Appeal No.2002-1516
Application No. 09/052,744
USB port/connector 111 for connecting to a hosting device (computer 100 with data bus
101). Burnett teaches a USB interface (either cable 126 or mouse 120) electrically
connected to the USB connector. Burnett teaches that the mouse 120 contains pointing
device 133 and transceiver 131 and an EM emitter/sensor mounted on the exterior of
the mouse. In the RF embodiment as claimed in Burnett claim 4 there would have been
an antenna operatively coupled to the transceiver. Therefore, we find that Burnett
teaches the invention as recited in appellants’ independent claim 17. A claim that is
anticipated by a reference is also obvious under 35 U.S.C. § 103, since "anticipation is
the epitome of obviousness." See, e.g., Connell v. Sears, Roebuck & Co., 722 F.2d
1542, 1548, 220 USPQ 193, 198 (Fed. Cir. 1983); In re Fracalossi, 681 F.2d 792, 794,
215 USPQ 569, 571 (CCPA 1982); In re Pearson, 494 F.2d 1399, 1402, 181 USPQ
641, 644 (CCPA 1974). Therefore, we will sustain the rejection of independent claim 17
and its dependent claim 18.
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