Examiner: WU, LORI SOUTHARD

Analysis

Lori Southard Wu examines applications in Art Unit 2846, part of Tech Center 3600. She has 415 resolved cases and a high allowance rate of 88.4%. The median days to allowance is 724, indicating a relatively fast path to grant for most applicants. These metrics suggest a very favorable environment for patent prosecution, characterized by both high success rates and efficient processing times. Practitioners should find this examiner's record to be highly encouraging.

The interview lift is 6.2%. Given the already high 88.4% allowance rate, the impact of an interview is statistically small but still positive. Applicants can expect a high likelihood of success based on the written prosecution alone, though interviews remain an option for complex issues. The 415 resolved cases provide a reliable sample of the examiner's work. The 724 days to allowance is significantly shorter than many other units, making this a preferred venue for rapid patent acquisition. The 6.2% lift confirms that while written arguments are effective, direct communication still adds value.