Last updated: May 29, 2026

Application No. 18/234,481

SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE STRUCTURE AND METHODS OF FORMING THE SAME

Final Rejection

Filed

Aug 16, 2023

Examiner

AHMED, MEHEK

Art Unit

2812

Tech Center

2800 — Semiconductors & Electrical Systems

Assignee

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd.

OA Round

2 (Final)

Interview Optional

— +0.0% interview lift. Interview lift (+0.0%) is below the 15.0% threshold. A written response is recommended.

Based on 13 resolved cases, 2023–2026

Examiner Intelligence

AHMED, MEHEK View full profile →

Grants 100% — above average

Career Allowance Rate

13 granted / 13 resolved

+32.0% vs TC avg

Minimal +0% lift

Without

With

+0.0%

Interview Lift

resolved cases with interview

Typical timeline

3y 6m

Avg Prosecution

6 currently pending

Career history

Total Applications

across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§103

56.5%

+16.5% vs TC avg

§102

21.7%

-18.3% vs TC avg

§112

17.4%

-22.6% vs TC avg

Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 13 resolved cases

Prosecution Timeline

Aug 16, 2023

Application Filed

Oct 30, 2025

Non-Final Rejection mailed

Jan 27, 2026

Response Filed

Apr 03, 2026

Final Rejection mailed (current)

Precedent Cases

Applications granted by this same examiner with similar technology

18/370,840

Patent 12642154

METHODS AND DEVICES FOR IMPROVING BOND STRENGTH OF DIFFUSION BARRIERS

2y 8m to grant Granted May 26, 2026

17/836,399

Patent 12635179

Semiconductor Structure with Front Side Source Drain Contact and Oppositely Positioned Source Drain Contacts

3y 11m to grant Granted May 19, 2026

17/860,567

Patent 12635365

DISPLAY DEVICE

3y 10m to grant Granted May 19, 2026

17/928,330

Patent 12633331

MAGNETORESISTANCE EFFECT ELEMENT AND MAGNETIC RECORDING ARRAY FOR ENHANCED INTEGRATION DENSITY

3y 5m to grant Granted May 19, 2026

18/337,307

Patent 12635136

SEMICONDUCTOR MEMORY DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SEMICONDUCTOR MEMORY DEVICE

2y 11m to grant Granted May 19, 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.

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Prosecution Projections

3-4

Expected OA Rounds

100%

Grant Probability

99%

With Interview (+0.0%)

3y 6m (~8m remaining)

Median Time to Grant

Moderate

PTA Risk

Based on 13 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.