<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40">
<head>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8">
<meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)">
<!--[if !mso]><style>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style><![endif]--><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Helvetica;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Aptos;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Baskerville Old Face";
panose-1:2 2 6 2 8 5 5 2 3 3;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Aptos Serif";}
@font-face
{font-family:"Century Gothic";
panose-1:2 11 5 2 2 2 2 2 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Open Sans";}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;}
h1
{mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1 Char";
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
font-size:24.0pt;
font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;
font-weight:bold;}
h2
{mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 2 Char";
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0in;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0in;
font-size:18.0pt;
font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;
font-weight:bold;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;}
span.Heading1Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 1 Char";
mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1";
font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif;
color:#0F4761;}
span.Heading2Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 2 Char";
mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 2";
font-family:"Aptos Display",sans-serif;
color:#0F4761;}
span.EmailStyle22
{mso-style-type:personal-reply;
font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-size:10.0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
</head>
<body lang="EN-US" link="blue" vlink="purple" style="word-wrap:break-word">
<div class="WordSection1">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">At first blush, it seems this action could be challenged under
<i>West Virginia v. EPA</i>, 597 US 697 (2022). I\u2019m aware of no clear Congressional authority for this rule under any provision of 35 USC.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Let\u2019s see what the various IP advocacy organizations do about this. Has anyone brought this to the attention of the IP subcommittees of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face",serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Howard J. Klein<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face",serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Registered US Patent Attorney<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face",serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Admitted in CA and NY<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face",serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Of Counsel<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face",serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">SHORE IP GROUP, PLLC<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face",serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">780 Long Beach Blvd<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Baskerville Old Face",serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Long Beach, NY 11561
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face",serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Phone: 516-682-2024<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Baskerville Old Face",serif;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Direct: 949-872-5502 (Mobile)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<div>
<div style="border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in">
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> Patentpractice <patentpractice-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Scott Nielson via Patentpractice<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, May 9, 2024 7:43 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> For patent practitioners. This is not for laypersons to seek legal advice. <patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com><br>
<b>Cc:</b> Scott Nielson <scnielson@outlook.com><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [Patentpractice] Freaking Ridiculous: Proposed changes to terminal disclaimer practice to promote innovation and competition<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">In the Fed Reg notice, the PTO says it has authority to promulgate the rule because:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<blockquote style="border:none;border-left:solid #C8C8C8 2.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 6.0pt;margin-left:4.8pt;margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt">
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">A rule requiring that terminal disclaimers filed to obviate nonstatutory double patenting include language placing conditions upon enforcement was previously upheld
as within the USPTO\u2019s rulemaking authority. See <i>In re Van Ornum</i>, 686 F.2d 937 (CCPA 1982).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">The notice also says this:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<blockquote style="border:none;border-left:solid #C8C8C8 2.25pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 6.0pt;margin-left:4.8pt;margin-top:5.0pt;margin-bottom:5.0pt">
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black"> Currently, claims in patents tied by a terminal disclaimer filed under 37 CFR 1.321(c) or (d) to obviate nonstatutory double patenting must be separately challenged
on validity grounds. See 35 U.S.C. 282(a); see also <i>SimpleAir, Inc. v. Google LLC</i>, 884 F.3d 1160, 1167-68 (Fed. Cir. 2018) (\u201c[O]ur cases foreclose the inference that filing a terminal disclaimer functions as an admission regarding the patentability
of the resulting claims.\u201d); <i>Motionless Keyboard Co. v. Microsoft Corp.</i>, 486 F.3d 1376, 1385 (Fed. Cir. 2007) (\u201cA terminal disclaimer simply is not an admission that a later-filed invention is obvious.\u201d);
<i>Ortho Pharm. Corp. v. Smith</i>, 959 F.2d 936, 941 (Fed. Cir. 1992) (rejecting the argument that the patent applicant admitted to obviousness-type double patenting by filing a terminal disclaimer);
<i>Quad Envtl. Techs. Corp. v. Union Sanitary Dist.</i>, 946 F.2d 870, 874 (Fed. Cir. 1991) (\u201c[T]he filing of a terminal disclaimer simply serves the statutory function of removing the rejection of double patenting, and raises neither presumption nor estoppel
on the merits of the rejection.\u201d). <b><i>The current state of the law</i></b> exposes competitors attempting to enter the market to potentially high costs because they may have to defend against patents to obvious variants of a single invention despite the
presence of terminal disclaimers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">(emphasis added). It seems like the intent of the USPTO's rule is to
<b><i>change the current state of the law</i></b> as determined by the Federal Circuit. This seems like an overreach. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">It is impressive how the USPTO abstracted the holding in
<i>In re Van Ornum</i> as "language placing conditions upon enforcement" is "within the USPTO's rulemaking authority."
<i>In re Van Ornum </i>is the case that upheld the USPTO's authority to promulgate the rule requiring terminal disclaimers include a common ownership provision. In that case, there was a quite a bit of earlier case law discussing the common ownership requirement
and the possibility of harassment from multiple parties. One case endorsed the common ownership requirement as a way of overcoming this concern. A more realistic characterization of the holding is "language placing conditions upon enforcement"
<b><i>that have been previously recognized by the courts</i></b> is "within the USPTO's rulemaking authority."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">In the proposed rule, the USPTO is concerned not about harassment from multiple parties, but from multiple patents owned by the same party. I haven't seen any court
precedent addressing this. In fact, by the USPTO's admission, the court precedent appears to be against it and the USPTO wants to change it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">Notably,
<i>In re Van Ornum</i> justified the USPTO's common ownership rule by quoting an earlier case that said "[w]hen a terminal disclaimer causes two patents to expire together[,] a situation is created which is tantamount for all practical purposes to having all
the claims in one patent." This concept justified the common ownership requirement.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">If two patents tied together by a terminal disclaimer are functionally equivalent to a single patent, then the claims in the "single" patent must be invalidated
on a claim by claim basis in accordance with established law. It should not be permissible to invalidate one claim and automatically wipe out many of the others by rulemaking fiat.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="Signature">
<p><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:#1F3864">Scott Nielson</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">801-660-4400</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center">
<hr size="2" width="98%" align="center">
</div>
<div id="divRplyFwdMsg">
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black"> Patentpractice <<a href="mailto:patentpractice-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com">patentpractice-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com</a>>
on behalf of David Boundy via Patentpractice <<a href="mailto:patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com">patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a>></span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">Sent:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black"> Thursday, May 9, 2024 4:51 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> For patent practitioners. This is not for laypersons to seek legal advice. <<a href="mailto:patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com">patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a>><br>
<b>Cc:</b> David Boundy <<a href="mailto:DavidBoundyEsq@gmail.com">DavidBoundyEsq@gmail.com</a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [Patentpractice] Freaking Ridiculous: Proposed changes to terminal disclaimer practice to promote innovation and competition<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bingo.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> -- this is clearly substantive. Beyond PTO's authority. Not within good faith judgment call.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> -- the claim of "procedural" is false. Utterly false. Beyond any good faith judgment call.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> -- claim to have Paperwork Reduction Act clearance is plainly false. Again, beyond any good faith judgment call.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> -- claim to "not significant" for Executive Order 12866. Beyond any good faith judgment call.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"> -- the Regulatory Flexibility Analysis assumes that making a decision about a Terminal Disclaimer is a decision that can be made instantaneously, at zero time, at zero cost, and the cost is just filing out the form, paying the fee,
and filing. The RegFlex analysis assumes that this change to Terminal Disclaimers will impose no additional cost of analysis, and that the resultant loss of patent value is zero. Beyond good faith judgment call.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Kathi Vidal, your staff are lying their asses off, and you signed off on it.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal">On Thu, May 9, 2024 at 4:34<span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">\u202f</span>PM steve--- via Patentpractice <<a href="mailto:patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com">patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a>> wrote:<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<blockquote style="border:none;border-left:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 6.0pt;margin-left:4.8pt;margin-right:0in">
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt">Since the origin of the OTDP Rejection is judicial, is this simply an extrastatutory administrative over-reach?</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt">What authority does the USPTO have to make new substantive rules outside of (a) implementing statutes and (b) ensuring compliance with extrastatutory judicial tinkering with the patent system?</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D">Very truly yours,</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D">Steven M. Hoffberg</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D">Hoffberg & Associates</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#0563C1"><a href="mailto:steve@hoffberglaw.com"><span style="color:#0563C1">steve@hoffberglaw.com</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#0563C1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/hoffberg/"><span style="color:#0563C1">https://www.linkedin.com/in/hoffberg/</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="border:none;border-top:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in;border-color:currentcolor currentcolor">
<p><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> Patentpractice <<a href="mailto:patentpractice-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com">patentpractice-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com</a>>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Scott Nielson via Patentpractice<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, May 9, 2024 3:13 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> For patent practitioners. This is not for laypersons to seek legal advice. <<a href="mailto:patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com">patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a>><br>
<b>Cc:</b> Scott Nielson <<a href="mailto:scnielson@outlook.com">scnielson@outlook.com</a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [Patentpractice] Freaking Ridiculous: Proposed changes to terminal disclaimer practice to promote innovation and competition</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">This seems targeted at drug patents and lowering the cost of drugs. It also seems that this will encourage more junk restriction requirements because applicants will be more accepting
of junk restriction requirements and, consequently, examiners will be able to successfully issue junk restriction requirements more often (thereby making it easier for examiners to get counts).</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<div id="x_m_-9023298749551553549Signature">
<p><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:#1F3864">Scott Nielson</span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Aptos Serif",serif;color:black">801-660-4400</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center">
<hr size="2" width="98%" align="center">
</div>
<div id="x_m_-9023298749551553549divRplyFwdMsg">
<p><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black"> Patentpractice <<a href="mailto:patentpractice-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com">patentpractice-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com</a>>
on behalf of Randall Svihla via Patentpractice <<a href="mailto:patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com">patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a>><br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, May 9, 2024 12:31 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> For patent practitioners. This is not for laypersons to seek legal advice. <<a href="mailto:patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com">patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a>><br>
<b>Cc:</b> Randall Svihla <<a href="mailto:rsvihla@nsiplaw.com">rsvihla@nsiplaw.com</a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [Patentpractice] Freaking Ridiculous: Proposed changes to terminal disclaimer practice to promote innovation and competition</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p> <o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">I haven't fully analyzed the effect of this, but my initial reaction is that it SUUUUUUUUUUUCKS.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">If they do this, they need to shut down the office for a month and retrain the Examiners on how to make a proper nonstatutory double patenting rejection. Most of the rejections they issue now
are completely BOGUS.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Best regards,</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Randall S. Svihla</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">NSIP Law</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif">Washington, D.C.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="border:none;border-top:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in;border-color:currentcolor currentcolor">
<p><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> Patentpractice <<a href="mailto:patentpractice-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com">patentpractice-bounces@oppedahl-lists.com</a>>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Suzannah K. Sundby via Patentpractice<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, May 9, 2024 2:22 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> <a href="mailto:patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com">patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a><br>
<b>Cc:</b> Suzannah K. Sundby <<a href="mailto:suzannah@canadylortz.com">suzannah@canadylortz.com</a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b> [Patentpractice] Freaking Ridiculous: Proposed changes to terminal disclaimer practice to promote innovation and competition</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p>This is so freaking ridiculous.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p>It\u2019s an attempt to limit continuations and prevent/reduce patents\u2026 basically what Dudas tried to do with continuation practice\u2026<o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:black"><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/ssundby/"><span style="color:black">Suzannah K. Sundby</span></a></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">
<b><span style="color:#0000CC">|</span></b> Partner</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#0000CC"><a href="http://www.canadylortz.com/"><span style="color:#0000CC">canady + lortz</span></a></span><span style="font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#0000CC"><a href="http://www.canadylortz.com/"><span style="color:#0000CC"> LLP</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">1050 30th Street, NW</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">Washington, DC 20007</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="margin-top:4.0pt"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">T: 202.486.8020</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">F: 202.540.8020</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#0000CC"><a href="mailto:suzannah@canadylortz.com"><span style="color:#0000CC">suzannah@canadylortz.com</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 6.0pt 0in;border-color:currentcolor currentcolor rgb(0, 0, 204)">
<p><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#0000CC"><a href="http://www.canadylortz.com/"><span style="color:#0000CC">www.canadylortz.com</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:7.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#7F7F7F">Confidentiality Notice: This message is being sent by or on behalf of a lawyer. It is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which
it is addressed. This communication may contain information that is proprietary, privileged or confidential, or otherwise legally exempt from disclosure. If you are not the named addressee, you may not read, print, retain, copy, or disseminate this message
or any part. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail and delete all copies of the message.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="border:none;border-top:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in;border-color:currentcolor currentcolor">
<p><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> U.S. Patent and Trademark Office <<a href="mailto:subscriptioncenter@subscriptions.uspto.gov">subscriptioncenter@subscriptions.uspto.gov</a>><br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, May 9, 2024 2:17 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> Suzannah K. Sundby <<a href="mailto:suzannah@canadylortz.com">suzannah@canadylortz.com</a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Proposed changes to terminal disclaimer practice to promote innovation and competition</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p> <o:p></o:p></p>
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;background:white;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:1.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:white">The USPTO has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to add a new requirement for terminal disclaimers.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> <o:p></o:p></p>
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> <o:p></o:p></p>
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box" id="x_m_-9023298749551553549x_flexible-abe-main-table">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="100%" style="width:100.0%;background:#EEEEEE;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:15.0pt 0in 15.0pt 0in"></td>
<td style="padding:15.0pt 0in 15.0pt 0in">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="600" style="width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="max-width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" style="background:#EEEEEE;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="600" valign="top" style="width:6.25in;background:#EEEEEE;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div id="x_m_-9023298749551553549x_abe-column-block-ca463842-7500-4914-acee-4287e938272f">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0in 7.5pt 7.5pt 7.5pt">
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">Having trouble viewing this email?
<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vY29udGVudC5nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeS5jb20vYWNjb3VudHMvVVNQVE8vYnVsbGV0aW5zLzM5YjgzMjYiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNTA5Ljk0NTY1OTIxIn0.EyMw7a2q5wF5cdpvZJUCX1wdqcG-VKQvfp7Ug9tWBsI/s/1514988646/br/242170303451-l">
View it as a Web page</a>.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p> <o:p></o:p></p>
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="600" style="width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="max-width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" style="background:white;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="600" valign="top" style="width:6.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div id="x_m_-9023298749551553549x_abe-column-block-1805049d-4909-4a7d-8c87-bf32dad5a3e2">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><img border="0" width="600" height="30" style="width:6.25in;height:.3125in" id="x_m_-9023298749551553549x_Picture_x0020_21" src="cid:image001.jpg@01DAA24D.F6B41730" alt="Image removed by sender."><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p> <o:p></o:p></p>
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="600" style="width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="max-width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" style="background:white;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="300" valign="top" style="width:225.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div id="x_m_-9023298749551553549x_abe-column-block-6feef036-34ac-49aa-aa93-da30965508df">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:22.5pt 15.0pt 7.5pt 15.0pt">
<h1 style="margin-bottom:7.5pt"><span style="font-size:30.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#50738F">News Brief</span><o:p></o:p></h1>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
</td>
<td width="300" valign="top" style="width:225.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div id="x_m_-9023298749551553549x_abe-column-block-a05713b6-7896-4a61-8bd1-5c0ef13acd8a">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:15.0pt 15.0pt 15.0pt 15.0pt">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<p align="right" style="text-align:right"><img border="0" width="117" height="66" style="width:1.2152in;height:.6875in" id="x_m_-9023298749551553549x_Picture_x0020_20" src="cid:image001.jpg@01DAA24D.F6B41730" alt="Image removed by sender. US Patent and Trademark Office"><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p> <o:p></o:p></p>
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="600" style="width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="max-width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" style="background:white;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="600" valign="top" style="width:6.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div id="x_m_-9023298749551553549x_abe-column-block-0dedbed8-9500-46da-ae67-660e91ed433b">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0in 15.0pt 15.0pt 15.0pt">
<h2 style="margin-bottom:11.25pt"><span style="font-size:16.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">Proposed changes to terminal disclaimer practice to promote innovation and competition</span><o:p></o:p></h2>
<p style="margin-bottom:11.25pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to add a new requirement for terminal disclaimers
filed to obviate (overcome) nonstatutory double patenting. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:11.25pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">Under U.S. law, an inventor, patent owner or joint researchers may obtain more than one patent with claims that vary in only minor (patentably indistinct)
ways from each other. The USPTO will reject such claims under \u201cobviousness-type double patenting\u201d (also known as \u201cnonstatutory double patenting\u201d) and will allow claims to issue only as long as the practice of obtaining similar claims across patents isn\u2019t used
to extend the patent exclusivity term or allow multiple parties to harass an alleged infringer. Both conditions aim to strike a balance between incentivizing innovation in the first instance while providing more certainty to competitors and the public. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:11.25pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">The proposed rule responds to public feedback and proposes to add a third condition that would further promote innovation and competition by reducing
the cost of separately challenging each patent in a group of multiple patents directed to indistinct variations of a single invention. Under the proposed rule, to overcome double patenting the patentee would need to agree that the patent with the terminal
disclaimer will be enforceable only if the patent is not tied and has never been tied through one or more terminal disclaimers to a patent in which any claim has been finally held unpatentable or invalid over prior art. In addition to reducing costs, the proposed
rule is expected to streamline and expedite patent disputes, narrow validity issues, and provide greater certainty to competitors and to the public. The proposed rule is prospective in nature and would apply to terminal disclaimers filed on or after the effective
date of any final rule. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:11.25pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">The USPTO recognizes that, as with any proposed rule change, patentees will need to consider and potentially adapt their practices. While the USPTO
moves forward with rulemaking, the Office is considering ways the Office can support stakeholders. Comments on the proposed rule, as well as comments on USPTO practice as related to the proposed rule, are welcome. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:11.25pt"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">\u201cOur mission at the USPTO is to drive U.S. innovation and global competitiveness for the benefit of all Americans,\u201d said Under Secretary of Commerce
and Director of the USPTO Kathi Vidal. \u201cThis proposed rule is part of a holistic, thoughtful and balanced approach to bolstering our strong intellectual property system. We must remain steadfast in incentivizing and protecting the investments in innovation
that drive U.S. leadership, while recognizing that surgical changes can create efficiencies that reduce costs and promote competition.\u201d </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">The full text of the notice is available at the
</span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0000EE"><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmZlZGVyYWxyZWdpc3Rlci5nb3YvcHVibGljLWluc3BlY3Rpb24vMjAyNC0xMDE2Ni90ZXJtaW5hbC1kaXNjbGFpbWVyLXByYWN0aWNlLXRvLW9idmlhdGUtbm9uc3RhdHV0b3J5LWRvdWJsZS1wYXRlbnRpbmc_dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXN1YnNjcmlwdGlvbmNlbnRlciZ1dG1fY29udGVudD0mdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fbmFtZT0mdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSZ1dG1fdGVybT0iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNTA5Ljk0NTY1OTIxIn0.Ri4CT8s3uXvsmWzgIT6enHV9Hrhc7nCW0h1JVCsMOuc/s/1514988646/br/242170303451-l"><span style="color:#0000EE">Federal
Register</span></a></span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black"> and on the USPTO\u2019s
</span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0000EE"><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnVzcHRvLmdvdi9wYXRlbnRzL2xhd3MvcGF0ZW50LXJlbGF0ZWQtbm90aWNlcy9wYXRlbnQtcmVsYXRlZC1ub3RpY2VzLTIwMjQ_dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXN1YnNjcmlwdGlvbmNlbnRlciZ1dG1fY29udGVudD0mdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fbmFtZT0mdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSZ1dG1fdGVybT0iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNTA5Ljk0NTY1OTIxIn0.BHMm-eKtJM5AEEgPIU_ronUBHxMEOnDJBZwwTU31SWE/s/1514988646/br/242170303451-l"><span style="color:#0000EE">Patent
Related Notices webpage</span></a></span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">. You must submit comments on the NPRM by July 9, through the
</span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0000EE"><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cucmVndWxhdGlvbnMuZ292Lz91dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c3Vic2NyaXB0aW9uY2VudGVyJnV0bV9jb250ZW50PSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9uYW1lPSZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5JnV0bV90ZXJtPSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA1MDkuOTQ1NjU5MjEifQ.x9j7p6cIgsa045JjXz-sdsiE29sQzlCXLIFpUp-XoHI/s/1514988646/br/242170303451-l"><span style="color:#0000EE">Federal
eRulemaking Portal</span></a></span><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">, to ensure consideration.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p> <o:p></o:p></p>
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="600" style="width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="max-width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" style="background:white;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="600" valign="top" style="width:6.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div id="x_m_-9023298749551553549x_abe-column-block-dc2973fb-bb36-4a4a-956f-993da3dbd407">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0in 15.0pt 0in 15.0pt">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><img border="0" width="559" height="559" style="width:5.8263in;height:5.8263in" id="x_m_-9023298749551553549x_Picture_x0020_19" src="cid:image001.jpg@01DAA24D.F6B41730" alt="Image removed by sender."><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p> <o:p></o:p></p>
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="600" style="width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="max-width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" style="background:white;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="600" valign="top" style="width:6.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div id="x_m_-9023298749551553549x_abe-column-block-754507dd-1fff-4854-ac88-81d6d1fae826">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:2.25pt 15.0pt 0in 15.0pt">
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL3VzcHRvLmdvdj91dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c3Vic2NyaXB0aW9uY2VudGVyJnV0bV9jb250ZW50PSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9uYW1lPSZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5JnV0bV90ZXJtPSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA1MDkuOTQ1NjU5MjEifQ.fH0fSL2ws41jjEZJDkcXyFBqY7MgF_wKvhR9Kg1lqyY/s/1514988646/br/242170303451-l"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0000EE;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="69" height="50" style="width:.7222in;height:.5208in" id="x_m_-9023298749551553549x_Picture_x0020_18" src="cid:image001.jpg@01DAA24D.F6B41730" alt="Image removed by sender. facebook"></span></a><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">\u200b</span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly90d2l0dGVyLmNvbS91c3B0bz91dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c3Vic2NyaXB0aW9uY2VudGVyJnV0bV9jb250ZW50PSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9uYW1lPSZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5JnV0bV90ZXJtPSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA1MDkuOTQ1NjU5MjEifQ.ERGJlAzu-mDkmaOLtrxv3trpYrhONs040tPKshlLDb4/s/1514988646/br/242170303451-l"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;color:#0000EE;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="69" height="50" style="width:.7222in;height:.5208in" id="x_m_-9023298749551553549x_Picture_x0020_17" src="cid:image001.jpg@01DAA24D.F6B41730" alt="Image removed by sender. twitter"></span></a><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">\u200b</span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly95b3V0dWJlLmNvbS91c3B0b3ZpZGVvP3V0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zdWJzY3JpcHRpb25jZW50ZXImdXRtX2NvbnRlbnQ9JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX25hbWU9JnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkmdXRtX3Rlcm09IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDUwOS45NDU2NTkyMSJ9.-gDJBXUYZbKuG-IitNkIPqSp-6BJjJezp2-gojWk5OE/s/1514988646/br/242170303451-l"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;color:#0000EE;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="69" height="50" style="width:.7222in;height:.5208in" id="x_m_-9023298749551553549x_Picture_x0020_16" src="cid:image001.jpg@01DAA24D.F6B41730" alt="Image removed by sender. youtube"></span></a><span style="font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black">\u200b</span><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly9saW5rZWRpbi5jb20vY29tcGFueS91c3B0bz91dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c3Vic2NyaXB0aW9uY2VudGVyJnV0bV9jb250ZW50PSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9uYW1lPSZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5JnV0bV90ZXJtPSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA1MDkuOTQ1NjU5MjEifQ.EEelCFc6-31zAhzs3KmPABfl-XSa77Qmebb1e4EoEEM/s/1514988646/br/242170303451-l"><span style="font-size:10.5pt;color:#0000EE;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="69" height="50" style="width:.7222in;height:.5208in" id="x_m_-9023298749551553549x_Picture_x0020_15" src="cid:image001.jpg@01DAA24D.F6B41730" alt="Image removed by sender. linkedin"></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p> <o:p></o:p></p>
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="600" style="width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="max-width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" style="background:white;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="600" valign="top" style="width:6.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div id="x_m_-9023298749551553549x_abe-column-block-52621513-7b6b-4cef-9f76-25ef3e729561">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0in 15.0pt 15.0pt 15.0pt">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><img border="0" width="559" height="559" style="width:5.8263in;height:5.8263in" id="x_m_-9023298749551553549x_Picture_x0020_14" src="cid:image001.jpg@01DAA24D.F6B41730" alt="Image removed by sender."><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p> <o:p></o:p></p>
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="600" style="width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="max-width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" style="background:white;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="600" valign="top" style="width:6.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div id="x_m_-9023298749551553549x_abe-column-block-4d723c65-31b1-48aa-b045-630b0f7964fa">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:3.75pt 15.0pt 15.0pt 15.0pt">
<p style="margin-bottom:7.5pt"><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">Stay connected with the USPTO by subscribing to regular email updates.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">Visit our subscription center at
</span><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0000EE"><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudXNwdG8uZ292L3N1YnNjcmliZT91dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c3Vic2NyaXB0aW9uY2VudGVyJnV0bV9jb250ZW50PSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9uYW1lPSZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5JnV0bV90ZXJtPSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA1MDkuOTQ1NjU5MjEifQ.2LLW5PzXqTN2R7qdhXdjG7E8XqGpa5-6SYx3u8cFSNc/s/1514988646/br/242170303451-l"><span style="color:#0000EE">www.uspto.gov/subscribe</span></a></span><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black"> to
update or change your email preferences.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">This email was sent from an unmonitored mailbox. To contact us, please visit our website
</span><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0000EE"><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDksInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudXNwdG8uZ292L2Fib3V0L2NvbnRhY3RzP3V0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zdWJzY3JpcHRpb25jZW50ZXImdXRtX2NvbnRlbnQ9JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX25hbWU9JnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkmdXRtX3Rlcm09IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDUwOS45NDU2NTkyMSJ9.fq8UjH1xTrq8PBocQEDrT5pDcB7lpe37p1ptWbQZ3g4/s/1514988646/br/242170303451-l"><span style="color:#0000EE">www.uspto.gov/about/contacts</span></a></span><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">.
To ensure that you continue to receive our news and notices, please modify your email filters to allow mail from
</span><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#0000EE"><a href="mailto:subscriptioncenter@subscriptions.uspto.gov"><span style="color:#0000EE">subscriptioncenter@subscriptions.uspto.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:black">.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p> <o:p></o:p></p>
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="600" style="width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="max-width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" style="background:white;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="600" valign="top" style="width:6.25in;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div id="x_m_-9023298749551553549x_abe-column-block-0ab66242-1354-4b62-ba29-e7fa1758eb11">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<p><img border="0" width="600" height="116" style="width:6.25in;height:1.2083in" id="x_m_-9023298749551553549x_Picture_x0020_13" src="cid:image001.jpg@01DAA24D.F6B41730" alt="Image removed by sender."><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
<td style="padding:15.0pt 0in 15.0pt 0in"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<div id="x_m_-9023298749551553549x_tagline">
<p> <o:p></o:p></p>
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box" id="x_m_-9023298749551553549x_yahoo">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="100%" style="width:100.0%;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="600" style="width:6.25in;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<div align="center">
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse;border-spacing: 0px;box-sizing: border-box">
<tbody>
<tr style="height:15.0pt">
<td colspan="2" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:15.0pt">
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center">
<hr size="1" width="100%" align="center">
</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="89%" style="width:89.0%;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<p><span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#757575">This email was sent to
<a href="mailto:suzannah@canadylortz.com">suzannah@canadylortz.com</a> using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: United States Patent and Trademark Office ·600 Dulany Street · Alexandria , VA 22314</span><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td width="11%" style="width:11.0%;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in">
<p align="right" style="text-align:right"><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMTAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vc3Vic2NyaWJlcmhlbHAuZ3JhbmljdXMuY29tLz91dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c3Vic2NyaXB0aW9uY2VudGVyJnV0bV9jb250ZW50PSZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9uYW1lPSZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5JnV0bV90ZXJtPSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA1MDkuOTQ1NjU5MjEifQ.w5UH5_d9De1PY98UTXnxxrAgGQEQfnARCnnHUAVmsVU/s/1514988646/br/242170303451-l"><span style="text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="114" height="28" style="width:1.1875in;height:.2916in" id="x_m_-9023298749551553549x_Picture_x0020_12" src="cid:image001.jpg@01DAA24D.F6B41730" alt="Image removed by sender. GovDelivery logo"></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
<p><img border="0" width="100" height="100" style="width:1.0416in;height:1.0416in" id="x_m_-9023298749551553549x_Picture_x0020_11" src="cid:image001.jpg@01DAA24D.F6B41730" alt="Image removed by sender."><o:p></o:p></p>
<div id="x_m_-9023298749551553549DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2">
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="1" cellspacing="3" cellpadding="0" style="border:none;border-top:solid #D3D4DE 1.0pt">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="55" style="width:41.25pt;border:none;padding:9.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt">
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient"><span style="text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="46" height="29" style="width:.4791in;height:.3055in" id="_x0000_i1038" src="https://s-install.avcdn.net/ipm/preview/icons/icon-envelope-tick-round-orange-animated-no-repeat-v1.gif"></span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
</td>
<td width="470" style="width:352.5pt;border:none;padding:9.0pt .75pt .75pt .75pt">
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:13.5pt"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#41424E">Virus-free.</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#4453EA"><a href="https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient"><span style="color:#4453EA">www.avast.com</span></a></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#41424E"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal">--<br>
Patentpractice mailing list<br>
<a href="mailto:Patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com">Patentpractice@oppedahl-lists.com</a><br>
<a href="http://oppedahl-lists.com/mailman/listinfo/patentpractice_oppedahl-lists.com">http://oppedahl-lists.com/mailman/listinfo/patentpractice_oppedahl-lists.com</a><o:p></o:p></p>
</blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br>
<br>
--<o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Open Sans",sans-serif;color:#667FA0"><a href="https://www.iam-media.com/strategy300/individuals/david-boundy"><span style="color:#667FA0;text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="73" height="92" style="width:.7569in;height:.9583in" id="_x0000_i1037" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/mail-sig/AIorK4wRMgBgcdZCqTw68Gg6ihENvW6_y8dGBqYvnJwiaIyu6LO5a7IJ-cljKsueIE5uxXbT6s9MN5hE2lGU"></span><span style="color:#667FA0;text-decoration:none">
</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#606E9A">David Boundy
</span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#7C869A">| Partner
<span style="background:white">| </span>Potomac Law Group, PLLC</span><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#323130"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#7C869A">P.O. Box 590638, Newton, MA 02459</span><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#323130"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#7C869A">Tel (646) 472-9737
</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:gray">|</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#7C869A"> Fax: (202) 318-7707<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><u><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#FE46A5"><a href="mailto:dboundy@potomaclaw.com" title="mailto:dboundy@potomaclaw.com"><span style="color:#FE46A5">dboundy@potomaclaw.com</span></a></span></u><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0C64C0"> </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#7C869A">|
</span><u><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0C64C0"><a href="http://www.potomaclaw.com/" title="http://www.potomaclaw.com/"><span style="color:#0C64C0">www.potomaclaw.com</span></a></span></u><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:#7C869A"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10.0pt"><a href="http://ssrn.com/author=2936470">Articles at http://ssrn.com/author=2936470</a></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:black"><a href="https://www.keynect.us/requestCardAccess/USA500DBOUN?"><span style="color:black">Click here to add me to your contacts.</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
</body>
</html>