Examiner: BEKERMAN, MICHAEL

Analysis

Michael Bekerman is an examiner in Art Unit 3621 of Tech Center 3600, with a total of 529 resolved cases. The allowance rate pct of 32.5 is low, indicating a very challenging environment where fewer than one-third of the applications result in a patent grant. This 32.5 percent rate suggests that applicants must be prepared for rigorous examination and a high probability of rejection. Furthermore, the median days to allowance is 1741, which reflects an exceptionally long prosecution timeline for successful cases. This 1741-day median indicates that practitioners should expect an extended period of back and forth that typically lasts much longer than the USPTO average. The 529 resolved cases provide a robust data set for these metrics.

The interview lift pct of 31.1 is a critical metric for developing a successful strategy. This substantial lift indicates that engaging in an interview is highly correlated with an increased probability of allowance compared to cases without verbal negotiation. By utilizing an interview, applicants can significantly improve their chances of success beyond the 32.5 percent baseline. Given the 529 resolved cases, this 31.1 percent lift is a reliable indicator that direct communication is an essential tool in Art Unit 3621. Practitioners should prioritize an interview as a primary tactic to overcome obstacles and potentially expedite the 1741-day median wait time. The data underscores the importance of proactive advocacy in this difficult examination environment. Effectively leveraging the interview process appears to be the most reliable path to a favorable outcome.