Prosecution Insights
Last updated: October 02, 2026

Examiner: UPCHURCH, DAVID M

Tech Center 3600 • Art Units: 1742 2872 3677

This examiner grants 74% of resolved cases

Analysis

David M. Upchurch is a high-volume examiner in Tech Center 3600 and Art Unit 1742, with 1041 resolved cases. He maintains an allowance rate of 73.7%, which is a solid indicator of success for applications on his docket. This 73.7% rate suggests that the examiner is open to finding allowable subject matter through the prosecution process. The large volume of 1041 cases ensures that these statistics are highly representative of his overall performance.

The median days to allowance for this examiner is 765, reflecting a very efficient prosecution timeline. Additionally, the data shows an interview lift of 18.0%, which provides a meaningful boost to the probability of success. This positive lift suggests that direct communication can be a very effective tool for resolving outstanding issues. The 765-day median pendency is an attractive feature for applicants seeking a relatively quick resolution in Art Unit 1742.

For practitioners, the strategy with this examiner should include both high-quality written submissions and proactive interviewing. The 18.0% lift suggests that verbal discussions are a productive way to supplement the written record. With a 73.7% allowance rate and a 765-day median, the examiner's docket is both favorable and fast-moving. This data-driven insight allows for a more focused allocation of resources during the prosecution phase in Tech Center 3600.

Written from this page's own data; every figure is computed from USPTO records and verified before publication.

Performance Statistics

73.7%
Allow Rate
+21.7% vs TC avg
1,060
Total Applications
+18.0%
Interview Lift
765
Avg Prosecution Days
Based on 1041 resolved cases, 2023–2026

Rejection Statute Breakdown

0.4%
§101 Eligibility
49.6%
§102 Novelty
23.4%
§103 Obviousness
26.3%
§112 Clarity

Currently Pending Office Actions

App #TitleStatusAssignee
18876227 SYSTEM FOR LOCKING AND UNLOCKING AN ELONGATE ELEMENT WITH SLEEVE AND TWO SECURING ELEMENTS, ONE AT EACH END OF THE SLEEVE Non-Final OA IFP Energies nouvelles
18449916 CLIP FASTENER Non-Final OA VALEO SYSTEMES THERMIQUES
19209404 SLIDER FOR CONCEALED SLIDE FASTENER Non-Final OA YKK Corporation
18909826 BUCKLE PART AND METHOD OF PRODUCING THE SAME Non-Final OA YKK CORPORATION
19085076 TWO-SIDED TOUCH FASTENER MATERIAL Non-Final OA Velcro IP Holdings LLC
18792924 MOLD-IN FASTENER PRODUCTS Final Rejection Velcro IP Holdings LLC

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