Prosecution Insights
Last updated: July 17, 2026
Application No. 18/779,756

Non-Public Wireless Communication Networks

Non-Final OA §DP
Filed
Jul 22, 2024
Priority
Jan 02, 2020 — provisional 62/956,472 +2 more
Examiner
BEAMER, TEMICA M
Art Unit
Tech Center
Assignee
Apple Inc.
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
88%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
3m
Est. Remaining
92%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 88% — above average
88%
Career Allowance Rate
898 granted / 1017 resolved
+28.3% vs TC avg
Minimal +4% lift
Without
With
+4.1%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 3m
Avg Prosecution
21 currently pending
Career history
1035
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
3.1%
-36.9% vs TC avg
§103
41.8%
+1.8% vs TC avg
§102
28.9%
-11.1% vs TC avg
§112
2.4%
-37.6% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 1017 resolved cases

Office Action

§DP
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 . Double Patenting The non-statutory 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 non-statutory 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 non-statutory 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. Claims 1-20 are rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-6 and 8-13 and 20 of U.S. Patent No.12,075,348. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because both inventions are drawn to registering a mobile device in a standalone non-public network. Claim Analysis: Present Application U.S. Patent No. 12,075,348 1. A processor comprising: memory configured to store information; and processing circuitry coupled with the memory and configured to: receive a registration request originating from a device, the registration request including a request by the device to register with a standalone non-public network (SNPN); and generate a registration accept message for transmission to the device in response to the registration request, the registration accept message comprising a list of equivalent SNPNs corresponding to the SNPN, wherein the equivalent SNPNs are accessible to the device as equivalents of the SNPN for the device to access any SNPN from the list of equivalent SNPNs at a time following reception of the registration accept message. 8. A method comprising: receiving, by a first standalone non-public network (SNPN) from a device, a registration request for the device to register with the first SNPN; and transmitting, by the first SNPN to the device, a registration accept message in response to the registration request, wherein the registration accept message comprises a list of equivalent SNPNs corresponding to the first SNPN, wherein the equivalent SNPNs are accessible to the device as equivalents of the first SNPN for the device to access any SNPN from the list of equivalent SNPNs at a time following reception of the registration accept message. 2. The processor of claim 1, wherein the list of equivalent SNPNs is added to the registration accept message by an access and mobility function. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the list of equivalent SNPNs is added to the registration accept message by an access and mobility function. 3. The processor of claim 1, wherein the list of equivalent SNPNs originates from a network identifier management function. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the list of equivalent SNPNs originates from a network identifier management function. 4. The processor of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to: receive, by the SNPN from a second device, a second registration request for the second device to register with the SNPN; and transmit, by the SNPN to the device, a registration reject message in response to the registration request, wherein the registration reject message comprises a second list of second equivalent SNPNs, wherein the second equivalent SNPNs are accessible to the second device for the second device to access any second SNPN from the second list of second equivalent SNPNs at a time following reception of the registration reject message. 11. The method of claim 8, further comprising: receiving, by the first SNPN from a second device, a second registration request for the second device to register with the first SNPN; and transmitting, by the first SNPN to the device, a registration reject message in response to the registration request, wherein the registration reject message comprises a second list of second equivalent SNPNs, wherein the second equivalent SNPNs are accessible to the second device for the second device to access any second SNPN from the second list of second equivalent SNPNs at a time following reception of the registration reject message. 5. The processor of claim 4, wherein the second registration request message comprises credentials of the second device and an address of a network identifier management function (NMF), wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to: transmit the registration reject message based at least on subscription data associated with the credentials of the second device. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the second registration request message comprises credentials of the second device and an address of a network identifier management function (NMF); the method further comprising transmitting the registration reject message based at least on subscription data associated with the credentials of the second device. 6. The processor of claim 5, wherein the subscription data is retrieved by the NMF and provided to an access and mobility function along with the second list of second equivalent SNPNs for inclusion in the registration reject message. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the subscription data is retrieved by the NMF and provided to an access and mobility function along with the second list of second equivalent SNPNs for inclusion in the registration reject message. 8. A non-transitory computer-readable memory medium comprising program instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause a node of a standalone non-public network (SNPN) to: receive a registration request originating from a device, the registration request including a request by the device to register with the SNPN; and generate a registration accept message for transmission to the device in response to the registration request, the registration accept message comprising a list of equivalent SNPNs corresponding to the SNPN, wherein the equivalent SNPNs are accessible to the device as equivalents of the SNPN for the device to access any SNPN from the list of equivalent SNPNs at a time following reception of the registration accept message. 8. A method comprising: receiving, by a first standalone non-public network (SNPN) from a device, a registration request for the device to register with the first SNPN; and transmitting, by the first SNPN to the device, a registration accept message in response to the registration request, wherein the registration accept message comprises a list of equivalent SNPNs corresponding to the first SNPN, wherein the equivalent SNPNs are accessible to the device as equivalents of the first SNPN for the device to access any SNPN from the list of equivalent SNPNs at a time following reception of the registration accept message. 9. The non-transitory computer-readable memory medium of claim 8, wherein the list of equivalent SNPNs is added to the registration accept message by an access and mobility function. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the list of equivalent SNPNs is added to the registration accept message by an access and mobility function. 10. The non-transitory computer-readable memory medium of claim 8, wherein the list of equivalent SNPNs originates from a network identifier management function. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the list of equivalent SNPNs originates from a network identifier management function. 11. The non-transitory computer-readable memory medium of claim 8, wherein the program instructions are further executable to cause the node to: receive, by the SNPN from a second device, a second registration request for the second device to register with the SNPN; and transmit, by the SNPN to the device, a registration reject message in response to the registration request, wherein the registration reject message comprises a second list of second equivalent SNPNs, wherein the second equivalent SNPNs are accessible to the second device for the second device to access any second SNPN from the second list of second equivalent SNPNs at a time following reception of the registration reject message. 11. The method of claim 8, further comprising: receiving, by the first SNPN from a second device, a second registration request for the second device to register with the first SNPN; and transmitting, by the first SNPN to the device, a registration reject message in response to the registration request, wherein the registration reject message comprises a second list of second equivalent SNPNs, wherein the second equivalent SNPNs are accessible to the second device for the second device to access any second SNPN from the second list of second equivalent SNPNs at a time following reception of the registration reject message. 12. The non-transitory computer-readable memory medium of claim 11, wherein the second registration request message comprises credentials of the second device and an address of a network identifier management function (NMF), wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to: transmit the registration reject message based at least on subscription data associated with the credentials of the second device. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the second registration request message comprises credentials of the second device and an address of a network identifier management function (NMF); the method further comprising transmitting the registration reject message based at least on subscription data associated with the credentials of the second device. 13. The non-transitory computer-readable memory medium of claim 12, wherein the subscription data is retrieved by the NMF and provided to an access and mobility function along with the second list of second equivalent SNPNs for inclusion in the registration reject message. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the subscription data is retrieved by the NMF and provided to an access and mobility function along with the second list of second equivalent SNPNs for inclusion in the registration reject message. 14. A non-transitory computer-readable memory medium comprising program instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause a device to: transmit, to a first standalone non-public network (SNPN), a registration request for the device to register with the first SNPN; receive a registration accept message from the first SNPN in response to the registration request, wherein the registration accept message comprises a list of equivalent SNPNs corresponding to the first SNPN, with the equivalent SNPNs accessible to the device as equivalents of the first SNPN; and access, at a time following reception of the registration accept message, a second SNPN from the list of equivalent SNPNs. 1. A method comprising: transmitting, via a device to a first standalone non-public network (SNPN), a registration request for the device to register with the first SNPN; receiving, at the device, a registration accept message from the first SNPN in response to the registration request, wherein the registration accept message comprises a list of equivalent SNPNs corresponding to the first SNPN, with the equivalent SNPNs accessible to the device as equivalents of the first SNPN; and accessing, via the device at a time following reception of the registration accept message, a second SNPN from the list of equivalent SNPNs. 15. The non-transitory computer-readable memory medium of claim 14, wherein the program instructions are further executable to cause the node to store the list of equivalent SNPNs in the non-transitory computer-readable memory medium. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: storing, the list of equivalent SNPNs in a memory of the device. 16. The non-transitory computer-readable memory medium of claim 14, wherein the program instructions are further executable to cause the node to: select a given SNPN from the list of equivalent SNPNs according to a priority list corresponding to the equivalent SNPNs; and cause the device to attempt to register, at a second time following reception of the registration accept message, with the given SNPN. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: attempting to register, via the device at a second time following reception of the registration accept message, with a given SNPN from the list of equivalent SNPNs, wherein the given SNPN is selected by the device according to a priority list corresponding to the equivalent SNPNs. 17. The non-transitory computer-readable memory medium of claim 14, wherein the list of equivalent SNPNs is added to the registration accept message by an access and mobility function. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the list of equivalent SNPNs is added to the registration accept message by an access and mobility function. 18. The non-transitory computer-readable memory medium of claim 14, wherein the list of equivalent SNPNs is maintained and managed by a network identifier management function. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the list of equivalent SNPNs is maintained and managed by a network identifier management function. 19. The non-transitory computer-readable memory medium of claim 18, wherein the registration request message comprises credentials of the device; and wherein the registration accept message is based at least on subscription data associated with the credentials of the device. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein registration request comprises credentials of the device and an address of a network identifier management function (NMF); the method further comprising: providing the credentials and the address from the registration request to an access and mobility function (AMF); providing, by the AMF in a validation request, the credentials to the NMF identified via the address; retrieving and providing, by the NMF to the AMF in response to validating the credentials, the list of equivalent SNPNs, and subscription data matching the device; and including, by the AMF, the list of equivalent SNPNs and the subscription data in the registration accept message. 20. The non-transitory computer-readable memory medium of claim 19, wherein the registration request message comprises an address of a network identifier management function (NMF) that identifies the NMF to an access and mobility function (AMF); wherein the subscription data is retrieved by the NMF in response to a validation request that comprises the credentials and is received by the NMF from the AMF; and wherein the subscription data is provided to the AMF by the NMF along with the list of equivalent SNPNs for inclusion in the registration accept message. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the registration request message comprises an address of a network identifier management function (NMF) that identifies the NMF to an access and mobility function (AMF); wherein the subscription data is retrieved by the NMF in response to a validation request that comprises the credentials and is received by the NMF from the AMF; and wherein the subscription data is provided to the AMF by the NMF along with the list of equivalent SNPNs for inclusion in the registration accept message. Claims 1-20 are rejected on the ground of non-statutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-6, and 14 of U.S. Patent No. 11,665,632. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because both inventions are drawn to registering a mobile device in a standalone non-public network. Claim Analysis: Present Application U.S. Patent No. 11,665632 1. A processor comprising: memory configured to store information; and processing circuitry coupled with the memory and configured to: receive a registration request originating from a device, the registration request including a request by the device to register with a standalone non-public network (SNPN); and generate a registration accept message for transmission to the device in response to the registration request, the registration accept message comprising a list of equivalent SNPNs corresponding to the SNPN, wherein the equivalent SNPNs are accessible to the device as equivalents of the SNPN for the device to access any SNPN from the list of equivalent SNPNs at a time following reception of the registration accept message. 1. A method comprising: obtaining, by a device, a list of equivalent standalone non-public networks (eSNPNs) corresponding to a home SNPN of the device; and accessing, by the device, a second SNPN which is at a location different from a location of the home SNPN and/or which is at a higher priority than a third SNPN, in response to: identifying the second SNPN; and the list including the second SNPN as an eSNPN corresponding to the home SNPN of the device. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: sending, by the device, a registration request to a first SNPN; and receiving the list at least in response to the registration request. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising receiving the list in one of: a registration accept message; or a registration reject message. 2. The processor of claim 1, wherein the list of equivalent SNPNs is added to the registration accept message by an access and mobility function. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving the list from one or more of: an access and mobility function (AMF); or a radio access network. 3. The processor of claim 1, wherein the list of equivalent SNPNs originates from a network identifier management function. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising, maintaining and managing the list by a network identifier management function. 4. The processor of claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to: receive, by the SNPN from a second device, a second registration request for the second device to register with the SNPN; and transmit, by the SNPN to the device, a registration reject message in response to the registration request, wherein the registration reject message comprises a second list of second equivalent SNPNs, wherein the second equivalent SNPNs are accessible to the second device for the second device to access any second SNPN from the second list of second equivalent SNPNs at a time following reception of the registration reject message. 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the registration request includes credentials of the device and the address of a network identifier management function (NMF); the method further comprising: receiving, by an access and mobility function (AMF) serving the second SNPN, the registration request; locating, by the AMF, the NMF via the address; and providing the credentials to the NMF in a validation request. 5. The processor of claim 4, wherein the second registration request message comprises credentials of the second device and an address of a network identifier management function (NMF), wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to: transmit the registration reject message based at least on subscription data associated with the credentials of the second device. 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the registration request includes credentials of the device and the address of a network identifier management function (NMF); the method further comprising: receiving, by an access and mobility function (AMF) serving the second SNPN, the registration request; locating, by the AMF, the NMF via the address; and providing the credentials to the NMF in a validation request. 6. The processor of claim 5, wherein the subscription data is retrieved by the NMF and provided to an access and mobility function along with the second list of second equivalent SNPNs for inclusion in the registration reject message. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising receiving the list in one of: a registration accept message; or a registration reject message. 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the registration request includes credentials of the device and the address of a network identifier management function (NMF); the method further comprising: receiving, by an access and mobility function (AMF) serving the second SNPN, the registration request; locating, by the AMF, the NMF via the address; and providing the credentials to the NMF in a validation request. 8. A non-transitory computer-readable memory medium comprising program instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause a node of a standalone non-public network (SNPN) to: receive a registration request originating from a device, the registration request including a request by the device to register with the SNPN; and generate a registration accept message for transmission to the device in response to the registration request, the registration accept message comprising a list of equivalent SNPNs corresponding to the SNPN, wherein the equivalent SNPNs are accessible to the device as equivalents of the SNPN for the device to access any SNPN from the list of equivalent SNPNs at a time following reception of the registration accept message. 1. A method comprising: obtaining, by a device, a list of equivalent standalone non-public networks (eSNPNs) corresponding to a home SNPN of the device; and accessing, by the device, a second SNPN which is at a location different from a location of the home SNPN and/or which is at a higher priority than a third SNPN, in response to: identifying the second SNPN; and the list including the second SNPN as an eSNPN corresponding to the home SNPN of the device. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: sending, by the device, a registration request to a first SNPN; and receiving the list at least in response to the registration request. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising receiving the list in one of: a registration accept message; or a registration reject message. 9. The non-transitory computer-readable memory medium of claim 8, wherein the list of equivalent SNPNs is added to the registration accept message by an access and mobility function. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving the list from one or more of: an access and mobility function (AMF); or a radio access network. 10. The non-transitory computer-readable memory medium of claim 8, wherein the list of equivalent SNPNs originates from a network identifier management function. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising, maintaining and managing the list by a network identifier management function. 11. The non-transitory computer-readable memory medium of claim 8, wherein the program instructions are further executable to cause the node to: receive, by the SNPN from a second device, a second registration request for the second device to register with the SNPN; and transmit, by the SNPN to the device, a registration reject message in response to the registration request, wherein the registration reject message comprises a second list of second equivalent SNPNs, wherein the second equivalent SNPNs are accessible to the second device for the second device to access any second SNPN from the second list of second equivalent SNPNs at a time following reception of the registration reject message. 11. The method of claim 8, further comprising: receiving, by the first SNPN from a second device, a second registration request for the second device to register with the first SNPN; and transmitting, by the first SNPN to the device, a registration reject message in response to the registration request, wherein the registration reject message comprises a second list of second equivalent SNPNs, wherein the second equivalent SNPNs are accessible to the second device for the second device to access any second SNPN from the second list of second equivalent SNPNs at a time following reception of the registration reject message. 12. The non-transitory computer-readable memory medium of claim 11, wherein the second registration request message comprises credentials of the second device and an address of a network identifier management function (NMF), wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to: transmit the registration reject message based at least on subscription data associated with the credentials of the second device. 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the registration request includes credentials of the device and the address of a network identifier management function (NMF); the method further comprising: receiving, by an access and mobility function (AMF) serving the second SNPN, the registration request; locating, by the AMF, the NMF via the address; and providing the credentials to the NMF in a validation request. 13. The non-transitory computer-readable memory medium of claim 12, wherein the subscription data is retrieved by the NMF and provided to an access and mobility function along with the second list of second equivalent SNPNs for inclusion in the registration reject message. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising receiving the list in one of: a registration accept message; or a registration reject message. 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the registration request includes credentials of the device and the address of a network identifier management function (NMF); the method further comprising: receiving, by an access and mobility function (AMF) serving the second SNPN, the registration request; locating, by the AMF, the NMF via the address; and providing the credentials to the NMF in a validation request. 14. A non-transitory computer-readable memory medium comprising program instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause a device to: transmit, to a first standalone non-public network (SNPN), a registration request for the device to register with the first SNPN; receive a registration accept message from the first SNPN in response to the registration request, wherein the registration accept message comprises a list of equivalent SNPNs corresponding to the first SNPN, with the equivalent SNPNs accessible to the device as equivalents of the first SNPN; and access, at a time following reception of the registration accept message, a second SNPN from the list of equivalent SNPNs. 1. A method comprising: obtaining, by a device, a list of equivalent standalone non-public networks (eSNPNs) corresponding to a home SNPN of the device; and accessing, by the device, a second SNPN which is at a location different from a location of the home SNPN and/or which is at a higher priority than a third SNPN, in response to: identifying the second SNPN; and the list including the second SNPN as an eSNPN corresponding to the home SNPN of the device. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: sending, by the device, a registration request to a first SNPN; and receiving the list at least in response to the registration request. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising receiving the list in one of: a registration accept message; or a registration reject message. 15. The non-transitory computer-readable memory medium of claim 14, wherein the program instructions are further executable to cause the node to store the list of equivalent SNPNs in the non-transitory computer-readable memory medium. (inherently stores the list since it is obtained by the device). 1. A method comprising: obtaining, by a device, a list of equivalent standalone non-public networks (eSNPNs) corresponding to a home SNPN of the device; and accessing, by the device, a second SNPN which is at a location different from a location of the home SNPN and/or which is at a higher priority than a third SNPN, in response to: identifying the second SNPN; and the list including the second SNPN as an eSNPN corresponding to the home SNPN of the device. 16. The non-transitory computer-readable memory medium of claim 14, wherein the program instructions are further executable to cause the node to: select a given SNPN from the list of equivalent SNPNs according to a priority list corresponding to the equivalent SNPNs; and cause the device to attempt to register, at a second time following reception of the registration accept message, with the given SNPN. 1. A method comprising: obtaining, by a device, a list of equivalent standalone non-public networks (eSNPNs) corresponding to a home SNPN of the device; and accessing, by the device, a second SNPN which is at a location different from a location of the home SNPN and/or which is at a higher priority than a third SNPN, in response to: identifying the second SNPN; and the list including the second SNPN as an eSNPN corresponding to the home SNPN of the device. 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the registration request includes credentials of the device and the address of a network identifier management function (NMF); the method further comprising: receiving, by an access and mobility function (AMF) serving the second SNPN, the registration request; locating, by the AMF, the NMF via the address; and providing the credentials to the NMF in a validation request. 17. The non-transitory computer-readable memory medium of claim 14, wherein the list of equivalent SNPNs is added to the registration accept message by an access and mobility function. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving the list from one or more of: an access and mobility function (AMF); or a radio access network. 18. The non-transitory computer-readable memory medium of claim 14, wherein the list of equivalent SNPNs is maintained and managed by a network identifier management function. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising, maintaining and managing the list by a network identifier management function. 19. The non-transitory computer-readable memory medium of claim 18, wherein the registration request message comprises credentials of the device; and wherein the registration accept message is based at least on subscription data associated with the credentials of the device. 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the registration request includes credentials of the device and the address of a network identifier management function (NMF); the method further comprising: receiving, by an access and mobility function (AMF) serving the second SNPN, the registration request; locating, by the AMF, the NMF via the address; and providing the credentials to the NMF in a validation request. 20. The non-transitory computer-readable memory medium of claim 19, wherein the registration request message comprises an address of a network identifier management function (NMF) that identifies the NMF to an access and mobility function (AMF); wherein the subscription data is retrieved by the NMF in response to a validation request that comprises the credentials and is received by the NMF from the AMF; and wherein the subscription data is provided to the AMF by the NMF along with the list of equivalent SNPNs for inclusion in the registration accept message. 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the registration request includes credentials of the device and the address of a network identifier management function (NMF) that maintains and manages the list. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: validating, by the NMF, a subscription of the device; retrieving, by the NMF, matching subscription data corresponding to the device; and providing, by the NMF, the subscription data and the list to the AMF in a validation response. Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Prakasam et al., U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2021/0297940, discloses enhanced network slicing for public land network selection while roaming. Sahin et al., U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2022/0070679, discloses wireless management and connectivity across multiple networks. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to TEMICA M. BEAMER whose telephone number is (571)272-7797. The examiner can normally be reached Monday thru Friday; 9:00 AM to 3:00 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, Matthew D. Anderson can be reached at 571-272-4177. 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. /TEMICA M BEAMER/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2646
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Prosecution Timeline

Jul 22, 2024
Application Filed
Jun 03, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §DP (current)

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
88%
Grant Probability
92%
With Interview (+4.1%)
2y 3m (~3m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 1017 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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Free tier: 3 strategy analyses per month