Appeal No. 1998-2147
Application No. 08/247,356
[I]f a particular polyvinylphenol, having a molecular weight exceeding
8,000, is selected for the preparation of a specific photosensitive
composition, it can only be selected if, once the composition based on
the resin is applied on a substrate, it exhibits the photosensitive and
resolution characteristics expected for a composition within the scope
of the present invention. If the selected polyvinylphenol does not meet
the stated characteristics of the invention, then the polyvinylphenol is
outside the scope of the invention and cannot be used in the presently
claimed photosensitive composition.
[Reply Brief, page 2, lines 16-26].
We determine that the specification does not indicate that polyvinylphenols
whose molecular weight exceed 8,000 are suitable for use in chemical amplification
photosensitive composition as long as they exhibit the same properties as a
polyvinylphenol with a molecular weight within the range of 3,000 to 8,000. Page 19
of the specification appears to direct those skilled in the relevant art to the
disadvantages of using an alkali-soluble resin having a weight average molecular weight
which exceeds 8,000. Specifically, if the molecular weight exceeds 8,000, the chains
of the polymer itself could be crosslinked when the composition is exposed to
radiation and baked. (Specification, pages 19, lines 15-16). It follows then that the
specification does not adequately describe a chemical amplification photosensitive
composition, comprising a polyvinylphenol resin having a softening point of at least
150oC and a weight average molecular weight which exceeds 8,000. Therefore, the
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