Office Action Predictor
Application No. 18/529,672

MULTIPLE CONFIGURED GRANT SMALL DATA TRANSMISSION CONFIGURATIONS

Non-Final OA §DP
Filed
Dec 05, 2023
Examiner
GHOWRWAL, OMAR J
Art Unit
2463
Tech Center
2400 — Computer Networks
Assignee
Qualcomm Incorporated
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
85%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
2y 9m
To Grant
99%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

85%
Career Allow Rate
686 granted / 810 resolved
Without
With
+48.1%
Interview Lift
avg trend
2y 9m
Avg Prosecution
31 pending
841
Total Applications
career history

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
7.4%
-32.6% vs TC avg
§103
46.4%
+6.4% vs TC avg
§102
26.5%
-13.5% vs TC avg
§112
12.2%
-27.8% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data

Office Action

§DP
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 . Claim Interpretation The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(f): (f) Element in Claim for a Combination. – An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof. The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph: An element in a claim for a combination may be expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function without the recital of structure, material, or acts in support thereof, and such claim shall be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof. The claims in this application are given their broadest reasonable interpretation using the plain meaning of the claim language in light of the specification as it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The broadest reasonable interpretation of a claim element (also commonly referred to as a claim limitation) is limited by the description in the specification when 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is invoked. As explained in MPEP § 2181, subsection I, claim limitations that meet the following three-prong test will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph: (A) the claim limitation uses the term “means” or “step” or a term used as a substitute for “means” that is a generic placeholder (also called a nonce term or a non-structural term having no specific structural meaning) for performing the claimed function; (B) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is modified by functional language, typically, but not always linked by the transition word “for” (e.g., “means for”) or another linking word or phrase, such as “configured to” or “so that”; and (C) the term “means” or “step” or the generic placeholder is not modified by sufficient structure, material, or acts for performing the claimed function. Use of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim with functional language creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites sufficient structure, material, or acts to entirely perform the recited function. Absence of the word “means” (or “step”) in a claim creates a rebuttable presumption that the claim limitation is not to be treated in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph. The presumption that the claim limitation is not interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, is rebutted when the claim limitation recites function without reciting sufficient structure, material or acts to entirely perform the recited function. Claim limitations in this application that use the word “means” (or “step”) are being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. Conversely, claim limitations in this application that do not use the word “means” (or “step”) are not being interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, except as otherwise indicated in an Office action. None of the instant claims invoke U.S.C. 112(f). Double Patenting The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969). A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b). The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13. The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer. Claims 1-30 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-28 of U.S. Patent No. 11,877,298 B2 to Lei et al. (“Lei”). Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because the instant claims are genus to the species claims of Lei. For example, the instant independent claims are broader as they recite “resources” as opposed to Lei’s “time and frequency resources” and instant claims 1 and 21 do not recite the limitations pertaining to monitoring whereas Lei does. Simple substitution of one known element for another to obtain predictable results is obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art. The table below illustrates the claim mappings bewteen the instant application and Lei. Instant application U.S. Patent No. 11,877,298 B2 (“Lei”) 1. A user equipment (UE) for wireless communication, comprising: one or more memories storing processor-executable code; and one or more processors coupled with the one or more memories and individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: receive, prior to transitioning out of a radio resource control connected state, one or more downlink messages that collectively indicate a plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations and a configuration for a bandwidth part for configured grant small data transmissions; transition out of the radio resource control connected state based at least in part on receiving at least one of the one or more downlink messages; and transmit an initial configured grant small data transmission that includes at least one common control channel message over resources associated with one or more of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations. 1. A user equipment (UE) for wireless communication, comprising: one or more memories storing processor-executable code; and one or more processors coupled with the one or more memories and individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: receive, prior to transitioning out of a radio resource control connected state, one or more downlink messages that collectively indicate a plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations and a configuration for a bandwidth part for configured grant small data transmissions, each of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations being associated with respective time and frequency resources; transition out of the radio resource control connected state based at least in part on receiving at least one of the one or more downlink messages; transmit an initial configured grant small data transmission that includes at least one common control channel message over time and frequency resources associated with one or more of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations; and monitor for a response to the initial configured grant small data transmission. 2. The UE of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: transmit a UE capability message indicating support for multiple configured grant small data transmission configurations before transitioning out of the radio resource control connected state, wherein receiving the one or more downlink messages is based at least in part on transmitting the UE capability message. 2. The UE of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: transmit a UE capability message indicating support for multiple configured grant small data transmission configurations before transitioning out of the radio resource control connected state, wherein receiving the one or more downlink messages is based at least in part on transmitting the UE capability message. 3. The UE of claim 1, wherein, to receive the one or more downlink messages, the one or more processors are individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: receive a radio resource control release message comprising an indication to initiate a small data transmission associated with the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations and a suspension configuration. 3. The UE of claim 1, wherein, to receive the one or more downlink messages the one or more processors are individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: receive a radio resource control release message comprising an indication to initiate a small data transmission associated with the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations and a suspension configuration. 4. The UE of claim 1, wherein, to receive the one or more downlink messages, the one or more processors are individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: receive multiple radio resource control messages, wherein each radio resource control message of the multiple radio resource control messages comprises a respective configured grant small data transmission configuration of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations, and wherein a last of the multiple radio resource control messages comprises a radio resource control release message. 4. The UE of claim 1, wherein, to receive the one or more downlink messages the one or more processors are individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: receive multiple radio resource control messages, wherein each radio resource control message of the multiple radio resource control messages comprises a respective configured grant small data transmission configuration of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations, and wherein a last of the multiple radio resource control messages comprises a radio resource control release message. 5. The UE of claim 1, wherein, to receive the one or more downlink messages, the one or more processors are individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: receive a first radio resource control message comprising a configured grant small data transmission configuration from the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations and also comprising a radio resource control release message; and receive one or more additional radio resource control messages comprising each remaining configured grant small data transmission configuration from the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations after a user equipment (UE) transitions out of the radio resource control connected state. 5. The UE of claim 1, wherein, to receive the one or more downlink messages the one or more processors are individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: receive a first radio resource control message comprising a configured grant small data transmission configuration from the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations and also comprising a radio resource control release message; and receive one or more additional radio resource control messages comprising each remaining configured grant small data transmission configuration from the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations after a user equipment (UE) transitions out of the radio resource control connected state. 6. The UE of claim 1, wherein, to transmit the initial configured grant small data transmission that includes the at least one common control channel message, the one or more processors are individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: transmit an indication of one or more small data transmission bearers, UE assistance information for a configured grant, a buffer status report, a power head room report, a measurements report, a request for on-demand delivery of system information or modified system information, a request for on-demand transmission of downlink reference signals, a request for a paging restriction, an access stratum security token exchange, an access stratum security verification, or a combination thereof, to be used for transmission of a remainder of the configured grant small data transmissions. 6. The UE of claim 1, wherein, to transmit the initial configured grant small data transmission that includes the at least one common control channel message the one or more processors are individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: transmit an indication of one or more small data transmission bearers, UE assistance information for a configured grant, a buffer status report, a power head room report, a measurements report, a request for on-demand delivery of system information or modified system information, a request for on-demand transmission of downlink reference signals, a request for a paging restriction, an access stratum security token exchange, an access stratum security verification, or a combination thereof, to be used for transmission of a remainder of the configured grant small data transmissions. 7. The UE of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: monitor for a response to the initial configured grant small data transmission. Claim 1. and monitor for a response to the initial configured grant small data transmission 8. The UE of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: receive a configuration for control resource sets and search space sets for use in monitoring a physical downlink control channel on the bandwidth part; receive an indication to reduce an occurrence of radio resource measurements associated with radio resource management; and receive configurations for one or more of downlink reference signals, downlink small data via unicast or multicast, paging early indications, or discontinuous reception. 7. The UE of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: receive a configuration for control resource sets and search space sets for use in monitoring a physical downlink control channel on the bandwidth part; receive an indication to reduce an occurrence of radio resource measurements associated with radio resource management; and receive configurations for one or more of downlink reference signals, downlink small data via unicast or multicast, paging early indications, or discontinuous reception. 9. The UE of claim 1, wherein, to transmit the initial configured grant small data transmission, the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: determine that respective resources associated with two or more of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations are associated with the bandwidth part and overlap for transmission of the initial configured grant small data transmission; and transmit a plurality of initial configured grant small data transmissions on the respective resources corresponding to the two or more of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations, each of the plurality of initial configured grant small data transmissions being associated with a same uplink hybrid automatic repeat request process. 8. The UE of claim 1, wherein, to transmit the initial configured grant small data transmission the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: determine that the respective time and frequency resources associated with two or more of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations are associated with the bandwidth part and overlap for transmission of the initial configured grant small data transmission; and transmit a plurality of initial configured grant small data transmissions on the respective time and frequency resources corresponding to the two or more of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations, each of the plurality of initial configured grant small data transmissions being associated with a same uplink hybrid automatic repeat request process. 10. The UE of claim 1, wherein, to transmit the initial configured grant small data transmission, the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: determine that respective resources associated with two or more of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations overlap for transmission of the initial configured grant small data transmission; and transmit the initial configured grant small data transmission on only one of the respective resources corresponding to the two or more of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations, the initial configured grant small data transmission being associated with a first uplink hybrid automatic repeat request process. 9. The UE of claim 1, wherein, to transmit the initial configured grant small data transmission the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: determine that the respective time and frequency resources associated with two or more of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations overlap for transmission of the initial configured grant small data transmission; and transmit the initial configured grant small data transmission on only one of the respective time and frequency resources corresponding to the two or more of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations, the initial configured grant small data transmission being associated with a first uplink hybrid automatic repeat request process. 11. The UE of claim 1, wherein, to transmit the initial configured grant small data transmission, the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: determine that respective resources associated with the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations do not overlap for transmission of the initial configured grant small data transmission; transmit the initial configured grant small data transmission over resources associated with a first configured grant small data transmission configuration of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations; receive an acknowledgment feedback message in response to transmitting the initial configured grant small data transmission; and transmit a second initial configured grant small data transmission without a common control channel message over resources associated with a second configured grant small data transmission configuration of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations based at least in part on receiving the acknowledgment feedback message. 10. The UE of claim 1, wherein, to transmit the initial configured grant small data transmission the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: determine that the respective time and frequency resources associated with the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations do not overlap for transmission of the initial configured grant small data transmission; transmit the initial configured grant small data transmission over time and frequency resources associated with a first configured grant small data transmission configuration of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations; receive an acknowledgment feedback message in response to transmitting the initial configured grant small data transmission; and transmit a second initial configured grant small data transmission without a common control channel message over time and frequency resources associated with a second configured grant small data transmission configuration of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations based at least in part on receiving the acknowledgment feedback message. 12. The UE of claim 1, wherein, to transmit the initial configured grant small data transmission, the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: determine that respective resources associated with the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations do not overlap for transmission of the initial configured grant small data transmission; transmit the initial configured grant small data transmission over resources associated with a first configured grant small data transmission configuration of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations; fail to receive an acknowledgment feedback message in response to transmitting the initial configured grant small data transmission; and transmit a second initial configured grant small data transmission with a second common control channel message over resources associated with a second configured grant small data transmission configuration of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations based at least in part on failing to receive the acknowledgment feedback message. 11. The UE of claim 1, wherein, to transmit the initial configured grant small data transmission the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: determine that the respective time and frequency resources associated with the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations do not overlap for transmission of the initial configured grant small data transmission; transmit the initial configured grant small data transmission over time and frequency resources associated with a first configured grant small data transmission configuration of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations; fail to receive an acknowledgment feedback message in response to transmitting the initial configured grant small data transmission; and transmit a second initial configured grant small data transmission with a second common control channel message over time and frequency resources associated with a second configured grant small data transmission configuration of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations based at least in part on failing to receive the acknowledgment feedback message. 13. The UE of claim 1, wherein, to transmit the initial configured grant small data transmission, the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: determine that respective resources associated with the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations do not overlap for transmission of the initial configured grant small data transmission; transmit the initial configured grant small data transmission over resources associated with a first configured grant small data transmission configuration of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations; and transmit a second initial configured grant small data transmission that includes a second common control channel message over resources associated with a second configured grant small data transmission configuration of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations. 12. The UE of claim 1, wherein, to transmit the initial configured grant small data transmission the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: determine that the respective time and frequency resources associated with the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations do not overlap for transmission of the initial configured grant small data transmission; transmit the initial configured grant small data transmission over time and frequency resources associated with a first configured grant small data transmission configuration of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations; and transmit a second initial configured grant small data transmission that includes a second common control channel message over time and frequency resources associated with a second configured grant small data transmission configuration of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations. 14. The UE of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: trigger only a single hybrid automatic repeat request processes associated with transmission of the initial configured grant small data transmission, even if different hybrid automatic repeat request processes are associated with the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations. 13. The UE of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: trigger only a single hybrid automatic repeat request processes associated with transmission of the initial configured grant small data transmission, even if different hybrid automatic repeat request processes are associated with the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations. 15. The UE of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: receive an acknowledgment message for the initial configured grant small data transmission; and transmit additional configured grant small data transmissions after receiving the acknowledgment message. 14. The UE of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: receive an acknowledgment message for the initial configured grant small data transmission; and transmit additional configured grant small data transmissions after receiving the acknowledgment message. 16. The UE of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: retransmit the initial configured grant small data transmission based at least in part on not receiving a feedback message during a radio resource control configured window associated with the initial configured grant small data transmission, the feedback message comprising either an acknowledgment message associated with the initial configured grant small data transmission or a dynamic retransmission grant. 15. The UE of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: retransmit the initial configured grant small data transmission based at least in part on not receiving a feedback message during a radio resource control configured window associated with the initial configured grant small data transmission, the feedback message comprising either an acknowledgment message associated with the initial configured grant small data transmission or a dynamic retransmission grant. 17. The UE of claim 16, wherein, to retransmit the initial configured grant small data transmission, the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: retransmit the initial configured grant small data transmission over a next available and valid resources associated with the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations based at least in part on each of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations being associated with a same small data transmission bearer. 16. The UE of claim 15, wherein, to retransmit the initial configured grant small data transmission the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: retransmit the initial configured grant small data transmission over a next available and valid time and frequency resources associated with the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations based at least in part on each of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations being associated with a same small data transmission bearer. 18. The UE of claim 1, wherein the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations is associated with different small data transmission bearers. 17. The UE of claim 1, wherein the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations are associated with different small data transmission bearers. 19. The UE of claim 1, wherein, to transition out of the radio resource control connected state, the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: transition into a radio resource control inactive state or a radio resource control idle state. 18. The UE of claim 1, wherein, to transition out of the radio resource control connected state the one or more processors are individually or collectively further operable to execute the code to cause the UE to: transition into a radio resource control inactive state or a radio resource control idle state. 20. The UE of claim 1, wherein the at least one common control channel message indicates a radio resource control resume request message. 19. The UE of claim 1, wherein the at least one common control channel message indicates a radio resource control resume request message. 21. A method for wireless communications at a user equipment (UE) comprising: receiving, prior to transitioning out of a radio resource control connected state, one or more downlink messages that collectively indicate a plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations and a configuration for a bandwidth part for configured grant small data transmissions; transitioning out of the radio resource control connected state based at least in part on receiving at least one of the one or more downlink messages; and transmitting an initial configured grant small data transmission that includes at least one common control channel message over resources associated with one or more of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations. 20. A method for wireless communications at a user equipment (UE) comprising: receiving, prior to transitioning out of a radio resource control connected state, one or more downlink messages that collectively indicate a plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations and a configuration for a bandwidth part for configured grant small data transmissions, each of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations being associated with respective time and frequency resources; transitioning out of the radio resource control connected state based at least in part on receiving at least one of the one or more downlink messages; transmitting an initial configured grant small data transmission that includes at least one common control channel message over time and frequency resources associated with one or more of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations; and monitoring for a response to the initial configured grant small data transmission. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: transmitting a UE capability message indicating support for multiple configured grant small data transmission configurations before transitioning out of the radio resource control connected state, wherein receiving the one or more downlink messages is based at least in part on transmitting the UE capability message. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: transmitting a UE capability message indicating support for multiple configured grant small data transmission configurations before transitioning out of the radio resource control connected state, wherein receiving the one or more downlink messages is based at least in part on transmitting the UE capability message. 23. The method of claim 21, wherein receiving the one or more downlink messages further comprises: receiving a radio resource control release message comprising an indication to initiate a small data transmission associated with the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations and a suspension configuration. 22. The method of claim 20, wherein receiving the one or more downlink messages further comprises: receiving a radio resource control release message comprising an indication to initiate a small data transmission associated with the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations and a suspension configuration. 24. The method of claim 21, wherein receiving the one or more downlink messages further comprises: receiving multiple radio resource control messages, wherein each radio resource control message of the multiple radio resource control messages comprises a respective configured grant small data transmission configuration of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations, and wherein a last of the multiple radio resource control messages comprises a radio resource control release message. 23. The method of claim 20, wherein receiving the one or more downlink messages further comprises: receiving multiple radio resource control messages, wherein each radio resource control message of the multiple radio resource control messages comprises a respective configured grant small data transmission configuration of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations, and wherein a last of the multiple radio resource control messages comprises a radio resource control release message. 25. The method of claim 21, wherein receiving the one or more downlink messages further comprises: receiving a first radio resource control message comprising a configured grant small data transmission configuration from the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations and also comprising a radio resource control release message; and receiving one or more additional radio resource control messages comprising each remaining configured grant small data transmission configuration from the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations after the UE transitions out of the radio resource control connected state. 24. The method of claim 20, wherein receiving the one or more downlink messages further comprises: receiving a first radio resource control message comprising a configured grant small data transmission configuration from the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations and also comprising a radio resource control release message; and receiving one or more additional radio resource control messages comprising each remaining configured grant small data transmission configuration from the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations after the UE transitions out of the radio resource control connected state. 26. The method of claim 21, wherein transmitting the initial configured grant small data transmission that includes the at least one common control channel message further comprises: transmitting an indication of one or more small data transmission bearers, UE assistance information for a configured grant, a buffer status report, a power head room report, a measurements report, a request for on-demand delivery of system information or modified system information, a request for on-demand transmission of downlink reference signals, a request for a paging restriction, an access stratum security token exchange, an access stratum security verification, or a combination thereof, to be used for transmission of a remainder of the configured grant small data transmissions. 25. The method of claim 20, wherein transmitting the initial configured grant small data transmission that includes the at least one common control channel message further comprises: transmitting an indication of one or more small data transmission bearers, UE assistance information for a configured grant, a buffer status report, a power head room report, a measurements report, a request for on-demand delivery of system information or modified system information, a request for on-demand transmission of downlink reference signals, a request for a paging restriction, an access stratum security token exchange, an access stratum security verification, or a combination thereof, to be used for transmission of a remainder of the configured grant small data transmissions. 27. The method of claim 21, further comprising: monitoring for a response to the initial configured grant small data transmission. Claim 20. and monitoring for a response to the initial configured grant small data transmission. 28. The method of claim 21, further comprising: receiving a configuration for control resource sets and search space sets for use in monitoring a physical downlink control channel on the bandwidth part; receiving an indication to reduce an occurrence of radio resource measurements associated with radio resource management; and receiving configurations for one or more of downlink reference signals, downlink small data via unicast or multicast, paging early indications, or discontinuous reception. 26. The method of claim 20, further comprising: receiving a configuration for control resource sets and search space sets for use in monitoring a physical downlink control channel on the bandwidth part; receiving an indication to reduce an occurrence of radio resource measurements associated with radio resource management; and receiving configurations for one or more of downlink reference signals, downlink small data via unicast or multicast, paging early indications, or discontinuous reception. 29. A network entity for wireless communication, comprising: one or more memories storing processor-executable code; and one or more processors coupled with the one or more memories and individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the network entity to: transmit, to a user equipment (UE) prior to the UE transitioning out of a radio resource control connected state, one or more downlink messages that collectively indicate a plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations and a configuration for a bandwidth part for configured grant small data transmissions; and monitor for an initial configured grant small data transmission that includes at least one common control channel message transmitted over resources associated with one or more of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations. 27. A network entity for wireless communication, comprising: one or more memories storing processor-executable code; and one or more processors coupled with the one or more memories and individually or collectively operable to execute the code to cause the network entity to: transmit, to a user equipment (UE) prior to the UE transitioning out of a radio resource control connected state, one or more downlink messages that collectively indicate a plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations and a configuration for a bandwidth part for configured grant small data transmissions, each of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations being associated with respective time and frequency resources; and monitor for an initial configured grant small data transmission that includes at least one common control channel message transmitted over time and frequency resources associated with one or more of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations. 30. A method for wireless communications at a network entity comprising: transmitting, to a user equipment (UE) prior to the UE transitioning out of a radio resource control connected state, one or more downlink messages that collectively indicate a plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations and a configuration for a bandwidth part for configured grant small data transmissions; and monitoring for an initial configured grant small data transmission that includes at least one common control channel message transmitted over resources associated with one or more of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations. 28. A method for wireless communications at a network entity comprising: transmitting, to a user equipment (UE) prior to the UE transitioning out of a radio resource control connected state, one or more downlink messages that collectively indicate a plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations and a configuration for a bandwidth part for configured grant small data transmissions, each of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations being associated with respective time and frequency resources; and monitoring for an initial configured grant small data transmission that includes at least one common control channel message transmitted over time and frequency resources associated with one or more of the plurality of configured grant small data transmission configurations. Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. US 12,092,151 B2 at claim 1: the RRC release message includes i) a time alignment timer value for a configured grant-based small data transmission, ii) information for a configured grant resource, and iii) information for a valid logical channel, and wherein the configured grant-based small data transmission is a procedure allowing data transmission over the configured grant resource while remaining in an RRC inactive state without transitioning to an RRC connected state. US 20230413371 A1 at para. 0003 discloses RRC-less SDT is currently limited for use in the same cell, which is the last serving cell for a UE in state “RRC Connected” before transitioning to state “RRC Inactive”, or for Configured Grant (CG) based SDT. US 20230247721 A1 at para. 0347 discloses the configured uplink grant for SDT (e.g., SDT resources) may be configured either on initial BWP or on a dedicated BWP. The configured uplink grant for SDT may be configured at normal uplink (NUL) carrier and/or supplementary uplink (SUL) carrier. The configured uplink grant for SDT may be provided to a wireless device in an RRC connected state via/within an RRC release message. US 20210410181 A1 at para. 0296 discloses the wireless device may receive, in a radio resource control (RRC) connected state, an RRC release message. The RRC release message may comprise a wireless device-specific message for the wireless device. The RRC release message may indicate a release of an RRC connection. The RRC message may indicate a transition of the wireless device from the RRC connected state to an RRC inactive state. The RRC inactive state may comprise an RRC idle state. The RRC message may indicate a configured uplink grant (and/or one or more configured uplink grants comprising the configured uplink grant) to transmit uplink data in the RRC inactive state. The configured uplink grant may comprise a configured grant for a small data transmission. The RRC message may indicate at least one synchronization signal block (SSB) of a plurality of SSBs, wherein the at least one SSB is associated with the first configured uplink grant. The RRC release message may indicate, based on a spatial relation information, that the at least one SSB of the plurality of SSBs is associated with the configured uplink grant. The plurality of SSBs may comprise synchronization signal and PBCH blocks. The RRC release message may indicate a bandwidth part of a cell, wherein the configured uplink grant may be configured in the bandwidth part. The bandwidth part may comprise at least one of an initial bandwidth part of the cell or a small data transmission bandwidth part. The bandwidth part may be an initial bandwidth part of the cell. The bandwidth part may be different from an initial bandwidth part of the cell. The bandwidth part may be a bandwidth part used to receive the RRC release message. The wireless device may transition, based on the RRC release message, to the RRC inactive state. The wireless device may transmit, in the RRC inactive state and based on the at least one SSB being associated with the configured uplink grant, uplink data via the configured uplink grant. Transmitting the uplink data may comprise transmitting a small data transmission. The configured uplink grant may be determined based on at least one cell configuration parameter of the cell. The wireless device may receive, in the RRC inactive state, a broadcast message indicating a change of the at least one cell configuration parameter. The wireless device may invalidate, based on the change, a second configured uplink grant for a transmission of uplink data in the RRC inactive state. The change may comprise an absence of at least one of the plurality of SSBs associated with the second configured uplink grant. The wireless device may initiate, based on invalidating the second configured uplink grant, a random access procedure on an initial bandwidth part. The wireless device may release the second configured uplink grant based on invalidating the second configured uplink grant. The wireless device may suspend the second configured uplink grants based on invalidating the second configured uplink grant. The at least one cell configuration parameter may comprise a subcarrier spacing of the configured uplink grant. The at least one cell configuration parameter may comprise burst information of the plurality of the SSBs. The RRC release message may indicate time domain resource allocation of the configured uplink grant comprising at least one of: a periodicity of the configured uplink grant; and/or a time offset of the configured uplink grant. The RRC release message may indicate one or more configuration parameters associated with a bandwidth part, wherein the one or more configuration parameters comprise at least one of: a numerology of the bandwidth part; a number/quantity of resource blocks of the bandwidth part; and/or a frequency location of the bandwidth part. The RRC release message may indicate a timing alignment timer value of the configured uplink grant. The wireless device may comprise one or more processors; and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the wireless device to perform the described method, additional operations and/or include the additional elements. A base station may comprise one or more processors; and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the base station to perform steps complementary to the described wireless device method, additional operations and/or include the additional elements. A system may comprise the wireless device configured to perform the described method, additional operations and/or include the additional elements; and a base station configured to communicate with the wireless device (e.g., send/transmit the RRC release message). A computer-readable medium may store instructions that, when executed, cause performance of the described method, additional operations and/or include the additional elements. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to OMAR J GHOWRWAL whose telephone number is (571)270-5691. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 9:00am-6:00pm. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, ASAD NAWAZ can be reached at 571-272-3988. 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. /OMAR J GHOWRWAL/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2463
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Prosecution Timeline

Dec 05, 2023
Application Filed
Dec 12, 2025
Non-Final Rejection — §DP
Mar 27, 2026
Response Filed

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
85%
Grant Probability
99%
With Interview (+48.1%)
2y 9m
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 810 resolved cases by this examiner