historical, outdated, or retired claim policies.
The claim 6 recites:
wherein the data transmission interface is realized as an application programming interface providing digital applications access between the infrastructure platform and user devices.
The claim 9 recites:
wherein the data modelling module comprises a text mining structure configured to analyze textual data of the claims channel data sets, the text mining structure is realized as an information extraction module and/or interface configured to identify and to categorize claims, policy, and/or services characteristics in the textual data as validated data, and the data modelling module provides the validated data for the structured data set.
The claim 11 recites:
wherein the processing and analyzing structure of the claims processing module includes several workflow algorithms, and each of the workflow algorithms defines a processing step of a claims processing workflow.
The claim 12 recites:
wherein the processing and analyzing structure includes workflow algorithms at least for workflow processing steps of recording of a claims submission by a customer, analyzing of missing data information, analyzing of incorrect data information, analyzing of claim entitlement, and recording of a settlement decision.
The claim 13 recites:
wherein the claims processing module includes a prioritizing structure configured to identify and prioritize outstanding work tasks in a claims processing workflow.
The claim 14 recites:
wherein the cloud-based infrastructure platform hosts a tracking module configured to track the claim processing status and to create notification signals regarding the claim processing status, incorrect claim data/information, missing claim data/information, outstanding work tasks, and/or work task allocation.
The claim 15 recites:
wherein the claims processing module, the communication module, and/or the tracking module include a notification algorithm configured to create notification data for a notification signal for allocating work tasks and/or requesting missing claim data/information.
The claim 16 recites:
wherein the cloud-based infrastructure platform hosts a timeline module configured to indicate key data of the integrated claims processing data set on a timeline, and the key data at least indicates a policy activation date, a claim event date, a claim submission date, and a claim settlement date.
The claim 17 recites:
wherein the cloud-based infrastructure platform hosts a dashboard module, which is linked to the storage module, the claims processing module, the tracking module, and/or the timeline module, and the dashboard module is configured to create a visual display of at least the claim processing status and/or the communication signal.
The claim 18 recites:
wherein the user devices are network-compatible devices, and the cloud-based infrastructure platform hosts an authentication module configured to provide authentication credentials for a user and allowing access to the digital claims processing system.
The claim 19 recites:
A method for a digital claims processing system including integrated and automated digital multiple claims channels and for processing one or more claims based on the multiple claims channels,
wherein a claims channel includes a claims data set of claims characteristics related to a claim event, a policy data set of policy characteristics related to a claim policy regarding the claim event, and/or a services data set of services characteristics related to claims services,
wherein at least the claims data set, the policy data set, and/or the services data set includes measuring data for physical characteristics values quantifying a claim event and/or historic policy disclosure parameter values and/or product rule parameters and medical cause data and/or diagnostic measuring parameter values and/or laboratory measuring parameter values, wherein at least the policy data set includes the measuring data for physical characteristics values quantifying a life or health risk event exposure and/or a probability for an occurrence of a life or health risk event captured by diagnostic data, laboratory measuring data, and/or on-body sensor devices; and
wherein a cloud-based infrastructure platform of the digital claims processing system is accessible via a digital network, the method comprising:
exchanging data sets from the multiple digital claim channels and/or information between the cloud-based infrastructure platform and at least one user device via at least one data transmission interface via the digital network,
validating, via a data modelling module of the digital claims processing system including a data validation structure, data of characteristics values of the claims data sets, the policy data sets, and/or the services data sets received via the data transmission interface,
wherein the data modelling module comprises a machine learning structure configured to analyze data sets of the multiple claims channels, the machine learning structure is realized as a supervised or unsupervised machine learning algorithm configured to analyze input data sets and to provide validation for the data of the input data sets, and the data modelling module provides the validated data for the structured data sets,
wherein for analyzing the input data sets and providing validation for the data of the input data sets, the data modelling module comprises a further machine learning structure using an extended, unsupervised linear mapping based on eigen vector search providing dimensionality reduction of the claims data set by reducing dimensionality of a feature space preserving a maximum amount of variance of the claims data sets, the machine learning structure being realized to select and/or extract data variables from the multiple claims channels data sets and the structured data sets simplifying the claims data sets, wherein dimensional reduction is realized to transform high dimensional representation of the claims data sets in low dimension representations,
wherein for the extended, unsupervised linear mapping first a set of uncorrelated features are identified by the system to define a high dimensional feature space, followed by providing a kernel matrix using principle eigen vectors and thus providing modelling of relations of the claims data set in a nonlinear manner by the kernel matrix, an inner product of new feature vectors being used to form the kernel matrix and the identification of the uncorrelated features being used on a centralized kernel matrix to generate a covariance matrix of the new feature vectors,
wherein the data modelling module combines a structured claims data set, a structured policy data set, and/or a structured services data set referring to the claim event to an integrated claims processing data set providing a master data set, which includes structured measuring data for physical characteristics values quantifying a claim life or health event and structured measuring data quantifying a life or health event impact exposure and/or a probability for an occurrence of a life event or health event or critical illness event or terminal illness event impacting physically an individual and capturable by sensor or measuring laboratory or diagnostic devices;
storing validated data as structured data sets in a data storage module of the digital claims processing system,
processing, via a claims processing module of the digital claims processing system including a processing and analyzing structure, the structured data sets according to requirements of structured policy data sets and/or structured services data sets referring to the claim event,
analyzing and determining, via processing and analyzing structure, a claim processing status, and providing, via a communication module of the digital claims processing system a communication signal of the claim processing status to a user device via a signal generator within the digital network.
The claim 20 recites:
creating, via a notification algorithm, a notification signal for requesting missing claim data and/or information and providing the notification signal to the communication module for transmission to the user device using the signal generator.
The claim 21 recites:
following a claims processing workflow for processing a structured claims processing data set, the claims processing workflow at least including processing steps of recording of a claims submission by a customer, analyzing of missing data information, analyzing of incorrect data information, analyzing of claim entitlement and recording of a settlement decision.
The claim 22 recites:
Identifying an outstanding work task in the claims processing by a prioritizing algorithm of the claims processing module, prioritizing the outstanding work task, and providing a notification signal to a tracking module of the digital claims processing system.
The claim 23 recites:
analyzing, via a machine learning structure, the claims data sets, the policy data sets, the services data sets, and/or the structured claims processing data set of the multiple claims channels for optimizing work task recognition.
Based on the limitations above, the claims describe a process that covers processing insurance claim information. Insurance is considered to be a fundamental economic practice, which falls within the “Certain Method of Organizing Human Practice” grouping of abstract ideas. As such, the claim(s) recite(s) a Judicial Exception. (Step 2A prong one: Yes)
This analysis then evaluates whether the claims as a whole integrates the recited Judicial Exception into a practical application of the exception. In particular, the claims recite the additional element(s) of “…module”, “… structure”, as a mere tool to perform the … steps of the Judicial Exception, which encompasses no more than Mere Instruction to Apply.
For example, the limitation “A digital life and/or health claims processing system for electronically integrating multiple digital claims channels, where a claims channel includes a claims data set of claims characteristics related to a claim event, a policy data set of policy characteristics related to a claim policy regarding the claim event, a services data set of services characteristics related to claims services, and/or a risk-transfer product data set of product characteristics related to a product, and for processing one or more claims of a customer based on at least one digital claims channel related to the customer” encompasses no more than generically invoking the generic computing module or structure to apply the Judicial Exception step of integrating claims channels to process claims of a customer;
the limitation “a cloud-based infrastructure platform accessible via a digital network and configured to host a storage module, a data modelling module, a claims processing module, and a communication module including a signal generator” encompasses no more than generically invoking the generic computing module or structure to apply the Judicial Exception step of organizing the storage, modeling, claim processing and communication tasks;
the limitation “at least one data transmission interface configured to exchange data and/or information provided by at least one user device with the infrastructure platform via the digital network” encompasses no more than generically invoking the generic computing module or structure to apply the Judicial Exception step of exchanging data and/or information between the user and the platform;
the limitation “wherein the data modelling module includes a data validation structure configured to validate data of characteristics values of the claims data sets, the policy data sets, and/or the services data sets received via the data transmission interface” encompasses no more than generically invoking the generic computing module or structure to apply the Judicial Exception step of validating data of characteristic values of the data sets received;
the limitation “wherein validated data sets of the multiple claims channels of the customer are stored as structured data sets in the storage module” encompasses no more than generically invoking the generic computing module or structure to apply the Judicial Exception step of storing the validated data sets;
the limitation “wherein the claims processing module includes a processing and analyzing structure configured to analyze the structured data sets according to claims requirements defined in the digital claims channels, and to define a claim processing status, and wherein the communication module provides a digital communication signal representing the claim processing status via the signal generator to a user device within the digital network” encompasses no more than generically invoking the generic computing module or structure to apply the Judicial Exception step of processing and analyzing the structured data sets according to claim requirements and defining claim status;
the limitation “wherein a plurality of combined structured data sets of a plurality of customers is stored in the storage module” encompasses no more than generically invoking the generic computing module or structure to apply the Judicial Exception step of storing the combined structured data set;
the limitation “wherein the data modelling module combines a structured claims data set, a structured policy data set, and/or a structured services data set referring to the claim event to an integrated claims processing data set, which includes structured measuring data for physical characteristics values quantifying a claim life or health event and/or structured measuring data quantifying a life or health event impact exposure and/or a probability for an occurrence of a life event or health event or critical illness event or terminal illness event impacting physically an individual and capturable by sensor or measuring laboratory or diagnostic devices” encompasses no more than generically invoking the generic computing module or structure to apply the Judicial Exception step of combing the structured data sets;
the limitation “wherein the data modelling module comprises a machine learning structure configured to analyze data sets of the claims channels, the machine learning structure is realized as a supervised or unsupervised machine learning algorithm configured to analyze input data sets and to provide validation for the data of the input data sets, and the data modelling module provides the validated data for the structured data sets” encompasses no more than generically invoking the generic computing module or structure to apply the Judicial Exception step of analyzing data sets of the claims channels using machine learning structure;
the limitation “wherein for analyzing the input data sets and providing validation for the data of the input data sets, the data modelling module comprises a further machine learning structure using an extended, unsupervised linear mapping based on eigen vector search providing dimensionality reduction of the claims data set by reducing dimensionality of a feature space preserving a maximum amount of variance of the claims data sets, the machine learning structure being realized to select and/or extract data variables from the multiple claims channels data sets and the structured data sets simplifying the claims data sets, wherein dimensional reduction is realized to transform high dimensional representation of the claims data sets in low dimension representations” encompasses no more than generically invoking the generic computing module or structure to apply the Judicial Exception step of performing machine learning technique to reduce dimensionality of the claims processing data set;
the limitation “wherein for the extended, unsupervised linear mapping first a set of uncorrelated features are identified by the system to define a high dimensional feature space, followed by providing a kernel matrix using principle eigen vectors and thus providing modelling of relations of the claims data set in a nonlinear manner by the kernel matrix, an inner product of new feature vectors being used to form the kernel matrix and the identification of the uncorrelated features being used on a centralized kernel matrix to generate a covariance matrix of the new feature vectors” encompasses no more than generically invoking the generic computing module or structure to apply the Judicial Exception step of performing the mathematical operation to generate the covariance matrix of feature vectors;
the limitation “wherein the data modelling module comprises a text mining structure configured to analyze textual data of the claims channel data sets, the text mining structure is realized as an information extraction module and/or interface configured to identify and to categorize claims, policy, and/or services characteristics in the textual data as validated data, and the data modelling module provides the validated data for the structured data set” encompasses no more than generically invoking the generic computing module or structure to apply the Judicial Exception step of analyzing textual data of the claims channel data sets;
the limitation “wherein the processing and analyzing structure of the claims processing module includes several workflow algorithms, and each of the workflow algorithms defines a processing step of a claims processing workflow” encompasses no more than generically invoking the generic computing module or structure to apply the Judicial Exception step of defining the processing step of a claim processing workflow;
the limitation “wherein the processing and analyzing structure includes workflow algorithms at least for workflow processing steps of recording of a claims submission by a customer, analyzing of missing data information, analyzing of incorrect data information, analyzing of claim entitlement, and recording of a settlement decision” encompasses no more than generically invoking the generic computing module or structure to apply the Judicial Exception step of recording claim submission, analyzing missing data information, analyzing incorrect data information, analyzing claim entitlement and recording settlement decision;
the limitation “wherein the claims processing module includes a prioritizing structure configured to identify and prioritize outstanding work tasks in a claims processing workflow” encompasses no more than generically invoking the generic computing module or structure to apply the Judicial Exception step of identify and prioritize outstanding work tasks;
the limitation “wherein the cloud-based infrastructure platform hosts a tracking module configured to track the claim processing status and to create notification signals regarding the claim processing status, incorrect claim data/information, missing claim data/information, outstanding work tasks, and/or work task allocation” encompasses no more than generically invoking the generic computing module or structure to apply the Judicial Exception step of track the claim processing status and to create notification signal;
the limitation “wherein the claims processing module, the communication module, and/or the tracking module include a notification algorithm configured to create notification data for a notification signal for allocating work tasks and/or requesting missing claim data/information” encompasses no more than generically invoking the generic computing module or structure to apply the Judicial Exception step of create notification data for a notification signal;
the limitation “wherein the cloud-based infrastructure platform hosts a timeline module configured to indicate key data of the integrated claims processing data set on a timeline, and the key data at least indicates a policy activation date, a claim event date, a claim submission date, and a claim settlement date” encompasses no more than generically invoking the generic computing module or structure to apply the Judicial Exception step of indicate key data of the integrated claims processing data set on a timeline;
the limitation “wherein the cloud-based infrastructure platform hosts a dashboard module, which is linked to the storage module, the claims processing module, the tracking module, and/or the timeline module, and the dashboard module is configured to create a visual display of at least the claim processing status and/or the communication signal” encompasses no more than generically invoking the generic computing module or structure to apply the Judicial Exception step of organizing the various tasks of the Judicial Exception and creating visual displaying of claim processing status or the communication signal;
the limitation “wherein the user devices are network-compatible devices, and the cloud-based infrastructure platform hosts an authentication module configured to provide authentication credentials for a user and allowing access to the digital claims processing system” encompasses no more than generically invoking the generic computing module or structure to apply the Judicial Exception step of provide authentication credentials for a user and allowing access to the digital claims processing system;
the limitation “processing, via a claims processing module of the digital claims processing system including a processing and analyzing structure, the structured data sets according to requirements of structured policy data sets and/or structured services data sets referring to the claim event” encompasses no more than generically invoking the generic computing module or structure to apply the Judicial Exception step of processing the structured data sets;
the limitation “analyzing and determining, via processing and analyzing structure, a claim processing status, and providing, via a communication module of the digital claims processing system a communication signal of the claim processing status to a user device via a signal generator within the digital network” encompasses no more than generically invoking the generic computing module or structure to apply the Judicial Exception step of analyzing and determining claim processing status and providing the status to the user;
the limitation “creating, via a notification algorithm, a notification signal for requesting missing claim data and/or information and providing the notification signal to the communication module for transmission to the user device using the signal generator” encompasses no more than generically invoking the generic computing module or structure to apply the Judicial Exception step of creating a notification signal for requesting missing claim data and/or information and providing the notification signal to the user;
the limitation “analyzing, via a machine learning structure, the claims data sets, the policy data sets, the services data sets, and/or the structured claims processing data set of the multiple claims channels for optimizing work task recognition” encompasses no more than generically invoking the generic computing module or structure to apply the Judicial Exception step of analyzing the data sets of multiple claims channels for optimizing work task recognition.
Other than being generally linked to the steps of the Judicial Exception, the additional elements in the above step(s) is/are recited at a high-level of generality, without technological detail of how the particular steps are performed technologically.
The additional element(s) of “storage module” are generically recited to store data and/or instructions of the Judicial Exception.
The additional element(s) of “on-body sensor devices”, “sensors” and “diagnostic devices” are generically recited as sources of data to be analyzed by the Judicial Exception without technological detail of how the particular data capturing are performed technologically.
The additional element(s) of “cloud-based infrastructure platform” are generically recited to host the generic computing modules performing steps of the Judicial Exception.
The additional element(s) of “machine learning structure” and “supervised or unsupervised machine learning algorithm configured to” are generically recited to perform the analyzing steps of the Judicial Exception.
The additional element(s) of “via the digital network”, “data transmission interface” and “application programming interface” are generically recited to perform communication steps such as receiving and transmitting.
The examiner further noted generic computer affixes such as “digital” or “automated” are appended to abstract elements such as “claim channel” and the additional element of device is linked to the user, but found that to be mere instructions to implement the Judicial Exception idea on a computer.
Indeed, the instant claims (1) attempted to cover a solution to an identified problem with no restriction on how the result is accomplished and no description of the mechanism for accomplishing the result; (2) used of a computer or other machinery in its ordinary capacity for economic or other tasks or simply added a general purpose computer or computer components after the fact to the Judicial Exception and (3) generally applied the Judicial Exception to a generic computing environment without limitation indicative of practical application (See MPEP 2106.04(d)I). Thus, the claims are no more than Mere Instruction to Apply the Judicial Exception (See MPEP 2106.05(f)) or adding insignificant extra-solution activity to the judicial exception (See MPEP 2106.05(g)), which do not integrate the cited Judicial Exception into practical application (Step 2A prong two: No) The claims are directed to a Judicial Exception.
The claim does not include additional elements that are sufficient to amount to significantly more than the judicial exception. As discussed above with respect to integration of the abstract idea into a practical application, the additional element of using a computer modules / structure to process insurance claim data to no more than mere instructions to apply the exception using generic computer components. The recited ordered combination of additional elements includes non-meaningfully invoking generically recited computing element to perform step of the Judicial Exception. Mere instructions to apply an exception using a generic computer component cannot provide an inventive concept. Dependent claim 2, 3 and 5 are merely limit the abstract idea but do not recite any additional element beyond the cited abstract idea, thus, do not amount to significantly more. No additional element currently recited in the claims amount the claims to be significantly more than the cited abstract idea. (Step 2B: No)
Therefore, claims 1, 2, 4-6, 9 and 11-23 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 as being directed to non-statutory subject matter.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The previous rejection under 35 USC 103 is withdrawn in view of the Amendment filed on 06/25/2026.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed on 06/25/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
Regarding the applicant’s argument that the claims are not directed to the cited Judicial Exception, the examiner respectfully disagrees. The applicant emphasized that the claims do not recite the word “insurance”. However, the examiner noted that the claims recite limitation including “claims data set of claims characteristics related to a claim event”, “policy data set of policy characteristics related to a claim policy regarding the claim event”, “analyze data sets of the multiple claims channels” and “data modelling module combines a structured claims data set, a structured policy data set, and a structured services data set referring to the claim event to an integrated claims processing data set providing a master data set for said customer” that are explicitly defined in the Specification to be “insurance claim event” and “insurance policy data”. Thus, the avoidance of the usage of the word “insurance” does not overcome the finding of support indicating the processing of claim information in the claims is processing of insurance claim information. As such, the argument is not persuasive.
Regarding the applicant’s argument that the claims provide improvement to technology, the examiner respectfully disagrees. The applicant asserted that the claims offer the technical advantages of providing claim data dimensionality reduction, allowing extraction of “only relevant features that are useful for the further claim data processing while eliminating redundant and unnecessary features”. However, the examiner noted that the limitations of using mathematical operation, such as “unsupervised mapping using the eigenvalues of a kernel matrix”, to reduce dimensionality of insurance claim data is merely adding ineligible mathematical concept into the analytic aspect of the processing insurance claim data. It is noted that adding a Judicial Exception to another Judicial Exception does not integrate any of the Judicial Exception into practical application, nor result in inventive concept. As to the alleged reduction of computation time and storage space requirements, the examiner noted that a more efficient Judicial Exception applied on a technological environment does not equate improvement to the technological environment. For example, a simplified mathematical formula would take up less of computation time and storage space, but execution of the formula would not improve the technology of a calculator or the technology of pen & paper when the formula is executed on either of the technological environment. As such, the argument is not persuasive.
Conclusion
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 CHO KWONG whose telephone number is (571)270-7955. The examiner can normally be reached 9am - 5pm EST M-F.
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, MICHAEL W ANDERSON can be reached at 571-270-0508. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/CHO YIU KWONG/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 3693
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