Appeal No. 2002-2174
Application No. 09/263,166 Page 8
selected Carrier's identification code before entering the
telephone number. If the information is processed automatically
within an interface unit, the interface unit can automatically
insert the appropriate Carrier identifier before outgoing
telephone numbers (col. 2, lines 26-46). Through this bidding
process, Carriers can compete for traffic on selected routes or
compete for traffic originating from selected points in the
telecommunications network (col. 2, lines 47-50).
From the disclosure of Johnson, we find that Johnson is
directed to bidding on routing calls between two specific points
on a communications network, and is not directed to the
distribution of electronic incentives such as coupons. Thus, the
issue is whether appellants' claims are drafted in a broad enough
fashion so as to read on Johnson's invention in a manner
unintended by appellants.
From our review of Johnson, we agree with the examiner that
the list of Carrier bids meets the claimed incentive information
because of Johnson's disclosure (col. 1, lines 49 and 50) that
least cost routing is considered an economic incentive. In
addition, we agree with the examiner that claim 1 does not recite
that the match criteria is met by the consumer. We are not
persuaded by appellants' assertion that the specification
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