Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 02, 2026
Application No. 17/272,520

USER EQUIPMENT AND BASE STATION DEVICE

Non-Final OA §103
Filed
Mar 01, 2021
Priority
Sep 05, 2018 — nonprovisional of PCTJP2018032941
Examiner
RANDHAWA, MANDISH K
Art Unit
2477
Tech Center
2400 — Computer Networks
Assignee
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
OA Round
9 (Non-Final)
65%
Grant Probability
Favorable
9-10
OA Rounds
0m
Est. Remaining
92%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 65% — above average
65%
Career Allowance Rate
366 granted / 561 resolved
+7.2% vs TC avg
Strong +27% interview lift
Without
With
+27.2%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 7m
Avg Prosecution
33 currently pending
Career history
605
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
3.2%
-36.8% vs TC avg
§103
62.1%
+22.1% vs TC avg
§102
18.1%
-21.9% vs TC avg
§112
10.2%
-29.8% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 561 resolved cases

Office Action

§103
DETAILED ACTION Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status 1. The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 2. In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. 3. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action: A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made. 4. The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows: 1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art. 2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue. 3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art. 4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness. 5. This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention. 6. Claims 7 and 11-15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Cheng (US 2020/0053743 A1) in view of Chen et al. (WO 2016/131344 A1, hereinafter “Chen”) and Huang et al. (US 2021/0185645 A1, hereinafter “Huang”). Regarding claims 7 and 14, Cheng teaches a terminal comprising: a reception unit configured to receive sidelink control information (¶ [0055], ¶ [0058]. Provisional application # 62/716098: page 7, line 6-page 8, line 16, … the priority of NR-V2X and LTE-V2X will depend on the priority information in SCI, i.e., SCI-NR-V and SCl-format 1 for NR-V2X and LTE-V2X respectively…); a control unit configured to perform control related to first transmission of terminal-to-terminal direct communication in a first RAT (Radio Access Technology) and control related to second transmission of terminal-to-terminal direct communication in a second RAT; and a transmission unit configured to execute at least one of the first transmission and the second transmission, wherein, when the first transmission and the second transmission overlap in time domain, the control unit determines priorities of the first transmission and the second transmission based on the sidelink control information, and the transmission unit executes transmission with higher priority among the first transmission and the second transmission (¶ [0055], ¶ [0058]. Provisional application # 62/716098: page 7, line 6-page 8, line 16, … While UE receives a SCI contained a priority field with priority value “5”, … the priority of NR-V2X and LTE-V2X will depend on the priority information in SCI, i.e., SCI-NR-V and SCl-format 1 for NR-V2X and LTE-V2X respectively. For example, UE received a SCI-NR-V and a SCI-format 1 while the scheduling PSSCH for NR-V2X physical channel and for LTE-V2X PSSCH are overlapped in time domain. Since the priority in SCI-NR-V is “1” and the priority in SCl-format 1 is “4” UE will drop the PSSCH scheduled by SCI-format 1 according to priority contained in SCL. In another approach, UE will always drop the LTE-V2X PSSCH but transmit only NR-V2X PSSCH if they are scheduled in the overlapping time domain. in another approach, UE will always drop the NR-V2X PSSCH but transmit only LTE-V2X PSSCH if they are scheduled in the overlapping time domain. Where it is implicit that the terminal includes a reception unit, a control unit and a transmission unit to perform the steps listed above) wherein the control unit performs control related to second reception of terminal-to-terminal direct communication in the second RAT (¶ [0055], ¶ [0058]. Provisional application # 62/716098: page 8: UE will only consider the slot and symbol which are indicated as “UL” as valid resource for transmit or receive LTE-V2X physical channel and NR-V2X physical channel.). Cheng does not explicitly teach a reception unit configured to receive sidelink control information in terminal-to-terminal direct communication; and wherein the second transmission is transmission of HARQ-ACK in the second RAT. Chen teaches receiving sidelink control information in terminal-to-terminal direct communication (pages 12-13, The second control signaling may be sent by the base station, for example, the base station sends Downlink Control Information (DCI) to schedule data transmission and retransmission of the D2D link, or is sent by the second UE. ), such as Sidelink Control Information (SCI), also known as Scheduling Assignment (Scheduling Assignment, Referred to as SA)). Chen further teaches a terminal transmitting HARQ-ACK based on a priority rule (page 9, the ACK/NACK feedback of the D2D UE has the highest priority, that is, if other transmissions collide, other transmissions are discarded.). Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the invention, to receive sidelink control information in terminal-to-terminal direct communication (i.e., receive the sidelink control information from another terminal) and to utilize HARQ-ACK/NACK in the first RAT and/or the second RAT (i.e. to transmit HARQ-ACK/NACK as the first transmission in the first RAT and/or as the second transmission in the second RAT) in the system of Cheng to utilize conventional techniques in the art to improve industrial applicability. Cheng in view of Chen does not explicitly teach when the first transmission and the second reception overlap in time domain, the control unit controls the first transmission and the second reception based on priorities determined by the sidelink control information, and wherein, when the first transmission has a higher priority than that of the second reception, the transmission unit executes the first transmission, wherein, when the second reception has a higher priority than that of the first transmission, the reception unit executes the second reception. Huang teaches when the first transmission and the second reception overlap in time domain, the control unit controls the first transmission and the second reception based on priorities determined by the control information corresponding to the sidelink, and wherein, when the first transmission has a higher priority than that of the second reception, the transmission unit executes the first transmission (Figs. 2A, 2B, ¶ [0274], a method for determining a priority sequence between an LTE sidelink and an NR sidelink…For UE, sending of the NR sidelink and sending or reception of the LTE sidelink may overlap in a time-domain position. In FIG. 2B, the sending of the NR sidelink is likely to cause large interference to the reception of the LTE sidelink. The method of the embodiment is also applicable under the condition that the NR sidelink is replaced by the LTE sidelink and the LTE sidelink is replaced by the NR sidelink. ¶ [0275], [0278] 3. The LTE sidelink is prioritized higher than the NR sidelink by default. [0279] 4. The NR sidelink is prioritized higher than the LTE sidelink by default. ¶ [0282], ¶ [0284], ¶ [0286], Under the condition that the time domain resources of the LTE sidelink and the NR sidelink overlap, the UE may adjust a sending resource of the sidelink with the lower priority. In other words, when the first transmission (e.g., NR sidelink) has higher priority than the second reception (e.g., LTE sidelink), the transmission unit executes the first transmission), wherein, when the second reception has a higher priority than that of the first transmission, the reception unit executes the second reception (Figs. 2A, 2B, ¶ [0274], a method for determining a priority sequence between an LTE sidelink and an NR sidelink…For UE, sending of the NR sidelink and sending or reception of the LTE sidelink may overlap in a time-domain position. In FIG. 2B, the sending of the NR sidelink is likely to cause large interference to the reception of the LTE sidelink. The method of the embodiment is also applicable under the condition that the NR sidelink is replaced by the LTE sidelink and the LTE sidelink is replaced by the NR sidelink. ¶ [0275], [0278] 3. The LTE sidelink is prioritized higher than the NR sidelink by default. [0279] 4. The NR sidelink is prioritized higher than the LTE sidelink by default. ¶ [0286], Under the condition that the time domain resources of the LTE sidelink and the NR sidelink overlap, the UE may adjust a sending resource of the sidelink with the lower priority. In other words, when the second reception (e.g., LTE sidelink) has higher priority than the first transmission (e.g., NR sidelink), the reception unit executes the second reception). Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the invention, to control the first transmission/reception and the second transmission/reception based on priorities determined by the sidelink control information (i.e., execute the first transmission/reception when the first transmission/reception has a higher priority than that of the second transmission/reception, and to execute the second transmission/reception when the second transmission/reception has a higher priority than that of the first transmission/reception) in the system of Cheng in view of Chen to further enhance system efficiency and reliability (¶ [0006] of Huang). Regarding claim 15, Cheng teaches a communication system supporting terminal-to-terminal direct communication in a first RAT and terminal-to-terminal direct communication in a second RAT, the communication system comprising: a first terminal; and a second terminal (¶ [0055], ¶ [0058]. Provisional application # 62/716098: pages 7-8, where it is implicit that there are at least two terminals transmitting/receiving V2X messages), the first terminal comprising: a reception unit configured to receive sidelink control information (¶ [0055], ¶ [0058]. Provisional application # 62/716098: page 7, line 6-page 8, line 16, … the priority of NR-V2X and LTE-V2X will depend on the priority information in SCI, i.e., SCI-NR-V and SCl-format 1 for NR-V2X and LTE-V2X respectively…); a control unit configured to perform control related to first transmission of terminal- to-terminal direct communication in a first RAT (Radio Access Technology) and control related to second transmission of terminal-to-terminal direct communication in a second RAT (¶ [0055], ¶ [0058]. Provisional application # 62/716098: page 7, line 6-page 8, line 16); a transmission unit configured to execute at least one of the first transmission and the second transmission, wherein, when the first transmission and the second transmission overlap in time domain, the control unit determines priorities of the first transmission and the second transmission based on the sidelink control information, and the transmission unit executes transmission with higher priority among the first transmission and the second transmission (¶ [0055], ¶ [0058]. Provisional application # 62/716098: page 7, line 6-page 8, line 16, … While UE receives a SCI contained a priority field with priority value “5”, UE will drop LTE UL physical transmission if UE has received scheduling information of NR-V2X, LTE and NR physical channel while the PSSCH of NR-V2X, LTE UL physical channel and NR UL physical channel are overlapped in time domain… the priority of NR-V2X and LTE-V2X will depend on the priority information in SCI, i.e., SCI-NR-V and SCl-format 1 for NR-V2X and LTE-V2X respectively. For example, UE received a SCI-NR-V and a SCi-format 1 while the scheduling PSSCH for NR-V2X physical channel and for LTE-V2X PSSCH are overlapped in time domain. Since the priority in SCI-NR-V is “1” and the priority in SCl-format 1 is “4” UE will drop the PSSCH scheduled by SCi-format 1 according to priority contained in SCL. In another approach, UE will always drop the LTE-V2X PSSCH but transmit only NR-V2X PSSCH if they are scheduled in the overlapping time domain. in another approach, UE will always drop the NR-V2X PSSCH but transmit only LTE-V2X PSSCH if they are scheduled in the overlapping time domain. Where it is implicit that the terminal includes a reception unit, a control unit and a transmission unit to perform the steps listed above), and wherein the control unit performs control related to second reception of terminal-to-terminal direct communication in the second RAT (¶ [0055], ¶ [0058]. Provisional application # 62/716098: page 8: UE will only consider the slot and symbol which are indicated as “UL” as valid resource for transmit or receive LTE-V2X physical channel and NR-V2X physical channel.), and the second terminal comprising: a reception unit configured to execute at least one of first reception corresponding to the first transmission and second reception corresponding to the second transmission (¶ [0055], ¶ [0058]. Provisional application # 62/716098: 7-9, where it is implicit that there is at least one second terminal comprising a reception unit configured to at least one of first reception corresponding to the first transmission transmitted by the first terminal and second reception corresponding to the second transmission transmitted by the first terminal). Cheng does not explicitly teach a reception unit configured to receive sidelink control information in terminal-to-terminal direct communication; and wherein the second transmission is transmission of HARQ-ACK in the second RAT. Chen teaches receiving sidelink control information in terminal-to-terminal direct communication (pages 12-13, The second control signaling may be sent by the base station, for example, the base station sends Downlink Control Information (DCI) to schedule data transmission and retransmission of the D2D link, or is sent by the second UE. ), such as Sidelink Control Information (SCI), also known as Scheduling Assignment (Scheduling Assignment, Referred to as SA)). Chen further teaches a terminal transmitting HARQ-ACK based on a priority rule (page 9, the ACK/NACK feedback of the D2D UE has the highest priority, that is, if other transmissions collide, other transmissions are discarded.). Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the invention, to receive sidelink control information in terminal-to-terminal direct communication (i.e., receive the sidelink control information from another terminal) and to utilize HARQ-ACK/NACK in the first RAT and/or the second RAT (i.e. to transmit HARQ-ACK/NACK as the first transmission in the first RAT and/or as the second transmission in the second RAT) in the system of Cheng to utilize conventional techniques in the art to improve industrial applicability. Cheng in view of Chen does not explicitly teach when the first transmission and the second reception overlap in time domain, the control unit controls the first transmission and the second reception based on priorities determined by the sidelink control information, and wherein, when the first transmission has a higher priority than that of the second reception, the transmission unit executes the first transmission, wherein, when the second reception has a higher priority than that of the first transmission, the reception unit executes the second reception. Huang teaches when the first transmission and the second reception overlap in time domain, the control unit controls the first transmission and the second reception based on priorities determined by control information corresponding to the sidelink, and wherein, when the first transmission has a higher priority than that of the second reception, the transmission unit executes the first transmission (Figs. 2A, 2B, ¶ [0274], a method for determining a priority sequence between an LTE sidelink and an NR sidelink…For UE, sending of the NR sidelink and sending or reception of the LTE sidelink may overlap in a time-domain position. In FIG. 2B, the sending of the NR sidelink is likely to cause large interference to the reception of the LTE sidelink. The method of the embodiment is also applicable under the condition that the NR sidelink is replaced by the LTE sidelink and the LTE sidelink is replaced by the NR sidelink. ¶ [0275], [0278] 3. The LTE sidelink is prioritized higher than the NR sidelink by default. [0279] 4. The NR sidelink is prioritized higher than the LTE sidelink by default. ¶ [0282], ¶ [0284], ¶ [0286], Under the condition that the time domain resources of the LTE sidelink and the NR sidelink overlap, the UE may adjust a sending resource of the sidelink with the lower priority. In other words, when the first transmission (e.g., NR sidelink) has higher priority than the second reception (e.g., LTE sidelink), the transmission unit executes the first transmission), wherein, when the second reception has a higher priority than that of the first transmission, the reception unit executes the second reception (Figs. 2A, 2B, ¶ [0274], a method for determining a priority sequence between an LTE sidelink and an NR sidelink…For UE, sending of the NR sidelink and sending or reception of the LTE sidelink may overlap in a time-domain position. In FIG. 2B, the sending of the NR sidelink is likely to cause large interference to the reception of the LTE sidelink. The method of the embodiment is also applicable under the condition that the NR sidelink is replaced by the LTE sidelink and the LTE sidelink is replaced by the NR sidelink. ¶ [0275], [0278] 3. The LTE sidelink is prioritized higher than the NR sidelink by default. [0279] 4. The NR sidelink is prioritized higher than the LTE sidelink by default. ¶ [0286], Under the condition that the time domain resources of the LTE sidelink and the NR sidelink overlap, the UE may adjust a sending resource of the sidelink with the lower priority. In other words, when the second reception (e.g., LTE sidelink) has higher priority than the first transmission (e.g., NR sidelink), the reception unit executes the second reception). Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the invention, to control the first transmission/reception and the second transmission/reception based on priorities determined by the sidelink control information (i.e., execute the first transmission/reception when the first transmission/reception has a higher priority than that of the second transmission/reception, and to execute the second transmission/reception when the second transmission/reception has a higher priority than that of the first transmission/reception) in the system of Cheng in view of Chen to further enhance system efficiency and reliability (¶ [0006] of Huang). Regarding claims 11-13, Cheng in view of Chen and Huang teaches the terminal as claimed in claim 7, Cheng does not explicitly teach wherein, when the first reception and the second transmission overlap in time domain, the control unit controls the first reception and the second transmission based on priorities determined by the sidelink control information, and wherein, when the second transmission has a higher priority than that of the first reception, the transmission unit executes the second transmission, wherein, when the first reception has a higher priority than that of the second transmission, the reception unit executes the first reception. However, Cheng teaches wherein, when the first transmission and the second transmission overlap in time domain, the control unit controls the first transmission and the second transmission based on priorities determined by the sidelink control information, and wherein, when the second transmission has a higher priority than that of the first transmission, the transmission unit executes the second transmission and when the first transmission has a higher priority than that of the second transmission, the reception unit executes the first transmission (¶ [0055], ¶ [0058]. Provisional application: Page 8, the priority of NR-V2X and LTE-V2X will depend on the priority information in SCI, i.e., SCI-NR-V and SCl-format 1 for NR-V2X and LTE-V2X respectively. For example, UE received a SCI-NR-V and a SCI-format 1 while the scheduling PSSCH for NR-V2X physical channel and for LTE-V2X PSSCH are overlapped in time domain. Since the priority in SCI-NR-V is “1” and the priority in SCl-format 1 is “4” UE will drop the PSSCH scheduled by SCI-format 1 according to priority contained in SCI. In another approach, UE will always drop the LTE-V2X PSSCH but transmit only NR-V2X PSSCH if they are scheduled in the overlapping time domain. in another approach, UE will always drop the NR-V2X PSSCH but transmit only LTE-V2X PSSCH if they are scheduled in the overlapping time domain… the UE will only consider the slot and symbol which are indicated as “UL” as valid resource to transmit or receive LTE-V2X physical channel and NR-V2X physical channel). Further, Huang teaches wherein, when the first reception and the second transmission overlap in time domain, the control unit controls the first reception and the second transmission based on priorities determined by control information corresponding to the sidelink, and wherein, when the second transmission has a higher priority than that of the first reception, the transmission unit executes the second transmission, wherein, when the first reception has a higher priority than that of the second transmission, the reception unit executes the first reception (Figs. 2A, 2B, ¶ [0274], a method for determining a priority sequence between an LTE sidelink and an NR sidelink…For UE, sending of the NR sidelink and sending or reception of the LTE sidelink may overlap in a time-domain position. In FIG. 2B, the sending of the NR sidelink is likely to cause large interference to the reception of the LTE sidelink. The method of the embodiment is also applicable under the condition that the NR sidelink is replaced by the LTE sidelink and the LTE sidelink is replaced by the NR sidelink. ¶ [0275], [0278] 3. The LTE sidelink is prioritized higher than the NR sidelink by default. [0279] 4. The NR sidelink is prioritized higher than the LTE sidelink by default. ¶ [0286], Under the condition that the time domain resources of the LTE sidelink and the NR sidelink overlap, the UE may adjust a sending resource of the sidelink with the lower priority) Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the invention, to control the first transmission/reception and the second transmission/reception based on priorities determined by the sidelink control information (i.e., execute the second transmission/reception when the second transmission/reception has a higher priority than that of the first transmission/reception, and to execute the first transmission/reception when the first transmission/reception has a higher priority than that of the second transmission/reception) in the system of Cheng in view of Chen to further enhance system efficiency and reliability (¶ [0006] of Huang). Response to Arguments 7. Applicant’s arguments filed on August 5, 2026 have been considered but they are not persuasive. 8. Applicant argues “…Without acquiescing to the Examiner's position, independent claim 7 has been amended to recite, in part: (i) "wherein, when the first transmission and the second reception overlap in time domain, the control unit controls the first transmission and the second reception based on priorities determined by the sidelink control information," (ii) "wherein, when the first transmission has a higher priority than that of the second reception, the transmission unit executes the first transmission, and (iii) "wherein, when the second reception has a higher priority than that of the first transmission, the reception unit executes the second reception."… Cheng does not teach the above-referenced limitations (i)-(iii)… Chen fails to supply that which Cheng lacks regarding the above-referenced limitations (i)-(iii)… Huang fails to supply that which Cheng and Chen lack regarding the above-referenced limitations (i)-(iii). Specifically, paragraph [0274] of Huang describes that sending of an NR sidelink and reception of an LTE sidelink may overlap in a time-domain position. However, while paragraph [0132] identifies sidelink control information as an example of physical-layer information through which resource-related information may be sent, Huang is silent with respect to controlling the first transmission and the second reception based on priorities determined by the sidelink control information when the first transmission and the second reception overlap in time domain, as required by the above-referenced limitation (i)…” Examiner respectfully disagrees and submits that one cannot show nonobviousness by attacking references individually where the rejections are based on combinations of references. See In re Keller, 642 F.2d 413, 208 USPQ 871 (CCPA 1981); In re Merck & Co., 800 F.2d 1091,231 USPQ 375 (Fed. Cir. 1986). In this case: Cheng in view of Chen teaches a reception unit configured to receive sidelink control information in a terminal-to-terminal direct communication; a control unit configured to perform control related to first transmission of terminal-to- terminal direct communication in a first RAT (Radio Access Technology) and control related to second transmission of terminal-to-terminal direct communication in a second RAT; and a transmission unit configured to execute at least one of the first transmission and the second transmission, wherein, when the first transmission and the second transmission overlap in time domain, the control unit determines priorities of the first transmission and the second transmission based on the sidelink control information, and the transmission unit executes transmission with higher priority among the first transmission and the second transmission; and wherein the control unit performs control related to second reception of terminal-to-terminal direct communication in the second RAT, as set forth above Huang teaches when the first transmission and the second reception overlap in time domain, the control unit controls the first transmission and the second reception based on priorities determined by control information corresponding to the sidelink, and wherein, when the first transmission has a higher priority than that of the second reception, the transmission unit executes the first transmission (Figs. 2A, 2B, ¶ [0274], a method for determining a priority sequence between an LTE sidelink and an NR sidelink…For UE, sending of the NR sidelink and sending or reception of the LTE sidelink may overlap in a time-domain position. In FIG. 2B, the sending of the NR sidelink is likely to cause large interference to the reception of the LTE sidelink. The method of the embodiment is also applicable under the condition that the NR sidelink is replaced by the LTE sidelink and the LTE sidelink is replaced by the NR sidelink. ¶ [0275], [0278] 3. The LTE sidelink is prioritized higher than the NR sidelink by default. [0279] 4. The NR sidelink is prioritized higher than the LTE sidelink by default. ¶ [0282], The UE receives a sidelink related priority sequence list from the base station or a core network element or the V2X server. ¶ [0284], The UE receives the PPPP value corresponding to the NR sidelink from the base station or the core network element or the V2X server. ¶ [0286], Under the condition that the time domain resources of the LTE sidelink and the NR sidelink overlap, the UE may adjust a sending resource of the sidelink with the lower priority. In other words, when the first transmission (e.g., NR sidelink) has higher priority than the second reception (e.g., LTE sidelink), the transmission unit executes the first transmission), wherein, when the second reception has a higher priority than that of the first transmission, the reception unit executes the second reception (Figs. 2A, 2B, ¶ [0274], a method for determining a priority sequence between an LTE sidelink and an NR sidelink…For UE, sending of the NR sidelink and sending or reception of the LTE sidelink may overlap in a time-domain position. In FIG. 2B, the sending of the NR sidelink is likely to cause large interference to the reception of the LTE sidelink. The method of the embodiment is also applicable under the condition that the NR sidelink is replaced by the LTE sidelink and the LTE sidelink is replaced by the NR sidelink. ¶ [0275], [0278] 3. The LTE sidelink is prioritized higher than the NR sidelink by default. [0279] 4. The NR sidelink is prioritized higher than the LTE sidelink by default. ¶ [0286], Under the condition that the time domain resources of the LTE sidelink and the NR sidelink overlap, the UE may adjust a sending resource of the sidelink with the lower priority. In other words, when the second reception (e.g., LTE sidelink) has higher priority than the first transmission (e.g., NR sidelink), the reception unit executes the second reception). Thus, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the invention, to control the first transmission/reception and the second transmission/reception based on priorities determined by the sidelink control information (i.e., execute the first transmission/reception when the first transmission/reception has a higher priority than that of the second transmission/reception, and to execute the second transmission/reception when the second transmission/reception has a higher priority than that of the first transmission/reception) in the system of Cheng in view of Chen to further enhance system efficiency and reliability (¶ [0006] of Huang). Therefore, Cheng in view of Chen render obvious the amended claims (7, 14 and 15), as set forth above. Conclusion 9. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to MANDISH RANDHAWA whose telephone number is (571)270-5650. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Thursday (9 AM-7 PM). Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Chirag Shah can be reached on 571-272-3144. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /MANDISH K RANDHAWA/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2477
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Prosecution Timeline

Show 15 earlier events
Nov 25, 2025
Request for Continued Examination
Dec 07, 2025
Response after Non-Final Action
Dec 23, 2025
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103
Mar 23, 2026
Response Filed
May 05, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §103
Aug 05, 2026
Request for Continued Examination
Aug 09, 2026
Response after Non-Final Action
Sep 22, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103 (current)

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3y 1m to grant Granted Aug 18, 2026
Patent 12707326
MULTICAST FLOW OPTIMIZATIONS IN A MULTI-LEVEL BACKHAUL MESH OF A WIRELESS NETWORK
3y 4m to grant Granted Aug 11, 2026
Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

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Prosecution Projections

9-10
Expected OA Rounds
65%
Grant Probability
92%
With Interview (+27.2%)
3y 7m (~0m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
High
PTA Risk
Based on 561 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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