Understanding the Scope and Claims of a U.S. Patent: A Detailed Analysis of United States Patent 10,279,131
Introduction
When analyzing a U.S. patent, it is crucial to understand the various components that define its scope and claims. This article will delve into the specifics of United States Patent 10,279,131, using general guidelines on how to read and interpret U.S. patents.
The Front Page: Bibliographic Data
The front page of a U.S. patent document contains essential bibliographic data identified by INID codes. Here are the key sections:
- Document Number: Identified by the code "10," this includes the prefix "US" and the patent number, indicating it is a U.S. patent. For example, "US 10,279,131 B2" signifies a U.S. patent with a previously published application[1].
- Document Type: Code "12" indicates that this is a patent.
- Application Number: Code "21" provides the application number.
- Date of Application: Code "22" gives the date when the application was filed.
- Date of Patent: Code "45" indicates the date the patent was granted.
- IPC Classification: Code "51" lists the International Patent Classification (IPC).
- National Classification: Code "52" provides the main classification, which helps in categorizing the invention[1].
Title and Abstract
- Title of the Invention: Code "54" limits the title to 500 characters or less, providing a brief description of the invention.
- Abstract: Code "57" includes a brief, non-technical description of the invention, summarizing its main aspects[1].
Field of Search and References
- Field of Search: Code "58" lists the classifications consulted by the patent examiner during the prior art search.
- References: Code "56" cites U.S. and foreign patent documents and other publications related to the invention[1].
Inventors, Applicants, and Assignees
- Inventors: Code "72" lists the individuals who invented the patented technology.
- Applicants: Code "71" identifies the person, company, or organization that filed the application.
- Assignee: Code "73" indicates the owner of the patent at the time it was issued[1].
Specification
The specification is a detailed written description of the invention. It includes:
- Related Prior Art: A discussion of previously issued patents and other publications relevant to the invention.
- Description of Drawings: An explanation of the drawings included in the patent.
- Technical Problem and Solution: How the invention addresses a specific technical problem.
- Preferred Embodiment: The most preferred way the invention is implemented[1].
Drawings
The drawings section contains black and white drawings that illustrate the technical details of the invention. These drawings must conform to patent office guidelines and be labeled clearly. For U.S. patents, drawings follow the front page, and one representative drawing is selected to appear on the front page[1].
Claims
The claims section defines the scope of protection for the patent. Here are some key points:
- Number of Claims: Patents must have at least one claim, but most have several, and some have hundreds.
- Claim Structure: Claims are preceded by phrases like “I claim” or “What is claimed” and are numbered. Each claim defines a specific aspect of the invention[1].
Analyzing the Claims of United States Patent 10,279,131
To analyze the claims of this specific patent, you would follow these steps:
- Identify the Claims: Locate the claims section at the end of the specification.
- Understand Each Claim: Read each claim carefully to understand what is being protected. Claims are typically written in a specific format, defining the invention's components and their relationships.
- Dependency Between Claims: Some claims may depend on others, meaning they build upon the earlier claims. Understanding these dependencies is crucial for grasping the full scope of the patent[1].
Example of a Claim
Here is an example of how a claim might be structured:
1. A portable electronic device, comprising:
a first housing;
a second housing coupled to the first housing and movable relative thereto between a closed position and an open position;
an antenna positioned in the first housing;
a low frequency shield coupled to the antenna and adapted to inhibit changes to the frequency response of the antenna when the portable electronic device is moved between the open position and the closed position; and
a high frequency chassis resonator coupled to the low frequency shield and adapted to increase high frequency sensitivity of the antenna.
This example illustrates how claims are detailed and specific, defining the invention's components and their functions[1].
Patent Landscape and Prior Art
Understanding the patent landscape involves looking at the prior art cited in the patent and the field of search.
- Prior Art: The references cited in the patent (code "56") provide insight into the existing technology and how the current invention improves upon it.
- Field of Search: The classifications consulted by the patent examiner (code "58") help in identifying the broader technological area in which the invention is situated[1].
Searching Related Patents
To further analyze the patent landscape, you can use various tools provided by the USPTO:
- Patent Public Search: This tool allows you to search for existing patents and published patent applications[4].
- Global Dossier: This service provides access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, helping you see the patent family and related applications[4].
- Common Citation Document (CCD): This application consolidates prior art cited by all participating offices for the family members of a patent application, providing a comprehensive view of the prior art[4].
Key Takeaways
- Bibliographic Data: The front page of a U.S. patent contains crucial bibliographic data identified by INID codes.
- Specification and Drawings: The specification provides a detailed description of the invention, while the drawings illustrate its technical details.
- Claims: The claims section defines the scope of protection for the patent, with each claim specifying what is being protected.
- Patent Landscape: Understanding prior art and the field of search helps in analyzing the broader technological context of the invention.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the INID codes on the front page of a U.S. patent?
A: INID codes help identify and categorize the various types of bibliographic data on the front page of a U.S. patent, such as the document number, application number, and classification[1].
Q: Why are drawings important in a U.S. patent?
A: Drawings illustrate the technical details of the invention, providing enough detail for the reader to understand the invention’s design and use[1].
Q: How many claims must a U.S. patent have?
A: A U.S. patent must have at least one claim, but most patents have several claims that define the scope of protection for the invention[1].
Q: What is the Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO?
A: The Global Dossier service provides access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, allowing users to see the patent family and related applications[4].
Q: How can I search for related patents to understand the patent landscape?
A: You can use tools like the Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and Common Citation Document (CCD) to search for existing patents and understand the broader technological context of an invention[4].
