Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 10,058,511
Introduction
United States Patent 10,058,511, titled "Nanocrystals, compositions, and methods that aid particle transport in mucus," is a patent that delves into innovative solutions for enhancing particle transport through mucus, a critical aspect in various medical and pharmaceutical applications. Here, we will conduct a detailed analysis of the patent's scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape.
Patent Overview
The patent, assigned the number US 10,058,511 B2, was granted to address the challenges of particle transport in mucus, which is a significant barrier in drug delivery and diagnostic applications. The invention involves nanocrystals, compositions, and methods designed to facilitate this transport[4].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is defined by its claims, which outline the specific aspects of the invention that are protected.
Independent Claims
Independent claims are crucial as they define the broadest scope of the invention. For US 10,058,511 B2, the independent claims typically include:
- The composition of nanocrystals and their specific characteristics.
- Methods for preparing these nanocrystals.
- Applications of these nanocrystals in enhancing particle transport through mucus[4].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further narrow down the scope by adding additional limitations to the independent claims. These might include specific materials used, particular methods of preparation, or detailed applications.
Claim Analysis
Claim Length and Count
Research has shown that the length and count of independent claims can be indicative of the patent's scope. Generally, narrower claims (shorter length and fewer in count) are associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process[3].
For US 10,058,511 B2, the claims are detailed and specific, indicating a well-defined scope. The patent includes multiple claims, each with a clear description of the nanocrystals, their compositions, and the methods involved.
Claim Language
The language used in the claims is precise and technical, reflecting the complex nature of the invention. Terms such as "nanocrystals," "triblock copolymer," "poly(ethylene oxide)," and "hydrophobic effect" are used to describe the compositions and their properties[4].
Patent Claims and Scope Metrics
Metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count can provide insights into the patent's scope. Studies suggest that these metrics have explanatory power for several correlates of patent scope, including patent maintenance payments, forward citations, and the breadth of patent classes[3].
Examination Process
The examination process for US 10,058,511 B2 would have involved a thorough review by the USPTO to ensure that the claims are novel, non-obvious, and enabled. The process tends to narrow the scope of patent claims, especially in terms of claim length and count, as seen in many patent examinations[3].
Prior Art and Citations
The patent cites various prior art documents and includes citations from other IP offices. This is evident from the Common Citation Document (CCD) application, which consolidates prior art cited by participating offices for the family members of a patent application[1].
International Patent Landscape
Global Dossier
The Global Dossier service allows users to view the patent family for a specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP offices. This service is crucial for understanding the international scope and status of the patent[1].
Search International Patent Offices
To assess the global patent landscape, one would need to search databases from other international intellectual property offices such as the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)[1].
Practical Applications and Impact
Medical and Pharmaceutical Applications
The nanocrystals and compositions described in the patent have significant implications for medical and pharmaceutical applications, particularly in drug delivery systems where mucus poses a barrier. These innovations could enhance the efficacy of treatments by improving the transport of therapeutic agents through mucus[4].
Diagnostic Applications
The methods and compositions outlined in the patent can also be applied in diagnostic contexts, where the ability to transport particles through mucus is crucial for accurate and efficient diagnostics[4].
Key Takeaways
- Specific Claims: The patent includes detailed and specific claims that define the scope of the invention.
- Metrics for Scope: Independent claim length and count are metrics that can indicate the patent's scope and its likelihood of grant.
- Examination Process: The examination process tends to narrow the scope of patent claims.
- International Landscape: The patent's global implications can be understood through services like Global Dossier and international patent databases.
- Practical Applications: The invention has significant potential in medical and pharmaceutical applications.
FAQs
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What is the main focus of United States Patent 10,058,511 B2?
The main focus is on nanocrystals, compositions, and methods that aid particle transport in mucus.
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How do the claims in the patent define its scope?
The claims define the scope by specifying the composition of nanocrystals, methods for preparing them, and their applications.
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What metrics can be used to measure the scope of a patent?
Metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count can be used to measure the scope of a patent.
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How does the examination process affect the scope of patent claims?
The examination process tends to narrow the scope of patent claims in terms of claim length and count.
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What are the potential applications of the invention described in the patent?
The invention has potential applications in medical and pharmaceutical fields, particularly in drug delivery and diagnostic systems.
Sources
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USPTO - Search for patents
https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
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Unified Patents Portal - US-10058511-B2
https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/US-10058511-B2
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SSRN - Patent Claims and Patent Scope
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2844964
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Google Patents - US10058511B2
https://patents.google.com/patent/US10058511B2/en
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Unified Patents Portal - US-20130323179-A1
https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/US-20130323179-A1
