Prosecution Insights
Last updated: July 17, 2026
Application No. 18/607,986

DIE PACKAGE WITH ENTANGLED VERTICAL INTERCONNECTS COUPLED TO A ROUTING SUBSTRATE FOR REDUCED ROUTING SUBSTRATE LAYERS, AND RELATED INTEGRATED CIRCUIT (IC) PACKAGES AND FABRICATION METHODS

Non-Final OA §102§112
Filed
Mar 18, 2024
Examiner
CHEN, DAVID Z
Art Unit
Tech Center
Assignee
Qualcomm Incorporated
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
45%
Grant Probability
Moderate
1-2
OA Rounds
1y 3m
Est. Remaining
94%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 45% of resolved cases
45%
Career Allowance Rate
306 granted / 685 resolved
-15.3% vs TC avg
Strong +50% interview lift
Without
With
+49.8%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 7m
Avg Prosecution
49 currently pending
Career history
751
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§103
78.9%
+38.9% vs TC avg
§102
16.6%
-23.4% vs TC avg
§112
3.9%
-36.1% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 685 resolved cases

Office Action

§102 §112
DETAILED ACTION The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . 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 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. Response to Amendment/Restriction Applicant's election with traverse of Group I and claims 1-7 and 14-20 in the reply filed on June 05, 2026 is acknowledged. The traversal is on the ground(s) that “Applicant respectfully submits that process claims 5-7 and respective product claims 1-3 are not distinct under MPEP 806.05(f).” This is found persuasive and claims 1-7 and 14-20 are under examination and claims 8-13 are withdrawn from further consideration. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112 The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b): (b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph: The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention. Claims 15 and 19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention. As to claim 15, the limitans “a second metal interconnect” is already recited in claim 14. It is not clear whether the limitation refers to the same “second metal interconnect” . Thus, the limitation renders the claim indefinite and clarification is required. As to claim 19, the limitation “the second die” lacks sufficient antecedent basis. Thus, the limitation renders the claim indefinite and clarification is required. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 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. (a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. Claim(s) 1-7 and 14-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1)(2) as being anticipated by U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0238857 A1 to Beroz et al. (“Beroz”). As to claim 1, Beroz discloses a die package, comprising: a routing substrate (1412, 1418) extending in a first direction, the routing substrate (1412, 1418) comprising a first metallization layer (1420, 1481, 1482) comprising a plurality of first metal interconnects (1420, 1482) and a plurality of second metal interconnects (1420, 1481); a die (1415) comprising a plurality of die interconnects (solder balls ¶ 0092) each extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, each die interconnect (solder balls ¶ 0092) of the plurality of die interconnects (solder balls ¶ 0092) coupled to a first metal interconnect (1420, 1482) of the plurality of first metal interconnects (1420, 1482); and a plurality of entangled vertical interconnects (1426, 1428) coupled to a second metal interconnect (1420, 1481) of the plurality of second metal interconnects (1420, 1481), each of the plurality of entangled vertical interconnects (1426, 1428) disposed at an angle with respect to the second direction (See Fig. 19, ¶ 0003, ¶ 0091-¶ 0102) (Notes: the limitation “entangle” is defined as to catch or involve in or as if in a tangle; ensnare or enmesh by Dictionary.com). As to claim 2, Beroz discloses further comprising a mold layer (1436) disposed on the first metallization layer (1420, 1481, 1482); wherein each of the plurality of entangled vertical interconnects (1426, 1428) is at least partially disposed in the mold layer (1436) (See Fig. 19, ¶ 0098). As to claim 3, Beroz further discloses wherein the plurality of entangled vertical interconnects (1426, 1428) comprises a plurality of wire bonds (1426, 1428) (See ¶ 0095, ¶ 0096). As to claim 4, Beroz further discloses the die package of claim 1 integrated into a device selected from a group consisting of: a set top box; an entertainment unit; a navigation device; a communications device; a fixed location data unit; a mobile location data unit; a global positioning system (GPS) device; a mobile phone; a cellular phone; a smart phone; a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone; a tablet; a phablet; a server; a computer; a portable computer; a mobile computing device; a wearable computing device; a desktop computer; a personal digital assistant (PDA); a computer monitor; a television; a tuner; a radio; a satellite radio; a music player; a digital music player; a portable music player; a digital video player; a video player; a digital video disc (DVD) player; a portable digital video player; an automobile; a vehicle component; an avionics system; a drone; and a multicopter (See ¶ 0003, ¶ 0101). As to claim 5, Beroz discloses a method of fabricating an integrated circuit (IC) package, comprising: fabricating a die package, comprising: providing a routing substrate (1412, 1418) extending in a first direction, the routing substrate (1412, 1418) comprising a first metallization layer (1420, 1481, 1482) comprising a plurality of first metal interconnects (1420, 1482) and a plurality of second metal interconnects (1420, 1481); coupling each of a plurality of die interconnects (solder balls ¶ 0092) of a die (1415) each extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, to a first metal interconnect (1420, 1482) of the plurality of first metal interconnects (1420, 1482); and coupling each of a plurality of entangled vertical interconnects (1426, 1428) to a second metal interconnect (1420, 1481) of the plurality of second metal interconnects (1420, 1481), wherein each of the plurality of entangled vertical interconnects (1426, 1428) is disposed at an angle with respect to the second direction (See Fig. 19, ¶ 0091-¶ 0102) (Notes: the limitation “entangle” is defined as to catch or involve in or as if in a tangle; ensnare or enmesh by Dictionary.com). As to claim 6, Beroz discloses further comprising disposing a mold material (1436) on the first metallization layer (1420, 1481, 1482) at least partially encompassing each of the plurality of entangled vertical interconnects (1426, 1428) in a mold layer (1436) and the die (1415) (See Fig. 19, ¶ 0098). As to claim 7, Beroz further discloses wherein the plurality of entangled vertical interconnects (1426, 1428) comprises a plurality of entangled wire bonds (1426, 1428) (See ¶ 0095, ¶ 0096). As to claim 14, Beroz discloses an integrated circuit (IC) package, comprising: a first die package, comprising: a first routing substrate (1412, 1418) extending in a first direction, the first routing substrate (1412, 1418) comprising a first metallization layer (1420, 1481, 1482) comprising a plurality of first metal interconnects (1420, 1482) and a plurality of second metal interconnects 1420, 1481); a first die (1415) comprising a plurality of first die interconnects (solder balls ¶ 0092) each extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, each first die interconnect (solder balls ¶ 0092) of the plurality of first die interconnects (solder balls ¶ 0092) coupled to a first metal interconnect (1420, 1482) of the plurality of first metal interconnects (1420, 1482); and a plurality of entangled vertical interconnects (1426, 1428) coupled to a second metal interconnect (1420, 1481) of the plurality of second metal interconnects (1420, 1481), each of the plurality of entangled vertical interconnects (1426, 1428) disposed at an angle with respect to the second direction; and an interposer substrate (1430) adjacent to the first die package in the second direction, the interposer substrate (1430) comprising: a second metallization layer (1438, 1429, 1434) comprising a plurality of third metal interconnects (1429) each coupled to an entangled vertical interconnect (1426, 1428) of the plurality of entangled vertical interconnects (1426, 1428) (See Fig. 19, ¶ 0091-¶ 0102) (Notes: the limitation “entangle” is defined as to catch or involve in or as if in a tangle; ensnare or enmesh by Dictionary.com). As to claim 15, Beroz further discloses wherein each of the plurality of entangled vertical interconnects (1426, 1428) is coupled to a second metal interconnect (1420, 1481) of the plurality of second metal interconnects (1420, 1481) unaligned in the second direction to a coupled third metal interconnect (1429) of the plurality of third metal interconnects (1429) (See Fig. 19). As to claim 16, Beroz further discloses wherein each second metal interconnect (1420, 1481) of the plurality of second metal interconnects (1420, 1481) does not intersect an axis in the second direction of a third metal interconnect (1429) of the plurality of third metal interconnects (1429) coupled together through an entangled vertical interconnect (1426, 1428) of the plurality of entangled vertical interconnects (1426, 1428) (See Fig. 19). As to claim 17, Beroz discloses further comprising a second electrical component (1490, 1400) comprising a plurality of second component metal interconnects (1431) each extending in the second direction, each second metal interconnect (1431) of the plurality of second component metal interconnects (1431) coupled to a third metal interconnect (1429) of the plurality of third metal interconnects (1429) (See Fig. 19, ¶ 0102). As to claim 18, Beroz further discloses wherein the second electrical component (1490, 1400) comprises a second IC package comprising: a second routing substrate (1412, 1418, 1430) extending in the first direction, the second routing substrate (1412, 1418, 1430) comprising a third metallization layer (1438, 1429, 1434) comprising a plurality of fourth metal interconnects (1429, 1434); and the plurality of second component metal interconnects (1431); wherein: each second metal interconnect (1431) of the plurality of second metal interconnects (1431) is coupled to a fourth metal interconnect (1429, 1434) of the plurality of fourth metal interconnects (1429, 1434); and each fourth metal interconnect (1429, 1434) of the plurality of fourth metal interconnects (1429, 1434) is further coupled to a third metal interconnect (1429) of the plurality of third metal interconnects (1429) (See Fig. 19, ¶ 0102). As to claim 19, Beroz further discloses wherein the interposer substrate (1430) further comprises a third metallization layer (1438, 1434) adjacent to the second die in the second direction, the third metallization layer (1438, 1434) comprises a plurality of fourth metal interconnects (1434) each coupled to a third metal interconnect (1429) of the plurality of third metal interconnects (1429) and a second component metal interconnect (1431) of the plurality of second component metal interconnects (1431) (See Fig. 19). As to claim 20, Beroz further discloses wherein the first die package further comprises a mold layer (1436) disposed on the first metallization layer (1420, 1481, 1482); wherein each of the plurality of entangled vertical interconnects (1426, 1428) is at least partially disposed in the mold layer (1436) (See Fig. 19, ¶ 0098). Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to DAVID CHEN whose telephone number is (571)270-7438. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 12-6. 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, JOSHUA BENITEZ can be reached at (571) 270-1435. 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. /DAVID CHEN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2815
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Mar 18, 2024
Application Filed
Jul 01, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §102, §112 (current)

Precedent Cases

Applications granted by this same examiner with similar technology

Patent 12684792
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE COMPRISING A TRANSISTOR REGION AND A CAPACITANCE ADJUSTING REGION
4y 4m to grant Granted Jul 14, 2026
Patent 12656839
DISPLAY PANEL INCLUDING CIRCUIT LAYER AND CONDUCTIVE LAYER ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED TO EACH OTHER THROUGH VIA AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME, AND DISPLAY APPARATUS
5y 9m to grant Granted Jun 16, 2026
Patent 12660674
HERMETICALLY SEALED GLASS ENCLOSURE
4y 4m to grant Granted Jun 16, 2026
Patent 12642087
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE WITH HEAT SINK HAVING ANCHOR STRUCTURE
4y 3m to grant Granted May 26, 2026
Patent 12641937
LIGHT-EMITTING CHIP HOLDER AND LIGHT-EMITTING DEVICE
3y 1m to grant Granted May 26, 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
45%
Grant Probability
94%
With Interview (+49.8%)
3y 7m (~1y 3m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 685 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance 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