Appeal No. 95-2429
Application No. 07/916,770
The only applied reference in this case is the patent to
Simonetti. Simonetti discloses a database search system and
method which combines features of relational database searching
and hierarchical database searching. The example of a
hierarchical database relationship disclosed in Simonetti is the
relationship between states, counties and cities [column 4].
Simonetti has no discussion whatsoever of a database system for
storing data structures related to dictionary entries.
With respect to independent claim 1, the examiner
basically found that Simonetti teaches a hierarchical database
searching system. According to the examiner, although Simonetti
does not teach the claimed features of dictionary entries or
definitions of words, such limitations do not affect the
functionality of the claimed system, and therefore, do not
structurally distinguish the claimed invention from the Simonetti
system [final rejection, pages 9-10]. Appellants argue that
Simonetti does not disclose or suggest data structures of a
dictionary entry, and that the hierarchy and labels of a
dictionary entry data structure must be considered in the
determination of obviousness. According to appellants, the
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