Prosecution Insights
Last updated: April 19, 2026
Application No. 18/522,972

MULTI-FUNCTIONAL ACCESSORY FOR MOBILE DEVICE

Non-Final OA §102§103
Filed
Nov 29, 2023
Examiner
CAMPERO MIRAMONTE, MARIO RICARDO
Art Unit
2649
Tech Center
2600 — Communications
Assignee
Case-Mate Inc.
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
2y 9m
To Grant

Examiner Intelligence

Grants only 0% of cases
0%
Career Allow Rate
0 granted / 0 resolved
-62.0% vs TC avg
Minimal +0% lift
Without
With
+0.0%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 9m
Avg Prosecution
13 currently pending
Career history
13
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
6.9%
-33.1% vs TC avg
§103
72.4%
+32.4% vs TC avg
§102
13.8%
-26.2% vs TC avg
§112
3.5%
-36.5% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 0 resolved cases

Office Action

§102 §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 . Information Disclosure Statement The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 02/28/2024 has being considered by the examiner. Claim Objections Claim 7 objected to because of the following informalities: In line 3, "therethough" should read "therethrough" . Appropriate correction is required. Claim 18 objected to because of the following informalities: In line 3, "therethough" should read "therethrough" . Appropriate correction is required. Claim 29 objected to because of the following informalities: In line 3, "therethough" should read "therethrough" . Appropriate correction is required. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 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 the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action: A person shall be entitled to a patent unless – (a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. Claim(s) 1-4, 7 and 10-14 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as anticipated by Zhiwu et al., CN-219304871-U. Regarding claim 1, Zhiwu et al. discloses a multi-functional accessory for a mobile device the multi-functional accessory comprising: an attachment portion configured for removable to the mobile device attachment (Disclosure of invention, par. 7; the magnetic finger ring buckle comprises at least one detachable magnetic finger ring buckle body fixed on the back of a mobile phone or a mobile phone shell); a support portion pivotally coupled with the attachment portion (Disclosure of Invention, Par. 7; movably connected to the body through a connecting component) and a bottle opener portion (Figs. 1-4, par. 33; magnetic finger tab with a bottle opener). PNG media_image1.png 577 439 media_image1.png Greyscale Regarding claim 2, Zhiwu et al. discloses the multi-functional accessory, wherein the bottle opener portion comprises a slot formed in the attachment portion (Figs. 1-4, par. 08; the bottle opening groove is formed by recessing the inner part of the body). Regarding claim 3, Zhiwu et al. discloses the multi-functional accessory, wherein the attachment portion comprises at least one magnetic element configured for releasable engagement with at least one cooperating magnetic element of the mobile device (Fig. 2, par. 33; can be detachably fixed on the back of a mobile phone or a mobile phone shell through magnetic attraction) Regarding claim 4, Zhiwu et al. discloses at least one magnetic element of the attachment portion comprises a full circular magnetic array (Zhiwu et al. Fig. 2, Par. 35; the magnet recess 41 is circular, and the magnets 42 are sequentially arranged to form a closed circular shape or non-closed circular shape with intervals) PNG media_image2.png 316 542 media_image2.png Greyscale Regarding claim 7, Zhiwu et al. discloses the multi-functional accessory, wherein the support portion comprises a generally annular body having an internal opening with a minimum crosswise dimension of at least about 20 mm to allow insertion of a user’s finger therethough (Fig. 1, par. 7; one detachable magnetic finger ring buckle body fixed on the back of a mobile phone or a mobile phone shell). PNG media_image3.png 260 340 media_image3.png Greyscale PNG media_image4.png 577 439 media_image4.png Greyscale Regarding claim 10, Zhiwu et al. discloses the multi-functional accessory, wherein the support portion comprises a generally circular body having at least one flat segment Figs. 1-2, par. 35, the magnet recess 41 is circular, and the magnets 42 are sequentially arranged to form a closed circular shape) As for claim 11, Zhiwu et al. discloses the multi-functional accessory, wherein the support portion is pivotally coupled with the attachment portion by a hinged coupling providing a range of pivotal motion spanning at least 0º through 90º between the support portion and the attachment portion from a closed configuration to an open configuration (Figs 1-4, pars. 33 and 40; ring buckle 3 movably connected to the body 1 through a connecting member 2 … the ring buckle 3 is hinged on the riveting column 2). PNG media_image5.png 260 340 media_image5.png Greyscale Regarding claim 12, Zhiwu et al. discloses the multi-functional accessory of, wherein the hinged coupling has a range of pivotal motion spanning through at least 130º in the open configuration (Fig. 4 par. 41; the rivet column 21 rotates more smoothly, thereby reducing rotational jamming feeling, and increasing the rotation times and the service life of the rivet column 21.) PNG media_image6.png 368 512 media_image6.png Greyscale Regarding claim 13, Zhiwu et al. discloses the multi-functional accessory, wherein the attachment portion comprises a recess configured to receive the support portion therein in a closed configuration (Fig. 1 par. 63; the first folding body and the second folding body comprise, but are not limited to, annular buckles or rod-shaped supporting body structures). PNG media_image7.png 260 340 media_image7.png Greyscale Regarding claim 14, Zhiwu et al. discloses the multi-functional accessory, wherein the mobile device is selected from a mobile phone, a tablet computer, and a case for a mobile phone or tablet computer (Disclosure of invention, par. 7; the magnetic finger ring buckle comprises at least one detachable magnetic finger ring buckle body fixed on the back of a mobile phone or a mobile phone shell). Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action: A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made. The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows: 1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art. 2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue. 3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art. 4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness. Claim(s) 5, 8-9, 15-25, 27-33 and 35-39 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as obvious over Zhiwu et al. (CN219304871U) in view of Fuchuang (CN217363129U). Regarding claim 5, Zhiwu et al. discloses the multifunctional accessory of claims 1 and 3, (Fig. 2, par. 33; a magnetic finger tab with a bottle opener, comprising: the mobile phone comprises a body 1 and a ring buckle 3 movably connected to the body 1 through a connecting member 2, wherein in the implementation, the body 1 can be detachably fixed on the back of a mobile phone or a mobile phone shell through magnetic attraction). Zhiwu et al., does not teach a C-shaped magnetic array, however, Fuchuang discloses a magnetic array that can be arrange in circular or semicircular shapes (Fuchuang, Fig. 4, Detailed Description, Par. 40; The second magnetic portion 110 is usually configured to be circular in order to correspond to the first magnetic portion 21). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date to have modified Zhiwu et al. to incorporate the teachings of Fuchuang to implement a C-shaped magnetic array or any of its variations as design choice to improve magnetic attachment of the devices while reducing costs. PNG media_image8.png 415 747 media_image8.png Greyscale Regarding claim 8, Zhiwu et al teaches the multi-functional accessory of Claim 1 (Zhiwu et al., par. 7; the magnetic finger ring buckle comprises at least one detachable magnetic finger ring buckle body fixed on the back of a mobile phone or a mobile phone shell and a finger ring buckle movably connected to the body through a connecting component, wherein a bottle opening groove for opening a bottle cap or a bottle opening protrusion is formed in the body). Zhiwu et al does not teach a support portion comprising a polygonal external periphery, however, Fuchuang teaches the supporting member 200 is configured as a strip-shaped plate, and the protrusions 150 are configured as a ring distributed along the periphery of the magnetic base 100 (Fuchuang, Fig. 2, Detailed description Par. 28). Therefore, it would have been obvious for a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date to implement a predictable variation of Fuchuang and Zhiwu et al. to modify the shape of the support structure in any shape that could match the periphery of the magnetic base as a design choice. Regarding claims 9, the combination of Zhiwu et al. and Fuchuang discloses a multifunctional accessory wherein the polygonal external periphery of the support portion is octagonal as depicted in claims 1 and 8. The combination of Zhiwu et al., and Fuchuang does not teach an octagonal shaped support, however, Fuchuang does teach a support portion with a circular shape distributed along the periphery of the magnetic base (Fuchuang, Fig. 2, Par. 28 “the supporting member 200 is configured as a strip-shaped plate, and the protrusions 150 are configured as a ring distributed along the periphery of the magnetic base 100”) Therefore, it would have been obvious for a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to design the support structure in an octagonal shape to maximize contact on the magnetic surface and reduce manufacturing costs. Regarding claims 15, Zhiwu et al discloses the multifunctional accessory of claims 1 and 14, Fuchuang further teaches the multi-functional accessory supports the mobile device in both a portrait orientation (Fuchuang, fig. 7, par. 38; the terminal device 20 to be displayed in the vertical screen state) and a landscape orientation (Fuchuang, fig. 7, par. 38; when the user needs the terminal device 20 to be displayed in the landscape state, the supporting member 200 can be rotated by a small angle with respect to the magnetic base 100). Therefore, it would have been obvious for a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to implement a predictable variation of Fuchuang and Zhiwu et al. to modify the shape of the support structure in any shape to allow for portrait or landscape viewing when using as a standalone or when gripping the phone with the attachment. PNG media_image9.png 701 511 media_image9.png Greyscale Regarding claim 16, Zhiwu et al. in view of Fuchuang discloses a multi-functional accessory for a mobile device, the multi-functional accessory comprising: an attachment portion configured for removable magnetic attachment to the mobile device, and comprising a magnetic array extending substantially continuously 360º around a base surface of the attachment portion without any non-magnetic sections a support portion pivotally coupled with the attachment portion. (Zhiwu et al. Figs. 1-4, Detailed description, Pars. 5-8; The first embodiment provides a magnetic finger tab with a bottle opener, comprising: the mobile phone comprises a body 1 and a ring buckle 3 movably connected to the body 1 through a connecting member 2, wherein in the implementation, the body 1 can be detachably fixed on the back of a mobile phone or a mobile phone shell through magnetic attraction; as shown in fig. 2 and 3, the body 1 further includes a magnetic attraction member 4, and the magnetic attraction member 4 includes a magnet recess 41 provided on the body 1, a plurality of magnets 42 provided in the magnet recess 41, and a cover plate 43 closing the magnet recess 41. As shown in fig. 2, the magnet recess 41 is circular, and the magnets 42 are sequentially arranged to form a closed circular shape or non-closed circular shape with intervals. Wherein, for convenience, the magnet 42 is disposed in the magnet groove 41, the magnet 42 has a tile-shaped structure, or both inner and outer sides of the magnet 42 have arc-shaped sides, or the magnet 42 has a complete circular structure”); Zhiwu et al. does not teach a nonmagnetic portion with a uniform circular shape. However, Fuchuang teaches the magnets 111 are radially distributed along the periphery of the magnetic base 100 in the first mounting groove 120. So as to provide a uniform magnetic force and to face the first magnetic attraction part 21 during the process of attracting the terminal device 20 (Fuchuang, Fig. 5, par. 43) Therefore, it would have been obvious for a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date to implement a predictable variation of Fuchuang and Zhiwu et al. to modify the mobile support attachment to allow a full 360° magnet into the mounting groove for seamless alignment. Regarding claims 17, Zhiwu et al. further teaches the bottle opener portion comprises a slot formed in the attachment portion (Figs. 1-4, par. 08; the bottle opening groove is formed by recessing the inner part of the body). Regarding claim 18, Zhiwu et al. further teaches the multi-functional accessory, wherein the support portion comprises a generally annular body having an internal opening with a minimum crosswise dimension of at least about 20 mm to allow insertion of a user’s finger therethough (Fig. 1, par. 7; one detachable magnetic finger ring buckle body fixed on the back of a mobile phone or a mobile phone shell). Regarding claims 19, Zhiwu et al. further teaches the support portion comprises a polygonal external periphery (Fuchuang, Fig. 2, Detailed description Par. 28; the supporting member 200 is configured as a strip-shaped plate, and the protrusions 150 are configured as a ring distributed along the periphery of the magnetic base 100). Therefore, it would have been obvious for a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date to implement a predictable variation of Fuchuang and Zhiwu et al. to modify the shape of the support structure in any shape that could match the periphery of the magnetic base as a design choice. Regarding 20, Fuchuang further teaches the support portion is octagonal. (Fuchuang, Fig. 2, Detailed description Par. 28 “the supporting member 200 is configured as a strip-shaped plate, and the protrusions 150 are configured as a ring distributed along the periphery of the magnetic base 100”). Therefore, it would have been obvious for a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date to implement a predictable variation of Fuchuang and Zhiwu et al. to modify the shape of the support structure in any shape that could match the periphery of the magnetic base as a design choice for compatibility. As for claims 21, Zhiwu et al. further teaches the support portion is pivotally coupled with the attachment portion by a hinged coupling providing a range of pivotal motion spanning at least 0º through 90º between the support portion and the attachment portion from a closed configuration to an open configuration (Figs 1-4, pars. 33 and 40; ring buckle 3 movably connected to the body 1 through a connecting member 2 … the ring buckle 3 is hinged on the riveting column 2). PNG media_image5.png 260 340 media_image5.png Greyscale Regarding claims 22, Zhiwu et al. further teaches the hinged coupling has a range of pivotal motion spanning through at least 130º in the open configuration (Fig. 4 par. 41; the rivet column 21 rotates more smoothly, thereby reducing rotational jamming feeling, and increasing the rotation times and the service life of the rivet column 21.) PNG media_image6.png 368 512 media_image6.png Greyscale Regarding claims 23, Zhiwu et al. further teaches the attachment portion comprises a recess configured to receive the support portion therein in a closed configuration (Fig. 1 par. 63; the first folding body and the second folding body comprise, but are not limited to, annular buckles or rod-shaped supporting body structures). PNG media_image7.png 260 340 media_image7.png Greyscale Regarding claims 24, Zhiwu et al. further teaches the mobile device is selected from a mobile phone, a tablet computer, and a case for a mobile phone or tablet computer (Disclosure of invention, par. 7; the magnetic finger ring buckle comprises at least one detachable magnetic finger ring buckle body fixed on the back of a mobile phone or a mobile phone shell). Regarding claims 25, Fuchuang further teaches the multi-functional accessory supports the mobile device in both a portrait orientation (Fuchuang, fig. 7, par. 38; the terminal device 20 to be displayed in the vertical screen state) and a landscape orientation (Fuchuang, fig. 7, par. 38; when the user needs the terminal device 20 to be displayed in the landscape state, the supporting member 200 can be rotated by a small angle with respect to the magnetic base 100). Regarding claim 27, Zhiwu et al. teaches the multi-functional accessory comprising: an attachment portion configured for removable attachment to the mobile device; and a support portion pivotally coupled with the attachment portion (Zhiwu et al. Figs. 1-4, Detailed description, Pars. 5-8; The first embodiment provides a magnetic finger tab with a bottle opener, comprising: the mobile phone comprises a body 1 and a ring buckle 3 movably connected to the body 1 through a connecting member 2, wherein in the implementation, the body 1 can be detachably fixed on the back of a mobile phone or a mobile phone shell through magnetic attraction; as shown in fig. 2 and 3, the body 1 further includes a magnetic attraction member 4, and the magnetic attraction member 4 includes a magnet recess 41 provided on the body 1, a plurality of magnets 42 provided in the magnet recess 41, and a cover plate 43 closing the magnet recess 41. As shown in fig. 2, the magnet recess 41 is circular, and the magnets 42 are sequentially arranged to form a closed circular shape or non-closed circular shape with intervals. Wherein, for convenience, the magnet 42 is disposed in the magnet groove 41, the magnet 42 has a tile-shaped structure, or both inner and outer sides of the magnet 42 have arc-shaped sides, or the magnet 42 has a complete circular structure). Zhiwu et al. does not teach the support portion comprising a polygonal external periphery. However, Fuchuang teaches the supporting member 200 is configured as a strip-shaped plate, and the protrusions 150 are configured as a ring distributed along the periphery of the magnetic base 100 (Fuchuang, Fig. 2, Detailed description Par. 28). Therefore, it would have been obvious for a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date to implement a predictable variation of Fuchuang and Zhiwu et al. to modify the shape of the support structure in any shape that could match the periphery of the magnetic base as a design choice to improve magnetic attachment and reduce costs. Regarding 28, the combination of Zhiwu et al. and Fuchuang discloses a multifunctional accessory as depicted in claim 27. The combination of Zhiwu et al., and Fuchuang does not teach an octagonal shaped support, however, Fuchuang does teach a support portion with a circular or semicircular shape distributed along the periphery of the magnetic base (Fuchuang, Fig. 2, Par. 28 “the supporting member 200 is configured as a strip-shaped plate, and the protrusions 150 are configured as a ring distributed along the periphery of the magnetic base 100”) Therefore, it would have been obvious for a person of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to design the support structure in an octagonal shape to maximize contact on the magnetic surface and reduce manufacturing costs. PNG media_image8.png 415 747 media_image8.png Greyscale Regarding claim 29, Zhiwu et al. further teaches the support portion comprises a generally annular body having an internal opening with a minimum crosswise dimension of at least about 20 mm to allow insertion of a user’s finger therethough (Fig. 1, par. 7; one detachable magnetic finger ring buckle body fixed on the back of a mobile phone or a mobile phone shell). Regarding claim 30, Zhiwu et al. further teaches the bottle opener portion comprises a slot formed in the attachment portion (Figs. 1-4, par. 8; the bottle opening groove is formed by recessing the inner part of the body). Regarding claim 31, Zhiwu et al. further teaches the attachment portion comprises at least one magnetic element configured for releasable engagement with at least one cooperating magnetic element of the mobile device (Fig. 2, par. 33; can be detachably fixed on the back of a mobile phone or a mobile phone shell through magnetic attraction) Regarding claim 32, Zhiwu further teaches the at least one magnetic element of the attachment portion comprises a full circular magnetic array. (Zhiwu et al. Fig. 2, Detailed Description Par. 8; the magnet recess 41 is circular, and the magnets 42 are sequentially arranged to form a closed circular shape or non-closed circular shape with intervals). Regarding claim 33, Fuchuang further teaches at least one magnetic element of the attachment portion comprises a C-shaped magnetic array as observed in figure 4 where the magnetic array can be arranged in a circular or semicircular shape (Fuchuang, Fig. 4, Par. 40; The second magnetic portion 110 is usually configured to be circular in order to correspond to the first magnetic portion 21). Regarding claim 35, Zhiwu et al. further teaches the support portion is pivotally coupled with the attachment portion by a hinged coupling providing a range of pivotal motion spanning at least 0º through 90º between the support portion and the attachment portion from a closed configuration to an open configuration (Figs 1-4, pars. 33 and 40; ring buckle 3 movably connected to the body 1 through a connecting member 2 … the ring buckle 3 is hinged on the riveting column 2). Regarding claim 36, Zhiwu et al. further teaches the hinged coupling has a range of pivotal motion spanning through at least 130º in the open configuration (Fig. 4 par. 41; the rivet column 21 rotates more smoothly, thereby reducing rotational jamming feeling, and increasing the rotation times and the service life of the rivet column 21.) Regarding claim 37, Zhiwu et al. further teaches the attachment portion comprises a recess configured to receive the support portion therein in a closed configuration (Fig. 1 par. 63; the first folding body and the second folding body comprise, but are not limited to, annular buckles or rod-shaped supporting body structures). Regarding claim 38, Zhiwu et al. further teaches the mobile device is selected from a mobile phone, a tablet computer, and a case for a mobile phone or tablet computer (Disclosure of invention, par. 7; the magnetic finger ring buckle comprises at least one detachable magnetic finger ring buckle body fixed on the back of a mobile phone or a mobile phone shell). Regarding claim 39, Fuchuang further teaches the multi-functional accessory supports the mobile device in both a portrait orientation (Fuchuang, fig. 7, par. 38; the terminal device 20 to be displayed in the vertical screen state) and a landscape orientation (Fuchuang, fig. 7, par. 38; when the user needs the terminal device 20 to be displayed in the landscape state, the supporting member 200 can be rotated by a small angle with respect to the magnetic base 100). Claim(s) 6 is/are rejected, under 35 U.S.C. 103 as obvious over Zhiwu et al. (CN219304871U) in view of Avital (US10468894B2). Regarding claim 6, Zhiwu et al. discloses the multi-functional accessory, wherein the at least one magnetic element of the attachment portion (Zhiwu et al. Fig. 1, par. 7; the magnetic finger ring buckle comprises at least one detachable magnetic finger ring buckle body fixed on the back of a mobile phone or a mobile phone shell and a finger ring buckle movably connected to the body through a connecting component, wherein a bottle opening groove for opening a bottle cap or a bottle opening protrusion is formed in the body). Zhiwu does not teach a magnetic sticker. However, Avital teaches a magnetic sticker attached to the mobile phone and/or a magnet integrated on a case of the mobile phone (Avital, Description of Embodiments of the Invention, par. 52). Therefore, for a person of ordinary skilled in the art, it would have been obvious to implement a predictable variation of Zhiwu et al. and Avital to allow for magnetic attachment to devices that lack a magnetic element by means of using a magnetic sticker to allow for compatibility across devices. Claim(s) 26 and 34 is/are rejected, under 35 U.S.C. 103 as obvious over Zhiwu et al. (CN219304871U) in view of Fuchuang (CN217363129U) and further in view of Avital (US10468894B2). Regarding claim 26, Zhiwu et al. discloses the multi-functional accessory, wherein the at least one magnetic element of the attachment portion (Zhiwu et al. Fig. 1, par. 7; the magnetic finger ring buckle comprises at least one detachable magnetic finger ring buckle body fixed on the back of a mobile phone or a mobile phone shell and a finger ring buckle movably connected to the body through a connecting component, wherein a bottle opening groove for opening a bottle cap or a bottle opening protrusion is formed in the body). Fuchuang further teaches the magnets 111 are radially distributed along the periphery of the magnetic base (Fuchuang, Fig. 5, par. 43). Zhiwu et al. and Fuchuang does not teach a magnetic sticker. However, Avital teaches a magnetic sticker attached to the mobile phone and/or a magnet integrated on a case of the mobile phone (Avital, Description of Embodiments of the Invention, par. 52). Therefore, for a person of ordinary skilled in the art before the effective filing date to implement a predictable variation of Zhiwu et al. and Avital to allow for magnetic attachment to devices that lack a magnetic element by means of using a magnetic sticker to allow for compatibility across devices in any shape that matches the periphery of the magnetic base. Regarding claim 34, Zhiwu et al. discloses the multi-functional accessory, wherein the at least one magnetic element of the attachment portion (Zhiwu et al. Fig. 1, par. 7; the magnetic finger ring buckle comprises at least one detachable magnetic finger ring buckle body fixed on the back of a mobile phone or a mobile phone shell and a finger ring buckle movably connected to the body through a connecting component, wherein a bottle opening groove for opening a bottle cap or a bottle opening protrusion is formed in the body). Fuchuang further teaches the magnets 111 are radially distributed along the periphery of the magnetic base (Fuchuang, Fig. 5, par. 43). Zhiwu et al. and Fuchuang do not teach a magnetic sticker. However, Avital teaches a magnetic sticker attached to the mobile phone and/or a magnet integrated on a case of the mobile phone (Avital, Description of Embodiments of the Invention, par. 52). Therefore, it would have been obvious for a person of ordinary skilled in the art before the effective filling date to implement a predictable combination of Zhiwu et al., Fuchuang and Avital to allow for magnetic attachment to devices that lack a magnetic element by means of using a magnetic sticker to allow for compatibility across devices in any shape that matches the periphery of the magnetic base. Other Pertinent References The following prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant’s disclosure: Young, Kim Woo (2022). A Holder for a Portable Electric Device with a Magnetic Property (KR 2022-0104343 A) Published: 2022-07-26 Zhi-Wu, Zheng (2023). Multifunctional folding magnetic attraction bracket (CN-219499408-U) Published: 2023-08-08 Young-Bo, Li et al (2022). Portable magnetic bottle opener (CN-216038585-U) Published: 2022-03-15 Weifeng, Peng (2021). Multifunctional mobile phone shell (CN-215379006-U) Published: 2021-12-31 Jiachun, Yang et al. (2021). Ring support is inhaled to magnetism (CN-212298409-U) Published: 2021-01-05 Xiang, Xiong (2020). Multifunctional mobile phone support (CN-212211086-U) Published: 2020-12-22 Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to MARIO R CAMPERO MIRAMONTES whose telephone number is (571)272-5792. The examiner can normally be reached Monday -Thursday 0730 - 1730. 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, Yuwen Pan can be reached at (571) 272-7855. 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. /MRCM/Examiner, Art Unit 2649 /YUWEN PAN/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2649
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Nov 29, 2023
Application Filed
Dec 29, 2025
Non-Final Rejection — §102, §103 (current)

AI Strategy Recommendation

Get an AI-powered prosecution strategy using examiner precedents, rejection analysis, and claim mapping.
Powered by AI — typically takes 5-10 seconds

Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
Grant Probability
2y 9m
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 0 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allow 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