Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 02, 2026
Application No. 18/196,280

OPTICAL GLASS, OPTICAL ELEMENT, OPTICAL SYSTEM, CEMENTED LENS, INTERCHANGEABLE LENS FOR CAMERA, OBJECTIVE LENS FOR MICROSCOPE, AND OPTICAL DEVICE

Non-Final OA §102§103
Filed
May 11, 2023
Priority
Nov 12, 2020 — continuation of PCTJP2020042233
Examiner
JONES, JAMES
Art Unit
2872
Tech Center
2800 — Semiconductors & Electrical Systems
Assignee
NIKON Corporation
OA Round
2 (Non-Final)
88%
Grant Probability
Favorable
2-3
OA Rounds
0m
Est. Remaining
93%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 88% — above average
88%
Career Allowance Rate
1182 granted / 1337 resolved
+20.4% vs TC avg
Minimal +4% lift
Without
With
+4.5%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Fast prosecutor
2y 1m
Avg Prosecution
32 currently pending
Career history
1349
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
0.8%
-39.2% vs TC avg
§103
18.2%
-21.8% vs TC avg
§102
63.2%
+23.2% vs TC avg
§112
5.6%
-34.4% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 1337 resolved cases

Office Action

§102 §103
DETAILED ACTION Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Information Disclosure Statement The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 7/13/2026 is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 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. Claim(s) 1-3, 5-9, 11-17, 19, 20, 23-27, and 33-35 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Fu Jie (JP2014047094, see translated document provided) hereafter Fu Jie. Regarding claim 1, Fu Jie discloses an optical glass comprising: by mass%, 20% or more and 50% or less of a content rate of P205 (page 3, paragraph 1 P2O5 can be 20-45%); 12.66% or more and 35% or less of a content rate of TiO2 (page 3, paragraph 2, lines 2-5, Ti02 = 30%); 0% or more and 20% or less of a content rate of Nb2O5 (page 5, par. 2, lines 2-5); and 5% or more and 30% or less of a content rate of Bi2O3 (page 6, par. 2, lines 1-6), wherein a ratio of a content rate of TiO2 to a content rate of P2O5 (TiO2/P2O5) is 0.30 or more and 0.75 or less (TiO2 = 30%; P2O5 = 45%; TiO2/P2O5 = 0.66; 0.66 falls within the claimed range). Regarding claim 2, Fu Jie discloses the optical glass according to claim 1, further comprising: by mass%, 0% or more and 10% or less of a content rate of A12O3 (page 3, par. 5, lines 4-6); and 0% or more and 20% or less of a content rate of Ta205 (page 5, par. 3, lines 1-4). Regarding claim 3, Fu Jie discloses the optical glass according to claim 1, further comprising: by mass%,0% or more and 5% or less of a content rate of Li2O (page 4, par. 5, lines 5-7); 0% or more and 25% or less of a content rate of Na2O (page 4, par. 6, lines 1-4); and 0% or more and 25% or less of a content rate of K2O (page 4, par. 7, lines 3-4). Regarding claim 5, Fu Jie discloses the optical glass according to claim 1, further comprising: by mass%, 0% or more and 5% or less of a content rate of SiO2 (page 3, par. 3, lines 3-4) ; and 0% or more and 10% or less of a content rate of B2O3 (page 3, par 7, lines 3-4). Regarding claim 6, Fu Jie discloses the optical glass according to claim 1, further comprising: by mass%, 0% or more and 25% or less of a content rate of WO3 (page 5, par. 5); and 0% or more and 5% or less of a content rate of ZrO2 (page 5, par. 4). Regarding claim 7, Fu Jie discloses the optical glass according to claim 1, further comprising: by mass%, 0% or more and 10% or less of a content rate of Y2O3 (page 5, par. 6); 0% or more and 8% or less of a content rate of La2O3 (page 5, par 7); and 0% or more and 10% or less of a content rate of Gd2O3 (page 5, par. 8). Regarding claim 8, Fu Jie discloses the optical glass according to claim 1, further comprising: by mass%, 0% or more and 1% or less of a content rate of Sb2O3 (page 6, par. 5). Regarding claim 9, Fu Jie discloses the optical glass according to claim 1, wherein, by mass%, a total content rate of Li2O, Na2O, and K2O(IA2O; where, A = Li, Na, K) is 5% or more and 35% or less (page 4, par. 5-7, note the total content rate can be 15%). Regarding claim 11, Fu Jie discloses the optical glass according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of a content rate of Al2O3 to a content rate of TiO2 (Al2O3/TiO2) is 0 or more and 0.60 or less (page 3, par. 2 and 5, Al2O3/TiO2 = 15/30 = 0.5, this is within the claimed range). Regarding claim 12, Fu Jie discloses the optical glass according to claim 1 wherein a ratio of a content rate of B203 to a content rate of P2O5 (B2O3/P2O5) is 0 or more and 0.15 or less (page 3, par. 1 and 7, B2O3/P2O5 = 3/45 = 0.06). Regarding claim 13, Fu Jie discloses the optical glass according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of a content rate of TiO2 to a total content rate of P2O5, B203, and Al2O3 (TiO2/(P2O5 + B203 + Al2O3)) is 0.25 or more and 0.75 or less (page 3, par. 1, 2, 5, and 7, (TiO2/(P2O5 + B203 + Al2O3) = (30/ (40 + 6 + 5)) = 0.588). Regarding claim 14, Fu Jie discloses the optical glass according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of a content rate of TiO2 to a total content rate of TiO2, Nb2O5, WO3, Bi2O3, and Ta2O5 (TiO2/(TiO2 + Nb2Os + WO3 + Bi2O3 + Ta2O5)) is 0.20 or more and 0.90 or less (pages 3 and 5, TiO2/(TiO2 + Nb2Os + WO3 + Bi2O3 + Ta2O5 = 30/(30 + 4 + 20 + 15 + 10) = 0.379). Regarding claim 15, Fu Jie discloses the optical glass according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of a total content rate of BaO and TiO2 to a content rate of P2O5 ((BaO + TiO2)/P2O5) is 0.30 or more and 1.00 or less (page 3, par. 1 and 2, page 4, par 4, ((BaO + TiO2)/P2O5) = (12+30)/40 = 0.8). Regarding claim 16, Fu Jie discloses the optical glass according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of a total content rate of BaO, TiO2, Nb2Os, WO3, Bi2O3, and Ta2Os to a total content rate of P2Os, B2O3, SiO2, and Al2O3 ((BaO + TiO2 + Nb2Os + WO3 + Bi2O3 + Ta2Os)/(P2O5 + B203 + SiO2 + Al2O3)) is 0.50 or more and 2.50 or less (((BaO + TiO2 + Nb2Os + WO3 + Bi2O3 + Ta2Os)/(P2O5 + B203 + SiO2 + Al2O3)) = (12 + 30 + 4 +20 +15 +10)/40 + 3 + 10 +10) = 1.38). Regarding claim 17, Fu Jie discloses the optical glass according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of a total content rate of Li2O, Na2O, and K2O(∑A2O; where, A = Li, Na, K) to a content rate of TiO2(IA2O/TiO2) is from 0.30 to 2.00 (see pages 3 and 4, (IA2O/TiO2) = (10 + 10+ 10)/30 = 1). Regarding claim 19, Fu Jie discloses the optical glass according to claim 1, wherein a refractive index (n.sub.d) with respect to a d-line is 1.61 or more and 1.90 or less (see page. 7, par 9, lines 1-4). Regarding claim 20, Fu Jie discloses the optical glass according to claim 1, wherein an abbe number (ν.sub.d) is 20 or more and 32 or less (see page 7, par. 9, lines 4-6). Regarding claim 23, Fu Jie discloses an optical element using the optical glass according to claim 1 (see page 8, par. 6, line 4). Regarding claim 24, Fu Jie discloses an optical system comprising the optical element according to claim 23 (see page 8, par. 6, line 4). Regarding claim 25, Fu Jie discloses an interchangeable camera lens comprising the optical system according to claim 24 (page 8, par. 6, line 4). Regarding claim 26, Fu Jie discloses an objective lens for a microscope comprising the optical system according to claim 24 (page 8, par. 6, line 4). Regarding claim 27, Fu Jie discloses an optical device comprising the optical system according to claim 24 (page 8, par. 6, line 4). Regarding claim 33, Fu Jie discloses the optical glass according to claim 1, further comprising: by mass %,15.02% or more and 35% or less of a content rate of TiO2 (see page, 3, par. 2, lines 2-4). Regarding claim 34, Fu Jie discloses the optical glass according to claim 1, further comprising: by mass %, 20.03% or more and 35% or less of a content rate of TiO2 (see page, 3, par. 2, lines 2-4). Regarding claim 35, Fu Jie discloses the optical glass according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of a content rate of TiO2 to a total content rate of P2O5, B203, and Al2O3 (TiO2/(P2O5 + B203 + Al2O3)) is 0.41 or more and 0.75 or less (see page 3, (TiO2/(P2O5 + B203 + Al2O3)) = 30/(40 + 6 + 10) = 0.535). Allowable Subject Matter Claims 4, 10, 18, 21, 22, 28-32 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims. The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter: the prior art does not disclose the claimed combination of limitations to warrant a rejection under 35 USC 102 or 103. Regarding claim 4, the prior art does not disclose the claimed optical glass specifically including as the distinguishing features in combination with the other limitations the claimed “comprising 0% or more and 10% or less of a content rate of MgO.” Regarding claim 10, the prior art does not disclose the claimed optical glass specifically including as the distinguishing features in combination with the other limitations the claimed “wherein, by mass%, a total content rate of MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, and ZnO (CEO; where, E = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn) is 0% to 18%.” Regarding claim 18, the prior art does not disclose the claimed optical glass specifically including as the distinguishing features in combination with the other limitations the claimed “wherein a ratio of a total content rate of MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, and ZnO (ΣEO; where, E=Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn) to a total content rate of Li.sub.2O, Na.sub.2O, and K.sub.2O (ΣA.sub.2O; where, A=Li, Na, K) (ΣEO/ΣA.sub.2O) is 0 or more and 1.50 or less.” Regarding claim 21, the prior art does not disclose the claimed optical glass specifically including as the distinguishing features in combination with the other limitations the claimed “wherein a partial dispersion ratio (P.sub.g,F) is 0.60 or more and 0.66 or less.” Regarding claim 22, the prior art does not disclose the claimed optical glass specifically including as the distinguishing features in combination with the other limitations the claimed “wherein abnormal dispersibility (ΔP.sub.g,F) is 0.015 or more and 0.042 or less. Regarding claim 28 (and its dependents), the prior art does not disclose the claimed cemented lens wherein at least one of the first lens element and the second lens element comprises the optical glass. Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JAMES JONES whose telephone number is (571)270-1278. The examiner can normally be reached 7:00 am - 4:00 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, Pinping Sun can be reached at (571) 270-1284. 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. /JAMES C. JONES/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2872
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Prosecution Timeline

May 11, 2023
Application Filed
May 11, 2023
Response after Non-Final Action
Aug 20, 2025
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §102, §103
Dec 11, 2025
Response Filed
Apr 08, 2026
Response after Non-Final Action
Jul 13, 2026
Request for Continued Examination
Jul 31, 2026
Response after Non-Final Action
Aug 11, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §102, §103 (current)

Precedent Cases

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Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

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Prosecution Projections

2-3
Expected OA Rounds
88%
Grant Probability
93%
With Interview (+4.5%)
2y 1m (~0m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Moderate
PTA Risk
Based on 1337 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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