Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 11,000,520
Introduction
The issuance of United States Patent 11,000,520 marks a significant milestone in the history of American innovation. This patent, granted to co-inventors Saravana B. Kumar and Jason S. Diedering of 4C Medical Technologies, Inc., is a utility patent that introduces a new method for delivering, positioning, and/or repositioning a collapsible and expandable stent frame within a patient’s heart chamber. Here, we delve into the details of the patent's scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape.
Patent Overview
Patent Number and Inventors
U.S. Patent 11,000,520 was issued to Saravana B. Kumar and Jason S. Diedering, inventors from 4C Medical Technologies, Inc., based in Maple Grove, Minnesota. This patent is part of the ongoing innovation in medical technology, particularly in the field of cardiovascular treatments[2].
Scope of the Patent
Medical Application
The patent describes a method for delivering, positioning, and/or repositioning a collapsible and expandable stent frame within a patient’s heart chamber. This technology is designed to improve the treatment of heart conditions by providing a more precise and efficient way to deploy stents. The scope of the patent includes the design of the stent frame, the delivery system, and the procedures for its use[2].
Claims Analysis
Claim Structure
The claims of a patent are crucial as they define the scope of the invention and what is protected by the patent. For U.S. Patent 11,000,520, the claims would typically include:
- Independent Claims: These define the broadest scope of the invention and are usually the most important claims.
- Dependent Claims: These narrow down the scope by adding additional features or limitations to the independent claims.
- Method Claims: These describe the steps involved in the process of delivering, positioning, and repositioning the stent frame.
Claim Fees and Strategy
In the United States, claim fees are payable for each claim in excess of 20, each independent claim in excess of 3, and for the presence of a multiple dependent claim. To avoid these fees, patent applicants often strategize to keep the number of claims within the fee-free limits. For U.S. Patent 11,000,520, the inventors would have carefully crafted the claims to ensure they are both comprehensive and cost-effective[5].
Patent Landscape Analysis
Prior Art and Patentability
The issuance of a patent depends on the examiner’s review of prior art and the determination of whether the claims are novel, non-obvious, and useful. For U.S. Patent 11,000,520, the examiners would have reviewed existing patents and scientific literature to ensure that the stent frame and its delivery method are innovative and do not infringe on existing patents. This process involves iterative office actions and potential amendments to the claims to overcome any objections raised by the examiner[1].
Competitive Intelligence
File Wrappers and Prosecution History
Reviewing the file wrapper (the complete record of the patent application process) for U.S. Patent 11,000,520 can provide valuable insights into the patent landscape. This includes understanding the arguments made by the examiner, the prior art cited, and any amendments made to the claims during the prosecution process. Such information can be crucial for competitive intelligence, helping other inventors and companies to understand what is already protected and what areas remain open for innovation[1].
Economic and Innovation Impact
Milestone in American Innovation
The issuance of U.S. Patent 11,000,520 is part of a larger narrative of American innovation. It marks a significant milestone, following the issuance of 10 million patents in 2018. Such patents drive economic growth and improve quality of life by introducing new technologies and solutions to pressing problems[2].
Statistical Insights
Patent Trends
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides detailed information on claims from U.S. patents granted between 1976 and 2014. This dataset can offer insights into patent trends, including the scope and complexity of patent claims over time. For medical technology patents like U.S. Patent 11,000,520, analyzing these trends can help in understanding the evolution of medical innovations and the competitive landscape[3].
Expert Perspectives
Innovation and Economic Growth
According to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, "Building our economy back stronger requires new ideas and innovative solutions from every sector." This underscores the importance of patents like U.S. Patent 11,000,520 in driving economic growth and innovation[2].
Illustrative Statistics
- Patent Milestones: The USPTO has issued over 11 million patents since the Patent Act of 1836, with significant milestones marked by patents like U.S. Patent 11,000,520[2].
- Economic Impact: Patents contribute significantly to the economy, with each patent representing a potential source of new jobs, revenue, and economic growth.
Key Takeaways
- Innovative Medical Technology: U.S. Patent 11,000,520 introduces a new method for delivering and positioning stent frames, enhancing cardiovascular treatments.
- Claims Strategy: The patent's claims are carefully structured to ensure protection while avoiding unnecessary claim fees.
- Patent Landscape: Understanding the prior art and prosecution history is crucial for competitive intelligence and future innovations.
- Economic Impact: Patents like U.S. Patent 11,000,520 drive economic growth and improve quality of life.
FAQs
Q: What is the main innovation described in U.S. Patent 11,000,520?
A: The patent describes a new method for delivering, positioning, and/or repositioning a collapsible and expandable stent frame within a patient’s heart chamber.
Q: How do claim fees affect patent applications in the United States?
A: Claim fees are payable for each claim in excess of 20, each independent claim in excess of 3, and for the presence of a multiple dependent claim. This can influence the strategy for drafting and submitting patent claims.
Q: What is the significance of the file wrapper in patent analysis?
A: The file wrapper provides detailed information about the patent application process, including examiner arguments, prior art citations, and claim amendments, which is valuable for competitive intelligence.
Q: How does the USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset help in understanding patent trends?
A: The dataset offers detailed information on claims from U.S. patents, allowing for the analysis of patent trends, scope, and complexity over time.
Q: What is the economic impact of patents like U.S. Patent 11,000,520?
A: Patents contribute to economic growth by introducing new technologies, creating jobs, and generating revenue.
Sources
- IP Checkups - Patent file wrappers as a tool for competitive intelligence
- Kim and Lahey - United States Issues Patent Number 11,000,000
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset
- Google Patents - US11000520B2 - Buprenorphine dosing regimens
- Plass - Claim fees: how to avoid their payment? - Obtaining an EP Patent
