DETAILED ACTION
The following is a final office action in response to applicant’s remarks submitted on 05/18/2026 for response of the office action mailed on 03/05/2026. Independent claims 1, 6, 11 and 16 are amended. No claims are cancelled. Therefore, claims 1-20 are pending and addressed below.
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 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.
In 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 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 factual inquiries set forth in Graham v. John Deere Co., 383 U.S. 1, 148 USPQ 459 (1966), that are applied 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.
Claims 1-2, 4, 6-7, 9, 11-12, 14, 16-17 and 19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Lee et al. (2019/0349836) Lee836 hereinafter, in view of Lee et al. (2015/0296556), Lee556 hereinafter.
Re. Claims 1 and 11, Lee836 teaches a method (Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0150: ¶0151/¶0159: ¶0163) for wireless communications (Fig.6) by an apparatus (Fig.6, UE/Fig.5) comprising, and an apparatus (Fig.6, UE/Fig.5) configured for wireless communications (Fig.6), comprising: one or more memories (Fig. 5, 130) and one or more processors (Fig.5, 110) coupled to the one or more memories and configured to cause the apparatus to: send user equipment (UE) assistance information to a network entity, the UE assistance information comprising information indicative of a requested duration during which the apparatus is allowed to deny up to a requested maximum number of uplink transmissions (Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0150: ¶0151 - UE transmits a request for desired autonomous denial information to a network (S1113). Preferably, desired autonomous information includes a desired maximum number of the uplink subframes for which the UE is allowed to deny any uplink transmissions and a validity period over which the uplink autonomous denial subframes shall be counted. Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0159: ¶0160 - The UE transmits a request for desired autonomous denial information to a network if the number of subframes for which the UE is required to deny or the UE has denied any uplink transmission during the validity period is above a threshold value (S1209). Preferably, validity period and threshold value indicates autonomousDenialValidity and autonomousDenialSubframes respectively which are configured via autonomous denial configuration. Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0159: ¶0163 - When the one or more following conditions is met, the UE sends the assistance information to the network. In the following, validity period and threshold value indicates autonomousDenialValidity and autonomousDenialSubframes which are configured via autonomous denial configuration); and the requested maximum number of uplink transmissions the apparatus is allowed to deny during the requested duration (Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0150: ¶0151 - UE transmits a request for desired autonomous denial information to a network (S1113). Preferably, desired autonomous information includes a desired maximum number of the uplink subframes for which the UE is allowed to deny any uplink transmissions and a validity period over which the uplink autonomous denial subframes shall be counted.); wherein the UE assistance information further comprises information indicative of a requested cycle length for a periodically recurring communication cycle, or wherein the autonomous denial configuration further comprises information indicative of a cycle length for a periodically recurring communication cycle. (Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0122 - The autonomous denial procedure for link1 transmission includes: counting the number of the denial subframes of the link1 transmission during the validity period including previous subframes and the subframe, and determining that the link 1 transmission is denial until the number of the denial subframes reaches a maximum number. Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0127 - The “autonomousDenialValidity” indicates the validity period over which the link1 autonomous denial subframes shall be counted. Value sf200 corresponds to 200 subframes, sf500 corresponds to 500 subframes and so on. Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0128 - When the UE performs autonomous denial procedure for link1 transmission, the UE counts the number of denials of subframes for link1 transmission over a validity period including previous subframes and a current subframe indicated by autonomousDenialValidity, and denying scheduled link1 transmission at the current subframe if the number of denials of subframes for link1 transmission is less than a threshold indicated by autonomousDenialSubframes. Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0159: ¶0160 - The UE transmits a request for desired autonomous denial information to a network if the number of subframes for which the UE is required to deny or the UE has denied any uplink transmission during the validity period is above a threshold value (S1209). Preferably, validity period and threshold value indicates autonomousDenialValidity and autonomousDenialSubframes respectively which are configured via autonomous denial configuration. Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0159: ¶0163 - When the one or more following conditions is met, the UE sends the assistance information to the network. In the following, validity period and threshold value indicates autonomousDenialValidity and autonomousDenialSubframes which are configured via autonomous denial configuration. Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0162 - The “autonomousDenialValidity” indicates the validity period over which the link1 autonomous denial subframes shall be counted. Value sf200 corresponds to 200 subframes, sf500 corresponds to 500 subframes and so on).
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Yet, Lee836 does not expressly teach receive an autonomous denial configuration from the network entity, the autonomous denial configuration comprising information indicative of: a duration during which the apparatus is allowed to deny up to a maximum number of uplink transmissions; and the maximum number of uplink transmissions the apparatus is allowed to deny during the duration.
However, in the analogous art, Lee556 explicitly discloses receive an autonomous denial configuration from the network entity, the autonomous denial configuration comprising information indicative of: a duration during which the apparatus is allowed to deny up to a maximum number of uplink transmissions; and the maximum number of uplink transmissions the apparatus is allowed to deny during the duration. (Fig. 5-6 & ¶0167 - At step S100, the UE receives a configuration for autonomous denial over a first connection with a first system. At step S110, the UE applies the autonomous denial for a first UL transmission over the first connection based on the received configuration if DL transmission over a second connection with a second system (e.g., GNSS, see ¶0168) collides with the first UL transmission. At step S120, the UE prohibits the autonomous denial for a second UL transmission over the first connection if the second UL transmission corresponds to a specific signal. Fig. 5-6 & ¶0168 - The first system may be an E-UTRAN, and the second system may be a system on ISM band such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or global navigation satellite system (GNSS). The specific signal may be specific RRC messages such as a handover complete message, RRC connection re-establishment complete message, RRC connection request message. Or, the specific signal may be a periodic or aperiodic sounding reference signal. Or, the specific signal may be a random access preamble or a scheduling request which is triggered to carry a specific RRC message. Or, the specific signal may be a MAC control element or RLC/PDCP control information. Also, see Tables 3-4 & ¶0164, where parameters for autonomous denial are configured in OtherConfig information element (IE), for example, autonomousDenialSubframes Indicates the maximum number of the assigned UL subframes for which the UE is allowed to deny the scheduled UL transmission. Value n2 corresponds to 2 subframes, n5 to 5 subframes and so on. autonomousDenialValidity Indicates the validity period over which the UL autonomous denial subframes shall be counted. Value sf200 corresponds to 200 subframes, sf500 corresponds to 500 subframes and so on. A moving window is used to count the validity of the UL autonomous denial, i.e. the UE can deny a particular UL subframe if over a duration of validity period from this subframe in the past, the autonomousDenialSubframes will not be exceeded).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Lee836’s invention of a system and a method for triggering resource reselection for sidelink transmission prioritized over uplink transmission in a wireless communication system to include Lee556’s invention of a system and a method for prohibiting autonomous denial in a wireless communication system, because it provides an efficient mechanism for avoiding or minimizing IDC (in-device coexistence) interference between collocated radio transceivers, for example, when a UE (User Equipment) is equipped with a LTE radio transceiver module and a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) radio transceiver module operating in the wireless communication system. (¶0005-¶0007, Lee556)
Re. Claims 6 and 16, Lee836 teaches a method (Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0150: ¶0151/¶0159: ¶0163) for wireless communications (Fig. 6) by an apparatus (Fig. 6, eNB / Fig.5) comprising, and an apparatus (Fig. 6, eNB / Fig.5) configured for wireless communications (Fig. 6), comprising: one or more memories (Fig. 130) comprising; and one or more processors (Fig.5, 110) configured coupled to the one or more memories and configured to cause the apparatus to: receive user equipment (UE) assistance information from a UE, the UE assistance information comprising information indicative of: a requested duration during which the UE is allowed to deny up to a requested maximum number of uplink transmissions (Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0150: ¶0151 - UE transmits a request for desired autonomous denial information to a network (S1113). Preferably, desired autonomous information includes a desired maximum number of the uplink subframes for which the UE is allowed to deny any uplink transmissions and a validity period over which the uplink autonomous denial subframes shall be counted. Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0159: ¶0160 - The UE transmits a request for desired autonomous denial information to a network if the number of subframes for which the UE is required to deny or the UE has denied any uplink transmission during the validity period is above a threshold value (S1209). Preferably, validity period and threshold value indicates autonomousDenialValidity and autonomousDenialSubframes respectively which are configured via autonomous denial configuration. Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0159: ¶0163 - When the one or more following conditions is met, the UE sends the assistance information to the network. In the following, validity period and threshold value indicates autonomousDenialValidity and autonomousDenialSubframes which are configured via autonomous denial configuration); and the requested maximum number of uplink transmissions the UE is allowed to deny during the requested duration (Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0150: ¶0151 - UE transmits a request for desired autonomous denial information to a network (S1113). Preferably, desired autonomous information includes a desired maximum number of the uplink subframes for which the UE is allowed to deny any uplink transmissions and a validity period over which the uplink autonomous denial subframes shall be counted); wherein the UE assistance information further comprises information indicative of a requested cycle length for a periodically recurring communication cycle, or wherein the autonomous denial configuration further comprises information indicative of a cycle length for a periodically recurring communication cycle. (Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0122 - The autonomous denial procedure for link1 transmission includes: counting the number of the denial subframes of the link1 transmission during the validity period including previous subframes and the subframe, and determining that the link 1 transmission is denial until the number of the denial subframes reaches a maximum number. Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0127 - The “autonomousDenialValidity” indicates the validity period over which the link1 autonomous denial subframes shall be counted. Value sf200 corresponds to 200 subframes, sf500 corresponds to 500 subframes and so on. Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0128 - When the UE performs autonomous denial procedure for link1 transmission, the UE counts the number of denials of subframes for link1 transmission over a validity period including previous subframes and a current subframe indicated by autonomousDenialValidity, and denying scheduled link1 transmission at the current subframe if the number of denials of subframes for link1 transmission is less than a threshold indicated by autonomousDenialSubframes. Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0159: ¶0160 - The UE transmits a request for desired autonomous denial information to a network if the number of subframes for which the UE is required to deny or the UE has denied any uplink transmission during the validity period is above a threshold value (S1209). Preferably, validity period and threshold value indicates autonomousDenialValidity and autonomousDenialSubframes respectively which are configured via autonomous denial configuration. Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0159: ¶0163 - When the one or more following conditions is met, the UE sends the assistance information to the network. In the following, validity period and threshold value indicates autonomousDenialValidity and autonomousDenialSubframes which are configured via autonomous denial configuration. Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0162 - The “autonomousDenialValidity” indicates the validity period over which the link1 autonomous denial subframes shall be counted. Value sf200 corresponds to 200 subframes, sf500 corresponds to 500 subframes and so on).
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Yet, Lee836 does not expressly teach send an autonomous denial configuration to the UE, the autonomous denial configuration comprising information indicative of: a duration during which the UE is allowed to deny up to a maximum number of uplink transmissions; and the maximum number of uplink transmissions the UE is allowed to deny during the duration.
However, in the analogous art, Lee556 explicitly discloses send an autonomous denial configuration to the UE, the autonomous denial configuration comprising information indicative of: a duration during which the UE is allowed to deny up to a maximum number of uplink transmissions; and the maximum number of uplink transmissions the UE is allowed to deny during the duration. (Fig. 5-6 & ¶0167 - At step S100, the UE receives a configuration for autonomous denial over a first connection with a first system. At step S110, the UE applies the autonomous denial for a first UL transmission over the first connection based on the received configuration if DL transmission over a second connection with a second system (e.g., GNSS, see ¶0168) collides with the first UL transmission. At step S120, the UE prohibits the autonomous denial for a second UL transmission over the first connection if the second UL transmission corresponds to a specific signal. Fig. 5-6 & ¶0168 - The first system may be an E-UTRAN, and the second system may be a system on ISM band such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or global navigation satellite system (GNSS). The specific signal may be specific RRC messages such as a handover complete message, RRC connection re-establishment complete message, RRC connection request message. Or, the specific signal may be a periodic or aperiodic sounding reference signal. Or, the specific signal may be a random access preamble or a scheduling request which is triggered to carry a specific RRC message. Or, the specific signal may be a MAC control element or RLC/PDCP control information. Also, see Tables 3-4 & ¶0164, where parameters for autonomous denial are configured in OtherConfig information element (IE), for example, autonomousDenialSubframes Indicates the maximum number of the assigned UL subframes for which the UE is allowed to deny the scheduled UL transmission. Value n2 corresponds to 2 subframes, n5 to 5 subframes and so on. autonomousDenialValidity Indicates the validity period over which the UL autonomous denial subframes shall be counted. Value sf200 corresponds to 200 subframes, sf500 corresponds to 500 subframes and so on. A moving window is used to count the validity of the UL autonomous denial, i.e. the UE can deny a particular UL subframe if over a duration of validity period from this subframe in the past, the autonomousDenialSubframes will not be exceeded).
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Lee836’s invention of a system and a method for triggering resource reselection for sidelink transmission prioritized over uplink transmission in a wireless communication system to include Lee556’s invention of a system and a method for prohibiting autonomous denial in a wireless communication system, because it provides an efficient mechanism for avoiding or minimizing IDC (in-device coexistence) interference between collocated radio transceivers, for example, when a UE (User Equipment) is equipped with a LTE radio transceiver module and a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) radio transceiver module operating in the wireless communication system. (¶0005-¶0007, Lee556)
Re. Claims 2, 7, 12 and 17, Lee836 and Lee556 teach claims 1, 6, 11 and 16.
Lee836 further teaches wherein the UE assistance information further comprises information indicative of a requested cycle length for the periodically recurring communication cycle, the periodically recurring communication cycle comprising a first time period corresponding to the requested duration and a second time period. (Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0122 - The autonomous denial procedure for link1 transmission includes: counting the number of the denial subframes of the link1 transmission during the validity period including previous subframes and the subframe, and determining that the link 1 transmission is denial until the number of the denial subframes reaches a maximum number. Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0127 - The “autonomousDenialValidity” indicates the validity period over which the link1 autonomous denial subframes shall be counted. Value sf200 corresponds to 200 subframes, sf500 corresponds to 500 subframes and so on. Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0128 - When the UE performs autonomous denial procedure for link1 transmission, the UE counts the number of denials of subframes for link1 transmission over a validity period including previous subframes and a current subframe indicated by autonomousDenialValidity, and denying scheduled link1 transmission at the current subframe if the number of denials of subframes for link1 transmission is less than a threshold indicated by autonomousDenialSubframes. Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0159: ¶0160 - The UE transmits a request for desired autonomous denial information to a network if the number of subframes for which the UE is required to deny or the UE has denied any uplink transmission during the validity period is above a threshold value (S1209). Preferably, validity period and threshold value indicates autonomousDenialValidity and autonomousDenialSubframes respectively which are configured via autonomous denial configuration. Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0159: ¶0163 - When the one or more following conditions is met, the UE sends the assistance information to the network. In the following, validity period and threshold value indicates autonomousDenialValidity and autonomousDenialSubframes which are configured via autonomous denial configuration. Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0162 - The “autonomousDenialValidity” indicates the validity period over which the link1 autonomous denial subframes shall be counted. Value sf200 corresponds to 200 subframes, sf500 corresponds to 500 subframes and so on.).
Re. Claims 4, 9, 14 and 19, Lee836 and Lee556 teach claims 1, 6, 11 and 16.
Lee836 further teaches wherein the autonomous denial configuration further comprises information indicative of the cycle length for the periodically recurring communication cycle, the periodically recurring communication cycle comprising a first time period corresponding to the duration and a second time period. (Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0122 - The autonomous denial procedure for link1 transmission includes: counting the number of the denial subframes of the link1 transmission during the validity period including previous subframes and the subframe, and determining that the link 1 transmission is denial until the number of the denial subframes reaches a maximum number. Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0127 - The “autonomousDenialValidity” indicates the validity period over which the link1 autonomous denial subframes shall be counted. Value sf200 corresponds to 200 subframes, sf500 corresponds to 500 subframes and so on. Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0128 - When the UE performs autonomous denial procedure for link1 transmission, the UE counts the number of denials of subframes for link1 transmission over a validity period including previous subframes and a current subframe indicated by autonomousDenialValidity, and denying scheduled link1 transmission at the current subframe if the number of denials of subframes for link1 transmission is less than a threshold indicated by autonomousDenialSubframes. Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0159: ¶0160 - The UE transmits a request for desired autonomous denial information to a network if the number of subframes for which the UE is required to deny or the UE has denied any uplink transmission during the validity period is above a threshold value (S1209). Preferably, validity period and threshold value indicates autonomousDenialValidity and autonomousDenialSubframes respectively which are configured via autonomous denial configuration. Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12 & ¶0162 - The “autonomousDenialValidity” indicates the validity period over which the link1 autonomous denial subframes shall be counted. Value sf200 corresponds to 200 subframes, sf500 corresponds to 500 subframes and so on).
Claims 5, 10, 15 and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Lee836, in view of Lee556, further in view of Wang et al. (2014/0301315), Wang hereinafter.
Re. Claims 5 and 15, Lee836and Lee556 teach claims 1 and 11.
Yet, Lee836and Lee556 do not expressly teach sending a report to the network entity, the report indicating a number of uplink transmissions the apparatus denied for the duration.
However, in the analogous art, Wang explicitly discloses sending a report to the network entity, the report indicating a number of uplink transmissions the apparatus denied for the duration. (Fig. 1-12 & ¶0073 - the autonomous denial request message may include: a starting point of the predefined time. And the autonomous denial report may include: which uplink subframes are autonomously denied by the user equipment from the starting point of the predefined time to the current moment, or the number of the uplink subframes autonomously denied by the user equipment from the starting point of the predefined time to the current moment. Fig. 1-12 & ¶0074 - For example, if the predefined time is 12:00 and the current moment is 14:30, the user equipment will generate an autonomous denial report according to autonomous denial information recorded within this period of time 12:00-14:30. Which uplink subframes are autonomous denied may be denoted by using a bit string; wherein, each bit corresponds to an uplink subframe, "1" denoting transmission of the uplink subframe is autonomous denied by the user equipment. Fig. 1-12 & ¶0075 - Or, the number of autonomous denied uplink subframes may be denoted by using a numeral. For example, if "12" is contained in the autonomous denial report, it denotes that the number of autonomous denied uplink subframes within this period of time 12:00-14:30 is "12".)
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Lee836’s invention of a system and a method for triggering resource reselection for sidelink transmission prioritized over uplink transmission in a wireless communication system and Lee556’s invention of a system and a method for prohibiting autonomous denial in a wireless communication system to include Wang’s invention of a system and a method for autonomous denial in a wireless communication system, because it provides an efficient mechanism for autonomous denial, an eNB and user equipment, with an object being to autonomously deny uplink data of the user equipment more accurately, in turn, improves the improves system performance of a network operating in the wireless communication system. (¶0006-¶0010, Wang)
Re. Claims 10 and 20, Lee836and Lee556 teach claims 6 and 16.
Yet, Lee836and Lee556 do not expressly teach receiving a report from the UE, the report indicating a number of uplink transmissions the UE denied for the duration.
However, in the analogous art, Wang explicitly discloses receiving a report from the UE, the report indicating a number of uplink transmissions the UE denied for the duration. (Fig. 1-12 & ¶0073 - the autonomous denial request message may include: a starting point of the predefined time. And the autonomous denial report may include: which uplink subframes are autonomously denied by the user equipment from the starting point of the predefined time to the current moment, or the number of the uplink subframes autonomously denied by the user equipment from the starting point of the predefined time to the current moment. Fig. 1-12 & ¶0074 - For example, if the predefined time is 12:00 and the current moment is 14:30, the user equipment will generate an autonomous denial report according to autonomous denial information recorded within this period of time 12:00-14:30. Which uplink subframes are autonomous denied may be denoted by using a bit string; wherein, each bit corresponds to an uplink subframe, "1" denoting transmission of the uplink subframe is autonomous denied by the user equipment. Fig. 1-12 & ¶0075 - Or, the number of autonomous denied uplink subframes may be denoted by using a numeral. For example, if "12" is contained in the autonomous denial report, it denotes that the number of autonomous denied uplink subframes within this period of time 12:00-14:30 is "12".)
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to combine Lee836’s invention of a system and a method for triggering resource reselection for sidelink transmission prioritized over uplink transmission in a wireless communication system and Lee556’s invention of a system and a method for prohibiting autonomous denial in a wireless communication system to include Wang’s invention of a system and a method for autonomous denial in a wireless communication system, because it provides an efficient mechanism for autonomous denial, an eNB and user equipment, with an object being to autonomously deny uplink data of the user equipment more accurately, in turn, improves the improves system performance of a network operating in the wireless communication system. (¶0006-¶0010, Wang)
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 3, 8, 13 and 18 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter: The Examiner has conducted a search of Patent and Non-Patent Literature and was unable to find any prior art which solely or in combination with another reference teaches the limitation of:
Claim 3 – wherein the UE assistance information further comprises offset information indicative of, for at least one occurrence of the periodically recurring communication cycle, a start time of the first time period.
Claim 8 – wherein the UE assistance information further comprises offset information indicative of, for at least one occurrence of the periodically recurring communication cycle, a start time of the first time period.
Claim 13 – wherein the UE assistance information further comprises offset information indicative of, for at least one occurrence of the periodically recurring communication cycle, a start time of the first time period.
Claim 18 – wherein the UE assistance information further comprises offset information indicative of, for at least one occurrence of the periodically recurring communication cycle, a start time of the first time period.
Response to Arguments
Applicant submitted Terminal Disclaimer (TD) on 05/18/2026 and accepted by USPTO on 05/26/2026. Therefore, nonstatutory double patenting rejection has been withdrawn.
Applicant’s arguments filed on 05/18/2026 with respect to independent claims 1, 6, 11 and 16 have been considered but they are not persuasive.
Regarding arguments in pages 8-9 as submitted on 05/18/2026 for independent claim 1, applicant asserts Lee836 fails to teach, “wherein the UE assistance information further comprises information indicative of a requested cycle length for a periodically recurring communication cycle, or wherein the autonomous denial configuration further comprises information indicative of a cycle length for a periodically recurring communication cycle”.
Examiner respectfully disagrees with the applicant. For example, Lee836 teaches that the autonomous denial procedure for link1 transmission includes: counting the number of the denial subframes of the link1 transmission during the validity period including previous subframes and the subframe, and determining that the link 1 transmission is denial until the number of the denial subframes reaches a maximum number. See ¶0122 along with Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12. Lee836 further teaches that the “autonomousDenialValidity” indicates the validity period over which the link1 autonomous denial subframes shall be counted. Value sf200 corresponds to 200 subframes, sf500 corresponds to 500 subframes and so on. When the UE performs autonomous denial procedure for link1 transmission, the UE counts the number of denials of subframes for link1 transmission over a validity period including previous subframes and a current subframe indicated by autonomousDenialValidity, and denying scheduled link1 transmission at the current subframe if the number of denials of subframes for link1 transmission is less than a threshold indicated by autonomousDenialSubframes. See ¶0127-¶0128 along with Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12.
Lee836 further teaches that the UE transmits a request for desired autonomous denial information to a network if the number of subframes for which the UE is required to deny or the UE has denied any uplink transmission during the validity period is above a threshold value (S1209). Preferably, validity period and threshold value indicate autonomousDenialValidity and autonomousDenialSubframes respectively which are configured via autonomous denial configuration. When the one or more following conditions is met, the UE sends the assistance information to the network. In the following, validity period and threshold value indicate autonomousDenialValidity and autonomousDenialSubframes which are configured via autonomous denial configuration. The “autonomousDenialValidity” indicates the validity period over which the link1 autonomous denial subframes shall be counted. Value sf200 corresponds to 200 subframes, sf500 corresponds to 500 subframes and so on. See ¶0159-¶0163 along with Fig. 6/Fig. 11-12, quite a contrast to applicant’s allegation at least at pages 8-9 of remarks as submitted on 05/18/2026
Similar arguments are applicable for the independent claims 6, 11 and 16.
For reasons as explained supra, it is maintained that independent claims 1 and 11 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Lee836, in view of Lee556.
Similarly, it is maintained that independent claims 6 and 16 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Lee836, in view of van der Lee556.
As all other dependent claims depend either directly or indirectly from the independent claims 1, 6, 11 and 16, similar rationale also applies to all respective dependent claims.
Conclusion
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.
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/MOHAMMED S CHOWDHURY/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2467
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