Examiner: HESS, DOUGLAS A

Analysis

Douglas A. Hess is an examiner in Tech Center 3700 and Art Unit 3651, with 1279 resolved cases. The examiner has a very high allowance rate of 88.8%, indicating an exceptionally favorable environment for applicants. The median days to allowance is 706, which is a relatively short timeline for reaching a grant. These figures suggest a highly efficient and issuance-oriented examination process.

The data reveals an interview lift of 10.7%. This 10.7% lift shows that while the examiner is already extremely likely to allow cases at an 88.8% rate, an interview can still provide a small additional benefit. Practitioners should focus on the 706-day median pendency as a key benchmark for their prosecution strategy. The 1279 resolved cases make these statistics very reliable for Art Unit 3651.

Attorneys should view the 88.8% allowance rate as a strong indicator of success. The 706-day timeline is a major advantage for clients seeking rapid patent protection. By understanding the 10.7% interview lift, practitioners can decide when to engage verbally, though the 1279-case history suggests that most applications will reach allowance through the standard process.