Prosecution Insights
Last updated: April 19, 2026
Application No. 18/263,449

TERMINAL AND RADIO COMMUNICATION METHOD

Final Rejection §103
Filed
Jul 28, 2023
Examiner
AJID, ABDELTIF
Art Unit
2478
Tech Center
2400 — Computer Networks
Assignee
NTT Docomo Inc.
OA Round
2 (Final)
76%
Grant Probability
Favorable
3-4
OA Rounds
3y 2m
To Grant
89%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 76% — above average
76%
Career Allow Rate
271 granted / 355 resolved
+18.3% vs TC avg
Moderate +13% lift
Without
With
+13.1%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 2m
Avg Prosecution
31 currently pending
Career history
386
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
1.7%
-38.3% vs TC avg
§103
59.5%
+19.5% vs TC avg
§102
27.1%
-12.9% vs TC avg
§112
6.3%
-33.7% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 355 resolved cases

Office Action

§103
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 . Response to Amendment Acknowledgment is made of Applicant's submission of amendment, dated on 11/03/2025. This communication is considered fully responsive and sets forth below: Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(a) which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action: (a) A patent may not be obtained though the invention is not identically disclosed or described as set forth in section 102 of this title, if the differences between the subject matter sought to be patented and the prior art are such that the subject matter as a whole would have been obvious at the time the invention was made to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which said subject matter pertains. Patentability shall not be negatived by the manner in which the invention was made. The factual inquiries set forth in Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 148 USPQ 459 (1966), that are applied for establishing a background for determining obviousness under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(a) 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. Claims 1-17 are rejected under pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 103(a) as being unpatentable over Canonne-Velasquez et al US20240259053A1in view of HWANG et al US 2021/0083730 A1 Regarding claim 1, Canonne-Velasquez et al US20240259053A1 discloses A terminal ( fi.2 WTRU in 201 simultaneous DL/DL (S-DD)),comprising: a first reception unit that receives a beam for measurement of a reference signal; and a second reception unit that, with a same time of reception of the beam, receives a beam for reception of data or measurement of a reference signal [0061] multiple base stations (e.g., gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c)/TRPs are configured to communicate with a single WTRU, wherein WTRU has multiple antenna panels (i.e., a first reception unit and a second reception unit), which may enable multi-panel simultaneous transmission(s) and/or reception(s), where ( fig. 2: 201 simultaneous DL/DL (S-DD). And [0075] discloses in a S-DD mode, a WTRU with multiple panels simultaneously receives two PDSCHs or a PDSCH and a PDCCH, or two PDCCHs where each is transmitted from a different TRP. [0077] discloses A WTRU with multiple panels may simultaneously receive signals where each one is transmitted from a different TRP and [0091] discloses With S-DD mode, it may be possible for multiple RS to be sent simultaneously and the WTRU may monitor multiple RS simultaneously such as CSI-RS or SSB. A WTRU may use multiple panels for simultaneous reception where each panel may receive a RS. The WTRU may perform measurements on each RS, where [0103] a WTRU may measure beam reference signals from different panels or TRPs, wherein a measurement quality may be based on L1-RSRP or L1-SINR; a beam reference signal from a panel or TRP may be a reference signal configured with a panel identity or TRP identity. Canonne-Velasquez does not disclose wherein each scheduling constraint is not applied when the simultaneous reception is performed. HWANG et al US 2021/0083730 A1 discloses wherein each scheduling constraint is not applied when the simultaneous reception is performed [0192] discloses in an active DL BWP in CSI-RS based RRM measurement, scheduling restriction (i.e., scheduling constraint) is not necessary in a case in which the UE supports simultaneous reception for multiple numerologies, wherein [0151] discloses numerologies is define as simultaneous reception of signals based on different subcarrier spacings. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Canonne-Velasquez by including wherein each scheduling constraint is not applied when the simultaneous reception is performed, as taught by HWANG, in order to perform RRM measurement (see HWANG [0068]). Regarding claim 7, Canonne-Velasquez et al US20240259053A1 discloses A radio communication method of a terminal simultaneously ( fi.2 WTRU in 201 simultaneous DL/DL (S-DD)), performing the steps of: receiving a beam for measurement of a reference signal; and receiving, with the same time of reception of the beam ,a beam for reception of data or measurement of a reference signal [0061] MTRPs is configured to communicate with a single WTRU, wherein WTRU has multiple antenna panels (i.e., a first reception unit and a second reception unit), which may enable multi-panel simultaneous transmission(s) and/or reception(s), where ( fig. 2: 201 simultaneous DL/DL (S-DD). And [0075] discloses in a S-DD mode, a WTRU with multiple panels simultaneously receives two PDSCHs or a PDSCH and a PDCCH, or two PDCCHs where each is transmitted from a different TRP. [0077] discloses A WTRU with multiple panels may simultaneously receive signals where each one is transmitted from a different TRP and [0091] discloses With S-DD mode, it may be possible for multiple RS to be sent simultaneously and the WTRU may monitor multiple RS simultaneously such as CSI-RS or SSB. A WTRU may use multiple panels for simultaneous reception where each panel may receive a RS. The WTRU may perform measurements on each RS. [0103] a WTRU may measure beam reference signals from different panels or TRPs , wherein a measurement quality may be based on L1-RSRP or L1-SINR; a beam reference signal from a panel or TRP may be a reference signal configured with a panel identity or TRP identity. Canonne-Velasquez does not disclose wherein each scheduling constraint is not applied when the simultaneous reception is performed. HWANG et al US 2021/0083730 A1 discloses wherein each scheduling constraint is not applied when the simultaneous reception is performed[0192]-[0193] discloses in an active DL BWP in CSI-RS based RRM measurement, scheduling restriction (i.e., scheduling constraint) is not necessary in a case in which the UE supports simultaneous reception for multiple numerologies, where the capability information about supporting of simultaneous reception of multiple numerologies may be defined as simultaneousRxDataCSIRS-DiffNumerology, for example. The UE may transmit the capability information about supporting of simultaneous reception of multiple numerologies to the serving cell. wherein [0151] discloses numerologies is define as simultaneous reception of signals based on different subcarrier spacings. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Canonne-Velasquez by including wherein each scheduling constraint is not applied when the simultaneous reception is performed, as taught by HWANG, in order to perform RRM measurement (see HWANG [0068]). Regarding claim 2, the combination of Canonne-Velasquez and HWANG discloses all features with respect to claim 1. Canonne-Velasquez further discloses wherein the simultaneous reception is configured for each frequency band (fig. 2: 201 simultaneous DL/DL (S-DD). And [0075] discloses in a S-DD mode, a WTRU with multiple panels simultaneously receives two PDSCHs or a PDSCH and a PDCCH, or two PDCCHs where each is transmitted from a different TRP. [0077] discloses A WTRU with multiple panels may simultaneously receive signals where each one is transmitted from a different TRP and [0091] discloses With S-DD mode, it may be possible for multiple RS to be sent simultaneously and the WTRU may monitor multiple RS simultaneously such as CSI-RS or SSB. A WTRU may use multiple panels for simultaneous reception where each panel may receive a RS. The WTRU may perform measurements on each RS, where [0103] a WTRU may measure beam reference signals from different panels or TRPs, wherein a measurement quality may be based on L1-RSRP or L1-SINR; a beam reference signal from a panel or TRP may be a reference signal configured with a panel identity or TRP identity; wherein [0104] the number of active panels may be determined based on at least one of following: WTRU capability indication; and frequency range (e.g., FRI, FR2). Regarding claims 3 and 8, the combination of Canonne-Velasquez and HWANG discloses all features with respect to claims 1, and 2, respectively. Canonne-Velasquez further discloses wherein simultaneously receivable beams are 3 or more, or simultaneously receivable receivers are 3 or more [0061] multiple base stations (e.g., gNBs 180a, 180b, 180c)/TRPs are configured to communicate with a single WTRU, wherein WTRU has multiple antenna panels, which may enable multi-panel simultaneous transmission(s) and/or reception(s), wherein [0077] discloses A WTRU with multiple panels may simultaneously receive signals where each one is transmitted from a different TRP and [0091] discloses With S-DD mode, it may be possible for multiple RS to be sent simultaneously and the WTRU may monitor multiple RS simultaneously such as CSI-RS or SSB. A WTRU may use multiple panels for simultaneous reception where each panel may receive a RS. The WTRU may perform measurements on each RS, for example, [0118] WTRU may be in communication with three TRPs (e.g., TRPl, TRP2, and TRP3), each having a CSI-RS (e.g., CSI-RSl, CSI-RS2, and CSIRS3);wherein [0103] a WTRU may measure beam reference signals from different panels or TRPs, wherein a measurement quality may be based on L1-RSRP or L1-SINR; a beam reference signal from a panel or TRP may be a reference signal configured with a panel identity or TRP identity. Regarding claims 4, 9 and 10, the combination of Canonne-Velasquez and HWANG discloses all features with respect to claims1,2, and 3, respectively. Canonne-Velasquez further discloses WTRU support the simultaneous reception and/or the simultaneous transmission in (fig. 2: 201 simultaneous DL/DL (S-DD). And [0075] discloses in a S-DD mode, a WTRU with multiple panels simultaneously receives two PDSCHs or a PDSCH and a PDCCH, or two PDCCHs where each is transmitted from a different TRP. [0077] discloses A WTRU with multiple panels may simultaneously receive signals where each one is transmitted from a different TRP and [0091] discloses With S-DD mode, it may be possible for multiple RS to be sent simultaneously and the WTRU may monitor multiple RS simultaneously such as CSI-RS or SSB. A WTRU may use multiple panels for simultaneous reception where each panel may receive a RS. The WTRU may perform measurements on each RS, wherein [0104] the number of active panels may be determined based on at least one of following: WTRU capability indication; and frequency range (e.g., FRI, FR2 ). Canonne-Velasquez does not explicitly disclose a transmitter that transmits capability information to a network indicating capability related to the simultaneous reception and/or the simultaneous transmission. HWANG et al US 2021/0083730 A1 discloses a transmitter that transmits capability information to a network indicating capability related to the simultaneous reception and/or the simultaneous transmission [0192]-[0193] discloses in an active DL BWP in CSI-RS based RRM measurement, scheduling restriction (i.e., scheduling constraint) is not necessary in a case in which the UE supports simultaneous reception for multiple numerologies, where the capability information about supporting of simultaneous reception of multiple numerologies may be defined as simultaneousRxDataCSIRS-DiffNumerology, for example. The UE may transmit the capability information about supporting of simultaneous reception of multiple numerologies to the serving cell. wherein [0151] discloses numerologies is define as simultaneous reception of signals based on different subcarrier spacings. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Canonne-Velasquez by including a transmitter that transmits capability information to a network indicating capability related to the simultaneous reception and/or the simultaneous transmission, as taught by HWANG, in order to perform RRM measurement (see HWANG [0068]). Regarding claims 5,11,12 and 13, the combination of Canonne-Velasquez and HWANG discloses all features with respect to claims1, 2,3and4 , respectively. Canonne-Velasquez further discloses wherein it is assumed that the terminal also has other relevant capabilities other than the capability by the capability information [0035]the WTRU 102 may have multi-mode capabilities and ([0003] A wireless transmit receive unit (WTRU) may have multiple antenna panels which may be capable of different modes of operation, such as simultaneous DL/DL (S-DD), simultaneous UL/UL (S-UU) and simultaneous DL/UL (S-DU), such as ,in fig. 2 and [0075] 201 simultaneous DL/DL (S-DD); 202 simultaneous UL/UL (S-UU) and 203 simultaneous DL/UL (S-DU). Regarding claims 6,14,15,16 and 17, the combination of Canonne-Velasquez and HWANG discloses all features with respect to claims1, 2,3,4and 5, respectively. Canonne-Velasquez further discloses wherein the measurement of the reference signal is at least one of a Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurement operation, a Radio Link Monitoring (RLM) operation, a Beam Failure Detection (BFD) operation, a Layer 1 Reference Signal Received Power/Signal to Interference Plus Noise (L1-RSRP/SINR) measurement operation (fig. 2: 201 simultaneous DL/DL (S-DD). And [0075] discloses in a S-DD mode, a WTRU with multiple panels simultaneously receives two PDSCHs or a PDSCH and a PDCCH, or two PDCCHs where each is transmitted from a different TRP; [0077] discloses A WTRU with multiple panels may simultaneously receive signals where each one is transmitted from a different TRP and [0091] discloses With S-DD mode, it may be possible for multiple RS to be sent simultaneously and the WTRU may monitor multiple RS simultaneously such as CSI-RS or SSB. A WTRU may use multiple panels for simultaneous reception where each panel may receive a RS. The WTRU may perform measurements on each RS, where [0103] a WTRU may measure beam reference signals from different panels or TRPs, wherein a measurement quality may be based on L1-RSRP or L1-SINR; a beam reference signal from a panel or TRP may be a reference signal configured with a panel identity or TRP identity, and a Positioning measurement operation. Response to Remarks/Arguments Applicant’s argument with respect to the pending claims have been fully considered, but they are not persuasive for at least the following reasons. Applicant’s amendment to claims necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Therefore, Applicant's arguments with respect to the amended claims have been considered but are moot in view of the new ground(s) of rejection. 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 ABDELTIF AJID whose telephone number is (571)272-7749. The examiner can normally be reached 9 am -5 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, Joseph Avellino can be reached at (571)272-3905. 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. /ABDELTIF AJID/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2478
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Prosecution Timeline

Jul 28, 2023
Application Filed
Aug 04, 2025
Non-Final Rejection — §103
Nov 03, 2025
Response Filed
Feb 06, 2026
Final Rejection — §103 (current)

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

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Prosecution Projections

3-4
Expected OA Rounds
76%
Grant Probability
89%
With Interview (+13.1%)
3y 2m
Median Time to Grant
Moderate
PTA Risk
Based on 355 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allow rate.

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