Ex Parte Tesch et alDownload PDFPatent Trial and Appeal BoardAug 15, 201612672355 (P.T.A.B. Aug. 15, 2016) Copy Citation UNITED STA TES p A TENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE APPLICATION NO. FILING DATE 12/672,355 05/05/2010 13897 7590 08/17/2016 Abel Law Group, LLP 8911 N. Capital of Texas Hwy Bldg 4, Suite 4200 Austin, TX 78759 FIRST NAMED INVENTOR Mirko Tesch UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE United States Patent and Trademark Office Address: COMMISSIONER FOR PATENTS P.O. Box 1450 Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1450 www .uspto.gov ATTORNEY DOCKET NO. CONFIRMATION NO. 3321-P37835 8895 EXAMINER CRAIGO, WILLIAM A ART UNIT PAPER NUMBER 1615 NOTIFICATION DATE DELIVERY MODE 08/17/2016 ELECTRONIC Please find below and/or attached an Office communication concerning this application or proceeding. The time period for reply, if any, is set in the attached communication. Notice of the Office communication was sent electronically on above-indicated "Notification Date" to the following e-mail address( es): mail@Abel-IP.com hmuensterer@abel-ip.com PTOL-90A (Rev. 04/07) UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE BEFORE THE PATENT TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD Ex parte MIRKO TESCH, KERSTIN SKUBSCH, and ALEXANDRA BLOHM1 Appeal2013-008844 Application 12/672,355 Technology Center 1600 Before CHRISTOPHER G. P AULRAJ, JACQUELINE T. HARLOW, and JOHN E. SCHNEIDER, Administrative Patent Judges. SCHNEIDER, Administrative Patent Judge. DECISION ON APPEAL This is an appeal under 35 U.S.C. § 134(a) involving claims to cosmetic emulsions which have been rejected obvious. We have jurisdiction under 35 U.S.C. § 6(b). We affirm. STATEMENT OF THE CASE The invention related to cosmetic emulsions which have high tolerance to electrolyte content and the type of electrolyte used. Spec. 2. The emulsions comprise sodium stearyl glutamate and a crosslinked polymer 1 Appellants identify the Real Party in Interest as Beiersdorf AG. Br. 3. Appeal2013-008844 Application 12/672,355 of vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic acid. Id The emulsions may further comprise sucrose polystearate and/or hydrogenated polyisobutene. Spec. 4-- 5. Claims 33-52 are on appeal. Claims 33 is illustrative and reads as follows: 33. A cosmetic preparation, wherein the preparation comprises (a) sodium stearyl glutamate, (b) a crosslinked copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic acid, and at least one of ( c) sucrose polystearate and ( d) hydrogenated polyisobutene. The claims stand rejected as follows: Claims 33-38, and 40-43 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as unpatentable over Apostol2 in view of Botschka3 and Eisfeld4. Claim 39 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as unpatentable over Apostol in view of Botschka and Eisfeld in further view of Dueva- Koganov5. Claims 44--52 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as unpatentable over Apostol in view ofBotschka and Banowski6. 2 Apostol et al., US 2007 /0237798 Al (published Oct. 11, 2007) ("Apostol"). 3 Botschka et al., US 2007 /0231286 Al, (published Oct 4, 2007) ("Botschka"). 4 Eisfeld et al., US 2007/0155645 Al (published Jul. 5, 2007) ("Eisfeld") 5 Dueva-Koganov et al., US 2006/0286053 Al (published Dec. 21, 2006) ("Dueva-Koganov"). 6 Banowski et al., US 2006/0029624 Al (published Feb. 9, 2006) ("Banowski"). 2 Appeal2013-008844 Application 12/672,355 Claims 49-52 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as unpatentable over Apostol in view of Botschka and Banowski in further view of Schreiber7. CLAIMS 33-38 AND 40-43 Issue In rejecting claims 33-38 and 40-43, the Examiner finds that Apostol teaches the use of sodium stearyl glutamate in an oil-in-water based emulsion. Final Act. 6. The Examiner finds that Botschka teaches the preparation of an oil-in-water emulsion using a crosslinked copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic acid as a thickener. Final Act. 7. The Examiner also finds that Eisfeld teaches a cosmetic composition comprising a combination of sodium stearyl glutamate, sucrose polystearate and hydrogenated polyisobutene. Id. The Examiner concludes by finding that It would have been prima facie obvious at the time the invention was made to provide a cosmetic preparation comprising sodium stearyl glutamate, sucrose polystearate and hydrogenated polyisobutene as emulsifiers in an emulsion and including a crosslinked copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic acid as a thickener to stabilize the emulsion with a reasonable expectation of success. Apostol teaches cosmetic oil in water emulsions comprising the claimed sodium stearyl glutamate stabilized by a thickener; Botschka teaches the claimed crosslinked copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic acid as a thickener for oil in water emulsion cosmetics providing an aesthetically pleasing application and end feel; and Eisfeld exemplifies emulsion cosmetic formulations comprising the emulsifier combination of sodium stearyl glutamate, sucrose 7 Schreiber et al., US 2005/0106199 Al (published May 19, 2005) ("Schreiber") 3 Appeal2013-008844 Application 12/672,355 polystearate and hydrogenated polyisobutene which can be sprayed by virtue of their sensitivity to shearing and/or their low viscosity and are applicable to a variety of cosmetic utilities. Starting from the emulsion compositions of Eisfeld comprising sodium stearyl glutamate, sucrose polystearate and hydrogenated polyisobutene as emulsifiers the skilled artisan would have been motivated to include a thickener (Apostol) to stabilize the emulsion, and would have been motivated to select the crosslinked the crosslinked copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic acid thickener of Botschka to provide an aesthetically pleasing application and end feel. The skilled artisan would have been motivated to include a UV filter to provide a sunscreen composition. Final Act. 8-9. Appellants contend that Eisfeld does not teach the preparation of a cosmetic proportion containing an oil-in-water emulsion. Appeal Br. 6-7. Appellants argue that the Examiner applied hindsight in applying Eisfeld. Appeal Br. 7. Appellants further argue that since Eisfeld in not an oil-in- water emulsion, there is no need for a stabilizer in Eisfeld. Id. With respect to Apostol, Appellants contend that Apostol' s teaching regarding adding a thickener would not lead one skilled in the art to understand that all cosmetic emulsions require stabilization. Id., at 7-8. Appellants also argue that even if Eisfeld did require a stabilizer, there is nothing in the references to teach or suggest using the particular copolymer recited in the claims. Appeal Br. 9. Appellants go on to argue that there is no reason to combine the teachings of Botschka with Eisfeld and Apostol. The issue with respect to this rejection is whether the Examiner has established by a preponderance of the evidence that claims 33-38 and 40-43 4 Appeal2013-008844 Application 12/672,355 would have been obvious over Apostol combined with Eisfeld and Botschka as defined by 35 U.S.C. § 103(a). Findings of Fact FF 1. Apostol teaches the preparation of cosmetic compositions that comprise oil-in-water compositions. Apostol i-f 1. FF2. The oil-in-water emulsions of Apostol contain thickeners such as sodium stearyl glutamate. Apostol, Table 6. FF3. Botschka teaches a cosmetic composition comprising an oil-in- water emulsion. Botschka i-f 10. FF4. The emulsions of Botschka contain a linear copolymer of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone acrylic acid) as a rheology modifier. Id. FF5. Eisfeld discloses cosmetic compositions comprising sodium stearyl glutamate, sucrose polystearate and hydrogenated polybutene. Eisfeld, example 5, formula 11. FF6. Eisfeld also teaches the use of sodium polyacrylate, a thickener, in a cosmetic composition. Id. FF7. The compositions of Eisfeld can be applied to wipes which are then used to clean and condition skin and hair. Eisfeld ,-r 6. Principles of Law "In determining whether obviousness is established by combining the teachings of the prior art, the test is what the combined teachings of the references would have suggested to those of ordinary skill in the art." In re GPAC Inc., 57 F.3d 1573, 1581 (Fed. Cir. 1995) (internal quotations omitted). 5 Appeal2013-008844 Application 12/672,355 "The combination of familiar elements according to known methods is likely to be obvious when it does no more than yield predictable results." KSR Int'! Co. v. Teleflex Inc., 550 U.S. 398, 416 (2007). "[W]hen the question is whether a patent claiming the combination of elements of prior art is obvious," the answer depends on "whether the improvement is more than the predictable use of prior art elements according to their established functions." KSR Int 'l Co. v. Teleflex Inc., 550 U.S. 398, 417 (2007). Analysis Claim 33 is representative of the claims rejected by the Examiner and addresses a cosmetic composition comprising sodium stearyl glutamate, a crosslinked copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic acid and at least one of sucrose polystearate and hydrogenated polybutene. We agree with the Examiner that the subject matter of claim 33 would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time the invention was made. Eisfeld discloses a cosmetic composition that comprises sodium stearyl glutamate, sucrose polystearate and hydrogenated polybutene. FF5. Eisfeld also teaches the presence of a thickener, polyacrylate, in a cosmetic composition. FF6. Apostol teaches the use of sodium stearyl glutamate in cosmetic oil- in-water compositions. FF2. Botschka teaches the use of crosslinked linear copolymer of poly(vinylpyrrolidone-acrylic acid) as a thickener in cosmetic oil-in-water emulsions. FF3 and 4. We agree with the Examiner that at the time the presently claimed invention was made, all of the claimed elements and their functions were known in the art. From the express teachings of the prior art, the claimed invention appears to be the combination of known elements found in the prior art. Moreover, substituting one known thickener for another known thickener is simply the substitution 6 Appeal2013-008844 Application 12/672,355 of one known element for another where each element and its function were already known in the cosmetic art. Ans. 10. Appellants contend that Eisfeld is not directed to an oil-in-water emulsion, let alone an emulsion that requires stabilization. Appeal Br. 7. We are unpersuaded. To begin, only claim 43 contains the limitation that the composition be an oil-in-water composition. Thus, the argument is inapplicable to claim 33. Moreover, as the Examiner points out, the compositions of Eisfeld appear to be oil-in-water emulsions of the same type described in Apostol and Botschka. Ans. 6. Appellants next argue that while Apostol teaches that use of a thickener to stabilize an emulsion, there is no teaching that Eisfeld would require a stabilizer. Appeal Br. 8-9. We are unpersuaded. Eisfeld teaches compositions containing thickeners including sodium stearyl glutamate, sucrose polystearate and hydrogenated polyisobutane. Ans. 7. It would have been obvious to one skilled in the art to substitute one known thickener for another. Appellants go on to argue that there is no motivation to replace the thickener of Eisfeld (sodium polyacrylate) with that thickener of Botschka. Appeal Br. 9. We are unpersuaded. As the Examiner noted, Botschka provides the necessary motivation in that it teaches that use of the preferred thickener results in cosmetic compositions with aesthetically pleasing application and end feel which satisfies Eisfeld desire to produce cosmetic compositions with improved tactile feel. Ans. 8-9. 7 Appeal2013-008844 Application 12/672,355 Appellants also contend that the composition of Eisfeld is intended as an impregnating fluid for wipes and not as a composition applied directly to the skin and thus are not relevant to the claimed compositions. Appeal Br. 8-9, Reply Br. 3---6. We are unpersuaded. While the compositions of Eisfeld may be applied to wipes, treated wipes are then used to clean and condition the skin. FF7. Thus, like the cosmetic compositions of Apostol and Botschka, the compositions of Eisfeld are intended to be applied to the skin. Appellants also argue that since the compositions of Eisfeld are designed to be applied to wipes, there is no reason to add the thickener of Botschka. Reply Br. 5. Appellants' argument ignores the fact that, as discussed above, Eisfeld teaches the use of a thickener. FF6. One skilled in the art would have been motivated to substitute one know thickener for another. Finally, Appellants argue that the Examiner used impermissible hindsight in the selection and application of the references. Appeal Br. 7. We are unpersuaded. As the Examiner points out, Eisfeld teaches a cosmetic composition that contains all the elements of claim 33 with the exception of crosslinked copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic acid. Ans. 5. We agree with the Examiner that it would have been obvious to one skilled in the art to substitute the thickener of Eisfeld with another known thickener such as that taught by Botschka. Ans. 5. The Examiner's conclusion of obviousness takes into account what was known in the art at the time the invention was made and does not appear to include knowledge obtained from Appellants' disclosure. 8 Appeal2013-008844 Application 12/672,355 Conclusion of Law We conclude that the Examiner has established by a preponderance of the evidence that claim 33 would have been obvious over Apostol combined with Botschka and Eisfeld under 35 U.S.C § 103(a). Claims 3-38 and 40-43 have not been argued separately and therefore fall with claim 33. 37 C.F.R. § 41.37(c)(l)(iv). CLAIM 39 Issue The Examiner has rejected claim 39 as unpatentable over Apostol in view of Botschka and Eisfeld in further view of Dueva-Koganov. Claim 39 depends from claim 33 and adds the limitation that the cosmetic composition further comprises an electrolyte. The Examiner finds that "Apostol, Botschka and Eisfeld teach a composition comprising sodium stearyl glutamate, a crosslinked copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic acid, sucrose polystearate and hydrogenated polyisobutene in an oil in water emulsion as claimed." Final Act. 9. The Examiner also finds that Dueva- Koganov "teaches the addition of an electrolyte such as sodium chloride to adjust the osmality of the aqueous phase so that it is well tolerated and non- irritating to the eyes of the consumer." Id. The Examiner concludes that: It would have been prima facie obvious at the time the invention was made to include electrolytes in a cosmetic composition comprising sodium stearyl glutamate, sucrose polystearate and hydrogenated polyisobutene as emulsifiers and a stabilizing amount of crosslinked copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic acid in an oil in water emulsion as claimed with a reasonable expectation of success. The skilled artisan would have been motivated to include electrolytes in the composition because Dueva-koganov teaches improving 9 Appeal2013-008844 Application 12/672,355 cosmetics by addition of electrolytes to adjust the osmality of the aqueous phase so that it is well tolerated and non-irritating to the eyes. The skilled artisan would have been motivated by the teachings of Dueva-koganov to modify the compositions of Apostol, Botschka and Eisfeld with the expectation of the same improvements. Final Act. 9-10. Appellants contend that Dueva-Koganov is directed to the addition of electrolytes to an aqueous composition whereas Eisfeld in a non-aqueous composition. Appeal Br. 11-12. Given the different nature of the two composition, Appellants argue there would be no valid reason to add the electrolytes ofDueva-Koganov to the composition of Eisfeld. Appeal Br. 12. The issue with respect to this rejection is whether the Examiner has established by a preponderance of the evidence that claim 39 is unpatentable as obvious over 1A:\.postol in vie\'l/ of Botscl1ka and Eisfeld in further vie\'l/ of Dueva-Koganov as defined by 35 U.S.C. § 102(a). Findings of Fact FF8. Dueva-Koganov discloses a cosmetic composition comprising an eye-safe electrolyte. Dueva-Koganov i-fi-137 and 42. Analysis We agree with the Examiner that the subject matter of claim 39 would have been obvious at the time the invention was made. As discussed above, Apostol, Botschka and Eisfeld teach a cosmetic composition comprising sodium stearyl glutamate, sucrose polystearate and hydrogenated polyisobutene as emulsifiers and a stabilizing amount of crosslinked 10 Appeal2013-008844 Application 12/672,355 copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic acid in an oil in water emulsion. FFl-7. Dueva-Koganov teaches the use of eye-safe electrolytes to adjust osmality and avoid eye irritation. FF8. We agree with the Examiner that "[t]he skilled artisan would have been motivated to include electrolytes in the composition because Dueva-koganov teaches improving cosmetics by addition of electrolytes to adjust the osmality of the aqueous phase so that it is well tolerated and non-irritating to the eyes. The skilled artisan would have been motivated by the teachings of Dueva-koganov to modify the compositions of Apostol, Botschka and Eisfeld with the expectation of the same improvements." Final Act. 10. Appellants argue that there is no reason to combine the teachings of Dueva-Koganov with Eisfeld because Dueva-Koganov is an aqueous composition and Eisfeld in non-aqueous. Appeal Br. 11-12. We are unpersuaded. As the Examiner notes, the teachings of Dueva-Koganov are not limited to aqueous systems. Ans. 11. Similarly, Eisfeld encompasses aqueous systems. Id. Thus there is ample motivation to use the electrolytes of Dueva-Koganov in the compositions of Eisfeld. Appellants also argue that compositions of Dueva-Koganov are intended to be applied to the skin whereas the compositions of Eisfeld are intended to be applied to wipes. Reply Br. 7-8. Appellants argue that the Examiner's combination of the references is improper given the different uses of the compositions. Id. We are unpersuaded. As discussed above, Eisfeld teaches that the wipes containing the disclosed composition are used to clean and condition the skin. FF7. Like the compositions of Apostol and 11 Appeal2013-008844 Application 12/672,355 Botschka, the compositions of Eisfeld are intended to be applied to the skin. The combination advanced by the Examiner is therefore proper. Conclusion of Law We conclude that the Examiner has established by a preponderance of the evidence that claim 39 is obvious over Apostol combined with Botschka, Eisfeld and Dueva-Koganov under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a). CLAIMS 45-52 Issue The Examiner has rejected claims 44--52 under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as unpatentable over Apostol in view of Botschka and Banowski. Claim 44 is representative of this set of claims and reads follows: 44. A cosmetic preparation, wherein the preparation comprises (a) sodium stearyl glutamate, (b) a crosslinked copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic acid, and at least one of ( c) starch and a derivative thereof and ( d) one or more diols selected from 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, pentane-1,2-diol, hexane-1,2-diol, heptane-1,2-diol, octane- 1,2-diol, nonane-1,2-diol, decane-1,2- diol, and ethylhexylglycerol. The Examiner finds that Apostol and Botschka teach a cosmetic composition comprising sodium stearyl glutamate and a crosslinked copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic acid in an oil-in-water emulsion. Final Act. 10. Banowski teaches an antiperspirant stick that includes starch and starch derivatives. Final Act. 11. The Examiner also finds that Banowski teaches composition that also comprise 2-methyl-1, 3- propanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, or 1,2-octanediol. Id. The Examiner concludes that 12 Appeal2013-008844 Application 12/672,355 [i]t would have been prima facie obvious at the time the invention was made to include starch and starch derivatives and dials as claimed in an oil-in water cosmetic with a reasonable expectation of success. Apostol teaches cosmetic oil in water emulsions comprising the claimed sodium stearyl glutamate stabilized by a thickener, Botschka teaches the claimed crosslinked copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic acid as a thickener for oil in water emulsion cosmetics providing an aesthetically pleasing application and end feel and Banowski teaches oil in water antiperspirant including starch and starch derivatives and dials as claimed for utility of the composition as a deodorant. The skilled artisan would have been to provide a deodorant cosmetic composition. Final Act. 11. Appellants contend Banowski is non-analogous art in that it is directed to solid deodorant/antiperspirant sticks where are Apostol and Botschka are directed to liquid cosmetic compositions. Appeal Br. 13-15. 1A .. ppellants go on to argue that the Examiner has failed to explain "v,rhat advantageous effects one of ordinary skill in the art would expect if starch or derivatives thereof or the pol yo ls recited in claim 8 of BANOWSKI were added to the pigment compositions of APOSTOL or BOTSCHKA." Appeal Br. 16. (emphasis in the original). With respect to claim 46, Appellants argue that Banowski does not provide a motivation to add the specific diols recited in claim 46 to the compositions created by the combination of Apostol and Botschka. Appeal Br. 18. The issue with respect to this rejection is whether the Examiner has established by a preponderance of the evidence that claims 44--52 are unpatentable as obvious over Apostol combined with Botschka and Banowski as defined by 35 U.S.C. § 103(a). 13 Appeal2013-008844 Application 12/672,355 Findings of Fact FF9. Banowski discloses deodorant sticks based on an oil-in-water composition. Banowski, Abstract. FFlO. Banowski teaches the incorporation of starch and starch derivatives into deodorant sticks. Banowski i-f 110. FF 11. Banowski teaches that incorporation of diols into deodorant sticks. Banowski i-f 91. Analysis We agree with the Examiner that the subject matter of claim 44 would have been obvious to one skilled in the art at the time the invention was made. Apostol teaches as oil-in water cosmetic composition which contains sodium stearyl glutamate. FF 1 and 2. Botschka teaches a cosmetic composition containing crosslinked linear copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and acrylic acid. FF4. Banowski teaches the inclusion of starch and starch derivatives as well as diols in a deodorant. FFlO and 11. We agree with the Examiner that "[i]t would have been prima facie obvious at the time the invention was made to include starch and starch derivatives and diols as claimed in an oil-in-water cosmetic with a reasonable expectation of success." Final Act. 11. Appellants contend that Banowski is nonanalogous art in the Banowski is directed to solid deodorant stack whereas Apostol and Botschka are directed to liquid cosmetic compositions. Appeal Br. 15, Reply Br. 8- 10. We are unpersuaded. As the Examiner points out, all three reference are directed to "solving the problem of providing cosmetic compositions comprising an oily phase dispersed in an aqueous phase (i.e. O/W emulsion); 14 Appeal2013-008844 Application 12/672,355 Apostol, Botschka and Banowski all share the essential feature of an O/W emulsion base for cosmetic compositions suitable for application to the skin." Ans. 14. Banowski is in the same field of endeavor as Apostol and Botschka and is therefore analogous art. In re Oetiker, 977 F2d 1443, 1447 (Fed. Cir. 1992). With respect to claim 46, we agree with the Examiner that Banowski provides a specific motivation to use the listed diols. Ans. 17. As the Examiner points out, Banowski teaches that the diols act as an effective carrier for water soluble active ingredients and aid in the rapid release of the active ingredient on the skin. Id. Conclusion of Law We conclude that the Examiner has established by a preponderance of the evidence that claims 44 and 46 would have been obvious over Apostol combined with Botschka and Banowski under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a). Claims 45 and 47-52 have not been argued separately and therefore fall with claim 44. 37 C.F.R. § 41.37(c)(l)(iv). CLAIMS 49-52 With respect to the rejection of claims 49-52 under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as unpatentable over Apostol combined with Botschka, Banowski, and Schreiber, Appellants contend that Schreiber fails to cure the deficiencies of Apostol, Botschka and Banowski asserted with respect to claims 44--52 discussed above. For the reasons stated above, we are unpersuaded. Apostol, Botschka and Banowski are properly combinable and 15 Appeal2013-008844 Application 12/672,355 teach all the elements of the claims except for the use of electrolytes. Ans. 18. Schreiber teaches that use of electrolytes as a skin moisturizing agent. Schreiber i-f 259-260. We agree with the Examiner that the combination of references renders the rejected claims unpatentable for obviousness. Final Act. 12. We conclude that the Examiner has established by a preponderance of the evidence that claims 49-52 are unpatentable as obvious in view of Apostol combined with Botschka, Banowski and Schreiber under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a). SUMMARY We affirm the rejection of claims 33-38, and 40-43 under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as unpatentable over Apostol in view of Botschka and Eisfeld. We affirm the rejection of, claim 39 under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as unpatentable over Apostol in view of Botschka and Eisfeld in further view of Dueva-Koganov. We affirm the rejection of claims 44--52 under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as unpatentable over Apostol in view of Botschka and Banowski. We affirm the rejection of claims 49-52 under 35 U.S.C. § 103(a) as unpatentable over Apostol in view of Botschka and Banowski in further view of Schreiber. 16 Appeal2013-008844 Application 12/672,355 TIME PERIOD FOR RESPONSE No time period for taking any subsequent action in connection with this appeal may be extended under 37 C.F.R. § 1.136(a). AFFIRMED 17 Copy with citationCopy as parenthetical citation