Board ruling: HP claims anticipated by press release

In Ex parte SHAHOUMIAN , the Board affirmed a rejection, for anticipation under 102(a), of certain HP claims over a press release by Belk [“Belk Launches E-Commerce Website Featuring New Online Gift Registry For Bridal Customers.” ] appearing in PR Newswire.

The examiner had taken official notice in a rejection of other claims: The Examiner took Official Notice that “it is old and well known to print any received message or a Web page if it is desired to keep a hard copy of the message or Web page.” Ans. 7. [Hereinafter, Official Notice.]