Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 02, 2026
Application No. 18/473,716

METHOD, APPARATUS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM

Non-Final OA §103
Filed
Sep 25, 2023
Priority
Sep 28, 2022 — GB 2214199.8
Examiner
AREVALO, JOSEPH
Art Unit
2642
Tech Center
2600 — Communications
Assignee
Nokia Corporation
OA Round
3 (Non-Final)
84%
Grant Probability
Favorable
3-4
OA Rounds
0m
Est. Remaining
99%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 84% — above average
84%
Career Allowance Rate
732 granted / 867 resolved
+22.4% vs TC avg
Strong +21% interview lift
Without
With
+20.7%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 8m
Avg Prosecution
22 currently pending
Career history
898
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
4.4%
-35.6% vs TC avg
§103
57.6%
+17.6% vs TC avg
§102
24.0%
-16.0% vs TC avg
§112
4.2%
-35.8% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 867 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 . Art Unit- Location The Art Unit location of your application in the USPTO has changed. To aid in correlating any papers for this application, all further correspondence regarding this application should be directed to Art Unit 2642. Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114 A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection. Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114. Applicant's submission filed on 07/29/2026 has been entered. 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: 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. 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 1-3, 5, 7, 9-12, 14 and 17-19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being un-patentable over CHOI et al Patent Application No. :( US 2023/0089198 A1) hereinafter referred as CHOI, in view of NAM et al US Patent Application No.:( US 2023/0232363 A1) hereinafter referred as NAM. For claim 1, CHOI teaches a first device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device at least to perform: establishing a first positioning session between the first device (see 705 fig 7 managing position device) and an anchor device (see 714 and 702 Fig 7) (paragraphs [0099], lines [0107], lines 43-51 discloses the position device and the target device or anchor device with indications combined into a composite LOS/NLOS status of each positioning device in the positioning session relative to each other positioning device in the positioning session). However, CHOI discloses all the subject matter of the claimed invention with the exemption of the sending, from the first device to a second device, positioning assistance data comprising a most recent positioning reference signal configuration used for the first positioning session established between the first device and the anchor, wherein the most recent positioning reference signal configuration of the first positioning session is provided to the second device for reuse in a second positioning session between the second device and the anchor device as recited in claim 1. NAM from the same or analogous art teaches the sending, from the first device to a second device, positioning assistance data comprising a most recent positioning reference signal configuration used for the first positioning session established between the first device and the anchor device (paragraph [0125], lines 1-18) and (paragraph [0128], lines 12-15), wherein the most recent positioning reference signal configuration of the first positioning session is provided to the second device for reuse in a second positioning session between the second device and the anchor device (paragraph [0074], lines 1-10) and (paragraph [0134], lines 5-14). Therefore, it would have been obvious for the person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filling to use the sending, from the first device to a second device, positioning assistance data comprising a most recent positioning reference signal configuration used for the first positioning session established between the first device and the anchor, wherein the most recent positioning reference signal configuration of the first positioning session is provided to the second device for reuse in a second positioning session between the second device and the anchor device as taught by NAM into the distributed device management for position of CHOI. The sending, from the first device to a second device, positioning assistance data comprising a most recent positioning reference signal configuration used for the first positioning session established between the first device and the anchor, wherein the most recent positioning reference signal configuration of the first positioning session is provided to the second device for reuse in a second positioning session between the second device and the anchor device can be modify/implemented by combining the sending, from the first device to a second device, positioning assistance data comprising a most recent positioning reference signal configuration used for the first positioning session established between the first device and the anchor, wherein the most recent positioning reference signal configuration of the first positioning session is provided to the second device for reuse in a second positioning session between the second device and the anchor device with the device. This process is implemented as a hardware solution or as firmware solutions of NAM into the distributed device management for position of CHOI. As disclosed in NAM, the motivation for the combination would be to use the positioning assistance data to improve the position accuracy, reducing the latency and faster coverage. Reusing the PRS will help to identify a faster position coverage and improve the lower power consumption becoming more efficient and reliable for a better connection. For claim 2, CHOI teaches the first device, wherein the first device is caused to perform: determining that a trigger condition is satisfied, wherein the sending is performed based on determining that the trigger condition is satisfied (paragraph [0107], lines 36-50). For claim 3, CHOI teaches the first device, wherein the determining that the trigger condition is satisfied comprises receiving, from the anchor device or the second device, a request for the positioning assistance data (751 fig. 7) (paragraph [0098], lines 12-15) and (paragraph [0108], lines 16-23). For claim 5, CHOI teaches the first device, wherein the position assistance data comprises information identifying a set of one or more anchor devices including the anchor device and a set of one or more positioning reference units associated with the first positioning session (paragraph [0100], lines 1-6). For claim 7, CHOI teaches the first device, wherein the position assistance data comprises at least one of: information identifying a set of measurements selected by the first device for performing with respect to the first positioning session; or information identifying a set of measurements selected by the first device that resulted in failure of the first positioning session for the first device (paragraph [0102], lines 1-22) and (paragraph [0107], lines 1-10). For claim 9, CHOI teaches the first device, wherein sending the positioning assistance data further comprises sending one or more conditions of when the positioning assistance data can be used by the second device (paragraph [0097], lines 4-10). For claim 10, CHOI teaches a second device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device at least to perform: receiving, at the second device from a first device associated with a previously established first positioning session between the first device and an anchor device (see 714 and 702 Fig 7) (paragraphs [0099], lines [0107], lines 43-51 discloses the position device and the target device or anchor device with indications combined into a composite LOS/NLOS status of each positioning device in the positioning session relative to each other positioning device in the positioning session). However, CHOI discloses all the subject matter of the claimed invention with the exemption of the positioning assistance data comprising most recent positioning reference signal configuration used for the first positioning session; establishing a second positioning session between the second device and the anchor device, by reusing at least in part the most recent positioning reference signal configuration of the first positioning session between the first device and the anchor device based on the positioning assistance data as recited in claim 10. NAM from the same or analogous art teaches the positioning assistance data comprising most recent positioning reference signal configuration used for the first positioning session (paragraph [0125], lines 1-18) and (paragraph [0128], lines 12-15); establishing a second positioning session between the second device and the anchor device, by reusing at least in part the most recent positioning reference signal configuration of the first positioning session between the first device and the anchor device based on the positioning assistance data (paragraph [0074], lines 1-10) and (paragraph [0134], lines 5-14). Therefore, it would have been obvious for the person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filling to use the positioning assistance data comprising most recent positioning reference signal configuration used for the first positioning session; establishing a second positioning session between the second device and the anchor device, by reusing at least in part the most recent positioning reference signal configuration of the first positioning session between the first device and the anchor device based on the positioning assistance data as taught by NAM into the distributed device management for position of CHOI. The positioning assistance data comprising most recent positioning reference signal configuration used for the first positioning session; establishing a second positioning session between the second device and the anchor device, by reusing at least in part the most recent positioning reference signal configuration of the first positioning session between the first device and the anchor device based on the positioning assistance data can be modify/implemented by combining the positioning assistance data comprising most recent positioning reference signal configuration used for the first positioning session; establishing a second positioning session between the second device and the anchor device, by reusing at least in part the most recent positioning reference signal configuration of the first positioning session between the first device and the anchor device based on the positioning assistance data with the device. This process is implemented as a hardware solution or as firmware solutions of NAM into the distributed device management for position of CHOI. As disclosed in NAM, the motivation for the combination would be to use the positioning assistance data to improve the position accuracy, reducing the latency and faster coverage. Reusing the PRS will help to identify a faster position coverage and improve the lower power consumption becoming more efficient and reliable for a better connection. For claim 11, CHOI teaches the second device, wherein the second device is caused to perform: sending, to the first device, a request for providing the positioning assistance data to the second device (752 fig.7 ) (paragraph [0108], lines 1-8 discloses the message from 705 to the second device 701 identified as the configuration of the first positioning session). For claim 12, CHOI teaches the second device, wherein receiving the positioning assistance data further comprises receiving information identifying a set of one or more anchor devices including the anchor device and a set of one or more positioning reference units associated with the first positioning session (paragraph [0100], lines 1-6). For claim 14, CHOI teaches the second device, wherein the position assistance data comprises at least one of: information identifying a set of measurements selected by the first device for performing with respect to the first positioning session; or information identifying a set of measurements selected by the first device that resulted in failure of the first positioning session for the first device (paragraph [0102], lines 1-22) and (paragraph [0107], lines 1-10). For claim 16, CHOI teaches the second device, wherein the second device is caused to perform: determining whether the positioning assistance data applies to the second device by comparing the one or more performance indicators against expected values; or comparing information indicating an area in which the first device is located with information indicating an area in which the second device is located (paragraph [0107], lines 1-26). For claim 17, CHOI teaches the second device, wherein receiving the positioning assistance data further comprises receiving one or more conditions of when the positioning assistance data can be used by the second device (paragraph [0178], lines 1-6), and wherein establishing the second positioning session is performed based on determining that the one or more conditions are satisfied (paragraph [0099], lines 1-15). For claim 18, CHOI teaches the second device, wherein the second device is caused to perform: determining that the configuration of the second positioning session comprises a modification to the configuration of the first positioning session (paragraph [0185], lines 1-15); and wherein establishing the second positioning session comprises sending an indication of the modification to the anchor device (see 742 fig. 7)(paragraph [0113], lines 1-12). For claim 19, CHOI teaches an anchor device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the thirds device at least to perform: establishing a first positioning session between the anchor device and a first device (see 705 fig 7 managing position device 714 and 702 Fig 7) (paragraphs [0099], lines [0107], lines 43-51 discloses the position device and the target device or anchor device with indications combined into a composite LOS/NLOS status of each positioning device in the positioning session relative to each other positioning device in the positioning session). However, CHOI discloses all the subject matter of the claimed invention with the exemption of the establishing a second positioning session between the anchor device and a second device by reusing at least part of a most recent positioning reference signal configuration of the first positioning session between the anchor device and the first as recited in claim 10. NAM from the same or analogous art teaches the establishing a second positioning session between the anchor device and a second device by reusing at least part of a most recent positioning reference signal configuration of the first positioning session between the anchor device and the first device (paragraph [0074], lines 1-10) and (paragraph [0134], lines 5-14). Therefore, it would have been obvious for the person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filling to use the establishing a second positioning session between the anchor device and a second device by reusing at least part of a most recent positioning reference signal configuration of the first positioning session between the anchor device and the first as taught by NAM into the distributed device management for position of CHOI. The establishing a second positioning session between the anchor device and a second device by reusing at least part of a most recent positioning reference signal configuration of the first positioning session between the anchor device and the first can be modify/implemented by combining the establishing a second positioning session between the anchor device and a second device by reusing at least part of a most recent positioning reference signal configuration of the first positioning session between the anchor device and the first with the device. This process is implemented as a hardware solution or as firmware solutions of NAM into the distributed device management for position of CHOI. As disclosed in NAM, the motivation for the combination would be to use the positioning assistance data to improve the position accuracy, reducing the latency and faster coverage. Reusing the PRS will help to identify a faster position coverage and improve the lower power consumption becoming more efficient and reliable for a better connection. Claims 4 and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being un-patentable over CHOI et al Patent Application No. :( US 2023/0089198 A1) hereinafter referred as CHOI, in view of NAM et al US Patent Application No.:( US 2023/0232363 A1) hereinafter referred as NAM, in further view of Wachter et al US Patent Application No.:( US 2007/0182547) hereinafter referred as Wachter For claim 4, CHOI disclose all the subject matter of the claimed invention with the exemption of the trigger condition is satisfied comprises receiving, from the second device, the request for the positioning assistance data, and wherein the first device is caused to perform: sending, to the anchor device, a permission request for providing the positioning assistance data to the second device; receiving, from the anchor device, a response indicating that the permission request is granted; and sending the positioning assistance data based on receiving the response indicating that the permission request is granted as recited in claim 4. Wachter from the same or analogous art teaches the trigger condition is satisfied comprises receiving, from the second device, the request for the positioning assistance data, and wherein the first device is caused to perform: sending, to the anchor device, a permission request for providing the positioning assistance data to the second device; receiving, from the anchor device, a response indicating that the permission request is granted; and sending the positioning assistance data based on receiving the response indicating that the permission request is granted (Paragraphs [0007] and [0091], lines 1-18). Therefore, it would have been obvious for the person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filling to use the trigger condition is satisfied comprises receiving, from the second device, the request for the positioning assistance data, and wherein the first device is caused to perform: sending, to the anchor device, a permission request for providing the positioning assistance data to the second device; receiving, from the anchor device, a response indicating that the permission request is granted; and sending the positioning assistance data based on receiving the response indicating that the permission request is granted as taught by Wachter into the distributed device management for position of CHOI. The trigger condition is satisfied comprises receiving, from the second device, the request for the positioning assistance data, and wherein the first device is caused to perform: sending, to the anchor device, a permission request for providing the positioning assistance data to the second device; receiving, from the anchor device, a response indicating that the permission request is granted; and sending the positioning assistance data based on receiving the response indicating that the permission request is granted can be modify/implemented by combining the trigger condition is satisfied comprises receiving, from the second device, the request for the positioning assistance data, and wherein the first device is caused to perform: sending, to the anchor device, a permission request for providing the positioning assistance data to the second device; receiving, from the anchor device, a response indicating that the permission request is granted; and sending the positioning assistance data based on receiving the response indicating that the permission request is granted with the device. This process is implemented as a hardware solution or as firmware solutions of Wachter into the distributed device management for position of CHOI. As disclosed in Wachter, the motivation for the combination would be to use the permission request through the assistance data indicating the granted position to communicate more efficiently becoming more efficient and reliable for a better communication. For claim 20, CHOI disclose all the subject matter of the claimed invention with the exemption of the receiving, from the first device, a permission request for providing the positioning assistance data to the second device; determining to grant the permission request; and based on the determining, sending, to the first device, a response indicating that the permission request is granted as recited in claim 20. Wachter from the same or analogous art teaches the receiving, from the first device, a permission request for providing the positioning assistance data to the second device; determining to grant the permission request; and based on the determining, sending, to the first device, a response indicating that the permission request is granted (Paragraphs [0007] and [0091], lines 1-18). Therefore, it would have been obvious for the person of ordinary skill in the art at the time of filling to use the receiving, from the first device, a permission request for providing the positioning assistance data to the second device; determining to grant the permission request; and based on the determining, sending, to the first device, a response indicating that the permission request is granted as taught by Wachter into the distributed device management for position of CHOI. The receiving, from the first device, a permission request for providing the positioning assistance data to the second device; determining to grant the permission request; and based on the determining, sending, to the first device, a response indicating that the permission request is granted can be modify/implemented by combining the receiving, from the first device, a permission request for providing the positioning assistance data to the second device; determining to grant the permission request; and based on the determining, sending, to the first device, a response indicating that the permission request is granted with the device. This process is implemented as a hardware solution or as firmware solutions of Wachter into the distributed device management for position of CHOI. As disclosed in Wachter, the motivation for the combination would be to use the permission request through the assistance data indicating the granted position to communicate more efficiently becoming more efficient and reliable for a better communication. Allowable Subject Matter Claims 6, 8, 13, 15 and 16 are objected as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims. Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JOSEPH AREVALO whose telephone number is (571)270-3121. The examiner can normally be reached on M-F 8:30-5:00 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, Rafael Perez-Gutierrez can be reached on (571)272-7915. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for published applications may be obtained from either Private PAIR or Public PAIR. Status information for unpublished applications is available through Private PAIR only. For more information about the PAIR system, see http://pair-direct.uspto.gov. Should you have questions on access to the Private PAIR system, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative or access to the automated information system, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /JOSEPH AREVALO/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2642
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Show 3 earlier events
Oct 30, 2025
Applicant Interview (Telephonic)
Jan 13, 2026
Response Filed
Apr 29, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §103
May 20, 2026
Applicant Interview (Telephonic)
May 24, 2026
Examiner Interview Summary
Jul 29, 2026
Request for Continued Examination
Jul 31, 2026
Response after Non-Final Action
Sep 15, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103 (current)

Precedent Cases

Applications granted by this same examiner with similar technology

Patent 12750637
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ESTABLISHING MONITORED INDIVIDUAL LOCATION VIA A TRACKING DEVICE ASSOCIATED WITH THE MONITORED INDIVIDUAL USING INTERMITTENT, MOBILE CONNECTION TO NON-ASSOCIATED DEVICES
2y 12m to grant Granted Sep 29, 2026
Patent 12732949
METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING POSITIONING ACCORDING TO MOVEMENT OF TERMINAL IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
3y 11m to grant Granted Sep 08, 2026
Patent 12732787
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GATEWAY TYPE MONITORING EVENT SERVICE
2y 10m to grant Granted Sep 08, 2026
Patent 12732980
METHODS, DEVICES, AND SYSTEMS FOR TIME-FREQUENCY RESOURCE CONFIGURATION
2y 9m to grant Granted Sep 08, 2026
Patent 12720463
CLUTTER INFORMATION-AIDED RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) SENSING
3y 6m to grant Granted Aug 25, 2026
Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

Strategy Recommendation AI-generated — please review before filing

Get a prosecution strategy drawn from examiner precedents, rejection analysis, and claim mapping.
Typically takes 5-10 seconds — AI-generated, attorney review required before filing

Prosecution Projections

3-4
Expected OA Rounds
84%
Grant Probability
99%
With Interview (+20.7%)
2y 8m (~0m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
High
PTA Risk
Based on 867 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

Sign in with your work email

Enter your email to receive a magic link. No password needed.

Personal email addresses (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) are not accepted.

Free tier: 3 strategy analyses per month