Summary
The two inventions each relate to barcode-based transaction systems. The -˜140.1 invention relates to a barcode-based transaction system where a transaction-specific barcode is displayed on a checkout and captured by a user-™s mobile device. The mobile device communicates with a server to confirm that the barcode was generated according to a pre-set rule. Settlement can then be made from information encoded within the barcode. The -˜142.7 invention relates to a barcode-based arrangement of rewarding a commodity recommender when a user purchases a commodity. The arrangement uses mobile devices and various servers to implement a virtual currency rebate to the recommender.
The hearing officer found that the objection regarding -˜140.1 containing added matter was not correct and that an objection to -˜142.7 being unclear with regard to the definition of two servers was incorrect.
The hearing officer rejected the applicant-™s submissions that both inventions comprised a new arrangement of hardware or provided any actual contribution to the security of the transaction systems given the prior disclosure in the applicant-™s own previous patent application. The hearing officer found that the contributions of the inventions did not make a technical contribution and are excluded from patentability as a computer program and/or a business method, as such. The applications were refused under section 18(3).
Full decisionO/593/22
359Kb