Manuel Pesaro et al.Download PDFPatent Trials and Appeals BoardMay 6, 20202019004328 (P.T.A.B. May. 6, 2020) Copy Citation UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE United States Patent and Trademark Office Address: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS P.O. Box 1450 Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450 www.uspto.gov APPLICATION NO. FILING DATE FIRST NAMED INVENTOR ATTORNEY DOCKET NO. CONFIRMATION NO. 14/772,961 09/04/2015 Manuel Pesaro 1507-127 8358 28249 7590 05/06/2020 DILWORTH & BARRESE, LLP Dilworth & Barrese, LLP 1000 WOODBURY ROAD SUITE 405 WOODBURY, NY 11797 EXAMINER LOVE, TREVOR M ART UNIT PAPER NUMBER 1611 NOTIFICATION DATE DELIVERY MODE 05/06/2020 ELECTRONIC Please find below and/or attached an Office communication concerning this application or proceeding. The time period for reply, if any, is set in the attached communication. Notice of the Office communication was sent electronically on above-indicated "Notification Date" to the following e-mail address(es): usptomail@dilworthbarrese.com PTOL-90A (Rev. 04/07) UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ____________ BEFORE THE PATENT TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD ____________ Ex parte MANUEL PESARO, SABINE LANGE, and GERHARD SCHMAUS ____________ Appeal 2019-004328 Application 14/772,961 Technology Center 1600 ____________ Before JEFFREY N. FREDMAN, DEBORAH KATZ, and JOHN G. NEW, Administrative Patent Judges. FREDMAN, Administrative Patent Judge. DECISION ON APPEAL This is an appeal1,2 under 35 U.S.C. § 134(a) involving claims to a method of stabilizing an emulsion by adding an acetophenone derivative. The Examiner rejected the claims as obvious, lacking written description, and indefinite. We have jurisdiction under 35 U.S.C. § 6(b). We affirm. 1 We use the word “Appellant” to refer to “applicant” as defined in 37 C.F.R. § 1.42. Appellant identifies the Real Party in Interest as Symrise AG (see Appeal Br. 1). 2 We have considered and herein refer to the Specification of Sept. 4, 2015 (“Spec.”); Final Office Action of Aug. 24, 2018 (“Final Act.”); Appeal Brief of Oct. 4, 2018 (“Br.”); and Examiner’s Answer of Jan. 7, 2019 (“Ans.”). Appeal 2019-004328 Application 14/772,961 2 Statement of the Case Background “A major problem for cosmetic compositions . . . in particular for all types of emulsions, is . . . their stability, especially in case they are subjected to difficult storage conditions, like high or low temperatures” (Spec. ¶ 4). “[T]he object of the present invention has been to identify a multi-functional additive for cosmetic formulations, which does not negatively interact with other ingredients while improving the stability, viscosity and the sensorial profile of the cosmetic compositions containing this additive” (id. ¶ 9). “Surprisingly it has been observed that the acetophenone derivatives according to the present invention:” (1) “improve[] the stability of cosmetic formulations,” (2) “lead to the formation of smaller droplets in the compositions,” and (3) “improve the foam stability of shampoo” (Spec. ¶ 12). The Claims Claims 19, 22, 24, 26–31, and 34 are on appeal.3 Independent claim 19 is representative and reads as follows: 19. A method of stabilizing an emulsion against separation comprising: adding to an emulsion a composition, comprising (a) at least one acetophenone derivative selected from the group consisting of 2-hydroxyacetophenone, 4- hydroxacetophenone, or a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in a working amount of from 0.1 to 0.5 % b.w. — calculated on the total composition, (b) at least one oil body or wax, and/or 3 Claims 21, 23, 25, 32, and 33 are withdrawn (Final Act. 3). Appeal 2019-004328 Application 14/772,961 3 (c) at least one emulsifier and optionally (d) at least one active principle. (Appeal Br. 30). The Rejections A. The Examiner rejected claim 34 under 35 U.S.C. § 112, first paragraph, as lacking written description (Final Act. 4–7). B. The Examiner rejected claim 34 under 35 U.S.C. § 112, second paragraph, as indefinite for lacking antecedent basis (Final Act. 7). C. The Examiner rejected claims 19, 22, 24, 26–31, and 34 under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as obvious over Scheurich4 (Final Act. 7–10). A. 35 U.S.C. § 112, first paragraph, written description The Examiner finds claim 34 “contains subject matter which was not described in the specification” for two reasons (Final Act. 4). First, the Examiner finds the claim recites a particle size range for “the composition” of claim 19, which is added to an emulsion (id. at 5). However, the Examiner finds that “[t]he only concept of particle size distribution in the specification is directed to the particle size distribution of an emulsion” (id.). Second, the Examiner finds the particle size “range is arbitrary and unsupported” (id. at 6). Specifically, the Examiner finds the particle size range “is new matter because the specification and the claims as originally 4 Scheurich et al., WO 2011/141110 A2, published Nov. 17, 2011. We cite to the English language version of Scheurich et al., US 2013/0059924 A1, published Mar. 7, 2013. Appeal 2019-004328 Application 14/772,961 4 filed do not support the concept of a particle size distribution of 10% being [an] arbitrarily lower number than 1.55 . . . . Further, Appellant's nomenclature is not standard in the field” (Ans. 6–7). The issue with respect to this rejection is: Does the evidence of record support the Examiner’s conclusion that claim 34 lacks written description in the Specification? Findings of Fact (“FF”) 1. Claim 34 reads as follows: 34. The method of Claim 19 wherein the composition has a particle size distribution of 10% < 1.55 microns, 50% < 8.81 microns, and 90% < 17.50 microns. Principles of Law “In the context of the written description requirement, an adequate prima facie case must . . . sufficiently explain to the applicant what, in the examiner’s view, is missing from the written description. . . . When no such description can be found in the specification, the only thing the PTO can reasonably be expected to do is to point out its nonexistence.” Hyatt v. Dudas, 492 F.3d 1365, 1370 (Fed. Cir. 2007). Analysis Appellant contends “that the term ‘composition’ and ‘emulsion’ are used interchangeably in the specification, as regards the particle size distribution” (Appeal Br. 26). Appellant contends that “the use of the term ‘composition’ as regards the recited particle size distribution has support in the originally filed specification” (id. at 27). As to the Examiner’s finding regarding the nomenclature of particle size distribution, Appellant contends “[particle size distribution] psd is a mathematical approximation of particle Appeal 2019-004328 Application 14/772,961 5 sizes (i.e., a relative amount) that fall within distinct ranges of sizes, and thus, is not an absolute value. The use of psd is used extensively and throughout patent literature” (id.). We agree with Appellant as to the nomenclature of particle size distribution in terms of relative values (see Spec. ¶ 131). Appellant’s terminology is commonly used for describing particle size distribution and is neither arbitrary nor unsupported. Rather, the Specification expressly discloses the specific particle size distribution recited by the claim in Table 3 as Example 6 (Spec. ¶ 130). We do not agree with Appellant’s argument as to written description support for the “composition” of claim 19 defined by the particle size distribution of claim 34. “[C]laims are interpreted with an eye toward giving effect to all terms in the claim.” Bicon, Inc. v. Straumann Co., 441 F.3d 945, 950 (Fed. Cir. 2006). Claim 34 recites “the composition has a particle size distribution” (Appeal Br. 31). Claim 19 recites “adding to an emulsion a composition, comprising” at least one acetophenone, at least one oil body, and at least one emulsifier (id. at 30). The plain meaning of claim 19 distinguishes between “an emulsion” and “a composition” as these are two separate elements with the composition being added to an emulsion. Giving effect to all the terms of the claim, we interpret claim 34 to require a particle size distribution of the composition containing at least one acetophenone, at least one oil body, and at least one emulsifier; the composition being a distinct component different from an emulsion. The Specification describes the claimed particle size distribution for oil-in-water emulsions containing at least water and “the composition” of claims 19 and 34 (Spec. ¶¶ 122–130). The Specification does not describe Appeal 2019-004328 Application 14/772,961 6 the claimed particle size distribution for “the composition” itself in claims 19 and 34 (see id.). “Where, as here, the claim is susceptible to only one reasonable construction . . . . [W]e must construe the claims based on the [applicant’s] version of the claims as he himself drafted it.” Process Control Corp. v. HydReclaim Corp., 190 F.3d 1350, 1357 (Fed. Cir. 1999) (see also In re Bigio, 381 F.3d 1320, 1324 (Fed. Cir. 2004) (“a patent applicant has the opportunity and responsibility to remove any ambiguity in claim term meaning by amending the application”). Conclusion of Law The evidence of record supports the Examiner’s conclusion that claim 34 lacks written description support. B. 35 U.S.C. § 112, second paragraph, antecedent basis The issue with respect to this rejection is: Does the evidence of record support the Examiner’s conclusion that claim 34 lacks antecedent basis? Principles of Law “Despite the absence of explicit antecedent basis, [i]f the scope of a claim would be reasonably ascertainable by those skilled in the art, then the claim is not indefinite.” Energizer Holdings, Inc. v. Int'l Trade Comm'n, 435 F.3d 1366, 1370–71 (Fed. Cir. 2006) (internal citations omitted). Analysis Appellant contends “the word ‘particle’ is part of the expression ‘particle size distribution,’ and as such, should be analyzed for antecedent basis in terms of the entire expression, and not just the word ‘particle’” (Appeal Br. 28). Appellant argues “it is widely understood that emulsions [have] particles therein, not necessarily in the sense of hard particulate Appeal 2019-004328 Application 14/772,961 7 matter but rather ‘droplets’ of the oil phase which are finely divided in the emulsion. Support for this is found in paragraphs [0006] and [0012] of the originally filed specification” (id.). The Examiner responds “[t]he rejection is based on a lack of antecedent basis for the concept of the particle that Appellant appears to be measuring in claim 34. . . . The claim is insufficiently clear as to what is intended as the antecedent for the concept of particle” (Ans. 7). The Examiner finds Appellant’s argument that particle means droplet “is not found persuasive since one of ordinary skill in the art would not be able to make that interpretive leap without guidance from the specification or claims, wherein no such guidance for the redefining of particle exists in the application as originally filed” (id.). We are persuaded by Appellant’s argument. The Specification explains that emulsion compositions are characterized by a particle size distribution of droplets inherently present in the emulsion (Spec. ¶¶ 6, 12, 129). As applied to the claims, we find that “particle size distribution” as recited by claim 34 would be readily ascertainable by a person of ordinary skill in the art as relating to the particle size distribution of droplets. Conclusion of Law The evidence of record does not support the Examiner’s conclusion that claim 34 lacks antecedent basis. C. 35 U.S.C. 103(a) over Scheurich The Examiner finds Scheurich teaches a stabilized emulsion composition including an acetophenone derivative stabilizer, e.g., 2- hydroxyacetophenone and 4-hydroxyacetopheone (Final Act. 8). The Appeal 2019-004328 Application 14/772,961 8 Examiner finds that the composition may be an oil-in-water emulsion used as a cosmetic (id. at 8–9). The Examiner finds the cosmetic composition may include 0.05 to 20% stabilizer; at least one oil body, e.g., cyclomethicone; and at least one emulsifier, e.g., polyglyceryl-3 methylglycose distearate and cetearyl alcohol (id.). The Examiner acknowledges that “Scheurich, while teaching all of the instantly claimed components, and amounts that overlap the instantly claimed ranges, does not directly exemplify everything in a single embodiment” (id. at 9). However, the Examiner finds one of ordinary skill in the art would have been motivated to combine the components in the claimed amounts for their known uses (see id.). The Examiner addresses Appellant’s objective evidence of nonobviousness (id. at 9–10). The Examiner finds Appellant’s results are not unexpected, and are not commensurate with the scope of the claims (id. at 10). Accordingly, the Examiner concludes the claims would have been obvious over Scheurich (see id.). The issues with respect to this rejection is: (i) Does a preponderance of evidence of record support the Examiner’s conclusion that the prior art renders the claims obvious? (ii) If so, has Appellant presented objective evidence, that when weighed with the evidence of obviousness, is sufficient to support a conclusion of non-obviousness? Findings of Fact 2. Scheurich teaches a method of photostabilizing a cosmetic composition by adding an acetophenone derivative (Scheurich 23–24 (claims 1, 13)). Appeal 2019-004328 Application 14/772,961 9 3. Scheurich teaches the acetophenone stabilizers may include 4- methoxyacetophenone (4-MAP), 4-hydroxyacetophenone (4-HAP), and 2- hydroxyacetophenone (2-HAP) (Scheurich ¶¶ 61, 62). 4. Scheurich teaches the acetophenone stabilizer is typically employed in amounts of 0.05 to 20% by weight depending on the intended action of the composition (Scheurich ¶ 99). 5. Scheurich teaches suitable cosmetic compositions in the form of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, including oily lotions (Scheurich ¶¶ 202, 215). 6. Scheurich teaches an example of an O/W emulsion including an acetophenone derivative, e.g., 4-methoxyacetophenone; 2.5% emulsifier, e.g., polyglyceryl-3 methylglycose distearate; 10% oil body, e.g., cyclomethicone; and an active principle, e.g., octyl salicylate (Scheurich ¶ 249 (Emulsion D)). Principles of Law “In determining whether the subject matter of a patent claim is obvious, neither the particular motivation nor the avowed purpose of the patentee controls. . . . [A]ny need or problem known in the field of endeavor at the time of invention and addressed by the patent can provide a reason for combining the elements in the manner claimed.” KSR Int’l Co. v. Teleflex Inc., 550 U.S. 398, 419–20 (2007). Analysis We adopt the Examiner’s findings of fact and conclusion of law (Final Act. 7–10; FF 2–6) that the claims would have been obvious over Scheurich. We address Appellant’s arguments below. Appeal 2019-004328 Application 14/772,961 10 1. Independent Claim 19 Appellant contends the claimed invention is directed to stabilizing emulsions against separation by adding small amounts of 2-HAP and 4-HAP which leads to a reduction in the emulsion’s droplet size (Br. 9). In contrast, Appellant contends that Scheurich is directed to photostabilizing photodegradable components, such as pigments, UV filters, and polymers against daylight or artificial radiation (id.). Appellant argues that “the inventions of [Scheurich] and the present invention are directed to completely different areas of technology, and the mechanisms used to address the issues in each of those inventions are also completely different” (id.) (emphasis omitted). Because Scheurich solves a different problem by choosing from “nearly 50 species of compounds,” Appellant argues that “the Examiner has not provided a sufficient rationale” for a person of ordinary skill in the art to choose 4-HAP or 2-HAP from numerous other stabilizers for use in an emulsion (id. at 9–10) (emphasis omitted). We do not find this argument persuasive. “One of the ways in which a patent’s subject matter can be proved obvious is by noting that there existed at the time of invention a known problem for which there was an obvious solution encompassed by the patent’s claims.” 550 U.S. at 419– 420. Scheurich teaches a known problem i.e., photostability of cosmetic emulsions (FF 2). Scheurich teaches a solution encompassed by the instant claims, i.e., a method of adding an acetophenone stabilizer in an amount of 0.05 to 20% by weight to the emulsion (FF 2–4). Scheurich further teaches a finite number of known solutions, e.g., 2-HAP and 4-HAP, as acetophenone stabilizers (FF 3). Appeal 2019-004328 Application 14/772,961 11 Contrary to Appellant’s argument, the problem solved by Scheurich does not have to be the same problem solved by the Appellant to arrive at an obvious method of adding an acetophenone derivative to a cosmetic emulsion. See KSR, 550 U.S. at 420. By identifying a problem known in the field of the invention, i.e., cosmetic emulsions, and an obvious solution encompassed by the claims, the Examiner has articulated reasoning with rational underpinnings to support the legal conclusion of obviousness. See id. at 418. “If a person of ordinary skill can implement a predictable variation, § 103 likely bars its patentability.” Id. at 417. Accordingly, we are not persuaded that the Examiner erred in determining the claims are prima facie obvious. Appellant contends that the claimed invention is nonobvious due to “a clear showing of unexpected effect in using the specifically claimed components in providing emulsion stability” (Appeal Br. 10) (emphasis omitted). Appellant submits the Lange Declaration5 as evidence of unexpected results (id.). The Lange Declaration describes preparing O/W emulsions containing no acetophenone stabilizer (Example C2), 4-HAP (Examples 4–6), and 4-MAP (Examples C7–C9) (Lange Decl. 3 (Table 2)). The resulting emulsions were tested for particle size distribution (id. at 4 (Table 3)). The Lange Declaration attests “[a]s can be seen, adding of 4- hydroxyacetophenone shifts the maximum average particle size to smaller values and leads to more finely divided emulsions. The addition of 4- Methoxyacetophenone leads to bigger sizes in comparison to Placebo C2, and in comparison, to emulsions containing 0.1 and 0.3% 4- Hydroxyacetophenone” (id. at 4). 5 Declaration of Sabine Lange dated Nov. 16, 2017 (“Lange Decl.”). Appeal 2019-004328 Application 14/772,961 12 The Lange Declaration explains that “[a]n oil in water emulsion (o/w) consists of oil droplets which are distributed in the water phase. The smaller the oil droplets are, the more stable the emulsion will be” (id. at 8). The Lange Declaration concludes “it can be clearly seen that the use of 4- hydroxyacetophenone provides for smaller particle size emulsions than 4- methoxyacetophenone and improved emulsion stability” (id. at 9). Appellant contends “[t]he surprising difference in particle size in the above noted data is clearly an unexpected effect that clearly evidences the improved properties to using 4-HAP over 4-MAP” (Appeal Br. 12). Appellant contends that “[a] person of ordinary skill in the art would not appreciate the dramatic and unexpected improvement in using the recited acetophenone compound 4-HAP over the 4-MAP of Scheurich” (id.). We do not find Appellant’s evidence persuasive of nonobviousness. Unexpected properties do not necessarily guarantee nonobviousness. Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. v. Teva Pharm. USA, Inc., 752 F.3d 967, 977 (Fed. Cir. 2014). “While a ‘marked superiority’ in an expected property may be enough in some circumstances to render a compound patentable, a ‘mere difference in degree’ is insufficient” (id.). “When assessing unexpected properties, therefore, we must evaluate the significance and ‘kind’ of expected results along with the unexpected results” (id.). We recognize Appellant’s contention that the examples including 4- HAP are characterized by a smaller particle size than the comparative examples containing 4-MAP. We also recognize that Scheurich does not predict this result. However, we do not agree that the unexpected results establish nonobviousness, because the results are not different “in kind.” Appeal 2019-004328 Application 14/772,961 13 We begin with the significance of the results as to improved emulsion stability. Scheurich discloses O/W emulsions for cosmetic compositions (FF 4, 5). Although Scheurich does not discuss emulsion stability, a person of ordinary skill in the art would have inferred that the disclosed compositions would have an acceptable level of stability in order to function as cosmetic compositions. See KSR, 550 U.S. at 418 (“a court can take account of the inferences and creative steps that a person of ordinary skill in the art would employ”). Appellant’s evidence with respect to Scheurich does not compare emulsion stability of the 4-HAP emulsions with the 4-MAP emulsions. Therefore, there is no evidence that the claimed invention provides an “in kind” improvement in emulsion stability as compared to the prior art. The Specification also does not support a conclusion that smaller particle size correlates to an “in kind” improvement in emulsion stability. In Tables 1 and 2, Examples 1 and 4 contain an amount of 4-HAP (0.1%) within the claimed range, but were not reported to have statistically significant differences in stability as compared to comparative examples C1 and C2, which contained no acetophenone stabilizer (Spec. ¶¶ 122, 126). As to the examples characterized by a statistically significant difference in stability, there is no indication that the difference is one “in kind,” e.g., that the comparative example has unacceptable stability as compared to the 4- HAP containing compositions (id.). Rather, all of the compositions fall in a similar range on the instability index between 0.26–0.37, wherein 0 indicates very stable and 1 indicates complete separation (id. ¶ 121). See In re Soni, 54 F.3d 746, 751 (Fed. Cir. 1995) (“Mere improvement in properties does not always suffice to show unexpected results”). Appeal 2019-004328 Application 14/772,961 14 Likewise, the difference in particle size also appears to be one of degree rather than “in kind” for both the comparative examples without acetophenone, and those containing 4-MAP. For example, there is no evidence that particle sizes of the 4-MAP (0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5%) containing compositions characterized a D (v, 0.9) of 19.07, 21,.47, and 20.23, respectively, are different in kind from the 4-HAP (0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5%) containing compositions characterized by a D (v, 0.9) of 13.64, 14.20, and 17.50, respectively. There is also no indication that these differences result in any stability difference at all in the Sabine Declaration, much less a stability difference that is sufficient to demonstrate unexpected results. Conclusion of Law A preponderance of the evidence of record, when balanced with the asserted evidence of unexpected results, supports the Examiner’s conclusion that claim 19 would have been obvious over Scheurich. 2. Dependent Claims 22, 24, and 26 Appellant separately argues dependent claims 22, 24, and 26 (Appeal Br. 18–20). Dependent claim 22 recites specific oil bodies, including silicone oils (id. at 30). Dependent claim 24 recites specific types of emulsifiers, including non-ionic emulsifiers, e.g., Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate (Spec. ¶ 32) (id. at 31). Dependent claim 26 recites ranges for the components recited in claim 19 (id.). Appellant contends the recited classes of oils (claim 22) and emulsifiers (claim 24), and amount ranges of components (claim 26), Appeal 2019-004328 Application 14/772,961 15 “render [claims 22, 24, and 26] even further patentable over [Scheurich]” (Appeal Br. 18–20). We do not find Appellant’s argument persuasive. Scheurich teaches oils and emulsifiers within the recited classes (FF 5). Likewise, Scheurich teaches amounts of components that fall within the claimed ranges for the composition (see id.; see also Final Act. 9). “A prima facie case of obviousness typically exists when the ranges of a claimed composition overlap the ranges disclosed in the prior art.” In re Peterson, 315 F.3d 1325, 1329 (Fed. Cir. 2003). Accordingly, the claims would have been prima facie obvious over Scheurich. As discussed as to claim 19, we do not find Appellant’s evidence of nonobviousness persuasive. Accordingly, we affirm the Examiner’s rejection of claims 22, 24, and 26. 3. Dependent claims 30 and 31 Appellant separately argues dependent claims 30 and 31 (Appeal Br. 20–23). Dependent claims 30 and 31 limit the acetophenone derivative to 4- HAP (Appeal Br. 31). Dependent claim 31 also limits the emulsion to a cosmetic emulsion (id.). Appellant contends that the specific recitation of 4-HAP addresses the Examiner’s determination that the unexpected results are not commensurate with the scope of claim 19, which recites 2-HAP or 4-HAP (see id. at 21–22; see also Final Act. 10). As discussed with respect to claim 19, Appellant’s evidence of unexpected results relates to experiments performed with 4-HAP. We do not find the results establish nonobviousness when considered as a whole Appeal 2019-004328 Application 14/772,961 16 with the prior art. Accordingly, we affirm the Examiner’s rejection of claims 30 and 31. 4. Dependent claim 34 Appellant separately argues dependent claim 34 (Appeal Br. 23–25) as being nonobvious over Scheurich. Dependent claim 34 recites “[t]he method of Claim 19 wherein the composition has a particle size distribution of 10% < 1.55 microns, 50% < 8.81 microns, and 90% < 17.50 microns” (id. at 31). Appellant contends “[t]here is no recitation of a particle size distribution in [Scheurich] whatsoever” (id. at 25). We are not persuaded by Appellant’s argument. Scheurich teaches preparing oil-in-water emulsions with 4-HAP, at least one oil body, at least one emulsifier, and at least one active principle (FF 2, 4, 5). The oil-in- water emulsions inherently include droplets having an average particle size (see Spec. ¶ 6). The average particle size distribution resulting from combining the composition with an emulsion is an inherent property of the composition, and an obvious composition cannot become nonobvious simply by claiming the resulting particle size distribution. See Santarus, Inc. v. Par Pharm., Inc., 694 F.3d 1344, 1354 (Fed. Cir. 2012). “To hold otherwise would allow any formulation—no matter how obvious—to become patentable merely by testing and claiming an inherent property” (id.). Accordingly, we affirm the Examiner’s rejection of claim 34 as obvious. Appeal 2019-004328 Application 14/772,961 17 CONCLUSION In summary: Claims Rejected 35 U.S.C. § Reference(s)/Basis Affirmed Reversed 34 112, first paragraph Written description 34 34 112, second paragraph Indefiniteness 34 19, 22, 24, 26–31, 34 103 Scheurich 19, 22, 24, 26–31, 34 Overall Outcome 19, 22, 24, 26–31, 34 No time period for taking any subsequent action in connection with this appeal may be extended under 37 C.F.R. § 1.136(a). AFFIRMED Copy with citationCopy as parenthetical citation