Ex Parte Tseng et al - Page 1




                               The opinion in support of the decision being entered today was not written                             
                                       for publication and is not binding precedent of the Board.                                     

                            UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE                                                                 
                                                           __________                                                                 
                                  BEFORE THE BOARD OF PATENT APPEALS                                                                  
                                                  AND INTERFERENCES                                                                   
                                                           __________                                                                 
                               Ex parte MINGCHIH M. TSENG, and CARL M. PHILBROOK                                                      
                                                           __________                                                                 
                                                     Appeal No. 2006-3223                                                             
                                                   Application No. 10/663,352                                                         
                                                           __________                                                                 
                                                            ON BRIEF                                                                  
                                                           __________                                                                 
               Before ADAMS, GREEN, LEBOVITZ and, Administrative Patent Judges.                                                       
               LEBOVITZ, Administrative Patent Judge.                                                                                 

                                                    DECISION ON APPEAL                                                                
                       This appeal involves claims to a color changing matrix comprising a layer that                                 
               contains water-insoluble polymer, water-soluble polymer, and water-leachable colorant.                                 
               The Examiner has rejected the claims as anticipated.  We have jurisdiction under                                       
               35 U.S.C. § 134.  We reverse.                                                                                          
                                                           Background                                                                 
                       Tooth decay and periodontal disease are caused by bacteria in the mouth.                                       
               Specification, page 1, lines 7-8.  Brushing the teeth is a common of way of reducing                                   
               mouth bacteria.  Id., page 1, lines 11-12.  “After a toothbrush has been used, there are a                             
               large number of bacteria clinging to the bristles, even after the brush has been rinsed.”                              







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