Prosecution Insights
Last updated: August 17, 2026
Application No. 18/629,794

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HANDOVER IN NETWORK

Final Rejection §103
Filed
Apr 08, 2024
Priority
Apr 06, 2023 — GB 2305220.2
Examiner
ACOLATSE, KODZOVI
Art Unit
2478
Tech Center
2400 — Computer Networks
Assignee
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
OA Round
2 (Final)
84%
Grant Probability
Favorable
3-4
OA Rounds
2m
Est. Remaining
99%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 84% — above average
84%
Career Allowance Rate
783 granted / 935 resolved
+25.7% vs TC avg
Strong +21% interview lift
Without
With
+21.1%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 6m
Avg Prosecution
51 currently pending
Career history
989
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
5.5%
-34.5% vs TC avg
§103
54.9%
+14.9% vs TC avg
§102
22.3%
-17.7% vs TC avg
§112
9.1%
-30.9% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 935 resolved cases

Office Action

§103
DETAILED ACTION Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . This is responsive to application 18/629,497 filed 4/8/2024 in which claims 1-16 are presented for examination. Response to Arguments Applicant’s arguments with respect to amendment of 6/9/2026 have been considered but are moot in view of new grounds of rejection. 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. Claims 1-16 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Khoshkholgh Dashtaki et al (US 2025/0338343 A1) (hereinafter Khosh) in view of Stanczak et al (US 2022/0361062 A1). Regarding claim 1, Khosh teaches a method performed by a first base station, the method comprising: transmitting to a second base station, a request message including a conditional handover (CHO) information associated with a time-based trigger condition (Khosh: Figs. 19, 22; [0287] [0350] source BS/first base station transmits CHO request to Target BS1/second base station; the CHO is associated with HO timer T304); receiving, from the second base station, a response message including configuration for a conditional handover, as a response to the request message (Khosh: Figs. 19, 22; [0287] [0350], source BS receives HO request ACK); and transmitting, to a terminal, a radio resource control reconfiguration message including the configuration for the conditional handover and information on the time-based trigger condition (Khosh: Figs. 19, 22; [0274] [0281], the wireless device receive HO command in RRC reconfiguration message comprising CHO configuration and HO timer/time-based trigger); wherein the configuration for the conditional handover includes a configured grant for a time-based conditional handover (Khosh: Figs. 19, 22; [0274] [0281], [0346] the wireless device receive HO command in RRC reconfiguration message comprising configured UL grant and HO timer/time-based trigger), and wherein the time-based conditional handover CHO is performed based on a random access channel (RACH)-less (Khosh: Fig. 19, 22, [0347]-[0350], RACH-less CHO performed). Khosh does not explicitly disclose the resource control reconfiguration message including the configuration for the conditional handover and information on the time-based trigger condition. Stanczak teaches the resource control reconfiguration message including the configuration for the conditional handover and information on the time-based trigger condition (Stanczak: Fig. 8; [0157]-[0160], the CHO command/RRC reconfiguration message comprises the HO timer T and the CHO configuration). It would have been obvious to a person having an ordinary skill in th art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the system of Khosh wherein the resource control reconfiguration message including the configuration for the conditional handover and information on the time-based trigger condition as disclosed by Stanczak to provide a system for conditional handover (Stanczak: Abstract). Regarding claim 5, Khosh teaches a method performed by a terminal, the method comprising: receiving, from a first base station, an uplink (UL) grant for a time-based conditional handover (CHO), a radio resource control reconfiguration message including a configuration for a conditional handover (CHO) and information on a time-based trigger condition in case that a response message including configuration for a conditional handover is received by the first base station, as a response to a request message including a conditional handover information (Khosh: Figs. 19, 22; [0274] [0281], the wireless device receive HO command in RRC reconfiguration message comprising CHO configuration and HO timer/time-based trigger); performing the time-based conditional handover based on the configuration for the conditional handover and the information on the time-based trigger condition (Khosh: Fig. 19, 22, [0274] [0281],[0347]-[00350]); wherein the configuration for the conditional handover includes a configured grant for a time-based conditional handover and wherein the time-based conditional handover CHO is performed based on a random access channel (RACH)-less (Khosh: Fig. 19, 22, [0347]-[0350], RACH-less CHO performed). Khosh does not explicitly disclose the resource control reconfiguration message including the configuration for the conditional handover and information on the time-based trigger condition. Stanczak teaches the resource control reconfiguration message including the configuration for the conditional handover and information on the time-based trigger condition (Stanczak: Fig. 8; [0157]-[0160], the CHO command/RRC reconfiguration message comprises the HO timer T and the CHO configuration). It would have been obvious to a person having an ordinary skill in th art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the system of Khosh wherein the resource control reconfiguration message including the configuration for the conditional handover and information on the time-based trigger condition as disclosed by Stanczak to provide a system for conditional handover (Stanczak: Abstract). Regarding claim 9, Khosh teaches a first base station, comprising: a transceiver; and at least one processor configured to: transmit to a second base station, a request message including a conditional handover (CHO) information associated with a time-based trigger condition (Khosh: Figs. 19, 22; [0287] [0350] source BS/first base station transmits CHO request to Target BS1/second base station; the CHO is associated with HO timer T304); receive, from the second base station, a response message including configuration for a conditional handover, as a response to the request message (Khosh: Figs. 19, 22; [0287] [0350], source BS receives HO request ACK); and transmit, to a terminal, a radio resource control reconfiguration message including the configuration for the conditional handover and information on the time-based trigger condition (Khosh: Figs. 19, 22; [0274] [0281], the wireless device receive HO command in RRC reconfiguration message comprising CHO configuration and HO timer/time-based trigger); wherein the configuration for the conditional handover includes a configured grant for a time-based conditional handover (Khosh: Figs. 19, 22; [0274] [0281], [0346] the wireless device receive HO command in RRC reconfiguration message comprising configured UL grant and HO timer/time-based trigger), and wherein the time-based conditional handover CHO is performed based on a random access channel (RACH)-less (Khosh: Fig. 19, 22, [0347]-[0350], RACH-less CHO performed). Khosh does not explicitly disclose the resource control reconfiguration message including the configuration for the conditional handover and information on the time-based trigger condition. Stanczak teaches the resource control reconfiguration message including the configuration for the conditional handover and information on the time-based trigger condition (Stanczak: Fig. 8; [0157]-[0160], the CHO command/RRC reconfiguration message comprises the HO timer T and the CHO configuration). It would have been obvious to a person having an ordinary skill in th art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the system of Khosh wherein the resource control reconfiguration message including the configuration for the conditional handover and information on the time-based trigger condition as disclosed by Stanczak to provide a system for conditional handover (Stanczak: Abstract). Regarding claim 13, Khosh teaches a terminal, comprising: a transceiver; and at least one processor configured to: receive, from a first base station, an uplink (UL) grant for a time-based conditional handover (CHO), a radio resource control reconfiguration message including a configuration for a conditional handover (CHO) and information on a time-based trigger condition in case that a response message including configuration for a conditional handover is received by the first base station, as a response to a request message including a conditional handover information (Khosh: Figs. 19, 22; [0274] [0281], the wireless device receive HO command in RRC reconfiguration message comprising CHO configuration and HO timer/time-based trigger); perform the time-based conditional handover based on the configuration for the conditional handover and the information on the time-based trigger condition (Khosh: Fig. 19, 22, [0274] [0281],[0347]-[00350]); wherein the configuration for the conditional handover includes a configured grant for a time-based conditional handover and wherein the time-based conditional handover CHO is performed based on a random access channel (RACH)-less (Khosh: Fig. 19, 22, [0347]-[0350], RACH-less CHO performed). Khosh does not explicitly disclose the resource control reconfiguration message including the configuration for the conditional handover and information on the time-based trigger condition. Stanczak teaches the resource control reconfiguration message including the configuration for the conditional handover and information on the time-based trigger condition (Stanczak: Fig. 8; [0157]-[0160], the CHO command/RRC reconfiguration message comprises the HO timer T and the CHO configuration). It would have been obvious to a person having an ordinary skill in th art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to modify the system of Khosh wherein the resource control reconfiguration message including the configuration for the conditional handover and information on the time-based trigger condition as disclosed by Stanczak to provide a system for conditional handover (Stanczak: Abstract). Regarding claims 2, 6, 10 and 14, Khosh in view of Stanczak teaches wherein the conditional handover information configuration associated with the time-based trigger condition includes at least one information on a time-based conditional event, or information on a time threshold (Stanczak: Fig. 8; [0157]-[0160]). Regarding claims 3, 7, 11 and 15, Khosh in view of Stanczak teaches wherein at least one of the first base station or the second base station is associated with a non-terrestrial network (NTN) (Khosh: Fig. 23; [0285]-[0286]). Regarding claims 4 and 12, Khosh in view of Stanczak teaches monitoring for a UL RACH-less transmission from the terminal based on the conditional handover information configuration associated with the time-based trigger condition (Khosh: Fig. 22; [0345]-[0350], RACH-less uplink transmission from the UE to the target BS). Regarding claims 8 and 16, Khosh in view of Stanczak teaches wherein the radio resource reconfiguration message further includes information for configuring the UL transmission and wherein the information for configuring the UL transmission further includes at least one of first information on a number of HARQ process configured, second information on a number of repetition for the UL transmission, or third information associated with a RACH-less configuration (Khosh: Fig. 22). Conclusion THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. 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. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to KODZOVI ACOLATSE whose telephone number is (571)270-1999. The examiner can normally be reached Monday to Friday 10 am to 6pm. 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, Avellino Joseph can be reached at (571) 272-3905. 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. /KODZOVI ACOLATSE/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2478
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Prosecution Timeline

Apr 08, 2024
Application Filed
Mar 09, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103
Jun 09, 2026
Response Filed
Aug 04, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §103 (current)

Precedent Cases

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Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

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Prosecution Projections

3-4
Expected OA Rounds
84%
Grant Probability
99%
With Interview (+21.1%)
2y 6m (~2m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Moderate
PTA Risk
Based on 935 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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