Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 22, 2026
Application No. 18/406,543

SEMICONDUCTOR STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF MAKING

Non-Final OA §103
Filed
Jan 08, 2024
Examiner
GONZALES, VICENTE ROLANDO
Art Unit
2899
Tech Center
2800 — Semiconductors & Electrical Systems
Assignee
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
100%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
0m
Est. Remaining
99%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 100% — above average
100%
Career Allowance Rate
3 granted / 3 resolved
+32.0% vs TC avg
Minimal +0% lift
Without
With
+0.0%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 9m
Avg Prosecution
25 currently pending
Career history
38
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§103
57.0%
+17.0% vs TC avg
§102
27.0%
-13.0% vs TC avg
§112
14.0%
-26.0% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 3 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 . Election/Restrictions Applicant's election with traverse of Group I in the reply filed on 07/13/2026 is acknowledged. The traversal is on the ground(s) that there is no undue burden. This is not found persuasive because different classification for the two claimed inventions is proof of serious burden in and of itself. As stated in MPEP 808.02, a serious burden is present when there is A) Separate classification thereof: this shows that each invention has attained recognition in the art as a separate subject for inventive effort, and also a separate field of search. Patents need not be cited to show separate classification. The requirement is still deemed proper and is therefore made FINAL. 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. The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 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. Claim(s) 1-12 and 21-28 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Chang et al. (US Patent Pub 20210292157 A1) in view of Miller et al. (US Patent Pub 20250011162 A1). Regarding Claim 1, Chang teaches a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) structure, comprising: a first stationary element (Fig. 6A, first stationary element (Left portion of 106)); a second stationary element (Fig. 6A, second stationary element (Right portion of 106)); a cap structure connecting the first stationary element and the second stationary element (Fig. 6A, cap structure 116, which connects the first stationary element and the second stationary element); and a moveable element between the first stationary element and the second stationary element and under the cap structure (Fig. 6A, moveable element 110, which is disposed between the first stationary element (left portion of 106) and the second stationary element (right portion of 106) as well as under the cap structure 116); a first spring comprising a first dielectric layer and a first conductive layer and spanning between the second stationary element and the moveable element (Fig. 6A, first spring 108 (portion of 108 to the right of moveable element 110, see annotated figure below) located between the second stationary element (right portion of 106) and the moveable element 110. Paragraphs 0033 and 0060 teach spring structures 108 comprise a dielectric layer 109c and a conductive layer 109b, therefore, the first spring (see annotated figure below) comprises a first dielectric layer (109c of the first spring) and a first conductive layer (109b of the first spring)); and a second spring comprising a second dielectric layer and a second conductive layer and spanning between the first stationary element and the moveable element, wherein (Fig. 6A, second spring (portion of 108 to the left of 110, see annotated figure below) spanning between the first stationary element (left portion of 106) and moveable element 110. Paragraphs 0033 and 0060 teach spring structures 108 comprise a dielectric layer 109c and a conductive layer 109b, therefore, the second spring (see annotated figure below) comprises a second dielectric layer (109c of the second spring) and a second conductive layer (109b of the second spring)): the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer comprise silicon and oxygen (Fig. 6A and paragraph 0060 teaches the first and second dielectric layer (109c of both the first and second spring) can be formed of amorphous silicon dioxide, which comprises silicon and oxygen). Chang fails to specifically teach a spring structure spanning between the cap structure and the moveable element. However, Miller teaches a MEMS device having a spring structure spanning between the cap structure and the moveable element (Miller, Fig. 1 and paragraph 0075 teaches a MEMS device 101 having a spring structure 113 spanning between moveable element 104 and the cap structure 110). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention to incorporate the teachings of Miller into the method of Chang by forming the MEMS device having a spring structure spanning between the cap structure and the moveable element. The ordinary artisan would have been motivated to modify Chang in the manner set forth above for at least the purpose of suppressing operation stress and improving device accuracy and reliability (Miller, paragraph 0066). PNG media_image1.png 607 1166 media_image1.png Greyscale Regarding Claim 2, Chang in view of Miller teaches the MEMS structure of claim 1, comprising: a third spring comprising a third dielectric layer and a third conductive layer and spanning between the second stationary element and the moveable element, wherein: the third dielectric layer comprises silicon and oxygen (Miller, Fig. 1 teaches a third spring (113 disposed to the right of 103) spanning between the second stationary element (right portion of 109) and the moveable element 103. Chang, fig. 6A and paragraphs 0033 and 0060 teach spring structures 108 comprise a dielectric layer 109c and a conductive layer 109b. Therefore, the combination of Chang in view of Miller would teach a third spring comprising a third dielectric layer (109c of the third spring) and a third conductive layer (109b of the third spring) spanning between the second stationary element and the moveable element, wherein (paragraph 0060 of Chang) the third dielectric layer (109c of the third spring) can be formed of amorphous silicon dioxide, which comprises silicon and oxygen). Regarding Claim 3, Chang in view of Miller teaches the MEMS structure of claim 1, wherein: the first conductive layer has a first thickness, and the first dielectric layer has a second thickness of at least 50 percent of the first thickness (Chang, fig. 6A and paragraph 0113 teaches the first conductive layer 109b has a first thickness ranging from 5 to 500 µm, and the first dielectric layer 109c has a second thickness ranging from 5 to 500 µm. Therefore, the first conductive layer and the first dielectric layer can be arranged such that the first dielectric layer has a second thickness of at least 50 percent of the first thickness (e.g. they can be arranged such that the thicknesses are the same)). Regarding Claim 4, Chang in view of Miller teaches the MEMS structure of claim 1. Chang in view of Miller fails to specifically teach the MEMS Structure comprising: a third spring adjacent the first spring and spanning between the cap structure and the moveable element; and a fourth spring adjacent the second spring and spanning between the first stationary element and the moveable element. However, Miller (Fig. 1) teaches a plurality of springs formed around the MEMS device structure. it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention to incorporate a plurality of springs spanning between he cap structure and the moveable element, as well as between the first stationary element and the moveable element, such that the MEMS structure comprises a third spring adjacent the first spring and spanning between the cap structure and the moveable element; and a fourth spring adjacent the second spring and spanning between the first stationary element and the moveable element. The ordinary artisan would have been motivated to modify Chang in view of Miller in the manner set forth above for at least the purpose of suppressing operation stress and improving device accuracy and reliability (Miller, paragraph 0066). PNG media_image2.png 716 1520 media_image2.png Greyscale Regarding Claim 5, Chang teaches the MEMS structure of claim 1, wherein: the first spring comprises a third dielectric layer adjacent the first conductive layer and a third conductive layer adjacent the third dielectric layer (Chang, fig. 10A. See annotated figure of first spring below). Regarding Claim 6, Chang in view of Miller teaches the MEMS structure of claim 1, wherein: the first spring comprises a buffer layer adjacent the first conductive layer, a third dielectric layer adjacent the buffer layer and a third conductive layer adjacent the third dielectric layer (Chang, fig 10A. See annotated figure of first spring above). Regarding Claim 7, Chang in view of Miller teaches The MEMS structure of claim 1, wherein: the first conductive layer exhibits tensile stress, and the first dielectric layer exhibits compressive stress (Chang, fig. 6A and paragraph 0033 teaches the first conductive layer 109b can be formed of a metal (e.g. aluminum). Paragraph 0035 of Applicant’s own specification teaches the first conductive layer can be formed of a metal and gives the example of aluminum and exhibits tensile stress. Therefore, the first conductive layer of Chang, which can be formed of the same material, may also exhibit tensile stress. Paragraph 0060 of Chang teaches that the first dielectric material 109c can comprise silicon and oxygen. Paragraph 0035 of Applicant’s own specification teaches the first dielectric layer comprises silicon and oxygen and exhibits compressive stress. Therefore, the first dielectric layer of Chang, which may comprise the same materials, may also exhibit compressive stress). Regarding Claim 8, Chang teaches a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) structure, comprising: a first stationary element (Fig. 6A, first stationary element (Left portion of 106)); a second stationary element (Fig. 6A, second stationary element (Right portion of 106)); a cap structure connecting the first stationary element and the second stationary element (Fig. 6A, cap structure 116, which connects the first stationary element and the second stationary element); a moveable element between the first stationary element and the second stationary element and under the cap structure (Fig. 6A, moveable element 110, which is disposed between the first stationary element (left portion of 106) and the second stationary element (right portion of 106) as well as under the cap structure 116); a first spring comprising a first tensile layer and a first compressive layer and spanning between the second stationary element and the moveable element (Fig. 6A, first spring 108 (portion of 108 to the right of moveable element 110, see annotated figure below) located between the second stationary element (right portion of 106) and the moveable element 110. Paragraphs 0033 and 0060 teach spring structures 108 comprise a dielectric layer 109c and a conductive layer 109b, therefore, the first spring (see annotated figure below) comprises a first dielectric layer (109c of the first spring) and a first conductive layer (109b of the first spring). Paragraph 0033 teaches the first conductive layer 109b can be formed of a metal (e.g. aluminum). Paragraph 0035 of Applicant’s own specification teaches the first conductive layer can be formed of a metal and gives the example of aluminum and exhibits tensile stress. Therefore, the first conductive layer of Chang, which can be formed of the same material, may also exhibit tensile stress, and therefore 109b (of the first spring) is considered the first tensile layer. Paragraph 0060 of Chang teaches that the first dielectric material 109c can comprise silicon and oxygen. Paragraph 0035 of Applicant’s own specification teaches the first dielectric layer comprises silicon and oxygen and exhibits compressive stress. Therefore, the first dielectric layer of Chang, which may comprise the same materials, may also exhibit compressive stress and therefore 109c (of the first spring) is considered the first compressive layer); and a second spring comprising a second tensile layer a second compressive layer and spanning between the first stationary element and the moveable element, wherein (Fig. 6A, second spring (portion of 108 to the left of 110, see annotated figure below) spanning between the first stationary element (left portion of 106) and moveable element 110. Paragraphs 0033 and 0060 teach spring structures 108 comprise a dielectric layer 109c and a conductive layer 109b, therefore, the second spring (see annotated figure below) comprises a second dielectric layer (109c of the second spring) and a second conductive layer (109b of the second spring). Paragraph 0035 of Applicant’s own specification teaches the second conductive layer can be formed of a metal and gives the example of aluminum and exhibits tensile stress. Therefore, the second conductive layer of Chang, which can be formed of the same material, may also exhibit tensile stress, and therefore 109b (of the second spring) is considered the second tensile layer. Paragraph 0060 of Chang teaches that the second dielectric material 109c can comprise silicon and oxygen. Paragraph 0035 of Applicant’s own specification teaches the first dielectric layer comprises silicon and oxygen and exhibits compressive stress. Therefore, the second dielectric layer of Chang, which may comprise the same materials, may also exhibit compressive stress and therefore 109c (of the second spring) be considered the second compressive layer): the first tensile layer has a first thickness and the first compressive layer has a second thickness of at least 50 percent of the first thickness (Chang, fig. 6A and paragraph 0113 teaches the first tensile layer 109b has a first thickness ranging from 5 to 500 µm, and the first compressive layer 109c has a second thickness ranging from 5 to 500 µm. Therefore, the first tensile layer and the first compressive layer can be arranged such that the first compressive layer has a second thickness of at least 50 percent of the first thickness (e.g. they can be arranged such that the thicknesses are the same)). Chang fails to specifically teach a spring structure spanning between the cap structure and the moveable element. However, Miller teaches a MEMS device having a spring structure spanning between the cap structure and the moveable element (Miller, Fig. 1 and paragraph 0075 teaches a MEMS device 101 having a spring structure 113 spanning between moveable element 104 and the cap structure 110). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention to incorporate the teachings of Miller into the method of Chang by forming the MEMS device having a spring structure spanning between the cap structure and the moveable element. The ordinary artisan would have been motivated to modify Chang in the manner set forth above for at least the purpose of suppressing operation stress and improving device accuracy and reliability (Miller, paragraph 0066). PNG media_image1.png 607 1166 media_image1.png Greyscale Regarding Claim 9, Chang in view of Miller teaches the MEMS structure of claim 8, comprising: a third spring comprising a third compressive layer and a third tensile layer and spanning between the second stationary element and the moveable element (Miller, Fig. 1 teaches a third spring (113 disposed to the right of 103) spanning between the second stationary element (right portion of 109) and the moveable element 103. Chang, fig. 6A and paragraphs 0033 and 0060 teach spring structures 108 comprise a compressive layer 109c and a tensile layer 109b. Therefore, the combination of Chang in view of Miller would teach a third spring comprising a third compressive layer (109c of the third spring) and a third tensile layer (109b of the third spring)) spanning between the second stationary element and the moveable element). Regarding Claim 10, Chang in view of Miller teaches the MEMS structure of claim 8. Chang in view of Miller fails to specifically teach the MEMS Structure comprising: a third spring adjacent the first spring and spanning between the cap structure and the moveable element; and a fourth spring adjacent the second spring and spanning between the first stationary element and the moveable element. However, Miller (Fig. 1) teaches a plurality of springs formed around the MEMS device structure. it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention to incorporate a plurality of springs spanning between he cap structure and the moveable element, as well as between the first stationary element and the moveable element, such that the MEMS structure comprises a third spring adjacent the first spring and spanning between the cap structure and the moveable element; and a fourth spring adjacent the second spring and spanning between the first stationary element and the moveable element. The ordinary artisan would have been motivated to modify Chang in view of Miller in the manner set forth above for at least the purpose of suppressing operation stress and improving device accuracy and reliability (Miller, paragraph 0066). Regarding Claim 11, Chang in view of Miller teaches the MEMS structure of claim 8, wherein: the first spring comprises a third tensile layer adjacent the first compressive layer and a third compressive layer adjacent the third tensile layer (Chang, fig. 10A, see annotated figure of first spring below). PNG media_image3.png 734 1520 media_image3.png Greyscale Regarding Claim 12, Chang in view of Miller teaches the MEMS structure of claim 8, wherein: the first spring comprises a buffer layer adjacent the first tensile layer, a third compressive layer adjacent the buffer layer and a third tensile layer adjacent the third compressive layer (Chang, fig. 10A, see annotated figure of first spring above). Regarding Claim 21, Chang teaches a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) structure, comprising: a first stationary element ((Fig. 6A, first stationary element (Left portion of 106)); a second stationary element (Fig. 6A, second stationary element (Right portion of 106)); a cap structure connecting the first stationary element and the second stationary element (Fig. 6A, cap structure 116, which connects the first stationary element and the second stationary element); a moveable element between the first stationary element and the second stationary element and under the cap structure (Fig. 6A, moveable element 110, which is disposed between the first stationary element (left portion of 106) and the second stationary element (right portion of 106) as well as under the cap structure 116); a first spring comprising a first dielectric layer exhibiting compressive stress and a first conductive layer exhibiting tensile stress and spanning between the cap structure and the moveable element (Fig. 6A, first spring 108 (portion of 108 to the right of moveable element 110, see annotated figure below) located between the second stationary element (right portion of 106) and the moveable element 110. Paragraphs 0033 and 0060 teach spring structures 108 comprise a dielectric layer 109c and a conductive layer 109b, therefore, the first spring (see annotated figure below) comprises a first dielectric layer (109c of the first spring) and a first conductive layer (109b of the first spring). Paragraph 0033 teaches the first conductive layer 109b can be formed of a metal (e.g. aluminum). Paragraph 0035 of Applicant’s own specification teaches the first conductive layer can be formed of a metal and gives the example of aluminum and exhibits compressive stress. Therefore, the first conductive layer of Chang, which can be formed of the same material, may also exhibit tensile stress. Paragraph 0060 of Chang teaches that the first dielectric material 109c can comprise silicon and oxygen. Paragraph 0035 of Applicant’s own specification teaches the first dielectric layer comprises silicon and oxygen and exhibits compressive. Therefore, the first dielectric layer of Chang, which may comprise the same materials, may also exhibit compressive stress); and a second spring comprising a second dielectric layer and a second conductive layer and spanning between the first stationary element and the moveable element (Fig. 6A, second spring (portion of 108 to the left of 110, see annotated figure below) spanning between the first stationary element (left portion of 106) and moveable element 110. Paragraphs 0033 and 0060 teach spring structures 108 comprise a dielectric layer 109c and a conductive layer 109b, therefore, the second spring (see annotated figure below) comprises a second dielectric layer (109c of the second spring) and a second conductive layer (109b of the second spring). Paragraph 0035 of Applicant’s own specification teaches the second conductive layer can be formed of a metal and gives the example of aluminum and exhibits tensile stress. Therefore, the second conductive layer of Chang, which can be formed of the same material, may also exhibit tensile stress. Paragraph 0060 of Chang teaches that the second dielectric material 109c can comprise silicon and oxygen. Paragraph 0035 of Applicant’s own specification teaches the first dielectric layer comprises silicon and oxygen and exhibits compressive stress. Therefore, the second dielectric layer of Chang, which may comprise the same materials, may also exhibit compressive stress). Chang fails to specifically teach a spring structure spanning between the cap structure and the moveable element. However, Miller teaches a MEMS device having a spring structure spanning between the cap structure and the moveable element (Miller, Fig. 1 and paragraph 0075 teaches a MEMS device 101 having a spring structure 113 spanning between moveable element 104 and the cap structure 110). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention to incorporate the teachings of Miller into the method of Chang by forming the MEMS device having a spring structure spanning between the cap structure and the moveable element. The ordinary artisan would have been motivated to modify Chang in the manner set forth above for at least the purpose of suppressing operation stress and improving device accuracy and reliability (Miller, paragraph 0066). PNG media_image1.png 607 1166 media_image1.png Greyscale Regarding Claim 22, Chang in view of Miller teaches the MEMS structure of claim 21, wherein: the second conductive layer exhibits tensile stress, and the second dielectric layer exhibits compressive stress (Chang, fig. 6A and paragraph 0033 teaches the second conductive layer 109b (of the second spring) can be formed of a metal (e.g. aluminum). Paragraph 0035 of Applicant’s own specification teaches the second conductive layer can be formed of a metal and gives the example of aluminum and exhibits tensile stress. Therefore, the second conductive layer of Chang, which can be formed of the same material, may also exhibit tensile stress. Paragraph 0060 of Chang teaches that the second dielectric material 109c (of the second spring) can comprise silicon and oxygen. Paragraph 0035 of Applicant’s own specification teaches the second dielectric layer comprises silicon and oxygen and exhibits compressive stress. Therefore, the second dielectric layer of Chang, which may comprise the same materials, may also exhibit compressive stress). Regarding Claim 23, Chang in view of Miller teaches the MEMS structure of claim 21, comprising: a third spring comprising a third dielectric layer and a third conductive layer and spanning between the second stationary element and the moveable element (Miller, Fig. 1 teaches a third spring (113 disposed to the right of 103) spanning between the second stationary element (right portion of 109) and the moveable element 103. Chang, fig. 6A and paragraphs 0033 and 0060 teach spring structures 108 comprise a dielectric layer 109c and a conductive layer 109b. Therefore, the combination of Chang in view of Miller teaches a third spring comprising a third dielectric layer (109c of the third spring) and a third conductive layer (109b of the third spring) spanning between the second stationary element and the moveable element). Regarding Claim 24, Chang in view of Miller teaches the MEMS structure of claim 21, wherein: the first conductive layer has a first thickness, and the first dielectric layer has a second thickness of at least 50 percent of the first thickness (Chang, fig. 6A and paragraph 0113 teaches the first conductive layer 109b has a first thickness ranging from 5 to 500 µm, and the first dielectric layer 109c has a second thickness ranging from 5 to 500 µm. Therefore, the first conductive layer and the first dielectric layer can be arranged such that the first dielectric layer has a second thickness of at least 50 percent of the first thickness (e.g. they can be arranged such that the thicknesses are the same)). Regarding Claim 25, Chang in view of Miller teaches the MEMS structure of claim 21, wherein: the first spring comprises a buffer layer adjacent the first conductive layer (Chang, Fig. 10A, see annotated figure of the first spring below). PNG media_image2.png 716 1520 media_image2.png Greyscale Regarding Claim 26, Chang in view of Miller teaches the MEMS structure of claim 21, wherein: the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer comprise silicon and oxygen (Chang, paragraph 0060 teaches the dielectric layers (109c of both the first spring and the second spring, and therefore the first and second dielectric layers) of spring structures 108 comprise silicon dioxide, which comprises silicon and oxygen). Regarding Claim 27, Chang in view of Miller teaches the MEMS structure of claim 23, wherein: the first dielectric layer, the second dielectric layer, and the third dielectric layer comprise silicon and oxygen (Chang, paragraphs 0033 and 0060 teaches first spring and second spring structures, that spring structures comprise a dielectric layer 109c and a conductive layer 109b, and that the dielectric layers of the springs comprise silicon dioxide, which comprises silicon and oxygen. Miller, fig. 1 teaches a third spring structure. Therefore, the combination of Chang in view of Miller teaches a MEMS structure comprising a first dielectric layer (109c of the first spring), a second dielectric layer (109c of the second spring), and a third dielectric layer (109c of the third spring), wherein the first through third dielectric layers comprise silicon and oxygen). Regarding Claim 28, Chang in view of Miller teaches the MEMS structure of claim 23, wherein: the third conductive layer exhibits tensile stress, and the third dielectric layer exhibits compressive stress (Chang in view of Miller teaches a third spring comprising a third dielectric layer (109c of the third spring) and a third conductive layer (109b of the third spring) spanning between the second stationary element and the moveable element. Paragraph 0033 teaches the third conductive layer (109b of the third spring) can be formed of a metal (e.g. aluminum). Paragraph 0035 of Applicant’s own specification teaches the third conductive layer can be formed of a metal and gives the example of aluminum and exhibits tensile stress. Therefore, the third conductive layer, which can be formed of the same material, may also exhibit tensile stress. Paragraph 0060 of Chang teaches that the third dielectric material (109c of the third spring) can comprise silicon and oxygen. Paragraph 0035 of Applicant’s own specification teaches the third dielectric layer comprises silicon and oxygen and exhibits compressive stress. Therefore, the third dielectric layer, which may comprise the same materials, may also exhibit compressive stress. Cited Prior Art The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to Applicant's disclosure. Applicants are directed to consider additional pertinent prior art on the Notice of References Cited (PTO-892) attached herewith. Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to VICENTE R GONZALES whose telephone number is (571)272-3365. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 5:00 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, Zandra Smith can be reached at (571) 272-2429. 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. /V.R.G./Examiner, Art Unit 2899 /ZANDRA V SMITH/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2899
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Prosecution Timeline

Jan 08, 2024
Application Filed
Mar 18, 2024
Response after Non-Final Action
Sep 30, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103 (current)

Precedent Cases

Applications granted by this same examiner with similar technology

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ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING STACKED SEMICONDUCTOR CHIPS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME
2y 11m to grant Granted Sep 15, 2026
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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
100%
Grant Probability
99%
With Interview (+0.0%)
2y 9m (~0m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
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