Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 04, 2026
Application No. 19/026,723

PROCESSING AND IMAGING TISSUE SAMPLES

Non-Final OA §101
Filed
Jan 17, 2025
Priority
Jul 20, 2020 — provisional 63/054,226 +1 more
Examiner
NEFF, MICHAEL R
Art Unit
2631
Tech Center
2600 — Communications
Assignee
Akoya Biosciences, Inc.
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
88%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
9m
Est. Remaining
99%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 88% — above average
88%
Career Allowance Rate
868 granted / 992 resolved
+25.5% vs TC avg
Moderate +14% lift
Without
With
+14.5%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 6m
Avg Prosecution
28 currently pending
Career history
1011
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
7.8%
-32.2% vs TC avg
§103
54.0%
+14.0% vs TC avg
§102
12.4%
-27.6% vs TC avg
§112
17.8%
-22.2% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 992 resolved cases

Office Action

§101
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 A rejection based on double patenting of the “same invention” type finds its support in the language of 35 U.S.C. 101 which states that “whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process... may obtain a patent therefor...” (Emphasis added). Thus, the term “same invention,” in this context, means an invention drawn to identical subject matter. See Miller v. Eagle Mfg. Co., 151 U.S. 186 (1894); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Ockert, 245 F.2d 467, 114 USPQ 330 (CCPA 1957). A statutory type (35 U.S.C. 101) double patenting rejection can be overcome by canceling or amending the claims that are directed to the same invention so they are no longer coextensive in scope. The filing of a terminal disclaimer cannot overcome a double patenting rejection based upon 35 U.S.C. 101. Claim 1 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 as claiming the same invention as that of claim 1 of prior U.S. Patent No. 12235215. This is a statutory double patenting rejection. US Patent 12235215 Current application 1. A method, comprising: applying a first stain composition to a biological sample, and measuring information corresponding to one or more stains of the first stain composition in the biological sample, wherein the one or more stains comprise a fluorescent counterstain; removing the fluorescent counterstain from the biological sample; applying a second stain composition to the biological sample, and measuring information corresponding to one or more stains of the second stain composition in the biological sample, wherein the one or more stains comprise a fluorescent label; generating a first image of the biological sample, wherein the first image corresponds to a pattern of simulated hematoxylin staining in the biological sample; and generating a second image of the biological sample, wherein the second image corresponds to localization of the fluorescent label in the biological sample. 1. A method, comprising: applying a first stain composition to a biological sample, and measuring information corresponding to one or more stains of the first stain composition in the biological sample, wherein the one or more stains comprise a fluorescent counterstain; removing the fluorescent counterstain from the biological sample; applying a second stain composition to the biological sample, and measuring information corresponding to one or more stains of the second stain composition in the biological sample, wherein the one or more stains comprise a fluorescent label; generating a first image of the biological sample, wherein the first image corresponds to a pattern of simulated hematoxylin staining in the biological sample; and generating a second image of the biological sample, wherein the second image corresponds to localization of the fluorescent label in the biological sample. Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to MICHAEL R NEFF whose telephone number is (571)270-1848. The examiner can normally be reached Mon-Fri 5:30am-2:00pm. 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, Hannah S. Wang can be reached at (571) 272-9018. 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. /MICHAEL R NEFF/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2631
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Jan 17, 2025
Application Filed
Sep 02, 2026
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §101 (current)

Precedent Cases

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Patent 12750332
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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
88%
Grant Probability
99%
With Interview (+14.5%)
2y 6m (~9m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 992 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.

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