DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, 19/052,236, was filed on 02/12/2025, and claims priority from Japanese Application 2024-021378 filed on 02/15/2024.
The effective filing date is after the AIA date of March 16, 2013, and so the application 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.
Priority
Acknowledgment is made of applicant's claim for foreign priority, based on Japanese Application 2024-021378 filed on 02/15/2024.
On 03/28/2025, the certified priority document was electronically retrieved by USPTO from WIPO.
Receipt is acknowledged of certified copies of papers required by 37 CFR 1.55.
Status of the Application
This Non-Final Office Action is in response to Applicant’s communication of 02/12/2025.
Claims 1-14 are pending, of which claims 1, 13, and 14 are independent.
All pending claims have been examined on the merits.
Information Disclosure Statement
The Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) submitted on 03/27/2025 has been considered.
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 1-14 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. §101 because the claimed invention is directed to non-statutory subject matter. The claimed invention is directed to an abstract idea, without “significantly more”.
Based on the flowchart in MPEP § 2106, Step 1 of the Alice/Mayo analysis is: “Is the claim to a process, machine, manufacture or composition of matter?”
In regards to Step 1 of the Alice/Mayo analysis, claim 1 is an apparatus claim, independent claim 13 is a method claim, and claim 14 is an article of manufacture claim or product by process claim (“non-transitory computer readable medium”).
For the sake of compact prosecution, we continue with the Alice/Mayo “abstract idea” analysis.
Step 2A, prong 1 of the Alice/Mayo analysis is: “Does the claim recite a law of nature, a natural phenomenon (product of nature), or an abstract idea?”
In regards to Step 2A, prongs 1 and 2 of the Alice/Mayo analysis, the abstract idea elements recited in independent claim 1 are shown in italic font. (The “additional elements” and “extra solution steps” are shown in italic and underlined font):
1. An information processing system, which provides a first user and a second user with a cooperative service that operates in cooperation with an electronic money service that manages electronic money, the information processing system comprising:
at least one processor; and
at least one memory device that stores a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to:
present to the second user, when the first user is registered with the electronic money service and an instruction to send a remittance amount of electronic money from the first user to the second user is given, a receiving method for the electronic money; and
transmit to the second user, when an operation based on the receiving method is input from the second user and the second user is not registered with the electronic money service, information for prompting the second user to register with the electronic money service,
wherein, when the second user is registered with the electronic money service based on the information, the remittance amount is added to a balance of electronic money available to the second user.
More specifically, claims 1-14 recite an abstract idea: “Commercial or Legal Interactions (Including Agreements in the form of Contracts; Legal Obligations; Advertising, Marketing, or Sales Activities or Behaviors; Business Relations)”, as discussed in MPEP §2106(a)(2) Parts (I) and (II), and in the 2019 Revised Patent Subject Matter Eligibility Guidance.
The “Commercial or Legal Interactions” elements include:
“an electronic money service that manages electronic money”.
“when the first user is registered with the electronic money service”.
“when … the second user is not registered with the electronic money service”.
“wherein … the remittance amount is added to a balance of electronic money available to the second user”.
Moreover, claims 1-14 recite “Mathematical Concepts", specifically “Mathematical Relationships”, “Mathematical Formulas or Equations”, and “Mathematical Calculations”, as discussed in MPEP §2106.04(a)(2) Part (IV), and in the 2019 Revised Patent Subject Matter Eligibility Guidance.
The mathematic elements include:
“the remittance amount is added to a balance of electronic money available to the second user”.
The “additional elements” include: “at least one processor” and “at least one memory device that stores a plurality of instructions”.
Moreover, “additional extra-solution elements” include: “at least one memory device that stores a plurality of instructions”, “present to the second user … a receiving method for the electronic money”, “an instruction to send a remittance amount of electronic money from the first user to the second user is given”, “transmit to the second user … information for prompting the second user to register with the electronic money service”, and “an operation based on the receiving method is input from the second user”.
Step 2A, prong 2 of the Alice/Mayo analysis is “Does the claim recite additional elements that integrate elements that integrate the judicial exception into a practical application?”
In regards to Step 2A, prong 2 of the Alice/Mayo analysis, this abstract idea is not integrated into a practical application, because:
The claim is directed to an abstract idea with additional generic computer elements. The generically recited computer elements (“at least one processor” and “at least one memory device that stores a plurality of instructions”) do not add a meaningful limitation to the abstract idea, because they amount to simply implementing the abstract idea on a computer. The claim amounts to adding the words "apply it" (or an equivalent) with the abstract idea, or mere instructions to implement an abstract idea on a computer, or merely uses a computer as a tool to perform an abstract idea.
The extra-solution activities (“at least one memory device that stores a plurality of instructions”, “present to the second user … a receiving method for the electronic money”, “an instruction to send a remittance amount of electronic money from the first user to the second user is given”, “transmit to the second user … information for prompting the second user to register with the electronic money service”, and “an operation based on the receiving method is input from the second user”) do not add a meaningful limitation to the method, as they are insignificant extra-solution activity;
The combination of the abstract idea with the additional elements (generically recited computer elements), and/or with the extra-solution activities, does not integrate the abstract idea into a practical application.
Step 2B of the Alice/Mayo analysis is: “Does the claim recite additional elements that amount to significantly more than the judicial exception?”
In regards to Step 2B of the Alice/Mayo analysis, the claims do not include additional elements that are sufficient to amount to significantly more than the abstract idea, because:
When considering the elements "alone and in combination" (“at least one processor” and “at least one memory device that stores a plurality of instructions”), they do not add significantly more (also known as an "inventive concept") to the exception, because they amount to simply implementing the abstract idea on a computer. Instead, they merely add the words "apply it" (or an equivalent) with the abstract idea, or mere instructions to implement an abstract idea on a computer, or merely use a computer as a tool to perform an abstract idea.
In regards to the extra solution activities (“stor[ing]”, “present[ing]”, “receiving”, “sending”, “giving”, “transmit[ing]”, and “prompting”), these are recognized as such by the court decisions listed in MPEP § 2106.05(d).
More specifically, in regards to the “storing” step, see the court cases Versata Dev. Group, Inc. v. SAP Am., Inc., 793 F.3d 1306, 1334, 115 USPQ2d 1681, 1701 (Fed. Cir. 2015) (storing and retrieving information in memory); and OIP Techs., Inc., v. Amazon.com, Inc., 788 F.3d 1359, 1363, 115 USPQ2d 1090, 1092-93 (Fed. Cir. 2015) (storing and retrieving information in memory).
More specifically, in regards to the “receiving”, “sending”, “giving”, and “transmit[ing]”, steps, see the court cases OIP Techs., Inc., v. Amazon.com, Inc., 788 F.3d 1359, 1363, 115 USPQ2d 1090, 1093 (Fed. Cir. 2015) (sending messages over a network) and (presenting offers and gathering statistics), OIP Techs., 788 F.3d at 1362-63, 115 USPQ2d at 1092-93; buySAFE, Inc. v. Google, Inc., 765 F.3d 1350, 1355, 112 USPQ2d 1093, 1096 (Fed. Cir. 2014) (computer receives and sends information over a network).
Moreover, in regards to the “present[ing]” and “prompting” steps, see Apple, Inc. v. Ameranth, Inc., 842 F.3d 1229, 120 U.S.P.Q.2d 1844 (Fed. Cir. 2016) (Holding that the claimed menu graphic user interface is an abstract idea under 35 USC §101, because claimant "[did] not claim a particular way of programming or designing the software to create menus that have these features, but instead merely claims the resulting systems").
Moreover, in regards to “apply it”, according to MPEP § 2106.05(f)(2):
Use of a computer or other machinery in its ordinary capacity for economic or other tasks (e.g., to receive, store, or transmit data) or simply adding a general purpose computer or computer components after the fact to an abstract idea (e.g., a fundamental economic practice or mathematical equation) does not integrate a judicial exception into a practical application or provide significantly more. See Affinity Labs v. DirecTV, 838 F.3d 1253, 1262, 120 USPQ2d 1201, 1207 (Fed. Cir. 2016) (cellular telephone); TLI Communications LLC v. AV Auto, LLC, 823 F.3d 607, 613, 118 USPQ2d 1744, 1748 (Fed. Cir. 2016) (computer server and telephone unit). Similarly, "claiming the improved speed or efficiency inherent with applying the abstract idea on a computer" does not integrate a judicial exception into a practical application or provide an inventive concept. Intellectual Ventures I LLC v. Capital One Bank (USA), 792 F.3d 1363, 1367, 115 USPQ2d 1636, 1639 (Fed. Cir. 2015).
In contrast, a claim that purports to improve computer capabilities or to improve an existing technology may integrate a judicial exception into a practical application or provide significantly more. McRO, Inc. v. Bandai Namco Games Am. Inc., 837 F.3d 1299, 1314-15, 120 USPQ2d 1091, 1101-02 (Fed. Cir. 2016); Enfish, LLC v. Microsoft Corp., 822 F.3d 1327, 1335-36, 118 USPQ2d 1684, 1688-89 (Fed. Cir. 2016). See MPEP §§ 2106.04(d)(1) and 2106.05(a) for a discussion of improvements to the functioning of a computer or to another technology or technical field.
The Examiner holds that the independent claims “use a computer or other machinery in its ordinary capacity for economic or other tasks (e.g., to receive, store, or transmit data)” or “simply add a general purpose computer or computer components after the fact to an abstract idea”.
Independent claims 13 and 14 are rejected on the same grounds as independent claim 1. Independent claim 14 is also rejected on the grounds that it recites a non-transitory computer-readable medium, which is merely another generic computer component.
All dependent claims are also rejected, because they merely further define the abstract idea.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
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.
The factual inquiries set forth in Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 148 USPQ 459 (1966), that are applied for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
Claim 1-14 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over US 2021/0326844 A1 to Zhou et al. (“Zhou”. Eff. Filed on June 22, 2018. Published on Oct. 21, 2021) in view of Official Notice.
In regards to independent claim 1,
1. An information processing system, which provides a first user and a second user with a cooperative service that operates in cooperation with an electronic money service that manages electronic money, the information processing system comprising:
at least one processor; and
at least one memory device that stores a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to:
(See Zhou, para. [0054]: “A user device may each comprise memory storage units which may comprise non-transitory computer readable medium comprising code, logic, or instructions for performing one or more steps. A user device may comprise one or more processors capable of executing one or more steps, for instance in accordance with the non-transitory computer readable media. The user device may comprise a display showing a graphical user interface (GUI). The user device may be capable of accepting inputs via a user interactive device.”)
present to the second user, when the first user is registered with the electronic money service and an instruction to send a remittance amount of electronic money from the first user to the second user is given, a receiving method for the electronic money; and
(See Zhou, para. [0065]: “A user (e.g., user 105, 106, 107, or 108) may be registered to the system 100, such as via creating an online account with a server of the system 100. Upon registration, the user may provide the system 100 with information that enables a system to process a transaction to or from the user. For example, the user may provide personal financial information, such as name of a financial institution, account number, and routing information. In some instances, only registered users may be provided with one or more services of the fund transfer system 100. In other instances, any user, registered or not, may be provided with one or more services of the fund transfer system 100. For example, a registered user can be capable of receiving funds. The system 100 may directly deposit funds received from a sender into the registered user's account using information provided by the registered user. The registered user may be provided with other services or options upon receipt of a fund transfer, such as the ability to re-transfer, gift, exchange the funds for another form of funds, or split tender. An unregistered user can be capable of receiving funds. For example, upon receipt of the fund transfer, the system 100 can prompt the unregistered user to register with the system 100 to open up other capabilities provided to registered users (e.g., re-transfer, gift, split tender, direct deposit to FI account, etc.). An unregistered user may be tendered the received funds, such as through an identifier (e.g., barcode, graphical code, code, PIN, etc.) which can be provided by the unregistered user to an automated teller machine (ATM) of a FI or a register user (e.g., sender, third party) of the system 100. A registered user may be able to transfer funds to a registered recipient or an unregistered recipient. For example, the system 100 may use information provided by the registered user (e.g., account information, etc.) to initiate the transfer. Such transfers facilitated by the system 100 can be “push” type transfers. “Push” and “pull” transfers are described further below.”)
The Examiner interprets that Zhou’s “An unregistered user may be tendered the received funds, such as through an identifier (e.g., barcode, graphical code, code, PIN, etc.) which can be provided by the unregistered user to an automated teller machine (ATM) of a FI or a register user (e.g., sender, third party) of the system 100” reads upon the “receiving method for the electronic money”.
transmit to the second user, when an operation based on the receiving method is input from the second user and the second user is not registered with the electronic money service, information for prompting the second user to register with the electronic money service,
(See Zhou, para. [0065]: “A user (e.g., user 105, 106, 107, or 108) may be registered to the system 100, such as via creating an online account with a server of the system 100. Upon registration, the user may provide the system 100 with information that enables a system to process a transaction to or from the user. For example, the user may provide personal financial information, such as name of a financial institution, account number, and routing information. In some instances, only registered users may be provided with one or more services of the fund transfer system 100. In other instances, any user, registered or not, may be provided with one or more services of the fund transfer system 100. For example, a registered user can be capable of receiving funds. The system 100 may directly deposit funds received from a sender into the registered user's account using information provided by the registered user. The registered user may be provided with other services or options upon receipt of a fund transfer, such as the ability to re-transfer, gift, exchange the funds for another form of funds, or split tender. An unregistered user can be capable of receiving funds. For example, upon receipt of the fund transfer, the system 100 can prompt the unregistered user to register with the system 100 to open up other capabilities provided to registered users (e.g., re-transfer, gift, split tender, direct deposit to FI account, etc.). An unregistered user may be tendered the received funds, such as through an identifier (e.g., barcode, graphical code, code, PIN, etc.) which can be provided by the unregistered user to an automated teller machine (ATM) of a FI or a register user (e.g., sender, third party) of the system 100. A registered user may be able to transfer funds to a registered recipient or an unregistered recipient. For example, the system 100 may use information provided by the registered user (e.g., account information, etc.) to initiate the transfer. Such transfers facilitated by the system 100 can be “push” type transfers. “Push” and “pull” transfers are described further below.”)
The Examiner interprets that Zhou’s “For example, upon receipt of the fund transfer, the system 100 can prompt the unregistered user to register with the system 100” reads upon the claimed “transmit to the second user …. information for prompting the second user to register with the electronic money service”.
(See Zhou, para. [0157]: “FIG. 13 illustrates another example of a process flow for rewarding a user with digital tokens. In some instances, after a customer is presented with a transaction request 1302, the system may request 1304 that the customer identify himself or herself with the fund transfer system and/or provide customer information, such as to accrue rewards. For example, the customer may identify himself or herself by providing an identification number, ID, phone number, username, or other unique identifier. If the customer refuses, the transaction can complete 1306 without any rewards. If the customer does provide information (e.g., phone number), the system may determine 1308 whether the customer is an existing (e.g., pre-registered) user, such as by comparing the customer-provided information to user information stored by the system (e.g., in a database). If the customer is an existing user, the system may present 1312 a confirmation message that rewards have been sent, the transaction can complete 1316, and the system may transfer 1318 the rewards into the digital account of the user. Alternatively, if the customer is not an existing user, the system may prompt 1310 that the customer register, such as by downloading a native application of the fund transfer system. Once the customer has registered, the system may present 1314 a confirmation message that the user has registered (and/or that rewards have been sent), the transaction can complete 1316, and the system may transfer 1318 the rewards into the digital account of the new user.”)
Moreover, Zhou also teaches the following:
(See Zhou, para. [0065]: “A user (e.g., user 105, 106, 107, or 108) may be registered to the system 100, such as via creating an online account with a server of the system 100. Upon registration, the user may provide the system 100 with information that enables a system to process a transaction to or from the user. For example, the user may provide personal financial information, such as name of a financial institution, account number, and routing information. In some instances, only registered users may be provided with one or more services of the fund transfer system 100. In other instances, any user, registered or not, may be provided with one or more services of the fund transfer system 100. For example, a registered user can be capable of receiving funds. The system 100 may directly deposit funds received from a sender into the registered user's account using information provided by the registered user. The registered user may be provided with other services or options upon receipt of a fund transfer, such as the ability to re-transfer, gift, exchange the funds for another form of funds, or split tender. An unregistered user can be capable of receiving funds. For example, upon receipt of the fund transfer, the system 100 can prompt the unregistered user to register with the system 100 to open up other capabilities provided to registered users (e.g., re-transfer, gift, split tender, direct deposit to FI account, etc.). An unregistered user may be tendered the received funds, such as through an identifier (e.g., barcode, graphical code, code, PIN, etc.) which can be provided by the unregistered user to an automated teller machine (ATM) of a FI or a register user (e.g., sender, third party) of the system 100. A registered user may be able to transfer funds to a registered recipient or an unregistered recipient. For example, the system 100 may use information provided by the registered user (e.g., account information, etc.) to initiate the transfer. Such transfers facilitated by the system 100 can be “push” type transfers. “Push” and “pull” transfers are described further below.”)
However, under a conservative interpretation of Zhou, it could be argued that Zhou does not explicitly teach the following features:
wherein, when the second user is registered with the electronic money service based on the information, the remittance amount is added to a balance of electronic money available to the second user.
Official Notice is given that it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA), before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, add to Zhou’s disclosure “[t]he system 100 may directly deposit funds received from a sender into the registered user's account using information provided by the registered user”, with Official Notice that it would be obvious to add a remittance amount to a balance of money available to the recipient, because the Examiner holds that it is obvious that the method for “directly deposit[ing] funds received from a sender into a … user’s account” includes the claimed step of “the remittance amount is added to a balance of electronic money available to the second user”, regardless of whether the user is registered or unregistered.
In regards to claim 2,
2. The information processing system according to claim 1,
wherein the cooperative service is a messaging service, and
wherein the plurality of instructions cause the at least one processor to transmit to the second user, when the first user is registered with the electronic money service and the instruction to send the remittance amount of electronic money from the first user to the second user is given, information including the receiving method for the electronic money, as a message from the first user.
(See Zhou, para. [0156]: “FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a process flow for rewarding a user with digital tokens for an electronic commerce payment. In some instances, when a customer completes payment of a fund 1202, and the transaction is confirmed, if the customer has paid 1204 using a credit or debit card, the fund transfer system may send 1206 a notification (e.g., via email, text, etc.) with a scannable graphical indicia (e.g., QR code) and/or a hyperlink to a rewards web site, and the user may receive a message 1208 to look out for the system notification in such email, text, or other route. The user may scan the graphical indicia (e.g., from such email, text, etc.) or click the hyperlink to claim the reward, upon which the fund transfer system may transfer the rewards into the digital account of the user. Alternatively, if the customer has instead paid 1210 using a native application of the fund transfer system, the user may directly and/or automatically receive 1212 rewards in the digital account of the user along with a message 1214 confirming the rewards. Alternatively, if the user has neither used a native application nor paid with a credit or debit card (e.g., the user paid by mailing a cash or check), the user may not receive any rewards 1216 and be provided with a message 1218 detailing the payment transaction without any rewards. The user may be incentivized to use either native application or a card to complete payment to receive the rewards.”)
In regards to claim 3,
3. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of instructions cause the at least one processor to transmit, when the remittance amount is added to the balance of electronic money available to the second user, information for notifying that receipt of the electronic money has been completed by the second user, as a message to the first user through the messaging service.
(See Zhou, para. [0157]: “FIG. 13 illustrates another example of a process flow for rewarding a user with digital tokens. In some instances, after a customer is presented with a transaction request 1302, the system may request 1304 that the customer identify himself or herself with the fund transfer system and/or provide customer information, such as to accrue rewards. For example, the customer may identify himself or herself by providing an identification number, ID, phone number, username, or other unique identifier. If the customer refuses, the transaction can complete 1306 without any rewards. If the customer does provide information (e.g., phone number), the system may determine 1308 whether the customer is an existing (e.g., pre-registered) user, such as by comparing the customer-provided information to user information stored by the system (e.g., in a database). If the customer is an existing user, the system may present 1312 a confirmation message that rewards have been sent, the transaction can complete 1316, and the system may transfer 1318 the rewards into the digital account of the user. Alternatively, if the customer is not an existing user, the system may prompt 1310 that the customer register, such as by downloading a native application of the fund transfer system. Once the customer has registered, the system may present 1314 a confirmation message that the user has registered (and/or that rewards have been sent), the transaction can complete 1316, and the system may transfer 1318 the rewards into the digital account of the new user.”)
In regards to claim 4, Zhou teaches the following:
(See Zhou, para. [0065]: “A user (e.g., user 105, 106, 107, or 108) may be registered to the system 100, such as via creating an online account with a server of the system 100. Upon registration, the user may provide the system 100 with information that enables a system to process a transaction to or from the user. For example, the user may provide personal financial information, such as name of a financial institution, account number, and routing information. In some instances, only registered users may be provided with one or more services of the fund transfer system 100. In other instances, any user, registered or not, may be provided with one or more services of the fund transfer system 100. For example, a registered user can be capable of receiving funds. The system 100 may directly deposit funds received from a sender into the registered user's account using information provided by the registered user. The registered user may be provided with other services or options upon receipt of a fund transfer, such as the ability to re-transfer, gift, exchange the funds for another form of funds, or split tender. An unregistered user can be capable of receiving funds. For example, upon receipt of the fund transfer, the system 100 can prompt the unregistered user to register with the system 100 to open up other capabilities provided to registered users (e.g., re-transfer, gift, split tender, direct deposit to FI account, etc.). An unregistered user may be tendered the received funds, such as through an identifier (e.g., barcode, graphical code, code, PIN, etc.) which can be provided by the unregistered user to an automated teller machine (ATM) of a FI or a register user (e.g., sender, third party) of the system 100. A registered user may be able to transfer funds to a registered recipient or an unregistered recipient. For example, the system 100 may use information provided by the registered user (e.g., account information, etc.) to initiate the transfer. Such transfers facilitated by the system 100 can be “push” type transfers. “Push” and “pull” transfers are described further below.”)
However, under a conservative interpretation of Zhou, it could be argued that Zhou does not explicitly teach the following features:
4. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein when the second user is registered with the electronic money service, the remittance amount is added to the balance of electronic money available to the second user without presentation of the receiving method for the electronic money.
Official Notice is given that it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA), before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, add to Zhou’s disclosure “[t]he system 100 may directly deposit funds received from a sender into the registered user's account using information provided by the registered user”, with Official Notice that it would be obvious to add a remittance amount to a balance of money available to the recipient, because the Examiner holds that it is obvious that the method for “directly deposit[ing] funds received from a sender into a … user’s account” includes the claimed step of “the remittance amount is added to a balance of electronic money available to the second user without presentation of the receiving method for the electronic money”, regardless of whether the user is registered or unregistered.
In regards to claim 5,
5. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of instructions cause the at least one processor to determine, when a plurality of pieces of attribute information required by the electronic money service are stored in association with the second user, that the second user is registered with the electronic money service.
(See Zhao, para. [0065]: “In some instances, only registered users may be provided with one or more services of the fund transfer system 100. In other instances, any user, registered or not, may be provided with one or more services of the fund transfer system 100. For example, a registered user can be capable of receiving funds. The system 100 may directly deposit funds received from a sender into the registered user's account using information provided by the registered user. The registered user may be provided with other services or options upon receipt of a fund transfer, such as the ability to re-transfer, gift, exchange the funds for another form of funds, or split tender. An unregistered user can be capable of receiving funds. For example, upon receipt of the fund transfer, the system 100 can prompt the unregistered user to register with the system 100 to open up other capabilities provided to registered users (e.g., re-transfer, gift, split tender, direct deposit to FI account, etc.).”)
Official Notice is given that it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art (PHOSITA), before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, add to Zhou’s disclosure “the system 100 can prompt the unregistered user to register with the system 100 to open up other capabilities provided to registered users”, with Official Notice that it would be obvious to add a remittance amount to a balance of money available to the recipient, because the Examiner holds that it is obvious that the method for “the system 100 can prompt the unregistered user to register with the system 100” includes the claimed step of “at least one processor to determine … that the second user is registered with the electronic money service””, because in order to prompt an unregistered user to register, one must first determine that the user is unregistered.
In regards to claim 6,
6. The information processing system according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of instructions cause the at least one processor to transmit to the second user, when the operation based on the receiving method is input from the second user and it is determined that the second user is not registered with the electronic money service, information for requesting input of at least some of the plurality of pieces of attribute information required by the electronic money service.
(See Zhou, para. [0065]: “A user (e.g., user 105, 106, 107, or 108) may be registered to the system 100, such as via creating an online account with a server of the system 100. Upon registration, the user may provide the system 100 with information that enables a system to process a transaction to or from the user. For example, the user may provide personal financial information, such as name of a financial institution, account number, and routing information. In some instances, only registered users may be provided with one or more services of the fund transfer system 100. In other instances, any user, registered or not, may be provided with one or more services of the fund transfer system 100. For example, a registered user can be capable of receiving funds. The system 100 may directly deposit funds received from a sender into the registered user's account using information provided by the registered user. The registered user may be provided with other services or options upon receipt of a fund transfer, such as the ability to re-transfer, gift, exchange the funds for another form of funds, or split tender. An unregistered user can be capable of receiving funds. For example, upon receipt of the fund transfer, the system 100 can prompt the unregistered user to register with the system 100 to open up other capabilities provided to registered users (e.g., re-transfer, gift, split tender, direct deposit to FI account, etc.). An unregistered user may be tendered the received funds, such as through an identifier (e.g., barcode, graphical code, code, PIN, etc.) which can be provided by the unregistered user to an automated teller machine (ATM) of a FI or a register user (e.g., sender, third party) of the system 100. A registered user may be able to transfer funds to a registered recipient or an unregistered recipient. For example, the system 100 may use information provided by the registered user (e.g., account information, etc.) to initiate the transfer. Such transfers facilitated by the system 100 can be “push” type transfers. “Push” and “pull” transfers are described further below.”)
In regards to claim 7,
7. The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of instructions cause the at least one processor to transmit to the second user, when the operation based on the receiving method is input from the second user and it is determined that the second user is not registered with the electronic money service, information for requesting input of a piece of attribute information that is not registered with the cooperative service among the plurality of pieces of attribute information required by the electronic money service.
(See Zhou, para. [0065]: “A user (e.g., user 105, 106, 107, or 108) may be registered to the system 100, such as via creating an online account with a server of the system 100. Upon registration, the user may provide the system 100 with information that enables a system to process a transaction to or from the user. For example, the user may provide personal financial information, such as name of a financial institution, account number, and routing information. In some instances, only registered users may be provided with one or more services of the fund transfer system 100. In other instances, any user, registered or not, may be provided with one or more services of the fund transfer system 100. For example, a registered user can be capable of receiving funds. The system 100 may directly deposit funds received from a sender into the registered user's account using information provided by the registered user. The registered user may be provided with other services or options upon receipt of a fund transfer, such as the ability to re-transfer, gift, exchange the funds for another form of funds, or split tender. An unregistered user can be capable of receiving funds. For example, upon receipt of the fund transfer, the system 100 can prompt the unregistered user to register with the system 100 to open up other capabilities provided to registered users (e.g., re-transfer, gift, split tender, direct deposit to FI account, etc.). An unregistered user may be tendered the received funds, such as through an identifier (e.g., barcode, graphical code, code, PIN, etc.) which can be provided by the unregistered user to an automated teller machine (ATM) of a FI or a register user (e.g., sender, third party) of the system 100. A registered user may be able to transfer funds to a registered recipient or an unregistered recipient. For example, the system 100 may use information provided by the registered user (e.g., account information, etc.) to initiate the transfer. Such transfers facilitated by the system 100 can be “push” type transfers. “Push” and “pull” transfers are described further below.”)
In regards to claim 8,
8. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the first user and the second user are each identified by a first account in the cooperative service, wherein the first user and the second user are each identified by a second account different from the first account in the electronic money service, and
(See Zhou, para. [0065]: “A user (e.g., user 105, 106, 107, or 108) may be registered to the system 100, such as via creating an online account with a server of the system 100. Upon registration, the user may provide the system 100 with information that enables a system to process a transaction to or from the user. For example, the user may provide personal financial information, such as name of a financial institution, account number, and routing information. In some instances, only registered users may be provided with one or more services of the fund transfer system 100. In other instances, any user, registered or not, may be provided with one or more services of the fund transfer system 100. For example, a registered user can be capable of receiving funds. The system 100 may directly deposit funds received from a sender into the registered user's account using information provided by the registered user. The registered user may be provided with other services or options upon receipt of a fund transfer, such as the ability to re-transfer, gift, exchange the funds for another form of funds, or split tender. An unregistered user can be capable of receiving funds. For example, upon receipt of the fund transfer, the system 100 can prompt the unregistered user to register with the system 100 to open up other capabilities provided to registered users (e.g., re-transfer, gift, split tender, direct deposit to FI account, etc.). An unregistered user may be tendered the received funds, such as through an identifier (e.g., barcode, graphical code, code, PIN, etc.) which can be provided by the unregistered user to an automated teller machine (ATM) of a FI or a register user (e.g., sender, third party) of the system 100. A registered user may be able to transfer funds to a registered recipient or an unregistered recipient. For example, the system 100 may use information provided by the registered user (e.g., account information, etc.) to initiate the transfer. Such transfers facilitated by the system 100 can be “push” type transfers. “Push” and “pull” transfers are described further below.”)
wherein the first account and the second account regarding the first user are stored in association with each other.
(See Zhou, para. [0111]: “Buffer funds can be provided in intermediary accounts (e.g., intermediary holding accounts, intermediary clearing accounts, etc.) to facilitate simultaneous transfers. In some instances, an intermediary account can be linked to, or implemented as, loan accounts from the financial institution in which the intermediary account is located. Beneficially, when insufficient buffer funds are available in the intermediary account, an overdraw of funds from the intermediary account can be immediately and automatically substituted with loans (e.g., short-term loans, long-term loans) from the financial institution such that the transfer can proceed without delay. The loans can be paid back as soon as other funds are propagated through the transfer chain. Such transfers may or may not incur interest on such loans.”)
In regards to claim 9,
9. The information processing system according to claim 8,
wherein the plurality of instructions cause the at least one processor to transmit to the second user, when the operation based on the receiving method is input from the second user and it is determined that the second user is not registered with the electronic money service, one of information for requesting input of attribute information required by the electronic money service or information for requesting designation of another second account with which the attribute information is stored in association, and
(See Zhou, para. [0065]: “A user (e.g., user 105, 106, 107, or 108) may be registered to the system 100, such as via creating an online account with a server of the system 100. Upon registration, the user may provide the system 100 with information that enables a system to process a transaction to or from the user. For example, the user may provide personal financial information, such as name of a financial institution, account number, and routing information. In some instances, only registered users may be provided with one or more services of the fund transfer system 100. In other instances, any user, registered or not, may be provided with one or more services of the fund transfer system 100. For example, a registered user can be capable of receiving funds. The system 100 may directly deposit funds received from a sender into the registered user's account using information provided by the registered user. The registered user may be provided with other services or options upon receipt of a fund transfer, such as the ability to re-transfer, gift, exchange the funds for another form of funds, or split tender. An unregistered user can be capable of receiving funds. For example, upon receipt of the fund transfer, the system 100 can prompt the unregistered user to register with the system 100 to open up other capabilities provided to registered users (e.g., re-transfer, gift, split tender, direct deposit to FI account, etc.). An unregistered user may be tendered the received funds, such as through an identifier (e.g., barcode, graphical code, code, PIN, etc.) which can be provided by the unregistered user to an automated teller machine (ATM) of a FI or a register user (e.g., sender, third party) of the system 100. A registered user may be able to transfer funds to a registered recipient or an unregistered recipient. For example, the system 100 may use information provided by the registered user (e.g., account information, etc.) to initiate the transfer. Such transfers facilitated by the system 100 can be “push” type transfers. “Push” and “pull” transfers are described further below.”)
wherein the plurality of instructions cause the at least one processor to link, when the other second account is designated by the second user, the first account of the second user and the other second account to each other.
(See Zhou, para. [0111]: “Buffer funds can be provided in intermediary accounts (e.g., intermediary holding accounts, intermediary clearing accounts, etc.) to facilitate simultaneous transfers. In some instances, an intermediary account can be linked to, or implemented as, loan accounts from the financial institution in which the intermediary account is located. Beneficially, when insufficient buffer funds are available in the intermediary account, an overdraw of funds from the intermediary account can be immediately and automatically substituted with loans (e.g., short-term loans, long-term loans) from the financial institution such that the transfer can proceed without delay. The loans can be paid back as soon as other funds are propagated through the transfer chain. Such transfers may or may not incur interest on such loans.”)
In regards to claim 10,
10. The information processing system according to claim 9,
wherein, when the instruction to send the remittance amount of electronic money is given, the second account of the second user and the remittance amount are stored in association with each other, and
wherein the plurality of instructions cause the at least one processor to associate, when the first account of the second user and the other second account are linked to each other, the remittance amount associated with the second account of the second user with the other second account.
(See Zhou, para. [0087]: “The transfer of funds can be requested to one or more financial institutions. In some instances, the transfer of funds can be achieved via systems and methods described elsewhere herein (e.g., breaking up the transfer process, clearing accounts, holding accounts, multiple clearing accounts, multiple holding accounts, timing, optimizing transfer time and cost, etc.). After receiving confirmation of fund transfer from one or more FIs, the server can mark the particular transaction ID as completed and/or the invoice as paid. Such completion information can be stored in one or more databases of the fund transfer server. The one or more databases of the server can be searchable. The one or more databases can individually or collectively perform or implement systems and methods described herein.”)
In regards to claim 11,
11. The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising:
wherein the plurality of instructions cause the at least one processor to grant to the second user, when the first user is registered with the electronic money service and the instruction to send the remittance amount of electronic money from the first user to the second user is given, a privilege having restricted use; and
wherein the plurality of instructions cause the at least one processor to remove, when the second user is registered with the electronic money service based on the information, the restriction of the privilege granted to the second user.
(See Zhou, para. [0086]: “With or after authentication, the customer 302 can send 340 approval instructions of the invoice to the fund transfer server 304. The approval instructions can instruct payment of the invoice to the merchant. In some instances, the approval instructions can include payment information required for payment of the invoice. In some instances, the payment information can be pre-stored in one or more secure (e.g., encrypted) databases of the server and the approval instructions can include approval from the customer for the server to use such payment instructions. Alternatively or in addition, the customer can manually input such payment information with or after authentication, and/or with approval. In some instances, the payment information can include the selection between digital tokens and fiat currency.”)
In regards to claim 12,
12. The information processing system according to claim 11,
wherein the plurality of instructions cause the at least one processor to grant to the second user, when the first user is registered with the electronic money service and the instruction to send the remittance amount of electronic money from the first user to the second user is given, a privilege according to the remittance amount and having restricted use.
(See Zhou, para. [0086]: “With or after authentication, the customer 302 can send 340 approval instructions of the invoice to the fund transfer server 304. The approval instructions can instruct payment of the invoice to the merchant. In some instances, the approval instructions can include payment information required for payment of the invoice. In some instances, the payment information can be pre-stored in one or more secure (e.g., encrypted) databases of the server and the approval instructions can include approval from the customer for the server to use such payment instructions. Alternatively or in addition, the customer can manually input such payment information with or after authentication, and/or with approval. In some instances, the payment information can include the selection between digital tokens and fiat currency.”)
In regards to claim 13, it is rejected on the same grounds as independent claim 1.
In regards to independent claim 14, it is rejected on the same grounds as independent claim 1.
Conclusion
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Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications should be directed to Examiner Ayal Sharon, whose telephone number is (571) 272-5614, and fax number is (571) 273-1794. The Examiner can normally be reached from Monday to Friday between 9 AM and 6 PM. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, SPE Christine Behncke can be reached at (571) 272-8103 or at christine.behncke@uspto.gov. The fax number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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Sincerely,
/Ayal I. Sharon/
Examiner, Art Unit 3695
March 11, 2026