Prosecution Insights
Last updated: May 29, 2026
Application No. 19/228,896

ONLINE REAL-TIME INTERACTIVE COLLABORATIVE ANNOTATION SYSTEM

Final Rejection §103
Filed
Jun 05, 2025
Priority
May 19, 2020 — provisional 63/027,012 +2 more
Examiner
HASTY, NICHOLAS
Art Unit
2141
Tech Center
2100 — Computer Architecture & Software
Assignee
Markadoc Corporation
OA Round
2 (Final)
51%
Grant Probability
Moderate
3-4
OA Rounds
3y 6m
Est. Remaining
84%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 51% of resolved cases
51%
Career Allowance Rate
179 granted / 349 resolved
-3.7% vs TC avg
Strong +32% interview lift
Without
With
+32.4%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
4y 5m
Avg Prosecution
9 currently pending
Career history
381
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
0.5%
-39.5% vs TC avg
§103
88.5%
+48.5% vs TC avg
§102
10.6%
-29.4% vs TC avg
§112
0.1%
-39.9% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 349 resolved cases

Office Action

§103
DETAILED ACTION The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . This action is responsive to communications: Amendment filed on 1/7/2026. Claims 1-11 are pending. Claims 1, 2, and 6 are independent. Claims 8-11 are newly added. The previous rejection of claims 1-7 under 35 USC § 103 have been withdrawn in view of the amendment. 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. Claim(s) 1-7 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Berger et al. (US9,519,886) in view of Mitsufuji (US2008/0250311) as made of reference in IDS dated 10/1/2025. In regards to claim 1, Berger et al. discloses a computer-implemented digital content collaboration system for facilitating annotation of an original digital content file comprising original digital content data between a first computing device and a second computing device, the system comprising: a) a database/server including a memory and a processor, wherein the database/server is in communication with the first computing device and the second computing device over a network (Berger et al. fig. 1 col3 ln24-39, server 110 in communication with client devices 102); b) a first set of computer instructions that when executed by the processor performs the steps of: i) storing a shared digital content file comprising shared digital content data, wherein the shared digital content data includes the original digital content data (Berger et al. col5 ln1-21, databases stores workspaces containing digital content accessible to collaborators), and ii) communicating the shared digital content data to the second computing device over the network (Berger et al. fig. 2 col5 ln66 to col6 ln7, communicates document to collaborators), and c) a second set of computer instructions configured for being stored in a respective memory of the first computing device and the second computing device (Berger et al. fig. 1, col3 ln31-39, the client devices 102 can be any combination of devices/systems that is able to establish a connection with another device and the host server 110. ), the second set of computer instructions configured for being executed by a respective processor of the first computing device and the second computing device to perform the steps of: i) receiving the shared digital content data from the database/server over the network (Berger et al. col5 ln1-21, receives document from host server over the network), ii) displaying the shared digital content data as the shared digital content file on a respective display of the first computing device and the second computing device (Berger et al. fig. 2 col5 ln66 to col6 ln15, concurrently displays document to multiple collaborators), iii) allowing annotation of the shared digital content file via a respective input device associated with the first computing device and the second computing device (Berger et al. fig. 2 col5 ln22-33, col5 ln66 to col6 ln15, col8 ln54-67, access rights can vary between users and collaborators who can edit document and annotations, multiple users can concurrently view document and add annotations that overlay document), iv) communicating the annotated digital content data to the database/server over the network (Berger et al. col3 ln24-39, communicates annotated document to host server), v) receiving, at the first computing device and the second computing device, the annotated digital content data from the database/server over the network (Berber et al. fig. 1 col3 ln24-39, receives annotated document from cloud server over network), vi) displaying the annotated digital content file including each annotation of the plurality of annotations on the respective display of the first computing device and the second computing device (Berger et al. fig. 1 col6 ln8-25, simultaneous display annotations to collaborators on different devices); and vii) allowing modification of the original digital content data at only the first computing device (Berger et al. fig. 6 col5 ln22-33, creator or uploader of content controls access rights to edit or annotate document). Berger et al. does not explicitly disclose wherein the annotation produces an annotated digital content file which includes the shared digital content data and annotated digital content data wherein the annotated digital content data overlays the shared digital content without modification to the original digital content data. However Mitsufuji discloses wherein the annotation produces an annotated digital content file which includes the shared digital content data and annotated digital content data wherein the annotated digital content data overlays the shared digital content without modification to the original digital content data (Mitsufuji fig. 38 para[0329], The content to be displayed on the annotation layer may be recorded in the document. Also, the content may be recorded in a separate file that is different from the document, e.g., a definition file. The annotation detection unit 72 acquires the file that specifies the content to be displayed on the annotation layer. The annotation display unit 74 serves as a second rendering unit, which creates an annotation layer layout based upon the content specified in the annotation layer file. Also, the annotation display unit 74 serves as a display unit, which superimposes the annotation layer on the document layer displayed by a first rendering unit such as the display unit 56, 66, or the like, provided in the form of a document). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the filing date of the invention to have combined the collaborative annotation method of Berger et al. with the document annotation method of Mitsufuji in order to add additional information that is distinguishable from the original document (Mitsufuji para[0007]). In regards to claim 2, Berger et al. discloses a computer-implemented digital content collaboration system comprising: a) a database/server including a memory and a processor, wherein the database/server is in communication a plurality of computing devices over a network (Berger et al. fig. 1 col3 ln24-39, server 110 in communication with client devices 102); b) a first set of computer instructions that when executed by the processor performs the steps of: i) storing a first shared digital content file comprising first shared digital content data, wherein the first shared digital content data includes first original digital content data associated with a first original digital content file (Berger et al. fig. 2 215 col5 ln1-21, workspace associated with digital content 215), ii) storing a second shared digital content file comprising second shared digital content data, wherein the second shared digital content data includes second original digital content data associated with a second original digital content file (Berger et al. fig. 2 235 col5 ln1-21, workspace B associated with digital content 235), and iii) communicating the first shared digital content data and the second shared digital content data to each of said computing devices over the network (Berger et al. fig. 2 col5 ln66 to col6 ln7, communicates documents in a workspace to collaborators), and c) a second set of computer instructions configured for being stored in a respective memory of said computing devices (Berger et al. fig. 1, col3 ln31-39, the client devices 102 can be any combination of devices/systems that is able to establish a connection with another device and the host server 110. ), the second set of computer instructions configured for being executed by a respective processor of each of said computing devices to perform the steps of: i) receiving the first shared digital content data and the second shared digital content data from the database/server over the network (Berger et al. col5 ln1-21, receives documents from host server over the network), ii) displaying one or both of the first shared digital content data and the second shared digital content data as a respective first shared digital content file or second shared digital content file on a respective display of each of said computing devices (Berger et al. fig. 2 col5 ln66 to col6 ln15, concurrently displays document to multiple collaborators), iii) allowing a first annotation of the first shared digital content via a respective input device associated with any of the plurality of computing devices,(Berger et al. fig 2 col5 ln22-33, col5 ln66 to col6 ln15, col8 ln54-67, access rights can vary between users and collaborators who can edit document and annotations, multiple users can concurrently view document and add annotations that overlay document), iv) allowing a second annotation of the second shared digital content via a respective input device associated with any of the plurality of computing devices, (Berger et al. fig 2 col5 ln22-33, col5 ln66 to col6 ln15, col8 ln54-67, access rights can vary between users and collaborators who can edit document and annotations, multiple users can concurrently view document and add annotations that overlay document), v) allowing cross-referencing of the first annotation with the second annotation wherein the first shared digital content file includes a first hyperlink to the second shared digital content file (Berger et al. fig. 6 col8 ln29-53, users can input additional annotations (comments) responding to any other annotations). Berger et al. does not explicitly disclose wherein the first annotation produces a first annotated digital content file which includes the first shared digital content data and first annotated digital content data wherein the first annotated digital content data overlays the first shared digital content without modification to the first original digital content data; wherein the second annotation produces a second annotated digital content file which includes the second shared digital content data and second annotated digital content data wherein the second annotated digital content data overlays the second shared digital content without modification to the second original digital content data. However Mitsufuji discloses wherein the first annotation produces a first annotated digital content file which includes the first shared digital content data and first annotated digital content data wherein the first annotated digital content data overlays the first shared digital content without modification to the first original digital content data and wherein the second annotation produces a second annotated digital content file which includes the second shared digital content data and second annotated digital content data wherein the second annotated digital content data overlays the second shared digital content without modification to the second original digital content data. (Mitsufuji fig. 38 para[0329], The content to be displayed on the annotation layer may be recorded in the document. Also, the content may be recorded in a separate file that is different from the document, e.g., a definition file. The annotation detection unit 72 acquires the file that specifies the content to be displayed on the annotation layer. The annotation display unit 74 serves as a second rendering unit, which creates an annotation layer layout based upon the content specified in the annotation layer file. Also, the annotation display unit 74 serves as a display unit, which superimposes the annotation layer on the document layer displayed by a first rendering unit such as the display unit 56, 66, or the like, provided in the form of a document). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the filing date of the invention to have combined the collaborative annotation method of Berger et al. with the document annotation method of Mitsufuji in order to add additional information that is distinguishable from the original document (Mitsufuji para[0007]). In regards to claim 3, Berger et al. as modified by Mitsufuji et al. discloses the system of claim 2 wherein the first hyperlink is directed to a location of the second annotation within the second shared digital content file (Berger et al. col8 ln54-67, comment tied to specific portion of document and represent as hyperlink). In regards to claim 4, Berger et al. as modified by Mitsufuji et al. discloses the system of claim 3 wherein the second shared digital content file includes a second hyperlink to the first shared digital content file(Burger et al. col7 ln63 to col8 ln3, each collaborator may receive an email message with a hyperlink to the stored note). In regards to claim 5, Berger et al. as modified by Mitsufuji et al. discloses the system of claim 4 wherein the second hyperlink is directed to a location of the first annotation within the first shared digital content file(Berger et al. col8 ln54-67, comment tied to specific portion of document and represent as hyperlink). In regards to claim 6, Berger et al. discloses a computer-implemented digital content collaboration system comprising: a) a database/server including a memory and a processor, wherein the database/server is in communication with of a plurality of computing devices over a network (Berger et al. fig. 1 col3 ln24-39, server 110 in communication with client devices 102); b) a first set of computer instructions that when executed by the processor performs the steps of: i) storing a first shared digital content file comprising first shared digital content data, wherein the first shared digital content data includes first original digital content data associated with a first original digital content file (Berger et al. fig. 2 215 col5 ln1-21, workspace associated with digital content 215), ii) storing a second shared digital content file comprising second shared digital content data, wherein the second shared digital content data includes second original digital content data associated with a second original digital content file (Berger et al. fig. 2 235 col5 ln1-21, workspace B associated with digital content 235), and iii) communicating the first shared digital content data and the second shared digital content data to each of the plurality of computing devices over the network (Berger et al. fig. 2 col5 ln66 to col6 ln7, communicates documents in a workspace to collaborators), and c) a second set of computer instructions configured for being stored in a respective memory of each of said computing devices (Berger et al. fig. 1, col3 ln31-39, the client devices 102 can be any combination of devices/systems that is able to establish a connection with another device and the host server 110. ), the second set of computer instructions configured for being executed by a respective processor of each of t said computing devices to perform the steps of: i) receiving the first shared digital content data and the second shared digital content data from the database/server over the network (Berger et al. col5 ln1-21, receives documents from host server over the network), ii) displaying one or both of the first and second shared digital content data as a respective first shared digital content file or second shared digital content file on a respective display of each said of computing devices (Berger et al. fig. 2 col5 ln66 to col6 ln15, concurrently displays document to multiple collaborators), iii) allowing a first annotation of the first shared digital content file via a respective input device associated with any of t said computing devices (Berger et al. fig 2 col5 ln22-33, col5 ln66 to col6 ln15, col8 ln54-67, access rights can vary between users and collaborators who can edit document and annotations, multiple users can concurrently view document and add annotations that overlay document), iv) allowing a second annotation of the second shared digital content file via a respective input device associated with any of said computing devices, (Berger et al. fig 2 col5 ln22-33, col5 ln66 to col6 ln15, col8 ln54-67, access rights can vary between users and collaborators who can edit document and annotations, multiple users can concurrently view document and add annotations that overlay document), v) generating a marker report including each of the first annotation and the second annotation (Berger et al. fig. 6 col8 ln44-47, displays list of annotations (comments) made by authors), wherein the marker report further includes one or more of the following fields: a) an identification of a respective shared digital content file associated with each of the first annotation and the second annotation (Berger et al. col6 ln32-39, identifies work items and action items shared by collaborators), b) an identification of a respective computing device of the plurality of computing devices which created each of the first annotation and the second annotation (Berger et al. fig. 6, col8 ln40-47, information about the author and date of the comment are shown), c) an identification of a type of annotation of each of the first annotation and the second annotation (Berger et al. col8 ln 38-43, displays comment and related information), d) a reproduction of each respective annotation (Berger et al. col9 ln40-47, text of the comment is shown), and e) a status of each respective annotation (Berger et al. fig. 6 601, col8 ln47-53, user may request an update of his or her comment). Berger et al. does not explicitly disclose wherein the first annotation produces a first annotated digital content file which includes the first shared digital content data and first annotated digital content data wherein the first annotated digital content data overlays the first shared digital content file without modification to the first original content data; wherein the second annotation produces a second annotated digital content file which includes the second shared digital content data and second annotated digital content data wherein the second annotated digital content data overlays the second shared digital content file without modification to the second original content data. However Mitsufuji discloses wherein the first annotation produces a first annotated digital content file which includes the first shared digital content data and first annotated digital content data wherein the first annotated digital content data overlays the first shared digital content without modification to the first original digital content data and wherein the second annotation produces a second annotated digital content file which includes the second shared digital content data and second annotated digital content data wherein the second annotated digital content data overlays the second shared digital content without modification to the second original digital content data. (Mitsufuji fig. 38 para[0329], The content to be displayed on the annotation layer may be recorded in the document. Also, the content may be recorded in a separate file that is different from the document, e.g., a definition file. The annotation detection unit 72 acquires the file that specifies the content to be displayed on the annotation layer. The annotation display unit 74 serves as a second rendering unit, which creates an annotation layer layout based upon the content specified in the annotation layer file. Also, the annotation display unit 74 serves as a display unit, which superimposes the annotation layer on the document layer displayed by a first rendering unit such as the display unit 56, 66, or the like, provided in the form of a document). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the filing date of the invention to have combined the collaborative annotation method of Berger et al. with the document annotation method of Mitsufuji in order to add additional information that is distinguishable from the original document (Mitsufuji para[0007]). In regards to claim 7, Berger et al. as modified by Mitsufuji et al. discloses the system of claim 6 wherein one or more of each field a) through e) is an operable hyperlink wherein selection of a specific field directs a user from the marker report to the first or second annotation within the first shared digital content file or the second shared digital content file linked to the specific field (Berger et al. col8 ln54-67, comment can be represented by a hyperlink to the comment). Claim(s) 8-11 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Berger et al. in view of Mitsufuji et al. and Bhatt (US2017/0060829). In regards to claim 8, Berger et al. as modified by Mitsufuji discloses the computer-implemented digital content collaboration system of claim 3. Berger et al. does not explicitly disclose wherein the second shared digital content file comprises a three-dimensional image; the location is associated with the three-dimensional image; and the first hyperlink comprises three-dimensional coordinate data associated with a position on the three-dimensional image. However Bhatt discloses wherein the second shared digital content file comprises a three-dimensional image (Bhatt para[0030], the annotation system may operate on any sort of document, including web pages, graphical images, sound files, video files, etc.); the location is associated with the three-dimensional image (Bhatt para[0030], Each document 122 will have a coordinate space associated with it, which coordinate space indicates the type and dimensions of the document.); and the first hyperlink comprises three-dimensional coordinate data associated with a position on the three-dimensional image (Bhatt para[0066], A time-based document includes a plurality of components to be presented at different times, such as a plurality of frames in a video file. Each point in time contains information, such as a frame or a sound. In addition to the type, the size of each page, canvas, or frame may be determined as part of the coordinate space.). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the filing date of the invention to have combined the collaborative annotation method of Berger et al. with the annotation linking method of Bhatt et al. in order to share annotations and connections between users (Bhatt para[0004]). In regards to claim 9, Berger et al. as modified by Mitsufuji discloses the computer-implemented digital content collaboration system of claim 3. Berger et al. does not explicitly disclose wherein the second shared digital content file comprises a video file; the location is associated with the video file; the first hyperlink comprises three-dimensional coordinate data associated with a position on the video file; and the three-dimensional coordinate data comprises a z-coordinate data point representing a temporal data point. However Bhatt discloses wherein the second shared digital content file comprises a video file (Bhatt et al. para[0030], the annotation system may operate on any sort of document, including web pages, graphical images, sound files, video files, etc.); the location is associated with the video file (Bhatt para[0030], Each document 122 will have a coordinate space associated with it, which coordinate space indicates the type and dimensions of the document.); the first hyperlink comprises three-dimensional coordinate data associated with a position on the video file (Bhatt para[0066], A time-based document includes a plurality of components to be presented at different times, such as a plurality of frames in a video file. Each point in time contains information, such as a frame or a sound. In addition to the type, the size of each page, canvas, or frame may be determined as part of the coordinate space.); and the three-dimensional coordinate data comprises a z-coordinate data point representing a temporal data point (Bhatt para[0066], A time-based document includes a plurality of components to be presented at different times, such as a plurality of frames in a video file. Each point in time contains information, such as a frame or a sound. In addition to the type, the size of each page, canvas, or frame may be determined as part of the coordinate space). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the filing date of the invention to have combined the collaborative annotation method of Berger et al. with the annotation linking method of Bhatt in order to share annotations and connections between users (Bhatt para[0004]). In regards to claim 10, Berger et al. as modified by Mitsufuji discloses the computer-implemented digital content collaboration system of claim 5. Berger et al. does not explicitly disclose wherein the first shared digital content file comprises a three-dimensional image; the location is associated with the three-dimensional image; and the second hyperlink comprises three-dimensional coordinate data associated with a position on the three-dimensional image. However Bhatt discloses wherein the first shared digital content file comprises a three-dimensional image (Bhatt para[0030], the annotation system may operate on any sort of document, including web pages, graphical images, sound files, video files, etc.); the location is associated with the three-dimensional image (Bhatt para[0030], Each document 122 will have a coordinate space associated with it, which coordinate space indicates the type and dimensions of the document.); and the second hyperlink comprises three-dimensional coordinate data associated with a position on the three-dimensional image (Bhatt para[0066], A time-based document includes a plurality of components to be presented at different times, such as a plurality of frames in a video file. Each point in time contains information, such as a frame or a sound. In addition to the type, the size of each page, canvas, or frame may be determined as part of the coordinate space.). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the filing date of the invention to have combined the collaborative annotation method of Berger et al. with the annotation linking method of Bhatt in order to share annotations and connections between users (Bhatt para[0004]). In regards to claim 11, Berger et al. as modified by Mitsufuji discloses the computer-implemented digital content collaboration system of claim 3. Berger et al. does not explicitly disclose wherein the first shared digital content file comprises a video file; the location is associated with the video file; the second hyperlink comprises three-dimensional coordinate data associated with a position on the video file; and the three-dimensional coordinate data comprises a z-coordinate data point representing a temporal data point. However Bhatt discloses wherein the first shared digital content file comprises a video file (Bhatt para[0030], the annotation system may operate on any sort of document, including web pages, graphical images, sound files, video files, etc.); the location is associated with the video file (Bhatt para[0030], Each document 122 will have a coordinate space associated with it, which coordinate space indicates the type and dimensions of the document.); the second hyperlink comprises three-dimensional coordinate data associated with a position on the video file (Bhatt para[0066], A time-based document includes a plurality of components to be presented at different times, such as a plurality of frames in a video file. Each point in time contains information, such as a frame or a sound. In addition to the type, the size of each page, canvas, or frame may be determined as part of the coordinate space.); and the three-dimensional coordinate data comprises a z-coordinate data point representing a temporal data point (Bhatt para[0066], A time-based document includes a plurality of components to be presented at different times, such as a plurality of frames in a video file. Each point in time contains information, such as a frame or a sound. In addition to the type, the size of each page, canvas, or frame may be determined as part of the coordinate space). It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the filing date of the invention to have combined the collaborative annotation method of Berger et al. with the annotation linking method of Bhatt in order to share annotations and connections between users (Bhatt para[0004]). Response to Arguments Applicant's arguments filed 1/07/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. In regards to claim 2, applicant argues on page 15 that the references does not teach “allowing cross-referencing of the first annotation with the second annotation wherein the first shared digital content includes a first hyperlink to the second shared digital content”. However Berger et al. as modified by Mitsufuji substantially discloses allowing cross-referencing of the first annotation with the second annotation wherein the first shared digital content includes a first hyperlink to the second shared digital content (Berger et al. fig. 6 col8 ln29-53, allows a user to respond to another users comment, col8 ln1-3, collaborator may receive hyperlink to associated note, col8 ln64-67, the user can enter and submit a URL or any other linkable address). In regards to claim 7, applicant argues on page 15 that Mitsufuji does not teach “wherein one or more of each field a) through e) is an operable hyperlink wherein selection of a specific field directs a user from the marker report to the first or second annotation within the first shared digital content file linked to the specific field”. However Berger et al. as modified by Mitsufuji et al. substantially discloses wherein one or more of each field a) through e) is an operable hyperlink wherein selection of a specific field directs a user from the marker report to the first or second annotation within the first shared digital content file linked to the specific field (Berger et al. col8 ln54-67, In one embodiment, an annotation can be represented as a hyperlink, by text, and so on. When the user chooses a representation as a hyperlink, the GUI module can allow the user to enter and submit a URL or any other linkable address using one or more graphical elements. Col8 ln1-3, Each collaborator may receive a message with a hyperlink to the stored note) In regards to claim 6, applicant argues on page 16 that Berger does not teach “generating a marker report including each of the first annotation and the second annotation, wherein the marker report further includes one or more of the following fields: a) an identification of a respective shared digital content file associated with each of the first annotation and the second annotation; b) an identification of a respective computing device of the plurality of computing devices which created each of the first annotation and the second annotation; c) an identification of a type of annotation of each of the first annotation and the second annotation; d) a reproduction of each respective annotation; and e) a status of each respective annotation”. However, the specification para[0078] states “system may monitor and track all annotations to one or more documents which may then be compiled and displayed in a marker report”. The various indications on the marker report are non-functional descriptive material and not afforded patentable weight, see MPEP 2111.05. Despite this, the examiner has mapped art in the interest of compact prosecution. Berger et al. discloses generating a marker report including each of the first annotation and the second annotation (Berger et al. fig. 6 col8 ln44-47, generates list including user comments (first annotation) and another’s user’s comment (second annotation)), wherein the marker report further includes one or more of the following fields: a) an identification of a respective shared digital content file associated with each of the first annotation and the second annotation; b) an identification of a respective computing device of the plurality of computing devices which created each of the first annotation and the second annotation (Berger et al. fig. 6, col8 ln40-47, information about the author and the date of the comment are shown in addition to the text of the comment); c) an identification of a type of annotation of each of the first annotation and the second annotation; d) a reproduction of each respective annotation; and e) a status of each respective annotation. Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Powers et al. (US2018/0374276) teaches placing annotations in a three-dimensional representation. Jain et al. (US2006/0041564) teaches creating annotation overlays for parallel slices of a three-dimensional image. Applicant's submission of an information disclosure statement under 37 CFR 1.97(c) with the timing fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(p) on 10/01/2025 prompted the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 609.04(b). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a). A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to NICHOLAS HASTY whose telephone number is (571)270-7775. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm. 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, Matt Ell can be reached at (571)270-3264. 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. /N.H/Examiner, Art Unit 2141 /MATTHEW ELL/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2141
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Jun 05, 2025
Application Filed
Aug 07, 2025
Non-Final Rejection mailed — §103
Jan 07, 2026
Response Filed
May 06, 2026
Final Rejection mailed — §103 (current)

Precedent Cases

Applications granted by this same examiner with similar technology

Patent 12579517
AUTOMATED DESCRIPTION GENERATION FOR JOB POSTING
2y 9m to grant Granted Mar 17, 2026
Patent 12578840
Devices, Methods, and Graphical User Interfaces for Navigating, Displaying, and Editing Media Items with Multiple Display Modes
2y 1m to grant Granted Mar 17, 2026
Patent 12561605
USER INTERFACE MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
4y 6m to grant Granted Feb 24, 2026
Patent 12547291
Tree Frog Computer Navigation System for the Hierarchical Visualization of Data
2y 3m to grant Granted Feb 10, 2026
Patent 12536468
MODEL TRAINING METHOD, SHORT MESSAGE AUDITING MODEL TRAINING METHOD, SHORT MESSAGE AUDITING METHOD, ELECTRONIC DEVICE, AND STORAGE MEDIUM
3y 11m to grant Granted Jan 27, 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

3-4
Expected OA Rounds
51%
Grant Probability
84%
With Interview (+32.4%)
4y 5m (~3y 6m remaining)
Median Time to Grant
Moderate
PTA Risk
Based on 349 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