CTNF 18/977,484 CTNF 83593 DETAILED ACTION Status of Application This action is a Non-Final Rejection. This action is in response to the application filed on December 11, 2024. 12-151-10 AIA 12-51-10 Claim s 1-11 have been canceled. Claims 21-29 have been added. Claims 12, 19, and 20 have been amended. Claims 12-29 are pending and rejected. The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA. 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. Information Disclosure Statement The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on December 11, 2024 has been considered by the examiner. Claim Objections Claim 12 is objected to for the following reason: Claim 12 recites “writing, the first space-based user….” It appears that Applicant intended for this limitation to instead by “writing, by the first spaced-based user….” Appropriate correction is required. Claim 21 is objected to for the following reason: Claim 21 recites “ writing the foreign exchange transaction and the foreign exchange rate , wherein a smart contract executes the foreign exchange transaction using the foreign exchange rate and updates balances in a first space-based user electronic wallet and a second space-based user electronic wallet.” It appears that this limitation is incomplete and should state that the foreign exchange transaction is written to a distributed ledger platform. For purposes of examination, this limitation is interpreted to include “to a distributed ledger platform.” Appropriate correction is required. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 101 07-04-01 AIA 07-04 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 12-29 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 101 as being directed to non-statutory subject matter because the claimed invention is directed to an abstract idea without significantly more. Step 1: Does the Claim Fall within a Statutory Category? (see MPEP 2106.03) Yes, with respect to claims 12-20, which recite a method and, therefore, are directed to the statutory class of process. Yes, with respect to claims 21-29, which recite a non-transitory computer readable medium and, therefore, are directed to the statutory class of manufacture. Step 2A, Prong One: Is a Judicial Exception Recited? (see MPEP 2106.04(a)) The following claims (Claims 12-20 are representative) identify the limitations that recite the abstract idea in regular text and that recite additional elements in bold : 12. A method for conducting space-based foreign exchange transactions, comprising: determining, by a first space-based user and using a first space-based user computer processor on a first space-based device , that a foreign exchange transaction is needed; identifying, by the first space-based user and using a space-based user computer processor , a second space-based user as a counterparty to the foreign exchange transaction, wherein the second space-based user is associated with a second space-based device ; agreeing, by the first space-based user and using the first space-based user computer processor , to a foreign exchange rate with the second space-based user; and writing, the first space-based user and to a distributed ledger platform , the foreign exchange transaction and the foreign exchange rate, wherein a smart contract executes the foreign exchange transaction using the foreign exchange rate and updates balances in a first space-based user electronic wallet and a second space-based user electronic wallet . 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the foreign exchange transaction is associated with a pending or potential transaction with the second space-based user. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the foreign exchange transaction is associated with a pending or potential transaction with a third space-based user. 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the foreign exchange transaction is for stablecoins in a first currency for stablecoins in a second currency. 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the foreign exchange rate is retrieved from a space-based oracle . 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the foreign exchange rate is programmatically determined. 18. The method of claim 12, wherein the foreign exchange rate is based on a bilateral agreement between the first space-based user and the second space-based user. 19. The method of claim 12, wherein the first space-based device and/or the second space-based device are satellites . 20. The method of claim 12, further comprising: transferring, by the first space-based user and using the first space-based user computer processor , a balance of the first space-based user electronic wallet to an Earth-based user electronic wallet . Yes. But for the recited additional elements as shown above in bold, the remaining limitations of the claim recite certain methods of organizing human activity. The claim limitations identified as abstract idea are directed to a foreign exchange transaction. This type of method of organizing human activity is a fundamental economic practice because it involves a payment and an exchange of value, and it is a commercial or legal interaction such as a sales activity or behavior or a business relation. Thus, the claims recite an abstract idea. Step 2A, Prong Two: Is the Abstract Idea Integrated into a Practical Application? (see MPEP 2106.04(d)) No. The claims as a whole merely use a computer as a tool to perform the abstract idea. The technology related components (i.e., additional elements that are in bold above) are recited at a high level of generality and are merely invoked as tools to perform the abstract idea. For example, the claimed invention is shown in Figure 3 and described in paragraphs 0073-0090 of Applicant’s Specification. Both the claims and Applicant’s Specification describe the additional elements at a very high level such that the claimed foreign exchange transaction is merely being linked to a particular technological environment, i.e., space based devices. Additionally, the claimed computer processors of the first and second space based devices are being used as tools to implement the foreign exchange transaction. Simply implementing the abstract idea using a programmed general purpose consumer device is not a practical application of the abstract idea. Additionally, there is no improvement to the functioning of a computer or technology. Therefore, the abstract idea is not integrated into a practical application. Step 2B: Does the Claim Provide an Inventive Concept? (see MPEP 2106.05) No. As discussed with respect to Step 2A, Prong 2, the additional elements in the claims, both individually and in combination, amount to no more than tools to perform the abstract idea. Merely performing the abstract idea using a computer cannot provide an inventive concept. Therefore, the claims do not provide an inventive concept. As such, the claims are not patent eligible. 35 U.S.C. §§ 102 and 103 The Office action does not include a rejection under 35 U.S.C. §§ 102 or 103. This particular combination of limitations was not found in or made obvious by the prior art. Per paragraph 0027 of Applicant’s Specification, the claimed space-based devices were construed as devices such as satellites or space stations that are located in space and not on Earth. Additionally, paragraph 0053 of the Specification distinguishes between Earth-based and space-based users. The claims are novel and non-obvious for reasons similar to parent application number 18/468,191 and in light of the Specification and an updated search of the prior art. Double Patenting 08-33 AIA The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg , 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman , 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi , 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum , 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel , 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington , 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969). A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA. A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b). The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13. The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA/25, or PTO/AIA/26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer. Claims 12-29 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-18 of U.S. Patent No. 12,205,106 B2 . The following table compares the method claims of the instant application and the patent: Instant Application – Claim 1 2-29 (claims 12-20 are representative) Patent Number 12,205,106 B2 (Application Number 18/468,191) – Claims 1-18 (claims 1-9 are representative) 12. A method for conducting space-based foreign exchange transactions, comprising: determining, by a first space-based user and using a first space-based user computer processor on a first space-based device, that a foreign exchange transaction is needed; identifying, by the first space-based user and using a space-based user computer processor, a second space-based user as a counterparty to the foreign exchange transaction, wherein the second space-based user is associated with a second space-based device; agreeing, by the first space-based user and using the first space-based user computer processor, to a foreign exchange rate with the second space-based user; and writing, the first space-based user and to a distributed ledger platform, the foreign exchange transaction and the foreign exchange rate, wherein a smart contract executes the foreign exchange transaction using the foreign exchange rate and updates balances in a first space-based user electronic wallet and a second space-based user electronic wallet . 1 . A method for conducting space-based foreign exchange transactions, comprising: determining, by a first space-based user and using a first space-based user computer processor on a first space-based device, that a foreign exchange transaction is needed; identifying, by the first space-based user and using the first space-based user computer processor, a second space-based user as a counterparty to the foreign exchange transaction, wherein the second space-based user is associated with a second space-based device; agreeing, by the first space-based user and using the first space-based user computer processor, to a foreign exchange rate with the second space-based user; determining, by the first space-based user and using the first space-based user computer processor, that the first space-based user and the second space-based user are out of contact with a distributed ledger network; writing, by the first space-based user and using the first space-based user computer processor, the foreign exchange transaction and the foreign exchange rate to a side chain for the distributed ledger network in response to the first space-based user and the second space-based user being out of contact with the distributed ledger network, wherein a smart contract executes the foreign exchange transaction using the foreign exchange rate; and writing , by the first space-based user and using the first space-based user computer processor, a net of the foreign exchange transaction to the distributed ledger network in response to contact between the first space-based user and the distributed ledger network is re-established, wherein the smart contract updates balances in a first space-based user electronic wallet and a second space-based user electronic wallet . 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the foreign exchange transaction is associated with a pending or potential transaction with the second space-based user . 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the foreign exchange transaction is associated with a pending or potential transaction with the second space-based user . 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the foreign exchange transaction is associated with a pending or potential transaction with a third space-based user . 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the foreign exchange transaction is associated with a pending or potential transaction with a third space-based user . 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the foreign exchange transaction is for stablecoins in a first currency for stablecoins in a second currency . 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the foreign exchange transaction is for stablecoins in a first currency for stablecoins in a second currency . 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the foreign exchange rate is retrieved from a space-based oracle . 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the foreign exchange rate is retrieved from a space-based oracle . 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the foreign exchange rate is programmatically determined . 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the foreign exchange rate is programmatically determined . 18. The method of claim 12, wherein the foreign exchange rate is based on a bilateral agreement between the first space-based user and the second space-based user . 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the foreign exchange rate is based on a bilateral agreement between the first space-based user and the second space-based user . 19. The method of claim 12, wherein the first space-based device and/or the second space-based device are satellites . 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first space-based device and/or the second space-based device are satellites . 20. The method of claim 12, further comprising: transferring, by the first space-based user and using the first space-based user computer processor, a balance of the first space-based user electronic wallet to an Earth-based user electronic wallet . 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: transferring, by the first space-based user and using the first space-based user computer processor, a balance of the first space-based user electronic wallet to an Earth-based user electronic wallet . Although the claims at issue are not identical, the reference claim is not patentably distinct from instant claim 1 because each is drawn to the same invention. Claims 12-29 are anticipated by reference claims 1-18. To overcome this rejection, Applicant should file a Terminal Disclaimer or amend the claims. Upon double patenting being the only remaining rejection in this application, Examiner will review and update it, as appropriate, in light of the pending claims . Relevant Prior Art The following references are relevant to Applicant’s invention: Metzger et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2019/0289018 A1. This reference teaches a system for managing data storage in a satellite platform. Shasha , U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2020/0220732 A1. This reference teaches cubesats that are equipped with a hardware security module and receive transactions from users. Coleman et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2020/0028908 A1. This reference teaches distributed storage management in a spaceborne or airborne environment. Boyle, Alan. “How Satellites and Blockchain go Together”, Geekwire, https://www.geekwire.com/2019/satellites-blockchain-go-together/, (Feb. 1, 2019). Boyle discusses combining blockchain technology with satellites. J. d. La Beaujardiere, R. Mital and R. Mital, "Blockchain Application Within A Multi-Sensor Satellite Architecture," IGARSS 2019 - 2019 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium , Yokohama, Japan, 2019, pp. 5293-5296, doi: 10.1109/IGARSS.2019.8898117. This reference teaches the use of blockchain within satellite architectures. Ge, Shen. “Usage of Cryptocurrency with Satellites,” https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/usage-cryptocurrency-satellites-shen-ge-pmp-cssgb-%E8%91%9B%E5%B1%BE- (Dec. 23, 2017). This reference teaches satellite data storage for use with cryptocurrency. Email Communications Per MPEP 502.03, Applicant may authorize email communications by filing Form PTO/SB/439, available at https://www.uspto.gov/sites/default/files/documents/sb0439.pdf, via the USPTO patent electronic filing system. Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ELIZABETH H ROSEN whose telephone number is (571) 270-1850 and email address is elizabeth.rosen@uspto.gov. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Friday, 10 AM ET - 7 PM ET. 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 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. Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /ELIZABETH H ROSEN/Primary Examiner, 3693 Application/Control Number: 18/977,484 Page 2 Art Unit: 3693 Application/Control Number: 18/977,484 Page 3 Art Unit: 3693 Application/Control Number: 18/977,484 Page 4 Art Unit: 3693 Application/Control Number: 18/977,484 Page 5 Art Unit: 3693 Application/Control Number: 18/977,484 Page 6 Art Unit: 3693 Application/Control Number: 18/977,484 Page 7 Art Unit: 3693
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