Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 6,126,646
Introduction
United States Patent 6,126,646, granted on October 3, 2000, is a significant patent that warrants a detailed analysis to understand its scope, claims, and position within the broader patent landscape. This analysis will help in comprehending the patent's protection, potential gaps, and future development opportunities.
Patent Overview
Patent Number and Title
The patent in question is U.S. Patent 6,126,646, titled "Method and apparatus for controlling the flow of data between a plurality of devices" by Hansen et al.[2].
Filing and Grant Dates
The patent was filed on September 9, 1991, and granted nearly nine years later on October 3, 2000. This timeline indicates the lengthy process involved in patent approval.
Claims Analysis
Understanding Patent Claims
Patent claims are the most critical part of a patent application, as they define the scope of the invention and what is protected by the patent. For U.S. Patent 6,126,646, the claims outline the specific methods and apparatus related to controlling data flow between multiple devices[2].
Claim Structure
The claims can be categorized into independent and dependent claims. Independent claims stand alone and define the broadest scope of the invention, while dependent claims build upon the independent claims and provide more specific details. Analyzing these claims helps in understanding the exact protection offered by the patent.
Scope Concepts and Claim Coverage
Scope Concepts
To effectively analyze the claims, it is beneficial to categorize them by scope concepts. This involves grouping claims based on overarching themes or technologies they cover. For example, claims related to data flow control, device communication protocols, and data processing algorithms can be grouped under relevant scope concepts. This method, as used in patent analytics tools like ClaimScape®, helps in filtering, searching, and accurately analyzing large numbers of patent claims[3].
Claim Charts and Coverage
Using claim charts, which are interactive visual representations of the claims and their associated scope concepts, can facilitate a quick and accurate review of the patent coverage. These charts are particularly useful for technical experts, engineers, scientists, and management to determine whether a particular scope concept is applicable to a target product or method. This approach highlights gaps in current coverage and identifies future design opportunities[3].
Patent Landscape
Global Patent Databases
To understand the broader patent landscape, it is essential to search global patent databases. Tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, the European Patent Office's esp@cenet, and WIPO's PATENTSCOPE allow for full-text searching of patent grants and applications from numerous patent offices worldwide. This helps in identifying similar patents, prior art, and potential competitors[1][4].
International Patent Cooperation
The Global Dossier service, which includes the IP5 Offices (USPTO, EPO, JPO, KIPO, and SIPO), provides access to the file histories of related applications. This service helps in visualizing the patent family for a specific application, including classification, citation data, and office actions. This information is crucial for understanding the global reach and protection of the patent[4].
Prior Art and Citation Analysis
Common Citation Document (CCD)
The Common Citation Document (CCD) application consolidates prior art cited by participating offices for the family members of a patent application. This tool enables the visualization of search results for the same invention produced by several offices on a single page, helping to identify any overlapping or conflicting prior art[4].
Citation Data
Analyzing citation data from the CCD and other sources provides insights into how the patent is positioned within the existing body of knowledge. High citation counts can indicate the patent's influence and importance in the field.
Potential Gaps and Opportunities
Claim Coverage Matrix
A Claim Coverage Matrix helps in identifying which patents and claims are actively protecting the intellectual property and where gaps or opportunities exist. This matrix can highlight areas where the current claim coverage is insufficient, suggesting potential future directions for patent filings or product development[3].
Future Design Opportunities
Interactive claim charts and scope concepts analysis can also reveal opportunities for new design options. By updating these charts over time as more patents are filed or as new avenues of development are explored, companies can continuously assess and improve their patent strategy[3].
Practical Applications and Industry Impact
Industry Expert Insights
Industry experts often emphasize the importance of thorough patent analysis in protecting intellectual property and driving innovation. For example, "Understanding the scope and claims of a patent is crucial for ensuring that your company's products are not infringing on existing patents and for identifying areas where you can innovate without legal risks," notes a patent analyst[3].
Statistics and Examples
Statistics show that companies with robust patent portfolios tend to have a competitive edge in their markets. For instance, a study found that companies with strong patent protection are more likely to attract investors and achieve higher market valuations.
Key Takeaways
- Detailed Claims Analysis: Understanding the claims of U.S. Patent 6,126,646 is essential for determining the scope of protection.
- Scope Concepts and Claim Charts: Categorizing claims by scope concepts and using claim charts can help in identifying gaps and opportunities.
- Global Patent Landscape: Searching global databases and using tools like Global Dossier and CCD is crucial for understanding the broader patent landscape.
- Prior Art and Citation Analysis: Analyzing citation data helps in positioning the patent within the existing body of knowledge.
- Future Opportunities: Identifying gaps and opportunities through claim coverage matrices and interactive charts can guide future product development and patent filings.
FAQs
Q: How do I conduct a preliminary U.S. patent search?
A: You can use the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, which provides enhanced access to prior art. Additionally, the USPTO offers a web-based tutorial and handouts outlining the search process[4].
Q: What is the Global Dossier service?
A: The Global Dossier service provides access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, including classification, citation data, and office actions[4].
Q: How can I analyze the claims of a patent effectively?
A: Use scope concepts and claim charts to categorize and visualize the claims. Tools like ClaimScape® can help in filtering, searching, and accurately analyzing large numbers of patent claims[3].
Q: Why is prior art and citation analysis important?
A: Prior art and citation analysis help in understanding the patent's position within the existing body of knowledge and identifying potential conflicts or areas for innovation[4].
Q: How can I identify gaps in my current patent coverage?
A: Use a Claim Coverage Matrix to identify which patents and claims are actively protecting your intellectual property and where gaps or opportunities exist[3].
Sources
- Clemson University Libraries. Advanced Patent Searching: Overview. Clemson.libguides.com.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. United States Patent 6,126,646. Googleapis.com.
- Schwegman Lundberg & Woessner. Patent Analytics. Slwip.com.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. Search for Patents. USPTO.gov.
