SECURING NETWORK STEERING INFORMATION

Application No. 19/173,730

• Filed: Apr 08, 2025
• Priority: Oct 02, 2017 — provisional 62/566,821
  • Oct 01, 2018 — nonprovisional of PCTEP2018076679
  • Oct 11, 2019 — continuation of 11/838,754
  • Jan 28, 2021 — continuation of 11/039,313
  • Dec 04, 2023 — continuation of 12/273,714
• Examiner: JEUDY, JOSNEL
• Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
• OA Round: 1 (Non-Final)

Office Action

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.This action is responsive to the communication filed on April 08, 2025. At this time, claims 1-27 are pending and addressed below.
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.
Claim Objections
Claim 23 is objected to because of the following informalities: As to claim 23, the claim recites “….a first Message Altercation code (MAC-1)… “, examiner suggests “….. a first Message Authentication code (MAC-1)… “. Appropriate correction is required.
Double Patenting
2. The nonstatutory 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 statutory obviousness-type 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 Omum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); and 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 a statutory double patenting ground provided the conflicting application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with this application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement.
Effective January 1, 1994, a registered attorney or agent of record may sign a terminal disclaimer. A terminal disclaimer signed by the assignee must fully comply with 37 CFR 3.73(b).

Claims 1- 27 are rejected on the ground of statutory obviousness-type double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-27 of US Patent number US 12273714 B2. The conflicting claims are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because the current application contains claims that are similar in scope than the claims of the patent number US 12273714 B2 and are anticipated by the claims 1-27.
This is a non-provisional double patenting rejection.
Claims Comparison Table

US Application Number 19/173,730
Patent Number 12273714
1. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) for securing network steering information, comprises: transmitting a registration request to a Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN); upon successful primary authentication, generating a home network root key; receiving, from a first network node, a protected message comprising Network Steering Information, which is protected using the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); based on the home network root key and a verified MAC-1, determining that the VPLMN did not alter Network Steering Information; and transmitting an acknowledgement message to a Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN), the acknowledgement message is transmitted with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2).
1. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) for securing network steering information, comprises: transmitting a registration request to a Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN); upon successful primary authentication, generating a home network root key; receiving, from a first network node, a protected message comprising Network Steering Information, which is protected using the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); based on the home network root key and a verified MAC-1, determining that the VPLMN did not alter Network Steering Information; and transmitting an acknowledgement message to a Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN), wherein the acknowledgement message is transmitted with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2).
2. The method of f claim 1, wherein the home network root key is an authentication server function key (Kausf) and the first network node comprises an authentication server function (AUSF).
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the home network root key is an authentication server function key (Kausf) and the first network node comprises an authentication server function (AUSF).
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the Network Steering Information is generated by a second network node and protected by the AUSF.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the Network Steering Information is generated by a second network node and protected by the AUSF.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the Network Steering Information is generated by User Data Management (UDM).
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the Network Steering Information is generated by User Data Management (UDM).
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.
6. A user equipment (UE) comprising: memory configured to store instructions; and processing circuitry configured to execute the instructions to cause the UE to: transmit a registration request to a Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN); upon successful primary authentication, generate a home network root key; receive, from a first network node, a protected message comprising Network Steering Information, which is protected using the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); based on the home network root key and a verified MAC-1, determine that the VPLMN did not alter Network Steering Information; and transmit an acknowledgement message to a Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN), the acknowledgement message is transmitted with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2).
6. A user equipment (UE) comprising: memory configured to store instructions; and processing circuitry configured to execute the instructions to cause the UE to: transmit a registration request to a Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN); upon successful primary authentication, generate a home network root key; receive, from a first network node, a protected message comprising Network Steering Information, which is protected using the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); based on the home network root key and a verified MAC-1, determine that the VPLMN did not alter Network Steering Information; and transmit an acknowledgement message to a Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN), wherein the acknowledgement message is transmitted with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2).
7. The UE of claim 6, wherein the home network root key is an authentication server function key (Kausf) and the first network node comprises an authentication server function (AUSF).
7. The UE of claim 6, wherein the home network root key is an authentication server function key (Kausf) and the first network node comprises an authentication server function (AUSF).
8. The UE of claim 7, wherein the Network Steering Information is generated by a second network node and protected by the AUSF.
8. The UE of claim 7, wherein the Network Steering Information is generated by a second network node and protected by the AUSF.
9. The UE of claim 8, wherein the Network Steering Information is generated by User Data Management (UDM).
9. The UE of claim 8, wherein the Network Steering Information is generated by User Data Management (UDM).
10. The UE of claim 6, wherein the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.
10. The UE of claim 6, wherein the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.
11. A method for securing network steering information by a first network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF), the method comprises: generating a home network root key; receiving Network Steering Information from a second network node; generating a protected message comprising the Network Steering Information, the protected message being protected using the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); transmitting the protected message comprising the Network Steering Information to a user equipment (UE); receiving, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information; and forwarding the acknowledgment message indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information to the second network node.
11. A method for securing network steering information by a first network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF), the method comprises: generating a home network root key; receiving Network Steering Information from a second network node; generating a protected message comprising the Network Steering Information, the protected message being protected using the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); transmitting the protected message comprising the Network Steering Information to a user equipment (UE); receiving, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information; and forwarding the acknowledgment message indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information to the second network node.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the home network root key is an AUSF key (Kausf) and the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the home network root key is an AUSF key (Kausf) and the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the second network node is operating as at least one of a Point Coordination Function (PCF) or a User data Management (UDM).
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the second network node is operating as at least one of a Point Coordination Function (PCF) or a User data Management (UDM).
14. A first network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF) for securing network steering information, the network node comprising: memory configured to store instructions; and processing circuitry configured to execute the instructions to cause the network node to: generate a home network root key; receive Network Steering Information from a second network node; generate a protected message comprising the Network Steering Information, the protected message being protected using the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); transmit the protected message comprising the Network Steering Information to a user equipment (UE); receive, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information; and forward the acknowledgment message indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information to the second network node.
14. A first network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF) for securing network steering information, the network node comprising: memory configured to store instructions; and processing circuitry configured to execute the instructions to cause the network node to: generate a home network root key; receive Network Steering Information from a second network node; generate a protected message comprising the Network Steering Information, the protected message being protected using the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); transmit the protected message comprising the Network Steering Information to a user equipment (UE); receive, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information; and forward the acknowledgment message indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information to the second network node.
15. The first network node of claim 14, wherein the home network root key is an AUSF key (Kausf).
15. The first network node of claim 14, wherein the home network root key is an AUSF key (Kausf).
16. The first network node of claim 14 wherein the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.
16. The first network node of claim 14 wherein the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.
17. The first network node of claim 14, the second network node is operating as at least one of a Point Coordination Function (PCF) or a User data Management (UDM).
17. The first network node of claim 14, the second network node is operating as at least one of a Point Coordination Function (PCF) or a User data Management (UDM).
18. A method for securing network steering information by a first network node, the method comprising: transmitting Network Steering Information and a first Message Altercation Code (MAC-1) to a second network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF) for protection of the Network Steering Information using a home network root key and the first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); receiving, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information; verifying the MAC-2; and determining based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information.
18. A method for securing network steering information by a first network node, the method comprising: transmitting Network Steering Information and a first Message Altercation Code (MAC-1) to a second network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF) for protection of the Network Steering Information using a home network root key and the first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); receiving, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information; verifying the MAC-2; and determining based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the home network root key is an AUSF key (Kausf).
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the home network root key is an AUSF key (Kausf).
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the first network node operates as a User Data Management (UDM) or a Point Coordination Function (PCF).
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the first network node operates as a User Data Management (UDM) or a Point Coordination Function (PCF).
21. The method of claim 18, further comprising: receiving from the second network node operating as the AUSF, the MAC-1 and the MAC-2; storing the MAC-2.
21. The method of claim 18, further comprising: receiving from the second network node operating as the AUSF, the MAC-1 and the MAC-2; storing the MAC-2.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein: verifying the MAC-2 comprises comparing the MAC-2 received from the second network node operating as the AUSF to the MAC-2 protecting the acknowledgment message from the UE, and determining based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information comprises determining that the MAC-2 received from the second network node operating as the AUSF is the same as the MAC-2 protecting the acknowledgment message from the UE.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein: verifying the MAC-2 comprises comparing the MAC-2 received from the second network node operating as the AUSF to the MAC-2 protecting the acknowledgment message from the UE, and determining based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information comprises determining that the MAC-2 received from the second network node operating as the AUSF is the same as the MAC-2 protecting the acknowledgment message from the UE.
23. A first network node for securing network steering information, the network node comprising: memory configured to store instructions; and processing circuitry configured to execute the instructions to cause the network node to: transmit Network Steering Information and a first Message Altercation Code (MAC-1) to a second network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF) for protection of the Network Steering Information using a home network root key and the first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); receive, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information; verify the MAC-2; and determine based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information.
23. A first network node for securing network steering information, the network node comprising: memory configured to store instructions; and processing circuitry configured to execute the instructions to cause the network node to: transmit Network Steering Information and a first Message Altercation Code (MAC-1) to a second network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF) for protection of the Network Steering Information using a home network root key and the first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); receive, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information; verify the MAC-2; and determine based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information.
24. The first network node of claim 23, wherein the home network root key is an AUSF key (Kausf).
24. The first network node of claim 23, wherein the home network root key is an AUSF key (Kausf).
25. The first network node of claim 23, wherein the first network node operates as a User Data Management (UDM) or a Point Coordination Function (PCF).
25. The first network node of claim 23, wherein the first network node operates as a User Data Management (UDM) or a Point Coordination Function (PCF).
26. The first network node of claim 23, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to: receive from the second network node operating as the AUSF, the MAC-1 and the MAC-2; store the MAC-2.
26. The first network node of claim 23, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to: receive from the second network node operating as the AUSF, the MAC-1 and the MAC-2; store the MAC-2.
27. The first network node of claim 26, wherein: verifying the MAC-2 comprises comparing the MAC-2 received from the second network node operating as the AUSF to the MAC-2 protecting the acknowledgment message from the UE, and determining based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information comprises determining that the MAC-2 received from the second network node operating as the AUSF is the same as the MAC-2 protecting the acknowledgment message from the UE.
27. The first network node of claim 26, wherein: verifying the MAC-2 comprises comparing the MAC-2 received from the second network node operating as the AUSF to the MAC-2 protecting the acknowledgment message from the UE, and determining based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information comprises determining that the MAC-2 received from the second network node operating as the AUSF is the same as the MAC-2 protecting the acknowledgment message from the UE.

Claims 1-27 are rejected on the ground of statutory obviousness-type double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-27 of US patent number 11838754. The conflicting claims are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because the current application contains claims that are broader in scope than the claims of the patent number 11838754 and are anticipated by the claim 1-27.
This is a non- provisional double patenting rejection since the conflicting claims have in fact been patented.

Claims Comparison Table
Application Number 19/173,730
Patent Number 11838754
1. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) for securing network steering information, comprises: transmitting a registration request to a Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN); upon successful primary authentication, generating a home network root key; receiving, from a first network node, a protected message comprising Network Steering Information, which is protected using the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); based on the home network root key and a verified MAC-1, determining that the VPLMN did not alter Network Steering Information; and transmitting an acknowledgement message to a Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN), the acknowledgement message is transmitted with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2).
1. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) for securing network steering information, comprises: transmitting a registration request to a Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN); upon successful primary authentication, generating a home network root key; receiving, from a first network node, a protected message comprising Network Steering Information, which is protected based on a configuration key (Kconf) derived from the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); based on the home network root key and a verified MAC-1, determining that the VPLMN did not alter Network Steering Information; and transmitting an acknowledgement message to a Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN), the acknowledgement message is transmitted with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2).
2. The method of f claim 1, wherein the home network root key is an authentication server function key (Kausf) and the first network node comprises an authentication server function (AUSF).
2. The method of f claim 1, wherein the home network root key is an authentication server function key (Kausf) and the first network node comprises an authentication server function (AUSF).
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the Network Steering Information is generated by a second network node and protected by the AUSF.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the Network Steering Information is generated by a second network node and protected by the AUSF.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the Network Steering Information is generated by User Data Management (UDM).
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the Network Steering Information is generated by User Data Management (UDM).
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.
6. A user equipment (UE) comprising: memory configured to store instructions; and processing circuitry configured to execute the instructions to cause the UE to: transmit a registration request to a Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN); upon successful primary authentication, generate a home network root key; receive, from a first network node, a protected message comprising Network Steering Information, which is protected using the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); based on the home network root key and a verified MAC-1, determine that the VPLMN did not alter Network Steering Information; and transmit an acknowledgement message to a Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN), the acknowledgement message is transmitted with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2).
6. A user equipment (UE) comprising: memory configured to store instructions; and processing circuitry configured to execute the instructions to cause the UE to: transmit a registration request to a Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN); upon successful primary authentication, generate a home network root key; receive, from a first network node, a protected message comprising Network Steering Information, which is protected based on a configuration key (Kconf) derived from the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); based on the home network root key and a verified MAC-1, determine that the VPLMN did not alter Network Steering Information; and transmit an acknowledgement message to a Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN), the acknowledgement message is transmitted with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2).
7. The UE of claim 6, wherein the home network root key is an authentication server function key (Kausf) and the first network node comprises an authentication server function (AUSF).
7. The UE of claim 6, wherein the home network root key is an authentication server function key (Kausf) and the first network node comprises an authentication server function (AUSF).
8. The UE of claim 7, wherein the Network Steering Information is generated by a second network node and protected by the AUSF.
8. The UE of claim 7, wherein the Network Steering Information is generated by a second network node and protected by the AUSF.
9. The UE of claim 8, wherein the Network Steering Information is generated by User Data Management (UDM).
9. The UE of claim 8, wherein the Network Steering Information is generated by User Data Management (UDM).
10. The UE of claim 6, wherein the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.
10. The UE of claim 6, wherein the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.
11. A method for securing network steering information by a first network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF), the method comprises: generating a home network root key; receiving Network Steering Information from a second network node; generating a protected message comprising the Network Steering Information, the protected message being protected using the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); transmitting the protected message comprising the Network Steering Information to a user equipment (UE); receiving, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information; and forwarding the acknowledgment message indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information to the second network node.
11. A method for securing network steering information by a first network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF), the method comprises: generating a home network root key; receiving Network Steering Information from a second network node; generating a protected message comprising the Network Steering Information, the protected message being protected based on a configuration key (Kconf) derived from the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); transmitting the protected message comprising the Network Steering Information to a user equipment (UE); receiving, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information; and forwarding the acknowledgment message indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information to the second network node.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the home network root key is an AUSF key (Kausf) and the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the home network root key is an AUSF key (Kausf) and the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the second network node is operating as at least one of a Point Coordination Function (PCF) or a User data Management (UDM).
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the second network node is operating as at least one of a Point Coordination Function (PCF) or a User data Management (UDM).
14. A first network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF) for securing network steering information, the network node comprising: memory configured to store instructions; and processing circuitry configured to execute the instructions to cause the network node to: generate a home network root key; receive Network Steering Information from a second network node; generate a protected message comprising the Network Steering Information, the protected message being protected using the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); transmit the protected message comprising the Network Steering Information to a user equipment (UE); receive, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information; and forward the acknowledgment message indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information to the second network node.
14. A first network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF) for securing network steering information, the network node comprising: memory configured to store instructions; and processing circuitry configured to execute the instructions to cause the network node to: generate a home network root key; receive Network Steering Information from a second network node; generate a protected message comprising the Network Steering Information, the protected message being protected based on a configuration key (Kconf) derived from the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); transmit the protected message comprising the Network Steering Information to a user equipment (UE); receive, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information; and forward the acknowledgment message indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information to the second network node.
15. The first network node of claim 14, wherein the home network root key is an AUSF key (Kausf).
15. The first network node of claim 14, wherein the home network root key is an AUSF key (Kausf).
16. The first network node of claim 14 wherein the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.
16. The first network node of claim 14 wherein the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.
17. The first network node of claim 14, the second network node is operating as at least one of a Point Coordination Function (PCF) or a User data Management (UDM).
17. The first network node of claim 14, the second network node is operating as at least one of a Point Coordination Function (PCF) or a User data Management (UDM).
18. A method for securing network steering information by a first network node, the method comprising: transmitting Network Steering Information and a first Message Altercation Code (MAC-1) to a second network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF) for protection of the Network Steering Information using a home network root key and the first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); receiving, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information; verifying the MAC-2; and determining based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information.
18. A method for securing network steering information by a first network node, the method comprising: transmitting Network Steering Information and a first Message Altercation Code (MAC-1) to a second network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF) for protection of the Network Steering Information based on a configuration key (Kconf) derived from a home network root key and the first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); receiving, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information; verifying the MAC-2; and determining based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the home network root key is an AUSF key (Kausf).
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the home network root key is an AUSF key (Kausf).
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the first network node operates as a User Data Management (UDM) or a Point Coordination Function (PCF).
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the first network node operates as a User Data Management (UDM) or a Point Coordination Function (PCF).
21. The method of claim 18, further comprising: receiving from the second network node operating as the AUSF, the MAC-1 and the MAC-2; storing the MAC-2.
21. The method of claim 18, further comprising: receiving from the second network node operating as the AUSF, the MAC-1 and the MAC-2; storing the MAC-2.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein: verifying the MAC-2 comprises comparing the MAC-2 received from the second network node operating as the AUSF to the MAC-2 protecting the acknowledgment message from the UE, and determining based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information comprises determining that the MAC-2 received from the second network node operating as the AUSF is the same as the MAC-2 protecting the acknowledgment message from the UE.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein: verifying the MAC-2 comprises comparing the MAC-2 received from the second network node operating as the AUSF to the MAC-2 protecting the acknowledgment message from the UE, and determining based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information comprises determining that the MAC-2 received from the second network node operating as the AUSF is the same as the MAC-2 protecting the acknowledgment message from the UE.
23. A first network node for securing network steering information, the network node comprising: memory configured to store instructions; and processing circuitry configured to execute the instructions to cause the network node to: transmit Network Steering Information and a first Message Altercation Code (MAC-1) to a second network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF) for protection of the Network Steering Information using a home network root key and the first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); receive, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information; verify the MAC-2; and determine based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information.
23. A first network node for securing network steering information, the network node comprising: memory configured to store instructions; and processing circuitry configured to execute the instructions to cause the network node to: transmit Network Steering Information and a first Message Altercation Code (MAC-1) to a second network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF) for protection of the Network Steering Information based on a configuration key (Kconf) derived from a home network root key and the first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); receive, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information; verify the MAC-2; and determine based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information.
24. The first network node of claim 23, wherein the home network root key is an AUSF key (Kausf).
24. The first network node of claim 23, wherein the home network root key is an AUSF key (Kausf).
25. The first network node of claim 23, wherein the first network node operates as a User Data Management (UDM) or a Point Coordination Function (PCF).
25. The first network node of claim 23, wherein the first network node operates as a User Data Management (UDM) or a Point Coordination Function (PCF).
26. The first network node of claim 23, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to: receive from the second network node operating as the AUSF, the MAC-1 and the MAC-2; store the MAC-2.
26. The first network node of claim 23, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to: receive from the second network node operating as the AUSF, the MAC-1 and the MAC-2; store the MAC-2.
27. The first network node of claim 26, wherein: verifying the MAC-2 comprises comparing the MAC-2 received from the second network node operating as the AUSF to the MAC-2 protecting the acknowledgment message from the UE, and determining based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information comprises determining that the MAC-2 received from the second network node operating as the AUSF is the same as the MAC-2 protecting the acknowledgment message from the UE.
27. The first network node of claim 26, wherein: verifying the MAC-2 comprises comparing the MAC-2 received from the second network node operating as the AUSF to the MAC-2 protecting the acknowledgment message from the UE, and determining based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information comprises determining that the MAC-2 received from the second network node operating as the AUSF is the same as the MAC-2 protecting the acknowledgment message from the UE.

Double Patenting
The nonstatutory 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 obviousness-type 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. 1885): In re Van Qmum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982): In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970): and 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 a nonstatutory double patenting ground provided the conflicting application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with this application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement.
Effective January 1, 1984, a registered attorney or agent of record may sign a terminal disclaimer. A terminal disclaimer signed by the assignee must fully comply with 37 CFR 3.73(b).
Claims 1, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 26, and 27 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory obviousness-type double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-2, 3, 5-6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 of US patent number 11039313. The conflicting claims are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because the current application contains claims that are broader in scope than the claims of the patent number 1139313 and are anticipated by the claims 1-2, 3, 5-6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12.
This is a non- provisional double patenting rejection since the conflicting claims have in fact been patented.
Claims Comparison Table
Application Number 19/173,730
Patent Number 11039313
14. A first network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF) for securing network steering information, the network node comprising: memory configured to store instructions; and processing circuitry configured to execute the instructions to cause the network node to: generate a home network root key; receive Network Steering Information from a second network node; generate a protected message comprising the Network Steering Information, the protected message being protected using the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); transmit the protected message comprising the Network Steering Information to a user equipment (UE); receive, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information; and forward the acknowledgment message indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information to the second network node.
1. A host computer, comprising: processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and a communication interface configured to initiate transmission of the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE), wherein the cellular network comprises a first network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF), and the first network node is configured to perform operations comprising: generating a home network root key; receiving Network Steering Information from a second network node; generating a protected message comprising the Network Steering Information, the protected message being protected using the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); transmitting the protected message comprising the Network Steering Information to a user equipment (UE); receiving, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) did not alter the Network Steering Information; and forwarding the acknowledgment message indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information to the second network node.

16. The first network node of claim 14 wherein the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.
2. The host computer of claim 1, wherein the home network root key is an AUSF key Kausf and the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.
23. A first network node for securing network steering information, the network node comprising: memory configured to store instructions; and processing circuitry configured to execute the instructions to cause the network node to: transmit Network Steering Information and a first Message Altercation Code (MAC-1) to a second network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF) for protection of the Network Steering Information using a home network root key and the first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); receive, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information; verify the MAC-2; and determine based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information.
7. A host computer comprising: processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and a communication interface configured to initiate transmission of the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE), wherein the cellular network comprises a first network node configured to perform operations comprising: transmitting Network Steering Information and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1) to a second network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF) for protection of the Network Steering Information using a home network root key and the first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); receiving, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) did not alter the Network Steering Information; verifying the second MAC-2; and determining based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information.
1. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) for securing network steering information, comprises: transmitting a registration request to a Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN); upon successful primary authentication, generating a home network root key; receiving, from a first network node, a protected message comprising Network Steering Information, which is protected using the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); based on the home network root key and a verified MAC-1, determining that the VPLMN did not alter Network Steering Information; and transmitting an acknowledgement message to a Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN), the acknowledgement message is transmitted with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2).
12. A method of operating a host computer, comprising: providing user data; and initiating transmission of the user data to a cellular network, via a communication interface, for transmission to a user equipment (UE), wherein the cellular network comprises a first network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF), and the first network node is configured to perform operations for securing network steering information, the operations comprising: generating a home network root key; receiving Network Steering Information from a second network node; generating a protected message comprising the Network Steering Information, the protected message being protected using the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); transmitting the protected message comprising the Network Steering Information to a user equipment (UE); receiving, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) did not alter the Network Steering Information; and forwarding the acknowledgment message indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information to the second network node.
6. A user equipment (UE) comprising: memory configured to store instructions; and processing circuitry configured to execute the instructions to cause the UE to: transmit a registration request to a Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN); upon successful primary authentication, generate a home network root key; receive, from a first network node, a protected message comprising Network Steering Information, which is protected using the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); based on the home network root key and a verified MAC-1, determine that the VPLMN did not alter Network Steering Information; and transmit an acknowledgement message to a Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN), the acknowledgement message is transmitted with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2).
7. A host computer comprising: processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and a communication interface configured to initiate transmission of the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE), wherein the cellular network comprises a first network node configured to perform operations comprising: transmitting Network Steering Information and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1) to a second network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF) for protection of the Network Steering Information using a home network root key and the first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); receiving, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) did not alter the Network Steering Information; verifying the second MAC-2; and determining based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information.

10. The UE of claim 6, wherein the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.
2. The host computer of claim 1, wherein the home network root key is an AUSF key Kausf and the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.
11. A method for securing network steering information by a first network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF), the method comprises: generating a home network root key; receiving Network Steering Information from a second network node; generating a protected message comprising the Network Steering Information, the protected message being protected using the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); transmitting the protected message comprising the Network Steering Information to a user equipment (UE); receiving, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information; and forwarding the acknowledgment message indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information to the second network node.
12. A method of operating a host computer, comprising: providing user data; and initiating transmission of the user data to a cellular network, via a communication interface, for transmission to a user equipment (UE), wherein the cellular network comprises a first network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF), and the first network node is configured to perform operations for securing network steering information, the operations comprising: generating a home network root key; receiving Network Steering Information from a second network node; generating a protected message comprising the Network Steering Information, the protected message being protected using the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); transmitting the protected message comprising the Network Steering Information to a user equipment (UE); receiving, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) did not alter the Network Steering Information; and forwarding the acknowledgment message indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information to the second network node.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the home network root key is an AUSF key (Kausf) and the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.
5. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 4, wherein the home network root key is an AUSF key Kausf and the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the second network node is operating as at least one of a Point Coordination Function (PCF) or a User data Management (UDM).
6. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 4, wherein the second network node is operating as at least one of a Point Coordination Function (PCF) or a User data Management (UDM).
23. A first network node for securing network steering information, the network node comprising: memory configured to store instructions; and processing circuitry configured to execute the instructions to cause the network node to: transmit Network Steering Information and a first Message Altercation Code (MAC-1) to a second network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF) for protection of the Network Steering Information using a home network root key and the first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); receive, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information; verify the MAC-2; and determine based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information.
7. A host computer comprising: processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and a communication interface configured to initiate transmission of the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE), wherein the cellular network comprises a first network node configured to perform operations comprising: transmitting Network Steering Information and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1) to a second network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF) for protection of the Network Steering Information using a home network root key and the first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); receiving, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) did not alter the Network Steering Information; verifying the second MAC-2; and determining based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information.

15. The first network node of claim 14, wherein the home network root key is an AUSF key (Kausf). 16. The first network node of claim 14 wherein the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.
2. The host computer of claim 1, wherein the home network root key is an AUSF key Kausf and the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the first network node operates as a User Data Management (UDM) or a Point Coordination Function (PCF).
6. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 4, wherein the second network node is operating as at least one of a Point Coordination Function (PCF) or a User data Management (UDM).
18. A method for securing network steering information by a first network node, the method comprising: transmitting Network Steering Information and a first Message Altercation Code (MAC-1) to a second network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF) for protection of the Network Steering Information using a home network root key and the first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); receiving, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information; verifying the MAC-2; and determining based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information.
12. A method of operating a host computer, comprising: providing user data; and initiating transmission of the user data to a cellular network, via a communication interface, for transmission to a user equipment (UE), wherein the cellular network comprises a first network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF), and the first network node is configured to perform operations for securing network steering information, the operations comprising: generating a home network root key; receiving Network Steering Information from a second network node; generating a protected message comprising the Network Steering Information, the protected message being protected using the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); transmitting the protected message comprising the Network Steering Information to a user equipment (UE); receiving, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) did not alter the Network Steering Information; and forwarding the acknowledgment message indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information to the second network node.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the home network root key is an AUSF key (Kausf).
8. The host computer of claim 7, wherein the home network root key is an AUSF key Kausf.

21. The method of claim 18, further comprising: receiving from the second network node operating as the AUSF, the MAC-1 and the MAC-2; storing the MAC-2.
10. The host computer of claim 7, wherein the operations performed by the first network node further comprise: receiving from the second network node operating as the AUSF, the first MAC-1 and a third MAC-2; storing the third MAC-2.
27. The first network node of claim 26, wherein: verifying the MAC-2 comprises comparing the MAC-2 received from the second network node operating as the AUSF to the MAC-2 protecting the acknowledgment message from the UE, and determining based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information comprises determining that the MAC-2 received from the second network node operating as the AUSF is the same as the MAC-2 protecting the acknowledgment message from the UE.
11. The host computer of claim 10, wherein: verifying the second MAC-2 comprises comparing the third MAC-2 to the second MAC-2 protecting the acknowledgment message from the UE, and determining based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information comprises determining that the third MAC-2 is the same as the second MAC-2 protecting the acknowledgment message.
14. A first network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF) for securing network steering information, the network node comprising: memory configured to store instructions; and processing circuitry configured to execute the instructions to cause the network node to: generate a home network root key; receive Network Steering Information from a second network node; generate a protected message comprising the Network Steering Information, the protected message being protected using the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); transmit the protected message comprising the Network Steering Information to a user equipment (UE); receive, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information; and forward the acknowledgment message indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information to the second network node.
1. A host computer, comprising: processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and a communication interface configured to initiate transmission of the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE), wherein the cellular network comprises a first network node operating as an authentication server function (AUSF), and the first network node is configured to perform operations comprising: generating a home network root key; receiving Network Steering Information from a second network node; generating a protected message comprising the Network Steering Information, the protected message being protected using the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); transmitting the protected message comprising the Network Steering Information to a user equipment (UE); receiving, from the UE, an acknowledgement message protected with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2), the acknowledgment indicating that a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) did not alter the Network Steering Information; and forwarding the acknowledgment message indicating that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information to the second network node.
10. The UE of claim 6, wherein the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.
2. The host computer of claim 1, wherein the home network root key is an AUSF key Kausf and the protected message is piggybacked with a Registration Accept message.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the second network node is operating as at least one of a Point Coordination Function (PCF) or a User data Management (UDM).
3. The host computer of claim 2, wherein the second network node is operating as at least one of a Point Coordination Function (PCF) or a User data Management (UDM).
26. The first network node of claim 23, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to: receive from the second network node operating as the AUSF, the MAC-1 and the MAC-2; store the MAC-2.
10. The host computer of claim 7, wherein the operations performed by the first network node further comprise: receiving from the second network node operating as the AUSF, the first MAC-1 and a third MAC-2; storing the third MAC-2.
27. The first network node of claim 26, wherein: verifying the MAC-2 comprises comparing the MAC-2 received from the second network node operating as the AUSF to the MAC-2 protecting the acknowledgment message from the UE, and determining based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information comprises determining that the MAC-2 received from the second network node operating as the AUSF is the same as the MAC-2 protecting the acknowledgment message from the UE.
11. The host computer of claim 10, wherein: verifying the second MAC-2 comprises comparing the third MAC-2 to the second MAC-2 protecting the acknowledgment message from the UE, and determining based on the acknowledgement that the VPLMN did not alter the Network Steering Information comprises determining that the third MAC-2 is the same as the second MAC-2 protecting the acknowledgment message.

Allowable Subject Matter
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter: As to claim 1,
Zhang, US pat. No (US 20150351021) discloses transmitting a registration request to a Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN); based on the home network root key and a verified MAC-1, determining that the VPLMN did not alter Network Steering Information.
The prior art does not disclose upon successful primary authentication, generating a home network root key; receiving, from a first network node, a protected message comprising Network Steering Information, which is protected using the home network root key and a first Message Authentication Code (MAC-1); and transmitting an acknowledgement message to a Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN), the acknowledgement message is transmitted with a second Message Authentication Code (MAC-2) as similarly recited in independent claims 6, 11, 14, 18 and 23.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. .
Garcia Morchon, US20250280295, title “ A method of joining a communication network”.
RAJADURAI, Rajavelsamy, US20200221281, title “ Method and system to detect anti-steering of roaming activity in wireless communication network.”
RAJADURAI; Rajavelsamy, US 20210211860 A1, title “ METHOD AND SYSTEM TO DETECT ANTI-STEERING OF ROAMING ACTIVITY IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORK “.
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Date: 08/03/2026

/JOSNEL JEUDY/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2438

Prosecution Timeline

• Apr 08, 2025: Application Filed
• Aug 06, 2026: Non-Final Rejection mailed — §DP (current)