Prosecution Insights
Last updated: April 19, 2026
Application No. 18/382,200

DISPLAY PANEL AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME

Non-Final OA §102§103
Filed
Oct 20, 2023
Examiner
DYKES, LAURA M
Art Unit
2892
Tech Center
2800 — Semiconductors & Electrical Systems
Assignee
Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
65%
Grant Probability
Moderate
1-2
OA Rounds
2y 10m
To Grant
92%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 65% of resolved cases
65%
Career Allow Rate
321 granted / 497 resolved
-3.4% vs TC avg
Strong +28% interview lift
Without
With
+27.9%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 10m
Avg Prosecution
42 currently pending
Career history
539
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§103
50.9%
+10.9% vs TC avg
§102
25.7%
-14.3% vs TC avg
§112
16.4%
-23.6% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 497 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 . This OA is in response to the claims filled on 10/20/2023 that has been entered, wherein claims1-20 are pending. Information Disclosure Statement The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 10/20/2023 is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner. Specification The title of the invention is not descriptive. A new title is required that is clearly indicative of the invention to which the claims are directed. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 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. 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)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. (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. Claims 1-3, 8-9, 11-12, 17-18 and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Shang et al. (US 2024/0324405 A1). Regarding claim 1, Shang teaches a display panel(Fig. 4O) comprising: a substrate(10) which comprises an upper surface and a lower surface and through which a through-hole(101, Fig. 4A, ¶0074) passing through the lower surface from the upper surface is defined; a light-emitting diode(anode layer in display region, not illustrated, 80, 90, ¶0086, ¶0088) disposed on the upper surface of the substrate(10), the light-emitting diode(anode layer in display region, not illustrated, 80, 90, ¶0086, ¶0088) comprising: a first electrode(anode layer in display region, not illustrated, ¶0086); a second electrode(90, ¶0088); and an intermediate layer(80, ¶0088) between the first electrode(anode layer in display region, not illustrated, ¶0086) and the second electrode(90, ¶0088); and a separator(middle 102, ¶0080) disposed in an intermediate area(DD, Fig. 4A, ¶0074) between the light-emitting diode(anode layer in display region, not illustrated, 80, 90, ¶0086, ¶0088) and the through-hole(101, Fig. 4A, ¶0074) of the substrate(10), and comprising: a first layer(12, ¶0075); a second layer(13, ¶0075) on the first layer(12, ¶0075); and a third layer(11, ¶0075) disposed below the first layer(12, ¶0075), a width of a lower surface of the second layer(13, ¶0075) being greater(¶0081) than a width of an upper surface of the first layer(12, ¶0075); and a protective layer(61, ¶0084) disposed on the separator(middle 102, ¶0080) and comprising a same material(anode material film layer, ¶0084-86) as a material of the first electrode(anode layer in display region, not illustrated, ¶0086) of the light-emitting diode(anode layer in display region, not illustrated, 80, 90, ¶0086, ¶0088). Regarding claim 2, Shang teaches the display panel of claim 1, wherein a functional layer(light emitting layer 80, ¶0088) included in the intermediate layer(80, ¶0088) extends to the intermediate area(DD, Fig. 4A, ¶0074) and comprises a plurality of portions separated(¶0088) from each other in the intermediate area(DD, Fig. 4A, ¶0074), the plurality of portions of the functional layer(light emitting layer 80, ¶0088) comprises: a first portion(portion of 80 over 61, ¶0088) overlapping the separator(middle 102, ¶0080) and the protective layer(61, ¶0084); and a second portion(portion of 80 over 62, ¶0088) separated from the first portion(portion of 80 over 61, ¶0088), and a vertical distance, from the upper surface of the substrate(10) to the first portion(portion of 80 over 61, ¶0088) of the functional layer(light emitting layer 80, ¶0088), is greater than a vertical distance, from the upper surface of the substrate(10) to the second portion(portion of 80 over 62, ¶0088) of the functional layer(light emitting layer 80, ¶0088). Regarding claim 3, Shang teaches the display panel of claim 1, wherein the second electrode(90, ¶0088) of the light-emitting diode(anode layer in display region, not illustrated, 80, 90, ¶0086, ¶0088) extends to the intermediate area(DD, Fig. 4A, ¶0074) and comprises a plurality of portions disposed in the intermediate area(DD, Fig. 4A, ¶0074) and separated(¶0088) from each other, the plurality of portions of the second electrode(90, ¶0088) comprises: a first portion(portion of 90 over 61 ¶0088) overlapping the separator(middle 102, ¶0080) and the protective layer(61, ¶0084); and a second portion(portion of 90 over 62, ¶0088) separated from the first portion(portion of 90 over 61, ¶0088), and a vertical distance, from the upper surface of the substrate(10) to the first portion(portion of 90 over 61, ¶0088) of the second electrode(90, ¶0088), is greater than a vertical distance, from the upper surface of the substrate(10) to the second portion(portion of 90 over 62, ¶0088) of the second electrode(90, ¶0088). Regarding claim 8, Shang teaches the display panel of claim 1, further comprising: an encapsulation layer(encapsulation layer, not illustrated, ¶0090) disposed on the light-emitting diode(anode layer in display region, not illustrated, 80, 90, ¶0086, ¶0088), the encapsulation layer(encapsulation layer, not illustrated, ¶0090) comprising an inorganic encapsulation layer(inorganic layer, not illustrated, ¶0090) and an organic encapsulation layer(organic layer, not illustrated, ¶0090); and a partition wall(102 that is closest to 101 and between middle 102 and 101, Fig. 4A, ¶0074, ¶0080) disposed in the intermediate area(DD, Fig. 4A, ¶0074). Regarding claim 9, Shang teaches the display panel of claim 8, wherein the separator(middle 102, ¶0080) is disposed between the light-emitting diode(anode layer in display region, not illustrated, 80, 90, ¶0086, ¶0088) and the partition wall(102 that is closest to 101 and between middle 102 and 101, Fig. 4A, ¶0074, ¶0080), and the organic encapsulation layer(organic layer, not illustrated, ¶0090) overlaps the separator(102, ¶0080). Regarding claim 11, Shang teaches an electronic apparatus(Fig. 40) comprising: a display panel(Fig. 4A) comprising: a transmissive area(101, ¶0074); a display area(AA, ¶0074) surrounding the transmissive area(101, ¶0074); a substrate(10) through which a through-hole(101, Fig. 4A, ¶0074) corresponding to the transmissive area(101, ¶0074) is defined; a light-emitting diode(anode layer in display region, not illustrated, 80, 90, ¶0086, ¶0088) disposed on the substrate(10), the light-emitting diode(anode layer in display region, not illustrated, 80, 90, ¶0086, ¶0088) comprising: a first electrode(anode layer in display region, not illustrated, ¶0086); a second electrode(90, ¶0088); and an intermediate layer(80, ¶0088) between the first electrode(anode layer in display region, not illustrated, ¶0086) and the second electrode(90, ¶0088); a separator(middle 102, ¶0080) disposed in an intermediate area(DD, Fig. 4A, ¶0074) between the light-emitting diode(anode layer in display region, not illustrated, 80, 90, ¶0086, ¶0088) and the through-hole(101, Fig. 4A, ¶0074) of the substrate(10), and comprising: a first layer(12, ¶0075); a second layer(13, ¶0075) on the first layer(12, ¶0075); and a third layer(11, ¶0075) disposed below the first layer(12, ¶0075), a width of a lower surface of the second layer(13, ¶0075) is greater than a width of an upper surface of the first layer(12, ¶0075); and a protective layer(61, ¶0084) disposed on the separator(middle 102, ¶0080) and comprising a same material(anode material film layer, ¶0084-86) as a material of the first electrode(anode layer in display region, not illustrated, ¶0086) of the light-emitting diode(anode layer in display region, not illustrated, 80, 90, ¶0086, ¶0088); and a component(camera or sensor, not illustrated, ¶0061-62) which overlaps the transmissive area(101, ¶0074) of the display panel(Fig. 4A). Regarding claim 12, Shang teaches the electronic apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of a functional layer(light emitting layer 80, ¶0088) and the second electrode(90, ¶0088) of the intermediate layer(80, ¶0088) extends to the intermediate area(DD, Fig. 4A, ¶0074) and comprises a plurality of portions disposed in the intermediate area(DD, Fig. 4A, ¶0074) and separated from each other, and the plurality of portions of the functional layer(light emitting layer 80, ¶0088) comprise: a first portion(portion of 80 over 61, ¶0088) overlapping the separator(middle 102, ¶0080) and the protective layer(61, ¶0084); and a second portion(portion of 80 over 62, ¶0088) separated from the first portion(portion of 80 over 61, ¶0088). Regarding claim 17, Shang teaches the electronic apparatus of claim 11, wherein the display panel comprises: an encapsulation layer(encapsulation layer, not illustrated, ¶0090) disposed on the light-emitting diode(anode layer in display region, not illustrated, 80, 90, ¶0086, ¶0088), the encapsulation layer(encapsulation layer, not illustrated, ¶0090) comprising an inorganic encapsulation layer(inorganic layer, not illustrated, ¶0090) and an organic encapsulation layer(organic layer, not illustrated, ¶0090); and a partition wall(102 that is closest to 101 and between middle 102 and 101, Fig. 4A, ¶0074, ¶0080) disposed in the intermediate area(DD, Fig. 4A, ¶0074). Regarding claim 18, Shang teaches the electronic apparatus of claim 17, wherein the separator(middle 102, ¶0080) is disposed between the light-emitting diode(anode layer in display region, not illustrated, 80, 90, ¶0086, ¶0088) and the partition wall(102 that is closest to 101 and between middle 102 and 101, Fig. 4A, ¶0074, ¶0080), and the organic encapsulation layer(organic layer, not illustrated, ¶0090) overlaps the separator(102, ¶0080). Regarding claim 20, Shang teaches the electronic apparatus of claim 11, wherein the component(camera or sensor, not illustrated, ¶0061-62) comprises a camera(camera, not illustrated, ¶0061-62) or a sensor(sensor, not illustrated, ¶0061-62). Claims 1 and 4-9 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Li et al. (CN 109802052 A). Regarding claim 1, Li teaches a display panel(Fig. 4) comprising: a substrate(11) which comprises an upper surface and a lower surface and through which a through-hole(200, ¶0032) passing through the lower surface from the upper surface is defined; a light-emitting diode(12, 13, 14 in area 100, ¶0032) disposed on the upper surface of the substrate(11), the light-emitting diode(12, 13, 14 in area 100, ¶0032) comprising: a first electrode(14 in area 100, ¶0032); a second electrode(12 in area 100, ¶0032); and an intermediate layer(13 in area 100, ¶0032) between the first electrode(14 in area 100, ¶0032) and the second electrode(12 in area 100, ¶0032); and a separator(15, ¶0032) disposed in an intermediate area(300, ¶0032) between the light-emitting diode(12, 13, 14 in area 100, ¶0032) and the through-hole(200, ¶0032) of the substrate(11), and comprising: a first layer(152, ¶0032); a second layer(153, ¶0032) on the first layer(152, ¶0032); and a third layer(151, ¶0032) disposed below the first layer(152, ¶0032), a width of a lower surface of the second layer(153, ¶0032) being greater than a width of an upper surface of the first layer(152, ¶0032); and a protective layer(13, 14, 16, 20 in area 300, ¶0032, ¶0039) disposed on the separator(15, ¶0032) and comprising a same material(material of 14, ¶0032) as a material of the first electrode(14 in area 100, ¶0032) of the light-emitting diode(12, 13, 14 in area 100, ¶0032). Regarding claim 4, Li teaches the display panel of claim 1, wherein the protective layer(13, 14, 16, 20 in area 300, ¶0032, ¶0039) covers an upper surface and side surface of the second layer(153, ¶0032) of the separator(15, ¶0032). Regarding claim 5, Li teaches the display panel of claim 4, wherein the protective layer(13, 14, 16, 20 in area 300, ¶0032, ¶0039) extends to continuously cover a part of the lower surface of the second layer(153, ¶0032) of the separator(15, ¶0032), a side surface of the first layer(152, ¶0032) of the separator(15, ¶0032), and a part of an upper surface of the third layer(151, ¶0032) of the separator(15, ¶0032). Regarding claim 6, Li teaches the display panel of claim 5, wherein a thickness (thickness of 13, 14, 16, 20 in area 300 above 153, ¶0032, ¶0039) of a first portion(13, 14, 16, 20 in area 300 above 153, ¶0032, ¶0039) of the protective layer(13, 14, 16, 20 in area 300, ¶0032, ¶0039) disposed on the upper surface of the second layer(153, ¶0032) of the separator(15, ¶0032) is greater than a thickness(thickness of 16 in area 300 on lower surface of 153, ¶0032) of a second portion(16 in area 300 on lower surface of 153, ¶0032) of the protective layer(13, 14, 16, 20 in area 300, ¶0032, ¶0039) disposed on the lower surface of the second layer(153, ¶0032) of the separator(15, ¶0032). Regarding claim 7, Li teaches the display panel of claim 5, further comprising an insulating layer(top layer of 11) below the separator(15, ¶0032), wherein the protective layer(13, 14, 16, 20 in area 300, ¶0032, ¶0039) is in direct contact with a part of an upper surface of the insulating layer(top layer of 11) and overlaps a side surface of the third layer(151, ¶0032) of the separator(15, ¶0032). Regarding claim 8, Li teaches the display panel of claim 1, further comprising: an encapsulation layer(50, ¶0039) disposed on the light-emitting diode(12, 13, 14 in area 100, ¶0032), the encapsulation layer(50, ¶0039) comprising an inorganic encapsulation layer(inorganic layer of 50, ¶0039) and an organic encapsulation layer(organic layer of 50, ¶0039); and a partition wall(40, ¶0045) disposed in the intermediate area(300, ¶0032). Regarding claim 9, Li teaches the display panel of claim 8, wherein the separator(15, ¶0032) is disposed between the light-emitting diode(12, 13, 14 in area 100, ¶0032) and the partition wall(40, ¶0045), and the organic encapsulation layer(organic layer of 50, ¶0039) overlaps the separator(15, ¶0032). Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 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. 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. 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. Claims 4 and 13 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Shang et al. (US 2024/0324405 A1) in view of Wang et al. (2021/0376288 A1). Regarding claim 4, Shang teaches the display panel of claim 1, wherein the protective layer(61, ¶0084) covers an upper surface of the second layer(13, ¶0075) of the separator(102, ¶0080). Shang is not relied on to teach wherein the protective layer(61, ¶0084) covers side surface of the second layer(13, ¶0075) of the separator(102, ¶0080). Wang teaches a display panel(Fig. 5) teaches the protective layer(312, ¶0085) covers side surface(Fig. 5) of the second layer(317, ¶0083) of the separator(36, ¶0086). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the device of Shang, so that the protective layer covers side surface of the second layer of the separator, as taught by Shang, in order to effectively blocks continued diffusion of water vapor, thereby effectively protecting the display area and the display panel(¶0086). Regarding claim 13, Shang teaches the electronic apparatus of claim 11, wherein the protective layer(61, ¶0084) covers an upper surface and side surface of the second layer(13, ¶0075). Shang is not relied on to teach wherein the protective layer(61, ¶0084) covers side surface of the second layer(13, ¶0075) of the separator(102, ¶0080). Wang teaches an electronic apparatus(Fig. 5) teaches the protective layer(312, ¶0085) covers side surface(Fig. 5) of the second layer(317, ¶0083) of the separator(36, ¶0086). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the device of Shang, so that the protective layer covers side surface of the second layer of the separator, as taught by Shang, in order to effectively blocks continued diffusion of water vapor, thereby effectively protecting the display area and the display panel(¶0086). Claims 10 and 19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Shang et al. (US 2024/0324405 A1) in view of Huang et al. (2022/0190285 A1). Regarding claim 10, Shang teaches the display panel of claim 8, but is not relied on to teach the separator(middle 102, ¶0080) is disposed between the partition wall and the through-hole(101, Fig. 4A, ¶0074) of the substrate(10), and the inorganic encapsulation layer comprises a first inorganic encapsulation layer and a second inorganic encapsulation layer which contact each other on the separator(102, ¶0080). Huang teaches a display panel(Fig. 6) wherein the separator(31, ¶0079) is disposed between the partition wall(29, ¶0079) and the through-hole(20b, Fig. 4, ¶0079) of the substrate(21), and the inorganic encapsulation layer(320, 322, ¶0079) comprises a first inorganic encapsulation layer(320, ¶0079) and a second inorganic encapsulation layer(322, ¶0079) which contact each other on the separator(31, ¶0079). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the device of Shang, so that separator is disposed between the partition wall and the through-hole of the substrate, and the inorganic encapsulation layer comprises a first inorganic encapsulation layer and a second inorganic encapsulation layer which contact each other on the separator, as taught by Huang, in order to avoid packaging failure caused by the materials of the organic packaging layer flowing into the through-hole(¶0120). Regarding claim 19, Shang teaches the electronic apparatus of claim 18, but is not relied on to teach the separator(middle 102, ¶0080) is disposed between the partition wall and the through-hole(101, Fig. 4A, ¶0074) of the substrate(10), and the inorganic encapsulation layer comprises a first inorganic encapsulation layer and a second inorganic encapsulation layer which contact each other on the separator(102, ¶0080). Huang teaches an electronic apparatus(Fig. 6) wherein the separator(31, ¶0079) is disposed between the partition wall(29, ¶0079) and the through-hole(20b, Fig. 4, ¶0079) of the substrate(21), and the inorganic encapsulation layer(320, 322, ¶0079) comprises a first inorganic encapsulation layer(320, ¶0079) and a second inorganic encapsulation layer(322, ¶0079) which contact each other on the separator(31, ¶0079). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the device of Shang, so that separator is disposed between the partition wall and the through-hole of the substrate, and the inorganic encapsulation layer comprises a first inorganic encapsulation layer and a second inorganic encapsulation layer which contact each other on the separator, as taught by Huang, in order to avoid packaging failure caused by the materials of the organic packaging layer flowing into the through-hole(¶0120). Claims 11, 13-18 and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Li et al. (CN 109802052 A) in view of Zhang et al. (US 2022/0077423 A1) Regarding claim 11, Li teaches an electronic apparatus(Fig. 4) comprising: a display panel(Fig. 1) comprising: a transmissive area(200, ¶0032); a display area(100, ¶0032) surrounding the transmissive area(200, ¶0032); a substrate(11) through which a through-hole(200, ¶0032) corresponding to the transmissive area(200, ¶0032) is defined; a light-emitting diode(12, 13, 14 in area 100, ¶0032) disposed on the substrate(11), the light-emitting diode(12, 13, 14 in area 100, ¶0032) comprising: a first electrode(14 in area 100, ¶0032); a second electrode(12 in area 100, ¶0032); and an intermediate layer(13 in area 100, ¶0032) between the first electrode(14 in area 100, ¶0032) and the second electrode(12 in area 100, ¶0032); a separator(15, ¶0032) disposed in an intermediate area(300, ¶0032) between the light-emitting diode(12, 13, 14 in area 100, ¶0032) and the through-hole(200, ¶0032) of the substrate(11), and comprising: a first layer(152, ¶0032); a second layer(153, ¶0032) on the first layer(152, ¶0032); and a third layer(151, ¶0032) disposed below the first layer(152, ¶0032), a width of a lower surface of the second layer(153, ¶0032) is greater than a width of an upper surface of the first layer(152, ¶0032); and a protective layer(13, 14, 16, 20 in area 300, ¶0032, ¶0039) disposed on the separator(15, ¶0032) and comprising a same material(material of 14, ¶0032) as a material of the first electrode(14 in area 100, ¶0032) of the light-emitting diode(12, 13, 14 in area 100, ¶0032). Li is not relied on to teach a component which overlaps the transmissive area(200, ¶0032) of the display panel(Fig. 1). Zhang teaches an electronic apparatus(Fig. 2B) comprising a component(210, ¶0057) which overlaps the transmissive area(221, ¶0057) of the display panel(200, ¶0057). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the device of Li, to include a component which overlaps the transmissive area of the display panel, as taught by Zhang, in order to realize the functions of image acquisition, face recognition, infrared sensing, etc. through the transmissive area(¶0057). Regarding claim 13, Li teaches the electronic apparatus of claim 11, wherein the protective layer(13, 14, 16, 20 in area 300, ¶0032, ¶0039) covers an upper surface and side surface of the second layer(153, ¶0032). Regarding claim 14, Li teaches the electronic apparatus of claim 13, wherein the protective layer(13, 14, 16, 20 in area 300, ¶0032, ¶0039) continuously covers a part of the lower surface of the second layer(153, ¶0032) of the separator(15, ¶0032), a side surface of the first layer(152, ¶0032) of the separator(15, ¶0032), and a part of an upper surface of the third layer(151, ¶0032) of the separator(15, ¶0032). Regarding claim 15, Li teaches the electronic apparatus of claim 14, wherein a thickness (thickness of 13, 14, 16, 20 in area 300 above 153, ¶0032, ¶0039) of a first portion(13, 14, 16, 20 in area 300 above 153, ¶0032, ¶0039) of the protective layer(13, 14, 16, 20 in area 300, ¶0032, ¶0039) disposed on the upper surface of the second layer(153, ¶0032) of the separator(15, ¶0032) is greater than a thickness(thickness of 16 in area 300 on lower surface of 153, ¶0032) of a second portion(16 in area 300 on lower surface of 153, ¶0032) of the protective layer(13, 14, 16, 20 in area 300, ¶0032, ¶0039) disposed on the lower surface of the second layer(153, ¶0032) of the separator(15, ¶0032). Regarding claim 16, Li teaches the electronic apparatus of claim 14, wherein the display panel further comprises an insulating layer(top layer of 11) below the separator(15, ¶0032), wherein the protective layer(13, 14, 16, 20 in area 300, ¶0032, ¶0039) is in direct contact with a part of an upper surface of the insulating layer(top layer of 11) and overlaps a side surface of the third layer(151, ¶0032) of the separator(15, ¶0032). Regarding claim 17, Li teaches the electronic apparatus of claim 11, wherein the display panel comprises: an encapsulation layer(50, ¶0039) disposed on the light-emitting diode(12, 13, 14 in area 100, ¶0032), the encapsulation layer(50, ¶0039) comprising an inorganic encapsulation layer(inorganic layer of 50, ¶0039) and an organic encapsulation layer(organic layer of 50, ¶0039); and a partition wall(40, ¶0045) disposed in the intermediate area(300, ¶0032). Regarding claim 18, Li teaches the electronic apparatus of claim 17, wherein the separator(15, ¶0032) is disposed between the light-emitting diode(12, 13, 14 in area 100, ¶0032) and the partition wall(40, ¶0045), and the organic encapsulation layer(organic layer of 50, ¶0039) overlaps the separator(15, ¶0032). Regarding claim 20, Li teaches the electronic apparatus of claim 11, but is not relied on to teach the component comprises a camera or a sensor. Zhang teaches an electronic apparatus(Fig. 2B) wherein the component(210, ¶0057) comprises a camera or a sensor(210, ¶0057). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the device of Li, so that the component comprises a camera or a sensor, as taught by Zhang, in order to realize the functions of image acquisition, face recognition, infrared sensing, etc. through the transmissive area(¶0057). Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Huang et al. (US 2022/0344421 A1) Discloses a display panel. Hu et al. (US 2022/0310724 A1) Discloses a display panel. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to LAURA DYKES whose telephone number is (571)270-3161. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 9:30 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, N. Drew Richards can be reached at 571-272-1736. 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. /LAURA M DYKES/Examiner, Art Unit 2892
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Oct 20, 2023
Application Filed
Jan 13, 2026
Non-Final Rejection — §102, §103
Apr 06, 2026
Interview Requested
Apr 14, 2026
Applicant Interview (Telephonic)
Apr 14, 2026
Examiner Interview Summary

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
65%
Grant Probability
92%
With Interview (+27.9%)
2y 10m
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 497 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allow rate.

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