des brevets
`
`Europaisches
`Patentamt
`European
`Patent Office
`Office européen
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Finnie, Peter John
`Gill Jennings & Every LLP
`The Broadgate Tower
`20 Primrose Street
`London EC2A 2ES
`ROYAUME UNI
`
`European Patent Office
`80298 MUNICH
`GERMANY
`
`Questions about this communication ?
`Contact Customer Services at www.epo.org/contact
`
`Date
`
`19.01.16
`
`Reference
`PJF11074EP1
`
`BlackBerry Limited
`
`06125884.4 - 1972 / 1768359 Applicant/Proprietor
`
`Application No./Patent No.
`
`Refund of fees
`
`The following fee(s) was (were) paid in respect of the application 06125884.4:
`
`Fee
`
`Reference Voucher No
`
`Date
`
`Currency Amount
`
`Renewalfee
`
`042
`
`01347510
`
`30.11.15
`
`EUR
`
`1 560,00
`
`The fee(s) was (were) paid by Computer Packages,Inc..
`
`According to the present state of the file the refund will be mace by:
`
`CREDITING THE DEPOSIT ACCOUNT 28050014 Gill Jennings & Every LLP.
`
`Amount refundable:
`
`Reference Currency
`
`Amount
`
`Voucher No
`
`042
`
`EUR
`
`1.560,00
`
`01432417
`
`Reason for refund: Application withdrawn on
`
`The Authorising Officer
`Tschubel
`(49)(89)23995894
`
`gashPAtentay,
`x
`
`.
`
`8
`
`ing aoys0
`
`.
`
`EPO Form 2907 04.14
`
`Page 1 of 403
`
`GOOGLEEXHIBIT 1011
`
`Page 1 of 403
`
`GOOGLE EXHIBIT 1011
`
`

`

`
`
`Europaisches
`Patentamt
`European
`Patent Office
`Office européen
`des brevets
`
`Closure of the procedurein respect of application No. 06125884.4 - 1972
`
`04.01.16
`
`1.
`
`The procedurein respect of the above application is closed for the following reason:
`X REFU 2/13.04.11
`
`The time limit under Art.108 EPC has expired.
`No notice of appeal under Article 108 and Rule 99 EPC has been filed. No
`request for a decision under Rule 112(2), or for further processing under
`Article 121 EPC or for re-establishment of rights under Article 122 EPC has
`been filed.
`
`The EPASYSsituation has been verified in respect of item 1:
`
`DFIL:
`
`09.11.04
`
`NOAP: REFUAPPR/21.06.11/23.08.11/21.06.11/
`
`RDEC:
`
`/W//
`
`RFPR:
`
`REES:
`
`//
`
`///
`
`REFU S/AD\I 3 and DEAD1 coded. Dateof legal effect
`Position regarding fees:
`001
`FFEEO1
`002
`FEFSO1
`005
`DESTO3
`006
`EXAMO02
`011
`NOAP04
`015
`033
`034
`035
`036
`037
`038
`039
`040
`041
`042
`402
`402
`403
`403
`404
`404
`406
`406
`407
`407
`408
`408
`408
`408
`409
`409
`
`00760944
`00760944
`00760944
`00760944
`00766286
`00760944
`00760944
`00756284
`00340207
`00468825
`00927721
`01004042
`01040191
`01115719
`01263577
`01347510
`00131456
`00008231
`00120103
`00008231
`00760944
`00002116
`00760944
`00002116
`00760944
`00002116
`00760944
`00120103
`00002116
`00008231
`00760944
`00002116
`
`12.12.06
`12.12.06
`12.12.06
`12.12.06
`21.06.11
`12.12.06
`12.12.06
`28.11.07
`28.03.08
`14.10.09
`12.11.10
`14.11.11
`13.11.12
`18.11.13
`26.11.14
`30.11.15
`18.01.07
`12.04.07
`12.12.06
`12.04.07
`12.12.06
`08.01.07
`12.12.06
`08.01.07
`12.12.06
`08.01.07
`12.12.06
`12.12.06
`08.01.07
`12.04.07
`12.12.06
`08.01.07
`
`CLMS(2)
`RFEE 03
`RFEE 04
`RFEE 05
`RFEE 06
`RFEE 07
`RFEE 08
`RFEE 09
`RFEE 10
`RFEE 11
`RFEE 12
`EXPT02
`EXPT02
`EXPT02
`EXPT02
`EXPT02
`EXPT02
`EXPT02
`EXPT02
`EXPT02
`EXPT02
`EXPT02
`EXPT02
`EXPT02
`EXPT02
`EXPT02
`EXPT02
`
`EPO Form2058
`
`11.15
`
`Page 2 of 403
`
`20.10.2015
`
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`EUR
`
`95,00
`1 000,00
`560,00
`1 335,00
`1 180,00
`855,00
`400,00
`425,00
`450,00
`900,00
`1 050,00
`1 155,00
`1 325,00
`1 495,00
`1 560,00
`1 560,00
`102,00
`76,69
`102,00
`76,69
`102,00
`76,69
`102,00
`76,69
`102,00
`76,50
`102,00
`102,008
`76,50
`76,50
`102,00
`76,50
`
`TT22424
`
`Page 2 of 403
`
`

`

`
`
`Examination started on
`O_
`C1 Refund(s) ordered:
`
`(EXD$651).
`
`C1 Otherfees:
`DC RFEE(s):
`[1] DESTfee*
`[1 75% EXAM fee
`Note: Attention is to be paid to potential automated refund proposal(s).
`
`*Refund of DESTfeeif date of legal effect is before/on SEPU or PACT6date.
`
`Mark "DEAD" on the paperfile and:
`
`bg Check whethera divisional application is pending and if so attach the DEADfile toit.
`C1 Any modelsstill in the Office's possession were returned on
`(for dealing with models, please refer to Fil d'Ariane).
`xX Keep paperfile in file store (Separate place) until next action forfile destruction.
`
`04.01.2016
`Date
`
`Touysserkani, Tanja
`Formalities Officer
`
`EPO Form2058
`
`11.15
`
`Page 3 of 403
`
`Page 3 of 403
`
`

`

`i
`24/12/2015 12:27 Gill Jennings Every Tom Rayner ->
`
`1
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`Vf
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`5.
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`417841
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`APSplee alent et The Ragistry
`20 Primrose Street
`“No adviceofdéliveryhas!beenreceived, :
`London EC2A 2ES
`* Fiease-ecksiowledgethareceiptofthe;
`Name: MHA. Pain
`ROYAUME UNI
`EE ‘mentioned document: aS Tel.: 089 / 2399 ~ 3534
`
`
`“ranebid20°2458 Fey.
`
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`
`_
`
`2a/12/2815
`
`89:35
`
`Date:
`
`24.4145
`
`
`ZeichenRaferenca/Référance
`
`
`Anmeldung Nr/Application No/Demande n*/Patent Nr/Patent No/Braved 1°
`APPR
`PUF(1074EP1
`_|06125884
`/ 1768369
`
`
`
`
`
`Anmelder/Applicant/Demandeur/PatantinnabenPropriator/TRune
`
`
`
`BlackBerry Limited
`
`
`
`T2036/1 1-36.03
`Appeal number:
`EPA/EPO/OEB Formblatt/Form/Formulaire:
`3032
`we
`Empfangsbescheinigung iiber den Zugang des vorstehand bezelchneten Schriftstitcks
`Acknowledgement of raceipt of the document specifled above
`Récépissé du document spéciflé ci-dessus
`Unter Bezugnahme auf die Mitteilung im ABI. EPA7/2010, 377 wird gebeten, die Empfangsbescheinigung
`mit Empfangsdatum und Unterschrift zu versehen und umgehend an das EPA zurdckzusenden:
`With referenceto the Notice in OJ EPO 712010, 377, you are requested to date and sign the
`acknowledgementof receipt and return it to the EPQ immediately:
`Conformément au communiqué paru ay JO OEB 7/2010, 377, vous étes prie d'indiquer sur la recépissé la
`date de réception du document, de signer le récépissé et de le renvayer sans délai a |’ OFR:
`-
` itiber die Ontine-Dienste des EPA (als Anlage zu EPA Form 1038) / thraugh EPO Ontine Services
`(as annex to EPO Form 1038) / par les services en ligne de I'OEB(en tant que piécejointe ay
`farmulaire OEB 1 038),
`-
`per Fax / by fax / partéléfax (+49 (0) 89 2399-4465 or +34 (9)70 340-3016)
`-
` ddér per Post / or by post /ou bar courder
`Empiangen am / Received on / Regule:
`2 ¥y / oY €o/s~
`
`fenertiennanentpe
`|(Umschieg/envelope/enwelappeISOG4/DLC6/C3/C8)
`|
`Ricksenda-Adresse / Retum address / Adresse do retour
`
`Unterschrift / Signature:
`
`Emptangsberechtigter/authorised recipient’
`le destinataire ou la personne diment mandatée
`
`EFA Form 3936
`
`Outi
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`Duration: 24.12.2015 13:28:49 - 24.12.2015 13:29:02. This page 1 of 1 was Or at 24.12.2015 13:29:02
`Received at the EPO on Dec 24, 2015 13:29:02. Page 1 of
`
`Page 4 of 403
`
`Page 4 of 403
`
`

`

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`Page 5 of 403
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`
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`Page 6 of 403
`
`Page 6 of 403
`
`
`

`

`BESCHWERDEKAMMERN
`DES EUROPAISCHEN
`PATENTAMTS
`
`BOARDS OF APPEAL OF
`THE EUROPEAN PATENT
`OFFICE
`
`CHAMBRES DE RECOURS
`DE L'OFFICE EUROPEEN
`DES BREVETS
`
`Internal distribution code:
`(A)
`[- ] Publication in OJ
`(B)
`[- ] To Chairmen and Members
`(C)
`[- ] To Chairmen
`(D)
`[X] No distribution
`
`
`
`the decision
`Datasheet for
`of 20 October 2015
`
`Case Number:
`
`T 2036/11
`
`-
`
`3.5.03
`
`Application Number:
`
`06125884.4
`
`Publication Number:
`
`1768359
`
`IPC:
`
`Language of the proceedings:
`
`HO4M1/247, GO6F3/048
`FsEB
`
` EN
`
`Title of invention:
`
`
`
` Dynamic bar oriented user inter
`face for a device having a
`status bar displaying status ini
`Formation concerning the device
`
`
`
`Applicant:
`
`
`BlackBerry Limited
`
`Headword:
`
`
`
` BLACK] ERRY
`User intert
`B
`fFace/]
`
`Relevant legal provisions:
`EPC Art. 84, 113(1)
`EPC R. 115(2)
`
`RPBA Art. 15(3)
`
`
`
`Keyword:
`Claims - clarity (no)
`Oral proceedings - non-attendance ot
`
` fF party
`
`Decisions cited:
`
`Catchword:
`
`EPA Form 303
`
`This datasheet is not
`Tt can be changed at any
`
`part of the Decisior.
`time and without notice.
`
`Page 7 of 403
`
`Page 7 of 403
`
`

`

`
`
`es
`seers
`.
`x
`sees
`
`Beschwerdekammern
`Boards of Appeal
`Chambres de recours
`
`European PatentOffice
`D-80298 MUNICH
`GERMANY
`Tel. +49 (0) 89 2399-0
`Fax +49 (0) 89 2399-4466
`
`Case Number: T 2036/11 - 3.5.03
`
`DECISION
`of Technical Board of Appeal 3.5.03
`of 20 October 2015
`
`Appellant:
`(Applicant)
`
`Representative:
`
`BlackBerry Limited
`
`2200 University Avenue East
`Waterloo, ON N2K QAT
`(CA)
`
`
`Finnie, Peter John
`Gill Jennings & Every LLP
`The Broadgate Tower
`20 Primrose Street
`
`
`London EC2A 2ES (GB)
`
`
`
`Decision under appeal:
`
`Decision of the Examining Division of the
`European Patent Office posted on 13 April 2011
`refusing European patent application
`No. 06125884.4 pursuant to Article 97(2) EPC.
`
`Composition of the Board:
`Chairman
`F. van der Voort
`Members:
`B. Noll
`P. Guntz
`
`Page 8 of 403
`
`Page 8 of 403
`
`

`

`Summary of Facts and Submissions
`
`T 2036/11
`
`This appeal is against the decis
`
`division refusing European paten
`
`No. 06125884.4 (publication No.
`
`
`
`With the statement of grounds of
`
`ion of the examining
`
`
` EP 1 768 359 A2).
`
`t application
`
`appeal,
`
`the appellant
`
`filed a single set of claims and implicitly requested
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` Oral proceedings were conditiona
`
`that the decision under appeal be set aside and that a
`
`f this set of claims.
`
`patent be granted on the basis o
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Page 9 of 403
`
` lly requested.
`
`
`
` oral proceedings,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` n a communication accompanying
`
`proceedings,
`
`the board drew the
`
`to issues to be discussed at the
`
`particular inventive step of
`
`the
`
`claim 1
`
`(Articles 52(1) and 56 E
`
`drew the appellant's attention t
`
`
`
`a summons to oral
`
`appellant's attention
`
`in
`
`subject-matter o
`
`PC). The board further
`
`o
`
`the fact
`
`that if
`
`
`
`
`
`amended claims were filed in response to the
`
`
`estion of whether or
`
`communication,
`
`inter alia the qu
`
`they complied with the requi
`not
` EPC would have to be discussed i
`
`rements of Article 84
`
`n the oral proceedings.
`
`With a letter dated 18 September
`
`
`
`
`
`filed, by way of replacement,
`
`
`request and a first auxiliary re
`
`se
`
`
`
`With a further submission dated
`
`
`appellant informed the board tha
`
`attending the oral proceedings.
`
`
`
`
`
`the appellant
`2015,
`
`
`ts of claims of a main
`
`
`
`quest.
`
`16 October 2015,
`
`the
`
`t it would not be
`
`
`
`Further, it asked “for
`
`
`
`the
`
`
`a Decision in accordance with the current state of
`
` file".
`
`Oral proceedings were held on 20
`
`October 2015 in the
`
`absence of the appellant.
`
`Page 9 of 403
`
`

`

`T 2036/11
`
`The
`
`board understood
`
`
`from the appellant's submissions
`
`in writing that it was requesting that
`
`the decision
`
`under appeal be set aside and that a pa
`
`
`on
`
`the se t of cl
`the basis of
`aims of
`
` bot
`
`in the alternative, on
` of an auxiliary request
`
`h requests as submit
`
`
`
`
` ted with the
`
` tent be granted
`
`
`
`a main request or,
`
`the basis of
`
` ("first auxil
`lary request"),
`letter dated
`
`the set of claims
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`18 September 2015.
`
`At
`
`
`the end of the oral proceedings,
`
`ow
`
`
`fter deliberation,
`
`the board's decision was announced.
`
`
`
`Claim 1 of the main request reads as
`
`follows:
`
`
`
`"A method of contro
`
`(202)
`
`using a
`
`(302)
`
`displayed on a
`
`lling a mobile station
`
`
`
`graphical user inter
`face,
`'GUI',
`
`(222) of
`
`display screen
`
`the mobile station
`
`(202),
`
`the
`
`method comprising:
`
`displaying on the display screen
`
`
`the GUI
`(300) of
`
`a main screen
`
`(222)
`
`(302),
`
`the main
`
`screen (300)
`
`the main screen
`
`comprising an application portion
`
`occupying a major portion of
`
`(302)
`
`(300),
`
`for
`
`a mobile station status portion
`
`(306)
`
`
`
`displaying status information concerning the mobi
`
`station (202), and
`
`
`ity of dynamic bars
`a plural
`
`le said
`
`(304),
`
`each of
`
`plurality of dynamic bars
`
`(304)
`
`being associated with
`
`one or more applications on the mobile station
`
`
`and being configu
`
`ed to expand and collapse via
`
`(202)
`
`respectivel
`
`aying and removing a drop down or
`
`y displ
`
`pop-up interface
`at
`
`input,
`
`least one of the plurality of
`
`in response
`
`
`
`to respective user
`
`
`f dynamic bars
`
`
` 407
`
`
`
`
`being associated with a
`
`plurality o
`
`the mobile station;
`
`applications;
`
`Page 10 of 403
`
`
`
`f applications on
`
`
`
`
`managing information concerning events of
`
`said
`
`Page 10 of 403
`
`

`

`T 2036/11
`
`
`displaying in each drop down or pop-up interface
`
`preview information concerning one or
`
`(407) dynamic
`
`the
`
`more new events in the one or more applications,
`
`
`w information being determined
`
`more appl
`
`
`
`
`
`
`om the information managed by the one or
`
`ons and/or information determined from
`
`icati
`
` formation;
`the managed in
`
`dynamic previe
`
`dynamical
`ly fr
`
`
`
`in
`
`providing,
`
`invokable link
`
`the one or mor
`
`received from
`
`
`in the dynamic preview information,
`
`
`for invoking a respective application of
`
`an
`
`e applications
`
`input means of
`
`in response
`
`to user input
`
`the mobile station
`
`(202);
`
`
`
`and
`
`continuously updating the dynamic preview
`
`formation to be displayed in each drop down or pop-up
`
`interface (407
`
`)
`
`in response to
`
`a change in the
`
`
`
`
`respective one or more new events in the respective one
`
`or more applic
`
`ations."
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Claim 1 of the auxiliary request
`
`
`that in
`of the main request in
`the fifth paragraph the
`
`
`
`is inserted after "being associated with
`following text
`
`a plurality of
`applications on
`
`
`
`
`
`
`differs from claim 1
`
` the mobile station":
`
`W w
`
`, wherein the one or more applications are associated
`
`ith their respective dynamic bars
`
`(304) according to
`
`predetermined logical
`relationships between the one or
`
`relationships being contextual
`
`manner in which a user of
`
`more applications, said predetermined logical
`relationships based on a
`
`the mobile station may use
`
`
`
` functions that
`
`
`
`the one or more applications and/or
`
`functional
`
`relationships based on
`
`
`may be performed
`
`by the one or more applications".
`
`Page 11 of 403
`
`Page 11 of 403
`
`

`

`Reasons for the Decision
`
`Procedural matters
`
`T 2036/11
`
`2 below,
`
`the board
`
`in point
`For the reasons set out
`
`
` of
`m J
`concluded tha t cl al
`each
`
`
`
`requirement
`
`o
`
`
`
`
` A rt icle
`
`
`caused by
`
`the amendments to the claims made in
`
`to objections raised in the board's communication.
`
`request did not
`34 EPC due to a lack of
`
`
`
`meet
`
`the
`
`clarity
`
`response
`
`The appellant,
`
`
`which was duly summoned, had informed
`
`the board that it would not be att
`
`tending the oral
`
`
`
`board d
`
`le 15(3) RPBA).
`
`
`
`the
`
` the oral p1roceedings,
`
`
`make use of the opportunity to
`
` of
`the issues to be discussed
`
`lant
`
`appel
`comment
`
`to
`
`on any
`
`
`
`a
`them
`
`
`I
`
`but
`(see point
`instead chose to rely on the
`above),
`
`
` grounds of appeal
`tatement of
`ts set out
`in the s
`the
`which
`
`argumen
`
`and in
`
`the letter dated
`
`18 September 2015,
`
`
`
`uly considered below.
`
`Under these circumstances,
`
`the board was in a position
`
`to give a decision which complied with Article 113(1)
`
` EPC.
`
`Main request - claim 1 - clarity (Article 84 EPC)
`
`Compared to claim 1
`
`of appeal, claim 1 of the main request has been amended
`
`
`
`
`in the fifth paragraph,
`
`inter alia in that,
`
`
` grounds
`the statement of
`
` filed with
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`"displaying
`
`replaced by "displaying
`
`at least one dynamic bar" has been
`
`a plurality of dynamic
`
`bars" and in that "the at least one dynamic bar
`
`(304)
`
`being associated with one or more applications on the
`
`
`
`
`
`
`proceedings,
`
`ngs were
`
`and was indeed absen
`
`
`theres
`fore held in
`
`t. The oral
`
`the absence of
`
`the
`
`proceedi
`
`appellant
`
`decidi
`
`
`
`
`
` a
`EPC, Artic
`(Rule
`115 (2)
`LO
`not end
`ng not
`chose
`
`
`
`Page 12 of 403
`
`Page 12 of 403
`
`

`

`T 2036/11
`
`mobile station
`
`dynamic bars (
`
`304)
`
`(202)" has been replaced by "each of
`
`said plurality of
`
`being associated
`
`
`
`the mobile station
`with one or more applications on
`
`
`
`(202)". Further, again in the fifth paragraph,
`the
`
`
`
`following feature "at least one of the plurality of
`
`dynamic bars being associated with a plurality of
`
`
`
`
`
`applications on the mobile station" has been added,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`in the sixth paragraph,
`
`
`
`
`
`whilst
`
`information concerning events of the one or more
`
`the feature "managing
`
`app
`
`lications associated with the at least one dynamic
`
`(304)" has been replaced by "managing information
`
`concerning events of
`
`bar
`
`added by the board).
`
`said applications"
`
`(underlinings
`
`In other words,
`
`according to the present claim,
`
`a
`
` more applications and at
`
`plurality of dynamic ba
`
`dynamic bars is associa
`
`applications.
`
`rs 1S associated with one or
`
`
`least one of the plurality of
`
`ted with a plurality of
`
`
`
`Consequently,
`
`information concerning events of said applications"),
`
`in the next paragraph ("managing
`
`the term "said" in "said applica
`
`"one or more applications
`
`ferred to in
`
`of applications" re
`
`
`
` to the
`
`
`of
`
`
`
`
`
`This ambiguity was not present
`
`
`
`ambiguity,
`
`the claim and was introduced by the amendments
`above.
`referred to in point 2.1
`
`the scope fo
`which protection
`
`tions"
`
`may refer either
`
`
`"or to the "plurality
`
`
`
`the fifth
`
`paragraph.
`
` is sought by
` However, due to this
`
`i
`
`n
`
`the previous version
`
`
`
`the claim is now unclear,
`
`as may
`
`be illustrated as
`
`follows:
`
`
`
`
`If "said applications" is assumed to refer to the
`
`cl
`woul
`aim
`
`
`
`
`
` in whi
`
`"one
`
`d seek protection
`
`ch a dynamic bar is
`
`
`
`or more applications",
`
`inter alia
`for an embodiment
`
`displayed which is associated with a plurality of
`
`Page 13 of 403
`
`Page 13 of 403
`
`

`

`T 2036/11
`
`applications,
`
`and in which in one of these applications
` for which dynamic preview in
` Formation
`events may occur
`
`
`
`drop-down or pop
`
`(cf.
`
`concerning these events is displayed in the respective
`
`claim 1, seventh
`-up interface
`
`the remaining applications
`paragraph). Hence,
`for
`
`
`
`
`associated with this dynamic bar,
`
`dynamic preview information.
`
`
`
`An example of
`
`there need not be any
`
`
`10 of
`
`such a dynamic bar is shown in Fig.
`7
`
`bar
`Entertain"
`
`the present appl
`
`ication,
`
`namely the
`
`1012,
`
`in which only one application
`
`
`
`("download")
`
`for which dynamic preview information
`
`generates events
`
`("5 new games")
`
`interface
`
`1014.
`
`is displayed in the drop-down or pop-up
`
`the "plurality o
`
`
`
` embodiment would
` If, however,
`
`
`
`plurality of the
`
`"said applications"
`
`f applications",
`
`be excluded,
`
`1s assumed to refer to
`
`the above-mentioned
`
`Since the claim would
`
`for the dynamic bar which is associated
`require that
`
`
`ty of applications, events in the
`with the plurali
`
`associated applications may occur
`
` for
`
`which dynamic preview information is displayed.
`
`
`
`
`An example of
`10
`
`Fig.
`"Commun
`
`
`
`such a dynamic bar is also given in
`
`of the present application,
`
`icate" ba
`
`namely the
`
`the
`in which each of
`
`r 1004,
`erates events
`for which dynamic preview
`
`applications gen
`
`
`
`informa
`
`tion is displayed in the drop-down or pop-up
`
`interface 1006.
`
`rd there
`
`The boa
`
`fore concludes that the claim does not
`
`clearly define
`
`the matter
`
`
`for which protection is
`
`sought.
`
`For the above
`the requirements of Articl le 84
`
`
`reasons,
`
`claim 118 not c
`
`lear and, hence,
`
`EPC.
`
`does not meet
`
`Page 14 of 403
`
`Page 14 of 403
`
`

`

`T 2036/11
`
`2.6
`
`The main request is there!
`
`
`
`Fore not allowable.
`
`3.
`
`Auxiliary request - claim 1
`
`- clarity (Article 84 EPC)
`
` request
`
`above)
`
`or more applications" but
`
`in respect of cl aim 1]
`
`
` t does not overcome the
`The additional
`feature of claim 1 of
`further
`the auxiliary
`
`
`
`
`
` defines the
`nt VI
`"on
`
`ambiguity caused by the wording "said applications" in
`
`
`aph in connection with "a plurality of
`
`the sixth parag
`
`applications". Consequently,
`
`°
`
`f the main request apply,
`to claim 1 of
`
`mutatis mutandis,
`
`the auxiliary request.
`
`the reasons set out above
`
`(see poi
`
`
`
`3.1
`
`3.2
`
`Claim 1 of the auxiliary request thus lacks clarity
`
`the requirements of
`
`and, hence, does not meet
`
`Article 84 EPC.
`
`
`
`3.3
`
`The auxiliary request is there!
`
`
`
`Fore not allowable
`
`either.
`
`4.
`
`There being no allowable request, it
`
`
`follows that the
`
`appeal must be dismissed.
`
`Order
`
`For these reasons it is decided that:
`
`The appeal is dismissed.
`
`Page 15 of 403
`
`Page 15 of 403
`
`

`

`- 8 -
`
`T 2036/11
`
`The Registrar:
`
`The Chairman:
`
`G. Rauh
`
`F. van der Voort
`
`Page 16 of 403
`
`Page 16 of 403
`
`

`

`BESCHWERDEKAMMERN
`DES EUROPAISCHEN
`PATENTAMTS
`
`BOARDS OF APPEAL OF
`THE EUROPEAN PATENT
`OFFICE
`
`CHAMBRES DE RECOURS
`DE L'OFFICE EUROPEEN
`DES BREVETS
`
`Internal distribution code:
`(A)
`[- ] Publication in OJ
`(B)
`[- ] To Chairmen and Members
`(C)
`[- ] To Chairmen
`(D)
`[X] No distribution
`
`
`
`the decision
`Datasheet for
`of 20 October 2015
`
`Case Number:
`
`T 2036/11
`
`-
`
`3.5.03
`
`Application Number:
`
`06125884.4
`
`Publication Number:
`
`1768359
`
`IPC:
`
`Language of the proceedings:
`
`HO4M1/247, GO6F3/048
`FsEB
`
` EN
`
`Title of invention:
`
`
`
` Dynamic bar oriented user inter
`face for a device having a
`status bar displaying status ini
`Formation concerning the device
`
`
`
`Applicant:
`
`
`BlackBerry Limited
`
`Headword:
`
`
`
` BLACK] ERRY
`User intert
`B
`fFace/]
`
`Relevant legal provisions:
`EPC Art. 84, 113(1)
`EPC R. 115(2)
`
`RPBA Art. 15(3)
`
`
`
`Keyword:
`Claims - clarity (no)
`Oral proceedings - non-attendance ot
`
` fF party
`
`Decisions cited:
`
`Catchword:
`
`EPA Form 303
`
`This datasheet is not
`Tt can be changed at any
`
`part of the Decisior.
`time and without notice.
`
`Page 17 of 403
`
`Page 17 of 403
`
`

`

`
`
`es
`seers
`.
`x
`sees
`
`Beschwerdekammern
`Boards of Appeal
`Chambres de recours
`
`European PatentOffice
`D-80298 MUNICH
`GERMANY
`Tel. +49 (0) 89 2399-0
`Fax +49 (0) 89 2399-4466
`
`Case Number: T 2036/11 - 3.5.03
`
`DECISION
`of Technical Board of Appeal 3.5.03
`of 20 October 2015
`
`Appellant:
`(Applicant)
`
`Representative:
`
`BlackBerry Limited
`
`2200 University Avenue East
`Waterloo, ON N2K QAT
`(CA)
`
`
`Finnie, Peter John
`Gill Jennings & Every LLP
`The Broadgate Tower
`20 Primrose Street
`
`
`London EC2A 2ES (GB)
`
`
`
`Decision under appeal:
`
`Decision of the Examining Division of the
`European Patent Office posted on 13 April 2011
`refusing European patent application
`No. 06125884.4 pursuant to Article 97(2) EPC.
`
`Composition of the Board:
`Chairman
`F. van der Voort
`Members:
`B. Noll
`P. Guntz
`
`Page 18 of 403
`
`Page 18 of 403
`
`

`

`Summary of Facts and Submissions
`
`T 2036/11
`
`This appeal is against the decis
`
`division refusing European paten
`
`No. 06125884.4 (publication No.
`
`
`
`With the statement of grounds of
`
`ion of the examining
`
`
` EP 1 768 359 A2).
`
`t application
`
`appeal,
`
`the appellant
`
`filed a single set of claims and implicitly requested
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` Oral proceedings were conditiona
`
`that the decision under appeal be set aside and that a
`
`f this set of claims.
`
`patent be granted on the basis o
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Page 19 of 403
`
` lly requested.
`
`
`
` oral proceedings,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` n a communication accompanying
`
`proceedings,
`
`the board drew the
`
`to issues to be discussed at the
`
`particular inventive step of
`
`the
`
`claim 1
`
`(Articles 52(1) and 56 E
`
`drew the appellant's attention t
`
`
`
`a summons to oral
`
`appellant's attention
`
`in
`
`subject-matter o
`
`PC). The board further
`
`o
`
`the fact
`
`that if
`
`
`
`
`
`amended claims were filed in response to the
`
`
`estion of whether or
`
`communication,
`
`inter alia the qu
`
`they complied with the requi
`not
` EPC would have to be discussed i
`
`rements of Article 84
`
`n the oral proceedings.
`
`With a letter dated 18 September
`
`
`
`
`
`filed, by way of replacement,
`
`
`request and a first auxiliary re
`
`se
`
`
`
`With a further submission dated
`
`
`appellant informed the board tha
`
`attending the oral proceedings.
`
`
`
`
`
`the appellant
`2015,
`
`
`ts of claims of a main
`
`
`
`quest.
`
`16 October 2015,
`
`the
`
`t it would not be
`
`
`
`Further, it asked “for
`
`
`
`the
`
`
`a Decision in accordance with the current state of
`
` file".
`
`Oral proceedings were held on 20
`
`October 2015 in the
`
`absence of the appellant.
`
`Page 19 of 403
`
`

`

`T 2036/11
`
`The
`
`board understood
`
`
`from the appellant's submissions
`
`in writing that it was requesting that
`
`the decision
`
`under appeal be set aside and that a pa
`
`
`on
`
`the se t of cl
`the basis of
`aims of
`
` bot
`
`in the alternative, on
` of an auxiliary request
`
`h requests as submit
`
`
`
`
` ted with the
`
` tent be granted
`
`
`
`a main request or,
`
`the basis of
`
` ("first auxil
`lary request"),
`letter dated
`
`the set of claims
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`18 September 2015.
`
`At
`
`
`the end of the oral proceedings,
`
`ow
`
`
`fter deliberation,
`
`the board's decision was announced.
`
`
`
`Claim 1 of the main request reads as
`
`follows:
`
`
`
`"A method of contro
`
`(202)
`
`using a
`
`(302)
`
`displayed on a
`
`lling a mobile station
`
`
`
`graphical user inter
`face,
`'GUI',
`
`(222) of
`
`display screen
`
`the mobile station
`
`(202),
`
`the
`
`method comprising:
`
`displaying on the display screen
`
`
`the GUI
`(300) of
`
`a main screen
`
`(222)
`
`(302),
`
`the main
`
`screen (300)
`
`the main screen
`
`comprising an application portion
`
`occupying a major portion of
`
`(302)
`
`(300),
`
`for
`
`a mobile station status portion
`
`(306)
`
`
`
`displaying status information concerning the mobi
`
`station (202), and
`
`
`ity of dynamic bars
`a plural
`
`le said
`
`(304),
`
`each of
`
`plurality of dynamic bars
`
`(304)
`
`being associated with
`
`one or more applications on the mobile station
`
`
`and being configu
`
`ed to expand and collapse via
`
`(202)
`
`respectivel
`
`aying and removing a drop down or
`
`y displ
`
`pop-up interface
`at
`
`input,
`
`least one of the plurality of
`
`in response
`
`
`
`to respective user
`
`
`f dynamic bars
`
`
` 407
`
`
`
`
`being associated with a
`
`plurality o
`
`the mobile station;
`
`applications;
`
`Page 20 of 403
`
`
`
`f applications on
`
`
`
`
`managing information concerning events of
`
`said
`
`Page 20 of 403
`
`

`

`T 2036/11
`
`
`displaying in each drop down or pop-up interface
`
`preview information concerning one or
`
`(407) dynamic
`
`the
`
`more new events in the one or more applications,
`
`
`w information being determined
`
`more appl
`
`
`
`
`
`
`om the information managed by the one or
`
`ons and/or information determined from
`
`icati
`
` formation;
`the managed in
`
`dynamic previe
`
`dynamical
`ly fr
`
`
`
`in
`
`providing,
`
`invokable link
`
`the one or mor
`
`received from
`
`
`in the dynamic preview information,
`
`
`for invoking a respective application of
`
`an
`
`e applications
`
`input means of
`
`in response
`
`to user input
`
`the mobile station
`
`(202);
`
`
`
`and
`
`continuously updating the dynamic preview
`
`formation to be displayed in each drop down or pop-up
`
`interface (407
`
`)
`
`in response to
`
`a change in the
`
`
`
`
`respective one or more new events in the respective one
`
`or more applic
`
`ations."
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Claim 1 of the auxiliary request
`
`
`that in
`of the main request in
`the fifth paragraph the
`
`
`
`is inserted after "being associated with
`following text
`
`a plurality of
`applications on
`
`
`
`
`
`
`differs from claim 1
`
` the mobile station":
`
`W w
`
`, wherein the one or more applications are associated
`
`ith their respective dynamic bars
`
`(304) according to
`
`predetermined logical
`relationships between the one or
`
`relationships being contextual
`
`manner in which a user of
`
`more applications, said predetermined logical
`relationships based on a
`
`the mobile station may use
`
`
`
` functions that
`
`
`
`the one or more applications and/or
`
`functional
`
`relationships based on
`
`
`may be performed
`
`by the one or more applications".
`
`Page 21 of 403
`
`Page 21 of 403
`
`

`

`Reasons for the Decision
`
`Procedural matters
`
`T 2036/11
`
`2 below,
`
`the board
`
`in point
`For the reasons set out
`
`
` of
`m J
`concluded tha t cl al
`each
`
`
`
`requirement
`
`o
`
`
`
`
` A rt icle
`
`
`caused by
`
`the amendments to the claims made in
`
`to objections raised in the board's communication.
`
`request did not
`34 EPC due to a lack of
`
`
`
`meet
`
`the
`
`clarity
`
`response
`
`The appellant,
`
`
`which was duly summoned, had informed
`
`the board that it would not be att
`
`tending the oral
`
`
`
`board d
`
`le 15(3) RPBA).
`
`
`
`the
`
` the oral p1roceedings,
`
`
`make use of the opportunity to
`
` of
`the issues to be discussed
`
`lant
`
`appel
`comment
`
`to
`
`on any
`
`
`
`a
`them
`
`
`I
`
`but
`(see point
`instead chose to rely on the
`above),
`
`
` grounds of appeal
`tatement of
`ts set out
`in the s
`the
`which
`
`argumen
`
`and in
`
`the letter dated
`
`18 September 2015,
`
`
`
`uly considered below.
`
`Under these circumstances,
`
`the board was in a position
`
`to give a decision which complied with Article 113(1)
`
` EPC.
`
`Main request - claim 1 - clarity (Article 84 EPC)
`
`Compared to claim 1
`
`of appeal, claim 1 of the main request has been amended
`
`
`
`
`in the fifth paragraph,
`
`inter alia in that,
`
`
` grounds
`the statement of
`
` filed with
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`"displaying
`
`replaced by "displaying
`
`at least one dynamic bar" has been
`
`a plurality of dynamic
`
`bars" and in that "the at least one dynamic bar
`
`(304)
`
`being associated with one or more applications on the
`
`
`
`
`
`
`proceedings,
`
`ngs were
`
`and was indeed absen
`
`
`theres
`fore held in
`
`t. The oral
`
`the absence of
`
`the
`
`proceedi
`
`appellant
`
`decidi
`
`
`
`
`
` a
`EPC, Artic
`(Rule
`115 (2)
`LO
`not end
`ng not
`chose
`
`
`
`Page 22 of 403
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`

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`
`mobile station
`
`dynamic bars (
`
`304)
`
`(202)" has been replaced by "each of
`
`said plurality of
`
`being associated
`
`
`
`the mobile station
`with one or more applications on
`
`
`
`(202)". Further, again in the fifth paragraph,
`the
`
`
`
`following feature "at least one of the plurality of
`
`dynamic bars being associated with a plurality of
`
`
`
`
`
`applications on the mobile station" has been added,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`in the sixth paragraph,
`
`
`
`
`
`whilst
`
`information concerning events of the one or more
`
`the feature "managing
`
`app
`
`lications associated with the at least one dynamic
`
`(304)" has been replaced by "managing information
`
`concerning events of
`
`bar
`
`added by the board).
`
`said applications"
`
`(underlinings
`
`In other words,
`
`according to the present claim,
`
`a
`
` more applications and at
`
`plurality of dynamic ba
`
`dynamic bars is associa
`
`applications.
`
`rs 1S associated with one or
`
`
`least one of the plurality of
`
`ted with a plurality of
`
`
`
`Consequently,
`
`information concerning events of said applications"),
`
`in the next paragraph ("managing
`
`the term "said" in "said applica
`
`"one or more applications
`
`ferred to in
`
`of applications" re
`
`
`
` to the
`
`
`of
`
`
`
`
`
`This ambiguity was not present
`
`
`
`ambiguity,
`
`the claim and was introduced by the amendments
`above.
`referred to in point 2.1
`
`the scope fo
`which protection
`
`tions"
`
`may refer either
`
`
`"or to the "plurality
`
`
`
`the fifth
`
`paragraph.
`
` is sought by
` However, due to this
`
`i
`
`n
`
`the previous version
`
`
`
`the claim is now unclear,
`
`as may
`
`be illustrated as
`
`follows:
`
`
`
`
`If "said applications" is assumed to refer to the
`
`cl
`woul
`aim
`
`
`
`
`
` in whi
`
`"one
`
`d seek protection
`
`ch a dynamic bar is
`
`
`
`or more applications",
`
`inter alia
`for an embodiment
`
`displayed which is associated with a plurality of
`
`Page 23 of 403
`
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`

`T 2036/11
`
`applications,
`
`and in which in one of these applications
` for which dynamic preview in
` Formation
`events may occur
`
`
`
`drop-down or pop
`
`(cf.
`
`concerning these events is displayed in the respective
`
`claim 1, seventh
`-up interface
`
`the remaining applications
`paragraph). Hence,
`for
`
`
`
`
`associated with this dynamic bar,
`
`dynamic preview information.
`
`
`
`An example of
`
`there need not be any
`
`
`10 of
`
`such a dynamic bar is shown in Fig.
`7
`
`bar
`Entertain"
`
`the present appl
`
`ication,
`
`namely the
`
`1012,
`
`in which only one application
`
`
`
`("download")
`
`for which dynamic preview informa