Examiner: VAN KIRK, DUSTIN KENWOOD

Analysis

Dustin Kenwood Van Kirk serves in Tech Center 1700 and Art Unit 1722, having completed 24 resolved cases. His allowance rate is 75.0%, which indicates a generally positive environment for patent applicants. This rate serves as a benchmark for assessing the likelihood of a grant in this specific art unit. The 24 cases resolved by this examiner offer a preliminary look at his typical prosecution outcomes.

The median days to allowance for this examiner is 1219, reflecting a relatively long duration for the patent process. However, the data shows an interview lift of 18.8%, 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 1219-day median pendency is an important figure for practitioners to communicate to their clients when setting expectations.

Strategically, the 18.8% interview lift should be considered a primary option for overcoming rejections in Art Unit 1722. While the 75.0% allowance rate shows that success is achievable, the 1219-day median suggests that the process requires steady advocacy. With 24 cases resolved, the examiner's tendencies are becoming clearer, allowing for more informed planning. Applicants should utilize interviews to supplement written responses and potentially improve the odds of a grant.