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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif;color:#1F497D">Thanks David!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif;color:#1F497D">CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE--This email is intended only for the person(s) named in the message header.&nbsp; Unless otherwise indicated, this email contains information
 that is confidential, privileged and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender of the error and delete the message.&nbsp; Even if you are an intended recipient of this E-Mail, the author
 requests that you not forward it to any other person without written prior consent. E-Mail is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. Section 2510-2521 and is legally privileged. Thank you.</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:&quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif"> Patentcenter [mailto:patentcenter-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com]
<b>On Behalf Of </b>David Boundy via Patentcenter<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, January 11, 2024 3:33 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> For bug reports, feature requests, and tips and tricks about Patent Center. &lt;patentcenter@oppedahl-lists.com&gt;<br>
<b>Cc:</b> David Boundy &lt;DavidBoundyEsq@gmail.com&gt;; Andrew Berks &lt;andrew@berksiplaw.com&gt;<br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [Patentcenter] Declarations under 37 CFR 1.130 to Overcome 35 USC 102(a) rejections<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Oh.&nbsp; Here's my longer essay on declarations/affidavits.<o:p></o:p></p>
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<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
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<div>
<p>A &quot;declaration&quot; is a statement opining to facts that ends with a penalty-of-perjury or 18 U.S.C. § 1001 paragraph.&nbsp; An &quot;affidavit&quot; is that plus a notarized signature.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>The dominant concern in declarations/affidavits, overshadowing and governing everything else, is inequitable conduct.&nbsp; The Federal Circuit has zero tolerance for error in declarations/affidavits--if something is provably wrong, then the Federal Circuit all
 but says that both materiality and intent are established.&nbsp; So if you are thinking about a declaration/affidavit, the first thing you must do is choose a path that guarantees zero risk of error, no matter what you don't know.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>If you were ever an engineer for Boeing, or if you were a compiler writer, or had some similar engineering role where small errors have outsize costs, you have the mindset and developed some techniques to ensure zero-defect engineering.&nbsp; You have to think
 the same way here. <o:p></o:p></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">
Be sure you're spot on with the specific fact to hit the examiner's ground -- never use a declaration/affidavit to opine on something that's a millimeter off hitting the exact, smallest, most-precise nail exactly on the head.&nbsp; All declarations/affidavits are
 risky.&nbsp; An declaration/affidavit that addresses the wrong point, or that misses the right point by a millimeter is risk with no return.&nbsp; An declaration/affidavit has to inflict a mortal wound via a single thrust of a short, sharp stilletto into a vital organ
 , not 1000 hacks with a machete. <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">
You can only use an declaration/affidavit for issues of FACT, not issues of LAW. <o:p>
</o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">
(Almost) never use an declaration/affidavit where attorney argument is legally sufficient (unless you have an examiner that is totally dug in to a factual error and doesn't understand the concept of &quot;burden of proof&quot; and you don't want to appeal).&nbsp; Attorney
 argument won't get you in inequitable conduct trouble. <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">
Declarations/affidavits are especially warranted on issues where you have the burden of proof, and rarely worth the risk on issues where you don't.
<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">
Declarations/affidavits can be useful to say &quot;Examiner Jones's Action states x.&nbsp; Examiner Jones is wrong.&quot; If you don't have the burden of proof, your affiant doesn't have to opine on the true fact, only explain falsity of the examiner's.&nbsp; Especially if the
 burden of proof is in your favor, if you have an declaration/affidavit to say the examiner is wrong, then your attorney argument controls the field.
<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1">
Choose wisely whether a declaration/affidavit is or is not the right tool -- not every fact is suitable for treatment by declaration/affidavit.&nbsp; Some are very low risk, some are very high.
<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p style="margin-left:1.25in"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol">·</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
</span>Declarations/affidavits are generally safe on issues where the examiner has all the same information the declarant has.&nbsp; The danger with a declaration/affidavit is where there's some possibility that during discovery some doc will show up that contradicts
 the declaration. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="margin-left:1.25in"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol">·</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
</span>An expert's opinion on the ordinary usage of terms of art is low risk. <o:p>
</o:p></p>
<p style="margin-left:1.25in"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol">·</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
</span>An expert's opinion on the interpretation of an ambiguity in a technical document is low risk.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="margin-left:1.25in"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol">·</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
</span>An affidavit interpreting some other evidence, where all the relevant information is there on the face of the page, and the question is what it means, is almost always safe -- your affiant can't be accused of hiding or distorting, just offering an opinion.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="margin-left:1.25in"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol">·</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
</span>An affidavit that opines that something didn't happen, and there's a micro-chance that, in discovery, some document will show that it actually did, is a high-risk affidavit.&nbsp; &nbsp;
<i>eSpeed, Inc. v. BrokerTec USA, LLC</i>, 480 F. 3d 1129 (Fed. CIr. 2007)&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=11175138575348740529" target="_blank">
https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=11175138575348740529</a>&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="margin-left:1.25in"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol">·</span><span style="font-size:7.0pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
</span>An affidavit on a fact where there might be a contradictory document that comes out in discovery is
<i>extremely</i> dangerous. <o:p></o:p></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2">
Choose an affiant with first-hand knowledge -- NEVER rely on one affiant to report knowledge of some other person.&nbsp; See
<em>eSpeed.</em> <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2">
Proceed with great respect and fear of your own fallibility, and things you might not know.
<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p>Then the content of the affidavit (See 16/278,112 Reply of June 16, 2023, Exhibits A and B starting at pages 19 and 26. for examples):
<o:p></o:p></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3">
Establish expertise or basis to testify. <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3">
If there's a milligram of potential conflict of interest, disclose it. <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3">
Be 1000% accurate.&nbsp; Affidavit error very quickly becomes affidavit fraud, and that makes the whole patent
<em>family</em> unenforceable. <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3">
State enough basis (hard to give guidelines), and not one word more.&nbsp; Know who has the burden of proof on that fact, and say enough, and then stop.&nbsp; What you
<strong><i>don't</i></strong> say is as important as what you do.&nbsp; Often, the point is &quot;Examiner Jones is wrong&quot; and you don't have to say very much about what's right.&nbsp; Usually, the less you say the better.
<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3">
Word the statement using the relevant standard of proof.&nbsp; For example, if your affidavit is directed to an examiner's misreading of a claim, you have to address &quot;broadest reasonable interpretation:&quot; &quot;In my opinion, Examiner Jones' interpretation is not just
 wrong, it it entirely unreasonable.&quot; or &quot;In my opinion, no person [in my field] would reasonably understand the language as Examiner Jones posits.&quot;&nbsp; If you are opining on the
<em>Wands</em> factors for enablement, use the very words of those factors, and walk through them one by one.
<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3">
If something is the affiant's opinion, state it as &quot;my opinion&quot; -- subjective opinion is unassailable fact, even if the opinion turns out to be wrong!
<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3">
Nail the fact you need to nail.&nbsp; No dancing around it. &nbsp; Many patent attorneys, when confronting a plain old error by an examiner, dive deep into non-confrontational, deferential language.&nbsp; NOT HERE.&nbsp; In most cases, the purpose of an affidavit is to rebut an
 examiner's mistake.&nbsp; Use a hard-edged word in a short sentence that leaves no wiggle room: &quot;in my opinion, Examiner Jones is wrong.&quot;&nbsp; Not &quot;Few people would agree with Examiner Jones.&quot;
<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3">
Close with the section 1001 paragraph. <o:p></o:p></li></ul>
<p>If you do a google search, you'll find good articles.&nbsp; E.g. <a href="https://www.foley.com/en/insights/publications/2018/01/three-things-to-know-about-rule-130-declarations" target="_blank">
https://www.foley.com/en/insights/publications/2018/01/three-things-to-know-about-rule-130-declarations</a> and
<a href="https://www.aipla.org/docs/default-source/committee-documents/bcp-files/bcp-130-declarations_kfonda.pdf?sfvrsn=7eea5de_2" target="_blank">
https://www.aipla.org/docs/default-source/committee-documents/bcp-files/bcp-130-declarations_kfonda.pdf?sfvrsn=7eea5de_2</a>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p>Examples: <o:p></o:p></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4">
09/611,548, January 25, 2018 (understanding of terms to one of ordinary skill) <o:p>
</o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4">
11/024,729, November 16, 2008 (definitions, interpretation of a reference) <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4">
15/068,899, June 7, 2022 (enablement) <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4">
16/658,072, November 8, 2021 (obviousness secondary indicia) <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4">
16/278,112 Reply of June 16, 2023, Exhibits A and B starting at pages 19 and 26 (ordinary meaning of claim terms, interpretation of references)
<o:p></o:p></li></ul>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">On Thu, Jan 11, 2024 at 5:42\u202fPM Andrew Berks via Patentcenter &lt;<a href="mailto:patentcenter@oppedahl-lists.com">patentcenter@oppedahl-lists.com</a>&gt; wrote:<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">If anyone has filed a declaration under 37 CFR 1.130 to overcome a rejection under 35 USC §102(a)(1) or §102(a)(2) (or has seen such a declaration) (see also MPEP 2152.06), please send me a serial no. that I can pull from Patent Center.
<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Thanks<o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>
<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif;color:black">Andrew Berks, Ph.D., J.D.</span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif;color:#0079AC">
</span><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif;color:black">| Partner</span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif;color:black">FRESH</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif;color:#444444">
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<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif;color:black">Main office: 11710 Plaza America Drive, Suite 2000, Reston, VA 20190 USA<br>
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<p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif;color:#242424">Direct</span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif;color:#242424">: &#43;1-845-558-7245</span><o:p></o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">-- <br>
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<span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif;color:#667FA0"><a href="https://www.iam-media.com/strategy300/individuals/david-boundy" target="_blank"><span style="color:#667FA0;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="73" height="92" id="_x0000_i1025" src="cid:image001.jpg@01DA44A4.5BEE9A60" alt="Image removed by sender."></span><span style="color:#667FA0;text-decoration:none">&nbsp;
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