Prosecution Insights
Last updated: May 29, 2026
Application No. 18/432,221

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DATA NETWORK NAME REPLACEMENT

Non-Final OA §103
Filed
Feb 05, 2024
Examiner
TANG, KIET G
Art Unit
2469
Tech Center
2400 — Computer Networks
Assignee
Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
90%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
3m
Est. Remaining
99%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 90% — above average
90%
Career Allowance Rate
714 granted / 793 resolved
+32.0% vs TC avg
Moderate +12% lift
Without
With
+12.5%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 6m
Avg Prosecution
19 currently pending
Career history
825
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
2.0%
-38.0% vs TC avg
§103
91.4%
+51.4% vs TC avg
§102
4.5%
-35.5% vs TC avg
§112
1.6%
-38.4% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 793 resolved cases

Office Action

§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 . Claims 1-20 are pending. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 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 of this title, 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 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 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. 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 1-6, 13-17 and 23 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over HONG (Pub. No.: US 20250088849 A1), hereinafter HONG, in view of Mohan Raj et al. (Pub. No.: US 20240365102 A1), hereinafter Mohan Raj. With respect to claim 1, HONG teaches A method comprising (figure 25, [0221-0224, 0226], a method): receiving, by a network device (figure 25, i.e. second core network device) of a first core network (figure 25, i.e. second core network) from a second network device (figure 25, i.e. first core network device) of a second core network (figure 25, i.e. first core network), a first message (figure 25, [0222], i.e. a PDU session establishment request message), which includes a first data network name (DNN), pertaining to a packet data unit (PDU) session creation procedure with a third network device (figure 25, i.e. base station) of the first core network (figure 25, [0221-0224, 0226], second core network device receives from first core network device a PDU session establishment request message, the PDU session establishment request message includes a DNN and pertains to the base station); obtaining, by the network device, a policy, which includes a second DNN, that pertains to the PDU session creation procedure (figures, 25, 27, [0223, 0234], the second core network device obtains security policy information, which include DNN information configured in the second core network device, that based on the PDU session establishment request message); determining, by the network device, that the second DNN differs from the first DNN ([0240], the second core network device determines that the DNN information configured in the second core network device is not matching with the DNN in the third PDU session establishment request message); receiving, by the network device from the second network device, a second message to create a PDU session with the third network device (figures, 25, 27, [0223, 0234], the second core network device receives from first core network device a third PDU session establishment request message with the base station). HONG does not explicitly teach modifying, by the network device, the second message to include the second DNN; and transmitting, by the network device to the third network device, the modified second message. However, Mohan Raj teaches modifying, by the network device, the second message to include the second DNN (figure 2, [0030-0031], H-SEPP 202 receives message 3 from V-SEPP 204, the H-SEPP 202 modifies to include the second DNN / replaces the DNN value or add a new DNN value from the home list); and transmitting, by the network device to the third network device, the modified second message (figure 2, [0030-0031], the H-SEPP 202 transmits the modified second message / message 3 to the H-NRF 206, via message 4). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skills in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Mohan Raj, modifying, by the network device, the second message to include the second DNN; and transmitting, by the network device to the third network device, the modified second message, into the teachings of HONG, in order to improve data network name (DNN) replacement for roaming devices (Mohan Raj, [0001]). With respect to claim 2, the combination of HONG and Mohan Raj teaches the method of claim 1. HONG does not explicitly teach performing, by the network device in response to the receiving, a discovery procedure for a policy control device of the first core network that stores the policy. However, Mohan Raj teaches performing, by the network device in response to the receiving, a discovery procedure for a policy control device of the first core network that stores the policy (figure 2, [0031-0032], H-SEPP 202 performs a discovery procedure / examines the message to determine it include an SMF discovery request for a policy control device / H-NRF 206). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skills in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Mohan Raj, performing, by the network device in response to the receiving, a discovery procedure for a policy control device of the first core network that stores the policy, into the teachings of HONG, in order to improve data network name (DNN) replacement for roaming devices (Mohan Raj, [0001]). With respect to claim 3, the combination of HONG and Mohan Raj teaches the method of claim 1. HONG does not explicitly teach performing, by the network device in response to the determining, a discovery procedure for the third network device based on the second DNN. However, Mohan Raj teaches performing, by the network device in response to the determining, a discovery procedure for the third network device based on the second DNN (figure 2, [0031-0032], H-SEPP 202 performs a discovery procedure / examines the message to determine it include an SMF discovery request for a policy control device / H-NRF 206 based on the second DNN). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skills in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Mohan Raj, performing, by the network device in response to the determining, a discovery procedure for the third network device based on the second DNN, into the teachings of HONG, in order to improve data network name (DNN) replacement for roaming devices (Mohan Raj, [0001]). With respect to claim 4, the combination of HONG and Mohan Raj teaches the method of claim 1. HONG does not explicitly teach transmitting, by the network device to the second network device, a third message that identifies the third network device. However, Mohan Raj teaches transmitting, by the network device to the second network device, a third message that identifies the third network device (figure 2, [0032], H-SEPP 202 send a response message to V-SEPP 204). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skills in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Mohan Raj, transmitting, by the network device to the second network device, a third message that identifies the third network device, into the teachings of HONG, in order to improve data network name (DNN) replacement for roaming devices (Mohan Raj, [0001]). With respect to claim 5, the combination of HONG and Mohan Raj teaches the method of claim 1. HONG teach establishing via the network device a PDU session between the second network device and the third network device (figures 20, 22, [0200-0203, 0207], establishing via the network device a PDU session between the second network device / first core network device and the third network device / base station). With respect to claim 6, the combination of HONG and Mohan Raj teaches the method of claim 1. HONG does not explicitly teach establishing a PDU session between an end device and a network device of the second DNN. However, Mohan Raj teaches establishing a PDU session between an end device and a network device of the second DNN (figure 3, [0038-0040], establishing a PDU session between an end device / UE and a network device / H-NRF of the second DNN). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skills in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Mohan Raj, establishing a PDU session between an end device and a network device of the second DNN, into the teachings of HONG, in order to improve data network name (DNN) replacement for roaming devices (Mohan Raj, [0001]). With respect to claim 7, the combination of HONG and Mohan Raj teaches the method of claim 1. HONG does not explicitly teach wherein the PDU session creation procedure relates to an end device in a home-routed roaming context, and wherein the first core network is a home network of the end device and the second core network is a visited network. However, Mohan Raj teaches wherein the PDU session creation procedure relates to an end device in a home-routed roaming context (figure 3, [0038-0040], the PDU session creation procedure relates to an end device / UE / subscriber in a home-routed roaming context), and wherein the first core network is a home network of the end device and the second core network is a visited network (figure 3, [0038-0040], the first core network is a home network / H-PLMN of the end device / UE and the second core network is a visited network / V-PLMN). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skills in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Mohan Raj, wherein the PDU session creation procedure relates to an end device in a home-routed roaming context, and wherein the first core network is a home network of the end device and the second core network is a visited network, into the teachings of HONG, in order to improve data network name (DNN) replacement for roaming devices (Mohan Raj, [0001]). With respect to claim 8, the combination of HONG and Mohan Raj teaches the method of claim 1. HONG does not explicitly teach wherein the network device includes a security edge protection proxy device. However, Mohan Raj teaches wherein the network device includes a security edge protection proxy device (figure 3, [0038-0040], the a security edge protection proxy (H-SEPP)). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skills in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Mohan Raj, wherein the network device includes a security edge protection proxy device, into the teachings of HONG, in order to improve data network name (DNN) replacement for roaming devices (Mohan Raj, [0001]). With respect to claim 9, HONG teaches A network device comprising (figure 25, [0221-0224, 0226], a second core network device): a processor, wherein the processor is configured to ([0264], the processor is configured to): receive from a second network device of a second core network, a first message, which includes a first data network name (DNN), pertaining to a packet data unit (PDU) session creation procedure with a third network device of a first core network (figure 25, [0221-0224, 0226], second core network device receives from first core network device a PDU session establishment request message, the PDU session establishment request message includes a DNN and pertains to the base station), wherein the network device is of the first core network (figure 25, [0221-0224, 0226], the second core network device of the second core network); obtain policy, which includes a second DNN, that pertains to the PDU session creation procedure (figures, 25, 27, [0223, 0234], the second core network device obtains security policy information, which include DNN information configured in the second core network device, that based on the PDU session establishment request message); determine that the second DNN differs from the first DNN ([0240], the second core network device determines that the DNN information configured in the second core network device is not matching with the DNN in the third PDU session establishment request message); receive from the second network device, a second message to create a PDU session with the third network device (figures, 25, 27, [0223, 0234], the second core network device receives from first core network device a third PDU session establishment request message with the base station). HONG does not explicitly teach modify the second message to include the second DNN; and transmit to the third network device, the modified second message. However, Mohan Raj teaches modify the second message to include the second DNN (figure 2, [0030-0031], H-SEPP 202 receives message 3 from V-SEPP 204, the H-SEPP 202 modifies to include the second DNN / replaces the DNN value or add a new DNN value from the home list); and transmit to the third network device, the modified second message (figure 2, [0030-0031], the H-SEPP 202 transmits the modified second message / message 3 to the H-NRF 206, via message 4). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skills in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Mohan Raj, modify the second message to include the second DNN; and transmit to the third network device, the modified second message, into the teachings of HONG, in order to improve data network name (DNN) replacement for roaming devices (Mohan Raj, [0001]). With respect to claim 10, this claim recites the method of claim 2, and it is rejected for at least the same reasons. With respect to claim 11, this claim recites the method of claim 3, and it is rejected for at least the same reasons. With respect to claim 12, this claim recites the method of claim 4, and it is rejected for at least the same reasons. With respect to claim 13, this claim recites the method of claim 5, and it is rejected for at least the same reasons. With respect to claim 14, this claim recites the method of claim 6, and it is rejected for at least the same reasons. With respect to claim 15, this claim recites the method of claim 7, and it is rejected for at least the same reasons. With respect to claim 16, this claim recites the method of claim 8, and it is rejected for at least the same reasons. With respect to claim 17, HONG teaches A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions executable by a processor of a network device of a first core network ([0263-0264], memory storing instructions executable by a processor of a second core network device of a second core network), wherein the instructions are configured to ([0263-0264], the instructions are configured to): receive from a second network device of a second core network, a first message, which includes a first data network name (DNN), pertaining to a packet data unit (PDU) session creation procedure with a third network device of the first core network (figure 25, [0221-0224, 0226], second core network device receives from first core network device a PDU session establishment request message, the PDU session establishment request message includes a DNN and pertains to the base station); obtain policy, which includes a second DNN, that pertains to the PDU session creation procedure (figures, 25, 27, [0223, 0234], the second core network device obtains security policy information, which include DNN information configured in the second core network device, that based on the PDU session establishment request message); determine that the second DNN differs from the first DNN ([0240], the second core network device determines that the DNN information configured in the second core network device is not matching with the DNN in the third PDU session establishment request message); receive from the second network device, a second message to create a PDU session with the third network device (figures, 25, 27, [0223, 0234], the second core network device receives from first core network device a third PDU session establishment request message with the base station). HONG does not explicitly teach modify the second message to include the second DNN; and transmit to the third network device, the modified second message. However, Mohan Raj teaches modify the second message to include the second DNN (figure 2, [0030-0031], H-SEPP 202 receives message 3 from V-SEPP 204, the H-SEPP 202 modifies to include the second DNN / replaces the DNN value or add a new DNN value from the home list); and transmit to the third network device, the modified second message (figure 2, [0030-0031], the H-SEPP 202 transmits the modified second message / message 3 to the H-NRF 206, via message 4). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skills in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Mohan Raj, modify the second message to include the second DNN; and transmit to the third network device, the modified second message, into the teachings of HONG, in order to improve data network name (DNN) replacement for roaming devices (Mohan Raj, [0001]). With respect to claim 18, this claim recites the method of claim 5, and it is rejected for at least the same reasons. With respect to claim 19, this claim recites the method of claim 2, and it is rejected for at least the same reasons. With respect to claim 20, this claim recites the method of claim 3, and it is rejected for at least the same reasons. Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Pub. No.: US 20210212136 A1; “LEE”, ([0089]) Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to KIET TANG whose telephone number is (571)270-7193. The examiner can normally be reached on M-F 8:00-5:00. 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, IAN MOORE can be reached on (571) 272-3085. 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. /KIET TANG/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2469
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Prosecution Timeline

Feb 05, 2024
Application Filed
Mar 13, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103 (current)

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
90%
Grant Probability
99%
With Interview (+12.5%)
2y 6m (~3m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 793 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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