PCT/US2018/019268 26.06.2018
`
`PATENT COOPERATION TREATY
`
`From the INTERNATIONAL SEARCHING AUTHORITY
`
` PCT
`
`To: DAVID HARBURGER
`
`
`WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI
`650 PAGE MILL ROAD
`
`NOTIFICATION OF TRANSMITTAL OF
`PALO ALTO, CA 94304
`THE INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT AND
`THE WRITTEN OPINION OF THE INTERNATIONAL
`
`SEARCHING AUTHORITY, OR THE DECLARATION
`
`
`(PCT Rule 44.1)
`
`
`Date of mailing
`idaymonnvees 2 & JUN 2018
`
`
`
`
`Applicant’s or agent’s file reference
`
`
`FOR FURTHER ACTION—See paragraphs | and 4 below
`44854-738601
`
`
`
`
`
`Internationalfiling date
`Internationa! application No.
`
`
`22 February 2018 (22.02.2018)
`(day/month/year}
`
`
`
`PCT/US 18/19268
`Applicant TWIST BIOSCIENCE CORPORATION
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`How?
`
`1. Xx] The applicant is hereby notified that the international search report and the written opinion of the International Searching
`Authority have been established and are transmitted herewith.
`Filing of amendments and statement under Article 19:
`The applicantis entitled, if he so wishes, to amend the claims of the international application (see Rule 46):
`When?
`Thetimelimit for filing such amendments is normally two months from the date oftransmittal ofthe international
`search report.
`Directly to the International Bureau of WIPO preferably through ¢PCTor on paperto, 34 chemin des Colombettes
`1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland, Facsimile No.: +41 22 338 82 70
`For more detailed instructions, see PCT Applicant's Guide, International Phase, paragraphs 9.004 — 9.011.
`
`
`2. LJ The applicant is hereby notified that no international search report will be established and that the declaration under
`Article 17(2)(a) to that effect and the written opinion of the International Searching Authority are transmitted herewith.
`
`
`3. CJ With regard to any protest against paymentof (an) additional fee(s) under Rule 40.2, the applicantis notified that:
`the protest together with the decision thereon has been transmitted to the International Bureau together with any
`
`
`request to forward the texts of both the protest and the decision thereon to the designated Offices.
`
`
`the applicant will be notified as soon as a decision is made.
`no decision has been made yet on the protest;
`
`4. Reminders
`
`The applicant may submit comments on an informalbasis onthe written opinion ofthe International Searching Authority
`
`to the International Bureau. These comments will be made available to the public after international publication. The
`
`
`International Bureau will send a copy of such comments to all designated Offices unless an international preliminary
`examination report has been oris to be established.
`
`
`Shortly after the expiration of 18 months from the priority date, the international application will be published by the
`
`
`international Bureau.
`If the applicant wishes to avoid or postpone publication, a notice of withdrawal of the international
`application,orof the priority claim, must reach the International Bureau before the completionofthe technical preparations for
`
`
`international publication (Rules 90bis.1 and 90dis.3).
`Within 19 months from thepriority date, but only in respect ofsome designated Offices,a demandforinternational preliminary
`
`
`examination mustbefiled if the applicant wishes to postponethe entry into the national phase until 30 monthsfrom the priority
`
`
`date (in some Offices even later); otherwise, the applicant must, within 20 months fromthe priority date, perform the
`prescribedacts for entry into the national phase before those designated Offices.
`In respect of other designated Offices, the
`
`
`time limit of 30 months (orlater) will apply even if no demandis filed within 19 months. For details aboutthe applicable time
`limits, Office by Office, see www.wipo.int/pct/en/texts/time_limits.html and the PCT Applicant's Guide, National Chapters.
`
`
`Within 22 months from the priority date, the applicant may request that a supplementary international search be carried
`out by a different International Searching Authority that offers this service (Rule 45bis.1). The procedure for requesting
`
`
`supplementary international search is described in the PCT Applicant's Guide, International Phase, paragraphs 8.006-8.032.
`
`
`
`
`Nameand mailing address of the ISA/US
`Authorized officer
`
`Mail Stop PCT,Attn: ISA/US
`
` Lee W. Young
`Commissionerfor Patents
`
`P.O. Box 145U, Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
`PCT Helpdesk: 574-272-4300
`
`
`Telephone No. pcr osp: 571-272-7774
`Facsimile No. 571-273-8300
`
`
`
`Form PCT/ISA/220 (July 2014)
`
`

`

`PCT/US2018/019268 26.06.2018
`
`PATENT COOPERATION TREATY
`
`PCT
`
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
`
`(PCTArticle 18 and Rules 43 and 44)
`
`Applicant’s or agent’s file reference
`44854-738601
`
`FOR FURTHER
`ACTION
`
`see Form PCT/ISA/220
`as well as, where applicable, item 5 below.
`
`International application No.
`PCT/US 18/19268
`
`Intemationalfiling date (day/month/year}
`22 February 2018 (22.02.2018)
`
`(Earliest) Priority Date (day/month/year)
`22 February 2017 (22.02.2017)
`
`Applicant
`TWIST BIOSCIENCE CORPORATION
`
`This international search report has been prepared by this International Searching Authority and is transmitted to the applicant
`according to Article 18. A copy is being transmitted to the International Bureau.
`
`sheets.
`This international search report consists ofa total of ¢ 5
`| It is also accompanied by a copy of each pfior art documentcited in this report.
`
`1. Basis of the report
`a. With regard to the language,the international search was carried out on the basis of:
`the international application in the language in which it wasfiled.
`whichis the language of
`CJ a translation of the international application into
`a translation furnished for the purposes of international search (Rules 12.3(a) and 23.1(b)).
`This international search report has been established taking into account the rectification of an obvious mistake
`authorized by or notified to this Authority under Rule 91 (Rule 43.6bis(a)).
`With regard to any nucleotide and/or amino acid sequencedisclosedin the international application, see Box No. I.
`
`Certain claims were found unsearchable (see Box No. II).
`
`Unity of invention is lacking (see Box No. III).
`
`. With regard to the title,
`
`the text is approved as submitted by the applicant.
`the text has been established by this Authority to read as follows:
`
`LC]
`
`b. LJ none of the figures is to be published with the abstract.
`
`5. With regard to the abstract,
`[x] the text is approved as submitted by the applicant.
`LJ the text has been established, according to Rule 38.2, by this Authority as it appears in Box No. IV. The applicant
`may, within one month from thedate of mailing ofthis international search report, submit comments to this Authority.
`
`6. With regard to the drawings,
`
`a.
`
`the figure of the drawings to be published with the abstract is Figure No. 4A
`[X]
`as suggested by the applicant.
`C] as selected by this Authority, because the applicantfailed to suggest a figure.
`C) as selected by this Authority, becausethis figure better characterizes the invention.
`
`Form PCT/ISA/2 10 (first sheet) (January 2015)
`
`

`

`Box No. |
`
`Nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence(s) (Continuation ofitem 1.c of the first sheet)
`
`1. With regard to any nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence disclosedin the international application, the international search was
`carried out on the basis of a sequencelisting:
`
`furnished subsequentto the internationalfiling date for the purposes of international search only:
`[—_]
`in the formofan Annex C/ST.25 textfile (Rule 13¢er. 1(a)).
`[| on paperorin the form of an image file (Rule 13¢er.1(b) and Administrative Instructions, Section 713).
`
`In addition, in the case that more than one version or copy of a sequencelisting has been filed or furnished, the required
`statements that the information in the subsequentor additional copies is identical to that forming part of the application as
`filed or does not go beyondthe application as filed, as appropriate, were furnished.
`
`PCT/US2018/019268 26.06.2018
`
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
`
`International application No.
`PCT/US 18/19268
`
`forming part of the international application asfiled:
`| in the form of an Annex C/ST.25textfile.
`[} on paperorin the form ofan imagefile.
`furnished together with the international application under PCT Rule 13¢er. 1(a) for the purposesofinternational search
`only in the form of an Annex C/ST.25 textfile.
`
`3. Additional comments:
`
`Form PCT/ISA/210 (continuationof first sheet (1)) (January 2015)
`
`

`

`PCT/US2018/019268 26.06.2018
`
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
`
`
`
`International application No.
`PCT/US 18/19268
`
`Observations where certain claims were found unsearchable (Continuation of item 2 of first sheet)
`
`
`
`
`
`Box No. II
`
`This international search report has not been established in respect of certain claims under Article 17(2)(a) for the following reasons:
`
`Claims Nos.:
`because theyrelate to subject matter not required to be searched by this Authority, namely:
`
`
`
`Claims Nos.:
`becausethey relate to parts of the international application that do not comply with the prescribed requirements to such an
`extent that no meaningful international search can be carried out, specifically:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Claims Nos.:
`because they are dependentclaimsandare not drafted in accordance with the second and third sentences of Rule 6.4(a).
`
`
`
`
`Box No. HI
`
`Observations where unity of invention is lacking (Continuation of item 3 of first sheet)
`
`This International Searching Authority found multiple inventions in this international application,as follows:
`
`raceenenennnnnssene See extra sheet ----------------------
`
`. Cc]
`
`Asall required additional search fees were timely paid by the applicant, this international search report coversall searchable *
`claims.
`
`2. [| Asall searchable claims could be searched without effort justifying additional fees, this Authority did not invite paymentof
`additional fees.
`
`3. LC] As only someofthe required additional search fees were timely paid by the applicant, this international search report covers
`only those claims for which fees were paid, specifically claims Nos.:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Remarkon Protest
`[] The additional search fees were accompanied bythe applicant’s protest and, whereapplicable, the
`
`paymentof a protestfee.
`
`
`LC] The additional search fees were accompanied by the applicant’s protest but the applicable protest
`
`fee was not paid within the time limit specified in the invitation.
` Noprotest accompanied the payment of additional search fees.
`
`XI No required additional search fees were timely paid by the applicant. Consequently, this international search report is
`restricted to the invention first mentioned in the claims,
`it is covered by claims Nos.:
`1-3, 9, 10, 19-21, 26, 27 limited to enzymatic based bioencryption
`
`Form PCT/ISA/210 (continuation of first sheet (2)) (January 2015)
`
`

`

`PCT/US2018/019268 26.06.2018
`
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
`
`International application No.
`PCT/US 18/19268
`
`CLASSIFICATION OF SUBJECT MATTER
`A.
`IPC(8) - GO6F 19/22, BB2Y 10/00, G11C 13/00 (2018.01)
`CPC - G11B 20/0021 , G11C 13/0009, GO6F 19/10, GO6N 3/126, GOGN 3/123
`
`According to Internationa! Patent Classification (IPC) or to both national classification and IPC
`B.
`FIELDS SEARCHED
`
`Minimum documentation searched (classification system followed by classification symbols)
`See Search History Document
`Documentation searched other than minimum documentationto the extent that such documents are included in the fields searched
`See Search History Document
`
`Electronic data base consulted during the international search (name of data base and, where practicable, search terms used)
`See-Search History Document
`
`C. DOCUMENTS CONSIDEREDTO BE RELEVANT
`Category*
`Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages
`
`US 2005/0053968 A1 (BHARADWA\,etal.) 10 March 2005 (10 March 2005) abstract, para
`[0016], [0017], [0019]-[0021], Figs. 1b, 2,4, 5
`
`Relevant to claim No.
`
`2-3, 9-10, 20-21, 26-27
`
`‘J DVORSKY.Living Bacteria Can Now Store Data. GIZMODOinternet publication (10 June
`2016)[retrived from https://gizmodo.comlliving-bacteria-can-now-store-data-1781773517 on 11
`June 2018], pg 1 para 1, pg 3, para 1
`
`CN 104734848 A (UNIV ZHENGZHOULIGHTIND) 24 June 2015 (24.06.2015) abstract, para
`(0041), {0042}, [0090]
`
`US 2015/0269313 A1 (PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE) 24 September|9-10, 26-27
`2015 (24.09.2015) para [0011], [0016], [0077}
`
`“T”
`
`“x”
`
`[| See patent family annex.
`later documentpublished after the internationalfiling date orpriority
`date and notin conflict with the application but cited to understand
`the principle or theory underlying the invention
`documentofparticular relevance, the claimedinvention cannot be
`considered nove! or cannot be considered to involve an inventive
`step when the documentis taken alone
`document of particular relevance;the claimed invention cannot be
`considered to involve an inventive step when the documentis
`combined with one or more other such documents, such combination
`being obvious to a personskilled in the art
`document memberofthe same patent family
`Date of mailing of the international search report
`2 6 J U N 2018
`Authorized officer:
`
`
`
`[| Further documentsare listed in the continuation of Box C.
`Special categories ofcited documents:
`documentdefining the generalstate ofthe art whichis not considered
`to be of particular relevance
`earlier application orpatent but published on orafter the international
`filing date
`document which may throw doubts an priority claim(s) or which is
`Ceeaeas secede date of anothercitation or other
`pec
`S
`SP
`.
`an
`document referring to an oral disclosure, use, exhibition or other
`means
`documentpublishedpriorto the internationalfiling date but later than
`thepriority date claimed
`Dateof the actual completion of the international search
`10 June 2018
`Nameand mailing address of the ISA/US
`Mail Stop PCT,Attn: ISA/US, Commissioner for Patents
`P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
`Facsimile No.
`571-273-8300
`
`Form PCT/ISA/210 (second sheet) (January 2015)
`
`PCT Helpdesk: 571-272-4300
`PCT OSP: 571-272-7774
`
`Lee W. Young
`
`

`

`PCT/US2018/019268 26.06.2018
`
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
`
`
`International application No.
`PCT/US 18/19268
`
`Continuation of Box No. II!, Observations where unity of inventionis lacking:
`
`
`
`This application contains the following inventions or groups of inventions which are not so linked as to form a single general inventive
`concept under PCT Rule 13.1. In orderfor all inventions to be examined, the appropriate additional examination fees must be paid.
`
`
`
`
`
`Group I+: Claims 1-10, 19-27, drawn to a method/system for storing encrypted information. The method/system for bioencryption will be
`searched to the extent that the bioencryption format encompasses enzymatic based bioencryption. It is believed that claims 1-3, 9, 10,
`19-21, 26, 27 encompassthis first named invention, and thus these claimswill be searched withoutfee to the extent that they
`encompass enzymatic based bicencryption. Additional bioencryption formats will be searched upon the paymentof additionalfees.
`Applicants must specify the claims that encompassany additionally elected bioencryption format. Applicants mustfurtherindicate,if
`applicable, the claims which encompassthefirst named invention,if different than what wasindicated abovefor this group. Failure to
`clearly identify how anypaid additional invention fees are to be applied to the "+" group(s) will result in only the first claimed invention to
`be searched. An exemplary election would be a bioencryption format encompassing affinity based bioencryption (claims 1, 6-10, 19, 24-
`27).
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`The inventions listed as Groups I+ and II+ do notrelate to a single general inventive concept under PCT Rule 13.1 because, under PCT
`Rule 13.2, they lack the same or corresponding special technical features for the following reasons:
`
`
`
`Special Technical Features
`GroupsII+ do not require a method/system for storing information in a bioencryption format by converting a digital sequence to a
`plurality of oligonucleotide sequences and synthesizing a plurality of oligonucleotide sequences encodingfor those, as required by
`GroupsI+.
`
`GroupII+: Claims 11-18, 28-34, drawn to a method/systemforretrieving encrypted information. Group I+ will be searched upon
`paymentofadditional fees. The method/system may be searched, for example,to the extent that the encrypted information is retrieved
`using enzymatic based decryption for an additional fee and election as such. Itis believed that claims 11-13, 28-30 read on this
`exemplary invention. Additional decryption format(s) will be searched upon the payment of additional fees. Applicants must specify the
`claims that encompassanyadditionally elected decryption format(s). Failure to clearly identify how any paid additional invention fees
`are to be applied to the"+" group(s)will result in only the first claimed invention to be searched. Another exemplary election would be a
`decryption format encompasingaffinity based decryption (claims 11, 16-18, 28, 33-34).
`
`GroupsI+ do not require a method/system for retrieving bioencrypted information by releasing oligonucleotides from a surface, applying
`decryption technique thereto, enriching and sequencing the enriched oligonucleotides, as required by GroupsII+.
`The inventions of Groups I+ each include the special technical feature of bioencrytion formats, recited therein. Each of the inventions of
`GroupI+ requires a specific bionencryption format, not required by the other inventions.
`The inventions of Groups!i+ each include the special technical feature of decrytion formats, recited therein. Each ofthe inventions of
`GroupII+ requires a specific decryption format, not required by the otherinventions.
`Common Technical Features
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Another commontechnical feature shared by GroupsI+ andII+ is a system of managing data comprising a storage unit, a processor
`unit, however this shared technical feature does not represent a contribution overprior art, because the shared technical feature is made
`
`
`obvious by De Silva. As discussed above, DNAis the storage unit for DNA, such as a microdot, which is recovered, amplified by
`
`
`conventional PCR, and decoded. For said decoding, an artisan ofordinary skill would have readily appreciated that a computerwith a
`processor would be usedto collect sequence data(invariable generated by a computer controlled seugencing device, See diagramsin
`
`
`Figs 2 and 3), thus DeSilva's stored data would comprise a system and processor(s) to encode data by DNA synthesis and decode
`
`data by amplification and sequencing.
`
`The commontechnical feature shared by Groups I+ and [I+ is a method of managing data comprising encryption/decryption using a
`biological based format. However, this shared technical feature does not represent a contribution over prior art, because the shared
`technicalfeature is anticipated by the article entitled "New Trends of Digital Data Storage in DNAbyDeSilva et al. (hereinafter “de
`Silva’) (BioMed ResearchInternational (5 September 2016) Vol 2016, Article ID 8072463, 14 pages).
`De Silva teaches a method of managing data comprising using a DNAbiological based format (abstract "there emerges a need fora
`storage medium with high capacity, high storage density, and possibility to withstand extreme environmental conditions. DNA emerges
`as the prospective medium for data storage withits striking features. Diverse encoding models for reading and writing data onto DNA,
`codesfor encrypting data ... and approachesfor developing codonsandstoragestyles have been developed") comprising encrypting
`and decrypting said data (pg, 7, col 2, last 2 para - pg 8, col 1, para 2- "Steganography Technique Using DNA Hybridization. This
`method effectively uses the advantagesoffered by the structure of DNA for vast storing capabilities and parallel! molecular computation.
`This approachbrings out an algorithm for hiding data in DNAin a digital form ... One Time Pad (OTP) generated keys are used as
`encryption key. This key is usedjust only once for exactly one message. The used padis destroyed by the user after encryption. Figure
`2 summarizes the encryption process using hybridization technique", see Figs. 2-3 for encryption/decryption, “After decrypting the
`message receiver destroys the identical pad which is owned by him. Because of this reason this approachis extremely secure. In this
`algorithm single stranded DNAis used as the OTP... Encrypted message is hidden in a microdot. Strand consisting of the encrypted
`messageis placed between two PCRprimer sequences...Without the knowledge aboutstart and end primers onewill not be able to
`read the message by amplifying.”).
`
`--- continued on next extra sheet ---
`
`
`
`Form PCT/ISA/210 (extra sheet) (January 2015)
`
`

`

`PCT/US2018/019268 26.06.2018
`
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
`
`
`International application No.
`
`PCT/US 18/19268
`
`Continuation of Box No. I!l, Observations where unity of invention is lacking:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Another commontechnical feature shared by GroupsI+ is claims 1 and 19, however,this feature is anticipated by US 2005/0053968 A1
`to Bharadwaj et al. (hereinafter ‘Bharadwaj'). Bharadwaj teaches (claim 1) a method for storing information, the method comprising:
`a) storing information in a form of at least one digital sequence (abstract “A method for storing information in DNA has been developed
`which includes software and a set of schemesto encrypt, store and decrypt information in terms of DNA bases. The main advantages of
`the present method overexiting art is that it addresses complete set of extended ASCII characters set and thereby, encryptionofalt kind
`of digital information");
`b) selection of at least one bioencryption format, wherein the bioencryption format is electromagnetic (computerderived) instruction
`(para [0016] "The method enables the storage of informationin DNA.... a software based on the above method enablesall 256
`Extended ASCII characters to be defined in terms of DNA sequences. The basic concept usedis to take minimum numberof bases to
`define each Extended ASCIi character.... four basesgive 4.times.4.times.4.times.4 = 256 distinct sequences. Therefore, with a set of 4
`bases, complete extended ASCII set has been encoded. Software named as "DNASTORE"has been developed... for encryption and
`decryptionofdigital information in terms of DNA bases. Using DNASTORE complete extended ASCIil character set can be encoded 256
`different ways.");
`c) converting the at least one digital sequence to a plurality of oligonucleotide sequences basedonthe selected bioencryption format,
`d) synthesizing a plurality of oligonucleotides encoding for the oligonucleotide sequences (para [0017] “plain text/imageor anydigital
`information is encrypted in terms of DNA sequencesusing encryption key (software).If the information overflows the limits i.e. it cannot
`be synthesizedin a single piecethenit is encrypted and fragmented in a numberof segments[i.e. oligonucleotides]. Synthesis of
`encrypted sequence(s) is carried out using DNA synthesizer.", para [0019] " the DNA segment(s)is/are flanked by known PCR primers
`_.. at both the ends i.e. header primers are attached at the beginning of segmentandtail primers are attached at the end of the
`segment.”) and e)storing the plurality of oligonucleotides (para [0020] "DNAis then mixed with the enormous complex denatured DNA
`strands of genomic DNA of humanor other organism. As the human genomecontains about 3.times.10.sup.9 nucleotide pairs,
`fragmented & denatured human DNAprovides a very complex background for storing the encrypted DNA. The DNAcanbestored and
`transported on paper").
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Bharadwaj further teaches (claim 19) system for storing information, the system comprising:
`a) a receiving unit for receiving machineinstructionsfor at least one item of information in a form of at teast one digital sequence, and
`machineinstructions for selection of at least one bicencryption format, wherein the bioencryption formatis chemical based bioencryption
`(synthetic DNA sequences) (para [0017] “plain texvimage or any digital information is encrypted in terms of DNA sequencesusing
`encryption key (software).");
`b) a processorunit for automatically converting the at least one digital sequencetoaplurality of oligonucleotide sequences based on the
`selected bioencryption format:
`c) a synthesizer unit for receiving machineinstructions from the processorunit for synthesizing a plurality of oligonucleotides encoding
`for the oligonucleotide sequences (para [0017] "plain text/image or any digital information is encrypted in terms of DNA sequences
`using encryption key (software).If the information overflowsthelimitsi.e. it cannot be synthesizedin a single piece thenit is encrypted
`and fragmented in a numberof segments[i.e. oligonucleotides]. Synthesis of encrypted sequence (s)is carried out using ONA
`synthesizer.", para [0019] " the DNA segment(s)is/are flanked by known PCRprimers... at both the endsi.e. header primers are
`attachedat the beginning of segmentandtail primers are attached at the end of the segment."); and
`d) a storage unit for receiving the plurality of oligonucleotides deposited fromthe synthesizer unit (para [0020] "DNAis then mixed with
`the enormous complex denatured DNAstrands of genomic DNA of humanor other organism. As the human genomecontains about
`3.times.10.sup.9 nucleotide pairs, fragmented & denatured human DNAprovides a very complex backgroundforstoring the encrypted
`DNA.The DNA canbestored and transported on paper”).
`
`Another commontechnical feature shared by Groupsil+ is claims 11 and 28, however, this feature is anticipated by Bharadwaj.
`Bharadwaj teaches (claims 11 and 28) a method and system for retrieving information comprising:
`(a) releasing a plurality of oligonucleotides from a storage unit surface (DNA stored on paper and mixed with human genomic DNA as
`discussed above), and
`b) applying an enzymatic (Polymerase/PCR) decryptionto the plurality of oligonucleotides with a deposition unit (PCR Machine)(see
`para [0020)), oligonucleotides having primers at each end are stored on paper, para [0017] “digital information is encryptedin terms of
`DNA sequencesusing encryption key (software).")
`(c) enriching the plurality of oligonucleotides (para [0021] “only a recipient knowing the sequences of both the primers ... would be able
`to extract the message, using PCRto isolate & amplify the encrypted DNAstrand.", i.e. enrich the oligonucleotides),
`(d) sequencing enriched oligonucleotides from the plurality of oligonucleotides to generate nucleic acid sequencesusing a sequencing
`unit enriched oligonucleotides from the plurality of oligonucleotides to generate nucleic acid sequences(para [0021] “Isolated and
`amplified DNA can then be sequencedusing automated DNA sequencer.") and
`(e) a processorunit for automatically converting the nucleic acid sequencesto at least one digital sequence, wherein the at least one
`digital Sequence encodesforatleast one item of information (para [0021] “The DNA sequence obtained can then be converted into
`digital message using encryptiori/decryption key (software key).").
`Asthe technical features were knownin the art at the time of the invention, they cannot be considered special technical features that
`would otherwise unify the inventions.
`GroupsI+ andII+ therefore lack unity under PCT Rule 13 because they do not share the same or corresponding special technical
`feature.
`
`
`
`
`
`Form PCT/ISA/210 (extra sheet) (January 2015)
`
`

`

`PCT/US2018/019268 26.06.2018
`
`PATENT COOPERATION TREATY
`
`From the
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCHING AUTHORITY
`To: DAVID HARBURGER
`WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI
`650 PAGE MILL ROAD
`PALO ALTO, CA 94304
`
`PCT
`
`WRITTEN OPINION OF THE
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCHING AUTHORITY
`
`(PCT Rule 43d/s.1)
`
`
`
`Applicant’s or agent’s file reference
`44854-738601
`
`
`rasymonniveer)=CO JUN 2018 |
`
`FOR FURTHER ACTION
`
`
`
`See paragraph 2 below
`
`
`Priority date (day/month/year)
`International filing date (day/month/year)
`International application No.
`
`
`22 February 2017 (22.02.2017)
`PCT/US 18/19268
`22 February 2018 (22.02.2018)
`
`
`International Patent Classification (IPC) or both national classification and IPC
`IPC(g) - GO6F 19/22, BB2Y 10/00, G11C 13/00 (2018.01)
`cpc.
`611B 20/0021 , G11C 13/0009, GO6F 19/10, GO6N 3/126, GO6N 3/123
`
`
`Applicant TWIST BIOSCIENCE CORPORATION
`
`
`
`
`OOOBROoOX Box No. VIII Certain observations on the international application
`
`1, This opinion contains indications relating to the following items:
`
`Box No.
`
`|
`
`Basis of the opinion
`
`Box No. Il
`
`Priority
`
`Box No. III|Non-establishmentof opinion with regard to novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability
`
`Box No. IV
`
`Lack of unity of invention
`
`Box No. V
`
`Reasoned statement under Rule 43bis. 1(a)(i) with regard to novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability,
`citations and explanations supporting such statement
`
`Box No. VI
`
`Certain documents cited
`
`Box No. VII Certain defects in the international application
`
`2. FURTHER ACTION
`If a demand for international preliminary examination is made, this opinion will be considered to be a written opinion of the
`International Preliminary Examining Authority (“IPEA”) exceptthat this does not apply where the applicant chooses an Authority
`other than this one to be the IPEA and the chosen IPEA hasnotified the International Bureau under Rule 66.1 is(b) that written
`opinionsof this International Searching Authority will not be so considered.
`Ifthis opinion is, as provided above, considered to be a written opinion of the IPEA, the applicantis invited to submit to the IPEA
`a written reply together, where appropriate, with amendments,before the expiration of 3 monthsfromthe date of mailing of Form
`PCT/ISA/220 or before the expiration of 22 months from the priority date, whichever expireslater.
`Forfurther options, see Form PCT/ISA/220.
`
`
`
`Nameand mailing address of the ISA/US|Date of completion ofthis opinion Authorized officer
`
`Mail Stop PCT,Attn: ISA/US
`
`
`Lee W. Young
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`10 June 2018
`PCTHelpdesk: 571-272-4300
`
`
`P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450
`PCT OSP: 571-272-7774
`
`
`Facsimile No. 571-273-8300
`Form PCT/ISA/237 (cover sheet) (January 2015)
`
`
`
`
`

`

`PCT/US2018/019268 26.06.2018
`
`WRITTEN OPINION OF THE
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCHING AUTHORITY
`
`International application No.
`PCT/US 18/19268
`
`Box No. 1
`
`Basis of this opinion
`
`
`
`1. With regard to the language, this opinion has been established on the basis of:
`[xX]
`the international application in the language in whichit wasfiled.
`[] a translation of the international application into
`furnished for the purposes of international search (Rules 12.3(a) and 23.1(b)).
`
`
`
`whichis the language ofa translation
`
`This opinion has been established taking into accountthe rectification of an obvious mistake authorizedby or notified to
`
`
`
`
`
`
`this Authority under Rule 91 (Rule 43 is. 1(a)).
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`With regard to any nucleotide and/or amino acid sequencedisclosedin the international application, this opinion has ,
`been established on the basis of a sequencelisting:
`a. x] forming part of the international application as filed:
`x] in the form of an Annex C/ST.25textfile.
`C] on paperor in the form of an imagefile.
`b. [| furnished together with the international application under PCT Rule 13¢er.1(a) for the purposes ofinternational
`search only in the form of an Annex C/ST.25 textfile.
`c. L] furnished subsequentto the international filing date for the purposes of international search only:
`[] in the form of an Annex C/ST.25textfile (Rule 13ter.1(a)).
`L] on paperor in the form of an image file (Rule 13¢er.1(b) and Administrative Instructions, Section 713).
`
`
`
`
`
`statements that the informationin the subsequentor additional copies is identical to that forming part of the application as
`filed or does not go beyond the application as filed, as appropriate, were furnished.
`
`
`
`}
`
` 4. {] In addition, in the case that more than one version or copy of a sequencelisting has been filed or furnished, the required
`
`5. Additional comments:
`
`Forn PCT/ISA/237 (Box No. 1) (January 2015)
`
`

`

`PCT/US2018/019268 26.06.2018
`
`WRITTEN OPINION OF THE
`INTERNATIONAL SEARCHING AUTHORITY
`
`
`International application No.
`PCT/US 18/1926B8
`
`Box No. IV
`
`Lack of unity of invention
`
`1. (X]
`
`In response to the invitation (Form PCT/ISA/206) to pay additional fees the applicant has, within the applicable time limit:
`[| paid additional fees.
`[] paid additional fees under p