Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 01, 2026
Application No. 18/928,523

COMMUNICATION CONTROL METHOD

Non-Final OA §102§103
Filed
Oct 28, 2024
Priority
Apr 27, 2022 — JP 2022-073807 +1 more
Examiner
HOLLAND, JENEE LAUREN
Art Unit
Tech Center
Assignee
Kyocera Corporation
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
84%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
1y 0m
Est. Remaining
91%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 84% — above average
84%
Career Allowance Rate
597 granted / 715 resolved
+23.5% vs TC avg
Moderate +7% lift
Without
With
+7.2%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 11m
Avg Prosecution
41 currently pending
Career history
750
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
8.8%
-31.2% vs TC avg
§103
63.1%
+23.1% vs TC avg
§102
15.4%
-24.6% vs TC avg
§112
9.2%
-30.8% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 715 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 . 1. Claims 1-9 are pending. Priority 2. Receipt is acknowledged of certified copies of papers required by 37 CFR 1.55. Information Disclosure Statement 3. The Information Disclosure Statement dated 10/28/2024 is acknowledged by the Examiner. Specification 4. The title of the invention is not descriptive. A new title is required that is clearly indicative of the invention to which the claims are directed. Claim Objections 5. Claims 1-8 are objected to because of the following informalities: Claims 1 and 8 lack a delimiter/punctuation mark separating the preamble and the body of claims such as a colon “:” “comprising”. Appropriate correction is required. 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 (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) 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. 6. Claim(s) 1-3, 5-7 and 9 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being disclosed by Sakhnini et al, US 2021/0352684 (as cited in the IDS dated 10/28/2024) hereafter Sakhnini. As for claim 1, Sakhnini discloses: A communication control method in a mobile communication system comprising, at a user equipment, extending monitoring of a PDSCH ([0069] At the base station 110, a transmit processor 420 may receive data from a data source 412 and control information from a controller/processor 440 using the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH). Also [0079]) or monitoring of a PDCCH (Fig. 8, [0096]-[0098] At 806, the UE performs at least one of monitoring for downlink transmissions or sending uplink transmissions in one or more of the re-allocated occasions.) for a predetermined period ([0100], Configurations allocate the UE with a set of periodic occasions for communications. The Examiner interprets periodic occasions to correspond to predetermined period) when not having received the PDSCH or the PDCCH from a network node at a Semi-Persistent Scheduling (SPS) periodicity timing or Discontinuous Reception (DRX) periodicity timing. (Fig. 8, 804, [0096]-[0097], At 804, the UE receives signaling dynamically re-allocating one or more of the occasions. Regarding the negative limitation, Fig. 8 does not teach receiving the PDSCH or the PDCCH from a network node at a Semi-Persistent Scheduling (SPS) periodicity timing or Discontinuous Reception (DRX) periodicity timing) As for claim 2, Sakhnini discloses transmitting, at the network node to the user equipment, configuration information indicating whether to extend the monitoring (Fig. 9, 902, 904, [0100]-[0101], the network entity sends signaling to the UE dynamically re-allocating one or more of the occasions for the UE to perform at least one of monitoring for downlink transmissions or sending uplink transmissions in one or more of the re-allocated occasions) of the PDSCH ([0069] At the base station 110, a transmit processor 420 may receive data from a data source 412 and control information from a controller/processor 440 using the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH). Also [0079]), wherein the extending comprises extending, at the user equipment, the monitoring of the PDSCH or the monitoring of the PDCCH for the predetermined period based on the configuration information. (Fig. 8, [0096]-[0098] the UE performs at least one of monitoring for downlink transmissions in one or more of the re-allocated occasions.) As for claim 3, Sakhnini discloses: transmitting, at the network node to the user equipment, a first standby extension notification indicating to extend the monitoring of the PDSCH ([0069] At the base station 110, a transmit processor 420 may receive data from a data source 412 and control information from a controller/processor 440 using the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH). Also [0079]) or the monitoring of the PDCCH for the predetermined period (Fig. 9, 902, 904, [0100]-[0101], the network entity sends signaling to the UE dynamically re-allocating one or more of the occasions for the UE to perform at least one of monitoring for downlink transmissions or sending uplink transmissions in one or more of the re-allocated occasions), wherein the extending comprises extending, at the user equipment, the monitoring of the PDSCH or the monitoring of the PDCCH for the predetermined period in response to reception of the first standby extension notification. (Fig. 8, [0096]-[0098]the UE performs at least one of monitoring for downlink transmissions or sending uplink transmissions in one or more of the re-allocated occasions.) As for claim 5, Sakhnini discloses: A communication control method in a mobile communication system comprising extending, at a user equipment, (Fig. 8, [0096]-[0098]the UE performs at least one of monitoring for downlink transmissions or sending uplink transmissions in one or more of the re-allocated occasions.) transmission of a PUSCH ([0071] On the uplink, at the UE 120, a transmit processor 464 may receive and process data (e.g., for the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH))) for a predetermined period when not having transmitted the PUSCH to a network node at a Configured Grant (CG) periodicity timing (Regarding the negative limitation, Fig. 8, steps 802-804 does disclose the UE transmitted the PUSCH to a network node at a Configured Grant (CG) periodicity timing). As for claim 6, Sakhnini discloses: transmitting, at the network node, to the user equipment, configuration information (Fig. 9, 902, 904, [0100]-[0101], the network entity sends signaling to the UE dynamically re-allocating one or more of the occasions.) indicating whether to extend the transmission of the PUSCH ([0071] On the uplink, at the UE 120, a transmit processor 464 may receive and process data (e.g., for the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH))) for the predetermined period ([0100], Configurations allocate the UE with a set of periodic occasions for communications), wherein the extending comprises extending, at the user equipment, the transmission of the PDSCH ([0069] At the base station 110, a transmit processor 420 may receive data from a data source 412 and control information from a controller/processor 440 using the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH). Also [0079]) for the predetermined period based on the configuration information (Fig. 8, [0096]-[0098] the UE performs at least one of monitoring for downlink transmissions or sending uplink transmissions in one or more of the re-allocated occasions.). As for claim 7, Sakhnini discloses: transmitting, at the network node to the user equipment, a first standby extension notification indicating to extend the transmission of the PUSCH for the predetermined period (Fig. 9, 902, 904, [0100]-[0101], the network entity sends signaling to the UE dynamically re-allocating one or more of the occasions.), wherein the extending comprises extending, at the user equipment, the transmission of the PUSCH ([0071] On the uplink, at the UE 120, a transmit processor 464 may receive and process data (e.g., for the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH))) for the predetermined period in accordance with the first standby extension notification ([0100], Configurations allocate the UE with a set of periodic occasions for communications. The Examiner interprets periodic occasions to correspond to predetermined period) As for claim 9, Sakhnini discloses: A user equipment comprising: a controller configured to extend monitoring of a PDSCH ([0069] The US receives data from a data source 412 and control information from a controller/processor 440 using the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH). Also [0079]) or monitoring of a PDCCH for a predetermined period when not having received the PDSCH or the PDCCH from a base station at a Semi-Persistent Scheduling (SPS) periodicity timing or Discontinuous Reception (DRX) periodicity timing. . (Fig. 8, [0096]-[0098]the UE performs at least one of monitoring for downlink transmissions or sending uplink transmissions in one or more of the re-allocated occasions.) Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action: A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, 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. 7. Claim(s) 4 and 8 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Sakhnini in view of Takeda et al., EP 3944700 (as cited in the IDS dated 10/28/2024) hereafter Takeda. As for claims 4 and 8, Sakhnini does not explicitly disclose transmitting, at the user equipment to the network node, a second standby extension notification indicating to extend the monitoring of the PDSCH for the predetermined period. However, Takeda discloses transmitting, at the user equipment to the network node, a second standby extension notification indicating to extend the monitoring of the PDSCH or the monitoring of the PDCCH for the predetermined period (Takeda, Fig. 2, [0052], [0058]-[0062], upon receipt of first SPS PDSCH #1, the UE transmits a NACK, and upon receipt of second SPS #1, the UE transmits a NACK. Since the base station does not receive an ACK after transmitting SPS #1 twice, the base station secures another resource for retransmission of SPS #1). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the teachings of Sakhnini with transmitting, at the user equipment to the network node, a second standby extension notification indicating to extend the monitoring of the PDSCH or the monitoring of the PDCCH for the predetermined period as taught by Takeda to provide improved communication throughput. (Takeda, [0024]) Conclusion 8. The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure: US 2019/0230590. 9. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to JENEE HOLLAND whose telephone number is (571)270-7196. The examiner can normally be reached 8:30 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, IAN MOORE can be reached at (571)272-3085. 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. JENEE HOLLAND Examiner Art Unit 2469 /JENEE HOLLAND/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2469
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Oct 28, 2024
Application Filed
Aug 17, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §102, §103
Sep 14, 2026
Interview Requested
Sep 17, 2026
Applicant Interview (Telephonic)
Sep 18, 2026
Examiner Interview Summary

Precedent Cases

Applications granted by this same examiner with similar technology

Patent 12745273
FLEXIBLE GAP DURATION FOR NON-TERRESTRIAL NETWORK (NTN) COMMUNICATIONS
2y 5m to grant Granted Sep 22, 2026
Patent 12739930
NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM STORING COMPUTER READABLE INSTRUCTIONS FOR TERMINAL DEVICE, TERMINAL DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING TERMINAL DEVICE
3y 1m to grant Granted Sep 15, 2026
Patent 12739763
ESTABLISHING A RELAY CONNECTION FOR AN OUT-OF-COVERAGE (OOC) SIDELINK (SL) USER EQUIPMENT (UE)
3y 0m to grant Granted Sep 15, 2026
Patent 12739890
REPETITION DETERMINATION METHOD, REPETITION DETERMINATION APPARATUS, TERMINAL, AND NETWORK SIDE DEVICE
2y 10m to grant Granted Sep 15, 2026
Patent 12706655
Precoding Method and Communication Apparatus
3y 5m to grant Granted Aug 11, 2026
Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

Strategy Recommendation AI-generated — please review before filing

Get a prosecution strategy drawn from examiner precedents, rejection analysis, and claim mapping.
Typically takes 5-10 seconds — AI-generated, attorney review required before filing

Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
84%
Grant Probability
91%
With Interview (+7.2%)
2y 11m (~1y 0m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 715 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

Sign in with your work email

Enter your email to receive a magic link. No password needed.

Personal email addresses (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) are not accepted.

Free tier: 3 strategy analyses per month