Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 10,357,609: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Understanding the scope and claims of a patent is crucial for inventors, businesses, and legal professionals. This article delves into the details of United States Patent 10,357,609, titled "Needle assisted jet injection device having reduced trigger force," and provides a thorough analysis of its claims and the broader patent landscape.
Overview of the Patent
Patent Title and Abstract
United States Patent 10,357,609 describes a "Needle assisted jet injection device having reduced trigger force." The abstract outlines a device designed to inject a fluid through the skin using a jet of fluid, assisted by a needle that creates a small opening in the skin, thereby reducing the force required to initiate the injection[5].
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the core inventions. These claims are critical as they set the boundaries of what is protected under the patent.
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Claim 1: This claim describes the overall device, including a trigger mechanism, an energy source, and a user-operable firing-initiation member. It specifies the interaction between these components to achieve the reduced trigger force[5].
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Claim 10: This claim focuses on the method of using the device, emphasizing the steps involved in preparing and firing the injection device[5].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims build upon the independent claims, providing additional details and limitations.
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Claim 2: This claim adds specifics about the trigger mechanism, such as the presence of a spring and a latch, which contribute to the reduction in trigger force[5].
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Claim 11: This claim details the method of creating the small opening in the skin using the needle, which is a key aspect of the invention[5].
Patent Scope and Coverage
Patent Scope Measurements
The scope of a patent is often measured by the breadth and specificity of its claims. For US Patent 10,357,609, the scope is defined by the combination of the device's components and the method of its use.
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Claim Breadth: The claims are specific enough to protect the unique aspects of the needle-assisted jet injection device but broad enough to cover variations that might arise from similar technologies[5].
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Patent Scope Trends: Research by the USPTO on patent scope measurements can provide insights into how the scope of this patent aligns with broader trends in patent claims. For instance, the USPTO's Economic Working Paper 2016-04 discusses new measures of patent scope that could be applied to this patent[3].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Prior Art
Understanding the patent landscape involves identifying related patents and prior art.
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Historical Patents: While the device in question is modern, historical patents related to injection devices can provide context. For example, early patents listed in the NYPL Libguides can show the evolution of injection technology[4].
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Current Patents: The PatentsView database and the USPTO's patent datasets can be used to identify recent patents in the same field. This includes data on citations made to U.S. patents, which can indicate the influence and relevance of the patent in question[1][3].
Citations and References
Citations to and from the patent are crucial for understanding its impact and position within the patent landscape.
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Citations Made: The number of citations made to this patent by other patents can indicate its significance. The USPTO's datasets on citations made to U.S. patents can provide this information[1].
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Citations Received: The patent's citations to other patents and non-patent literature (such as articles and papers) can reveal its roots and the state of the art at the time of filing[1][3].
Legal and Policy Considerations
Small Claims Patent Court
The concept of a small claims patent court, as studied by the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS), could impact how patents like 10,357,609 are enforced and litigated. Such a court could provide a more accessible and cost-effective venue for resolving patent disputes[2].
Consultative Groups and Stakeholder Input
The involvement of consultative groups and public stakeholders in shaping patent policy and court structures is important. For example, the ACUS study on small claims patent courts included input from a wide range of experts and stakeholders, which can influence the legal environment in which patents are enforced[2].
Economic Impact
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The economic impact of a patent can be analyzed using datasets like the Patent Claims Research Dataset provided by the USPTO. This dataset includes detailed information on claims from U.S. patents and can help in understanding the economic significance of the patent in question[3].
Industry Trends
The patent's impact on industry trends can be assessed by looking at the adoption rate of similar technologies and the market response to the invention. This involves analyzing data on patent applications, grants, and citations within the relevant industry sector[1][3].
Key Takeaways
- Claims Analysis: The patent's claims are specific and protect the unique aspects of the needle-assisted jet injection device.
- Patent Scope: The scope is defined by the combination of the device's components and the method of its use.
- Patent Landscape: Understanding related patents, prior art, and citations is crucial for positioning the patent within the broader landscape.
- Legal and Policy Considerations: The potential for a small claims patent court and stakeholder input can influence patent enforcement and litigation.
- Economic Impact: Analyzing economic datasets and industry trends helps in understanding the patent's economic significance.
FAQs
Q: What is the main invention described in US Patent 10,357,609?
A: The main invention is a needle-assisted jet injection device designed to reduce the trigger force required for injection.
Q: How do the independent claims define the patent?
A: The independent claims outline the core components and method of the device, setting the boundaries of what is protected under the patent.
Q: What is the significance of citations in understanding the patent landscape?
A: Citations indicate the influence and relevance of the patent, showing how it connects to other patents and non-patent literature.
Q: How might a small claims patent court impact the enforcement of this patent?
A: A small claims patent court could provide a more accessible and cost-effective venue for resolving patent disputes related to this invention.
Q: What datasets can be used to analyze the economic impact of this patent?
A: Datasets such as the Patent Claims Research Dataset and PatentsView can provide insights into the economic significance and industry trends related to the patent.
Sources
- PatentsView - Data Download Tables.
- ACUS - U.S. Patent Small Claims Court.
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset.
- NYPL Libguides - How to Search for an Historical U.S. Patent.
- Google Patents - Needle assisted jet injection device having reduced trigger force.
