Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 01, 2026
Application No. 18/750,035

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING SUBSCRIPTION-BASED UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (UAV)

Final Rejection §103§DOUBLEPATENT
Filed
Jun 21, 2024
Priority
Jul 20, 2022 — continuation of PCTCN2022106829
Examiner
ONAMUTI, GBEMILEKE J
Art Unit
2463
Tech Center
2400 — Computer Networks
Assignee
ZTE Corporation
OA Round
2 (Final)
86%
Grant Probability
Favorable
3-4
OA Rounds
2m
Est. Remaining
86%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 86% — above average
86%
Career Allowance Rate
700 granted / 814 resolved
+28.0% vs TC avg
Minimal -0% lift
Without
With
+-0.2%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 6m
Avg Prosecution
14 currently pending
Career history
822
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
8.4%
-31.6% vs TC avg
§103
51.4%
+11.4% vs TC avg
§102
10.8%
-29.2% vs TC avg
§112
14.4%
-25.6% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 814 resolved cases

Office Action

§103 §DOUBLEPATENT
DETAILED ACTION Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status 1. 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 Remark 2. This communication is considered fully responsive to the amendment filed on the 28th of May 2026. (a). The rejection(s) of Claims 1-18 rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over Claims 1-20 of copending application No.: 18/737,501 is MAINTAINED because terminal disclaimer has not been filed and/or the claim(s) is/are not amended to obviate the rejection. Response to Arguments 3. Applicant’s arguments (see pages 6-9), filed on the 28th of May, 2026 with respect to Claims 1-18 have been considered but are moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on any reference applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument. Double Patenting 4. The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969). A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b). The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13. The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer. 5. Claims 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16 and 17 are provisionally rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over Claims 1-20 of copending application No.:18/737,501. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because the copending application claims limitations are transparently found in the instant application claims limitation. Application’s merely broadens the independent claim(s) of the copending application by adding some limitation(s) to arrive claims of instant application. Thus, both set of claims are obvious variant of each other. See table and claim mapping below: This is a provisional nonstatutory double patenting rejection because the patentably indistinct claims have not in fact been patented. Copending Application: 18/737,501 Instant Application: 18/750,035 Claim 1: A wireless communication method, comprising: sending, by a first wireless communication node, a first message requesting a handover of a terminal comprising unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from the first wireless communication node to a second wireless communication node; wherein the first message includes one or more configuration containers; wherein the one or more configuration containers include various information associated with a terminal service comprising a UAV service; and wherein the first wireless communication node and the second wireless communication node correspond to respectively different Radio Access Technologies (RATs). Claim 1: A wireless communication method, comprising: receiving, by a wireless communication node from a network, a first message including a plurality of configuration containers, wherein the plurality of configuration containers includes information associated with a terminal service and wherein each of the plurality of configuration containers corresponds to different radio access technology (RAT), and wherein the information includes unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) subscription information configured to notify the wireless communication node that a wireless communication device is qualified to use an UAV service. The copending application discloses virtually all the limitations of the instant application with the exception of wherein the plurality of configuration containers includes information associated with a terminal service and wherein each of the plurality of configuration containers corresponds to different radio access technology (RAT)’. It would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the time the invention was filed to provide ‘wherein the plurality of configuration containers includes information associated with a terminal service and wherein each of the plurality of configuration containers corresponds to different radio access technology (RAT)’ as disclosed by the instant application into the copending application so as to effectively identify subscription based unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) nodes in wireless communication system. Claim 3: Wherein, prior to sending the first message, the one or more configuration containers have included only one of a RAT_A configuration container or a RAT_B configuration container. Claim 18: Wherein the RAT_A configuration container is a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) configuration container, and the RAT_B configuration container is a New Radio (NR) configuration container. Claim 2: Wherein the plurality of configuration containers includes at least one of a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) configuration container or a New Radio (NR) configuration container. Claim 1: A wireless communication method, comprising: sending, by a first wireless communication node, a first message requesting a handover of a terminal comprising unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from the first wireless communication node to a second wireless communication node; wherein the first message includes one or more configuration containers; wherein the one or more configuration containers include various information associated with a terminal service comprising a UAV service; and wherein the first wireless communication node and the second wireless communication node correspond to respectively different Radio Access Technologies (RATs). Claim 4: A wireless communication method, comprising: sending, by a network to a wireless communication node, a first message including a plurality of configuration containers; wherein the plurality of configuration containers includes various information associated with a terminal service and wherein each of the plurality of configuration containers corresponds to different radio access technology (RAT), and wherein the information includes unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) subscription information configured to notify the wireless communication node that a wireless communication device is qualified to use an UAV service. The copending application discloses virtually all the limitations of the instant application with the exception of ‘wherein the plurality of configuration containers includes information associated with a terminal service and wherein each of the plurality of configuration containers corresponds to different radio access technology (RAT)’. It would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the time the invention was filed to provide ‘wherein the plurality of configuration containers includes information associated with a terminal service and wherein each of the plurality of configuration containers corresponds to different radio access technology (RAT)’ as disclosed by the instant application into the copending application so as to effectively identify subscription based unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) nodes in wireless communication system. Claim 3: Wherein, prior to sending the first message, the one or more configuration containers have included only one of a RAT_A configuration container or a RAT_B configuration container. Claim 18: Wherein the RAT_A configuration container is a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) configuration container, and the RAT_B configuration container is a New Radio (NR) configuration container. Claim 5: Wherein the plurality of configuration containers includes at least one of a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) configuration container or a New Radio (NR) configuration container. Claim 1 A wireless communication method, comprising: sending, by a first wireless communication node, a first message requesting a handover of a terminal comprising unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from the first wireless communication node to a second wireless communication node; wherein the first message includes one or more configuration containers; wherein the one or more configuration containers include various information associated with a terminal service comprising a UAV service; and wherein the first wireless communication node and the second wireless communication node correspond to respectively different Radio Access Technologies (RATs). Claim 7: A wireless communication node, comprising: at least one processor configured to: receive, via a receiver from a network, a first message including a plurality of configuration containers, wherein the plurality of configuration containers includes various information associated with a terminal service and wherein each of the plurality of configuration containers corresponds to different radio access technology (RAT). and wherein the information includes unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) subscription information configured to notify the wireless communication node that a wireless communication device is qualified to use an UAV service. The copending application discloses virtually all the limitations of the instant application with the exception of ‘wherein the plurality of configuration containers includes information associated with a terminal service and wherein each of the plurality of configuration containers corresponds to different radio access technology (RAT)’. It would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the time the invention was filed to provide ‘wherein the plurality of configuration containers includes information associated with a terminal service and wherein each of the plurality of configuration containers corresponds to different radio access technology (RAT)’ as disclosed by the instant application into the copending application so as to effectively identify subscription based unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) nodes in wireless communication system. Claim 3: Wherein, prior to sending the first message, the one or more configuration containers have included only one of a RAT_A configuration container or a RAT_B configuration container. Claim 18: Wherein the RAT_A configuration container is a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) configuration container, and the RAT_B configuration container is a New Radio (NR) configuration container. Claim 8: Wherein the plurality of configuration containers includes at least one of a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) configuration container or a New Radio (NR) configuration container. Claim 1: A wireless communication method, comprising: sending, by a first wireless communication node, a first message requesting a handover of a terminal comprising unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from the first wireless communication node to a second wireless communication node; wherein the first message includes one or more configuration containers; wherein the one or more configuration containers include various information associated with a terminal service comprising a UAV service; and wherein the first wireless communication node and the second wireless communication node correspond to respectively different Radio Access Technologies (RATs). Claim 10: A network node, comprising: at least one processor configured to: send, via a transmitter to a wireless communication node, a first message including a plurality of configuration containers; wherein the plurality of configuration containers includes various information associated with a terminal service and wherein each of the plurality of configuration containers corresponds to different radio access technology (RAT) and wherein the information includes unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) subscription information configured to notify the wireless communication node that a wireless communication device is qualified to use an UAV service. The copending application discloses virtually all the limitations of the instant application with the exception of ‘wherein the plurality of configuration containers includes information associated with a terminal service and wherein each of the plurality of configuration containers corresponds to different radio access technology (RAT)’. It would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the time the invention was filed to provide ‘wherein the plurality of configuration containers includes information associated with a terminal service and wherein each of the plurality of configuration containers corresponds to different radio access technology (RAT)’ as disclosed by the instant application into the copending application so as to effectively identify subscription based unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) nodes in wireless communication system. Claim 3: Wherein, prior to sending the first message, the one or more configuration containers have included only one of a RAT_A configuration container or a RAT_B configuration container. Claim 18: Wherein the RAT_A configuration container is a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) configuration container, and the RAT_B configuration container is a New Radio (NR) configuration container. Claim 11: Wherein the plurality of configuration containers includes at least one of a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) configuration container or a New Radio (NR) configuration container. Claim 1: A wireless communication method, comprising: sending, by a first wireless communication node, a first message requesting a handover of a terminal comprising unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from the first wireless communication node to a second wireless communication node; wherein the first message includes one or more configuration containers; wherein the one or more configuration containers include various information associated with a terminal service comprising a UAV service; and wherein the first wireless communication node and the second wireless communication node correspond to respectively different Radio Access Technologies (RATs). Claim 13: A non-transitory computer-readable program medium having code stored thereupon, the code, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to implement the method of claim 1. Claim 3: Wherein, prior to sending the first message, the one or more configuration containers have included only one of a RAT_A configuration container or a RAT_B configuration container. Claim 18: Wherein the RAT_A configuration container is a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) configuration container, and the RAT_B configuration container is a New Radio (NR) configuration container. Claim 14: A non-transitory computer-readable program medium having code stored thereupon, the code, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to implement the method of claim 2. Claim 1: A wireless communication method, comprising: sending, by a first wireless communication node, a first message requesting a handover from the first wireless communication node to a second wireless communication node; wherein the first message includes one or more configuration containers; wherein the one or more configuration containers include various information associated with a terminal service; and wherein the first wireless communication node and the second wireless communication node correspond to respectively different Radio Access Technologies (RATs). Claim 16: A non-transitory computer-readable program medium having code stored thereupon, the code, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to implement the method of claim 4. Claim 3: Wherein, prior to sending the first message, the one or more configuration containers have included only one of a RAT_A configuration container or a RAT_B configuration container. Claim 18: Wherein the RAT_A configuration container is a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) configuration container, and the RAT_B configuration container is a New Radio (NR) configuration container. Claim 17: A non-transitory computer-readable program medium having code stored thereupon, the code, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to implement the method of claim 5. 6. Claims 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 are provisionally rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over Claims 1-20 of copending application No.: 18/737,501, in view of Publication No.: US 2020/0120750 A1 to Liu et al. (Liu) and further in view of Publication No.: US 2022/0053329 A1 to Kim et al. (Kim). This is a provisional nonstatutory double patenting rejection. As to Claims 3, 9 and 15, copending application No.: 18/737,501 discloses all the subject matter with the exception of ‘wherein the network receives a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message from a wireless communication device that includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) identification, and wherein the first message indicates that the wireless communication device has subscribed to an UAV service’. However, Liu in view of Kim disclose wherein the network receives a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message from a wireless communication device that includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) identification, and wherein the first message indicates that the wireless communication device has subscribed to an UAV service (Kim, see ¶s 0069 and 0075). It would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the time the invention was filed to provide ‘wherein the network receives a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message from a wireless communication device that includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) identification, and wherein the first message indicates that the wireless communication device has subscribed to an UAV service’ as disclosed by Liu in view of Kim disclose into the instant application so as to effectively identify subscription based unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) nodes in wireless communication system. As to Claims 6, 12 and 18, copending application No.: 18/737,501 discloses all the subject matter with the exception of ‘‘wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message from a wireless communication device that includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) identification, and wherein the first message indicates that the wireless communication device has subscribed to an UAV service’. However, Liu in view of Kim disclose wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message from a wireless communication device that includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) identification, and wherein the first message indicates that the wireless communication device has subscribed to an UAV service (Kim, see ¶s 0069 and 0075). It would have been obvious to one of the ordinary skill in the art before the time the invention was filed to provide ‘wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message from a wireless communication device that includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) identification, and wherein the first message indicates that the wireless communication device has subscribed to an UAV service’ as disclosed by Liu in view of Kim disclose into the instant application so as to effectively identify subscription based unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) nodes in wireless communication system. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 7. 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. 8. Claims 1-18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Publication No.: US 2020/0120750 A1 to Liu et al. (Liu), in view of Publication No.: US 2022/0053329 A1 to Kim et al. (Kim). As to Claims 1, 7 and 13, Liu discloses a wireless communication node, comprising: at least one processor (Fig. 15, ‘processing unit 302’) configured to: receive, via a receiver (Fig. 15, ‘receiving unit 301’) from a network, a first message including a plurality of configuration containers (Fig. 1, ‘the SgNB sends the first container and the second container to the MeNB via an X2 interface. The MeNB sends the two containers received from the SgNB, and MeNB air interface configurations generated by the MeNB to a terminal via a Uu interface’, ¶ 0141), wherein the plurality of configuration containers includes information associated with a terminal service and wherein each of the plurality of configuration containers corresponds to different radio access technology (RAT) (Figs.13-15, ‘the receiving unit 301 is configured to receive a first container from the master base station, where the first container includes only the NR PDCP configuration and the identification information of the DRB, the first container is a container generated by the secondary base station, and the NR PDCP configuration has a one-to-one correspondence with the identification information of the DRB. The sending unit 102 is further configured to: send the second container to the terminal. The second container has a one-to-one correspondence with the identification information of the DRB. In other words, the base station shown in Fig. 13 not only sends the NR PDCP configuration to the terminal, but also sends the air interface configuration of the secondary base station to the terminal’, ¶s 0173-0175 and ¶ 0200). Liu does not expressly disclose wherein the information includes unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) subscription information configured to notify the wireless communication node that a wireless communication device is qualified to use an UAV service. However, Kim discloses wherein the information includes unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) subscription information configured to notify the wireless communication node that a wireless communication device is qualified to use an UAV service (‘the registration procedure may include the core network devices(s) 325 determining whether a UAV authentication and authorization procedure is required. For example, the core network devices(s) 325 may obtain subscription information associated with the UAV UE 120 to determine if the subscription information indicates that the UAV authentication and authorization procedure is required (e.g., the MME/AMF 330 may obtain the subscription information from the UDM 350 and/or the UDR 355). The core network device(s) 325 may identify the subscription information based at least in part on a subscription permanent identifier (SUPI) associated with the UAV UE 120. If the subscription information indicates that the UAV authentication and authorization procedure is not required, the core network device(s) 325 may determine whether the UAV UE 120 is authorized for aerial service’, ¶ 0085). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to provide ‘wherein the information includes unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) subscription information configured to notify the wireless communication node that a wireless communication device is qualified to use an UAV service’ as disclosed by Kim into Liu so as to effectively trigger unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) authentication and authorization procedure in wireless communication system, Kim ¶ 0006. As to Claims 2, 8 and 14, Liu further discloses wherein the plurality of configuration containers includes at least one of a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) configuration container or a New Radio (NR) configuration container (‘the receiving unit 301 is configured to receive a first container from the master base station, where the first container includes only the NR PDCP configuration and the identification information of the DRB, the first container is a container generated by the secondary base station, and the NR PDCP configuration has a one-to-one correspondence with the identification information of the DRB’, ¶ 0200). As to Claims 3, 9 and 15, Liu does not expressly disclose wherein the network receives a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message from a wireless communication device that includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) identification, and wherein the first message indicates that the wireless communication device has subscribed to an UAV service. However, Kim discloses wherein the network receives a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message from a wireless communication device that includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) identification (‘the MME/AMF 330 includes one or more network devices, such as one or more server devices, capable of managing authentication, activation, deactivation, and/or mobility functions associated with the UAV UE 120 connected to the core network 320. In some implementations, the MME/AMF 330 may perform operations relating to authentication of the UAV UE 120. The MIME/AMF 330 may maintain a non-access stratum (NAS) signaling connection with the UAV UE 120. The MME/AMF 330 may manage a registration procedure of the UAV UE 120 with the radio access network 305 and/or the core network 320’, ¶ 0069), and wherein the first message indicates that the wireless communication device has subscribed to an UAV service (‘the UAV UE 120 may be associated with an aerial subscription that is stored and maintained by the core network 320. The aerial subscription may be a subscription for aerial services provided by the core network 320. The core network 320 may assign a network level UAV identifier to an aerial subscription (e.g., using an aviation-level mechanism to ensure global-uniqueness of the network level UAV identifier, such as by including a mobile country code (MCC) and/or a mobile network code (MNC) in the network level UAV identifier)’, ¶ 0075). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to provide ‘wherein the network receives a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message from a wireless communication device that includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) identification, and wherein the first message indicates that the wireless communication device has subscribed to an UAV service’ as disclosed by Kim into Liu so as to effectively trigger unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) authentication and authorization procedure in wireless communication system, Kim ¶ 0006. As to Claims 4, 10 and 16, Liu discloses a network node, comprising: at least one processor (Fig. 14, ‘processing unit 201’) configured to: send, via a transmitter (Fig. 14, ‘sending unit 202’) to a wireless communication node, a first message including a plurality of configuration containers (Fig. 1, ‘the SgNB sends the first container and the second container to the MeNB via an X2 interface. The MeNB sends the two containers received from the SgNB, and MeNB air interface configurations generated by the MeNB to a terminal via a Uu interface’, ¶ 0141); wherein the plurality of configuration containers includes information associated with a terminal service and wherein each of the plurality of configuration containers corresponds to different radio access technology (RAT) wherein the plurality of configuration containers includes information associated with a terminal service and wherein each of the plurality of configuration containers corresponds to different radio access technology (RAT) (Figs.13-15, ‘the receiving unit 301 is configured to receive a first container from the master base station, where the first container includes only the NR PDCP configuration and the identification information of the DRB, the first container is a container generated by the secondary base station, and the NR PDCP configuration has a one-to-one correspondence with the identification information of the DRB. The sending unit 102 is further configured to: send the second container to the terminal. The second container has a one-to-one correspondence with the identification information of the DRB. In other words, the base station shown in Fig. 13 not only sends the NR PDCP configuration to the terminal, but also sends the air interface configuration of the secondary base station to the terminal’, ¶s 0173-0175 and ¶ 0200). Liu does not expressly disclose wherein the information includes unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) subscription information configured to notify the wireless communication node that a wireless communication device is qualified to use an UAV service. However, Kim discloses wherein the information includes unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) subscription information configured to notify the wireless communication node that a wireless communication device is qualified to use an UAV service (‘the registration procedure may include the core network devices(s) 325 determining whether a UAV authentication and authorization procedure is required. For example, the core network devices(s) 325 may obtain subscription information associated with the UAV UE 120 to determine if the subscription information indicates that the UAV authentication and authorization procedure is required (e.g., the MME/AMF 330 may obtain the subscription information from the UDM 350 and/or the UDR 355). The core network device(s) 325 may identify the subscription information based at least in part on a subscription permanent identifier (SUPI) associated with the UAV UE 120. If the subscription information indicates that the UAV authentication and authorization procedure is not required, the core network device(s) 325 may determine whether the UAV UE 120 is authorized for aerial service’, ¶ 0085). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to provide ‘wherein the information includes unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) subscription information configured to notify the wireless communication node that a wireless communication device is qualified to use an UAV service’ as disclosed by Kim into Liu so as to effectively trigger unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) authentication and authorization procedure in wireless communication system, Kim ¶ 0006. As to Claims 5, 11 and 17, Liu further discloses wherein the plurality of configuration containers includes at least one of a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) configuration container or a New Radio (NR) configuration container (‘the receiving unit 301 is configured to receive a first container from the master base station, where the first container includes only the NR PDCP configuration and the identification information of the DRB, the first container is a container generated by the secondary base station, and the NR PDCP configuration has a one-to-one correspondence with the identification information of the DRB’, ¶ 0200). As to Claims 6, 12 and 18, Liu does not expressly disclose wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message from a wireless communication device that includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) identification, and wherein the first message indicates that the wireless communication device has subscribed to an UAV service. However, Kim discloses wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message from a wireless communication device that includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) identification (‘the MME/AMF 330 includes one or more network devices, such as one or more server devices, capable of managing authentication, activation, deactivation, and/or mobility functions associated with the UAV UE 120 connected to the core network 320. In some implementations, the MME/AMF 330 may perform operations relating to authentication of the UAV UE 120. The MIME/AMF 330 may maintain a non-access stratum (NAS) signaling connection with the UAV UE 120. The MME/AMF 330 may manage a registration procedure of the UAV UE 120 with the radio access network 305 and/or the core network 320’, ¶ 0069 ), and wherein the first message indicates that the wireless communication device has subscribed to an UAV service (‘the UAV UE 120 may be associated with an aerial subscription that is stored and maintained by the core network 320. The aerial subscription may be a subscription for aerial services provided by the core network 320. The core network 320 may assign a network level UAV identifier to an aerial subscription (e.g., using an aviation-level mechanism to ensure global-uniqueness of the network level UAV identifier, such as by including a mobile country code (MCC) and/or a mobile network code (MNC) in the network level UAV identifier)’, ¶ 0075). Therefore, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to provide ‘wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message from a wireless communication device that includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) identification, and wherein the first message indicates that the wireless communication device has subscribed to an UAV service’ as disclosed by Kim into Liu so as to effectively trigger unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) authentication and authorization procedure in wireless communication system, Kim ¶ 0006. Conclusion 9. 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. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to GBEMILEKE J ONAMUTI whose telephone number is (571)270-5619. The examiner can normally be reached 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, ASAD NAWAZ can be reached at (571)272-3988. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /GBEMILEKE J ONAMUTI/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2463
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Prosecution Timeline

Jun 21, 2024
Application Filed
Apr 03, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103, §DOUBLEPATENT
May 28, 2026
Response Filed
Aug 21, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §103, §DOUBLEPATENT (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
86%
Grant Probability
86%
With Interview (-0.2%)
2y 6m (~2m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Moderate
PTA Risk
Based on 814 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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