DETAILED ACTION
This action is responsive to the Amendment filed on 02/09/2026. Claim 1 had been previously canceled. Claims 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, and 20 have been amended. Claims 2-21 are pending in the case. Claims 2, 9, and 16 are independent 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 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.
Claims 2, 3, 5-10, 12-17, and 19-21 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Zinn et al. (US Patent Application Pub. No. 2007/0264977, hereinafter “Zinn”).
As to independent claims 2, 9, and 16, Zinn shows a non-transitory computer readable medium [¶¶ 22-24], a method [¶ 01], and a concomitant system [FIG. 1], comprising:
present a first instance of a graphical interface for a first contact comprising a plurality of selectable representations, wherein each of the selectable representations corresponds to a different communication type available for the first contact; receive, via the first instance of the graphical interface, a first selection corresponding to a first selectable representation of the plurality of selectable representations [“Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, when a specific contact name (ex. “John Smith”) is highlighted in the address list 76 and the device user selects the highlighted name by depressing the scrollwheel 28 a (or other predetermined input key), an options list or menu 106 of selectable functions that may be performed by the device 10 in respect of the highlighted name is displayed on the display screen 44 (see FIG. 6). In the illustrated embodiment, the options menu 106 includes a number of communication function options for initiating contact with the highlighted name, including, for example an “Email” function 120; a “PIN function” 122; a “Call” function 124; and an text messaging “SMS” function 126. {…} A selection indicator 118 can be scrolled through the options menu 106 (by rotating scrollwheel 28 a, for example) to selectively highlight the functions that are presented in the options menu 106. In the presently described embodiment, when generating the options menu 106 for a highlighted contact name, the processor 32 checks the historic communication information 312 associated with the highlighted name to determine the communication option that was last used when contacting that name, and automatically positions the selection indicator 118 to highlight the communication function in options menu 106 that corresponds to the last used communication option. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the last time “John Smith” was contacted through the device 10 email was used, and thus when the options menu 106 is generated, the selectable function “Email John Smith” 120 is automatically highlighted with selection indicator 118. In order to select the highlighted function, the device user depresses the scrollwheel 28 a (or in some embodiments, presses another predetermined input key). Alternatively, if desired the device user can rotate and then depress the scrollwheel 28 a (or use an alternative navigational input and selection mechanism, depending on the device 10) to highlight and then select an alternative communication function from the option list 106.” (¶ 39)];
display, in response to the first selection, a first plurality of addresses associated with a corresponding communication type for the first selectable representation, wherein the first plurality of addresses comprises a first address associated with a first communication application, and a second address associated with a second communication application; receive a second selection corresponding to the first address from the first plurality of addresses; and in response to the second selection, cause the first communication application to initiate a communication to the first address [“{…} in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the last time “John Smith” was contacted through the device 10 email was used, and thus when the options menu 106 is generated, the selectable function “Email John Smith” 120 is automatically highlighted with selection indicator 118. In order to select the highlighted function, the device user depresses the scrollwheel 28 a (or in some embodiments, presses another predetermined input key). Alternatively, if desired the device user can rotate and then depress the scrollwheel 28 a (or use an alternative navigational input and selection mechanism, depending on the device 10) to highlight and then select an alternative communication function from the option list 106.” (¶ 39)
“{…} in some circumstances a selected contact will have multiple associated email addresses. In one example embodiment, the different email address options are presented as different selectable options in option menu 106, for example “Email1 John Smith”; “Email2 John Smith”, the last used email address is by default highlighted with selection indicator 118, and selection of the highlighted email option results in generation of the email compose interface of FIG. 7 with the appropriate email address. In alternative embodiments, where multiple email address options exist, only a single “Email Contact Name” option 120 will appear in the options menu 106, and user selection of the email option causes a further email option user interface window 150 to be generated on the display screen 44, as shown in FIG. 8. In the illustrated example, the email options window 150 displays, based on the stored contact information for John Smith in the address book information 310, two different email address options. A device user can, through rotation of scrollwheel 28 a (or other suitable navigational input) move a selection symbol 152 through the address options to selectively highlight one of the options so that it can then be selected by depressing the scrollwheel 28 a (or pressing another suitable option selection key) to cause the device 10 to generate a compose email interface 130 (FIG. 7) for sending an email to the selected address. {…}” (¶ 41)
“{…} in some circumstances there may be multiple phone numbers associated with a contact name that could be used to SMS text message the contact name. In example embodiments, when multiple SMS addresses for a contact name exist and the user selects the “SMS option” 126 from options menu 106 an SMS address option dialog window 160 is generated listing the available SMS addresses (which are typically telephone numbers) as selectable options (See FIG. 9). {…}
{…} once a user selects a highlighted “telephone call” function 224, the processor 38 immediately initiates a telephone call from the device and through the communications network to the telephone number stored in the address information for the contact. In some embodiments, a confirmation screen may be presented requesting the device user to confirm that the call is to be initiated. Often the address book entry for a particular contact will have more than one telephone possible number associated with that contact, including for example one or more work numbers, a cell number, and/or a pager number. Thus, as suggested above, in at least some example embodiments, the device 10 is configured to track in the historic communication information 312 the telephone number last used when initiating telephone contact with a contact.
By way of example, FIG. 10 shows a possible user interface call options window 230 displayed on device display screen 44 in response to user selection of the “Call John Smith” function 124 shown in FIG. 6. The call options window displays, based on the stored contact information for John Smith in the address book information 310, three different telephone number options, including a first work number option 232, a second work number option 234 a and a pager number option 236. Again, a device user can, through rotation of scrollwheel 28 a (or other suitable navigational input) move a selection symbol 238 through the options 232, 234 a and 236 to selectively highlight one of the options so that it can then be selected by depressing the scrollwheel 28 a (or pressing another suitable option selection key) to cause the device 10 to initiate a call through network 50 to the highlighted number. {…}
Thus, it will be appreciated that for each contact name in the address book 310, various different communication transport mechanisms or methods can exist as options for communicating between the device and that contact name (for example, telephone and various electronic messaging transport methods such as SMS messaging, PIN messaging, Email). Furthermore, associated with each of the communication transport method options there can be a number of different possible address options (example, multiple phone numbers for telephone calls or SMS messaging, multiple email address for email). In at least one example embodiment, when a contact name is selected from an address book list, an option menu 106 is generated listing different user selectable communications options (120, 122, 124, 126) for communicating with the selected contact name, with the communications transport method option that was last used being focused or highlighted with a selection indicator 118 as the default communication option. In at least some example embodiments, all or at least some of the communications options listed in the option menu 106 are communication transport method options, and at least some of the transport method options each have multiple associated address options. In order to facilitate user selection of the multiple address options, when a transport method option is selected from the options menu 106, an address option selection menu (see for example menus 150, 160, 230) is generated listing user selectable address options to be used for the selected transport method. {…}” (¶¶ 43-46) | See also ¶¶ 31 & 34.].
As to dependent claims 3, 10, and 17, Zinn further shows:
present a second instance of the graphical interface for a second contact comprising the plurality of selectable representations; receive, via the second instance of the graphical interface, a third selection corresponding to a second selectable representation of the plurality of selectable representations; and display, in response to the third selection, a second plurality of addresses associated with the corresponding communication type for the first selectable representation, wherein the second plurality of addresses are associated with different communications than the first plurality of addresses [e.g. repeating the steps of the respective parent claims for a second contact to display their own/different addresses/communications (¶¶ 39-43 & 46)].
As to dependent claims 5, 12, and 19, Zinn further shows:
wherein the first plurality of addresses are presented in an order based on a most recent communication between the first contact and a local user [e.g. the first plurality of addresses are presented in an order based on a most recent/last used communication between the first contact and a local user (¶¶ 16-18, 41, & 47-49)].
As to dependent claims 6, 13, and 20, Zinn further shows:
in response to the first selection: display a communication summary for the first plurality of addresses [e.g. a communication summary may be displayed for the first plurality of addresses in response to the first selection (figs. 4-10)].
As to dependent claims 7, 14, and 21, Zinn further shows:
wherein the communication summary comprises a plurality of representations of prior communications associated with the first plurality of addresses [e.g. the communication summary comprises a plurality of representations of prior communications associated with the first plurality of addresses (¶¶ 39-43)].
As to dependent claims 8 and 15, Zinn further shows:
wherein the first instance of the graphical interface further comprises a graphical representation of the first contact [e.g. the first instance of the graphical interface further comprises a graphical representation of the first contact (figs. 4-6)].
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 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.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claims 4, 11, and 18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being unpatentable over Zinn in view of Gibbs et al. (US Patent No. 8,209,390, hereinafter “Gibbs”).
As to dependent claims 4, 11, and 18, Zinn further shows:
wherein the first plurality of addresses are presented in an order based on a usage pattern of a local user, wherein the usage pattern is based on a {…} use of a communication application associated with each of the first plurality of addresses [Zinn shows wherein the first plurality of addresses are presented in an order based on a usage pattern of a local user, wherein the usage pattern is based on a recency of use of a communication application associated with each of the first plurality of addresses (Zinn: ¶¶ 16-18, 41, & 47-49)].
Despite showing many examples of ordering based on recency of use, Zinn does not appear to also explicitly recite “wherein the first plurality of addresses are presented in an order based on a usage pattern of a local user, wherein the usage pattern is based on a frequency of use of a communication application associated with each of the first plurality of addresses” as apparently intended. In an analogous art, Gibbs shows:
wherein the first plurality of addresses are presented in an order based on a usage pattern of a local user, wherein the usage pattern is based on a frequency of use of a communication application associated with each of the first plurality of addresses [“When the new communication of a particular type or by an application of a particular class is being established, the method may then involve determining the classification and providing a list including the telephone numbers with the appropriate rank-ordering, such that different rank-ordering would be provided depending on the classification. For instance, if a telephone call is being initiated, then the method may involve providing the numbers rank-ordered based on the first count (e.g., in order of frequency of use for telephone calls or by calling applications). Whereas if a text message is being initiated, then the method may involve providing the same numbers rank-ordered based on the second count (e.g., in order of frequency of use for text messages or by messaging applications).
{…} the present method may then similarly involve determining for each e-mail address multiple counts of use, such as one count of use for e-mail messaging and one count of use for text messaging, or one count of use for messaging by e-mail applications and another count of use for messaging by texting applications. When a new communication is being established, if the communication is an e-mail message or being generated with an e-mail application, the method may then involve providing the addresses rank-ordered based on the use-counts for e-mail messaging. Whereas, if the communication is a text message or being generated with a texting application, the method may involve providing the addresses rank-ordered based the use-counts for text messaging.” (Gibbs: col. 5, line 35 – col. 6, line 09)
See also Gibbs: col. 7, lines 06-11 and col. 18, lines 30-60.].
One of ordinary skill in the art, having the teachings of Zinn and Gibbs before them prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention, would have been motivated to incorporate the frequency-based ordering functionalities of Gibbs into Zinn. The rationale for doing so would have been that in addition to its recency-based ordering functionalities, Zinn had already explicitly allowed the possibility of other ordering alternatives such that “the device can be preconfigured to select a default option to highlight based on other preconfigured criteria” (Zinn: ¶ 46). Moreover, Gibbs’ teachings would have been desired because “[a]dvantageously, this process can help accommodate a situation where certain addresses are used for multiple different types of communications and/or by multiple different classes of applications and where a user's relative frequency of use of the addresses differs based on communication type or application class” (Gibbs: col. 4, lines 37-42). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Zinn and Gibbs in order to obtain the invention as recited in claims 4, 11, and 18.
Claims 2-21 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being unpatentable over Zinn et al. (US Patent Application Pub. No. 2007/0264977, hereinafter “Zinn”) in view of Mathur et al. (US Patent Application Pub. No. 2015/0100580, hereinafter “Mathur”).
As to independent claims 2, 9, and 16, Zinn shows a non-transitory computer readable medium [¶¶ 22-24], a method [¶ 01], and a concomitant system [FIG. 1], comprising:
present a first instance of a graphical interface for a first contact comprising a plurality of selectable representations, wherein each of the selectable representations corresponds to a different communication type available for the first contact; receive, via the first instance of the graphical interface, a first selection corresponding to a first selectable representation of the plurality of selectable representations [“Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, when a specific contact name (ex. “John Smith”) is highlighted in the address list 76 and the device user selects the highlighted name by depressing the scrollwheel 28 a (or other predetermined input key), an options list or menu 106 of selectable functions that may be performed by the device 10 in respect of the highlighted name is displayed on the display screen 44 (see FIG. 6). In the illustrated embodiment, the options menu 106 includes a number of communication function options for initiating contact with the highlighted name, including, for example an “Email” function 120; a “PIN function” 122; a “Call” function 124; and an text messaging “SMS” function 126. {…} A selection indicator 118 can be scrolled through the options menu 106 (by rotating scrollwheel 28 a, for example) to selectively highlight the functions that are presented in the options menu 106. In the presently described embodiment, when generating the options menu 106 for a highlighted contact name, the processor 32 checks the historic communication information 312 associated with the highlighted name to determine the communication option that was last used when contacting that name, and automatically positions the selection indicator 118 to highlight the communication function in options menu 106 that corresponds to the last used communication option. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the last time “John Smith” was contacted through the device 10 email was used, and thus when the options menu 106 is generated, the selectable function “Email John Smith” 120 is automatically highlighted with selection indicator 118. In order to select the highlighted function, the device user depresses the scrollwheel 28 a (or in some embodiments, presses another predetermined input key). Alternatively, if desired the device user can rotate and then depress the scrollwheel 28 a (or use an alternative navigational input and selection mechanism, depending on the device 10) to highlight and then select an alternative communication function from the option list 106.” (¶ 39)];
display, in response to the first selection, a first plurality of addresses associated with a corresponding communication type for the first selectable representation, wherein the first plurality of addresses comprises a first address associated with a first communication application, and a second address associated with a {…} communication application; receive a second selection corresponding to the first address from the first plurality of addresses; and in response to the second selection, cause the first communication application to initiate a communication to the first address [“{…} in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the last time “John Smith” was contacted through the device 10 email was used, and thus when the options menu 106 is generated, the selectable function “Email John Smith” 120 is automatically highlighted with selection indicator 118. In order to select the highlighted function, the device user depresses the scrollwheel 28 a (or in some embodiments, presses another predetermined input key). Alternatively, if desired the device user can rotate and then depress the scrollwheel 28 a (or use an alternative navigational input and selection mechanism, depending on the device 10) to highlight and then select an alternative communication function from the option list 106.” (¶ 39)
“{…} in some circumstances a selected contact will have multiple associated email addresses. In one example embodiment, the different email address options are presented as different selectable options in option menu 106, for example “Email1 John Smith”; “Email2 John Smith”, the last used email address is by default highlighted with selection indicator 118, and selection of the highlighted email option results in generation of the email compose interface of FIG. 7 with the appropriate email address. In alternative embodiments, where multiple email address options exist, only a single “Email Contact Name” option 120 will appear in the options menu 106, and user selection of the email option causes a further email option user interface window 150 to be generated on the display screen 44, as shown in FIG. 8. In the illustrated example, the email options window 150 displays, based on the stored contact information for John Smith in the address book information 310, two different email address options. A device user can, through rotation of scrollwheel 28 a (or other suitable navigational input) move a selection symbol 152 through the address options to selectively highlight one of the options so that it can then be selected by depressing the scrollwheel 28 a (or pressing another suitable option selection key) to cause the device 10 to generate a compose email interface 130 (FIG. 7) for sending an email to the selected address. {…}” (¶ 41)
“{…} in some circumstances there may be multiple phone numbers associated with a contact name that could be used to SMS text message the contact name. In example embodiments, when multiple SMS addresses for a contact name exist and the user selects the “SMS option” 126 from options menu 106 an SMS address option dialog window 160 is generated listing the available SMS addresses (which are typically telephone numbers) as selectable options (See FIG. 9). {…}
{…} once a user selects a highlighted “telephone call” function 224, the processor 38 immediately initiates a telephone call from the device and through the communications network to the telephone number stored in the address information for the contact. In some embodiments, a confirmation screen may be presented requesting the device user to confirm that the call is to be initiated. Often the address book entry for a particular contact will have more than one telephone possible number associated with that contact, including for example one or more work numbers, a cell number, and/or a pager number. Thus, as suggested above, in at least some example embodiments, the device 10 is configured to track in the historic communication information 312 the telephone number last used when initiating telephone contact with a contact.
By way of example, FIG. 10 shows a possible user interface call options window 230 displayed on device display screen 44 in response to user selection of the “Call John Smith” function 124 shown in FIG. 6. The call options window displays, based on the stored contact information for John Smith in the address book information 310, three different telephone number options, including a first work number option 232, a second work number option 234 a and a pager number option 236. Again, a device user can, through rotation of scrollwheel 28 a (or other suitable navigational input) move a selection symbol 238 through the options 232, 234 a and 236 to selectively highlight one of the options so that it can then be selected by depressing the scrollwheel 28 a (or pressing another suitable option selection key) to cause the device 10 to initiate a call through network 50 to the highlighted number. {…}
Thus, it will be appreciated that for each contact name in the address book 310, various different communication transport mechanisms or methods can exist as options for communicating between the device and that contact name (for example, telephone and various electronic messaging transport methods such as SMS messaging, PIN messaging, Email). Furthermore, associated with each of the communication transport method options there can be a number of different possible address options (example, multiple phone numbers for telephone calls or SMS messaging, multiple email address for email). In at least one example embodiment, when a contact name is selected from an address book list, an option menu 106 is generated listing different user selectable communications options (120, 122, 124, 126) for communicating with the selected contact name, with the communications transport method option that was last used being focused or highlighted with a selection indicator 118 as the default communication option. In at least some example embodiments, all or at least some of the communications options listed in the option menu 106 are communication transport method options, and at least some of the transport method options each have multiple associated address options. In order to facilitate user selection of the multiple address options, when a transport method option is selected from the options menu 106, an address option selection menu (see for example menus 150, 160, 230) is generated listing user selectable address options to be used for the selected transport method. {…}” (¶¶ 43-46) | See also ¶¶ 31 & 34.].
Even though the current claim language does not explicitly require that the “first communication application” and the “second communication application” be different applications altogether (hence, the USC § 102 rejection included above), in the interests of compacting prosecution, it appears that Zinn does not explicitly teach wherein the first communication application is a different communication application than the second communication application as apparently intended. In an analogous art, Mathur shows:
display, in response to the first selection, a first plurality of addresses associated with a corresponding communication type for the first selectable representation, wherein the first plurality of addresses comprises a first address associated with a first communication application, and a second address associated with a second communication application [Mathur shows, after selecting a communication type, displaying a first plurality of addresses associated with a corresponding communication type for the first selectable representation, wherein the first plurality of addresses comprises a first address associated with a first communication application, and a second address associated with a second, different communication application (Mathur: ¶¶ 24, 35, & 43)];
One of ordinary skill in the art, having the teachings of Zinn and Mathur before them prior to the effective filing date of the claimed invention, would have been motivated to incorporate the Mathur’s operability to show different addresses of a same communication type being associated with different communication applications into Zinn. The rationale for doing so would have been that doing so “facilitates a user with accessing communication records corresponding to all communications made by the user using the communication device in a single window, irrespective of the communication mode used for the communication. The user thus does not need to switch between different windows for using different communication modes, such as audio calling, text messaging, emails, video calling, and video chatting.” (Mathur: ¶ 21). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Zinn and Mathur (hereinafter, “the Zinn-Mathur combination”) in order to obtain the invention as recited in claims 2, 9, and 16.
As to dependent claims 3, 10, and 17, Zinn-Mathur further shows:
present a second instance of the graphical interface for a second contact comprising the plurality of selectable representations; receive, via the second instance of the graphical interface, a third selection corresponding to a second selectable representation of the plurality of selectable representations; and display, in response to the third selection, a second plurality of addresses associated with the corresponding communication type for the first selectable representation, wherein the second plurality of addresses are associated with different communications than the first plurality of addresses [e.g. repeating the steps of the respective parent claims for a second contact to display their own/different addresses/communications (Zinn: ¶¶ 39-43 & 46)].
As to dependent claims 4, 11, and 18, Zinn-Mathur further shows:
wherein the first plurality of addresses are presented in an order based on a usage pattern of a local user, wherein the usage pattern is based on a frequency of use of a communication application associated with each of the first plurality of addresses [Zinn shows wherein the first plurality of addresses are presented in an order based on a usage pattern of a local user, wherein the usage pattern is based on a recency of use of a communication application associated with each of the first plurality of addresses (Zinn: ¶¶ 16-18, 41, & 47-49). Moreover, Mathur explicitly shows wherein the first plurality of addresses are presented in an order based on a usage pattern of a local user, wherein the usage pattern is based on a frequency of use of a communication application associated with each of the first plurality of addresses (Mathur: ¶¶ 25, 45-47, 55, & 62).].
As to dependent claims 5, 12, and 19, Zinn-Mathur further shows:
wherein the first plurality of addresses are presented in an order based on a most recent communication between the first contact and a local user [e.g. the first plurality of addresses are presented in an order based on a most recent/last used communication between the first contact and a local user (Zinn: ¶¶ 16-18, 41, & 47-49)].
As to dependent claims 6, 13, and 20, Zinn-Mathur further shows:
in response to the first selection: display a communication summary for the first plurality of addresses [e.g. a communication summary may be displayed for the first plurality of addresses in response to the first selection (Zinn: figs. 4-10)].
As to dependent claims 7, 14, and 21, Zinn-Mathur further shows:
wherein the communication summary comprises a plurality of representations of prior communications associated with the first plurality of addresses [e.g. the communication summary comprises a plurality of representations of prior communications associated with the first plurality of addresses (Zinn: ¶¶ 39-43)].
As to dependent claims 8 and 15, Zinn-Mathur further shows:
wherein the first instance of the graphical interface further comprises a graphical representation of the first contact [e.g. the first instance of the graphical interface further comprises a graphical representation of the first contact (Zinn: figs. 4-6)].
Response to Arguments
The previously presented Double Patenting rejections have been withdrawn in view of the Terminal Disclaimer filed and approved on 02/09/2026.
Moreover, Applicant’s arguments have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. Applicant argues:
“ {…} the claims as amended describe displaying a first plurality of addresses associated with a corresponding communication type, "wherein the first plurality of addresses comprises a first address associated with a first communication application, and a second address associated with a second communication application." That is, whereas Zinn shows that the email application is launched and a draft window is shown with the correct address populated, the claims describe that different addresses shown correspond to different communication applications.
The distinction is further made clear when considering the claimed feature, "in response to the second selection, cause the first communication application to initiate a communication to the first address." That is, selection of an address in the claims launches the appropriate communication application for that address, with multiple communication applications for a single communication type possible (i.e., first communication application and second communication application for the communication type).”
The Office respectfully disagrees. Applicant’s arguments appear to rely on the premise that the new claim language implicitly requires that the first communication application must be a different communication application than the second communication application, which is not the case. As such, the Office respectfully asserts that Zinn reasonably shows even the latest amendments at least in the sense that Zinn already showed displaying a first address associated with a first communication application and a second address associated with a second communication application (even if each address, despite being associated with a corresponding first/second application, end up being associated with a same communication application). Therefore, the Office respectfully asserts that the cited art sufficiently teaches the limitations recited in the amended claims.
Moreover/alternatively, Applicant’s prior art arguments have been fully considered but are moot in view of the new grounds of rejection presented above (the supplementary Zinn-Mathur rejection).
Conclusion
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. Applicants are reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 C.F.R. § 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 extension fee pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 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 date of this final action.
It is noted that any citation to specific pages, columns, lines, or figures in the prior art references and any interpretation of the references should not be considered to be limiting in any way. A reference is relevant for all it contains and may be relied upon for all that it would have reasonably suggested to one having ordinary skill in the art. In re Heck, 699 F.2d 1331, 1332-33, 216 U.S.P.Q. 1038, 1039 (Fed. Cir. 1983) (quoting In re Lemelson, 397 F.2d 1006, 1009, 158 U.S.P.Q. 275, 277 (C.C.P.A. 1968)).
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ALVARO R CALDERON IV whose telephone number is (571) 272-1818. The examiner can normally be reached on Monday - Friday (8:30am - 5pm).
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/ALVARO R CALDERON IV/
Examiner, Art Unit 2171
/KIEU D VU/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2171
Prosecution Insights