Appeal No. 2006-1931
Application No. 10/305,201
free amino or carboxyl groups on the fatty acid-polyamine reaction product establishes the
polarity of the product. Further, the Examiner has asserted that EP '467 is suggestive of using
such compounds in aqueous adhesives. The claimed invention is open to the inclusion of other
components in the adhesive composition which could disperse the reaction product. That is,
there is no requirement that the only components contained in the sealing or adhesive
composition are the formed reaction product of (A) and (B).
The Examiner does not rely on the GB '738 reference to teach the differences identified
above regarding claims 19, 20, 33, 34, and 43 discussed above. As such, to the extent that the
Examiner has rejected these claims over the combined teachings of GB '738 and EP '467 we
reverse.
THE REJECTIONS OVER GB '782, RUSSELL, AND MARTINO
The Examiner has not met the burden of establishing a prima facie case of obviousness
over the teachings of GB '782, Russell, and/or Martino. The Examiner recognizes (Answer, page
6) that Martino and Russell do not recite the utility as an adhesive. The Examiner recognizes
Answer, page 9) that GB '782 discloses utility of the composition as a binder. The Examiner has
not directed us to the portions of these references that establish that the disclosed reaction
products of fatty acid compounds derived from vegetable oils with triglyceride structures are
suitable for use as adhesives. Furthermore, we have not been directed to evidence that
establishes that the reaction products of GB '782, Russell, and Martino are functionally
equivalent to the reaction products disclosed in EP '467 and GB '738. As such, the Examiner has
not met the burden of establishing that the rejected claims are prima facie obvious over GB '782,
Russell, and Martino alone, or in combinations with themselves, as well as in combination with
-7-
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007