Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 01, 2026
Application No. 18/776,735

INKJET PRINTER, NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM STORING COMPUTER-READABLE INSTRUCTIONS FOR INKJET PRINTER, PRINTER AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM STORING COMPUTER-READABLE INSTRUCTIONS FOR PRINTER

Final Rejection §102
Filed
Jul 18, 2024
Priority
Jul 07, 2022 — JP 2022-109627 +2 more
Examiner
DOTTIN, DARRYL V
Art Unit
2683
Tech Center
2600 — Communications
Assignee
Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
OA Round
2 (Final)
80%
Grant Probability
Favorable
3-4
OA Rounds
0m
Est. Remaining
93%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 80% — above average
80%
Career Allowance Rate
438 granted / 551 resolved
+17.5% vs TC avg
Moderate +13% lift
Without
With
+13.1%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Fast prosecutor
2y 1m
Avg Prosecution
19 currently pending
Career history
555
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
7.6%
-32.4% vs TC avg
§103
50.7%
+10.7% vs TC avg
§102
25.5%
-14.5% vs TC avg
§112
14.9%
-25.1% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 551 resolved cases

Office Action

§102
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 . Status of Claims 2. Claims 1-9 are pending in this application. Claims 1 and 6 are currently amended. Claim 9 is new. Response to Arguments Applicant’s arguments, see Remarks, filed 02/03/2022, with respect to the 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) rejection(s) of claim(s) 1-8 under Ishifune (US PG. Pub. 2021/0286572 A1) have been fully considered and are persuasive. Therefore, the rejection has been withdrawn. However, upon further consideration, a new ground(s) of rejection is made under Hitaka (US PG. Pub. 2018/0143560 A1). Allowable Subject Matter 4. Claims 4 and 6 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims. 5. The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter: Regarding Claim 4: The prior art(s) searched, cited and/or of record fails to explicitly teach, disclose or suggest the teaching(s) of the printer according to claim 3, the controller is configured to, in the case where the display termination instruction is accepted from the user after the first screen has been displayed and before the print preparation action is completed, terminate displaying the first screen and display on the display unit a second screen including the execution message and a second execution message, wherein the second execution message indicates that the print preparation action is being executed and that the printer will be enabled for operation after completion of the print preparation action. Regarding Claim 6: The prior art(s) searched, cited and/or of record fails to explicitly teach, disclose or suggest the teaching(s) of the printer according to claim 4, the controller is configured to, in a case where the print preparation action is completed after the first screen has been displayed and before the display termination instruction is accepted from the user, terminate displaying the first screen and display on the display unit a third screen including the promotion message and a completion message indicating that the print preparation action has been completed. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 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 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. Claim(s) 1-3, 5, and 7-9 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Hitaka (US PG. Pub. 2018/0143560 A1). Referring to Claim 1, Hitaka teaches a printer (See Hitaka, Figs. 1 and 2, MFP 100) comprising: a print executing unit (See Hitaka, Figs. 1 and 2, Image Forming Unit 140); and a controller (See Hitaka, Fig. 3, CPU 111) configured to: in a case where a predetermined operation is accepted from a user of the printer (See Hitaka, Sect. [0055] lines 7-10, The operation unit 160B includes a plurality of keys, and accepts input of data, such as instructions, characters, and numerical characters, according to the key operations by the user. ), cause the print executing unit of the printer to execute a print preparation action (See Hitaka, Sect. [0061] lines 1-3, The print data generating portion 51 executes a print job, and generates print data that the image forming unit 140 uses for forming an image.); and in a case where the print preparation action is executed by the print executing unit of the printer (See Hitaka, Sect. [0061] lines 1-6, The print data generating portion 51 executes a print job, and generates print data that the image forming unit 140 uses for forming an image. The print data generating portion 51, for example, in the case where the communication I/F 112 receives a print job from an external computer, executes the print job.), display on a display unit a promotion message for prompting subscription to a service related to the printer and an execution message indicating that the print preparation action is being executed (See Hitaka, Fig. 6, Sect. [0095] lines 6-10, the CPU 111 displays an alert screen in the display unit 160A, and the process proceeds to step S32. The alert screen includes, for example, a message notifying that an image is formed to be shifted. In the step S32, likewise in the step S26, the CPU 111 restarts conveying the sheet). Referring to Claim 2, Hitaka teaches the printer according to claim 1 (See Hitaka, Figs. 1 and 2, MFP 100), wherein the controller is configured to, while the print preparation action is being executed by the print executing unit, display on the display unit a first screen including the promotion message and the execution message (See Htaka, Fig. 8, Sect. [0098], FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the alert screen including: a job number “AA” for identifying a job targeted for image formation; and a page number “BB” for identifying, from among a plurality of pages included in the job, a page in which a shift occurs in the image. This allows the user to readily specify, from among the plurality of sheets, a sheet in which the image formation is executed.). Referring to Claim 3, Hitaka teaches the printer according to claim 2 (See Hitaka, Figs. 1 and 2, MFP 100), wherein the controller is further configured to, in a case where a display termination instruction is accepted from the user after the first screen has been displayed and before the print preparation action is completed, terminate displaying the first screen (See Hitaka, Sect. [0077], if the paper detection signal is not input from the waiting position detecting portion 73 until a time when the grace period elapses from the restart time, the conveyance restart portion 75 stops driving the image forming unit 140 and the paper feed unit 150 so as to display an error screen in the display unit 160A after the grace period elapses from the restart time. The error screen includes, for example, an error message notifying that the sheet has been jammed in the conveyance path. Further, in the case where the grace period is not input from the grace period determining portion 63, in response to an even that the restart time comes, the conveyance restart portion 75 stops driving the image forming unit 140 and the paper feed unit 150 to display the error screen in the display unit 160A as long as the paper detection signal is not input from the waiting position detecting portion 73 until the restart time comes.). Referring to Claim 5, Hitaka teaches the printer according to claim 2 (See Hitaka, Figs. 1 and 2, MFP 100), wherein the controller is further configured to, in a case where the print preparation action is completed after the first screen has been displayed and before a display termination instruction is accepted from the user, terminate displaying the first screen (See Hitaka, Sect. [0088], the CPU 111 executes the timing control processing (the step S16), and the process proceeds to step S17. In the step S17, the CPU 111 determines from a result of the timing control processing whether the image forming unit 140 and the paper feed unit 150 are stopped or not. If the image forming unit 140 and the paper feed unit 150 are stopped, the process proceeds to step S18; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S19. In the step S19, the CPU 111 determines whether the print data exists for the next page or not. If the print data exists for the next page, the process returns to the step S03; otherwise, the process ends. In the step S18, the CPU 111 displays the error screen in the display unit 160A, and the process ends. The error screen includes, for example, an error message notifying that the sheet has been jammed in the conveyance path.). Referring to Claim 7, Hitaka teaches the printer according to claim 1 (See Hitaka, Figs. 1 and 2, MFP 100), wherein the controller is configured to, while the print preparation action is being executed, display the execution message on the display unit and, after the print preparation action is completed, display the promotion message on the display unit (See Hitaka, Sect. [0129] lines 5-12, an allowable amount of a shift of an image formed on a sheet is classified into a plurality of levels, and a level setting screen for setting a level is prepared in advance. The grace period determining portion 63 displays the level setting screen in the display unit 160A, and determines the grace period which allows a shift of an image to a level that the user has selected according the level setting screen.). Referring to Claim 8, Hitaka teaches the printer according to claim 1 (See Hitaka, Figs. 1 and 2, MFP 100), wherein the printer is a laser printer (See Hitaka, Fig. 2, MFP 100 (Laser Printer), Sect. [0038] lines 1-3, The photoreceptor drum 23Y, after being charged by the electrostatic charger 22Y, is irradiated with the laser light emitted by the exposure head 21Y.), the print executing unit includes a photoreceptor (See Hitaka, Fig. 2, Sect. [0037] lines 1-3, Image Forming Unit 20Y of Unit 140 includes a photoreceptor drum 23Y) and an exposure device (See Hitaka, Fig. 2, Exposure head 21) configured to emit laser light to the photoreceptor (See Hitaka, Sect. [0037] lines 5-9, The exposure head 21Y emits a laser light in response to reception of the print data (electrical signal). The emitted laser light s one-dimensionally scanned by a polygon mirror included in the exposure head 21Y, so as to cause the photoreceptor drum 23Y to be exposed.), the print preparation action is an action for correcting displacement of an emission position of the laser light emitted from the exposure device to the photoreceptor (See Hitaka, Fig. 7, Step S42, Determine Correction Time, Sect. [0097] lines 1-7, the CPU 111 determines the correction time (step S42). The CPU 111 determines as the correction time for changing the exposure start time, a period obtained by adding the minimum interval period to the overlap avoiding value. The minimum interval period is a predetermined value as an allowable minimum of a paper interval. Then, the CPU 111 changes the next exposure start time to a time after the correction time elapses (step S43), and the process returns to the timing control processing), and the predetermined operation is for turning on the laser printer (See Hitaka, Fig. 7, Step S43, Change Exposure Start On Time, Sect. [0097] lines 7-9, Then, the CPU 111 changes the next exposure start time to a time after the correction time elapses (step S43), and the process returns to the timing control processing). Referring to Claim 9, Hitaka teaches the printer according to claim 1 (See Hitaka, Figs. 1 and 2, MFP 100), wherein the display unit is a display unit of the printer (See Hitaka, Figs. 1 and 3 Sect. [0055] lines 1-3, The operation panel 160 is arranged on an upper surface of the MFP 100 (as shown in FIG. 1), and includes a display unit 160A and an operation unit 160B. ). Cited Art 9. The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure Sakatani et al. (US PG. PUB. No. 2007/0122198 A1) discloses in an image forming apparatus of the present invention, a developing unit for magenta contains magenta-type toner for pseudo full-color image forming whose chromaticity point is shifted closer to yellow hue on a chromaticity diagram, in comparison with genuine-magenta toner for full-color image forming, and likewise, a developing unit for cyan contains cyan-type toner for the pseudo full-color image forming whose chromaticity point is shifted closer to yellow hue on the chromaticity diagram, in comparison with genuine-cyan toner for the full-color image forming. Conclusion Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a). A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any extension fee 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 date of this final action. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to Darryl V. Dottin whose telephone number is (571)270-54715471. The examiner can normally be reached on M-F 9am-5pm. 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, Abderrahim Merouan can be reached on 571-270-5254. 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. /DARRYL V DOTTIN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2683 /DARRYL V DOTTIN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2683
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Jul 18, 2024
Application Filed
Apr 23, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §102
Jun 21, 2026
Interview Requested
Jul 01, 2026
Examiner Interview Summary
Jul 01, 2026
Applicant Interview (Telephonic)
Jul 23, 2026
Response Filed
Aug 20, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §102 (current)

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Prosecution Projections

3-4
Expected OA Rounds
80%
Grant Probability
93%
With Interview (+13.1%)
2y 1m (~0m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Moderate
PTA Risk
Based on 551 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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