Ex Parte JOHNSON - Page 17




             Interference No. 104,314                                                                                       
             Sauer Inc. v. Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.                                                                 

             right hand figure of Exhibit 2224 as a generally L-shaped member 48, neither provides any                      
             explanation for that conclusion. In our view, no matter how the figure is rotated, the overall                 
             structure cannot reasonably be deemed as "generally L-shaped." We are not persuaded by the                     

             declaration testimony of Mr. Joseph Louis and Mr. Alan Johnson which offer no explanation for                  
             their regarding the structural component 48 as generally L-shaped. In our view, the structure is               
             not reasonably close to having an L shape in appearance and so it is not generally L-shaped. No                
             particular interpretation is necessary, since the descriptive language is a common term out of the             
             English language. Sauer does not contend that it has given special meaning to the term or that                 
             the term is a technical term of art in this field with a standardized conventional meaning.                    
                     In arriving at our conclusion regarding the "generally L-shaped" feature, we have not had              

             occasion to consider the testimony of Kanzaki's witness Mr. Roland von Kaler. Therefore, it is                 
             not necessary to reach Sauer's argument that we should discredit the testimony of Mr. von Kaler.               
             We are simply not persuaded by the conclusory reference to a generally L-shaped member by                      
             Mr. Alan Johnson and Mr. Joseph Louis on this issue, even without considering or relying on any                

             testimony of Mr. von Kaler and while giving the term "generally L-shaped" its broadest                         
             reasonable interpretation. Note that Paragraph No. 42 in the Standing Order states:                            
                            Affidavits expressing an opinion of an expert must disclose the underlying                      
                     facts or data upon which the opinion is based. See Fed R. Evid. 705 and 37 CFR                         
                     §§ 1.639(b) and 1.671(b).                                                                              

                            Opinions expressed without disclosing the underlying facts or data may be                       
                     given little, or no, weight. See Rohm and Haas Co. v. Brotech CoM., 127 F.3d                           
                     1089,1092, 44 USPQ2d 1459, 1462 (Fed. Cit. 1997) (Nothing in the Federal                               

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