Patent decision

BL number

O/361/09

Concerning rights in

GB0706153.4

Hearing Officer

Patrick Purcell

Decision date

16 November 2009

Person(s) or Company(s) involved

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

Provisions discussed

PA 1977 Sections 1(1) and 1(2)

Keywords

Inventive step

Related Decisions

None

Summary

The application relates to a fault detection system and method based upon weighted principal component analysis to improve fault detection reliability through feedback when workpieces, such as semiconductor devices are manufactured The invention was found to be patentable but the claims were found to lack an inventive step. The application was remitted to the examiner on the condition that the applicant files new claims. If the applicant does not do so within 2 months from the date of this decision the application will be refused.

Full decision O/361/09 28Kb