Prosecution Insights
Last updated: May 29, 2026
Application No. 18/878,269

SPATIAL GEOMETRIC PARTITION MODE

Non-Final OA §102§103
Filed
Dec 23, 2024
Priority
Jul 05, 2022 — EU 22306007.0 +2 more
Examiner
MESSMORE, JONATHAN R
Art Unit
2482
Tech Center
2400 — Computer Networks
Assignee
Interdigital Ce Patent Holdings SAS
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
77%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
1y 4m
Est. Remaining
86%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 77% — above average
77%
Career Allowance Rate
383 granted / 499 resolved
+18.8% vs TC avg
Moderate +9% lift
Without
With
+9.2%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 9m
Avg Prosecution
17 currently pending
Career history
534
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
1.0%
-39.0% vs TC avg
§103
80.9%
+40.9% vs TC avg
§102
10.1%
-29.9% vs TC avg
§112
2.5%
-37.5% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 499 resolved cases

Office Action

§102 §103
DETAILED ACTION Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 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) 27, 35, 37, and 45 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Katra et al. (US 20200145668 A1). Regarding claims 27 and 37, Katra discloses a device to perform a method for video decoding, the method comprising: deriving a first candidate intra prediction mode (IPM) based on a first template of a coding block [Katra: ¶ [0083]: In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, already reconstructed samples 411, 412 of neighboring blocks (such as left and top neighbors in the processing order from left to right and from top to bottom) are used as a template for estimating the intra-mode for the current block. If two adjacent reconstructed coding blocks are available for the current coding block, the template comprises reconstructed samples 411 (referred to in the following as “first template”) of a first adjacent reconstructed coding block (e.g. a top template within the top neighbor of the current block) and reconstructed samples 412 (referred to in the following as “second template”) of a second adjacent reconstructed coding block (e.g. a left template within the top neighbor of the current block). The first and second template is matched respectively with corresponding portions obtained from a reference line 413, 423 for a plurality of respective candidate intra-modes]; deriving a second candidate IPM based on a second template of the coding block [Katra: ¶ [0083]: second template]; and decoding the coding block based on the first candidate IPM and the second candidate IPM [Katra: ¶ [0082]: the intra-mode is determined at the encoder side and at the decoder side based on the same information and in the same way, so that no signaling of the intra-mode is necessary]. Regarding Claims 35 and 45, Katra discloses all the limitations of Claims 27 and 37, respectively, and is analyzed as previously discussed with respect to those claims. Furthermore, Katra discloses wherein the method further comprises: obtaining a left template of the coding block as the first template; and obtaining a top template of the coding block as the second template [Katra: ¶ [0083]: left… and top]. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action: A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made. The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows: 1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art. 2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue. 3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art. 4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness. Claim(s) 28 and 38 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Katra as applied to claims 27 and 37 above, and further in view of Cao et al. (JVET-W0123). Regarding Claims 28 and 38, Katra disclose(s) all the limitations of Claims 27 and 37, respectively, and is/are analyzed as previously discussed with respect to those claims. Katra may not explicitly disclose herein the method further comprises: adding the first candidate IPM and the second candidate IPM to an IPM candidate list associated with the coding block, wherein the coding block is decoded based on the IPM candidate list. However, Cao discloses herein the method further comprises: adding the first candidate IPM and the second candidate IPM to an IPM candidate list associated with the coding block, wherein the coding block is decoded based on the IPM candidate list [Cao: p. 1: MPM]. It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to combine the processing of Katra with the list sorting of Cao in order to provide improved decision making, reducing computational load. Claim(s) 29-30, 36, 39-40, and 46 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Katra as applied to claims 27 and 37 above, and further in view of Coban et al. (JVET-Y2025). Regarding Claims 29 and 39, Katra disclose(s) all the limitations of Claims 27 and 37, respectively, and is/are analyzed as previously discussed with respect to those claims. Katra may not explicitly disclose wherein the method further comprises: selecting a third candidate IPM based on a partition mode of the coding block; and adding the first candidate IPM, the second candidate IPM, and the third candidate IPM to an IPM candidate list associated with the coding block, wherein the coding block is decoded based on the IPM candidate list. However, Coban discloses wherein the method further comprises: selecting a third candidate IPM based on a partition mode of the coding block; and adding the first candidate IPM, the second candidate IPM, and the third candidate IPM to an IPM candidate list associated with the coding block, wherein the coding block is decoded based on the IPM candidate list [Coban: §3.2.15: The inter predicted samples are derived by inter GPM whereas the intra predicted samples are derived by an intra prediction mode (IPM) candidate list and an index signaled from the encoder. The IPM candidate list size is pre-defined as 3]. It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to combine the list sorting of Coban with the processing of Katra in order to provide improved decision making, reducing computational load. Regarding Claims 30 and 40, Katra disclose(s) all the limitations of Claims 27 and 37, respectively, and is/are analyzed as previously discussed with respect to those claims. Katra may not explicitly disclose wherein the coding block comprises a first partition and a second partition, and wherein the method further comprises: generating an IPM candidate list associated with the coding block based on the first candidate IPM and the second candidate IPM; and determining a first prediction mode for the first partition and a second prediction mode for the second partition based on a spatial geometric partition mode (SGPM) index and the IPM candidate list. However, Coban discloses wherein the coding block comprises a first partition and a second partition, and wherein the method further comprises: generating an IPM candidate list associated with the coding block based on the first candidate IPM and the second candidate IPM; and determining a first prediction mode for the first partition and a second prediction mode for the second partition based on a spatial geometric partition mode (SGPM) index and the IPM candidate list [Coban: §3.2. 5: The merge candidates for the new merge mode are derived from spatial neighboring coded blocks, TMVPs, non-adjacent blocks, HMVPs, pair-wise candidate, similar as in the regular merge mode] Regarding Claims 36 and 46, Katra disclose(s) all the limitations of Claims 27 and 37, respectively, and is/are analyzed as previously discussed with respect to those claims. Katra may not explicitly disclose wherein the method further comprises: obtaining a left template of the coding block having a width of 1 as the first template; and obtaining a top template of the coding block having a height of 1 as the second template. However, Coban discloses wherein the method further comprises: obtaining a left template of the coding block having a width of 1 as the first template; and obtaining a top template of the coding block having a height of 1 as the second template {Coban: § 3.1.9: FIG. 5]. Claim(s) 31-34, and 41-44 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Katra as applied to claims 27 and 37 above, and further in view of Wang et al. (JVET-Z0124). Regarding Claims 31 and 41, Katra disclose(s) all the limitations of Claims 27 and 37, respectively, and is/are analyzed as previously discussed with respect to those claims. Katra may not explicitly disclose wherein the method further comprises: determining that an SGPM is used for the coding block; and based on determining that the SGPM is used for the coding block, obtaining the first template and the second template of the coding block for IPM derivation, wherein the second template is different from the first template. However, Wang discloses wherein the method further comprises: determining that an SGPM is used for the coding block; and based on determining that the SGPM is used for the coding block, obtaining the first template and the second template of the coding block for IPM derivation, wherein the second template is different from the first template. It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to combine the decision processing of Wang with the processing of Katra in order to provide improved processing, reducing computational load. Regarding Claims 32 and 42, Katra disclose(s) all the limitations of Claims 27 and 37, respectively, and is/are analyzed as previously discussed with respect to those claims. Katra may not explicitly disclose wherein the method further comprises: determining that an SGPM is used for the coding block; based on determining that the SGPM is used for the coding block, obtaining the first template and the second template of the coding block for IPM derivation; obtaining a third template of the coding block that comprises the first and the second template; and ranking a plurality of candidates in an SGPM candidate list associated with the coding block based on the third template of the coding block. However, Wang discloses wherein the method further comprises: determining that an SGPM is used for the coding block; based on determining that the SGPM is used for the coding block, obtaining the first template and the second template of the coding block for IPM derivation; obtaining a third template of the coding block that comprises the first and the second template; and ranking a plurality of candidates in an SGPM candidate list associated with the coding block based on the third template of the coding block [Wang: p. 1: TIMD]. Regarding Claims 33 and 43, Katra disclose(s) all the limitations of Claims 27 and 37, respectively, and is/are analyzed as previously discussed with respect to those claims. Katra may not explicitly disclose wherein the method further comprises: determining the first template and the second template of the coding block based on a partition mode associated with the coding block. However, Wang discloses wherein the method further comprises: determining the first template and the second template of the coding block based on a partition mode associated with the coding block [Wang: FIG. 2]. Regarding Claims 34 and 44, Katra disclose(s) all the limitations of Claims 27 and 37, respectively, and is/are analyzed as previously discussed with respect to those claims. Katra may not explicitly disclose wherein the coding block comprises a first partition and a second partition, and wherein the method further comprises: determining the first template of the coding block based on the first partition; decoding the first partition of the coding block based at least on the first candidate IPM derived based on the first template; determining the second template of the coding block based on the second partition; and decoding the second partition of the coding block based at least on the second candidate IPM derived based on the second template. However, Wang discloses wherein the coding block comprises a first partition and a second partition, and wherein the method further comprises: determining the first template of the coding block based on the first partition; decoding the first partition of the coding block based at least on the first candidate IPM derived based on the first template; determining the second template of the coding block based on the second partition; and decoding the second partition of the coding block based at least on the second candidate IPM derived based on the second template [Wang: FIG. 2]. Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JONATHAN R MESSMORE whose telephone number is (571)272-2773. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 9-5 EST/EDT. 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, Chris Kelley can be reached at 571-272-7331. 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. /JONATHAN R MESSMORE/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2482
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Prosecution Timeline

Dec 23, 2024
Application Filed
Mar 31, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §102, §103 (current)

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

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
77%
Grant Probability
86%
With Interview (+9.2%)
2y 9m (~1y 4m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 499 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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