This is not the way the patent process is supposed to work. This reeks of favors and vested interests misinforming those in position to make decisions. How else could they allow such *EXPENSIVE REDUNDANCY*? What value is there in the patents they award if anyone can continually have them reviewed to cast a pall over a fledgling company? The USPTO makes a mockery of itself and its charter. Call it what you want - corruption or undue influence but that's the name of the game here, folks.
There is no new art that was not already considered and reviewed.