DETAILED ACTION
This Office action is in response to Applicant’s amendment filed May 13, 2026. Applicant has amended claim 37. Claim 15 has been cancelled. Currently, claims 1-14, 16-18, 35 and 37 remain pending in the application.
The text of those sections of Title 35 U.S. Code not included in this action can be found in the prior Office action, Paper No. 20260124.
The rejection of claims 15 and 37 under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-
AIA ), second paragraph, is withdrawn in view of applicant’s amendments and remarks.
The rejection of claims 1-14, 16-18, 35 and 37 under 35 U.S.C. 102((a)(1)) as anticipated by or, in the alternative, under 35 U.S.C. 103 as obvious over Kluit et al, WO
2020/047215, is maintained for the reasons of record.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed May 13, 2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
Applicant argues that Kluit et al, WO 2020/047215, does not teach or suggest in general an enzyme-containing granule comprising an odor-controlling layer containing an odor-controlling compound, as required by applicant in the instant claims. However, the examiner respectfully disagrees. Specifically, the examiner respectfully maintains that Kluit et al clearly disclose an enzyme-containing granule containing 30-50% by weight of the core, 10-30% by weight of one or more enzymes, and 5-15% by weight of an aluminosilicate, such as zeolite or kaolin (i.e., an odor-controlling compound; see paragraph 26), as required by applicant in the instant claims.
Applicant further argues that Kluit et al, WO 2020/047215, is drawn to a method for reducing spotting and filming on dish surfaces, whereas the instant claims are drawn to a method of reducing odor. However, the examiner respectfully disagrees. Specifically, the examiner respectfully maintains that Kluit et al clearly discloses that their granule contains a zeolite (i.e., an odor-controlling compound; see paragraph 26), as required by applicant in the instant claims.
Conclusion
THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. 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 BRIAN P MRUK whose telephone number is (571)272-1321. The examiner can normally be reached on 7:00am-5:30pm Monday-Thursday.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Angela Brown-Pettigrew, can be reached on 571-272-2817. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/BRIAN P MRUK/
Primary Examiner, Art Unit 1761
Brian P Mruk
July 14, 2026
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