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 .
Response to Amendments
2. The Amendments filed April 22nd, 2026 are noted. Applicant’s amendments to the Specification to overcome the objections set forth in the Non-Final Office Action mailed 01/26/2026 are noted. Applicant’s amendment(s) to the Specification have overcome the objection(s) to the Title previously set forth in the Non-Final Office Action mailed 01/26/2026, so the objection(s) to the Title has been withdrawn.
Applicant’s amendments to the claims are noted.
3. Claim 4 is/are now canceled; Claims 1-3 and 5-20 remain pending in the application.
4. Claims 1-3 and 5-20 have been fully considered in examination.
Priority
Receipt is acknowledged of certified copies of papers required by 37 CFR 1.55.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claims 5-7 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention.
Claim 5-7 each depend on claim 4. Because claim 4 has been canceled, the dependency of claims 5-7 must be corrected, and it is indefinite which claim(s) claims 5-7 are meant to depend on. For the purposes of Examination, “The display apparatus of claim 4…” in claims 5-6 has been interpreted as --- The display apparatus of claim 1 …---, however, this edit may be altered if Applicant intends otherwise. Claim 7 is also rejected by virtue of its dependency on claim 6.
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, 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, 6, 8, 12-13, 17, and 19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kim (U.S. PG Pub No US2020/0203448A1) (of record) in view of Lee (U.S. PG Pub No US2020/0006701A1).
Regarding claim 1, Kim teaches a display apparatus [see fig. 5, 0054] comprising:
a transistor (35) fig. 5 [0055];
a light-emitting diode (60) fig. 5 [0061] comprising:
a first electrode (160) fig. 5 [0061] electrically connected to the transistor (35);
a second electrode (180) fig. 5 [0061] on the first electrode (160); and
an intermediate layer (175) fig. 5 [0061] between the first electrode (160) and the second electrode (180);
a bus line (44) fig. 5 [0063] adjacent to the light-emitting diode (60);
a first insulating layer (140) fig. 5 [0060] arranged on the bus line (44);
a second insulating layer (150) fig. 5 [0060] arranged on the first insulating layer (140);
a conductive layer (165) fig. 5 [0063] electrically connected to the bus line [0063] through a first opening (gap in 140, hosting 44, 165) fig. 5 [0062] defined in the first insulating layer (140) and a second opening (gap in 150, hosting 165, 180) fig. 5 [0063] defined in the second insulating layer (150);
a third insulating layer (172) fig. 5 [0065, 0085] arranged on the second insulating layer (150) and comprising a third opening (OA3) fig. 5 [0065] overlapping the first opening (gap in 140, hosting 44, 165) and the second opening (gap in 150, hosting 165, 180) in a plan view; and
a fourth insulating layer (176) fig. 5 [0065, 0094] arranged on the third insulating layer (172) and comprising a fourth opening (OA4) fig. 5 [0065] overlapping the conductive layer (165) in a plan view, wherein a portion of the second electrode (180) of the light-emitting diode (60) is in (direct) contact with the conductive layer (165) through the third opening (OA3) and the fourth opening (OA4).
However, Kim does not explicitly disclose and wherein a portion of the third insulating layer (172) surrounding the third opening (OA3) comprises an overhang structure protruding, over an undercut in the second insulating layer (150), toward the third opening (OA3) from an edge where top and side surfaces of the second insulating layer (150) meet each other.
Lee teaches a display apparatus [see fig. 7, 0064] wherein a portion of the third insulating layer (211) fig. 7 [0076] surrounding the third opening (G1 in 211) fig. 7 [0064] comprises an overhang structure (portion of 211 hanging beyond 209) fig. 7 [0074] protruding, over an undercut (cut in 209, away from center of G1) in the second insulating layer (209), toward the third opening (G1) from an edge where top and side surfaces of the second insulating layer (209) meet each other.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to someone of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the second insulating layer beside the display opening of Kim to have an undercut structure [0064, 0074] such that the upper, third insulating layer overhangs the second insulating layer [0074, 0076], in order to increase the size of the opening so as to increase the amount of material which may be formed therein [0090, 0093], thereby enhancing coverage and coverage-protection offered by the material formed in the expanded opening [0093-0094], as taught by Lee.
Regarding claim 2, Kim in view of Lee teaches the display apparatus [see fig. 5, 0054] of claim 1. Kim also teaches wherein the conductive layer (165) fig. 5 [0063] is in (electrical) [0063] contact with an entire top surface of the bus line (44) fig. 5 [0063] which is exposed through the first opening (gap in 140, hosting 44, 165) fig. 5 [0062] of the first insulating layer (140) fig. 5 [0060].
Regarding claim 3, Kim in view of Lee teaches the display apparatus [see fig. 5, 0054] of claim 2. Kim also teaches wherein an edge portion of the conductive layer (165) fig. 5 [0063] is in direct contact with a side surface of the first insulating layer (140) fig. 5 [0060] defining the first opening (gap in 140, hosting 44, 165) fig. 5 [0062].
[AltContent: arrow][AltContent: arrow][AltContent: oval][AltContent: arrow][AltContent: textbox (Forward inclined surface of 176)][AltContent: textbox (Top surface of the conductive layer 165)][AltContent: textbox (Overhang portion protruding away from left-sidewall towards opening )][AltContent: arrow][AltContent: textbox (Left sidewall of 150 meeting top surface )][AltContent: arrow][AltContent: oval]
PNG
media_image1.png
801
867
media_image1.png
Greyscale
Annotated fig. 5 of Kim
Regarding claim 6, Kim in view of Lee teaches the display apparatus [see fig. 5, 0054] of claim 1. Kim also teaches wherein a portion of the fourth insulating layer (176) fig. 5 [0065, 0094] overlaps a portion of the overhang structure (portion of 172 overhanging 165) fig. 5 [0064] of the third insulating layer (172) fig. 5 [0065, 0085] in a plan view and has a forward-tapered inclined surface (sidewall) with respect to a top surface of the conductive layer (165) fig. 5 [0063] (see annotated fig. 5 of Kim above).
Regarding claim 8, Kim in view of Lee teaches the display apparatus [see fig. 5, 0054] of claim 1. Kim also teaches wherein the conductive layer (165) fig. 5 [0063] and the first electrode (160) fig. 5 [0061] of the light-emitting diode (60) fig. 5 [0061] comprise a same material (‘have same structure’ [0063] – could both comprise silver [0062]).
Regarding claim 12, Kim teaches a display apparatus [see fig. 5, 0054] comprising:
a display area (area overlapping OA2 and OA4) fig. 5 [0054] and a non-display area (area outside of OA2, OA4) fig. 5 [0054] outside (laterally outside) the display area (area overlapping OA2 and OA4);
a bus line (44) fig. 5 [0063] arranged in the display area (overlapping OA2, OA4);
a multi-insulating layer (140, 150) fig. 5 [0060, 0065] comprising a first insulating layer (140) and a second insulating layer (150) and having an opening (opening in 150) fig. 5 [0060] overlapping the bus line (44) in a plan view;
a conductive layer (165) fig. 5 [0063] in direct contact with the bus line (44) through the opening of the multi-insulating layer (opening in 150, hosting 165);
a third insulating layer (172) fig. 5 [0065, 0085] arranged on the multi-insulating layer (140, 150) and comprises an overhang structure (portion of 172 overhanging 165) fig. 5 [0064] protruding (horizontally) toward the third opening (OA3) from an (left) edge where top and side (left) surfaces of the second insulating layer (150) fig. 5 [0060] meet each other;
a fourth insulating layer (176) fig. 5 [0065, 0094] arranged on the third insulating layer (172); and
a light-emitting diode (60) fig. 5 [0061] arranged in the display area (overlapping OA2) and comprising:
a first electrode (160) fig. 5 [0061] electrically connected to the transistor (35);
a second electrode (180) fig. 5 [0061] on the first electrode (160); and
an intermediate layer (175) fig. 5 [0061] between the first electrode (160) and the second electrode (180), wherein the second electrode (180) of the light-emitting diode (60) is electrically (directly) connected to the conductive layer (165) through an opening of the third insulating layer (OA3 in 172) fig. 5 [0065] and an opening (OA4 in 176) fig. 5 [0065] of the fourth insulating layer (176) each overlapping the opening (OA4) fig. 5 [0065] of the multi-insulating layer (140, 150) in a plan view.
However, Kim does not explicitly disclose and wherein the third insulating layer (172) comprising an overhang structure protruding, over an undercut in the second insulating layer (150), toward the third opening (OA3) from an edge where top and side surfaces of the second insulating layer (150) meet each other.
Lee teaches a display apparatus [see fig. 7, 0064] the third insulating layer (211) fig. 7 [0076] comprising an overhang structure (portion of 211 hanging beyond 209) fig. 7 [0074] protruding, over an undercut (cut in 209, away from center of G1) in the second insulating layer (209), toward the third opening (G1) fig. 3 [0064] from an edge where top and side surfaces of the second insulating layer (209) meet each other.
Therefore, it would have been obvious to someone of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the second insulating layer beside the display opening of Kim to have an undercut structure [0064, 0074] such that the upper, third insulating layer overhangs the second insulating layer [0074, 0076], in order to increase the size of the opening so as to increase the amount of material which may be formed therein [0090, 0093], thereby enhancing coverage and coverage-protection offered by the material formed in the expanded opening [0093-0094], as taught by Lee.
Regarding claim 13, Kim in view of Lee teaches the display apparatus [see fig. 5, 0054] of claim 12. Kim also teaches wherein an edge of the conductive layer (165) fig. 5 [0063] is on (supported by) the side surface of the multi-insulating layer (140, 150) fig. 5 [0060, 0065].
Regarding claim 17, Kim in view of Lee teaches the display apparatus [see fig. 5, 0054] of claim 12. Kim also teaches wherein a portion of the fourth insulating layer (176) fig. 5 [0065, 0094] overlaps a portion of the overhang structure (portion of 172 overhanging 165) fig. 5 [0064] of the third insulating layer (172) fig. 5 [0064] in a plan view and has a forward-tapered inclined surface with respect to a top surface of the conductive layer (165) fig. 5 [0063].
Regarding claim 19, Kim in view of Lee teaches the display apparatus [see fig. 5, 0054] of claim 12. Kim also teaches wherein the conductive layer (165) fig. 5 [0063] and the first electrode (160) fig. 5 [0061] of the light-emitting diode (60) fig. 5 [0061] comprise a same material (‘have same structure’ [0063] – could both comprise silver [0062]).
.
Claims 5, 7, 16, and 18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kim (U.S. PG Pub No US2020/0203448A1), as applied in claims 1, 6, 12, and 17 above, in view of Shim (U.S. PG Pub No US2022/0165980A1)
Regarding claim 5, Kim in view of Lee teaches the display apparatus [see fig. 5, 0054] of claim 1. However, Kim does not explicitly disclose further comprising:
a dummy conductive layer located on the overhang structure (portion of 172 overhanging 165) fig. 5 [0064] of the third insulating layer (172) and separated from the conductive layer (165) fig. 5 [0063],
wherein the dummy conductive layer and the conductive layer (165) comprise a same material.
Shim teaches a display apparatus [see fig. 2, 0050] further comprising:
a dummy conductive layer (right 210) fig. 2 [0050] located on the overhang structure (portion of OC overhanging PAS) fig. 2 [0050] of the third insulating layer (OC) and separated from the conductive layer (220) fig. 2 [0050],
wherein the dummy conductive layer (210) and the conductive layer (220) comprise a same material (both ‘auxiliary electrodes’ [0066, 0062]; auxiliary electrodes may comprise metal like gold [0062, 0059 Shim]).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to someone of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the display apparatus of Kim to include the dummy conductive layer of Shim in order to provide an eave [0068] that structurally supports [0068] and modifies the local geometry of [0068-0071] overlying layers, as taught by Shim.
Regarding claim 7, Kim in view of Lee teaches the display apparatus [see fig. 5, 0054] of claim 6. Kim also teaches wherein the intermediate layer (175) fig. 5 [0061] comprises:
a first portion arranged on (supported by) the forward-tapered inclined surface (left sidewall) of the fourth insulating layer (176) fig. 5 [0065, 0094] and the top surface of the conductive layer (165) fig. 5 [0063],
wherein the portion of the second electrode (180) fig. 5 [0061] of the light-emitting diode (60) fig. 5 [0061] is in direct contact with the conductive layer (165) beyond an edge of the first portion of the intermediate layer (175).
However, Kim does not explicitly disclose and a second portion (of intermediate layer 175) separated from the first portion and located over the overhang structure (portion of 172 overhanging 165) fig. 5 [0064].
Shim teaches a display apparatus [see fig. 2, 0050] wherein the intermediate layer (EL) fig. 2 [0067] comprises:
a second portion (P2 of EL) separated from the first portion (P1 of EL) and located over the overhang structure (portion of OC overhanging PAS) fig. 2 [0050].
[AltContent: oval][AltContent: arrow][AltContent: arrow][AltContent: textbox (P2)][AltContent: textbox (P1)][AltContent: oval]
PNG
media_image2.png
576
732
media_image2.png
Greyscale
Annotated fig. 2 of Shim
Therefore, it would have been obvious to someone of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the display apparatus of Kim such that the intermediate light emission layer(s) of the LED extend beyond the banks to overlap the conductive layer [0071] in order to increase the surface area of the light-emitting layer(s) [0004, 0007] to increase light emission capacity and to enhance the electrical connection between the light emitting layer(s) and conductive [0071], as taught by Shim.
Regarding claim 16, Kim in view of Lee teaches the display apparatus [see fig. 5, 0054] of claim 12. However, Kim does not explicitly disclose further comprising:
a dummy conductive layer located on the overhang structure (portion of 172 overhanging 165) fig. 5 [0064] of the third insulating layer (172) and separated from the conductive layer (165) fig. 5 [0063], wherein the dummy conductive layer and the conductive layer (165) comprise a same material.
Shim teaches a display apparatus [see fig. 2, 0050] further comprising:
a dummy conductive layer (right 210) fig. 2 [0050] located on the overhang structure (portion of OC overhanging PAS) fig. 2 [0050] of the third insulating layer (OC) and separated from the conductive layer (220) fig. 2 [0050],
wherein the dummy conductive layer (210) and the conductive layer (220) comprise a same material (both ‘auxiliary electrodes’ [0066, 0062]; auxiliary electrodes may comprise metal like gold [0062, 0059 Shim]).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to someone of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the display apparatus of Kim to include the dummy conductive layer of Shim in order to provide an eave [0068] that structurally supports [0068] and modifies the local geometry of [0068-0071] overlying layers, as taught by Shim.
Regarding claim 18, Kim in view of Lee teaches the display apparatus [see fig. 5, 0054] of claim 17. Kim also teaches wherein the intermediate layer (175) fig. 5 [0061] comprises:
a first portion arranged on (supported by) the forward-tapered inclined surface (left sidewall) of the fourth insulating layer (176) fig. 5 [0065, 0094] and the top surface of the conductive layer (165) fig. 5 [0063],
wherein the portion of the second electrode (180) fig. 5 [0061] of the light-emitting diode (60) fig. 5 [0061] is in direct contact with the conductive layer (165) beyond an edge of the first portion of the intermediate layer (175).
However, Kim does not explicitly disclose and a second portion (of intermediate layer 175) separated from the first portion and located over the overhang structure (portion of 172 overhanging 165) fig. 5 [0064].
Shim teaches a display apparatus [see fig. 2, 0050] wherein the intermediate layer (EL) fig. 2 [0067] comprises:
a second portion (P2 of EL) separated from the first portion (P1 of EL) and located over the overhang structure (portion of OC overhanging PAS) fig. 2 [0050].
[AltContent: arrow][AltContent: arrow][AltContent: textbox (P2)][AltContent: textbox (P1)][AltContent: oval][AltContent: oval]
PNG
media_image2.png
576
732
media_image2.png
Greyscale
Annotated fig. 2 of Shim
Therefore, it would have been obvious to someone of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the display apparatus of Kim such that the intermediate light emission layer(s) of the LED extend beyond the banks to overlap the conductive layer [0071] in order to increase the surface area of the light-emitting layer(s) [0004, 0007] to increase light emission capacity and to enhance the electrical connection between the light emitting layer(s) and conductive [0071], as taught by Shim.
Claims 9-11, 14-15, and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kim (U.S. PG Pub No US2020/0203448A1) (of record) modified by Lee (U.S. PG Pub No US2020/0006701A1), as applied in claims 1 and 12 above, and further in view of Yamazaki (U.S. PG Pub No US2019/0317374A1) (of record).
Regarding claim 9, Kim in view of Lee teaches the display apparatus [see fig. 5, 0054] of claim 1. Kim also teaches wherein the transistor (35) fig. 5 [0055] comprises:
a semiconductor layer (110) fig. 5 [0055];
a gate electrode (120) fig. 5 [0057] overlapping a channel region [0047] of the semiconductor layer (110) in a plan view; and
an electrode (drain 135) fig. 5 [0057] electrically connected to one (drain region [0057]) selected from among regions arranged on sides of the channel region (110) [0055] of the semiconductor layer (110).
However, Kim does not explicitly disclose and the bus line (44) fig. 5 [0063] and the gate electrode (120) [0056] comprise a same material (material of 44 not explicitly disclosed).
Yamazaki teaches a display apparatus (100) fig. 4 [0113] wherein the bus line (222b) fig. 4 [0129, 0163] and the gate electrode (221) fig. 4 [0189] comprise a same material (could both comprise aluminum [0189, 0163]).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to someone of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the display apparatus of Kim such that the electrodes and metal-lines are formed of a same highly-conductive material like aluminum [0163, 0189] in order to reduce the number of process steps by allowing multiple components to be formed of the same material in the same step(s) [0067-0069] and reduce contact resistance [0129-0130], as taught by Yamazaki.
Regarding claim 10, Kim teaches the display apparatus [see fig. 5, 0054] of claim 1.
However, Kim does not explicitly disclose wherein the first insulating layer (140) fig. 5 [0060] (SiN/SiO [0059]) and the second insulating layer (150) fig. 5 [0060] (organic materials [0060]) comprise inorganic insulating materials different from each other (150 organic material instead [0060]).
Yamazaki teaches a display apparatus (100) fig. 4 [0113] wherein the first insulating layer (213) fig. 4 [0140] and the second insulating layer (215) fig. 4 [0140] comprise inorganic insulating materials different from each other (inorganic or organic materials could equally be used for insulating layers [0235]; 213 could be silicon oxide while 215 is silicon nitride [0235]).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to someone of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the display apparatus of Kim such that the insulating layers are each formed of inorganic materials like silicon oxide or silicon nitride [0140, 0235] as an alternative to organic materials [0235] because of these material’s art-recognized suitability as interchangeable dielectrics for isolation of components in the display device [0235, 0140], as taught by Yamazaki. Moreover, the modification from organic to inorganic material(s) reflects a materials substitution for the same purpose, i.e, for the insulating layer(s) of a display device – which is considered obvious in the absence of evidence of the significance of a particular materials choice. (See MPEP 2144.06, II).
Regarding claim 11, Kim in view of Lee and Yamazaki teaches a display apparatus [see fig. 5, 0054] of claim 10. Kim also teaches wherein an inclination angle of a side surface of the first insulating layer (140) fig. 5 [0060] (side of 140 bordering 44) defining the first opening (gap in 140, hosting 44, 165) fig. 5 [0062] is different from an inclination angle of a side surface of the second insulating layer (150) fig. 5 [0060] defining the second opening (gap in 150, hosting 165, 180) fig. 5 [0063].
Regarding claim 14, Kim in view of Lee teaches the display apparatus [see fig. 5, 0054] of claim 12.
However, Kim does not explicitly disclose wherein each of the first insulating layer (140) fig. 5 [0060] (SiN/SiO [0059]) and the second insulating layer (150) fig. 5 [0060] (organic materials [0060]) comprises an inorganic insulating material (150 organic material instead [0060]).
Yamazaki teaches a display apparatus (100) fig. 4 [0113] wherein each of the first insulating layer (213) fig. 4 [0140] and the second insulating layer (215) fig. 4 [0140] comprises inorganic insulating materials (inorganic or organic materials could equally be used for insulating layers [0235]; 213 could be silicon oxide while 215 is silicon nitride [0235]).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to someone of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the display apparatus of Kim such that the insulating layers are each formed of inorganic materials like silicon oxide or silicon nitride [0140, 0235] as an alternative to organic materials [0235] because of these material’s art-recognized suitability as interchangeable dielectrics for isolation of components in the display device [0235, 0140], as taught by Yamazaki. Moreover, the modification from organic to inorganic material(s) reflects a materials substitution for the same purpose, i.e, for the insulating layer(s) of a display device – which is considered obvious in the absence of evidence of the significance of a particular materials choice. (See MPEP 2144.06, II).
Regarding claim 15, Kim in view of Lee and Yamazaki teaches the display apparatus [see fig. 5, 0054] of claim 14. Kim in view of Lee and Yamazaki (with reference to Yamazaki) also teaches wherein the inorganic insulating material of the first insulating layer (213) fig. 4 [0140] is different from the inorganic insulating material of the second insulating layer (215) fig. 4 [0140] (inorganic or organic materials could equally be used for insulating layers [0235]; 213 could be silicon oxide while 215 is silicon nitride [0235]).
Regarding claim 20, Kim in view of Lee teaches the display apparatus [see fig. 5, 0054] of claim 12. Kim also teaches further comprising a transistor (35) fig. 5 [0055] arranged in the display area (area overlapping OA2 and OA4) fig. 5 [0054] and electrically connected to the first electrode (160) fig. 5 [0061] of the light-emitting diode (60) fig. 5 [0061], wherein the transistor (35) fig. 5 [0055] comprises:
a semiconductor layer (110) fig. 5 [0055];
a gate electrode (120) fig. 5 [0057] overlapping a channel region [0047] of the semiconductor layer (110) in a plan view; and
an electrode (drain 135) fig. 5 [0057] electrically connected to one (drain region [0057]) selected from among regions arranged on sides of the channel region (110) [0055] of the semiconductor layer (110).
However, Kim does not explicitly disclose and the bus line (44) fig. 5 [0063] and the gate electrode (120) [0056] comprise a same material (material of 44 not explicitly disclosed).
Yamazaki teaches a display apparatus (100) fig. 4 [0113] wherein the bus line (222b) fig. 4 [0129, 0163] and the gate electrode (221) fig. 4 [0189] comprise a same material (could both comprise aluminum [0189, 0163]).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to someone of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to have modified the display apparatus of Kim such that the electrodes and metal-lines are formed of a same highly-conductive material like aluminum [0163, 0189] in order to reduce the number of process steps by allowing multiple components to be formed of the same material in the same step(s) [0067-0069] and reduce contact resistance [0129-0130], as taught by Yamazaki.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments with respect to claim(s) 1 and 12 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
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Newly-added Park (US-20210020078-A1) teaches another example of a display with a third insulating layer overhanging an undercut in second insulating layer.
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 SEAN AYERS WINTERS whose telephone number is (571)270-3308. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Friday 10:30 am - 7:00 pm (EST).
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, N. Drew Richards can be reached at (571) 272-1736. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/SEAN AYERS WINTERS/Examiner, Art Unit 2892 06/30/2026
/NORMAN D RICHARDS/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2892
Prosecution Insights