Appeal No. 2001-1449 Page 9
Application No. 08/791,177
motivation or suggestion for combining the teachings of Takiar and Tsubouchi.
Specifically, appellants argue that combining the teachings of Takiar and Tsubouchi
does not advance the purposes of either Takiar or Tsubouchi [brief, pages 23-27]. The
examiner responds that Tsubouchi was cited only to teach that flip-chip bonding was
conventional. The examiner notes that the fact that flip-chip bonding and solder ball
connections are complex and expensive does not render such connections as being
non-obvious to the artisan [answer, pages 7-8].
We agree with the examiner for the reasons given in the answer. The fact that
Takiar recognizes that flip-chip connections have been used although they are complex
and expensive teaches the obviousness of flip-chip connections using solder balls
within the meaning of 35 U.S.C. § 103. Therefore, we sustain the rejection of claims 33
and 34.
In summary, we have sustained the examiner’s rejection with respect to claims
20-31, 33-38 and 41, but we have not sustained the examiner’s rejection with respect to
claim 32. Accordingly, the decision of the examiner rejecting claims 20-38 and 41 is
affirmed-in-part.
No time period for taking any subsequent action in connection with this appeal
may be extended under 37 CFR § 1.136(a).
AFFIRMED-IN-PART
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