Appeal 2007-2671
Application 10/461,955
comprise, as polymerized units, at least one multiethylenically unsaturated
monomer; wherein said polymeric nanoparticles have mean diameter of 1
nm to 50 nm; wherein said polymeric nanoparticles are made by a process of
free radical solution polymerization in an organic solvent; and wherein the
total solids level of said curable fluids is 75% or higher.
The Examiner relies upon the following references as evidence of
obviousness:
Rowley 6,420,023 B1 Jul. 16, 2002
Young 6,883,908 B2 Apr. 26, 2005
Appellants' claimed invention is directed to a curable fluid comprising
polymeric nanoparticles. The total solids level of the curable fluid is 75% to
higher.
Appealed claims 1, 2, 4, and 5 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a)
as being unpatentable over Rowley.
Appellants do not set forth an argument that is reasonably specific to
any particular claim on appeal. Accordingly, all of the appealed claims
stand or fall together with claim 1.
We have thoroughly reviewed each of Appellants' arguments for
patentability. However, we are in complete agreement with the Examiner
that the claimed subject matter would have been obvious to one of ordinary
skill in the art within the meaning of § 103 in view of the applied prior art.
Accordingly, we will sustain the Examiner's rejection for essentially those
reasons expressed in the Answer.
There is no dispute that Rowley, like Appellants, discloses a curable
fluid comprising polymeric nanoparticles having the claimed mean diameter.
The principal argument advanced by Appellants is that Rowley does not
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