tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4791657303624925932024-03-18T19:07:07.335+01:00DeltaPatents EQE Paper CDeltaPatentshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07830354704918972593noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479165730362492593.post-39144239930310972672024-03-15T15:53:00.003+01:002024-03-18T10:13:01.834+01:00Our solution for Paper C 2024 - Wireless charging pad<p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The paper C
of this year 2024 was about wireless charging of cars. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Our solution in short. Our full solution is after the break. </p><p>Claim 1: </p><p> Added subject matter</p><p style="margin-bottom: 8px;"> Lack of novelty over A2 (priority publication Art. 54(2), A2 Art. 54(3))</p><p style="margin-bottom: 8px;"> Lack of inventive step over A3+A5</p><p style="margin-bottom: 8px;">Claim 2:</p><p style="margin-bottom: 8px;"> Lack of novelty over A2 (priority publication Art. 54(2), A2 Art. 54(3))</p><p style="margin-bottom: 8px;">Claim 3:</p><p style="margin-bottom: 8px;"> Lack of inventive step A2 Prio Pub. + A4</p><p style="margin-bottom: 8px;">Claim 4: </p><p style="margin-bottom: 8px;"> Lack of novelty over A5</p><p style="margin-bottom: 8px;">Claim 5:</p><p style="margin-bottom: 8px;"> Lack of novelty over A7</p><p style="margin-bottom: 8px;"> Lack of novelty over Model Q evidenced by A6</p><p style="margin-bottom: 8px;">Claim 6:</p><p style="margin-bottom: 8px;"> Lack of inventive step over A6 ‘Model P’ and A5</p><p style="margin-bottom: 8px;">Claim 7:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span class="ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 8px;"> Lack of inventive step over A6 ‘Model P’ and A5, evidence provided by A7</p><div><br /></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span>The
effective dates section was a bit more complicated than in recent years, combining
a first application issue with many 54(3) documents (2 in part one, 3 in part
two). Complicating the date analysis was a request of the client to ensure fall
back positions of claim 1 are attacked. Since claim 1 has two problems: a
partial priority loss due to the first application issue, and added matter,
candidates had to decide what the appropriate fallback should be.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We had some
discussion on whether A5.4 (this notation also being used elsewhere and referring to A5 [4]) enables a novelty attack on claim 5. As the signal of the
pressure sensors decides on the charging, it seems that all features are disclosed.
A processing unit would be implicit as any unit that processes a signal may be
called a processing unit. Nevertheless, this is attack seems too much of a stretch
and was probably not the intention.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claim 7 is
another claim that we had some discussion about. The reference to pricing
suggests that maybe an attack exploiting non-technicality might be possible. To
follow this idea, one might take model Q as the closest prior art, and argue
that it is already adapted to charge based on a signal. One would then argue
that using a signal to represent pricing is a non-technical difference which
may be ignored. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span>Unfortunately,
this attack is not possible, since the model Q is not suited for wireless charging
which is required by claim 7. The comments under A6 make clear that the model Q
cannot be adapted to wireless charging either. This makes any line of attack against claim 7 starting from model Q impossible. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A second
reservation we have about this argument, is that it is not altogether clear whether
reference to price automatically makes a feature non-technical. Engineers are often
charged with problems related to price, e.g., to make a device cheaper, and the
solutions they find are typically technical. Also in this case, high energy
price reflects a busy electrical network, so the feature of claim 7 contributes
to reducing congestion on the electrical network. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The alternative
option is to take model P as the closest prior art and focus on the RFC
standard. This has the advantage that price related charging is actually
disclosed, mooting a discussion about its technicality. This line of attack
would require one to argue that it is implicit from A6 that model P is adapted
to the RFC standard. We are not sure that A6 really clears this bar. Although
model Q was the <u>first</u> model to have the standard, it might also have
been the last—in other words, it is not inevitable that model P has the RFC standard.
An alternative would be to accept that the standard is a distinguishing feature and
introduce the standard via inventive step. This approach is also a bit dodgy
since the obvious D2 document A7, is 54(3). The combining document would have
to be the model Q. On balance we took the first approach, arguing that it is
implicit that the model P has support for the standard. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Finally, we give our regards to Ms. Molly Dorsett Pauley. She must have quite a reputation as an opposition specialist after her successful oppositions in 2015 and 2021. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>We look forward to your comments!</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Comments are welcome in any official EPO language, not just English. So, comments in German and French are also very welcome!</p><p class="MsoNormal">Please do not post your comments anonymously - it is allowed, but it makes responding more difficult and rather clumsy ("Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms Anonymous of 15-03-2023 22:23"), whereas using your real name or a nickname is more personal, more interesting and makes a more attractive conversation. You do not need to log in or make an account - it is OK to just put your (nick) name at the end of your post.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p>Sander, Nico, with feedback from Joeri</o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">PART 1<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Opposition
is filed against EP patent EP 3 831 740 B1<br />
Opposition fee is paid through online fee payment<br />
All claims are opposed<br />
Grounds include inventive step, novelty, added matter, see further the
arguments<br />
Representative: Ms. Pauley, Todiet Kwiscus LLC<br />
Signature: /* Pauley */<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claim 1.
Added subject matter. <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claim 1 was
amended after filing by adding the feature : the magnetic material comprising
amorphous CoFeNi at 10 - 30% and nanocrystalline FeCuSiB at 20 - 40% by weight
of the magnetic material.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">This
feature was disclosed in the priority documents, but support must come from the
application as filed, A.123(2). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The
application as filed discloses in A1.12-13 the combination of a range of
FeCuSiB at 30 - 40% and CoFeNi at 10%-20%. This does not support the amendment
to claim 1. This combination of ranges protects against corrosion and provides
mechanical stability. They are functionally related and these two ranges cannot
be separated.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The
application as filed discloses in A1.14 an alternate combination of a range of
FeCuSiB at 20 - 30% and CoFeNi at 20%-30%. Claim 2 as filed discloses the same
ranges. This does not support the amendment to claim 1. This combination of
ranges provides mechanical stability. They are functionally related and these
two ranges cannot be separated. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">These two
alternate embodiments cannot be combined. Accordingly, claim 1 has added
subject matter. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claim 1 may
be regarded as a generic or-claim having three parts: 1) the range of A1.12-13,
2) the range of claim 2, 3) the range of claim 1 minus ranges 1) and 2). We
need not concern us with the third part as it is added matter. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">We will
refer to part 1) as claim 1f, that is claim 1 limited to the ranges FeCuSiB 30
- 40% and CoFeNi 10%-20%. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claim 1f is
supported by the application as filed A1.12-13.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Since claim
1f is a subset of claim 1, any attack on claim 1f implies an attack on claim 1
as well. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br />
<b>Effective dates</b><br />
Claim 1 was amended during prosecution, this amendment is added matter, see the
attack above. No date will be assigned. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claim 1f,
this part of claim 1 is supported by text included in the earliest priority
document, and gets the earliest priority date (25.05.2020). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claim 2<br />
First application issue<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A1 claims
priority from patent applications NO20200113 and NO20200355, but patent
application EP19732000.1, A6’s priority document is the first application for
art. 87(1), because: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">-<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A6’s priority document must have
the same applicant as A6, i.e., Mute&Mercer Corp. This is the same A1’s
applicant.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">-<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The filing date of EP19732000.1
lies before the filing date of A1’s earliest priority, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">-<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Y discloses the subject matter of
claim 2 (see novelty attack below)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">-<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The possible exception of Art.
87(4) does not apply since it was used as priority document for A2.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Since A1
does not claim priority from EP19732000, but should have, Claim 2 is not
entitled to priority and gets the filing date, Art. 87(1) and (4). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claim 1f is
not disclosed in A2, so no first application issue arises for this part of
Claim 1. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claim 3<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claim 3 is
not disclosed in the priority documents. Supporting paragraphs a1.15 and a1.17
were also not part of the priority document. So Claim 3 gets the filing date.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br />
Conclusion on effective dates:<br />
Claim 1:no date since added matter<br />
Claim 1f: 14.03.2020<br />
Claim 2: 25.07.2020 since full priority loss<br />
Claim 3: 25.07.2020<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br />
<b>List of evidence<br />
</b>A2’s priority (EP19732000.1) is published on 23.07.2020. This is before
filing date so 54(2) for claims 2,3<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A2 is a EP patent
application, filed before the earliest priority, and published after so, 54(3)
for claims with valid priority: 54(3) for claim 1f<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">It is
noted that A2 is 54(3) for all claims, but as we already have 54(2) prior art
with the same document, this makes no difference. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A3
published before earliest priority so 54(2) for all claims<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A4 published
on 22.07.2020 before the effective date of claim 2,3: 54(2) for claim 2,3<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br />
A4 is EP and filed before earlies priority (3.01.2020), published after so
54(3) for claims 1f<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Annex 5
(A5) is an Advertising brochure. It was Distributed with Lawn & Order,
Journal for Xtreme Gardening, vol. 01/2020, 13 Dec. 2019<br />
Accordingly it was public at least by 13.12.2019 before earliest priority of
a1. so 54(2) for all claims. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Summary<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A2 : 54(3)
for claim 1f<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A2: 54(2)
for claims 2,3<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A3: 54(2)
for claim 1f, 2, 3<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A4: 54(3)
for claim 1f<br />
A4: 54(2) for claim 2,3<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A5: 54(2)
for claims 1f, 2, 3 <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Note A2
the 54(3) and A2 the 54(2) are technically not the same document, although they
have identical content. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br />
There are no attacks under art. 54(3)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Attacks
under art. 54(2)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br />
<b>Claim 1f</b><br />
(FeCuSiB 30 - 40% AND CoFeNi 10%-20%)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Available
documents: A3, A5<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Inventive
step: A3+A5.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A3 is the
CPA because it is from the field of Charging pads suitable for charging a car
(A3 title). This is the same purpose of the claim (claim 1 preamble, A1 title). Moreover, A3 discloses two coils <span class="fontstyle01"><span face=""Aptos",sans-serif" style="line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">side by side in </span></span>a similar
arrangement as claim 1.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br />
A3 anticipates the features of Claim 1 as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Charging
pad</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A3 para 4: “charging
pad”<br />
<b>a first coil (131) and a second coil (132), </b>A3.9: "a first solenoid
with its windings is created and next to it a second solenoid with its
windings. This is a double-O solenoid."<br />
we know from A4 [3], cited as evidence, that "A solenoid consists of a
conductive trace with several concentric windings." This matches the
definition of a coil in A1.5, a coil is "is a conductive trace with
several concentric windings". So A3 discloses a first coil and a second
coil.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">both for
resonant wireless charging,<br />
</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br />
A3.9: “the shape of the wire path is chosen such that the two solenoids are
tuned to the intended charging frequency.” Following A1.6, if a coil has
"a layout such that it is tuned to the charging frequency" then it is
" coil for resonant wireless charging", so this part is disclosed in
A3.<br />
<b>the first coil and the second coil being arranged side by side, <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The two
solenoid of A3 as "next to" each other, A3.9<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">a first
layer (135) made of a magnetic material,</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br />
A3.7: "blank 332", <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">the blank
is made of <br />
A3.5: “the polymer is TP.190, a thermoplastic with a melting point of 190°C. It
is combined with grains made from alloys such as CoFeNi, FeCuSiB or NbSiBCo.
Such alloys are magnetic”<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Blank 322
is a layer, see A3 fig. 2, and it is made of magnetic material.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br />
<b>wherein the first coil and the second coil have been placed on a first
surface of the first<br />
layer and the first layer has been treated so that the first coil and the
second coil have<br />
sunk into the first layer,<br />
</b>This is a product by process claim (see Guidelines F-IV, 4.12). It is
sufficient to find a method that will give the same result as the claimed
process steps. <br />
A3.8: “A wire feeder 334 behind the heater head lays the conductive wire 335
into the<br />
liquified area. (...) In this manner a first solenoid with its windings is
created and next to it a second solenoid with its windings.”<br />
So, the first coil and the second coil have been placed on a first surface of
the first<br />
layer. Blank 322 is heated ("heater head 333 which locally heats the blank
to a<br />
temperature above the melting point of the polymer to create a liquified area
336.") so it is treated. The coils sink into the layer since: “As the
robot arm moves forward, the polymer re-solidifies over the wire.”<br />
Thus a product is obtained by a process that falls under the scope of the
claim.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br />
<b>the magnetic material comprising amorphous CoFeNi <o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A3.5: It is
combined with grains made from alloys such as CoFeNi, FeCuSiB or NbSiBCo.<br />
which is "amorphous", according to A3.6<br />
A3 discloses amorphous CoFeNi<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">and
nanocrystalline FeCuSiB at 30 - 40% by weight of the magnetic material.<i> </i></span></b><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">( Note the restricted ranges)</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br />
<br />
A3 also discloses nanocrystalline FeCuSiB<br />
Although in A3.5-6, amorphous FeCuSiB used, A3.11 explains to treat amorphous
FeCuSiB to so that they “contain crystal cells measuring between 150 nanometers
and 300 nanometers.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">According
to A2.5, cited as evidence “Nanocrystalline alloys … are characterised by
having crystal cells smaller than 1 micrometre.” Since 300 nanometers is below
1 micrometre, the FeCuSiB of A2 is nanocrystalline. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A3.11
discloses to use nanocrystalline FeCuSiB in a range of 32 to 38% by weight of
the blank. Both endpoints anticipate the range 30 - 40%. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Accordingly
the distinguishing feature the range of CoFeNi: the magnetic material
comprising amorphous CoFeNi at 10 - 20% <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Effects:<br />
A1.13: “For such a composite the use of at least 10% amorphous CoFeNi by weight
of the<br />
material has the surprising effect of preventing oxidation of FeCuSiB.”<br />
Accordingly, prevention of oxidation is obtained.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The OTP is:
how to prevent of oxidation in a charging pad. This problem is recognized in
the CPA, A3.10<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br />
The skilled person would read A5 as it relates to the problem of charging
mobile equipment (A5.2), in this case a robot mower. The technology of A5 is
relevant to cars since it is licensed therefrom. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A5 recites:<br />
A5.3: “a protective magnetic material consisting of TP.190 at 52% by weight and
nanocrystalline FeCuSiB and amorphous CoFeNi at a ratio of 2:1.”<br />
So the non TP.190 part is 48%. So FeCuSiB part is 48*2/3 = 32 % and CoFeNi part
is at 48* 1/3 = 16%<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">These points
anticipate the claimed range. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The skilled
person has an incentive to apply this teaching since A5 discloses that
protection against corrosion is obtained A5.2, A5.4. Note that corrosion and
oxidation are the same A1[12].<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The skilled
person would take the charging pad of A3 but change the amounts of nanocrystalline
FeCuSiB and amorphous CoFeNi to a ratio of ratio of 2:1 of 48%. That is 32% and
16%. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Not that
both A3 and A5 use the same polymer TP.190; both A3 and A5 use the same amount
of nanocrystalline FeCuSiB (32%). So adapting to the ratio of A5 is expected to
work in A3. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br />
<b>Claim 2<br />
</b>Annex 2's priority doc (EP19732000.1) published on 23.07.2020 is 54(2) for
this claim. It discloses claim 2 in A2.2-4. So claim 2 is not novel. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">It is
noted that claim 2 is also not novel using A2 as a 54(3) document. </span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claim 3<br />
</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Inventive step
A2+A4. We refer to Annex 2's priority doc (EP19732000.1). <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A2 is the closest
prior art because it lies in the field of charging pads (A2 title), it may be
used to charge cars (A2.1). Moreover, it discloses a magnetizable concrete (
see below).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br />
A2 anticipates the following features of Claim 3<br />
<b>Charging pad comprising:<br />
a first coil (131) and a second coil (132), both for resonant wireless
charging,<br />
the first coil and the second coil being arranged side by side, and<br />
</b>See paragraphs A2.2<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br />
A2 anticipates <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">a first
layer (135) made of magnetisable concrete ;</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br />
since it recites<br />
A2[6]: “In an aspect of the invention, the magnetic material has a density of
at least<br />
2000 kg/m³ and comprises cement and magnetic particles.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">According
to A1[15]: “In an embodiment of the invention, the magnetic material is magnetizable
concrete. This is magnetic material comprising cement and having a density of
at least 2000 kg/m³.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">So A2.6
discloses in magnetisable concrete<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br />
A2 anticipates <br />
<b>the charging pad further comprising a second layer (136) arranged next to
the first layer.<br />
</b>Since A2 recites<br />
A2[7]: “The charging pad may comprise a second layer 136 next to the first
layer.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br />
The distinguishing feature is that the: second layer (136) is made of an
electrically conductive material.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">For the
effect of this feature:<br />
A1.19: Within such a second layer neutralising currents, known as eddy currents,
are created which locally cancel the unwanted radiation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br />
The OTP is: How to locally cancel the unwanted radiation in a charging pad. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><br />
This is needed for regulations A1.18. So the skilled person would in any case
be motivated to solve this problem. This problem is recognized by A2.8. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The skilled
person would read A4 because it relates to a solenoid with active shielding (i.e.
coils), A4, title; A4 further refers to high power wireless charging pads, such
as those needed for charging cars; and to preventive measures against unwanted
electromagnetic fields.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A4 recites<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A4.7: For
instance, it is well known that wireless charging pads benefit from having a metal
sheet close to the solenoid as a layer of the charging pad. During operation,
eddy currents are created within the metal sheet. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Metal is an
example of an electrically conductive material, A1.19.<br />
A metal sheet is an example of a second layer. So A4 discloses a second layer
(136) made of an electrically conductive material. It is arranged next to the
solenoids, which are part of a first layer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The skilled
person has an incentive since <br />
A4.7-8: “ During operation, eddy currents are created within the metal sheet. The
unwanted radiation is thereby locally neutralised.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">And so A4
is likely to solve the OTP. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The skilled
person will take the configuration of A2, but make the second sheet out of
metal. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The
charging configuration using coils is similar to the CPA, so the skilled person
will expect it to be compatible. Furthermore, A4.8, "Irrespective of the
exact configuration of the solenoid or the materials in the charging pad",
so the skilled person will expect this to work.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">This novelty attack on claim 2, is also a novelty attack on the corresponding part of claim 1.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">PART 2<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Effective
dates<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">First
application issue: None of claims 4-7 are disclosed in A2. So no priority loss<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claims 4 and
5 are both recited in priority document N'355. Resonant sensing or signals are
not disclosed in N’113, that is paras 1-13 nor its claims. So claims 4 and 5
get the N'355 date: 25.5.20. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claim 6 is
recited in the filing. Para 27 discloses that a signal from the detection unit
is provided to the processing unit. But this para is not in the priority
documents. So Claim 6 gets the filing date: 25.07.20<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claim 7 is
recited in the filing. Para 33 discloses the use of price. But this para is not
in the priority docs. So Claim 7 gets the filing date: 25.07.20<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">List of
evidence<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A3 and A5 are published before the earliest priority and are 54(2) against all claims.</p><p class="MsoNormal">A2 and A7 are EP patent applications, both
filed before the earliest priority, and published after. These are 54(3)
against all claims</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk161395024;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A2’s priority document is published on 23.07.20
and is Art. 54(2) prior art for claims 6 and 7 <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk161395024;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A4 is published 22.07.20. Before the filing
date so 54(2) for claims 6, 7<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk161395024;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A4 is an EP patent applications, filed before
the earliest priority, and published after the priorities. This is 54(3)
against claims that have a priority date: 54(3) against claims 4, 5<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk161395024;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A6 is transcription in Annex 6 of a podcast
E-Mobility, on BBCee Radio9 with Walt Edge and Dan Shen. We also provide a
Screenshot downloaded and printed 2024-03-14, 07:42:18. See A6 page 4. The
screenshot proves that </span></span>E-Mobility is a show presented by Walt Edge
(@waltedge) and Dan Shen (@danshen) and broadcast by BBCee Radio9 in London,
UK. The producer is Ann Pear.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk161395024;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The podcast was broadcast 30 May 2020, 16:00.
See A6.1 and the screenshot.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk161395024;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A digital copy of the podcast can be downloaded
from:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk161395024;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">https://www.podcloud.com/BBC9/programmes/b07dx75g/20200430.ogg<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk161395024;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A podcast is part of the state of the art under
art. 54(2) epc since it was made available to the public by broadcasting. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk161395024;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Accordingly, the content of the podcast as
described in the transcript is public from 30 May 2020. This makes it 54(2) for
claims with the filing date, i.e., claims 6, 7<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk161395024;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk161395024;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A6 also provides evidence of the sale of a
Model Q, between 2015-2017, and an update in 2018. The sales were unconditional
and the updates was received by owners of the model Q, so both are part of the
state of the art. 2018 is before the earliest priority. So Model Q and the
update are 54(2) for all claims.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk161395024;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk161395024;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Summary:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A2: 54(3)
claims 4, 5<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A2’s
priority document: 54(2) claims 6, 7<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A3: 54(2)
all claims<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A4: 54(3)
claim 4, 5<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A4: 54(2)
claims 6, 7<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A6: 54(2)
claims 6, 7<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A6 (as
evidence of model Q and update) : 54(2) all claims<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A7: 54(3)
all claims<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Attacks
under art. 54(3)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claim 5
lacks novelty under 54(3) against A7.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A7 anticipates<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Method
for controlling a charging system to selectively charge a battery of an
electric vehicle,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A7.6 : “charging
terminal” for charging a car. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">This is a
charging system. The charging terminal is for charging the battery of a car.
(A7.7 last line, it is implicit that the battery is part of the car). The charging
terminal is an example of a charging system as it charges a battery.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A car is an
example of a vehicle, A2.1. Since it has a battery, it is an electric vehicle. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The
charging is selective, A7.9, shows charging can be triggered or not by the
microprocessor of the terminal.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">the
method comprising the following steps executed by a processing unit included in
the charging system:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A7.7: Such
charging terminals contain a programmable microprocessor<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A
programmable microprocessor is an example of a processing unit, A1[32]. The
charging terminals is a charging system.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">-
receiving a signal,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A7.8: “Most
importantly, such charging terminals also have mobile data connectivity which enables
them to continuously receive signals indicating the price of electricity.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Signals
indicating the price of electricity are an example of a signal<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">-
deciding, based on the received signal, whether the battery should be charged
or not,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A7.9: “If
the price of electricity drops below a first value which can be set by the
user, the microprocessor may trigger charging. If the price of electricity
rises above a second value which can also be set by the user, the
microprocessor may interrupt charging.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The microprocessor
decides based on the received signal to trigger charging, that is whether to
charge or not.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">- if it
is decided that the battery should not be charged, causing an electrical
connection outside the vehicle to be inactive.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A7.7: “They
also contain power switches which enable or disable the electrical connection
to the electricity grid. Any skilled person in the field knows that for safety
reasons any cable plugged into the charging terminal should be kept free from
electrical tension unless the battery is being charged.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The
terminal of A7 is also for plug-socket charging, A7.6. Thus the cable is kept
free from electrical tension while plugged in, but not charged. Since an
electrical connection to the grid is disabled when not charging, an electrical
connection is caused to be inactive. This is a connection between charge cable
and grid, which is outside the car.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Attacks
under art. 54(2)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claim 4<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Documents:
A3, A5, A6 as evidence of disclosures before (25.5.20)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claim 4 is
not novel 54(2) over document A5<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A5
discloses<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Charging
system for charging a battery,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A5
discloses a robot mower called ORBIT, A5.1. The ORBIT has a "system for
resonant wireless charging", A5.2. It is implicit from this and A5.13 that
the ORBIT has a battery. Indeed, the charging happens in case of low battery
charge. Thus, the ORBIT is an example of a charging system since it can charge
a battery (its own battery). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">the
charging system comprising: a processing unit (152),<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A5.7 and
fig.2 disclose a microprocessor which is an example of a processing unit, A1.32.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">a first
coil (151) for resonant wireless charging, and<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The ORBIT has
a <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A5.2: “a
system for resonant wireless charging”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">It
comprises a coil, see<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A5.7: “the
coils in the charging pads”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A coil is
furthermore implicit in wireless charging, A1.4. See also A4 [3]: known
charging pads comprise a solenoid 411. So a solenoid is implicit in a charging
pad, this is an example of a coil. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">a
detection circuit comprising a plurality of second coils (153a, 153b, 153c) for
resonant sensing,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A5.5
recites a resonant sensing system (RSS), which has an excitation solenoid, A5.9,
and a probing solenoid, A5.10. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A solenoid
is an example of a coil.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">See A4.3: A
solenoid consists of a conductive trace with several concentric windings, which
is a coil, A1.5. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Two coils
are a plurality of coils. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">said
detection circuit being configured to:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">- create
a sensing field with a first of said second coils,</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A4.9: “The
RSS works by continuously sending an excitation current into an excitation
solenoid tuned to 500 kHz to generate a nearby electromagnetic sensing field.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Thus, the
excitation solenoid is a first of said second coils. An electromagnetic sensing
field is an example of a sensing field.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">- probe
said sensing field with a second of said second coils,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A5.10: “A
probing solenoid is mounted in proximity to the excitation solenoid and is also
tuned to 500 kHz. The probing solenoid continuously picks up the sensing field
“<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Thus, the
probing solenoid is a second of said second coils. Picking up the sensing field
is an example of probing the sensing field.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">- obtain
a signal representative of the sensing field, and<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A5.10: “...
creates a detection current which reacts to any changes in the sensing field.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A detection
current is an example of a signal. The detection current reacts to changes in
the sensing field and thus represents it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">-
provide said signal to the processing unit.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A5.7: “Downstream
of the sensing system (see Fig. 2) the detection current (signal) is
continuously measured by a sampling circuit and forwarded as a signal to a
microprocessor (processing unit).”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Although
A1's description intents to use the resonant sensing to detect interruptions to
charging, and A4 to driving. Claim 4 is not limited to this. Accordingly. Claim
4 is not novel.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claim 5<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Lack of
novelty over the 2018 update of the Model Q (evidence provided by A6): <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The 2018
update of the Model Q anticipates:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Method
for controlling a charging system to selectively charge a battery of an
electric vehicle <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">see below<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">the
method comprising the following steps executed by a processing unit included in
the charging system:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A6.8:
"That’s one of the many functions of model Q’s battery control system,
which is software that runs on the onboard computer". <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">According
to A1.32, the car's on-board computer is an example of a processing unit. The
following steps are performed by the on-board computer and thus executed as a
method by the on-board computer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">receiving
a signal </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A6.9:
"Model Q has a heat sensor inside the battery which sends the temperature
as a signal to the battery control system",<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">deciding,
based on the received signal, whether the battery should be charged or not </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A6.10:
"The 2018 update enabled the battery control system to take over the
decision-making. It checks if the temperature is in a range deemed acceptable
for battery charging.") <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">if it is
decided that the battery should not be charged, causing an electrical
connection outside the vehicle to be inactive </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A6 .11:
"If it’s not, the battery control system decides that charging shouldn’t
start or, if it’s already begun, that it should be stopped".<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claim 5
thus lacks novelty over the model Q in the 2018 update.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claim 6<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Lack of
inventive step: A6 (model P) + A5<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A6
describes the model P. This is the closest prior art because it is an electric
vehicle for selective wireless charging, A6.2, A6.18<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claim 6
refers back to claim 5, and uses a charging system according to claim 4<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A6 anticipates
the following Claim 4 features<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Charging
system for charging a battery,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A6.2:
“Model P will be their first electric car (…) it will also feature exciting
advances for wirelessly charging the battery”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A6 [3]:
"Model P has a car charging pad"<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A charging
pad is an example of a charging system<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Thus the
model P has a charging system to charge its battery<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">the
charging system comprising:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">a
processing unit (152),<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A6.18: The
model P has an "on-board computer". This is an example of a
processing unit, A1.32<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">a first
coil (151) for resonant wireless charging, and<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A6.3: “Model
P has a car charging pad with a double-O solenoid.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A solenoid
is a coil. Furthermore, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A3.2 (cited
as evidence): “Recently it has been proposed to replace the single solenoid of
a charging pad with a double-O solenoid. Admittedly, such a structure has
drawbacks: it can be used only for resonant wireless charging”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Since a
double-O solenoid can only be used for resonant wireless charging, it is
implicit that double-O solenoid of A6 is suitable for resonant wireless
charging.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">a
detection circuit,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A6.15: “Model
P is equipped with an infrared sensor which monitors the thermal signature in
the charging area.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The
infrared sensor is a detection circuit, as it detects things, in particular
cats, A6.14<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">- obtain
a signal representative of the sensing field, and<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">-
provide said signal to the processing unit.</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A6.15: “The
sensor’s output current is sampled at the input of the on-board computer,
meaning that the strength of the thermal signature is available as a signal
which can be processed”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">sensor’s
output current is an example of a signal. The field where the sensor operates
is a sensing field. The sensor’s output current is sampled at the input of the
on-board computer; thus it must be provided to it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Features
of Claim 5<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Method
for controlling a charging system to selectively charge a battery of an
electric vehicle, the method comprising the following steps executed by a
processing unit included in the charging system:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">See above.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">-
receiving a signal,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The
sensor’s output current is the signal, it is received at the onboard computer,
which is a processing unit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">-
deciding, based on the received signal, whether the battery should be charged
or not,<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A6.16: “The
on-board computer detects any changes which are strong enough to mean that your
cat might have moved into the charging area.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Thus the
received signal is processed<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A6.18: “Model
P’s on-board computer can have all the power switches change from on to off or
vice versa: the power switches connecting the car charging pad to the battery
and also the power switches within the charging terminal which feeds electrical
energy into the ground charging pad. This means the electromagnetic charging
field can be switched off entirely, giving complete protection from inadvertent
field exposure. If the charging is switched off, the battery is not charged.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">So a decision
is made based on the signal. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">- if it
is decided that the battery should not be charged, causing an electrical
connection outside the vehicle to be inactive.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A6.18: “the
power switches change from on to off or vice versa: (...) the power switches
within the charging terminal which feeds electrical energy into the ground
charging pad.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">the power
switches within the charging terminal are outside of the vehicle (car). If they
are switched off, they are inactive.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Features
of Claim 6<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Method
according to claim 5, the charging system being the charging system according to
claim 4, wherein the received signal is<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">- the
signal provided to the processing unit by the detection circuit.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The signal
used, is the signal from the infrared detection circuit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A6 does not
disclose: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">a detection
circuit comprising a plurality of second coils (153a, 153b, 153c) for resonant
sensing,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">said
detection circuit being configured to:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">- create a
sensing field with a first of said second coils,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">- probe
said sensing field with a second of said second coils,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Instead, A6
uses an infrared sensor which monitors the thermal signature in the charging
area, with its signal being provided to the on-board computer<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The effect
of these differences according to A1.24: detect whether a foreign object enters
the charging area. In particular, an animal or a human body part, or a metal
object such as a beer can, A1.28. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Judging
from A6.19-20 The existing sensor may miss some situations. Thus the OTP is,
how to improve detection whether a foreign object enters the charging area in a
method for controlling a charging system.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Closest
prior art A6 also recognizes that its thermal sensor is insufficiently
reliable, e.g., not being able to detect a beer can rolling into the charging
area, A6 [19], [20]<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The skilled
person would consult A5 since it relates to wireless resonant charging, A5.2,
using technology from cars, A5.1. Moreover, the problem of detection is
discussed in a5.5-12.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A5 discloses
the missing features, see the novelty attack on claim 4 based on A5 above. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Furthermore,
A5 teaches that a decision can be made based on the detection<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A5.13:
“Once an obstacle is detected the microprocessor instructs the robot to turn
and go in a different direction.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A skilled
person would have an incentive.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A5.12:
Resonant sensing has several advantages. Pets are reliably detected because a
living body strongly distorts the sensing field. Resonant sensing also reliably
detects metal objects, so it will protect your mower’s blades.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Thus the
problem of A3, that some objects are not detected, e.g., a cat or a beer can,
(a6.19, a6.14) is reduced. This happens because no reliance is on the ambient temperature.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The skilled
person would thus replace the infrared detection of A6 with the Resonant
detection A5. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">This is
possible because the system of A5 is modular, so the RSS can easily be taken
out and incorporated elsewhere, A5.8.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Furthermore,
there is no risk of impacting the charging. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A5.12: “The
RSS operates at 500 kHz, while the coils in the charging pads have a layout so
that they are tuned to the charging frequency of 85 kHz.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">This means there is no risk of harmful
interference. According to A1.24 being tuned to different frequencies is enough
for this. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The
technology of A5 is "from automotive manufactures", see A5.1, which
indicates that the resonant sensing system should work in an electric vehicle
and thus in the Model P. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Finally, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A6.20:
“Software updates are easier but OS-corp’s engineers often also propose
hardware upgrades as long as they don’t require any changes to the car’s body”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">So the Model
P may easily update its hardware or software<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claim 7<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Lack of
inventive step over A6 'Model P' and A5,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Model P, as
evidenced in A6, is the closest prior art since the onboard computer of the
Model P, which is an electric vehicle, is capable of selectively charging the
battery of the Model P.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">For the
disclosure of A6 in view of the method claim 5 and the system claim 4, see the
attack on claim 6, also starting from model P. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A6 implies
that the Model P is compatible with the standard RFC-7511-x. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A6.6: “So,
OS-corp sold their model Q between 2015 and 2017. It was the first to be
compatible with the then newly introduced standard RFC-7511-x.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The model P
is a later model of OS-corp, A6.2. Since, model Q was the first to be
compatible with RFC-7511-x, this implies that the later model P is also
compatible with RFC-7511-x<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Indeed, the
Model P has "the usual wireless data connection for software updates and
receiving all kinds of data", see A6 [2].<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Since model
P is compatible with the standard RFC-7511-x, it is already adapted for
price-dependent charging, and therefore has the additional functionality of
claim 7. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The feature
of claim 7 is disclosed in A7.6-10, in particular:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A7.8:
“Most importantly, such charging terminals also have mobile data connectivity
which enables them to continuously receive signals indicating the price of
electricity. If the price of electricity drops below a first value which can be
set by the user, the microprocessor may trigger charging. If the price of
electricity rises above a second value which can also be set by the user, the
microprocessor may interrupt charging.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Since model
P is compatible with the RFC-7511-x standard. Thus, the onboard computer of the
Model P can selectively charge the battery based on the price of electricity
when connected to a charging terminal also adhering to the RFC-7511-x standard.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The remaining distinguishing features are the same as for claim 6, we
refer to the attack on claim 6 for a discussion of their obviousness in view of
A5<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Sander van Rijnswouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074604101159694993noreply@blogger.com83tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479165730362492593.post-87567786881496314582024-03-14T16:15:00.009+01:002024-03-14T16:15:00.133+01:00C 2024: first impressions?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09ktZLm7VhuWeomllZNsaLvugzTUoVhDyQ3-fdejB5yg6f24zTNSReA5S9JJEZQP8OKjk_3Afixxbu6vLDU03R-bHm8T2MF4ME321dmTqDdXTNTcgvsxyHVjf375Ebv7s-JMfJiMAWrpIMULdMVDekz0g2S_TZcWFaPUBcL-ecPiXk5T-SMrJ-OxP/s1912/C%20Flows%20Compendium%202022.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1912" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09ktZLm7VhuWeomllZNsaLvugzTUoVhDyQ3-fdejB5yg6f24zTNSReA5S9JJEZQP8OKjk_3Afixxbu6vLDU03R-bHm8T2MF4ME321dmTqDdXTNTcgvsxyHVjf375Ebv7s-JMfJiMAWrpIMULdMVDekz0g2S_TZcWFaPUBcL-ecPiXk5T-SMrJ-OxP/w400-h179/C%20Flows%20Compendium%202022.png" width="400" /></a></div><p><b><i><span style="color: #990000;">To all who sat the C-paper today:</span></i></b></p><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What are your first impressions to this year's C-paper? Any general or specific comments?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div style="margin: 0cm;">How did you handle the situation with the paper being split into two parts? </div><div style="margin: 0cm;">Was the split different than in 2021, 2022 and 2023?</div><div style="margin: 0cm;">Was all prior art given with the first part needed in the first part? Was new prior art introduced in the second part? </div><div style="margin: 0cm;">What was the effect of the paper being split into two parts? </div><div style="margin: 0cm;">How did you use the break?</div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How did this year's C-paper compare to the C papers of the last few years?</span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="margin: 0cm;">What was the effect of doing it online? Of typing your answer rather than writing it by hand? Could you benefit from being able to copy from the exam paper into your answer? And from copying parts of your answer elsewhere into your answer?</div><div style="margin: 0cm;">How did you experience taking the exam from your home or office location rather than in an examination center?</div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What was the effect of the situation that you had to take the exam largely from the screen (as only a part could be printed) rather than from paper?</span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;">Did you experience any technical difficulties during the exam? How & how fast were they solved?</div></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A<span style="font-family: inherit;">ny pleasant and/or unpleasant surprises?</span></span></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit;">The paper and our answers</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>We aim to post our (provisional) answer shortly after the exam in a separate blog post</b></span><b><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #990000;"> and as soon as we have received a copy of the papers. Should you have a copy, please send it to any of our tutors or to training@deltapatents.com.</span></b></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Please be reminded that you can view and print/download copy of your exam answer after the exam, via the eye below the "1. Paper"-icon in the bottom left part of the flow window of the respective flow. (It may not be available immediately after the official end of the (part of the) paper, but only 30-60 minutes later.) Apart from the pre-printable parts, the paper itself cannot be downloaded (unless you copied it in full into your exam answer).</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQBH5ce5CgbVT1NR8v684F4J6sallEKypi6v3QZa-RQau1eqTo-nVdJ_w5bWhD136cu85FNBykJWCIUzV4sgnq1wuvEtBT0rbvzl3v_0GgZyV03kVeqVcLjTcNT-nmGssjj5X8zJ6fv_Qqvs70daJGAqBpHWjoag_CQb2Df0FxEWIQIMticQ_gNWJAQ/s2533/D2%20flow%20page%20after%20handin%20-%20detail%20annotated.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="2533" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQBH5ce5CgbVT1NR8v684F4J6sallEKypi6v3QZa-RQau1eqTo-nVdJ_w5bWhD136cu85FNBykJWCIUzV4sgnq1wuvEtBT0rbvzl3v_0GgZyV03kVeqVcLjTcNT-nmGssjj5X8zJ6fv_Qqvs70daJGAqBpHWjoag_CQb2Df0FxEWIQIMticQ_gNWJAQ/w400-h146/D2%20flow%20page%20after%20handin%20-%20detail%20annotated.png" width="400" /></a></div></div></span></div></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000;">We look forward to your comments!</span></i></strong><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><strong><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></strong></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Comments are welcome in any official EPO language, not just English. So, <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">comments in German and French are also very welcome</span></i></b>!</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more" style="background: transparent; color: #da8044;"></a><span lang="EN-US">Please do not post your comments anonymously - it is allowed, but it makes responding more difficult and rather clumsy ("Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms Anonymous of 15-03-2024 15:03"), whereas using your real name or a pseudonym is more personal, more interesting and makes a more attractive conversation. </span>You do not need to log in or make an account - it is OK to just put your (nick) name at the end of your post.</span></div></div></div>Roel van Woudenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15823355175016282250noreply@blogger.com181tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479165730362492593.post-37266090176477391542024-03-14T08:00:00.000+01:002024-03-14T08:00:00.132+01:00Our Paper C 2024 blog will open for comments after the end of the exam<p> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Good luck with paper C 2024!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">Our EQE blogs will be open for your comments and opinions w.r.t. the </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><a href="http://pre-exam.blogspot.nl/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #da8044; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Pre-Exam</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">, </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><a href="http://eqe-a-em.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #da8044; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">, </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><a href="http://eqe-b-em.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #da8044; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">B</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">, </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><a href="http://eqe-c.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #da8044; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">C </span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">and </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><a href="http://eqe-d.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #da8044; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">D </span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">shortly after the exams. We aim to post our (provisional) answers to the various papers shortly after the exam. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">Do not post any comments as to the merits of the answers of a certain exam paper/flow on the blogs while an exam/flow is still ongoing. Also, do not post the invigilator password or anything else that may be considered the breach of the exam regulations, instructions to the candidates, code of conducts, etc </span></i></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000;">(see, e.g., <a href="https://www.epo.org/learning/eqe.html" target="_blank">EQE homepage</a>, <a href="https://www.epo.org/learning/eqe/notices.html" target="_blank">EQE notices,</a> </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #990000;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #da8044; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://www.epo.org/learning/eqe/e-eqe.html" target="_blank">EQE online website</a></span></span></i></b><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000;">, MyEQE, and the emails from the EQE secretariat).</span></i></b><br /><br />All candidates, as well as tutors who helped candidates prepare for EQE 2024, are invited to contribute to the discussions on our EQE blogs! You can post your comments in English, French or German. You are invited to post your comments under your real name, but it is also possible to use a nickname if you wish to hide your identify.<br /><br /></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">The DeltaPatents team</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">NB: you can not comment to this blog post; comments will be accepted from a new blog post as of 16:15</span></p>Roel van Woudenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15823355175016282250noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479165730362492593.post-28419923952714738342023-08-14T10:12:00.001+02:002023-08-14T10:12:55.629+02:00EQE 2024 exam schedule now available: Paper C<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">The</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"> </span>"<a href="https://link.epo.org/elearning/Schedule_EQE2024_EN" target="_blank"><span>Information on the schedule for the EQE 2024 examination papers</span></a>"<span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"> (dated 27 July 2023) </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">is now available on</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"> </span><a href="https://www.epo.org/learning/eqe.html" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #da8044;" target="_blank">the EQE website</a><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">. </span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">The EQE 2024 will take place online <span style="background-color: transparent;">using the examination software Wiseflow, with substantially </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">the same setup as the e-EQE/Online EQE of 2021, 2022 and 2023.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Paper C will again be split into two parts of 3 hours each. The first part is to be completed before the break, with the second part only becoming available after the break. It will not be possible to go back to the first part after the break. Paper C lasts six hours (9:30-12:30 + 13:15-16:15)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Candidates will be allowed to print everything except the claims of the patent in suit/opposed. The documents allowed for printing will be made available approximately ten minutes before the start of each part.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwM1DQa9A_QAKIZxbH17wuDf3qdAARhbJ6ukeBkxSoNTwo70Flvqwsdc6uZSQ1EKwsayM2SDCdX80HxOQqD_s2gZ1zux0QrOa_6X93vtDXjMY7ATTSs0fTNjEIs1Pm1343q797Ws-XZTOusshyTsccHZl-s_Y7u6YUmmjJs3g_CZjHdzFJHy_gKvK2nRM/s1499/Schedule_EQE2024_EN%20dd%2027%20July%202023%20-%20General%20(incl%20PreCD%20in%20parts).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1499" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwM1DQa9A_QAKIZxbH17wuDf3qdAARhbJ6ukeBkxSoNTwo70Flvqwsdc6uZSQ1EKwsayM2SDCdX80HxOQqD_s2gZ1zux0QrOa_6X93vtDXjMY7ATTSs0fTNjEIs1Pm1343q797Ws-XZTOusshyTsccHZl-s_Y7u6YUmmjJs3g_CZjHdzFJHy_gKvK2nRM/w400-h272/Schedule_EQE2024_EN%20dd%2027%20July%202023%20-%20General%20(incl%20PreCD%20in%20parts).png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9c--ZO-VUruAXRqBTLB4POK0bsM-PkOVX_N4MqG4SceoBVBAtA4aVN4_u7268bznqG0GI9Pi0TBXcMVcTicKT9LU1UuN6q_sruspTtBPCSar2IvPRmLYHlekLyrK79E5C6R93UIQZGaNQJHJkDF3sj42E9POTs-2HDfWbF1MTkKKCz1h5S3jDPnUcU1c/s1495/Schedule_EQE2024_EN%20dd%2027%20July%202023%20-%20Paper%20C.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1495" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9c--ZO-VUruAXRqBTLB4POK0bsM-PkOVX_N4MqG4SceoBVBAtA4aVN4_u7268bznqG0GI9Pi0TBXcMVcTicKT9LU1UuN6q_sruspTtBPCSar2IvPRmLYHlekLyrK79E5C6R93UIQZGaNQJHJkDF3sj42E9POTs-2HDfWbF1MTkKKCz1h5S3jDPnUcU1c/w400-h217/Schedule_EQE2024_EN%20dd%2027%20July%202023%20-%20Paper%20C.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Note that that the document may be subject to minor changes as testing continues. Please check the EQE website for updates)</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Please feel invited to post your comments. You are allowed to post anonymously and do not need an account, but please </span>give your name or a nickname for an easy and inter-human interaction.</span></p>Roel van Woudenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15823355175016282250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479165730362492593.post-84829556382948492592023-03-17T13:19:00.005+01:002023-03-17T14:01:08.324+01:00Our attempt at e-EQE Paper C 2023 - Road racing pedal <p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;">Here's our attempt at this year's paper C. This year's paper concerned pedals for bicycles comprising sensors to help cyclist to optimize their pedaling. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">A good chunk of the paper was quite mechanical requiting candidates to argue about the components of chain drives, but on the other hand a quite complicated ranges puzzles was also presented. The first part was clearly more work than the second part. </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;">You can find our solution by clicking on "Read more" below.</span></p><h4 style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">We look forward to your comments!</h4><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Comments are welcome in any official EPO language, not just English. So, comments in German and French are also very welcome!</p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><b>Please do not post your comments anonymously</b> - it is allowed, but it makes responding more difficult and rather clumsy ("Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms Anonymous of 15-03-2023 22:23"), whereas using your real name or a nickname is more personal, more interesting and makes a more attractive conversation. You do not need to log in or make an account - it is OK to just put your (nick) name at the end of your post.</p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">Joeri, Jelle, Nico, Sander</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">For the effective dates, the client explains that the priority document was filed by two applicants, but that A1 was filed by only one of them. There was no transfer of the priority right. That is not allowed, see the guidelines A-III, 6.1, so the priority claim is invalid. This means that no claims get the priority right. </p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">For the list of evidence, we have three easy documents, A3, A4 and A7 were published before the filing date. A discussion of documents A2 and A5 would be needed. A2 has a publication date well after the A1 filing date, but we can use A2 as evidence of disclosures made during Eurobike 2017. Clearly the posters were disclosed, but judging by the comments in para 3 of A2, apparently the working of the pedal is discussed as well. We'll use A2[2] as 54(2) but will offer additional evidence. A5 is an internet disclosure made before the effective date. We know A5 was public as someone commented on this on the same day. </p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Claim 1 is not novel in light of document of A4. One feature that required some care was '</span><span style="background-color: transparent;">a sensor for detecting dead spots in the
pedal stroke'. A4 discloses strain gauges. From A3[5] we know that these are </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">thin metal </span>film sensors, and so they are sensors. From A5[3] or A7[9] we know that they are for power measurement. Power measurement can be used to detect dead spots, since these are the points with minimum power, A1[4].</p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;">Claim 1 is also not novel in light of A5. Also A5 uses strain gauges, so the same argument as above is needed. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;">The novelty attacks do not extend to claim 2, so we need to go to inventive step. For the closest prior art, it seems that only A4 is a reasonable starting point. Note that A5 is not the closest prior art since it uses a pedal axel that does not rotate in the pedal. Starting from A5, it seems impossible to reach the claim. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;">Having selected A4 as the closest prior art, we need to decide on the distinguishing features. This gave some discussion. How much of the feature '</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 13px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">the road racing pedal further comprising a pedal controller (109) for actuating the spindle drive' is disclosed in A4? A '</span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;">pedal controller' is mentioned in A4, but it is not the right </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;">pedal controller as it is not for actuating a spindle drive. Another sticking point is that A4 mentions a lot of optional features: </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 13px;">strain gauges, a </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;">cadence sensor, a GPS sensor, a </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;">pedal controller, a wireless signal transmitter, a </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;">receiver. Are we allowed to select from this list just the strain gauges and the pedal controller? If one decides not the take the pedal controller from A4 it might cause problems later with A2, which will put the controller on the crank not on the pedal. To get the best attack, we have opted to argue that A4 discloses the sensor (so that we can use our novelty attack) and a pedal controller (so we avoid arguing its location). </span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;">The skilled person will then remember what he learned at Eurobike 2017, and find the configuration of magnets. This must have been disclosed then, because the poster shows a magnet configuration with 6 permanent and 6 electromagnets. Six magnets falls in the claimed range. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;">A2 is compatible because A4 already discloses a stator/rotor system, although used for a different purpose, clearly A4 has room for these magnets. Although </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 13px;">A2 teaches putting the pedal controller on the crank, as A4 already has a pedal controller he would adapt the existing controller instead. Moreover, A2 is not suitable for road racing, so using the existing pedal controller would probably better.</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;">As an alternative attack, one could opt not to take the strain gauge from A4, in that case one has to argue that the magnets are suitable for </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 13px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">detecting dead spots in the pedal stroke, which one could do from A2. One could also opt not to take the pedal controller from A4, and in that case an additional argument is needed why the pedal controller might be moved to the pedal. </span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 13px;">For claim 3 we will extend our inventive step attack on claim 2. A2 already discloses </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 13px;">receiving of pedal angle information at a bicycle computer, but </span></span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 13px;">it uses a proprietary algorithm for computing dead spots. In other words, </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;">Eurobike 2017 will not enable this for the skilled person. So we need to get another bicycle computer that does this. A3 and A7 both have computers, but A3 seems the easier option as it discloses the displaying of dead spots. Everything is compatible since A2, A3, and A4 all use BOT technology. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;">As an alternative, one could argue that '</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 13px;">showing the position of said dead spots on a display of said computer' cannot contribute to the inventiveness because it is merely an alternative way of presenting information. Here one argues that dead spots are already communicated to the user in A2 through resistance in the cycling, merely providing another way to receive the same information cannot be inventive. Some users may prefer a foot interface as in A2 or they may prefer a visual interface as in claim 3, but such a matter of preference cannot make the claim inventive. As the paper provides the means to do an attack without this argument (and because claim 7 will also use presentation of information, though one cannot know this now) a conventional partial problems attack was probably expected.</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 13px;">Claim 4 lacks novelty over A7. One feature that requires some care is the </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 13px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">chain drive. However, A7 discloses </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;">front chainrings and rear sprockets connected by a roller chain, which is defined in A1[2] as a chain drive. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;">Claim 5 lacks inventive step over A7+A6. Starting from A7, the skilled person needs to find a stiff, light material that resists impacts. A6, page 2, left column, second para, tells him that CFRP has all these properties. Moreover, taking </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 13px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">nanotube-reinforced epoxy resins will make it only tougher. The fibers and resin form a matrix A1[25]. For the number of filaments per tow, A6 has the range 7K to 9K for non-frame parts such as pedals. 7K falls in the claimed range. Although 7k-9K is less stiff, this has to be seen relative to the even stiffer frame range. According to the previous section any CFRP is still stiffer than conventional materials. For the elastic modulus, we will also take the preferred range 350 GPa-500 GPa, both endpoints fall in the claimed range. Combining these ranges like this is allowed, since we took either preferred embodiments, or we've taken the specified range for that component.</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 13px;">Claim 6 has added subject matter. Claim 6 was introduced during examination and claims ceramic ball bearings without the ceramic races. But the latter are essential, so we are isolating features that are </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 13px;">functionally</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 13px;"> or structurally related. This is an intermediate generalization. Guidelines H-V, 3.2.1</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Claim 7 is not inventive over A3. Annex 3 is the closest prior art, there is no combining document. </span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Claim 7 is an independent claim. Claim 4 is not included by reference. The only requirement is that the bicycle computer of claim 7 is suitable for the system of claim 4. For that the only thing we need is that the bicycle computer of A3 can communicate with a sensor. A3[5] and [6] discloses that angle measuring sensors, and power meters send information through a controller to the bicycle computer. So they are in communication. A3[7] discloses the display features except it uses an arrow instead of a heart icon and angry emoticon. This change in the presentation of information does not contribute to the technical solution of a technical system, and so it cannot make the system inventive, G-II, 3.7</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 13px;">An alternative approach would be to say that such non-technical elements do not even contribute to novelty (as was done in Paper C 2008, in which non-technical features were </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;">disregarded when assessing novelty, citing </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;">T553/02), but at least since G3/08, mixed claims are commonly handled in the Comvik approach. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 13px;">In summary:</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Claim 1: Novelty A4, Novelty A5</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Claim 2: Inventive step A4+A2</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Claim 3: </span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;">Inventive step A4+A2+A3</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;">Claim 4: Novelty A7</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;">Claim 5: Inventive step A7+A6</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;">Claim 6: Added subject matter</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;">Claim 7: Inventive step A3</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;">(c) DeltaPatents</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><b>Annex - the claims</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>C1-1:<br /></b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b>1. A road racing pedal comprising a pedal body (101) with a pedal cavity (102), a pedal</span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">spindle (103) for attaching the pedal body (101) to a bicycle crank arm (105) and a<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">sensor for detecting dead spots in the pedal stroke.<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />2. A road racing pedal according to claim 1, wherein the pedal spindle (103) is placed<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">within the pedal cavity (102) and the sensor comprises a pedal spindle drive (106),<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">with at least four electromagnets (108) placed on the pedal spindle (103) and at least<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">four permanent magnets (107) placed on the pedal body (101) within the pedal cavity<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(102) and facing the electromagnets (108), the road racing pedal further comprising a<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">pedal controller (109) for actuating the spindle drive (106).<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />3. A pedal system comprising a road racing pedal according to claim 2 and further<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">comprising a bicycle computer (110) adapted to receive pedal angle information and<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">to identify instantaneous dead spots in the pedal stroke and further showing the<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">position of said dead spots on a display of said computer.<br /><br /><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>C1-2:<br /></b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />4. A bicycle with a pedalling efficiency improving system comprising a chain drive,<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">clipless pedals, a sensor, and a bicycle computer (110) in communication with said<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">sensor.<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />5. The bicycle of claim 4, wherein the clipless pedals comprise a pedal body (101) made<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">of carbon fibre reinforced plastic with a carbon nanotube-reinforced epoxy matrix and<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">with carbon fibre tows of 6 000 to 8 000 strands, with each tow having a tensile elastic<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">modulus of between 350 GPa and 600 GPa.<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />6. The bicycle of claim 4, wherein the clipless pedals further comprise ceramic ball<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">bearings (104).<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />7. A bicycle computer (110) for the pedalling efficiency improving system of claim 4, the<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">bicycle computer (110) displaying a heart icon on the computer display when the<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">pedalling efficiency of the pedalling efficiency improving system surpasses 80% and<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">displaying an angry emoticon when the pedalling efficiency is below 80%.<br /><br /></span></p>Sander van Rijnswouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074604101159694993noreply@blogger.com190tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479165730362492593.post-36571712387152359752023-03-16T16:15:00.014+01:002023-03-16T16:15:00.208+01:00C 2023: first impressions?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09ktZLm7VhuWeomllZNsaLvugzTUoVhDyQ3-fdejB5yg6f24zTNSReA5S9JJEZQP8OKjk_3Afixxbu6vLDU03R-bHm8T2MF4ME321dmTqDdXTNTcgvsxyHVjf375Ebv7s-JMfJiMAWrpIMULdMVDekz0g2S_TZcWFaPUBcL-ecPiXk5T-SMrJ-OxP/s1912/C%20Flows%20Compendium%202022.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1912" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09ktZLm7VhuWeomllZNsaLvugzTUoVhDyQ3-fdejB5yg6f24zTNSReA5S9JJEZQP8OKjk_3Afixxbu6vLDU03R-bHm8T2MF4ME321dmTqDdXTNTcgvsxyHVjf375Ebv7s-JMfJiMAWrpIMULdMVDekz0g2S_TZcWFaPUBcL-ecPiXk5T-SMrJ-OxP/w400-h179/C%20Flows%20Compendium%202022.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b><i><span style="color: #990000;">To all who sat the C-paper today:</span></i></b></p><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What are your first impressions to this year's C-paper? Any general or specific comments?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div style="margin: 0cm;">How did you handle the situation with the paper being split into two parts? </div><div style="margin: 0cm;">Was the split different than in 2021 and 2022, e.g., was also new prior art introduced in the second part?</div><div style="margin: 0cm;">What was the effect of the paper being split into two parts? </div><div style="margin: 0cm;">How did you use the break?</div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How did this year's C-paper compare to the C papers of the last few years?</span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="margin: 0cm;">What was the effect of doing it online? Of typing your answer rather than writing it by hand? Could you benefit from being able to copy from the exam paper into your answer? And from copying parts of your answer elsewhere into your answer?</div><div style="margin: 0cm;">How did you experience taking the exam from your home or office location rather than in an examination center?</div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What was the effect of the situation that you had to take the exam largely from the screen (as only a part could be printed) rather than from paper?</span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;">Did you experience any technical difficulties during the exam? How & how fast were they solved?</div></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A<span style="font-family: inherit;">ny pleasant and/or unpleasant surprises?</span></span></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit;">The paper and our answers</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><b><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #990000;">Copies of the paper will be provided on this blog as soon as we have received copies of the papers, preferably in all three languages (English, French and German). Should you have a copy, please send it to any of our tutors or to training@deltapatents.com.</span><br /></b><span>(We expect that the C paper will be made available soon in all three languages from the </span><a href="https://www.epo.org/learning-events/eqe/compendium/C.html" style="background: transparent; color: #da8044; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">EQE website, Compendium, PaperC</a><span> )</span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><br /><span face=""arial" , sans-serif">The core of our answers will be given as soon as possible in a separate blog post.</span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Please be reminded that you can view and print/download copy of your exam answer after the exam, via the eye below the "1. Paper"-icon in the bottom left part of the flow window of the respective flow. (It may not be available immediately after the official end of the (part of the) paper, but only 30-60 minutes later.) Apart from the pre-printable parts, the paper itself cannot be downloaded (unless you copied it in full into your exam answer).</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQBH5ce5CgbVT1NR8v684F4J6sallEKypi6v3QZa-RQau1eqTo-nVdJ_w5bWhD136cu85FNBykJWCIUzV4sgnq1wuvEtBT0rbvzl3v_0GgZyV03kVeqVcLjTcNT-nmGssjj5X8zJ6fv_Qqvs70daJGAqBpHWjoag_CQb2Df0FxEWIQIMticQ_gNWJAQ/s2533/D2%20flow%20page%20after%20handin%20-%20detail%20annotated.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="2533" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQBH5ce5CgbVT1NR8v684F4J6sallEKypi6v3QZa-RQau1eqTo-nVdJ_w5bWhD136cu85FNBykJWCIUzV4sgnq1wuvEtBT0rbvzl3v_0GgZyV03kVeqVcLjTcNT-nmGssjj5X8zJ6fv_Qqvs70daJGAqBpHWjoag_CQb2Df0FxEWIQIMticQ_gNWJAQ/w400-h146/D2%20flow%20page%20after%20handin%20-%20detail%20annotated.png" width="400" /></a></div></div></span></div></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000;">We look forward to your comments!</span></i></strong><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><strong><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></strong></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Comments are welcome in any official EPO language, not just English. So, <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">comments in German and French are also very welcome</span></i></b>!</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more" style="background: transparent; color: #da8044;"></a><span lang="EN-US">Please do not post your comments anonymously - it is allowed, but it makes responding more difficult and rather clumsy ("Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms Anonymous of 16-03-2023 16:23"), whereas using your real name or a pseudonym is more personal, more interesting and makes a more attractive conversation. </span>You do not need to log in or make an account - it is OK to just put your (nick) name at the end of your post.</span></div></div></div>Roel van Woudenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15823355175016282250noreply@blogger.com208tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479165730362492593.post-18421945256159053622023-03-16T08:00:00.002+01:002023-03-16T08:00:00.197+01:00Our Paper C 2023 blog will open for comments after the end of the exam<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Good luck with paper C 2023!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">Our EQE blogs will be open for your comments and opinions w.r.t. the </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><a href="http://pre-exam.blogspot.nl/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #da8044; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Pre-Exam</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">, </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><a href="http://eqe-a-em.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #da8044; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">, </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><a href="http://eqe-b-em.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #da8044; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">B</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">, </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><a href="http://eqe-c.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #da8044; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">C </span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">and </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><a href="http://eqe-d.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #da8044; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">D </span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">shortly after the exams. We will post our (provisional) answers to the various papers shortly after the exam. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">Do not post any comments as to the merits of the answers of a certain exam paper/flow on the blogs while an exam/flow is still ongoing. Also, do not post the invigilator password or anything else that may be considered the breach of the exam regulations, instructions to the candidates, code of conducts, etc </span></i></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000;">(see, e.g., <a href="https://www.epo.org/learning/eqe.html" target="_blank">EQE homepage</a>, <a href="https://www.epo.org/learning/eqe/notices.html" target="_blank">EQE notices,</a> </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #990000;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #da8044; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://www.epo.org/learning/eqe/e-eqe.html" target="_blank">EQE online website</a></span></span></i></b><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000;">, MyEQE, and the emails from the EQE secretariat).</span></i></b><br /><br />All candidates, as well as tutors who helped candidates prepare for EQE 2023, are invited to contribute to the discussions on our EQE blogs! You can post your comments in English, French or German. You are invited to post your comments under your real name, but it is also possible to use a nickname if you wish to hide your identify.<br /><br /></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">The DeltaPatents team</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">NB: you can not comment to this blog post; comments will be accepted from a new blog post as of 16:15</span></p>Roel van Woudenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15823355175016282250noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479165730362492593.post-82360638074729795852022-09-28T09:19:00.001+02:002022-09-28T09:19:51.066+02:00EQE 2023 exam schedule now available: Paper C<p>The <a href="https://documents.epo.org/projects/babylon/eponot.nsf/0/D0B406A4EAF99D0DC12588CA00285642/$FILE/Schedule_EQE2023_EN.pdf" target="_blank">"Information on the schedule for the EQE 2023 examination papers"</a> is now available on <a href="https://www.epo.org/learning/eqe.html" target="_blank">the EQE website</a>. </p><p>The EQE 2023 will take place online using the same setup as the EQE of 2021 and 2022.</p><p>Paper C will have the same syllabus and character as before, but it will be split into two parts of 3 hours each. The first part is to be completed before the break, with the second part only becoming available after the break. It will not be possible to go back to the first part after the break. Paper C lasts six hours (9:30-12:30 + 13:15-16:15)</p><p>Candidates will be allowed to print everything except the claims of the patent in suit/opposed. The documents allowed for printing will be made available approximately ten minutes before the start of each part.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidigwFRS842CFohkE4aBUNLE6vVjmfK4uriw9nnficEX3a36zMkX3cr9Ee9EpmT6VqP9TTp1HSPE04lpXmKh7QYjpHFcZWBgHxptaPo-dpan_-qdtIW6YW4FTH1ohm59P5GL0NI2kj7YddYPHgUUca0FB18ApgBpmjmy7g8r6PHfhgkcih2SgueYZJ/s993/Schedule_EQE2023_EN%20(27.09.2022)%20-%20Intro%20Pre%20C%20D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="993" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidigwFRS842CFohkE4aBUNLE6vVjmfK4uriw9nnficEX3a36zMkX3cr9Ee9EpmT6VqP9TTp1HSPE04lpXmKh7QYjpHFcZWBgHxptaPo-dpan_-qdtIW6YW4FTH1ohm59P5GL0NI2kj7YddYPHgUUca0FB18ApgBpmjmy7g8r6PHfhgkcih2SgueYZJ/w400-h301/Schedule_EQE2023_EN%20(27.09.2022)%20-%20Intro%20Pre%20C%20D.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOwNdwrv-PLXjYnH3oemUJ04z7Wa9nRHEEdlJy65sWsiWRj3W8geWAjsj4q0tOTHIC-NAzgdCqfQzAQYH2JBBb6aLvTYusiHN1CN8AvGRrlgmUGfOveW1F6JU2POpyeLuRRdrLIz6s9YJSTaBdYgHU-uoH-be34_850vCPir6eomMNBRpl6fdq4XS/s990/Schedule_EQE2023_EN%20(27.09.2022)%20-%20Paper%20C.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="990" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOwNdwrv-PLXjYnH3oemUJ04z7Wa9nRHEEdlJy65sWsiWRj3W8geWAjsj4q0tOTHIC-NAzgdCqfQzAQYH2JBBb6aLvTYusiHN1CN8AvGRrlgmUGfOveW1F6JU2POpyeLuRRdrLIz6s9YJSTaBdYgHU-uoH-be34_850vCPir6eomMNBRpl6fdq4XS/w400-h221/Schedule_EQE2023_EN%20(27.09.2022)%20-%20Paper%20C.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>(Note that that the document may be subject to minor changes as testing continues. Please check the EQE website for updates)</p><p>Please feel invited to post your comments. You are allowed to post anonymously and do not need an account, but please give your name or a nickname for an easy and inter-human interaction.</p>Roel van Woudenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15823355175016282250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479165730362492593.post-65091839504867618352022-03-17T17:44:00.003+01:002022-09-29T09:08:48.728+02:00Paper C 2022 (Part 1 and Part 2) - EPO scores with accessible paper <p>The theme of this year's paper was football. Specifically, the electronic detection of goals. </p><p>This was the second year with the online electronic paper C. Like last year, you were provided with all of the prior art in the first half, but not with all of A1's description. Last year the claims were split down the middle, with 3 claims in each half; this year the first half had 2 claims and the second half had 4 claims. </p><p>Some felt that last year's claim split was not ideal, as most of the analysis is done in the first half. This year with one claim less to do, there was enough time to read everything. </p><p>The application did not claim priority; thus the effective date section was straightforward. But the list of evidence made up for it, and was more challenging, with a lot of admissibility issues: A2 was a newsletter for which you would have to argue that it was available in time. A3 was clearly too late, but contained lots of information about past prior art. A4 referred to a conference, but with the twist that the slides of the talk were provided to the participants. A5 was regular prior art and A6 a 54(3). </p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Claim 1 was a special type of yarn that could be used in a ball. The yarn has a metal wire which makes it electronically detectable. </p><p></p><blockquote>1. A hybrid yarn (1) for use under high mechanical stress conditions, such as for a ball (9) for a ball game, wherein the yarn (1) comprises an inner strand of chemically-resistant organic fibres (2) and a circumferential outer layer consisting of 10-20 thin electrically conductive metal wires (4), the thin electrically conductive metal wires (4) being twisted around the inner strand along the longitudinal axis of the yarn (1), whereby a void is formed between the inner strand and the outer layer by removal of material using a solvent.</blockquote><p></p><p>All documents are in time and need to be considered. The 54(3) document A6 missed two features (no void, and the wires where the wrong way around). So that one is unlikely. A2 discloses a yarn but misses the void. A3 only discloses metal yarn, so seems even worse. A4 misses a couple of features, e.g., the materials of both the inner and outer strands, and the number of conductive strands. A4 also misses all of the purpose features (high stress, a ball). Seems A4 is a typical D2, but one could keep it on the shortlist if nothing better comes along. </p><p>A5 seems to have everything then, except for the feature 'removal of material using a solvent.' A5 does remove an intermediate layer but uses a thermal method. This feature is a product by process feature, so one needs to ask yourself if novelty is imparted through it--can you tell the difference in the end product without having seen the manufacturing?</p><p>This one, unfortunately, led to a split jury here, with some of us arguing one way and some the other. </p><p>One could argue that Claim 1 <i>is</i> novel over A5. That, you can tell the difference, and so the feature does impart novelty. The argument would be that A5 explains that the thermal treatment is not so great, as it leaves material behind, leading to a non-constant void. A1 explains that chemical removal is a more precise method leading to well-defined and constant dimensions. These are things you can see in the final product. In fact, A1 spends two paragraphs on explaining why chemical removal is better. Also A4 seems to imply that chemicals remove all of the intermediate layer. </p><div>On the other hand, one could argue that Claim 1 lacks novelty over A5. The argument might be, that A4 explains that one particular chemical is great at is leaves no residue of the polyamide at all. From this one could derive a contrario, that other chemicals <i> </i>apparently do<i> </i> leave some residue behind. Is that residue of constant width or not? A4 doesn't say. Moreover, A5 uses the word 'may' to indicate the problems with thermal treatment. Maybe, sometimes, you get a great result with thermal treatment. But if thermal is mostly bad, but sometimes good, and chemicals are mostly good but sometimes not, can you still tell the difference? Maybe not, and this would lead to a novelty attack based on A5.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you go for Claim 1 being novel over A5, then A5 would make a good closest prior art. </div><p>Once one opts for an inventive step attack, the D2 document can only be A4. A weakness in the inventive step attack is that A1 explains that a constant void is good for mechanical resistance (otherwise you 'rupture even under low mechanical stress conditions'). But A4 does not mention this effect at all. So, here we get the missing feature from A4, and we don't exploit the product by process part. </p><p>Final attack is Novelty A5 or Inventive step A5 + A4.</p><p>Claim 2</p><p><span class="fontstyle0"></span></p><blockquote><p><span class="fontstyle0">2. Method for producing the hybrid yarn (1) according to claim 1, comprising the<br />steps of<br />a. providing an intermediate layer of polyamide fibres (3) around the inner strand<br />of chemically-resistant organic fibres (2),<br />b. twisting the thin electrically conductive metal wires (4) around the intermediate<br />layer of polyamide fibres,<br />c. chemically removing the polyamide fibres (3) by a treatment with a solvent<br />consisting of 40-60 wt% of trifluoroacetic acid in acetone to provide a void<br />between the inner strand and the thin metal wires.</span>
<br style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p></p></blockquote><p>We need to consider if we have a closest prior art change. Perhaps we need to switch from A5 to A4? But A4 still misses the materials of the inner and outer layers, and the electrically conductivity. Still no purpose features, although these are now perhaps less important as we are not formally dependent on claim 1. None of these seem to be of sufficient importance to tip the scales though. It seems we can stay with A5 as closest prior art. If we do, we get the difference feature of claim 1, but also the particular solvent. Fortunately, both the solvent and range are anticipated by A4. A1 mentions as an additional effect that trifluoroacetic acid is a good cost compromise. A4 does not mention costs, so we fudge this a bit, perhaps cost is not really technical, or implicit, or inherent, pick one. Final attack is A5 + A4. When drafting the attack, you may have to a good chunk of the novelty analysis again, to make sure every nitty-gritty bit is disclosed. </p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Part 2</h2><p><span class="fontstyle0">Claim 3: added matter<br /></span><span class="fontstyle2">Claim 3 was introduced during examination, and should therefore have support from the application as filed.<br />Claim 3 as filed, corresponds to claims 3 and 4 as granted, includes all features of granted claim 3, but also include the features of present claim 4, in particular to use 'antenna yarn', ie., a hybrid yarn consisting of organic fibres (2) and thin metal wires (4). Antenna yarn is essntial. Only through such a<br />yarn is a stable three-dimensional configuration of the antenna is guaranteed. Moreover, the yarn facilitates stability and ensures a long lifetime. Without the yarn, the effect of the invention is lost. [19].<br />Thus claim 3 cannot be based on claim 3 as filed.</span><br style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p>In addition to the Art.123(2) attack, also two auxiliary novelty attacks were possible.</p><p><span class="fontstyle0">A first novelty attack over t</span><span class="fontstyle2">he first model Vuwuseeler introduced in 2010, citing A3 as evidence. </span>If you did not do this attack for claim 3, you would need a lot of this anyhow for the attack on dependent claim 4.</p><p><span class="fontstyle2"><span class="fontstyle0">A second novelty attack over A6 (Art.54(3) document). If you did not do this attack for claim 3, you would need this attack anyhow for the dependent claim 4.</span><br style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;" /></span></p><p>Claim 4(3) is not novel over A6 and Claim 4 is not inventive over The first Vuvuseela ball (2010) (described in A3) and A2.</p><p><span class="fontstyle0">Claim 5. Inventive step: first Vuwuseeler ball + arrangement (as described in A3, page 2) + second Vuwuseeler arrangement (as described in A3, page 3) + A2.</span><br style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;" /></p><p><span class="fontstyle0">Claim 6 Basically the same attack as for claim 5. </span>A3 does not disclose a computer-implemented method for adapting the odds in live sports betting. The latter feature is not technical, and thus does not contribute to inventive step. Accordingly, claim 6 is not inventive for the same reasons as claim 5.</p><span class="fontstyle0">It is noted in passing that the application of the goal detecting arrangement to odds computing would in any case be not inventive, as betting on goals is well known and a commercial issue, as evidenced by the final remarks in the interview of A3 about ''odds for sports betting"</span>Sander van Rijnswouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074604101159694993noreply@blogger.com349tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479165730362492593.post-19987489935935728852022-03-17T16:15:00.005+01:002022-09-29T09:09:13.304+02:00Paper C Online EQE 2022: first impressions?<p> <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">To all who sat the C-paper today:</span></i></b></p><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What are your first impressions to this year's C-paper? Any general or specific comments?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div style="margin: 0cm;">How did you handle the situation with the paper being split into two parts?</div><div style="margin: 0cm;">What was the effect of the paper being split into two parts? </div><div style="margin: 0cm;">How did you use the break?</div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How did this year's C-paper compare to the C papers of 2013 - 2021?</span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="margin: 0cm;">What was the effect of doing it online? Of typing your answer rather than writing it by hand? Could you benefit from being able to copy from the exam paper into your answer? And from copying parts of your answer elsewhere into your answer?</div><div style="margin: 0cm;">How did you experience taking the exam from your home or office location rather than in an examination center?</div><div style="margin: 0cm;">(How) was it different due to the due of the LockDown Browser?</div><div style="margin: 0cm;">What was the effect of the situation that you had to take the exam largely from the screen (as only a part could be printed) rather than from paper?</div><div style="margin: 0cm;">Did you experience any technical difficulties during the exam? How & how fast were they solved?</div></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A<span style="font-family: inherit;">ny pleasant and/or unpleasant surprises?</span></span></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit;">The paper and our answers</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We will give the core of our answer in a separate blog.</span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(We expect that the C paper will be made available soon in all three languages from the </span><a href="https://www.epo.org/learning-events/eqe/compendium/C.html" style="background: transparent; color: #da8044; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">EQE website, Compendium, PaperC</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> )</span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000;">We look forward to your comments!</span></i></strong><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><strong><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></strong></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Comments are welcome in any official EPO language, not just English. So, <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">comments in German and French are also very welcome</span></i></b>!</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more" style="background: transparent; color: #da8044;"></a><span lang="EN-US">Please do not post your comments anonymously - it is allowed, but it makes responding more difficult and rather clumsy ("Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms Anonymous of 17-03-2022 17:03"), whereas using your real name or a pseudonym is more personal, more interesting and makes a more attractive conversation. </span>You do not need to log in or make an account - it is OK to just put your (nick) name at the end of your post.</span></div></div></div>Roel van Woudenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15823355175016282250noreply@blogger.com165tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479165730362492593.post-7108180854665713642022-03-17T09:30:00.000+01:002022-03-17T09:30:19.778+01:00Paper C 2022 blog will open after the end of the exam, 17 March 2022 16:15<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Good luck with paper C!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">Our EQE blogs will be open for your comments and opinions w.r.t. the </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><a href="http://pre-exam.blogspot.nl/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #da8044; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Pre-Exam</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">, </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><a href="http://eqe-a-em.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #da8044; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">, </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><a href="http://eqe-b-em.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #da8044; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">B</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">, </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><a href="http://eqe-c.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #da8044; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">C </span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">and </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><a href="http://eqe-d.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #da8044; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">D </span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">shortly after the exams. We will post our (provisional) answers to the various papers shortly after the exam. To facilitate the discussions, we will also post copies of the papers as soon as possible after we received reasonably clean copies.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">Do not post any comments as to the merits of the answers of a certain exam paper/flow on the blogs while an exam/flow is still ongoing. Also, do not post the invigilator password or anything else that may be considered the breach of the exam regulations, instructions to the candidates, code of conducts, etc (see, e.g., </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #990000; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><a href="https://www.epo.org/learning/eqe/e-eqe.html" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #da8044; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">e-EQE website</span></a></span></i></b><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"> and the emails from the EQE secretariat).</span></i></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><br /><br />All candidates, as well as tutors who helped candidates prepare for EQE 2022, are invited to contribute to the discussions on our EQE blogs! You can post your comments in English, French or German. You are invited to post your comments under your real name, but it is also possible to use a nickname if you wish to hide your identify.<br /><br /></span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">The DeltaPatents team</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">NB: you can not comment to this blog post; comments will be accepted from a new blog post as of 16:15</span></p>Roel van Woudenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15823355175016282250noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479165730362492593.post-77571945184914833822021-11-25T15:20:00.005+01:002022-01-13T17:26:58.413+01:00Mock C under exam conditions on 10 December 2021 - and on 21 December 2021 (and in 3 Feb 2022)<p> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">A mock C exam under exam conditions </span>allowing you to test the updated WISEflow version with video/audio invigilation is available on 10 December 2021. See <a href="http://eqe-deltapatents.blogspot.com/2021/08/detailed-time-schedule-eqe-2022.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>The main purpose of the December Mocks is to test your equipment and settings, including camera and audio.</p><p>You can practice the papers at a later moment, as they will again be made available as Mock papers for a longer period, but without invigilation.</p><p><span style="background-color: white;">It has also been announced by email from the EQE secretariat to all candidates that, i</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #990000;"> <b>a further mock under exam conditions</b> </span><span style="background-color: white;">will be conducted on <b style="color: #990000;">3 February 2022</b><span style="color: #990000;">. </span>The purpose of this mock is to check your equipment and settings. This mock will not contain a new paper</span><span style="background-color: white;">, but a known paper used in t</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #201f1e;">he currently open mocks. </span></p><p><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #990000;">Please feel invited to post your experiences with the Mock and the platform, comments and tips</span></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> as comments to this blog. It is appreciated if you use your name or a nickname in your post, for easy reference (you can use the Anonymous option and close the message with your name, or use the google account or name option).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Update 14 December 2021:</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, the EQE secretariat has informed the candidates by email of a new date for the epi December Mock with a new paper, as well as with information on the further availability of the Mocks as well as a date for a further mock under exam conditions (3 February 2022) to check your equipment and settings.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">The email is cited below in full (colouring added):</span></p><p><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #201f1e; font-size: 11.5pt;">Dear candidate,</span></p><ol start="1" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: #201f1e;">The
mock paper C which was offered to you last Friday, 10 December 2021, was a
repetition of a mock paper made available already in January and October
2021.</span><br /><span style="color: #990000;">
That is why a new mock paper provided by <b>epi</b> will be made
available on:<br />
<b>21 December 2021</b>,<br />
Part C1 <b>9:30 – 12:30</b> h CET;<br />
Part C2 <b>13:15 – 16:15</b> h CET.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #990000;">
You will be able to test WISEflow under exam conditions, i.e.: timed
examination with video and audio invigilation (AI and human). However,
there will only be very few human invigilators present (far less than
during the recent mocks).</span><br /><br />
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="color: #201f1e;"><u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: #201f1e;">The
flows for papers for A, B and D containing the mock papers provided
by </span><b style="color: #201f1e;">epi</b><span style="color: #201f1e;"> in December 2021 will be reopened as of 15
December 2021. </span><br /><span style="color: #990000;">The flow with the new <b>epi</b> December mock
paper C will be re-opened shortly after 21 December 2021. <br />These flows will
not be under exam conditions, hence not timed and without any video and
audio invigilation (AI nor human). </span><br /><br />
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="color: #201f1e;"><u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;"><span face=""Segoe UI", sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="color: #990000;">In
addition, <b>a further mock under exam conditions</b> will be
conducted on <b>3 February 2022</b>. The purpose of this mock is to
check your equipment and settings. This mock will not contain a new paper</span><span style="color: #201f1e;">,
but a known paper used in the currently open mocks. Further details on
this mock will be communicated in due course.</span><br /><br />
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="color: #201f1e;"><u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #201f1e; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For
your convenience, we repeat some useful links:<u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></li>
</ol><ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #201f1e; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WISEflow
recommendations for the configuration of the environment for the upcoming
EQE: </span><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fepo-wiseflow.ladesk.com%2F772936-Lockdown-computer-recommendations&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cfeac8024c6a4435ca29508d9befe3364%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637750821250247733%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=LqkyobfzJ1udolYqZikF1D3YXTuvm7EgQo8V1yDl6m0%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" title="Protégé par Outlook : https://epo-wiseflow.ladesk.com/772936-Lockdown-computer-recommendations. Cliquez ou appuyez pour suivre le lien."><span lang="EN-US" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">https://epo-wiseflow.ladesk.com/772936-Lockdown-computer-recommendations</span></a></span><u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #201f1e; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">documentation
on the examination system (user guides, troubleshooting, etc) available on
the dedicated </span><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwiseflow.zendesk.com%2Fhc%2Fen-gb%2Fcategories%2F4405644298386-Participant&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cfeac8024c6a4435ca29508d9befe3364%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637750821250247733%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=x67fNUPA68%2FtWvpJ0AyR8MidPcUJE8IKMh3Lid3FVJs%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" title="Protégé par Outlook : https://wiseflow.zendesk.com/hc/en-gb/categories/4405644298386-Participant. Cliquez ou appuyez pour suivre le lien."><span lang="EN-US" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0cm; padding: 0cm;">WISEflow website</span></a></span><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.<u5:p></u5:p></span><o:p></o:p></li>
</ul><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">
<u5:p></u5:p>
<span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="color: #201f1e; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">Please note that testing your equipment under
exam conditions is indispensable. Support might not be possible for equipment
which has not been tested in advance.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="color: #201f1e; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Best regards / Mit freundlichen Grüßen / Sincères
salutations<br />
<br />
Examination Secretariat<br />
European Qualifying Examination EQE<br />
European Patent Office</span><br style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><br />Roel van Woudenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15823355175016282250noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479165730362492593.post-35080783399623833852021-03-05T20:25:00.022+01:002021-03-07T20:57:15.821+01:00Paper C 2021 - First solution<p>We're still working on double checking the solution to Paper C 2021, but we didn't want to delay posting a solution any longer. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">My first impression was that the first half was a bit more work than the second half. The claims related to some fairly complex
mechanical structures, so in the first half you spent quite some time getting a grip on things. The second half had more tricky features though, although perhaps a bit less work. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A funny detail is that s</span><span lang="EN-US">ome of the
dramatis personae of Paper C 2015 returned in this paper. In 2015 Mr. </span><span lang="en-NL">Eilasie Kacez </span><span lang="EN-US">of
</span><span lang="en-NL">Sabela Sports Industries</span><span lang="EN-US"> asked the attorney </span><span lang="en-NL">Ms
Molly Dorsett Pauley</span><span lang="EN-US"> to
file an opposition against Winterwute Corp. Now in 2021, Eilasie Kaceth (the
same person?) switched jobs, but again asks Ms Molly Dorsett Pauley to file an
opposition against Winterwute Corp.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">We found
the following attacks against the claims in <b><span style="color: #990000;">the first part</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Claim 1:
Not novel against A3<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Claim 2:
Not inventive against A3 + A4 + A6<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Claim
3:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not novel against A3<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For the
claims in<b><span style="color: #990000;"> the second part</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Claim 4:
Not novel against A5<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Claim 5:
Not inventive against A4 + A5<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Claim 6 +1
: added subject matter, no disclosure for spacers and 35% of RZCH<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Claim 6+5 +
range 17-23 has partial priority from P2. Is not inventive against A4+A5<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Claim 6+5 +
range 23-35 has the filing date. Is not inventive against A2+A6<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p>A difficulty with claim 4 are the two features "</o:p></span>a structure providing buckling resistance" and the "anti-buoyancy means". However the double steel wall filled sandwiching the concrete seems to provide the anti-buckling function. I cited A3[02] as evidence in support of this. The concrete also compensates for buoyancy so it is an anti-buoyancy means. I noted in the comments, that there many suggestions for an alternative inventive step attack on this claim. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Claim 6 is an or-claim, one part of which can be attacked with added subject matter (6+1). The other part seems a first for Paper C, as it can claim partial priority. Given the worry of the client in his letter, I suppose you need to do two attacks on claim 6+5 to counter the possibility that part of claim 6 might remain. </p><p class="MsoNormal">A2 has a tantalizing section with tourists sneaking a peak from a half finished device. I couldn't see how to utilize this though. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><i><span style="color: #990000;">We look forward to your comments!</span></i></strong></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Comments are welcome in any official EPO language, not just English. So, <b><i>comments in German and French are also very welcome</i></b>!<br /><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Please do not post your comments anonymously </span></b>- it is allowed, but it makes responding more difficult and rather clumsy ("Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms Anonymous of 02-03-2021 22:23"), whereas using your real name or a nickname is more personal, more interesting and makes a more attractive conversation.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>You do not need to log in or make an account - it is OK to just put your (nick) name at the end of your post.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks!</span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">NB: You may also want to check the comments </span>to our first impressions blog, which was <span style="font-family: inherit;">posted immediately after the exam and before this blog with our solution was posted , see</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><a href="http://eqe-c.blogspot.com/2021/03/c-2020-first-impressions.html" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">[Update 7 March 2021:] A copy of the paper, together with the claims for part 2, is available here.. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Posted by Sander van Rijnswou</span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">========================================================================</span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Some analysis blocks</b></span></h2><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Prepared by Jelle Hoekstra and Tanja la Cour Hoekstra</span></div><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxf6P3jrEaEeUoOWD8R6-crupI_MacsJP45H2PCY1dG2aFM8_31ONnwS4jAkIfPyVdAD48mBIneaGgau_lqqsD2JBurk1v8ToRed5nc-niB1CJR84DawjG61D1zEM3_ec32gsYXo9UJg/s1407/Timeline+C+2021.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="1407" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxf6P3jrEaEeUoOWD8R6-crupI_MacsJP45H2PCY1dG2aFM8_31ONnwS4jAkIfPyVdAD48mBIneaGgau_lqqsD2JBurk1v8ToRed5nc-niB1CJR84DawjG61D1zEM3_ec32gsYXo9UJg/w561-h426/Timeline+C+2021.png" width="561" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><h3 style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Effective dates of
the claims (to be handed in)</span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span>Information provided by client:</span><o:p style="font-size: 12pt;"></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-NL" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Annex 1 claims priority of the applications NO20150000333 and</span><span lang="en-NL" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">NO20150000355.
NO20150000333 has the following parts of Annex 1:</span><span lang="en-NL" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[1] to [11] of
the description and figures 1 to 3. NO20150000333 has</span><span lang="en-NL" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">only one claim
and it is identical to claim 1 in Annex 1. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-NL" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">NO20150000355 is</span><span lang="en-NL" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">identical to the following parts of
Annex 1: paragraphs [1] to [22], claims 1 to 5</span><span lang="en-NL" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">and figures
1-5. Annex 1 was granted for European application EP16180339.8,</span><span lang="en-NL" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">which was
filed containing all parts of NO20150000355 and additionally</span><span lang="en-NL" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">[23] of Annex
1. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 36pt;"><span lang="en-NL" style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Claim 6 was added during examination.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-NL" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Claim 6 is of particular concern to us because we want to
commercialize our devices</span><span lang="en-NL" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">using an elastomer containing not only
17 to 23 % by weight of RZCH but also, and in</span><span lang="en-NL" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">particular,
containing 23 to 35 % by weight of RZCH.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claim 1(indep)</span></u><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">: Basis in NO 333 (already as a claim), entitled to the
priority of NO 333.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claim 2(1),
3(ind), 4 (ind), 5(4)</span></u><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">: Were
present as claims in NO 355 and not in NO 333. Have a basis in [12]-[22]. This
was first described in NO 355. Entitled to the priority of NO 355.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Claim 6: added during
examination. It requires that the elastomer contains 17-35% RZCH. Covers two
embodiments (‘OR’ in the dependency)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">First embodiment: claim
6(1) “elastomer in spacer in between reservoir and anti-buoyancy means”. <br />
Basis for the composition of the elastomer in the spacer is in A1 [11], where
it shows 13-47%. This gives no basis for the claimed narrower range. An objection
is raised under Art.100(c), Art.123(2) EPC. No date is given to this claimed
embodiment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Second embodiment: claim
6(5) “elastomer in seal in between the segments”. <br />
Basis for the composition of the elastomer in the seal is <br />A1 [22] >=17%, pref 23% and <br />A1 [23] alternative range 23-35%<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">In line with GL H-IV
2.4, this gives a basis for the range from the
lower value 17 to the highest mentioned value 35. Thus no added subject-matter.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Of this composed range,
the complexity lies in that the part 17-23% is disclosed in [22], present in NO
355 And that the part 23-35% in only present at filing of A1. This thus leads
to a nice partial priority (first time ever in paper C).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Thus we have to split
claim 6(5) into two (conceptual) parts:<br />
a) 17-23% entitled to priority of NO 355. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">b) 23-35% entitled to
the filing date of A1.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Evidence list (to be handed in)</span></b></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A3, A5 and A6 are
published before the first priority date and can be used under Art.54(2) EPC
for all claims.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A4 is a European
application published after the first priority but before the second priority.
A4 can thus be used under Art.54(2) EPC for claims entitled to the second
priority or having the filing date, being claims 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A4 has an effective filing
date before the first priority and can be used under Art.54(3) for claim 1.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A2 is an excerpt from
an article published on 06.08.2015 which lies after the second priority date
but before the filing date of A1. The content of the article was discussed a
week earlier, also in the same period. This can be used under Art.54(2) to
attack claims entitled to the filing date, being claim 6(5) 23-35% option.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Fig.1 of A2 was visible
from a tourist barge at a shipyard of the Calypso Foundation in the harbour of Warnemouth
in the last week of May 2015. This lies before the second priority date. The
tourists could see that workers strung wire ropes through duct channels in the
pieces of steel to assemble them into an elongated structure. The tourist were
not bound to secrecy. Available to the public is also the part of Fig.1 which
could be visually observed. The footnote of A2 makes clear that the number of
strands of the wire cannot be observed. This prior use, as evidenced by A2, can
be used to attack claims 2-6.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">The footnote of A2
describes common general knowledge known since 1970. This can be used under
Art.54(2) for all claims.</span></p><h3 style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Definitions,
examples, properties (analysis, part of it to be used in your answer)</span></b></h3><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">R</span></b><b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">eservoir</span></b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A1 [02] </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">is any compartment surrounded by a wall, out of which compartment
water can be</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">pumped out and into which water can be let in</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">E</span></b><b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">lectromechanical components</span></b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> necessary for underwater</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">hydroelectric energy storage</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A1 [02]:</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> an electric motor 14, a pump 15,
a turbine 16</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">and a generator 17.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Buckling resistance</span></b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A1 [04] </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">means that at the deployment depth the reservoir does not collapse
irrespective of the</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">amount of water pumped out of the compartment<br /></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A</span></b><b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">nti-buoyancy means</span></b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A1 [05] </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Anti-buoyancy means</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">ensure that the device as a whole does
not rise irrespective</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">of the amount of water pumped out of
the compartment</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">.</span><span lang="EN-GB"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Known are anchors attached to the
seabed, or ballast whose weight provides a downward force</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">. </span><span lang="EN-GB">A1 </span><span lang="en-NL">[09]<b> </b></span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The anti-buoyancy means of the first embodiment comprise holding
means </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">and a ballast body 27
connected thereto. The weight of the ballast body 27 provides a</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">downward
force. Preferably, the ballast body 27 is made of concrete and rests on the</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">ground 22 of a
body of water<br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">F</span></b><b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">irst reinforcing arrangement</span></b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A1 [13] </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">may be a framework of reinforcing beams<br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">S</span></b><b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">econd reinforcing arrangement</span></b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A1 [15] </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">may be a stiff mesh of steel bars<br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Tensioning
tubes</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> A1 [19]: duct
channels or boreholes or other types of cylindrical cavities extending
lengthwise within the walls of the reservoir sections.<br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">R</span></b><b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">eservoir sections</span></b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB">A1 </span><span lang="en-NL">[21]<b> </b></span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">may be implemented as pipe segments<br /></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Epipelagic depths</span></b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A2 P.3</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">, i.e. depths down to 200 m below sea
level</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">. <b>Shallow depth</b> A1 [14]<br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Mesopelagic depths</span></b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A2 P.3</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">, i.e. depths</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">between 200
and 1 000 m below sea level</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">. <b>Lower depth</b> A1 [14]</span></li><li>D<span lang="en-NL" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">evices which</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">store energy underwater</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">: </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">subsea storage tanks for petroleum</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">products</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">,</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> hydroelectric
power plants.</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A2 p.3, l.10</span></li><li><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">G</span></b><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">asket</span></b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">is a sealing layer</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A5
[06]</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">Bumper: </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">elastic </span><b style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">spacer</b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">
A5 [11]</span></li></ul></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">
</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><h3 style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Feature-effect
pairs <o:p></o:p></span></b><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"> (analysis, part of it to be used in your answer)</span></b></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A1 [05] </span><b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Anti-buoyancy means</span></b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">ensure that the device as a whole does
not rise irrespective</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">of the amount of water pumped out of
the compartment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A1 [10] <b>H</b></span><b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">olding means</span></b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> facilitate</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">deployment and
enable servicing because the reservoir can be brought into and out of</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">the holding
means as needed</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A1 [11] <b>S</b></span><b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">pacers </span></b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">are made from an <b>elastomer</b>
to reduce the impact if the reservoir is</span><span lang="en-NL"><br />
</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">inadvertently moved against the spacers<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A1 [13] </span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">F</span></b><b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">irst reinforcing arrangement</span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">:<br /></span></b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> the forces arising from the hydrostatic</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">pressure are
at least partly counterbalanced. The beneficial effect is a reduction of the</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">net resulting
mechanical stress on the reservoir's wall</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">; A1 [14] </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">the range of usage is extended to lower depths (for instance</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">depths greater
than 200 m below sea level), where the higher hydrostatic pressure</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">allows more
energy to be stored than at said shallow depth<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A1 [15] <b>S</b></span><b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">econd reinforcing arrangement</span></b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">as</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> a stiff mesh of steel bars 34 laid</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">into the
ballast body if the latter is made of concrete</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> -</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> improves stiffness, so the ballast body is able to</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">better
withstand any bending strain it is subjected to</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">; A1 [16] </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">allow</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">s</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> safe deployment of the device in locations</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">where the
ground of the body of water is uneven.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 36pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A4 [10] reinforces ballast (concrete with stiff mesh
of steel bars) for resting on uneven seabed [11] -> D2 for claim 2<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A1 17] </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Using
more than <b>7 strands</b> requires a more complicated braiding technique,
which is considerably more expensive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A1 [19] <b>I</b></span><b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">nternal tensioning system of wire ropes</span></b><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> strung through</span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">tensioning tubes is inherently
protected from outside damage</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> A1 [21] The internal
tensioning </span><span class="fontstyle01"><span lang="en-NL" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">system</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> of wire ropes guarantees a long service period.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A5 [07] A wire rope rigging as in the tank of figures
1a and 1b is preferred because the wire ropes are shielded against external
damage so that a long service period can be expected -> D2 for claim 5</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A1 [21] <b>Reservoir sections</b>
10 may be pre-manufactured at <b>low cost</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A1 [22] Sealing layer
should comprise an <b>elastomer</b> to provide a watertight joint. For
long-term stability against deformation, the elastomer should contain at least
17 % by weight of RZCH. Preferably, the amount of RZCH is 23 % by weight or
less. This means that the 20 elastomer is not very rigid and is well suited to
shallow depths. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 36pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A4 [04] </span></span><span class="fontstyle2" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">A gasket made from an elastomer may be used to ensure a watertight</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 36pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span class="fontstyle2">connection between adjacent pipe segments. For sufficient long-term stability against<br />deformation, the elastomer should contain at least 10 % by weight of RZCH. The<br />inventors have found that the content of RZCH has to be 20 % by weight or less.<br /></span><span class="fontstyle3">5 </span><span class="fontstyle2">Otherwise the elastomer is very rigid and may not be watertight</span>
<br style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; text-size-adjust: auto;" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">A1 [23] 23-35%. Stability at
greater depth<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 36pt;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A6 [12] a higher amount of RZCH to be used in the
elastomer for the sealing </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;">layer, for instance 30 % by weight of RZCH results in
improved long-term stability against deformation so that the reservoir can
remain in service for longer -> D2 for claim 6(5) 23-35% option</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p></span><h3 style="text-align: left;">Overview of the technical field in the claims and prior art</h3><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUILn0Vzg9DiFUv5hub6_kHOQ2b4BkFuC5xgfM6yO7e0PqjynwO4sqxeTlw-cgIgMkUKc-dfIdhB0NcJpFKsrMG-JliscM1ih3QjCf6LjAgzCaVjbChjcjRQCVAivr4qWtVx0YUk-kfQ/s928/C+2021+Field.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="928" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUILn0Vzg9DiFUv5hub6_kHOQ2b4BkFuC5xgfM6yO7e0PqjynwO4sqxeTlw-cgIgMkUKc-dfIdhB0NcJpFKsrMG-JliscM1ih3QjCf6LjAgzCaVjbChjcjRQCVAivr4qWtVx0YUk-kfQ/w591-h263/C+2021+Field.png" width="591" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">========================================================================</span></div></div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Selection of the closest prior art</span></b></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;">Prepared by Tanja la Cour Hoekstra</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Claim 1<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Claimed
embodiment = underwater energy storage device.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Citable
prior art = A3, A5 and A6 under Art. 54(2) and A4 under Art. 54(3).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">No novelty
attack possible in light of A4, as it misses the protrusion along the external
surface of the reservoir and holding means releasably engaging with said
protrusion. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">A3, A5 and
A6 all disclose an underwater energy storage device and are therefore all
potentially suitable as CPA should none of them be novelty destroying.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">A3 is
novelty destroying for claim 1. No need for an additional inventive step
attack.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Claim 2<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Claim 2
depends on claim 1, but the field is limited compared to claim 1, as the
underwater energy storage device now needs to be <b>suitable for</b> depths
greater than 200 m below sea level.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Claimed
embodiment = underwater energy storage device <b>suitable for</b> depths
greater than 200 m below sea level.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Citable
prior art = Fig. 1 of A2 and A3-A6 under Art. 54(2).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">A2, fig. 1
does not provide a useful disclosure as it would not be possible to derive from
visual inspection that it is an underwater energy storage device as evidenced
by that the correspondent asks if the steel structure recently assembled on the
shipyard would be a high-pressure submarine for investigating deep seas (A2,
page 2, lines 1-2).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">A3 relates
to an underwater energy container array (A3, title and [1]). The device
disclosed in A3 is not suitable for depths greater than 200 m but A3 encourages
an adaptation in order to achieve the necessary buckling resistance (A3[11]). So,
A3 can be made suitable.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">A4 relates
to a device for epipelagic depths (A4, title) and is unsuitable for mesopelagic
depths (A4[8]). Accordingly, A4 is not suitable for depths greater than 200 m.
Furthermore, the reservoir of A4 cannot be easily detached from the ballast pad
by releasable holding means and requires severe structural modification.
Accordingly, A4 is not suitable as CPA.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">A5 is an
underwater storage tank for energy in fossil form and teaches away from having
protrusion along external surface (A5[12]). Accordingly, A5 is not suitable as
CPA.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">A6 is a
low-cost one-time deployment reservoir (i.e. different purpose as it does not
need service) and it is structurally very different. Accordingly, A6 is not
suitable as CPA.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">A3 must be
CPA!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Claim 3<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Claim 3
depends on claim 1, but the field is limited compared to claim 1, as the
underwater energy storage device now comprises the electromechanical components
necessary to render the underwater energy storage device an underwater <b>hydroelectric
</b>energy storage device (A1[2]).<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Claimed
embodiment = underwater <b>hydroelectric</b> energy storage device.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Citable
prior art = Fig. 1 of A2 and A3-A6 under Art. 54(2).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">A2, fig. 1
does not provide a useful disclosure for the same reasons as mentioned under
claim 2.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">A5 is not a
hydroelectric energy storage device and is therefore not suitable as CPA. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">A3, A4 and
A6 all disclose an underwater hydroelectric energy storage device and might therefore
all be suitable as CPA, should none of them be novelty destroying.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">The
expected attack seems to be a novelty attack in light of A3, although A3 does
not fully disclose a plurality of devices as defined in claim 1, as such
devices each have a ballast body. Thus, a plurality of devices according to
claim 1 would also provide a plurality of ballast bodies. However, the
embodiment of A3 where several reservoirs are connected to a common pump,
motor, turbine and generator, only has one ballast body (A3[6]). We nevertheless
believe this is the intended attack.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Claim 4<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Claimed
embodiment = underwater energy storage device <b>formed of sections</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Citable
prior art = Fig. 1 of A2 and A3-A6 under Art. 54(2).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">A2, fig. 1
does not provide a useful disclosure for the same reasons as mentioned under
claim 2.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">A3 does not
have a device formed of sections is therefore not suitable as CPA.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">A4-A6 all
disclose an underwater energy storage device formed of sections and might therefore
all be suitable as CPA, should none of them be novelty destroying.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">A5 is
novelty destroying for claim 4. This attack has caused quite some discussion
among both candidates and tutors, since A5[10] states that “the tank’s walls
are not built to resist forces arising from hydrostatic pressure”, which was
seen by many as an indication that the device of A5 does not have a structure
providing buckling resistance. However, in the next sentence, A5 states that
“the tank will not collapse, irrespective of the amount of water pushed away by
the fluid”, which fits the definition of buckling resistance given in A1[4]. In
this interpretation, the structure providing buckling resistance is seen as the
pipe letting seawater in and the impermeable membrane separating the
compartment in the tank (A,[8] and [9]).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Claim 5<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Claim 5
depends on claim 4, but the field is limited compared to claim 4, as the
underwater energy storage device now comprises the electromechanical components
necessary to render the underwater energy storage device an underwater <b>hydroelectric
</b>energy storage device (A1[2]).<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Claimed
embodiment = underwater <b>hydroelectric</b> energy storage <b>device formed of
sections</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Citable
prior art = Fig. 1 of A2 and A3-A6 under Art. 54(2).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">A2, fig. 1
does not provide a useful disclosure for the same reasons as mentioned under
claim 2.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">A3 does not
have a device formed of sections is therefore not suitable as CPA.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">A5 is not a
hydroelectric energy storage device and is therefore not suitable as CPA. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">A4 and A6 both
disclose an underwater hydroelectric energy storage device and might therefore both
be suitable as CPA. Both A4 and A6 seem to have all features except the
tensioning tubes through which wire ropes comprising 7 or less strands of
twisted metallic wires are strung. A4 is closer as it already has lengthwise
cavities in the concrete wall (A4[3]), where lengthwise cavities are examples
of tensioning tubes (A1[19]). A6 on the other hand teaches away from having any cavities in the
concrete (A6[3]).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Accordingly,
A4 is the closest prior art.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Claim 6,
17-23 wt%<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Claim 6 is
dependent on claim 5 and claimed embodiment is the same as for claim 5.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">For this
part of claim 6, the same prior art is citable as for claim 5 and A4 continues
to be CPA for the same reasons as for claim 5.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-GB">Claim 6,
23-35 wt%<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Claim 6 is
dependent on claim 5 and claimed embodiment is the same as for claim 5.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">For this
part of claim 6, A2 is citable in addition to the prior art citable against
claim 5. We probably have to use that for something! And indeed, if comparing
A4 and A2, A2 is closer than A4 as it has all features of claim 6 except the
amount of the filler RZCH in the elastomer of the sealing layer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Accordingly,
we have a classical C-exam swap of CPA from the parent claim to the dependent
claim as CPA for this claim is A2.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div></div>Sander van Rijnswouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08074604101159694993noreply@blogger.com309tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479165730362492593.post-59790807912843426062021-03-05T16:15:00.006+01:002021-03-07T15:34:56.803+01:00Paper C e-EQE 2021: first impressions?<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;">
<b><i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To all who sat the C-paper today:</span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What are your first impressions to this year's C-paper? Any general or specific comments?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">What was the effect of doing it online? Of typing your answer rather than writing it by hand? Could you benefit from being able to copy from the exam paper into your answer? And from copying parts of your answer elsewhere into your answer?</div><div style="margin: 0cm;">How did you experience taking the exam from your home or office location rather than in an examination center?</div><div style="margin: 0cm;">(How) was it different due to the due of the LockDown Browser?</div><div style="margin: 0cm;">What was the effect of the situation that you had to take the exam largely from the screen (as only a part could be printed) rather than from paper?</div><div style="margin: 0cm;">Did you experience any technical difficulties during the exam? How & how fast were they solved?</div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0cm;">How did you handle the situation with the paper being split into two parts?</div><div style="margin: 0cm;">What was the effect of the paper being split into two parts? </div><div style="margin: 0cm;">How did you use the break?</div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">How did this year's C-paper compare to the C papers of 2013 - 2019?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A<span style="font-family: inherit;">ny pleasant and/or unpleasant surprises?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit;">The paper and our answers</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;"><i>[Update 7 March 2021:]</i> A copy of the paper, together with the claims for part 2, is available <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tsDRyM6wf9XB3OK-lVztTpKFHIaGC7nH/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a>. </div><div style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(We expect that the C paper will be made available in all three languages from the </span><a href="https://www.epo.org/learning-events/eqe/compendium/C.html" style="background: transparent; color: #da8044; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">EQE website, Compendium, PaperC</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> )</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We give the core of our answer in a separate blog: <a href="http://eqe-c.blogspot.com/2021/03/paper-c-2021-first-solution.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000;">We look forward to your comments!</span></i></strong><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><strong><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></strong></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Comments are welcome in any official EPO language, not just English. So, <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">comments in German and French are also very welcome</span></i></b>!</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more" style="background: transparent; color: #da8044;"></a><span lang="EN-US">Please do not post your comments anonymously - it is allowed, but it makes responding more difficult and rather clumsy ("Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms Anonymous of 05-03-2021 16:56"), whereas using your real name or a pseudonym is more personal, more interesting and makes a more attractive conversation. </span>You do not need to log in or make an account - it is OK to just put your (nick) name at the end of your post.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</div>
DeltaPatents EQE Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13926591520841144736noreply@blogger.com220tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479165730362492593.post-2675157040262268852021-03-05T09:30:00.006+01:002021-03-05T12:53:33.195+01:00Paper C 2021 blog will open after the end of the exam, 5 March 2021 16:15<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Good
luck with paper C!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">Our
EQE blogs will be open for your comments and opinions w.r.t. the </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><a href="http://pre-exam.blogspot.nl/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #da8044; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Pre-Exam</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">, </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><a href="http://eqe-a-em.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #da8044; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">, </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><a href="http://eqe-b-em.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #da8044; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">B</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">, </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><a href="http://eqe-c.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #da8044; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">C </span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">and </span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><a href="http://eqe-d.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #da8044; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">D </span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">shortly after
the exams. We will post our (provisional) answers to the various papers shortly
after the exam. To facilitate the discussions, we will also post copies of the
papers as soon as possible after we received reasonably clean copies.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">Do not post any comments as to
the merits of the answers of a certain exam paper/flow on the blogs while an
exam/flow is still ongoing. Also, do not post the invigilator password or
anything else that may be considered the breach of the exam regulations,
instructions to the candidates, code of conducts, etc (see, e.g., </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #990000; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><a href="https://www.epo.org/learning/eqe/e-eqe.html" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #da8044; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">e-EQE
website</span></a></span></i></b><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"> and the emails from the EQE secretariat).</span></i></b><span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><br />
<br />
All candidates, as well as tutors who helped candidates prepare for EQE 2021,
are invited to contribute to the discussions on our EQE blogs! You can post
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</span><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;">The DeltaPatents team</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: NL;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">NB: you can not comment
to this blog post; comments will be accepted from a new blog post as of 16:15</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>Roel van Woudenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15823355175016282250noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479165730362492593.post-4668073662970768902021-02-05T09:50:00.012+01:002021-02-05T13:35:33.057+01:00Mock 2's Paper C (2 Feb 2021)<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b2a43; font-family: inherit;">To allow candidates to test the system also close to the real examination conditions, a second mock (Mock 2) is planned for the week of 1 to 5 February 2021. The examination papers will take place during that week at the same week days and times as the real examination, see </span><a href="http://documents.epo.org/projects/babylon/eponot.nsf/0/66EB601464EC7BECC12586320050164F/$FILE/ExamPapers%20EQE%202021_EN.pdf" style="background-color: white; background-image: url("../images/icon_sprite.gif"); background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0b2a43; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b2a43; font-family: inherit;">.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">" (see <a href="https://www.epo.org/learning/eqe/e-eqe.html" target="_blank">e-EQE webpage</a>)</span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Today</span></b>, 5 February 2021, <b><span style="color: #990000;">Paper C of Mock 2 was organized</span></b>, using the Wiseflow platform </span>which will be used for the e-EQE 2021 in the week of 1-5 March 2021<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Paper C was </span>split into two parts. The first part was to be completed before the break, the second part only became available after the break. It was not possible to go back to the first part after the break. (see also our <a href="http://eqe-c.blogspot.com/2020/12/paper-c-split-in-two-parts-in-e-eqe-2021.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>).</p><p>According to the <a href="https://www.epo.org/learning/eqe/faq.html" target="_blank">FAQ</a>:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The first part of the notice of opposition must be handed in at the end of the first part of the exam.</li><li>The second part of the notice of opposition must be handed in at the end of the second part of the exam.</li><li>The second part of the notice of opposition will form, together with the first part you already provided, the complete notice of opposition which will be marked. </li><li>If an attack which is available in the first part of the paper is discussed only during the second part of the exam, no marks will be awarded to that attack.<br /><br /></li><li>You will be able to print your answer to the first part of paper C during the break between the two parts. To do this, you will have to go to the "information on flows" page (see point 6.5 in the user guide) and download your answer before printing it.</li></ul><p><b><i>Paper</i></b></p><p>Mock 2's C paper was based on C 2017 (original paper <a href="http://documents.epo.org/projects/babylon/eponot.nsf/0/35F2988B44BEB452C12580DF003675F8/$File/Paper_C_2017_EN.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>; original examiner's report <a href="http://documents.epo.org/projects/babylon/eponot.nsf/0/7C370EF0DC1D496FC1258154004BEAC8/$File/ExRep_2017_C_EN_for_web.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>), adapted to the 2-part form of the C in e-EQE by providing only part of the claims of Annex 1 in part 1 (claims 5-7) and the rest in part 2 (claims 1-4), and by indicating that today is 8 March 2017.</p><p>This printable parts of the Mock 2 C paper comprises:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Letter from opponent - mock/C/EN/1-2:</li><ul><li>We would like you to file an opposition on behalf of Tirez Cie against European Patent EP 2 394 232 B1 (Annex 1) granted to Zieher GmbH</li><li>Annex 1 claims priority from two EP applications, namely EP 10223223 and EP 11117055.</li><li>EP 10223223 consisted of claims 1-4, paragraphs [0001] to [0014] and the figures of Annex 1 as originally filed. The subject-matter of claims 5-7 of Annex 1 is identical to claims 12-14 of EP 11117055 and the content of paragraphs [0015] to [0018] of Annex 1 can be found in EP 11117055. However, no fees were paid and these previous applications are deemed withdrawn.</li><li>Claim 3 in Annex 1 as originally filed only depended on claim 1. During examination, the dependency was changed. No other amendments were carried out.</li></ul></ul><ul><li>Annex 1 (without claims) - mock/C/EN/3-7</li><ul><li>EP 2 394 232 B1 – Device for removing corks</li><li>Date of publication and mention of the grant of the patent: 15 June 2016 (Bulletin 2016/24)</li><li>The present invention relates to devices for removing corks and cork extraction elements.</li><li>Claims only available online</li></ul><li>Annex 2 - mock/C/EN/10-13</li><ul><li>IT TO20021082 A1 – Pneumatic bottle opener</li></ul><li>Annex 3 - mock/C/EN/14-17</li><ul><li>FR 2 625 455 – Champagne bottle opener</li></ul><li>Annex 4 - mock/C/EN/18</li><ul><li>Wine Review, May 2011 – Wine Fair in Oporto</li><li>“A particularly popular section of the fair was the corkscrew section.”</li></ul><li>Annex 5 - mock/C/EN/19-22</li><ul><li>EP 0 503 334 A1 – Bottle opener</li></ul><li>Annex 6 - mock/C/EN/23-26</li><ul><li>EP 2 088 778 A1 – Corkscrew</li></ul></ul><div><b>In the first part of Mock 2's paper C, only claims 5, 6 and 7 of Annex 1 were given.</b><br />These claims were directed to a cork extraction element (1 independent claim and 2 dependent claims).</div><div><br /></div><div>I could download my answer to part 1 immediately after I handed it in.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>In the second part, also claims 1 - 4 of Annex 1 were given. </b></div><div>These claims were directed to a device for removing corks (1 independent claim and 3 dependent claims; compared to the claims as originally filed, claim 3 was amended during examination by including "or 2" in its dependency).</div><div><br /></div><p><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Please share your experiences with the platform, as well as any comments to the paper. Particularly, </span></span></b></p><ul style="background-color: white;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">What was your experience doing the paper online in general, e.g. typing your answer rather than writing it by hand?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">How did you manage keeping a clear overview of the various pieces of information (client's letter, A1, the other Annexes A2-A6)?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Could you benefit from being able to copy from the exam paper into your answer? And from copying parts of your answer elsewhere into your answer?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Could you download/print your answer to the first part during the lunch break? Did you use it during the second part? How?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Would your complete notice (answer to apart 1 and 2 together) gave been different if you would have done the paper in one session, without a break? E.g., because you could amend your answer to the first part (amend your attacks, add additional attacks) while working on the second part?</span></li></ul><div><i>We allow you to post your comments anonymously, but it is <span style="color: #990000;"><b>recommended and appreciated if you identify yourself using your true name or a nick name</b> </span>- that makes communication much more pleasant and efficient than talking to "Anonymous 19 January 2021 22:23" and alike. </i></div><div><i>Please refer to the "Problems with commenting" link on the top right of this blog page if you have problems with commenting (which may occur due to security settings, cookies, etc, esp when using Captcha with anonymous posts).</i></div>Roel van Woudenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15823355175016282250noreply@blogger.com73tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479165730362492593.post-72063288041244872132020-12-18T12:35:00.006+01:002021-01-28T10:11:40.506+01:00Paper C split into two parts in e-EQE 2021<p><i>The <a href="https://www.epo.org/learning/eqe/faq.html" target="_blank">FAQ </a>on the <a href="https://www.epo.org/learning/eqe.html" target="_blank">EQE website</a> has been updated today to provide the following information (emphasis added and reformatted):</i></p><div class="accordion-header accordion-header-active" style="background-color: #efefef; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0b2a43; cursor: auto; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; padding: 0.73326em 1em 0.6666em; transition: all 0.25s ease 0s;"><h4 id="faq-1066" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2a323d; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;">Updated 12/2020 - How will paper C be structured and what do I have to take into account when answering it?</h4></div><div class="accordion-content clearfix" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.45em; margin: 0px; padding: 1.26654em 1em 1em;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #0b2a43;">The EQE 2021's paper C will be </span><span style="color: #990000;"><b>split into two parts</b></span><span style="color: #0b2a43;">.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><u>In the first part</u></b></span><span style="color: #0b2a43;"> of the paper, you will be provided with:<br /></span><span style="color: #0b2a43;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;"><b>- a letter from a client, <br /></b></span><span style="color: #990000;"><b> - prior-art documents, <br /> - a description of the patent to be opposed and <br /> - a number of its claims.</b></span> <br /><span style="color: #0b2a43;">Within the allotted time, you will be required to </span><b><span style="color: #990000;">draft </span></b><b><span style="color: #990000;">as much of a notice of opposition as it is possible based on the documents at hand</span></b><span style="color: #0b2a43;">. </span><br /><span style="color: #0b2a43;">This first part of the notice of opposition </span><b><span style="color: #990000;">must be handed in at the end of the first part</span></b><span style="color: #0b2a43;"> of the exam.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;"><u>In the second part</u></span><span style="color: #0b2a43;">, </span></b><span style="color: #0b2a43;">you will be provided with:</span><br /><span style="color: #0b2a43;"> </span><b><span style="color: #990000;"> - </span><span style="color: #e69138;">one or more additional claims of the same patent.</span></b> <br /><span style="color: #0b2a43;">You may also receive </span><span style="color: #e69138;"><b>further information</b></span><span style="color: #0b2a43;"> such as:</span><br /><b><span style="color: #e69138;"> - another letter from the client,<br /> - further prior art and/or supplementary parts of the patent's description. </span></b><br /><span style="color: #0b2a43;">You will be required to </span><b><span style="color: #990000;">draft a second part of the notice of opposition.<br /></span></b><b><span style="color: #990000;">The second part which will form, together with the first part you already provided, the complete notice of opposition which will be marked. </span></b><br /><span style="color: #0b2a43;">This second part of the notice of opposition </span><b><span style="color: #990000;">must be handed in at the end of the second part of the exam.</span></b></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">If an attack which is available in the first part of the paper is discussed only during the second part of the exam, no marks will be awarded to that attack.</span></b></p></div><p><i>Graphically, this may be represented graphically as:</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWThOXLIiQRVe7HpflNcXMXF0gUTRYJLqm0Xxhil-bg39yRLr1lSWzWNefMmtotb4pSFuUtWJu_93iB1AN8maGJlVo2wMsuh_v7uyS4_F-MeyxOV5Dtoczh7a3CAD9dIPfP3BrGwFg0vA/s960/C+2-part+v2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWThOXLIiQRVe7HpflNcXMXF0gUTRYJLqm0Xxhil-bg39yRLr1lSWzWNefMmtotb4pSFuUtWJu_93iB1AN8maGJlVo2wMsuh_v7uyS4_F-MeyxOV5Dtoczh7a3CAD9dIPfP3BrGwFg0vA/w640-h480/C+2-part+v2.png" width="640" /></a></div><i><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i>---</i></p><p><i>Update 28/01/2021: </i><i>The <a href="https://www.epo.org/learning/eqe/faq.html" target="_blank">FAQ </a>on the <a href="https://www.epo.org/learning/eqe.html" target="_blank">EQE website</a> has been extended with the following extra information (emphasis added and reformatted):</i></p><div class="drawer" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="accordion-item" style="border-bottom: 0.13332em solid rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="accordion-header" style="background-color: #efefef; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; margin: 0px; padding: 0.73326em 1em 0.6666em; transition: all 0.25s ease 0s;"><h4 id="faq-93" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><span style="color: #2a323d;">Updated 01/2021 - For paper C, </span><span style="color: #990000;">will I be able to see my answer to the first part during the second part</span><span style="color: #2a323d;">?</span></h4></div><div class="accordion-content clearfix" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.45em; margin: 0px; padding: 1.26654em 1em 1em;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">No</span></b><span style="color: #3b4e60;">, </span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #3b4e60;">but </span><b><span style="color: #990000;">you will be able to print your answer to the first part of paper C during the break</span></b><span style="color: #3b4e60;"> between the two parts. </span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #3b4e60;">To do this, you will have to go to the "information on flows" page (see point 6.5 in the user guide) and download your answer before printing it. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><i>Note from the blog editor: Point 6.5 of the <a href="http://documents.epo.org/projects/babylon/eponot.nsf/0/1D2442FE81A783CBC1258642004EB02C/$FILE/user_guide_WISEflow_mock1_18122020_pm.pdf" style="background: transparent; color: #da8044;" target="_blank">user guide for Mock 1</a> ("WISEflow guide for EQE candidates (Version for Mock 1)", available from the <a href="https://www.epo.org/learning/eqe/e-eqe.html" style="background: transparent; color: #da8044;" target="_blank">e-EQE page</a>; check the page for new editions of the Guide) provides:</i></p><blockquote style="border: none; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="margin: 0.75em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"<b>6.5. Terminating the flow</b></span></p><p style="margin: 0.75em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #990000;">To submit your answer, click the “Go to hand in” button and confirm the submission in the window which pops up.</span> [...]</span></p><p style="margin: 0.75em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #990000;">Once you have handed in your answer, you should close the LockDown browser and log out. </span>[...].</span></p><p style="margin: 0.75em 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #990000;">To view your submitted answer, you can log in again and navigate to the flow information page without launching FLOWlock. You can download a copy of your answer and request a receipt for its submission from the flow information page. </span>[...]."</span></p></blockquote></div></div></div><div class="drawer" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3b4e60; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="accordion-item" style="border-bottom: 0.13332em solid rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="accordion-header" style="background-color: #efefef; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0.73326em 1em 0.6666em; transition: all 0.25s ease 0s;"><h4 id="faq-94" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #2a323d; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;">Updated 01/2021 - Since the opposition form has been abolished, how can I provide the required information in my answer?</h4></div><div class="accordion-content clearfix" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.45em; margin: 0px; padding: 1.26654em 1em 1em;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;">In this respect, please consult the <a href="http://documents.epo.org/projects/babylon/eponot.nsf/0/660d3f0e637df265c1258482004893ce/$FILE/NoticeEB_Abolishment%20oppo%20form_2020.pdf" style="background-image: url("../images/icon_sprite.gif"); background-repeat: no-repeat; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3b4e60; cursor: pointer; height: auto;" target="_blank">Notice of the Examination Board</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJJXeK6yWeeWcZOBfm59mrrBF7JJUY2t47LjxMWqolOJSorj2LCWnN88pS4yLel1qAjzhO2Ij1C0LwCAzzJps7BnNr7jVZPCT5wXQVKful6CiBy8FbTnxxnYM2NLYkQVWGzfAWSWo-po/s1194/2019.09.30+NoTICE_eb_aBOLISHMENT+OPPO+FORM_2020.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1194" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJJXeK6yWeeWcZOBfm59mrrBF7JJUY2t47LjxMWqolOJSorj2LCWnN88pS4yLel1qAjzhO2Ij1C0LwCAzzJps7BnNr7jVZPCT5wXQVKful6CiBy8FbTnxxnYM2NLYkQVWGzfAWSWo-po/w400-h321/2019.09.30+NoTICE_eb_aBOLISHMENT+OPPO+FORM_2020.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px;"><i>Note from the blog editor: <a href="https://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/html/guidelines/e/d_iii_6.htm" style="background: transparent; color: #da8044;" target="_blank">Guidelines D-III, 6 "Content of the notice of opposition" </a>may be helpful.</i></p><p style="color: black; margin: 0px 0px 12px;">---</p><p style="margin: 0.75em 0px; text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: transparent; color: #3b4e60;">Also see "<a href="http://documents.epo.org/projects/babylon/eponot.nsf/0/66EB601464EC7BECC12586320050164F/$FILE/ExamPapers%20EQE%202021_EN.pdf" target="_blank">Information on the schedule for the EQE 2021 examination papers</a>" and our <a href="http://eqe-deltapatents.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">other blogs in our general EQE section</a></i></p></div></div></div></i><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Roel van Woudenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15823355175016282250noreply@blogger.com70tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479165730362492593.post-2371739915974854442019-08-15T13:59:00.002+02:002019-09-30T12:42:17.381+02:00Rule 25(3) IPREE amendedA Decision of the Supervisory Board amending Rule 25 of the <a href="https://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/official-journal/2019/etc/se2/p18.html" target="_blank">Implementing provisions to the Regulation on the European qualifying examination for professional representatives</a> has been published in the Official Journal - <a href="https://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/official-journal/2019/07/a66.html" target="_blank">OJ 2019, A66.</a><br />
<br />
The decision amends Rule 25(3) IPREE with immediate effect.<br />
<br />
Earlier Rule 25(3) read:<br />
"(3) Candidates are expected to put themselves in the
position of the representative and, using only the information provided by the
client, prepare a notice of opposition which when typed would be ready for
filing. <span style="color: red;">T</span><span style="color: #cc0000;">he pre-printed opposition form provided may be
used, but it is not obligatory and marks will not be lost if it is not used."</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amend<span style="font-family: inherit;">ed Rule 25(3) IPREE reads:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"(3) Candidates are expected to put themselves in the
position of the representative and, using only the information provided by the
client, prepare a notice of opposition which when typed would be ready for
filing."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I.e., the text “T<span style="color: #990000;">he pre-printed opposition form provided may be used, but it is not obligatory and marks will not be lost if it is not used.</span>” has been deleted from the Rule.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
No further information is available yet as to the reasons for this change and the effects, e.g., as to whether the pre-printed opposition form will still be handed out as part of the C paper, whether it will be allowed to bring (and hand-in) a copy yourself to the exam (probably not in view of Art. 6 and 9(d) from the <a href="https://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/official-journal/2019/etc/se2/p36.html" target="_blank">Instructions to candidates concerning the conduct of the European qualifying examination</a>), or whether it is still necessary to provide all the infornation usually provided by candidates on the form to get an admissible opposition (esp. the information referred to in Art. 99(1), Rule 76(2)(c) and Rule 77(1) EPC) and a signature.</div>
<div>
<br />
(15.08.2019)<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Update 30.09.2019:</b></span><br />
The following <a href="http://documents.epo.org/projects/babylon/eponot.nsf/0/660D3F0E637DF265C1258482004893CE/$FILE/NoticeEB_Abolishment%20oppo%20form_2020.pdf" target="_blank">Notice from the Examination Board of the European qualifying e</a><span class="fontstyle0"><a href="http://documents.epo.org/projects/babylon/eponot.nsf/0/660D3F0E637DF265C1258482004893CE/$FILE/NoticeEB_Abolishment%20oppo%20form_2020.pdf" target="_blank">xamination (EQE)</a> was published om the EQE website today:</span><br />
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Roel van Woudenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15823355175016282250noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479165730362492593.post-42287101837881003282019-02-28T21:39:00.000+01:002019-03-01T16:42:01.650+01:00Paper C 2019 Ironing deviceHere a quick first answer to the <a href="http://documents.epo.org/projects/babylon/eponot.nsf/0/E8C2F690932D5366C12583B0002E2C9E/$File/C_2019_EN.pdf" target="_blank">paper</a>.<br />
<br />
So far only two of our C tutors (Joeri Beetz and me) have made the paper, so we may make some amendments tomorrow when more tutors will have made it.<br />
<br />
Priority: valid for claims 1-5; invalid for claims 6 and 7 (claims and supporting paragraphs [17] and [18] respectively were not present in the priority application).<br />
<br />
Evidence list: A2, A4, A5, A6: 54(2) for all claims (one option in claim 1 gets no date).<br />
A3 is 54(2) for claims 6 and 7; not useable for claims 1-5 (US application, not useable under 54(3))<br />
<br />
Claims 1 is an and/or claim and covers three embodiments.<br />
Claim 1 has been amended after filing: 'or' has been changed to 'and/or'. This introduces a third option: the 'and' embodiment KeraMa and KeraSi layer. This embodiment is not derivable from A1 as filed (the two options are only mentioned separately in A1 [16] and filed claim 1). Thus, perform an attack on this embodiment under Art.100(c), 123(2). No date is assigned to this embodiment and no further attack performed.<br />
<br />
Claim 1 Kerama: lack of novelty in view of A4 first test.<br />
<br />
Claim 1: KeraSi: lack of inventive step in view A4 first test + A4 second test<br />
<br />
Claim 2(1) [limited to Kerama]: Inv. step A2 + A4 first test<br />
<br />
Claim 3(2) [limited to Kerama]: Inv. step A2 + A4 first test. Basically same attack as claim 2. Is a product-by-process claim. Process not shown, but same product<br />
<br />
Claim 4(ind): Inv. step A6 +A2<br />
<br />
Claim 5(4): Inv. step A6 + A2 + A5<br />
<br />
Claim 6(4): Nov. A3<br />
<br />
Claim 7(6): Inv. Step A3 + A6<br />
<br />
Looking forward to your comments.<br />
<br />
Jelle Hoekstra<br />
<br />Jelle Hoekstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066000039386452752noreply@blogger.com77tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479165730362492593.post-43190526608877551032019-02-28T15:50:00.003+01:002019-03-01T16:43:57.784+01:00C 2019: first impressions?<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;">
<b><i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: inherit;">To all who sat the C-paper today:</span></i></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What are your first impressions to <a href="http://documents.epo.org/projects/babylon/eponot.nsf/0/E8C2F690932D5366C12583B0002E2C9E/$File/C_2019_EN.pdf" target="_blank">this year's C-paper</a>? Any general or specific comments?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">How did this year's C-paper compare to the C papers of 2013 - 2018 (assuming your practiced those)?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Any pleasant and/or unpleasant surprises?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="color: #990000;">The paper and our answers</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The C paper is available in all three languages from the <a href="https://www.epo.org/learning-events/eqe/compendium/C.html" target="_blank">EQE website, Compendium, Pape</a>r C.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We will give (the core of) our answer after we have received the paper, made the paper, and completion of our internal review. See <a href="http://eqe-c.blogspot.com/2019/02/paper-c-2019-ironing-device.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000;">We look forward to your comments!</span></i></strong><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><strong><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></strong></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Comments are welcome in any official EPO language, not just English. So, <b><i><span style="color: #990000;">comments in German and French are also very welcome</span></i></b>!</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more" style="background: transparent; color: #da8044;"></a><span lang="EN-US">Please do not post your comments anonymously - it is allowed, but it makes responding more difficult and rather clumsy ("Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms Anonymous of 03-03-2018 03:03"), whereas using your real name or a pseudonym is more personal, more interesting and makes a more attractive conversation. </span>You do not need to log in or make an account - it is OK to just put your (nick) name at the end of your post.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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Roel van Woudenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15823355175016282250noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479165730362492593.post-54140939210041872942018-07-24T14:52:00.003+02:002018-07-24T14:55:01.175+02:00Paper C 2018 Cleaning and milking cows - the Examiner's reportNow that the report is out, it is time to compare our rough set of attacks to the attacks in the report.<br />
I can be brief: our set matches the report.<br />
<br />
Since our set has already been scrutinised extensively in the comments to my previous post, there is not a lot to add from my side. The only thing I noticed is that the committee stated that for claim 2 marks could be appointed for an inventive step attack starting from A3 (instead of the intended attack starting from A2). Did any of you perform such an attack and did you get any marks?<br />
<br />
Any further comments are welcome.<br />
<br />
<br />Jelle Hoekstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066000039386452752noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479165730362492593.post-14983194209898108152018-03-02T10:51:00.003+01:002018-03-02T15:23:48.238+01:00Paper C 2018 Cleaning and milking cowsThe DeltaPatents team has worked throughout the night to give you an impression.<br />
Some/many of you may not have slept so well either and did not feel in the mood for opening the champagne bottle.<br />
This exam definitely had some challenges.<br />
<br />
We came to the following attacks:<br />
<br />
Claim 1 (ind): Nov A2<br />
Claim 2(1): I.S. A4 + A2<br />
Claim 3(1): I.S. A2 +A4<br />
Claim 4 (ind): Nov. A5<br />
Claim 5(4) teats only: I.S. A3 + A2 + A4<br />
Claim 5(4) teats and udder: added subject-matter<br />
Claim 6: Nov. A6<br />
<br />
We welcome your comments.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>A brief explanation.</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #990000;">1. Priority issue</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All claims are disclosed in the priority application, thus
there seem to be no ‘same invention issues’<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Based on a time line, usability of A6 is an issue. This PCT
application might be useable under Art.54(3), but has not entered. So, prima
facie not useable. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The client clearly indicates the A1 is granted to Odysseus and
that A6 is a PCT application of Odysseus. A6 is filed before the claimed priority,
thus A6 is a potential 1<sup>st</sup> application for some claims.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Checking A6, A6 is novelty destroying for claim 6. To have a
full 1<sup>st</sup> application problem, A6 should disclose the same invention as
claim 6. However, A6 is more specific – does not show a colourant in general
but a specific one European Blue. Until recently there would thus not have been
a 1<sup>st</sup> application problem because A6 does not describe the same invention
as claim 6. However the recent <a href="http://dp-patentlaw.blogspot.nl/2017/02/g-115-2-decision-on-partial-priority.html">G1/15</a>, <a href="http://dp-patentlaw.blogspot.nl/2018/01/t-28212-partial-priority-and-first.html">T282/12</a> decided that we
can have partial 1<sup>st</sup> application problems. Thus, Claim 6 partially loses priority for the disclosure in
A6. This makes A6 Art.54(2) for that part and thus novelty destroying.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This will have been a challenge for most candidates.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #990000;">2. Added subject-matter</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Claim 5 was added. Investigation will have shown to most candidates
that everything of claim 5 is disclosed in the application as filed, in
particular [21], [23], with the exception of the second ‘OR’ “both the teats
and the udder”. So, here an attack under Art.100(c), 123(2).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #990000;">3. Claim 1</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seemed relatively straightforward: novelty attack based on
A2 is possible. The use/purpose ‘for … outside a milking robot’ should be
assessed under ‘suitable for without modification’. A2 discloses all claim features
and would be suitable for the outside the robot use. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #990000;">4. Claim 2, depending on 1</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here a bit of extra care is required. Both claim 2 and 3 depend
on claim 1. In most exams a swap of closest prior art needs to happen. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First checking A2: A2 basically misses the whole bit of
claim 2. Thus no novelty attack. A2 is handheld and the essence of claim 2 is
to be autonomously driving. Starting from A2 as the closest prior art is unrealistic.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Autonomous moving: A3 and A4 could be used as a starting
point. A4 is closer – four wheels motor. <br />
A4 misses the rotating brush of claim 1. This is disclosed in A2 and in A5 for
the same effect. A5 is an odd document (farm) and would not easily be consulted
for details on cleaning. A2 is best. This gives an inventive step attack A4 +
A2.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #990000;">5. Claim 3, depending on claim 1</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A2 (novelty claim 1) also discloses the amount of liquid. A2
misses the checking means. A2 so far seems a good candidate for the closest
prior art. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The checking means plus effect are mentioned in A4 [12]. The
checking means in A4 detect a drop in temperature. The cleaning in A2 also
causes a drop in temperature [08]. So, this seems nicely compatible. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The checking means are also disclosed in A3 [10] for the
right effect. A3 uses cameras. They only work if the cow is in the milking
robot due the precise position of the cow. That is a problem because it should
be suitable for use outside a milking robot. Thus an attack based on A2+A3 is
not possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #990000;">6. Claim 4 (independent)</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Due to claim 4 not being tightly drafted the odd disclosure
in A5 is novelty destroying. We leave it at that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #990000;">7. Claim 5(4)</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A5 does not disclose the additional features of claim 5. It
may be possible to get the conditioning composition out of A4 [14], but the
heated nozzles are a problem. A3 discloses those but does not mention the effect
given in A1 [23]. Problematic. A5 is anyhow not a great closest prior art.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Trying another closest prior art: only A3 is a realistic
starting point, also relating to using a milking robot. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A3 misses using 2 liters of soaking liquid;
this is disclosed in A2 for the effect mentioned in A1. A3 also misses the
conditioning composition, which can be taken out of A4 [14]. This gives a partial-problems
attack A3+A2+A4.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The DeltaPatents C team </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Jelle, Joeri, Nico, Sander, Tanja</b></div>
<span style="color: #990000;"></span>Jelle Hoekstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066000039386452752noreply@blogger.com156tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479165730362492593.post-11874500588325045062017-03-09T23:55:00.000+01:002017-03-10T10:26:58.977+01:00Paper C 2017 CorkscrewHere our fast attempt to C 2017 (paper here in <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8fBrgnlxF67akFSZXlWWHBWa0U" target="_blank">EN </a>and <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8fBrgnlxF67cUVJWkRKWHg1eEU" target="_blank">FR</a>):<br />
<br />
Claim 3(2): <b>Added Subject-matter</b>, Art.100(c), Art.123(2), metal necessary [0014]<br />
<br />
<b>Effective dates:</b><br />
Cl. 1, 2, 3(1),4: P1 = 08.04.2010<br />
Cl. 5-7: P2 = 28.03.2011<br />
<br />
<b>List of Evidence:</b><br />
A2, A3, A5, A6: Art.54(2) all claims<br />
A4 (the fair, not the document): Art.54(2) for claims 5-7<br />
<br />
<b>Other attacks</b><br />
Claim 1: inv. step A6+A2, cork more stable, alternative solution (no spring)<br />
(NA5 doesn't work. ridges not helical, not cork engaging, pitch undefined)<br />
<br />
Claim 2: I've changed this based on the discussion below.<br />
First option: inv. step A5 + A6 + A2<br />
Alternative: inv. step A6+A2+A5, less force/effort for cork removal<br />
(A3 misses the effect)<br />
Probably only one option required. Probably 1st option is preferred.<br />
<br />
Claim 3(1): inv. step A6+A2, A6 is already PET<br />
<br />
<div>
Claim 4: inv. step A6+A2+A3, clover shape or 3/4 lobs from A3, better grip<br />
(T641/00 doesn't work, technical effect present)<br />
<br />
Claim 5: Nov A4 (A2 as evidence for reduced friction)<br />
(NA2 doesn't work, no disc, no straight portion or no spiral portion)<br />
(NA5 doesn't work, no coating on the spiral portion)<br />
<br />
Claim 6: inv. step A4+A2, particularly good material for reducing friction, alternative for PFC<br />
(A5+A2 may be possible, easier insertion, weaker, A5 not CPA)<br />
(A4+A5 does not work, A5 misses the effect)<br />
<br />
Claim 7: inv. step A4+A2, 'lower half', 'smoother insertion' (A2 [0005]), 'expensive' (A2 [0006]), compromise between low cost and low friction<br />
(A5+A2 may be possible, easier insertion, weaker, A5 not CPA)</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Looking forward to your comments, </b></span><br />
<br />
Joeri Beetz, Jelle Hoekstra<br />
<br />
(c) DeltaPatents 2017</div>
Jelle Hoekstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066000039386452752noreply@blogger.com153tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479165730362492593.post-66647485675472706102017-03-09T14:00:00.000+01:002017-03-09T14:00:07.049+01:00C 2017: first impressions?<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<h4>
<b><i>To all who sat the C-paper today:</i></b></h4>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
What are your first impressions to this year's C-paper?<br />
Any general or specific comments?<br />
<br />
Was the number of claims as expected, or more, or less? And the number of prior art documents?<br />
Were the various attack types well balanced - novelty, inventive step, added subject-matter, ...?<br />
Was the described technology well understandable? For electronics/electricity attorneys, mechanics attorneys, chemists, biotech attorneys, ...?<br />
<br />
How many marks do you expect to have scored?<br />
What is your expectation of the pass rate and the average score?<br />
How did this year's paper compare to the 2013 - 2016 papers (assuming your practiced those)<br />
<br />
<h4>
<i>The paper and our answers</i></h4>
<i>Copies of the paper will be provided on this blog as soon as we have received copies of the papers, in all three languages here</i> (English, French and German).<br />
<br />
The core of our answers will be given as soon as possible in a separate blog post.<br />
<br />
<h4>
<i><span style="color: #990000;">We look forward to your comments!</span></i></h4>
Comments are welcome in any official EPO language, not just English. So, comments in German and French are also very welcome!<br />
<br />
Please do not post your comments anonymously - it is allowed, but it makes responding more difficult and rather clumsy ("Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms Anonymous of 03-03-2015 03:03"), whereas using your real name or a pseudonym is more personal, more interesting and makes a more attractive conversation. You do not need to log in or make an account - it is OK to just put your (nick) name at the end of your post.<br />
<br />
Please post your comments as to<b> first impressions and general remarks </b>to this blog.<br />
Please post <b>responses to our answer (as soon as available) to the separate blog post</b> with our answer.<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: inherit , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"></span><br />
Thanks!</div>
Roel van Woudenberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15823355175016282250noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-479165730362492593.post-89234524176601989742016-07-13T12:40:00.001+02:002016-07-14T16:25:37.569+02:00Comparing the committee's solution to our solutionIt seems that our solution is matching the committee's solution with only the following issue.<br />
<br />
The committee expected for claim 1 a novelty attack based on A2 and an Inventive step attack based on A3+ A4. The inventive step attack is continued for dependent claim 3 (I.S. A3+A4+A6).<br />
We showed the same novelty attack on claim 1 and the same inventive step attack but only for dependent claim 3. <br />
<br />
In the Examiner's report it was stated for claim 1: "An inventive step argument was also expected based on Annex 3, because in this case it is a good ground of opposition".<br />
<br />
A situation like this where the novelty attack cannot be continued for a dependent claim and an inventive step attack is required starting from other prior art is pretty normal in the C exam.<br />
<br />
In the move of the committee to having less attacks but more thoroughly argued ones, it had become normal since 2008 not to do the inventive step attack on the independent claim if that claim could reasonably be attacked under novelty. Candidates who already did the inventive step attack on the independent claim were only awarded marks for the attack on the dependent claims.<br />
<br />
At this moment it is not really clear if this approach has been broken and if/how many marks candidates lost who only did the inventive step attack on claim 3(1). Hopefully the committe will clarify matters at the tutor meeting.<br />
<br />
Here follows a quick analysis I made of the papers since 2008 for similar situations and remarks made by the committee in those years.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #990000;"><b>C 2008 </b></span><br />Cl.1 Nov A5, I.S. A4+A2<br />Cl.2(1) I. S.. A4+A2 <br />“The same number of marks was awarded for raising the inventive step attack regardless whether claims 1 and 2 were attacked independently or together”. </li>
<li><span style="color: #990000;"><b>C 2009</b></span><br />Cl.3 (indep): Nov A5, Nov A6<br />Cl.5(3) I.S. A3+A5+ common general knowledge <br />“An inventive step attack starting from Annex 3 as closest prior art in combination with Annex 5 was not necessary for claim 3 per se. Corresponding marks were awarded for attacks on claim 5”. </li>
<li><span style="color: #990000;"><b>C 2010</b></span><br />Cl.1 Nov A4, I.S. A5+A2<br />Cl.2(1) I.S. A5 + A2 <br />“It was expected to provide an inventive step attack using Annex 5, as closest prior art, in combination with Annex 2. If the inventive step attack on claim 1 was not provided, marks were awarded if a corresponding attack on claim 2 was made, giving appropriate arguments”. “Claim 2 has two distinguishing features over Annex 5. These can either be dealt with explicitly under claim 2 or a reference to the first difference can be made in respect to claim 1 and the additional feature (latex) being dealt with fully”. </li>
<li><span style="color: #990000;"><b>C 2012</b></span><br />Cl.1 Nov.A3, Nov.A5<br />Cl.2(1) I.S. A2 + A6 <br />Cl.3(1) I.S. A4+A5; I.S. A4 + A6<br />No remarks given by the committee </li>
<li><span style="color: #990000;"><b>C 2013</b></span><br />Cl. 1 Nov A5<br />Cl.2(1) I.S. A3 + A2 <br />No remarks given by the committee </li>
<li><span style="color: #990000;"><b>C 2014</b></span><br />Cl.1 Nov.A6, Nov.A4<br />Cl.3(1) I.S. A3+A5; I.S. A3 + A6 <br />“Claim 1 Novelty attacks were expected based on Annexes 4 and 6. <br />This year, a novelty attack based on Annex 4 was not straightforward based on the French text, since Annex 4 uses different terminology in relation to the resilient foam … (translation error). In view of this, in the absence of a novelty attack on claim 1, this year, an inventive step attack could be made using Annex 3 combined with Annex 5.” </li>
<li><span style="color: #990000;"><b>C 2015</b></span><br />Cl.1 Nov.A2, Nov.A5, Nov.A6<br />Cl.2(1) I.S. A3 + A4 <br />“Claim 1: An additional argumentation as to lack of inventive step of claim 1 was not expected” </li>
</ul>
<br />
Jelle Hoekstrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06066000039386452752noreply@blogger.com31