Last updated: May 29, 2026

Application No. 18/524,355

Method for Forming a Semiconductor Device

Non-Final OA

Filed

Nov 30, 2023

Priority

Nov 30, 2022 — EU 22210562.9

Examiner

KIM, SU C

Art Unit

2899

Tech Center

2800 — Semiconductors & Electrical Systems

Assignee

Imec Vzw

OA Round

1 (Non-Final)

Interview Optional

— -12.1% interview lift. Interview already conducted in this application's prosecution history. This examiner has a 77% grant rate with -12.1% interview lift. Since an interview has already been tried, recommend written response with narrowed claims based on precedent claim evolution patterns.

Based on 906 resolved cases, 2023–2026

Examiner Intelligence

KIM, SU C View full profile →

Grants 77% — above average

Career Allowance Rate

701 granted / 906 resolved

+9.4% vs TC avg

Minimal -12% lift

Without

With

+-12.1%

Interview Lift

resolved cases with interview

Typical timeline

2y 9m

Avg Prosecution

28 currently pending

Career history

949

Total Applications

across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101

0.1%

-39.9% vs TC avg

§103

81.9%

+41.9% vs TC avg

§102

10.7%

-29.3% vs TC avg

§112

1.6%

-38.4% vs TC avg

Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 906 resolved cases

Prosecution Timeline

Nov 30, 2023

Application Filed

Mar 06, 2026

Non-Final Rejection mailed

May 26, 2026

Applicant Interview (Telephonic)

May 26, 2026

Examiner Interview Summary

Precedent Cases

Applications granted by this same examiner with similar technology

18/236,490

Patent 12641857

SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE WITH RECESSED GATE AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING THE SAME

2y 9m to grant Granted May 26, 2026

17/554,900

Patent 12622033

Method of Integrating SONOS into HKMG Flow

4y 4m to grant Granted May 05, 2026

17/713,136

Patent 12622115

DISPLAY DEVICE

4y 1m to grant Granted May 05, 2026

16/918,808

Patent 12615889

CONNECTION-POST STRUCTURES

5y 10m to grant Granted Apr 28, 2026

17/858,255

Patent 12615837

Metal Gates And Manufacturing Methods Thereof

3y 9m to grant Granted Apr 28, 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

1-2

Expected OA Rounds

77%

Grant Probability

65%

With Interview (-12.1%)

2y 9m (~3m remaining)

Median Time to Grant

Low

PTA Risk

Based on 906 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.