Noront Resources

Hi Lakeside,

I believe that your interpretation is the correct one. I (along with two partners) currently hold two patents, and went through the entire process (same one as KWG) to get them. Basically, you are required to demonstrate all three of novelty, inventive step, and industrial usefulness. Since, in the opinion of the international search reviewer, KWG does not acheive the inventive step, they are not in a position to receive a patent. As you suggested, they have the ability to make appeals (more than one if necessary), so it is not over yet. However, their patent application is not, at this time, a success.

It should be noted that the reviewer had a fairly long list of objections and so KWG's patent lawyers have quite a bit of work ahead of them if they are to prove that the inventive step exists. One should not necessarily despair, because a good patent lawyer can make quite a difference in resolving this.

FYI, our patents required appeals to get them through, and our lawyer informed us that this is quite normal.

Best of luck to KWG supporters,

RHammer