Prosecution Insights
Last updated: May 29, 2026
Application No. 18/163,863

DYNAMIC SPECTRUM SHARING

Final Rejection §102
Filed
Feb 02, 2023
Priority
Apr 15, 2022 — provisional 63/331,714 +3 more
Examiner
MOHEBBI, KOUROUSH
Art Unit
2471
Tech Center
2400 — Computer Networks
Assignee
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
OA Round
2 (Final)
86%
Grant Probability
Favorable
3-4
OA Rounds
0m
Est. Remaining
98%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 86% — above average
86%
Career Allowance Rate
590 granted / 687 resolved
+27.9% vs TC avg
Moderate +12% lift
Without
With
+12.4%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 8m
Avg Prosecution
18 currently pending
Career history
711
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
0.6%
-39.4% vs TC avg
§103
83.8%
+43.8% vs TC avg
§102
8.5%
-31.5% vs TC avg
§112
2.2%
-37.8% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 687 resolved cases

Office Action

§102
DETAILED ACTION This action is response to application number 18/163,863, amendment and remarks, dated on 11/17/2025. The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Claims 1-20 pending. Claim 20 limitation(s) is/are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) according to the previous office action. Response to Arguments Applicant's arguments filed 11/17/2025 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. Applicant in page 9 of remarks argues that “Zhao does not appear to teach or suggest, at least (emphasis added), "decoding by a User Equipment (UE), at least one resource element of a first transmission overlapping, in a first orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol and in a first Resource Block (RB), a first Long Term Evolution Cell Specific Reference Signal (LTE CRS) transmission," as now recited in independent claim 1, and as now similarly recited in independent claims 11 and 20”. Zhao discloses implementing the method by the network-side device and/or by the terminal/UE. Zhao in the exemplary following paragraphs discloses the steps that are performed by the UE/terminal to implement the method for receiving PDCCH(title) (According to a second aspect of an example of the disclosure, a method for receiving a physical downlink control channel is provided. The method is performed by a terminal and includes: determining a first resource occupied by a long term evolution cell-specific reference signal (LTE CRS) and a second resource occupied by new radio physical downlink control channel (NR PDCCH) related information to be transmitted; determining that at least one resource element (RE) in the second resource conflicts with the first resource; determining a third resource obtained after the second resource is adjusted, where the third resource does not conflict with the first resource; and receiving, on the third resource, the NR PDCCH related information transmitted by a network-side device; ¶5; For example, in a case that at least one resource element (RE) in the second resource conflicts with the first resource, a terminal may determine a third resource obtained after the second resource is adjusted, and further receive the NR PDCCH related information on the third resource transmitted by the network-side device. The terminal may determine, according to an indication of the network-side device or according to a protocol, how to adjust the second resource and obtain the third resource; ¶61). Furthermore, Zhao in Fig. 14 show the steps that are performed by the UE/terminal and further in paragraphs 135-140 discloses FIG. 14 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for receiving a physical downlink control channel according to an example of the disclosure. The method for receiving a physical downlink control channel shown in the example may be performed by a terminal. The terminal may be in communication with a network-side device. The terminal includes but is not limited to communication apparatuses such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a wearable device, a sensor, and an internet of things device. The network-side device includes but is not limited to network-side devices in 4th generation (4G), 5th generation (5G), 6th generation (6G) and other communication systems, such as base stations and core networks. The base station includes but is not limited to base stations in communication systems, such as a 4G base station, a 5G base station and a 6G base station. As shown in FIG. 14, the method for receiving a physical downlink control channel may include steps as follows: Step 1401, a first resource occupied by a long term evolution cell-specific reference signal (LTE CRS) and a second resource occupied by new radio physical downlink control channel (NR PDCCH) related information to be transmitted is determined. Step 1402, at least one resource element (RE) in the second resource that conflicts with the first resource is determined. Step 1403, a third resource obtained after adjusting the second resource is determined, where the third resource does not conflict with the first resource. Step1404, the NR PDCCH related information transmitted by a network-side device is received on the third resource. Furthermore, Fig. 22 of Zhao shows the structure of the terminal/UE implementing the method and in paragraphs 232-240 in regard to the terminal/UE performing the method discloses “FIG. 22 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus for receiving a physical downlink control channel according to an example of the disclosure. The apparatus for receiving a physical downlink control channel shown in the example may be suitable for a terminal. The terminal may be in communication with a network-side device. The terminal includes but is not limited to communication apparatuses such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a wearable device, a sensor, and an internet of things device. The network-side device includes but is not limited to network-side devices in 4th generation (4G), 5th generation (5G), 6th generation (6G) and other communication systems, such as base stations and core networks. The base station includes but is not limited to base stations in communication systems, such as a 4G base station, a 5G base station and a 6G base station. As shown in FIG. 22, the apparatus for receiving a physical downlink control channel may include: [0234] a processing module 2201 configured to determine a first resource occupied by a long term evolution cell-specific reference signal (LTE CRS) and a second resource occupied by new radio physical downlink control channel (NR PDCCH) related information to be transmitted; determine that at least one resource element (RE) in the second resource conflicts with the first resource; and determine a third resource obtained after the second resource is adjusted, where the third resource does not conflict with the first resource; and [0235] a receiving module 2202 configured to receive the NR PDCCH related information transmitted by a network-side device on the third resource. [0236] In an example, the NR PDCCH related information includes at least one of: [0237] an NR PDCCH demodulation reference signal (DMRS) of an NR PDCCH; and [0238] downlink control information (DCI) carried by the NR PDCCH. [0239] In an example, in a case that the NR PDCCH related information includes the DCI, the processing module 2201 is configured to punch the second resource according to the first resource. [0240] In an example, in a case that the NR PDCCH related information includes the DCI, the processing module 2201 is configured to carry out rate matching on the second resource according to the first resource”. In regard to decoding/processing of the at least one resource elements (first, second, third resource elements) of the first, second and third transmissions. It is noted that the steps of receiving the first/second/third transmissions, determining the resource elements (first/second/third elements) conflicting between the two transmissions and adjusting resources accordingly, require the decoding and processing of the resource elements (first, second, third resource elements) of the first/second/third transmissions. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action: A person shall be entitled to a patent unless – (a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. 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 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. Claims 1-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated or alternatively unpatentable over Zhao et al. (US 2025/0056549 A1). Claim 1, Zhao discloses a method, comprising: decoding, by a User Equipment (UE) (terminal; Fig. 24, el. 2400), at least one resource element of a first transmission (PDCCH related information) overlapping, in a first orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol and in a first Resource Block (RB) (NR OFDM symbol and RB transmission conflicting/overlapping with the LTE CRS transmission; Figs. 2, 5), a first Long Term Evolution Cell Specific Reference Signal (LTE CRS) transmission, the first transmission comprising: a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) Demodulation Reference Symbol (DMRS) transmission, or a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) DMRS transmission, or a PDCCH data transmission (the NR PDCCH related information transmission on the second resource conflicting/overlapping with the LTE CRS; A method, apparatus and transitory computer-readable storage medium for transmitting a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). The transmitting of PDCCH is performed by: determining a first resource occupied by a long term evolution cell-specific reference signal (LTE CRS) and a second resource occupied by new radio physical downlink control channel (NR PDCCH) related information to be transmitted; determining that at least one resource element (RE) in the second resource conflicts with the first resource; adjusting the second resource and obtaining a third resource, wherein the third resource does not conflict with the first resource; and transmitting the NR PDCCH related information to a terminal on the third resource; abstract; According to a second aspect of an example of the disclosure, a method for receiving a physical downlink control channel is provided. The method is performed by a terminal and includes: determining a first resource occupied by a long term evolution cell-specific reference signal (LTE CRS) and a second resource occupied by new radio physical downlink control channel (NR PDCCH) related information to be transmitted; determining that at least one resource element (RE) in the second resource conflicts with the first resource; determining a third resource obtained after the second resource is adjusted, where the third resource does not conflict with the first resource; and receiving, on the third resource, the NR PDCCH related information transmitted by a network-side device; ¶5; ¶53; In an example, the NR PDCCH related information includes at least one of: an NR PDCCH demodulation reference signal (DMRS) of an NR PDCCH; or downlink control information (DCI) carried by the NR PDCCH; ¶54-¶56; ¶73-¶77; As shown in FIG. 14, the method for receiving a physical downlink control channel may include steps as follows: Step 1401, a first resource occupied by a long term evolution cell-specific reference signal (LTE CRS) and a second resource occupied by new radio physical downlink control channel (NR PDCCH) related information to be transmitted is determined. Step 1402, at least one resource element (RE) in the second resource that conflicts with the first resource is determined. Step 1403, a third resource obtained after adjusting the second resource is determined, where the third resource does not conflict with the first resource. Step1404, the NR PDCCH related information transmitted by a network-side device is received on the third resource; ¶136-¶140; In an example, the NR PDCCH related information includes at least one of: an NR PDCCH demodulation reference signal (DMRS) of an NR PDCCH; or downlink control information (DCI) carried by the NR PDCCH; ¶142-¶144; ¶232-¶240). Claims 2, 12, Zhao discloses processing, by the UE (terminal; Fig. 24, el. 2400), a second transmission overlapping, in a second OFDM symbol and in a second RB, a second LTE CRS transmission (NR OFDM symbol and RB transmission conflicting/overlapping with the LTE CRS transmission; Figs. 2, 5) wherein the second OFDM symbol includes a second scheduled PDCCH DMRS transmission in a plurality of resource elements including a resource element not overlapping with the second LTE CRS transmission, and the UE does not process any of the plurality of resource elements of the second scheduled PDCCH DMRS transmission (the NR PDCCH related information transmission on plurality of resource elements including resource elements not overlapping with the LTE CRS transmission resource elements, the entire NR PDCCH related information is not processed; In the related art, since the first resource occupied by the LTE CRS is determined, it is difficult for the NR network-side device to change the first resource. When it is determined that at least one RE in the second resource occupied by the NR PDCCH related information conflicts with the first resource, for example, at least one RE in the second resource overlaps at least one RE in the first resource, the terminal will not receive the NR PDCCH related information including this overlapping RE. Accordingly, the NR network-side device will not transmit the NR PDCCH related information including this overlapping RE. In an example, the NR PDCCH related information includes at least one of: an NR PDCCH demodulation reference signal (DMRS) of an NR PDCCH; or [0056] downlink control information (DCI) carried by the NR PDCCH. In a case that the NR PDCCH related information includes the DCI, the terminal in the related art does not expect to receive a PDCCH candidate including this overlapping RE. Accordingly, the NR network-side device does not transmit the PDCCH candidate including this overlapping RE; ¶53-¶57; Since the PDCCH candidate does not only include individual REs, but includes at least one control channel element (CCE). One CCE includes a large number of REs. The NR network-side device does not transmit the PDCCH candidate including this overlapping RE, it is indicated that if a PDCCH candidate that the NR network-side device originally is required to transmit includes this overlapping RE, the entire PDCCH candidate is not transmitted. As a result, no DCI is transmitted on all CCEs (in which an RE that does not conflict with the first resource may exist) included in the PDCCH candidate. Thus, a large number of REs (such as REs that do not conflict with the first resource) are not used, and a transmission performance and scheduling flexibility of the NR PDCCH are severely restricted; ¶58; Since the PDCCH candidate does not only include individual REs, but includes at least one control channel element (CCE). One CCE includes a large number of REs. The NR network-side device does not transmit the PDCCH candidate including this overlapping RE, It is indicated that if a PDCCH candidate that the NR network-side device originally is required to transmit includes this overlapping RE, the entire PDCCH candidate is not transmitted. As a result, no DCI is transmitted on all CCEs (in which an RE that does not conflict with the first resource may exist) included in the PDCCH candidate. Thus, a large number of REs (such as REs that do not conflict with the first resource) are not used, and a transmission performance and scheduling flexibility of the NR PDCCH are severely restricted; ¶146). Claims 3, 13, Zhao discloses processing, by the UE (terminal; Fig. 24, el. 2400), a second transmission overlapping, in a second OFDM symbol and in a second RB, a second LTE CRS transmission (NR OFDM symbol and RB transmission conflicting/overlapping with the LTE CRS transmission; Figs. 2, 5) wherein: the second transmission comprises a second PDCCH DMRS transmission; and the processing of the second transmission comprises processing, by the UE, a first resource element of the second PDCCH DMRS transmission, the second PDCCH DMRS transmission being in a plurality of resource elements including the second resource element, the first resource element not overlapping any resource element of the LTE CRS transmission (processing the resource element of PDCCH DMRS not overlapping the resource element of the LTE CRS; A method, apparatus and transitory computer-readable storage medium for transmitting a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). The transmitting of PDCCH is performed by: determining a first resource occupied by a long term evolution cell-specific reference signal (LTE CRS) and a second resource occupied by new radio physical downlink control channel (NR PDCCH) related information to be transmitted; determining that at least one resource element (RE) in the second resource conflicts with the first resource; adjusting the second resource and obtaining a third resource, wherein the third resource does not conflict with the first resource; and transmitting the NR PDCCH related information to a terminal on the third resource; abstract; ¶53; In an example, the NR PDCCH related information includes at least one of: an NR PDCCH demodulation reference signal (DMRS) of an NR PDCCH; or downlink control information (DCI) carried by the NR PDCCH; ¶54-¶56; ¶73-¶77; As shown in FIG. 14, the method for receiving a physical downlink control channel may include steps as follows: Step 1401, a first resource occupied by a long term evolution cell-specific reference signal (LTE CRS) and a second resource occupied by new radio physical downlink control channel (NR PDCCH) related information to be transmitted is determined. Step 1402, at least one resource element (RE) in the second resource that conflicts with the first resource is determined. Step 1403, a third resource obtained after adjusting the second resource is determined, where the third resource does not conflict with the first resource. Step1404, the NR PDCCH related information transmitted by a network-side device is received on the third resource; ¶136-¶140; In an example, the NR PDCCH related information includes at least one of: an NR PDCCH demodulation reference signal (DMRS) of an NR PDCCH; or downlink control information (DCI) carried by the NR PDCCH; ¶142-¶144). Claims 4, 14, Zhao discloses wherein the method comprises processing, by the UE (terminal; Fig. 24, el. 2400), a second resource element of the second PDCCH DMRS transmission, the second resource element overlapping a first resource element of the second LTE CRS transmission (processing the resource element of PDCCH DMRS not overlapping the resource element of the LTE CRS and/or optionally processing the resource element of PDCCH DMRS conflicting/overlapping the resource element of the LTE CRS; ¶66; According to examples of the disclosure, when it is determined that at least one resource element (RE) in the second resource conflicts with the first resource, the network-side device does not directly give up transmitting the NR PDCCH related information including the conflicting RE, but can adjust the second resource and obtain the third resource. Accordingly, a terminal may determine a third resource obtained after the second resource is adjusted, and further receive the NR PDCCH related information transmitted by the network-side device on the third resource. Since the obtained third resource does not conflict with the first resource, in a case of ensuring that an RE in a resource corresponding to the NR PDCCH related information does not conflict with the first resource, an impact of the LTE CRS on the NR PDCCH related information is reduced, and a large number of REs that do not conflict with the first resource are prevented from being discarded such that a transmission performance and scheduling flexibility can be improved; ¶147; ¶154; ¶157). Claims 5, 15, Zhao discloses wherein: the second transmission comprises a second PDCCH data transmission; the second PDCCH data transmission is in a plurality of resource elements including a third resource element; and the third resource element overlaps a second resource element of the second LTE CRS transmission (transmission of PDCCH related information on a conflicting/overlapping REs with LTE CRS transmission; A method, apparatus and transitory computer-readable storage medium for transmitting a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). The transmitting of PDCCH is performed by: determining a first resource occupied by a long term evolution cell-specific reference signal (LTE CRS) and a second resource occupied by new radio physical downlink control channel (NR PDCCH) related information to be transmitted; determining that at least one resource element (RE) in the second resource conflicts with the first resource; adjusting the second resource and obtaining a third resource, wherein the third resource does not conflict with the first resource; and transmitting the NR PDCCH related information to a terminal on the third resource; abstract; ¶53; As shown in FIG. 14, the method for receiving a physical downlink control channel may include steps as follows: Step 1401, a first resource occupied by a long term evolution cell-specific reference signal (LTE CRS) and a second resource occupied by new radio physical downlink control channel (NR PDCCH) related information to be transmitted is determined. Step 1402, at least one resource element (RE) in the second resource that conflicts with the first resource is determined. Step 1403, a third resource obtained after adjusting the second resource is determined, where the third resource does not conflict with the first resource. Step1404, the NR PDCCH related information transmitted by a network-side device is received on the third resource; ¶136-¶140). Claims 6, 16, Zhao discloses further comprising not processing the third resource element (removing and not processing the conflicting/overlapping RE; In an example, the network-side device may punch the second resource according to the first resource, for example, remove a RE that conflicts with the first resource from the second resource through punching, the remaining resources may serve as the third resources. That is, for the network-side device, the DCI is transmitted on an RE in the second resource that does not conflict with the first resource, this operation process is relatively simple and easy to implement; ¶65; In an example, the network-side device may punch the second resource according to the first resource, for example, remove a RE that conflicts with the first resource from the second resource through punching, the remaining resources may serve as the third resources. That is, for the network-side device, the DCI is transmitted on an RE in the second resource that does not conflict with the first resource, this operation process is relatively simple and easy to implement; ¶153; In an example, the network-side device may carry out rate matching on the second resource according to the first resource, for example, determine an RE in the second resource that does not conflict with the first resource as the third resource, and then transmit the DCI on the third resource. Correspondingly, the terminal may determine the RE in the second resource that does not conflict with the first resource as the third resource, and then receive the DCI on the third resource; ¶69; In an example, the network-side device may carry out rate matching on the second resource according to the first resource, for example, determine an RE in the second resource that does not conflict with the first resource as the third resource, and then transmit the DCI on the third resource. Correspondingly, the terminal may carry out the rate matching on the second resource according to the first resource, determine an RE in the second resource that does not conflict with the first resource as the third resource, and then receive the DCI on the third resource; ¶157; In the related art, since the first resource occupied by the LTE CRS is determined, it is difficult for the NR network-side device to change the first resource. When it is determined that at least one RE in the second resource occupied by the NR PDCCH related information conflicts with the first resource, for example, at least one RE in the second resource overlaps at least one RE in the first resource, the terminal will not receive the NR PDCCH related information including this overlapping RE. Accordingly, the NR network-side device will not transmit the NR PDCCH related information including this overlapping RE; ¶141). Claims 7, 17, Zhao discloses further comprising processing the second PDCCH data transmission using puncturing on the third resource element (punching/puncturing the PDCCH data transmission of the second resource; Fig. 3; Fig. 15; Step 301, the second resource is punched according to the first resource; ¶64; In an example, the network-side device may punch the second resource according to the first resource, for example, remove a RE that conflicts with the first resource from the second resource through punching, the remaining resources may serve as the third resources. That is, for the network-side device, the DCI is transmitted on an RE in the second resource that does not conflict with the first resource, this operation process is relatively simple and easy to implement; ¶65; Since the network-side device executes a transmitting operation, and the terminal executes a receiving operation, in a case that the network-side device punches the second resource according to the first resource, a specific operation of punching the second resource by the terminal according to the first resource may be different from a specific operation by the network-side device. For example, the terminal receives the DCI on the second resource regardless of existence of the LTE CRS; ¶66; Step 1501, the second resource is punched according to the first resource; ¶152; In an example, the network-side device may punch the second resource according to the first resource, for example, remove a RE that conflicts with the first resource from the second resource through punching, the remaining resources may serve as the third resources. That is, for the network-side device, the DCI is transmitted on an RE in the second resource that does not conflict with the first resource, this operation process is relatively simple and easy to implement; ¶153; Since the network-side device executes a transmitting operation, and the terminal executes a receiving operation, in a case that the network-side device punches the second resource according to the first resource, a specific operation of punching the second resource by the terminal according to the first resource may be different from a specific operation by the network-side device. For example, a case that the terminal punches the second resource according to the first resource means that the terminal still receives the DCI on the second resource regardless of existence of the LTE CRS when receiving the DCI; ¶154). Claims 8, 18, Zhao discloses further comprising processing the second PDCCH data transmission using rate matching around the third resource element (rate matching around the conflicting/overlapping RE; Fig. 4; Fig. 16; Step 401, rate matching (RM) is carried out on the second resource according to the first resource; ¶68; In an example, the network-side device may carry out rate matching on the second resource according to the first resource, for example, determine an RE in the second resource that does not conflict with the first resource as the third resource, and then transmit the DCI on the third resource. Correspondingly, the terminal may determine the RE in the second resource that does not conflict with the first resource as the third resource, and then receive the DCI on the third resource; ¶69; rate matching is carried out on the second resource according to the first resource; ¶156; In an example, the network-side device may carry out rate matching on the second resource according to the first resource, for example, determine an RE in the second resource that does not conflict with the first resource as the third resource, and then transmit the DCI on the third resource. Correspondingly, the terminal may carry out the rate matching on the second resource according to the first resource, determine an RE in the second resource that does not conflict with the first resource as the third resource, and then receive the DCI on the third resource; ¶157; ¶215; ¶240). Claims 9, 19, Zhao discloses further comprising reporting, by the UE (terminal; Fig. 24, el. 2400), a capability (communicating and reporting the UE capability to process accordingly; In addition, the terminal may also determine the first resource and the second resource. For example, the terminal may determine the first resource based on the protocol, determine the second resource based on the protocol, or determine the second resource according to an NR network-side device configuration; ¶52; It should be noted that a method through which the network-side device adjusts the second resource and obtains the third resource may be indicated to the terminal by the network-side device. For example, the method may be indicated to the terminal via system information, paging signaling, etc. Alternatively, the method may be determined based on a protocol. For example, the terminal may also determine, based on a protocol, the method through which the network-side device adjusts the second resource and obtains the third resource; ¶60; The terminal may determine, according to an indication of the network-side device or according to a protocol, how to adjust the second resource and obtain the third resource; ¶61; A moving distance may be one or more REs. A specific method for changing the frequency-domain position may be determined according to an indication of the network-side device, or may be determined based on a protocol; ¶79; ¶95; ¶148) to process a first portion of a DMRS transmission when a second portion of the DMRS transmission includes a resource element overlapping a resource element of an LTE CRS transmission (processing a portion, a remaining portion of the second transmission/PDCCH transmission after punching/removing the conflicting/overlapping RE; Since the PDCCH candidate does not only include individual REs, but includes at least one control channel element (CCE). One CCE includes a large number of REs. The NR network-side device does not transmit the PDCCH candidate including this overlapping RE, it is indicated that if a PDCCH candidate that the NR network-side device originally is required to transmit includes this overlapping RE, the entire PDCCH candidate is not transmitted. As a result, no DCI is transmitted on all CCEs (in which an RE that does not conflict with the first resource may exist) included in the PDCCH candidate. Thus, a large number of REs (such as REs that do not conflict with the first resource) are not used, and a transmission performance and scheduling flexibility of the NR PDCCH are severely restricted; ¶58; In an example, the network-side device may punch the second resource according to the first resource, for example, remove a RE that conflicts with the first resource from the second resource through punching, the remaining resources may serve as the third resources. That is, for the network-side device, the DCI is transmitted on an RE in the second resource that does not conflict with the first resource, this operation process is relatively simple and easy to implement; ¶65; In an example, the network-side device may punch the second resource according to the first resource, for example, remove a RE that conflicts with the first resource from the second resource through punching, the remaining resources may serve as the third resources. That is, for the network-side device, the DCI is transmitted on an RE in the second resource that does not conflict with the first resource, this operation process is relatively simple and easy to implement; ¶153; receiving the NR PDCCH DMRS in the remaining REs according to an existing pattern of the NR PDCCH DMRS in an existing REG structure; ¶180; In this case, the terminal may not be expected to receive the NR PDCCH DMRS in the remaining REs, or the NR PDCCH DMRS may be determined in the remaining REs according to an existing pattern of the NR PDCCH DMRS in the existing REG structure. For example, the NR PDCCH DMRS is received according to RE#1, RE#5 and RE#9. In this case, the REGs are not mapped in the remaining REs, such that the REGs still include the REs corresponding to the LTE CRS. Thus, the LTE CRS exists in RE#9, and the NR PDCCH DMRS may be mapped only on RE#1 and RE#5 in the remaining 8 REs. Thus, in the remaining 8 REs, the NR PDCCH DMRSs are determined only on RE#1 and RE#5; ¶183). Claim 10, Zhao discloses wherein the reporting comprises reporting a capability (communicating and reporting the UE capability to process accordingly; In addition, the terminal may also determine the first resource and the second resource. For example, the terminal may determine the first resource based on the protocol, determine the second resource based on the protocol, or determine the second resource according to an NR network-side device configuration; ¶52; It should be noted that a method through which the network-side device adjusts the second resource and obtains the third resource may be indicated to the terminal by the network-side device. For example, the method may be indicated to the terminal via system information, paging signaling, etc. Alternatively, the method may be determined based on a protocol. For example, the terminal may also determine, based on a protocol, the method through which the network-side device adjusts the second resource and obtains the third resource; ¶60; The terminal may determine, according to an indication of the network-side device or according to a protocol, how to adjust the second resource and obtain the third resource; ¶61; A moving distance may be one or more REs. A specific method for changing the frequency-domain position may be determined according to an indication of the network-side device, or may be determined based on a protocol; ¶79; ¶95; ¶148) to process the first portion when the first portion is divided into two separate parts by the second portion (the first portion is divided into two separate parts by the second portion by punching/removing the conflicting/overlapping RE and keeping the remaining resources/REs; Since the PDCCH candidate does not only include individual REs, but includes at least one control channel element (CCE). One CCE includes a large number of REs. The NR network-side device does not transmit the PDCCH candidate including this overlapping RE, it is indicated that if a PDCCH candidate that the NR network-side device originally is required to transmit includes this overlapping RE, the entire PDCCH candidate is not transmitted. As a result, no DCI is transmitted on all CCEs (in which an RE that does not conflict with the first resource may exist) included in the PDCCH candidate. Thus, a large number of REs (such as REs that do not conflict with the first resource) are not used, and a transmission performance and scheduling flexibility of the NR PDCCH are severely restricted; ¶58; In an example, the network-side device may punch the second resource according to the first resource, for example, remove a RE that conflicts with the first resource from the second resource through punching, the remaining resources may serve as the third resources. That is, for the network-side device, the DCI is transmitted on an RE in the second resource that does not conflict with the first resource, this operation process is relatively simple and easy to implement; ¶65; In an example, the network-side device may punch the second resource according to the first resource, for example, remove a RE that conflicts with the first resource from the second resource through punching, the remaining resources may serve as the third resources. That is, for the network-side device, the DCI is transmitted on an RE in the second resource that does not conflict with the first resource, this operation process is relatively simple and easy to implement; ¶153; receiving the NR PDCCH DMRS in the remaining REs according to an existing pattern of the NR PDCCH DMRS in an existing REG structure; ¶180; In this case, the terminal may not be expected to receive the NR PDCCH DMRS in the remaining REs, or the NR PDCCH DMRS may be determined in the remaining REs according to an existing pattern of the NR PDCCH DMRS in the existing REG structure. For example, the NR PDCCH DMRS is received according to RE#1, RE#5 and RE#9. In this case, the REGs are not mapped in the remaining REs, such that the REGs still include the REs corresponding to the LTE CRS. Thus, the LTE CRS exists in RE#9, and the NR PDCCH DMRS may be mapped only on RE#1 and RE#5 in the remaining 8 REs. Thus, in the remaining 8 REs, the NR PDCCH DMRSs are determined only on RE#1 and RE#5; ¶183). Claim 11, analyzed with respect to claim 1, the further limitation of the claim 11 disclosed by Zhao, a User Equipment (UE) (Fig. 24, el. 2400) comprising: one or more processors (Fig. 24, el. 2402); and a memory (Fig. 24, el. 2404) storing instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors (With reference to FIG. 24, the apparatus 2400 may include one or more of components as follows: a processing component 2402, a memory 2404, a power supply component 2406, a multi-media component 2408, an audio component 2410, an input/output (I/O) interface 2412, a sensor component 2414 and a communication component 2416. The processing component 2402 generally controls overall operations of the apparatus 2400, such as operations associated with display, telephone call, data communication, camera operations and recording operations. The processing component 2402 may include one or more processors 2420 to execute an instruction, so as to complete all or some steps of the above method for receiving a physical downlink control channel. In addition, the processing component 2402 may include one or more modules such that the processing component 2402 can interact with other components. For example, the processing component 2402 may include a multi-media module such that the multi-media component 2408 can interact with the processing component 2402. The memory 2404 is configured to store various types of data to support operations at the apparatus 2400; ¶265-¶267). Claim 20, analyzed with respect to claim 1, the further limitation of the claim 20 disclosed by Zhao, a User Equipment (UE) (Fig. 24, el. 2400) comprising: means for processing (Fig. 24, el. 2402); and a memory (Fig. 24, el. 2404) storing instructions which, when executed by the means for processing (With reference to FIG. 24, the apparatus 2400 may include one or more of components as follows: a processing component 2402, a memory 2404, a power supply component 2406, a multi-media component 2408, an audio component 2410, an input/output (I/O) interface 2412, a sensor component 2414 and a communication component 2416. The processing component 2402 generally controls overall operations of the apparatus 2400, such as operations associated with display, telephone call, data communication, camera operations and recording operations. The processing component 2402 may include one or more processors 2420 to execute an instruction, so as to complete all or some steps of the above method for receiving a physical downlink control channel. In addition, the processing component 2402 may include one or more modules such that the processing component 2402 can interact with other components. For example, the processing component 2402 may include a multi-media module such that the multi-media component 2408 can interact with the processing component 2402. The memory 2404 is configured to store various types of data to support operations at the apparatus 2400; ¶265-¶267). Conclusion Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a). A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to KOUROUSH MOHEBBI whose telephone number is (571)270-7908. The examiner can normally be reached 7:30AM-5:00PM. 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, Sujoy Kundu can be reached on 571-272-8586. 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. /KOUROUSH MOHEBBI/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2471
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Show 2 earlier events
Jul 15, 2025
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §102
Jul 15, 2025
Examiner Interview Summary
Nov 05, 2025
Examiner Interview Summary
Nov 05, 2025
Applicant Interview (Telephonic)
Nov 17, 2025
Response Filed
Jan 08, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §102
Apr 02, 2026
Request for Continued Examination
Apr 09, 2026
Response after Non-Final Action

Precedent Cases

Applications granted by this same examiner with similar technology

Patent 12641604
COOPERATIVE COMMUNICATION IMPLEMENTATION METHOD, DEVICE, AND STORAGE MEDIUM
2y 9m to grant Granted May 26, 2026
Patent 12635021
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING LOCAL RE-ROUTING BY IAB NODE IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
3y 0m to grant Granted May 19, 2026
Patent 12610414
Intelligent Transmission Port Selection and Power Utilization for a Cellular Device
2y 8m to grant Granted Apr 21, 2026
Patent 12610427
NON-TERRESTRIAL NETWORK (NTN) DISCONTINUOUS OPERATION COEXISTENCE
2y 7m to grant Granted Apr 21, 2026
Patent 12604333
RELAY OPERATIONS IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
2y 8m to grant Granted Apr 14, 2026
Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

Strategy Recommendation AI-generated — please review before filing

Get a prosecution strategy drawn from examiner precedents, rejection analysis, and claim mapping.
Typically takes 5-10 seconds — AI-generated, attorney review required before filing

Prosecution Projections

3-4
Expected OA Rounds
86%
Grant Probability
98%
With Interview (+12.4%)
2y 8m (~0m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Moderate
PTA Risk
Based on 687 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

Sign in with your work email

Enter your email to receive a magic link. No password needed.

Personal email addresses (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) are not accepted.

Free tier: 3 strategy analyses per month