Examiner: HEFLIN, HARRISON JAMES RIEL

Analysis

Harrison James Riel Heflin is an examiner in Art Unit 3661, part of Tech Center 3600. He has a track record of 159 resolved cases. His allowance rate is 72.3 percent, indicating a relatively frequent grant of patents for applications under his review. This 72.3 percent rate suggests that he is generally open to finding allowable subject matter when presented with clear and supported claims. The 159 resolved cases provide a statistically relevant sample for analyzing his prosecution tendencies in Art Unit 3661.

The data also shows an interview lift of 14.4 percent. While his baseline allowance rate is already 72.3 percent, the positive lift suggests that interviews still provide a meaningful advantage in resolving outstanding issues. Engaging in a dialogue with the examiner can help bridge gaps in understanding and potentially expedite the path to allowance. Practitioners should consider an interview as a standard part of their strategy to capitalize on this 14.4 percent increase in success probability.

The median days to allowance for cases handled by this examiner is 966. This timeline is relatively efficient for Tech Center 3600. For applicants, this 966-day median pendency offers a predictable schedule for the prosecution cycle. By combining the 72.3 percent allowance rate with proactive interviewing, applicants can navigate the prosecution process effectively. The 966-day duration is a key metric for managing client expectations regarding the time required to secure a patent.