Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 02, 2026
Application No. 18/738,249

DATA MODEL AND DATA SERVICE FOR CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Non-Final OA §103
Filed
Jun 10, 2024
Priority
Dec 21, 2020 — continuation of 11/366,793 +1 more
Examiner
HTAY, LIN LIN M
Art Unit
2153
Tech Center
2100 — Computer Architecture & Software
Assignee
Dropbox Inc.
OA Round
5 (Non-Final)
71%
Grant Probability
Favorable
5-6
OA Rounds
1y 0m
Est. Remaining
96%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 71% — above average
71%
Career Allowance Rate
217 granted / 304 resolved
+16.4% vs TC avg
Strong +25% interview lift
Without
With
+24.6%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 3m
Avg Prosecution
20 currently pending
Career history
343
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
19.1%
-20.9% vs TC avg
§103
60.9%
+20.9% vs TC avg
§102
2.8%
-37.2% vs TC avg
§112
12.4%
-27.6% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 304 resolved cases

Office Action

§103
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 . The Amendment filed on 08/07/26 has been received and entered. Application No. 18/738,249 of which claims 1-20 are pending in the application, all of which are ready for examination by the examiner. Continued Examination under 37 CFR 1.114 A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection. Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114. Applicant's submission filed on 08/07/2026 has been entered. Response to Amendment Applicant’s arguments and remarks necessitated new grounds of rejection. Response to Arguments Applicant’s arguments with respect to 35 USC § 103 rejections of claims 1-20 have been fully considered but are moot because the arguments do not apply to any of the references being used in the current rejection. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 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. 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 of this title, 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 1-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Regni et al. (U.S. PGPub 2015/0254272; hereinafter “Regni”) in view of Coldham et al. (U.S. PGPub 2019/0250800; hereinafter “Coldham”) and further in view of Weaver et al. (U.S. PGPGub 2019/0361916; hereinafter “Weaver”) and further in view of Baek et al. (U.S. PGPub 2018/0189369; hereinafter “Baek”). As per claims 1, 9 and 15, Regni discloses a method comprising: maintaining a database including at least one table and at least one index in addition to the at least one table, wherein the database includes immutable rows: (See Figs. 7b and 8, paras. 85, 89, 135, wherein immutable objects, row objects, rows in a table are disclosed, also See Fig. 12, paras. 94 and 110, wherein new and modified data are disclosed; as taught by Regni.) an object identifier ("ID") referencing a specific object for which data in the immutable row in the at least one table pertains; (See Figs. 7b and 8, paras. 89, 135, wherein object IDs are disclosed, also See Fig. 12, paras. 94 and 110, wherein new and modified data are disclosed; as taught by Regni.) However, Regni fails to disclose a hybrid logical clock value recording a system time in which changed data relative to the specific object represented by the object ID occurred and a change was made. On the other hand, Coldham teaches a hybrid logical clock value recording a system time in which the changed data relative to the specific object represented by the object ID occurred and a change was made. (See paras. 19, 57, 70, wherein hybrid logical clock in which “second user computing device 502B may track changes for each mutable attribute on each object using a hybrid logical clock. Each time a mutable attribute is modified, an HLC timestamp is encoded to the change (e.g., as an attribute of an object or an attribute of an attribute)” [0070] are disclosed, also See Table 1, para. 115, wherein changed data, snapshots of data are disclosed, also Figures 11A-11B, paras. 40-42, 117-118, wherein process of storing sequence of snapshots as new history path in which “ the system may generate another new sequence of snapshots. This then creates a tree of history paths associated with the object of the same canvas that was originally used to generate the first snapshot in FIG. 11A. A history path may provide a user associated with a computing device with information about all the changes and operations that were performed on the object and the ability to select an object in a state at a specific point in time that may have occurred a long time ago” [0118] are disclosed; as taught by Coldham.) Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the computer art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the Coldham teachings in the Regni system. Skilled artisan would have been motivated to incorporate the method for generating and providing snapshots for playback on sequence of operations on objects taught by Coldham in the Regni system for distributed consistent database implementation within an object store. In addition, both of the references (Regni and Coldham) teach features that are directed to analogous art and they are directed to the same field of endeavor, such as data management. This close relation between both of the references highly suggests an expectation of success. However, the combination of Regni and Coldham fails to disclose a server of a content management system; immutable rows with fields for data that cannot be deleted or overwritten and is descriptive of changed data occurring relative to objects stored in the content management system, wherein fields of an immutable row in the at least one table; creating, by the server of the content management system, a snapshot of a state of the specific object at a historical point in time when the change was made, by: identifying, from the immutable row, the object ID referencing the specific object and the hybrid logical clock value recording the system time in which the changed data relative to the specific object occurred and the change was made at the historical point in time. On the other hand, Weaver teaches a server of a content management system; (See paras. 94-95, 271-274, wherein management platform features are disclosed; as taught by Weaver.) immutable rows with fields for data that cannot be deleted or overwritten and is descriptive of changed data occurring relative to objects stored in the content management system, wherein fields of an immutable row in the at least one table; (See paras. 88, 171, wherein immutable row in which “the transactional database uses a temporal data model that is composed of immutable versions, such that synchronous overwrites are avoided” [0088] and “all records (including schema) may be temporal and may support configurable retention policies. When records are updated or deleted, their prior contents are not overwritten; instead, a new immutable version at the current transaction timestamp may be inserted into the instance history, either as a create, update, or delete event” [0171] are disclosed; as taught by Weaver.) creating, by the server of the content management system, a snapshot of a state of the specific object at a historical point in time when the change was made, by: identifying, from the immutable row, the object ID referencing the specific object and the hybrid logical clock value recording the system time in which the changed data relative to the specific object occurred and the change was made at the historical point in time. (See Figs. 1A-1B, paras. 173, 177-179, 282, wherein executing a snapshot to provide immutable data in which “users of the database may wish to have historical access to data, such as for enabling features like audit logs, “undo,” capabilities, social timelines, and data model migration, all of which are supported by temporal features. Historical access features may address requirements for standardized rendering of set and instance history, as well as generalized query support for transforming non-temporal (i.e., “snapshot”), read-only queries into temporal queries” [0179] are disclosed, also See paras. 46, 78-80, 243, wherein hybrid logical clock algorithm, hybrid clock are disclosed; as taught by Weaver.) Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the computer art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the Weaver teachings in the combination of Regni and Coldham system. Skilled artisan would have been motivated to incorporate the method for a data storage and retrieval taught by Weaver in the combination of Regni and Coldham system for distributed consistent database implementation within an object store. In addition, both of the references (Regni, Coldham, and Weaver) teach features that are directed to analogous art and they are directed to the same field of endeavor, such as data management. This close relation between both of the references highly suggests an expectation of success. However, the combination of Regni, Coldham, and Weaver fails to disclose block list identifying one or more modified data blocks comprising the changed data; retrieving the one or more modified data blocks identified by the block list. On the other hand, Baek teaches block list identifying one or more modified data blocks comprising the changed data; (See Fig. 1, paras. 22, 38, wherein modified blocks between revisions in which “When content management system 100 detects a new content item or changes to an existing content item, content management system 100 may notify (e.g., via notification service 146) storage controller 132 of the change, and storage service 134 can process the new or modified blocks and transfer them to block storage 136. In some implementations, storage service 134 can operate as a content-addressable storage (CAS) system, with each individual encrypted filed block retrieved based on its hash value” [022] are disclosed, also See paras. 21, 24, wherein content items, block list are disclosed; as taught by Baek.) retrieving the one or more modified data blocks identified by the block list. (See Fig. 1, paras. 22, 38, wherein modified blocks between revisions in which “When content management system 100 detects a new content item or changes to an existing content item, content management system 100 may notify (e.g., via notification service 146) storage controller 132 of the change, and storage service 134 can process the new or modified blocks and transfer them to block storage 136. In some implementations, storage service 134 can operate as a content-addressable storage (CAS) system, with each individual encrypted filed block retrieved based on its hash value” [022] are disclosed, also See paras. 21, 24, wherein content items (i.e., block list) are disclosed, also See paras. 55, 86, 133, wherein retrieval of content items; as taught by Baek.) Therefore, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the computer art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the Baek teachings in the combination of Regni, Coldham, and Weaver system. Skilled artisan would have been motivated to incorporate version history management taught by Baek in the combination of Regni, Coldham, and Weaver system for distributed consistent database implementation within an object store. In addition, both of the references (Regni, Coldham, Weaver, and Baek) teach features that are directed to analogous art and they are directed to the same field of endeavor, such as data management. This close relation between both of the references highly suggests an expectation of success. As per claim 2, the rejection of claim 1 is hereby incorporated by reference, the combination of Regni, Coldham, Weaver, and Baek further discloses wherein the at least one table includes first data when first changed data occurs relative to the specific object. (See Figs. 7b and 8, para. 89, wherein object IDs are disclosed, also See Fig. 12, paras. 94 and 110, wherein new and modified data are disclosed, also See paras. 52 and 87-89, wherein metadata with time of creating of data object and modified data in which “If a page is to be modified 805, the change is made to the page (which can be a change, deletion and/or addition upon the page's information), a new object ID 723 for the page is created and entered to the working mapping table 720 (the modified page keeps its page ID)” [0089] disclosed; as taught by Regni.) As per claims 3, 10, and 16, the combination of Regni, Coldham, Weaver, and Baek further discloses wherein the fields further comprise at least one of: access capability data for the specific object represented by the object ID or object type data for the specific object represented by the object ID. (See paras. 32-35, wherein type of access in which “Each object is assigned its own unique (e.g., random) identifier that uniquely identifies its corresponding object. This particular type of access is distinguishing from other types of storage systems” is disclosed; as taught by Regni.) As per claims 4, 11, and 17, the combination of Regni, Weaver, and Baek further discloses receiving, at the database a request for a directory as it existed at a specific point in time; (See Figs. 1b, 9, paras. 52-54, 59, 79, wherein directory request, time of data created/modified in which “meta-data may include, e.g., time of creation of the data object, size of the data object, last access time of the data object, last modification time of the data object and the version number of the data object among other possible characteristics” [0052] are disclosed; as taught by Regni.) and generating, by the content management system, the directory as it existed at the specific point in time. (See Fig. 9, paras. 35, 52-54, 59, 100-103, wherein implementing a file directory in which “implement the file directory interface 206 of FIG. 2. As is known in the art, a specific file is targeted in a file directory system by specifying a pathway of sub-directories/folders through the directory's hierarchy” [0101] are disclosed, also See paras. 61-62, 73, 79-80, wherein directory request in which “request 510 may be generated externally from DDS 502 (e.g., in the case where the distributed consistent database is exposed for direct use) or internally within DDS 502 (e.g., in the case where a larger database solution offered by DDS is invoking the distributed consistent database). Actions to be performed on a distributed consistent database typically include any of: 1) the fetching of one or more objects 503 from within KVS 501 that the distributed consistent database is configured to keep;” [0073] are disclosed; as taught by Regni.) However, the combination of Regni, Weaver, and Baek fails to disclose relating, at the database, the specific point in time to a specific snapshot created at the historical point in time; the specific snapshot created at the historical point in time. On the other hand, Coldham teaches relating, at the database, the specific point in time to a specific snapshot created at the historical point in time; (See paras. 19, 57, 70, wherein hybrid logical clock are disclosed, also See Table 1, para. 115, wherein changed data, snapshots of data are disclosed, also Figures 11A-11B, paras. 40-42, 117-118, wherein process of storing sequence of snapshots as new history path in which “ the system may generate another new sequence of snapshots. This then creates a tree of history paths associated with the object of the same canvas that was originally used to generate the first snapshot in FIG. 11A. A history path may provide a user associated with a computing device with information about all the changes and operations that were performed on the object and the ability to select an object in a state at a specific point in time that may have occurred a long time ago” [0118] are disclosed; as taught by Coldham.) the specific snapshot created at the historical point in time. (See Figs. 8, paras. 19-20, 39, 97-98, wherein generating snapshots in which “a snapshot may be generated to include patches that represent state information when a user instructs the system to change the object's color from red to green. The snapshot may include a set of one or more patches (e.g., a patch that, if applied, updates the object's color attribute to green) and a timestamp associated with when the snapshot was taken. Specifically and for example, in 804, the system may generate the snapshot to include an HLC timestamp to indicate when the snapshot was taken with assurances that all patches that occurred up to that point are reflected in the snapshot” [0097] are disclosed, also Figures 11A-11B, paras. 40-42, 111, 117-118, wherein process of storing sequence of snapshots as new history path in which “system may determine, based on the request, that marker 1024 is when the object changes its state (e.g., from a state of still existing to a state where it has been deleted). Thus, the system may provide snapshots 1002-1004 (e.g., the two snapshots that led up to marker 1024) back to the user associated with the computing device”[0111] and “the system may generate another new sequence of snapshots. This then creates a tree of history paths associated with the object of the same canvas that was originally used to generate the first snapshot in FIG. 11A. A history path may provide a user associated with a computing device with information about all the changes and operations that were performed on the object and the ability to select an object in a state at a specific point in time that may have occurred a long time ago” [0118] are disclosed; as taught by Coldham.) See claims 1, 9, and 15 for motivation above. As per claims 5, 12, and 18, the combination of Regni, Coldham, and Weaver further discloses receiving, at the content management system, a request to undo at least one change to the specific object. (See Figs. 7A-7C, 11, paras. 43, 56-57, 94, wherein utilizing delete commands on deleting outright and previously existing modified data items are disclosed, also See paras. 57-59, 69-70, 89-90, wherein resolving incorrect object ID storage process are disclosed; as taught by Regni.) However, the combination of Regni, Coldham, and Weaver fails to disclose retrieving, using the block list, the one or more modified data blocks to restore the specific object to a state before the at least one change. On the other hand, Baek teaches retrieving, using the block list, the one or more modified data blocks to restore the specific object to a state before the at least one change. (See Fig. 1, paras. 22, 38, wherein modified blocks between revisions in which “When content management system 100 detects a new content item or changes to an existing content item, content management system 100 may notify (e.g., via notification service 146) storage controller 132 of the change, and storage service 134 can process the new or modified blocks and transfer them to block storage 136. In some implementations, storage service 134 can operate as a content-addressable storage (CAS) system, with each individual encrypted filed block retrieved based on its hash value” [022] are disclosed, also See paras. 21, 24, wherein content items (i.e., block list) are disclosed, also See paras. 55, 86, 133, wherein retrieval of content items; as taught by Baek.) See claims 1, 9, and 15 for motivation above. As per claims 6, 13, and 19, the combination of Regni, Weaver, and Baek discloses a directory object; and establishing a directory structure at the first point in time. (See Figs. 1b, 9, paras. 52-54, 59, 79, wherein directory request, metadata are disclosed, also See paras. 32-35, wherein object identifiers, directory path are disclosed; as taught by Regni.) However, the combination of Regni, Weaver, and Baek fails to disclose wherein creating the snapshot further comprises: obtaining an object ID at a first point in time. On the other hand, Coldham teaches wherein creating the snapshot further comprises: obtaining an object ID at a first point in time. (See Figs. 8-10, paras. 35-39, 57, 96, wherein hybrid logical clock, generating a snapshot of a state of object are disclosed, also See para. 88, wherein obtaining object identifier from a data structure process are disclosed; as taught by Coldham.) See claims 1, 9, and 15 for motivation above. As per claim 7, the rejection of claim 6 is hereby incorporated by reference, the combination of Regni, Coldham, Weaver, and Baek further discloses determining that the directory structure includes objects below the directory structure; (See Fig. 1b, paras. 4, 37, wherein sub-directories, lower sub-directories are disclosed; as taught by Regni.) and compiling a tree of objects below the directory structure by at least one of: recursively querying a directory index to compile a tree of the objects below the directory structure or performing a depth first search of a hierarchy table. (See paras. 9-10, 16, wherein indexing layer features, querying for particular item within storage layer process are disclosed; as taught by Regni.) As per claim 8, the rejection of claim 7 is hereby incorporated by reference, the combination of Regni, Coldham, and Weaver further discloses identifying, using the block list, a plurality of data blocks each object in the directory structure at the first point in time. (See Fig. 1c, paras. 44, 59, 94-95, wherein data objects are disclosed, also See Figs. 7A-7C, 11, paras. 32-35, 89-90, wherein object identifiers, directory path are disclosed; as taught by Regni.) However, the combination of Regni, Coldham, and Weaver fails to disclose identifying, using the block list, a plurality of modified data blocks comprising changed data. On the other hand, Baek teaches identifying, using the block list, a plurality of modified data blocks comprising changed data. (See Fig. 1, paras. 22, 38, wherein modified blocks between revisions in which “When content management system 100 detects a new content item or changes to an existing content item, content management system 100 may notify (e.g., via notification service 146) storage controller 132 of the change, and storage service 134 can process the new or modified blocks and transfer them to block storage 136. In some implementations, storage service 134 can operate as a content-addressable storage (CAS) system, with each individual encrypted filed block retrieved based on its hash value” [022] are disclosed, also See paras. 21, 24, wherein content items (i.e., block list) are disclosed, also See paras. 55, 86, 133, wherein retrieval of content items; as taught by Baek.) See claim 1 for motivation above. As per claims 14 and 20, the combination of Regni, Coldham, Weaver and Baek further discloses wherein the instructions, when executed by a computing system, further cause the computing system to: determine that the directory structure includes objects below the directory structure; (See Fig. 1b, paras. 4, 37, wherein sub-directories, lower sub-directories are disclosed; as taught by Regni.) compile a tree of objects below the directory structure by at least one of: recursively querying a directory index to compile a tree of the objects below the directory structure; or performing a depth first search of a hierarchy table; (See paras. 9-10, 16, wherein indexing layer features, querying for particular item within storage layer process are disclosed; as taught by Regni.) and identify a plurality of data blocks that comprise each object in the directory structure at the first point in time. (See Fig. 1c, paras. 44, 59, 94-95, wherein data objects are disclosed, also See paras. 32-35, wherein object identifiers, directory path are disclosed; as taught by Regni.) Conclusion 1. The examiner requests, in response to this Office action, support be shown for language added to any original claims on amendment and any new claims. That is, indicate support for newly added claim language by specifically pointing to page(s) and line no(s) in the specification and/or drawing figure(s). This will assist the examiner in prosecuting the application. 2. When responding to this office action, Applicant is advised to clearly point out the patentable novelty which he or she thinks the claims present, in view of the state of the art disclosed by the references cited or the objections made. He or she must also show how the amendments avoid such references or objections See 37 CFR 1.111(c). POINT OF CONTACT Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to LIN LIN M HTAY whose telephone number is (571)272-7293. The examiner can normally be reached on M-F, 7am-3pm, PST. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Kavita Stanley can be reached on (571)272-8352. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for published applications may be obtained from either Private PAIR or Public PAIR. Status information for unpublished applications is available through Private PAIR only. For more information about the PAIR system, see http://pair-direct.uspto.gov. Should you have questions on access to the Private PAIR system, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative or access to the automated information system, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /L. L. H./ Examiner, Art Unit 2153 /KAVITA STANLEY/ Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2153
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Prosecution Timeline

Show 12 earlier events
Mar 18, 2026
Examiner Interview Summary
Mar 18, 2026
Applicant Interview (Telephonic)
Mar 30, 2026
Response Filed
Jun 10, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §103
Jul 29, 2026
Interview Requested
Aug 07, 2026
Request for Continued Examination
Aug 10, 2026
Response after Non-Final Action
Aug 28, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103 (current)

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Prosecution Projections

5-6
Expected OA Rounds
71%
Grant Probability
96%
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3y 3m (~1y 0m remaining)
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