¶ 18.07.02 Shared Technical Feature Does Not Make a Contribution Over the Prior Art
[1] lack unity of invention because even though the inventions of these groups require the technical feature of [2], this technical feature is not a special technical feature as it does not make a contribution over the prior art in view of [3]. [4]
Examiner Note:
1. In bracket 1: For international applications in the international phase, identify the groups involved by Roman numerals (e.g., "Groups I and II") in accordance with the groups listed using form paragraphs 18.06 - 18.06.02. For U.S. national stage applications under 35 U.S.C. 371 , identify the groups involved by Roman numerals (e.g., "Groups I and II") where inventions have been grouped using form paragraphs 18.06 - 18.06.02, or identify the species involved where species have been listed using form paragraph 18.20.
2. In bracket 2, identify the technical feature shared by the groups.
3. In bracket 3, insert citation of prior art reference(s) demonstrating the shared technical feature does not make a contribution over the prior art. Whether a particular technical feature makes a "contribution" over the prior art, and, therefore, constitutes a "special technical feature," is considered with respect to novelty and inventive step.
4. In bracket 4, explain how the shared technical feature lacks novelty or inventive step in view of the reference(s).