Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 02, 2026
Application No. 18/444,659

ACCELERATED QUIC CONNECTIONS THROUGH HARDWARE COMPONENTS

Final Rejection §103
Filed
Feb 17, 2024
Examiner
GREENE, JOSEPH L
Art Unit
2443
Tech Center
2400 — Computer Networks
Assignee
Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
OA Round
2 (Final)
63%
Grant Probability
Moderate
3-4
OA Rounds
1y 4m
Est. Remaining
98%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 63% of resolved cases
63%
Career Allowance Rate
358 granted / 569 resolved
+4.9% vs TC avg
Strong +36% interview lift
Without
With
+35.6%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 11m
Avg Prosecution
31 currently pending
Career history
607
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
10.5%
-29.5% vs TC avg
§103
62.2%
+22.2% vs TC avg
§102
10.3%
-29.7% vs TC avg
§112
7.9%
-32.1% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 569 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 . 1. Claims 1 – 20 are currently pending in this application. Claims 1, 10, and 17 are amended as filed on 07/02/2026. 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. Claim(s) 1-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Parla et al. (Pre-Grant Publication No. US 2025/0294081 A1), hereinafter Parla, in view of Yamamichi et al. (Pre-Grant Publication No. US 2002/0116612 A1), hereinafter Yama, and in further view of Hausauer et al. (Pre-Grant Publication No. US 2023/0403260 A1), hereinafter Haus. 2. With respect to claim 1, Parla taught a hardware component for acceleration of quick UDP internet connections data packets (0032 and figure 17, where the acceleration is the intended results of the system), the hardware component comprising: a data store on which is stored a table, wherein the table stores information corresponding to a direction in which the QUIC data packets are to flow through a network (0056); and a plurality of logic elements to: receive information for a QUIC connection (0046); determine a direction of initiation of the QUIC connection (0046 & 0090, where the directions is determined by the CID length and can be further seen in figures 8A & 8B); and cause the received information to be stored in table depending upon the determined direction of the QUIC connection initiation (0063). However, Parla did not explicitly state that the datastore table comprised a first table based on traffic in a first direction and a second table based on traffic in a second direction. On the other hand, Yama did teach that the datastore table comprised a first table based on traffic in a first direction and a second table based on traffic in a second direction (claim 11). Both of the systems of Parla and Yama are directed towards managing data storage for directional traffic and therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art, at the time of the effective filing of the invention, to modify the teachings of Parla, to utilize separate directional tables, as taught by Yama, in order to more efficiently lookup table information by being able to go directly to the required information without having to navigate through incorrect directional data. However, Parla did not explicitly state that the received QUIC information was from a first virtual machine and represented a connection between a first virtual machine and a second virtual machine; wherein the second table stores metadata associated with decrypting incoming data for the first virtual machine and the first table stores metadata associated with encrypting egress data for the first virtual machine. On the other hand, Haus did teach that the received QUIC information was from a first virtual machine and represented a connection between a first virtual machine and a second virtual machine (abstract & 0004. See also: 0087-0090); wherein the second table stores metadata associated with decrypting incoming data for the first virtual machine and the first table stores metadata associated with encrypting egress data for the first virtual machine (0045). Both of the systems of Parla and Haus are directed towards managing data storage for directional traffic and therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art, at the time of the effective filing of the invention, to modify the teachings of Parla, to utilize separate directional tables, as taught by Yama, in order to more efficiently lookup table information by being able to go directly to the required information without having to navigate through incorrect directional data. Both of the systems of Parla and Yama are directed towards managing data storage for directional traffic and therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art, at the time of the effective filing of the invention, to modify the teachings of Parla, to utilize virtual machine metadata stored in tables, as taught by Haus, in order to more efficiently lookup table information by being able to go directly to the required information without having to navigate through incorrect directional data. 3. With respect to claim 10, Parla taught a system for hardware acceleration of quick UDP internet connections data packet processing (0032 and figure 17, where the acceleration is the intended results of the system), the system comprising: a hardware component comprising a data store on which is a stored table (0056); and a virtual machine (0086) to: communicate information for a QUIC connection to the hardware component, wherein the hardware component is to: receive the information for the QUIC connection (0046); determine whether initiation of the QUIC connection is from a client or a server (0090, where the direction is determined); select the table entry based on whether the QUIC connection initiation is from the client or the server (0052, the determined direction); identify an entry in the selected one of the first table or the second table corresponding to the data packet (0046 & 0090, where the directions is determined by the CID length and can be further seen in figures 8A & 8B); and store the information for the QUIC connection in the identified entry of the selected one of the first table or the second table (0063). However, Parla did not explicitly state that the datastore table comprised a first table based on traffic in a first direction and a second table based on traffic in a second direction. On the other hand, Yama did teach that the datastore table comprised a first table based on traffic in a first direction and a second table based on traffic in a second direction (claim 11). Both of the systems of Parla and Yama are directed towards managing data storage for directional traffic and therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art, at the time of the effective filing of the invention, to modify the teachings of Parla, to utilize separate directional tables, as taught by Yama, in order to more efficiently lookup table information by being able to go directly to the required information without having to navigate through incorrect directional data. However, Parla did not explicitly state Wherein the second table stores metadata associated with decrypting incoming data for the first virtual machine and the first table stores metadata associated with encrypting egress data for the first virtual machine. On the other hand, Haus did teach Wherein the second table stores metadata associated with decrypting incoming data for the first virtual machine and the first table stores metadata associated with encrypting egress data for the first virtual machine (0045). Both of the systems of Parla and Haus are directed towards managing data storage for directional traffic and therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art, at the time of the effective filing of the invention, to modify the teachings of Parla, to utilize separate directional tables, as taught by Yama, in order to more efficiently lookup table information by being able to go directly to the required information without having to navigate through incorrect directional data. Both of the systems of Parla and Yama are directed towards managing data storage for directional traffic and therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art, at the time of the effective filing of the invention, to modify the teachings of Parla, to utilize virtual machine metadata stored in tables, as taught by Haus, in order to more efficiently lookup table information by being able to go directly to the required information without having to navigate through incorrect directional data. 4. With respect to claim 17, Parla taught a method for offloading processing of quick UDP internet connections data packets to a hardware component (0032 and figure 17, where the acceleration is the intended results of the system), the method comprising: receiving, by the hardware component, information for initiation of a QUIC connection (0056), determining, by the hardware component, a direction of the QUIC connection initiation (0046 & 0090, where the directions is determined by the CID length and can be further seen in figures 8A & 8B); based on the QUIC connection being initiated in a first direction, performing, by the hardware component, and causing, by the hardware component, the information to be stored in a table according to a storage location (0063); and causing, by the hardware component, the information to be stored in a table according to the storage location (0063). However, Parla did not explicitly state that a hashing operation of the information to obtain a hash value, wherein according to the hash value; or based on the QUIC connection being initiated in a second direction, performing, by the hardware component, a hashing operation of the information to obtain a hash value, and the storage location being according to the hash value. On the other hand, Yama did teach that a hashing operation of the information to obtain a hash value, wherein according to the hash value; or based on the QUIC connection being initiated in a second direction, performing, by the hardware component, a hashing operation of the information to obtain a hash value (0024), and the storage location being according to the hash value (0024). Both of the systems of Parla and Yama are directed towards managing data storage for directional traffic and therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art, at the time of the effective filing of the invention, to modify the teachings of Parla, to utilize separate directional tables, as taught by Yama, in order to more efficiently lookup table information by being able to go directly to the required information without having to navigate through incorrect directional data. However, Parla did not explicitly state Wherein the second table stores metadata associated with decrypting incoming data for the first virtual machine and the first table stores metadata associated with encrypting egress data for the first virtual machine. On the other hand, Haus did teach Wherein the second table stores metadata associated with decrypting incoming data for the first virtual machine and the first table stores metadata associated with encrypting egress data for the first virtual machine (0045). Both of the systems of Parla and Haus are directed towards managing data storage for directional traffic and therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art, at the time of the effective filing of the invention, to modify the teachings of Parla, to utilize separate directional tables, as taught by Yama, in order to more efficiently lookup table information by being able to go directly to the required information without having to navigate through incorrect directional data. Both of the systems of Parla and Yama are directed towards managing data storage for directional traffic and therefore, it would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art, at the time of the effective filing of the invention, to modify the teachings of Parla, to utilize virtual machine metadata stored in tables, as taught by Haus, in order to more efficiently lookup table information by being able to go directly to the required information without having to navigate through incorrect directional data. 5. As for claims 2, 11, and 18, they are rejected on the same basis as claims 1, 10, and 17 (respectively). In addition, Parla taught wherein the plurality of logic elements are to: determine a connection identification length identified in the information (0090 & figures 8A, &B); determine a user datagram protocol port identified in the information (0040); and determine the direction of the QUIC connection initiation based on the determined CID length and the determined UDP (0062 & 0090). 6. As for claim 3, it is rejected on the same basis as claim 2. In addition, Parla taught wherein the first table is addressable using the CID of the QUIC connection and the second table is addressable without using the CID of the QUIC connection (0046, the short DCID). 7. As for claims 4 and 12, they are rejected on the same basis as claims 1 and 10 (respectively). In addition, Yama taught wherein the plurality of logic elements are to: perform a hashing operation on the information to obtain a hash value (0068); and use the hash value as a row number in the first table or the second table into which the information is stored (0024). 8. As for claim 5, it is rejected on the same basis as claim 1. In addition, Parla taught wherein the information for the QUIC connection comprises a connection identification of the QUIC connection, a destination port, a destination address, an encryption key, and a decryption key (0063, where the encryption/decryption can be seen in 0157). 9. As for claims 6, 14, and 19, they are rejected on the same basis as claims 1, 10, and 17 (respectively). In addition, Parla taught wherein the plurality of logic elements are to: receive a data packet (0034); obtain header information about the data packet (0033); determine a direction in which the data packet is being communicated through the network (0046); select one of the first table or the second table depending upon the determined direction of the data packet communication (Yama: claim 11); identify an entry in the selected one of the first table or the second table corresponding to the data packet (Yama: Claim 11); and use information contained in the identified entry to process the data packet (0046). 10. As for claims 7, 15, and 20, they are rejected on the same basis as claims 6, 14, and 19 (respectively). In addition, Yama taught wherein the plurality of logic elements are to: perform a hashing operation on the header information to obtain a hash number (0068); and identify a row number in the selected one of the first table or the second table corresponding to the hash number to identify the entry (0024); access information contained in the identified row number (claim 11); and use the accessed information to process the data packet (0024). 11. As for claim 8, it is rejected on the same basis as claim 7. In addition, Parla taught wherein the plurality of logic elements are further to: perform the hashing operation on the header information using a connection identification included in the header information based on the determined direction being from a client to a server (0063, where storing data via hashing was previously shown by Yama: 0024); or perform the hashing operation on the header information without using the CID based on the determined direction being from the server to the client (0046, the shortened header). 12. As for claims 9 and 16, they are rejected on the same basis as claims 6 and 14 (respectively). In addition, Yama taught wherein the information contained in the selected one of the first table and the second table includes crypto information (claim 11 & 0025, where the cryptography can be seen), and wherein the plurality of logic elements are further to: encrypt or decrypt the data packet using crypto information contained in the identified entry to process the data packet (0006). 13. As for claim 13, it is rejected on the same basis as claim 10. In addition, Yama taught wherein each entry in the first table and each entry in the second table contains information and a valid bit that indicates a validity of the entry, and wherein the valid bit is to be changed after valid information for the entry has been entered into the first table or the second table (claim 11 & abstract, where systems flip bits as part of the logic. In other words, if validity is determined, then a bit is flipped to allow the system to understand that the transaction is valid under broadest reasonable interpretation). Response to Arguments Applicant’s arguments with respect to the claim(s) have been considered but are moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on any reference applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument. 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 JOSEPH L GREENE whose telephone number is (571)270-3730. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Thursday, 10:00am - 4:00pm. 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, Nicholas R. Taylor can be reached at 571 272-3889. 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. /JOSEPH L GREENE/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2443
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Prosecution Timeline

Show 1 earlier event
Apr 02, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103
Jun 19, 2026
Interview Requested
Jul 01, 2026
Applicant Interview (Telephonic)
Jul 01, 2026
Examiner Interview Summary
Jul 02, 2026
Response Filed
Sep 01, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §103
Sep 29, 2026
Examiner Interview Summary
Sep 29, 2026
Applicant Interview (Telephonic)

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Prosecution Projections

3-4
Expected OA Rounds
63%
Grant Probability
98%
With Interview (+35.6%)
3y 11m (~1y 4m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Moderate
PTA Risk
Based on 569 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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