EAST Search History
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`
`PTO/SB/OSa (07-09)
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`Complete if Known
`11/347,024-Conf. #1383
`February 3, 2006
`David Cheng
`3694
`A. Basit
`Attorney Docket Number 569208005US
`
`Substitute for form 1449/PTO
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`to the Cite No. are not supplied (under 37 CFR 1.98(a)(2)(iii» because that application was filed after June 30, 2003 or is available in the IFW. ' Applicant's
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`possible. 6 Applicant is to ptace a check mark here if English language Translation is attached.
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`56920-8005.USOO/LEGAL 17410576.1
`
`

`
`PTO/SB/OBb (07-09)
`Approved for use through 07/31/2012. OMB 0651-0031
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`Subst~ute for form 1449/PTO
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`INFORMATION DISCLOSURE
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`Complete" Known
`111347,024-Conf. #1383
`February 3,2006
`David Cheng
`3694
`A. Basit
`Attorney Docket Number 569208005US
`
`First Named Inventor
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`Non-Final Office Action for U.S. Application No. 111524,047, Mail Date 10/28/09, Examiner V.
`Cumarasegaran, 12 pages.
`Final Office Action for U.S. Application No. 11/524,048, Mail Date 12/08/09, Examiner A. Basit,
`12 paQes.
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`56920-8005. USOO/LEGAL 17410576.1
`
`

`
`Electronic Acknowledgement Receipt
`
`EFSID:
`
`Application Number:
`
`6746164
`
`11347024
`
`International Application Number:
`
`Confirmation Number:
`
`1383
`
`Title of Invention:
`
`Automatically determining a current value for a real estate property, such as
`a home, that is tailored to input from a human user, such as its owner
`
`First Named Inventor/Applicant Name:
`
`David Cheng
`
`Customer Number:
`
`25096
`
`Filer:
`
`Christopher J. Daley-Watson/Erica Tollefson
`
`Filer Authorized By:
`
`Christopher J. Daley-Watson
`
`Attorney Docket Number:
`
`569208005US
`
`Receipt Date:
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`Filing Date:
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`TimeStamp:
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`04-JAN-2010
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`03-FEB-2006
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`19:02:33
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`Utility under 35 USC 111 (a)
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`Multipart Description/PDF files in .zip description
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`Transmittal Letter
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`Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) Filed (SB/08)
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`1362590
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`

`
`Docket No.: 569208005US
`(PATENT)
`
`IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`In re Patent Application of:
`Cheng et al.
`
`Application No.: 11/347,024
`
`Confirmation No.: 1383
`
`Filed: February 3, 2006
`
`For: AUTOMATICALLY DETERMINING A
`CURRENT VALUE FOR A REAL ESTATE
`PROPERTY, SUCH AS A HOME, THAT IS
`TAILORED TO INPUT FROM A HUMAN
`USER, SUCH AS ITS OWNER
`
`Art Unit: 3694
`
`Examiner: A. Basit
`
`THIRD SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION DISCLOSURE STATEMENT nDS)
`
`MS Amendment
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
`
`Sir:
`
`Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.56, 1.97 and 1.98, the attention of the Patent and
`Trademark Office
`is hereby directed to the references
`listed on the attached
`PTO/SB/08.
`It is respectfully requested that the information be expressly considered
`
`during the prosecution of this application, and that the references be made of record
`
`therein and appear among the "References Cited" on any patent to issue therefrom.
`
`This Information Disclosure Statement is filed more than three months after the
`u.S. filing date, OR more than three months after the date of entry of the national stage
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`of a PCT application, AND after the mailing date of the first Office Action on the merits,
`
`whichever occurs first, but before the mailing date of a Final Office Action or Notice of
`
`Allowance (37 CFR 1.97{c».
`
`56920-8005.USOOIlEGAL 17410569. 1
`
`

`
`Application No.: 11/347,024
`
`Docket No.: 569208005US
`
`I hereby certify, pursuant to 37 CFR 1.97(e)(2), that no item of information
`
`contained in this Information Disclosure Statement was cited in a communication from a
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`foreign patent office in a counterpart foreign application and, to my knowledge after
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`making reasonable inquiry, no item of information contained in this Information
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`Disclosure Statement was known to any individual designated in 37 CFR 1.56(c) more
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`than three months prior to the filing of this Information Disclosure Statement.
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`In accordance with 37 CFR 1.98(a)(2)(ii), Applicant has not submitted copies of
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`U.S. patents and U.S. patent applications. Applicant submits herewith copies of non(cid:173)
`patent literature in accordance with 37 CFR 1.98(a)(2).
`
`This Information Disclosure Statement is not to be construed as a representation
`that: (i) a search has been made; (ii) additional information that may be material to the
`
`examination of this application does not exist; (iii) the information, protocols, results and
`the like reported by third parties are accurate or enabling; or (iv) the cited information is,
`or is considered to be, material to patentability. In addition, applicant does not admit
`that any enclosed item of information constitutes prior art to the subject invention and
`
`specifically reserves the right to demonstrate that any such reference is not prior art.
`
`It is submitted that the Information Disclosure Statement is in compliance with 37
`
`CFR 1.98 and the Examiner is respectfully requested to consider the listed references.
`
`The Director is hereby authorized to charge any deficiency in the fees filed,
`asserted to be filed or which should have been filed herewith (or with any paper
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`hereafter filed in this application by this firm) to our Deposit Account No. 50-0665, under
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`Order No. 569208005US.
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`56920-BOO5.USOOILEGAL 17410569.1
`
`2
`
`

`
`Application No.: 11/347,024
`
`Docket No.: 569208005US
`
`Dated:
`
`\ f ~ Ito
`
`Respectfully s
`
`By ________ T-__ ~-----
`Steven D. Law nz
`Registration No.: 37
`PERKINS COlE LLP
`P.O. Box 1247
`Seattle, Washington 98111-1247
`(206) 359-8000
`(206) 359-7198 (Fax)
`Attorney for Applicant
`
`56920-8005.USOO/LEQAL 17410569.1
`
`3
`
`

`
`UNITED STAlES P A lENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`
`UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`United States Patent and Trademark Office
`Address: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS
`P.o. Box 1450
`Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
`www.uspto.gov
`
`APPLICATION NO.
`
`FILING DATE
`
`FIRST NAMED INVENTOR
`
`ATTORNEY DOCKET NO.
`
`CONFIRMATION NO.
`
`111347,024
`
`02/0312006
`
`David Cheng
`
`569208005US
`
`1383
`
`12110/2009
`
`7590
`25096
`PERKINS COlE LLP
`PAlENT-SEA
`P.O. BOX 1247
`SEATTLE, WA 98111-1247
`
`EXAMINER
`
`BASIT, ABDUL
`
`ART UNIT
`
`PAPER NUMBER
`
`3694
`
`NOTIFICATION DATE
`
`DELIVERY MODE
`
`12/10/2009
`
`ELECTRONIC
`
`Please find below and/or attached an Office communication concerning this application or proceeding.
`
`The time period for reply, if any, is set in the attached communication.
`
`Notice of the Office communication was sent electronically on above-indicated "Notification Date" to the
`following e-mail addressees):
`patentprocurement@perkinscoie.com
`skempe@perkinscoie.com
`
`PTOL-90A (Rev. 04/07)
`
`

`
`Office Action Summary
`
`Application No.
`
`Applicant(s)
`
`11/347,024
`
`Examiner
`
`CHENG ET AL.
`
`Art Unit
`
`3694
`ABDUL BASIT
`-- The MAILING DA TE of this communication appears on the cover sheet with the correspondence address --
`Period for Reply
`
`A SHORTENED STATUTORY PERIOD FOR REPLY IS SET TO EXPIRE ~ MONTH(S) OR THIRTY (30) DAYS,
`WHICHEVER IS LONGER, FROM THE MAILING DATE OF THIS COMMUNICATION.
`- Extensions of time may be available under the provisions of 37 CFR 1.136(a). In no event, however, maya reply be timely filed
`after SIX (6) MONTHS from the mailing date of this communication.
`If NO period for reply is specified above, the maximum statutory period will apply and will expire SIX (6) MONTHS from the mailing date of this communication.
`-
`- Failure to reply within the set or extended period for reply will, by statute, cause the application to become ABANDONED (35 U.S.C. § 133).
`Any reply received by the Office later than three months after the mailing date of this communication, even if timely filed, may reduce any
`earned patent term adjustment. See 37 CFR 1.704(b).
`
`Status
`
`1)1ZI Responsive to communication(s) filed on 03 Februarv 2006.
`2a)0 This action is FINAL.
`2b)1ZI This action is non-final.
`3)0 Since this application is in condition for allowance except for formal matters, prosecution as to the merits is
`closed in accordance with the practice under Ex parte Quay/e, 1935 CD. 11, 453 O.G. 213.
`
`Disposition of Claims
`
`4)1ZI Claim(s) 1-43 is/are pending in the application.
`4a) Of the above claim(s) __ is/are withdrawn from consideration.
`5)0 Claim(s) __ is/are allowed.
`6)1ZI Claim(s) 1-43 is/are rejected.
`7)0 Claim(s) __ is/are objected to.
`8)0 Claim(s) __ are subject to restriction and/or election requirement.
`
`Application Papers
`
`9)0 The specification is objected to by the Examiner.
`10)0 The drawing(s) filed on __ is/are: a)O accepted or b)O objected to by the Examiner.
`Applicant may not request that any objection to the drawing(s) be held in abeyance. See 37 CFR 1.85(a).
`
`Replacement drawing sheet(s) including the correction is required if the drawing(s) is objected to. See 37 CFR 1.121 (d).
`11)0 The oath or declaration is objected to by the Examiner. Note the attached Office Action or form PTO-152.
`
`Priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119
`
`12)0 Acknowledgment is made of a claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)-(d) or (f).
`a)O All b)O Some * c)O None of:
`1.0 Certified copies of the priority documents have been received.
`2.0 Certified copies of the priority documents have been received in Application No. __ .
`3.0 Copies of the certified copies of the priority documents have been received in this National Stage
`application from the International Bureau (PCT Rule 17.2(a)).
`* See the attached detailed Office action for a list of the certified copies not received.
`
`Attachment(s)
`
`1) IZI Notice of References Cited (PTO-892)
`2) 0 Notice of Draftsperson's Patent Drawing Review (PTO-948)
`3) IZIlnformation Disclosure Statement(s) (PTO/SS/08)
`Paper No(s)/Mail Date 4/19/07.5/6/09. 10/14/09.
`
`4) 0 Interview Summary (PTO-413)
`Paper No(s)/Mail Date. __ .
`5) 0 Notice of Informal Patent Application
`6) 0 Other: __ .
`
`U.s. Patent and Trademark Office
`PTOL-326 (Rev. 08-06)
`
`Office Action Summary
`
`Part of Paper No.lMail Date 20091203
`
`

`
`Application/Control Number: 11/347,024
`Art Unit: 3694
`
`Page 2
`
`DETAILED ACTION
`
`Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
`
`1.
`
`The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 1 03(a) which forms the basis for all
`
`obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
`
`(a) A patent may not be obtained though the invention is not identically disclosed or described as set
`forth in section 102 of this title, if the differences between the subject matter sought to be patented and
`the prior art are such that the subject matter as a whole would have been obvious at the time the
`invention was made to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which said subject matter pertains.
`Patentability shall not be negatived by the manner in which the invention was made.
`
`2.
`
`Claims 1-2, 5-14 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 1 03(a) as being unpatentable over
`
`Cheetham (US Pat. No.6, 178,406).
`
`Regarding claim 1:
`
`Cheetham teaches/suggests a method in a computing system for automatically
`
`determining a
`
`valuation for a subject home in response to input from an owner of the home,
`
`comprising:
`
`presenting a display that includes an indication of a first valuation determined for the
`
`subject home and indications of attributes of the subject home used in the
`
`determination, the indicated valuation being determined by applying to the indicated
`
`attributes a geographically-specific home valuation model is based upon a plurality of
`
`homes near the subject home recently sold; (see at least Figs. 1-3 and col. 2-4
`
`generally)
`
`presenting a display that solicits input from the owner that updates one or more of the
`
`indicated attributes; (see at least Figs. 1-3 and col. 2-4 generally)
`
`receiving first input from the owner that updates one or more of the indicated
`
`

`
`Application/Control Number: 11/347,024
`Art Unit: 3694
`
`attributes; (see at least Figs. 1-3 and col. 2-4 generally)
`
`Page 3
`
`applying the geographically-specific home valuation model to attributes of the subject
`
`home as updated by the first input to determine and display a second valuation for the
`
`subject home; (see at least Figs. 1-3 and col. 2-4 generally)
`
`presenting a display that solicits input from the owner that identifies the type, cost, and
`
`timing of one or more home improvements performed on the subject home; (see at least
`
`Figs. 1-3 and col. 2-4 generally)
`
`receiving second input from the owner that identifies the type, cost, and timing of one or
`
`more home improvements performed on the subject home; (see at least Figs. 1-3 and
`
`col. 2-4 generally)
`
`using the second input to determine and display (a) a present value of the identified
`
`home improvements and (b) a third valuation that takes into account the present value
`
`of the identified home improvements; (see at least Figs. 1-3 and col. 2-4 generally)
`
`presenting a display that solicits input from the owner that identifies other assets or
`
`liabilities of the subject home and the value attributed to them by the owner;
`
`receiving third input from the owner that identifies other aspects of the subject home
`
`affecting its value and the value attributed to them by the owner; (see at least Figs. 1-3
`
`and col. 2-4 generally)
`
`determining a valuation adjustment corresponding to the identified aspects; (see at least
`
`Figs. 1-3 and col. 2-4 generally)
`
`displaying a fourth valuation that takes into account the determined valuation
`
`adjustment corresponding to the identified aspects; (see at least Figs. 1-3 and col. 2-4
`
`

`
`Application/Control Number: 11/347,024
`Art Unit: 3694
`
`generally)
`
`Page 4
`
`presenting a display that solicits input from the owner that identifies homes near the
`
`subject home that the owner regards as similar to the subject home; (see at least Figs.
`
`1-3 and col. 2-4 generally)
`
`receiving fourth input from the owner that identifies homes near the subject home
`
`recently sold that the owner regards as similar to the subject home; (see at least Figs.
`
`1-3 and col. 2-4 generally)
`
`using the fourth input to generate a tailored geographically-specific home valuation
`
`model that (1) is based upon a plurality of homes near the subject home recently sold
`
`that is a superset of the homes identified by the fourth input, but (2) places special
`
`emphasis on the homes identified by the fourth input; (see at least Figs. 1-3 and col. 2-4
`
`generally)
`
`applying the tailored valuation model to the updated attributes of the subject home to
`
`obtain a fifth valuation of the subject home; (see at least Figs. 1-3 and col. 2-4
`
`generally) and
`
`displaying the fifth valuation based on the application of the tailored valuation
`
`model. (see at least Figs. 1-3 and col. 2-4 generally)
`
`Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the
`
`invention to use Cheetham to suggest all the features in the claim.
`
`Regarding claim 2:
`
`Cheetham teaches/suggests a computer-readable medium whose contents cause a
`
`computing
`
`

`
`Application/Control Number: 11/347,024
`Art Unit: 3694
`
`Page 5
`
`system to perform a method for procuring information about a distinguished property
`
`from its owner that is usable to refine an automatic valuation of the distinguished
`
`property, the method comprising:
`
`displaying at least a portion of information about the distinguished property used in the
`
`automatic valuation of the distinguished property; (see at least Figs. 1-3 and col. 2-4
`
`generally)
`
`obtaining user input from the owner adjusting at least one aspect of information about
`
`the distinguished property used in the automatic valuation of the distinguished property;
`
`(see at least Figs. 1-3 and col. 2-4 generally) and
`
`displaying to the owner a refined valuation of the distinguished property that is based on
`
`the adjustment of the obtained user input. (see at least Figs. 1-3 and col. 2-4 generally)
`
`Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the
`
`invention to use Cheetham to suggest all the features in the claim.
`
`Regarding claim 5:
`
`Cheetham teaches/suggests that the computer-readable medium of claim 2 wherein the
`
`adjustment of the obtained user input includes altering property attributes used in the
`
`automatic valuation of the distinguished property, and wherein the displayed refined
`
`valuation is based at least in part on the altered property attributes. (see at least Figs. 1-
`
`3 and col. 2-4 generally)
`
`

`
`Application/Control Number: 11/347,024
`Art Unit: 3694
`
`Page 6
`
`Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the
`
`invention to use Cheetham to suggest all the features in the claim.
`
`Regarding claim 6:
`
`Cheetham teaches/suggests that the computer-readable medium of claim 2 wherein the
`
`adjustment of the obtained user input includes adding a description of an improvement
`
`to the distinguished property, and wherein the displayed refined valuation is based at
`
`least in part on a valuation of the described improvement. (see at least Figs. 1-3 and
`
`col. 2-4 generally)
`
`Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the
`
`invention to use Cheetham to suggest all the features in the claim.
`
`Regarding claim 7:
`
`Cheetham teaches/suggests that the computer-readable medium of claim 2 wherein the
`
`adjustment of the obtained user input includes adding a description of an aspect of the
`
`distinguished property not considered by the automatic valuation of the distinguished
`
`property and an estimate by the owner of its value, and wherein the displayed refined
`
`valuation is based at least in part on the estimate of the value of the described aspect.
`
`(see at least Figs. 1-3 and col. 2-4 generally)
`
`Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the
`
`invention to use Cheetham to suggest all the features in the claim.
`
`Regarding claim 8:
`
`Cheetham teaches/suggests that the computer-readable medium of claim 2 wherein the
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`adjustment of the obtained user input includes identifying recent sales of nearby
`
`

`
`Application/Control Number: 11/347,024
`Art Unit: 3694
`
`Page 7
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`properties regarded by the owner as similar to the distinguished property, and wherein
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`the displayed refined valuation is based at least in part on a repetition of the automatic
`
`valuation of the distinguished property in which the influence of the identified sales is
`
`magnified. (see at least Figs. 1-3 and col. 2-4 generally)
`
`Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the
`
`invention to use Cheetham to suggest all the features in the claim.
`
`Regarding claim 9:
`
`Cheetham teaches/suggests that the computer-readable medium of claim 8 wherein the
`
`adjustment of the obtained user input further includes identifying a scoring of the
`
`properties sold in the identified sales reflecting the relative level of similarity of the sold
`
`properties to the distinguished property, and wherein the displayed refined valuation is
`
`based at least in part on a repetition of the automatic valuation of the distinguished
`
`property in which the influence of the identified sales is magnified in a manner
`
`consistent with the identified scores. (see at least Figs. 1-3 and col. 2-4 generally)
`
`Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the
`
`invention to use Cheetham to suggest all the features in the claim.
`
`Regarding claim 10:
`
`Cheetham teaches/suggests that the computer-readable medium of claim 9 wherein the
`
`user input identifies a scoring of the properties sold in the identified sales reflecting the
`
`relative level of similarity of the sold properties to the distinguished property by
`
`specifying a ranked order for the identified sales. (see at least Figs. 1-3 and col. 2-4
`
`generally)
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`

`
`Application/Control Number: 11/347,024
`Art Unit: 3694
`
`Page 8
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`Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the
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`invention to use Cheetham to suggest all the features in the claim.
`
`Regarding claim 13:
`
`Cheetham teaches/suggests that the computer-readable medium of claim 8, the method
`
`further
`
`comprising displaying a table comprising rows each containing textual information about
`
`a different one of a plurality of recent sales of nearby properties,
`
`and wherein the owner identifies each recent sale of a nearby property regarded by the
`
`owner as similar to the distinguished property by interaction with the row containing
`
`information about the sale. (see at least Figs. 1-3 and col. 2-4 generally)
`
`Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the
`
`invention to use Cheetham to suggest all the features in the claim.
`
`Regarding claim 14:
`
`Cheetham teaches/suggests that the computer-readable medium of claim 2 wherein the
`
`adjustment of the obtained user input includes identifying nearby properties regarded by
`
`the owner as similar to the distinguished property, and wherein the displayed refined
`
`valuation is based at least in part on a repetition of the automatic valuation of the
`
`distinguished property in which the influence of values for the identified sales properties
`
`is magnified. (see at least Figs. 1-3 and col. 2-4 generally)
`
`Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the
`
`invention to use Cheetham to suggest all the features in the claim.
`
`

`
`Application/Control Number: 11/347,024
`Art Unit: 3694
`
`Page 9
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`3.
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`Claims 11-12 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 1 03(a) as being unpatentable over
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`Cheetham in view of Kim (US pat. Pub. No. 2005/154657)
`
`Regarding claim 11:
`
`Kim, not Cheetham teaches/suggests that the computer-readable medium of claim 8,
`
`the method further comprising displaying a map showing properties in a geographic
`
`region surrounding the distinguished property, and wherein the owner identifies the
`
`recent sales of nearby properties regarded by the owner as similar to the distinguished
`
`property by selecting them on the displayed map. (see at least paragraphs 7-29)
`
`Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the
`
`invention to modify Cheetham with Kim. Motivation to modify exists because a map is a
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`common method of indicating properties in a geographic region.
`
`Regarding claim 12:
`
`Kim, not Cheetham, teaches/suggests that the computer-readable medium of claim 8,
`
`the method further
`
`comprising displaying a map showing properties in a geographic region surrounding the
`
`distinguished property, and wherein the owner identifies each recent sale of a nearby
`
`property regarded by the owner as similar to the distinguished property by selecting a
`
`control in a popup balloon associated with its location on the displayed map. (see at
`
`least paragraphs 7-29)
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`Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the
`
`

`
`Application/Control Number: 11/347,024
`Art Unit: 3694
`
`Page 10
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`invention to modify Cheetham with Kim. Motivation to modify exists because a map is a
`
`common method of indicating properties in a geographic region.
`
`3.
`
`Claims 15-43 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 1 03(a) as being unpatentable over
`
`Bradley (US pat. No. 7,289,965)
`
`Regarding claim 15:
`
`Bradley teaches/suggests a method in a computing system for refining an automatic
`
`valuation of a distinguished home based upon input from a user knowledgeable about
`
`the distinguished home, comprising:
`
`obtaining user input adjusting at least one aspect of information about the distinguished
`
`home used in the automatic valuation of the distinguished home; (see at least col. 1-3,
`
`15 and 16)
`
`automatically determining a refined valuation of the distinguished home that is based on
`
`the adjustment of the obtained user input; (see at least col. 1-3, 15 and 16)and
`
`presenting the refined valuation of the distinguished home. (see at least col. 1-3, 15 and
`
`16)
`
`Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the
`
`invention to use Bradley to suggest all the features in the claim.
`
`Regarding claim 16:
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`

`
`Application/Control Number: 11/347,024
`Art Unit: 3694
`
`Page 11
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`Bradley teaches/suggests that the method of claim 15 wherein the presenting involves
`
`displaying the refined valuation of the distinguished home to a user providing the user
`
`input. (see at least col. 1-3, 15 and 16)
`
`Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the
`
`invention to use Bradley to suggest all the features in the claim.
`
`Regarding claim 17:
`
`Bradley teaches/suggests that the method of claim 15 wherein the presenting involves
`
`displaying the refined valuation of the distinguished home to a user other than the user
`
`providing the user input. (see at least col. 1-3, 15 and 16)
`
`Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the
`
`invention to use Bradley to suggest all the features in the claim.
`
`Regarding claim 18:
`
`Bradley teaches/suggests that the method of claim 15 wherein the automatic valuation
`
`of the
`
`distinguished home involves applying a geographically-specific home valuation model to
`
`attributes indicated by an external data source to be possessed by the distinguished
`
`home,
`
`and wherein the adjustment of the obtained user input includes altering the home
`
`attributes indicated by an external data source to be possessed by the distinguished
`
`home, and wherein the determined refined valuation is based at least in part on
`
`

`
`Application/Control Number: 11/347,024
`Art Unit: 3694
`
`Page 12
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`applying the geographically-specific home valuation model to the altered attributes. (see
`
`at least col. 1-3, 15 and 16)
`
`Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the
`
`invention to use Bradley to suggest all the features in the claim.
`
`Regarding claim 19:
`
`Bradley teaches/suggests that the method of claim 18 wherein the geographically-
`
`specific home
`
`valuation model is a forest of classification trees each constructed from information
`
`about recent sales of homes near the distinguished home. (see at least col. 1-3, 15 and
`
`16)
`
`Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the
`
`invention to use Bradley to suggest all the features in the claim.
`
`Regarding claim 20:
`
`Bradley teaches/suggests that the method of claim 18 wherein the geographically-
`
`specific home
`
`valuation model is a linear regression model constructed from information about recent
`
`sales of homes near the distinguished home. (see at least col. 1-3, 15 and 16)
`
`Regarding claim 21:
`
`Bradley teaches/suggests that the method of claim 18 wherein the geographically-
`
`specific home
`
`valuation model is a hybrid model, utilizing both a forest of classification trees and a
`
`

`
`Application/Control Number: 11/347,024
`Art Unit: 3694
`
`Page 13
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`linear regression-derived function, both constructed from information about recent sales
`
`of home near the distinguished home. (see at least col. 1-3, 15 and 16)
`
`Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the
`
`invention to use Bradley to suggest all the features in the claim.
`
`Regarding claim 22