I'm not following the logic of your search. If you are just looking for similarities just search on "the" or "and." It's a given both fall under continuous. Synthesis usually requires reactors. Overlapping words happen. It's the uniqueness of the invention that gets rewarded. Search on the differences. Based on a quick Google search, micro- and milli- appear to describe different systems.
There is no guarantee all of Dow's claims qualify as novel and make it all the way through the examination. It's been a while, but I recall seeing an earlier Dow continuous flow application with a number of claims rejected. I don't know if this is the same invention or a second iteration with modifications.
It's an application, not a patent so there is no immediate threat to QMC. The problem for QMC is their lack of R&D and investment. Even if they have something of value at the moment, it's tough to defend and maintain without continued research. And let's face it, none of their patents to date were invented in-house. Heck, I searched and couldn't find a patent application at USPTO to support the composition of matter of the latest world changing claims in the last press release. Hard to image them not trying to protect this invention if it is truly meaningful.
AI
