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Last Updated: April 2, 2025

Details for Patent: 3,420,851


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Summary for Patent: 3,420,851
Title:Novel dibenzoxepines
Abstract:
Inventor(s):Barry M Bloom, James R Tretter
Assignee:Pfizer Inc
Application Number:US245643A
Patent Claim Types:
see list of patent claims
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:

Understanding the Scope and Claims of a Patent: A Detailed Analysis of United States Patent 3,420,851

Introduction

When analyzing a patent, understanding its scope and claims is crucial for determining its validity, enforceability, and overall value. This article will delve into the specifics of United States Patent 3,420,851, although the patent itself is not provided, we will use general principles and tools available for patent analysis to guide the discussion.

What is a Patent?

A patent is a form of intellectual property that grants the owner exclusive rights to make, use, sell, and distribute an invention for a specified period, typically 20 years from the filing date. Patents are granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) after a thorough examination process to ensure the invention is novel, non-obvious, and useful[1].

Patent Search and Analysis Tools

To analyze a patent, several tools and resources are available:

Patent Public Search

The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool is a powerful resource for searching existing patents and published patent applications. It provides enhanced access to prior art and allows users to select from two modern interfaces[1].

Global Dossier

The Global Dossier service offers access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, including the IP5 Offices. This helps in understanding the patent family and related applications[1].

Patent Claims Research Dataset

The Patent Claims Research Dataset, provided by the USPTO, contains detailed information on claims from US patents granted between 1976 and 2014 and US patent applications published between 2001 and 2014. This dataset can be used to analyze claim language and dependency relationships[2].

Understanding Patent Claims

Patent claims are the most critical part of a patent as they define the scope of the invention. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Independent and Dependent Claims

Independent claims stand alone and define the invention without reference to other claims. Dependent claims, on the other hand, refer back to an independent claim and further limit the scope of the invention[3].

Claim Length and Count

Research has shown that independent claim length and count can be metrics for measuring patent scope. Narrower claims at publication are associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process[3].

Analyzing Patent Scope

Patent scope is a measure of how broad or narrow the claims are. Here are some ways to analyze it:

Metrics for Patent Scope

Metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count can be used to measure patent scope. These metrics have explanatory power for several correlates of patent scope, including patent maintenance payments, forward citations, and the breadth of patent classes[3].

Impact on Examination Process

Narrower claims are generally associated with a shorter and more efficient examination process. Broader claims, however, may lead to longer examination times and higher litigation risks[3].

Valuation of Patents

Understanding the value of a patent is essential for business and legal purposes.

Valuation Methods

There are three primary methods for valuing patents: cost, income, and market approaches. The cost approach considers the development costs, the income approach looks at future benefits, and the market approach determines value based on what a willing buyer would pay[4].

Market Data

Historical data on patent sales can provide insights into the market value of patents. For example, the sale of Nortel's assets for $4.5 billion, where the consortium paid $750,000 per patent document, highlights the significant value that patents can hold[4].

Legal and Practical Considerations

Small Claims Patent Court

There have been discussions and studies on the feasibility of a small claims patent court to address issues related to patent litigation costs and accessibility. Such a court could provide a more streamlined and cost-effective process for resolving patent disputes[5].

Public Search Facilities and Resources

The USPTO provides various resources, including the Public Search Facility and Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs), to assist in patent searching and analysis. These resources can be invaluable for inventors, researchers, and legal professionals[1].

Case Study: Analyzing United States Patent 3,420,851

While the specific details of United States Patent 3,420,851 are not provided here, the following steps would be taken to analyze it:

Retrieve the Patent Document

Use the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool or other patent databases to retrieve the full text of the patent.

Identify Independent and Dependent Claims

Analyze the claims section to identify the independent and dependent claims. Understand how each claim defines the invention and its limitations.

Analyze Claim Language

Use metrics such as independent claim length and count to gauge the patent scope. This can provide insights into the breadth and specificity of the claims.

Review Prior Art and Citations

Use tools like the Common Citation Document (CCD) to see the prior art cited by all participating offices for the family members of the patent application. This helps in understanding the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention[1].

Evaluate Patent Family and Global Dossier

If applicable, use the Global Dossier service to view the patent family and related applications. This can provide a broader context of the invention's global presence[1].

Key Takeaways

  • Patent Claims: The claims section is the heart of a patent, defining the scope and limitations of the invention.
  • Patent Scope: Metrics such as independent claim length and count can help measure the breadth of the patent.
  • Valuation: Patents can be valued using cost, income, and market approaches, with market data providing real-world examples.
  • Legal Resources: Tools like the Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and PTRCs are essential for thorough patent analysis.
  • Small Claims Court: Discussions around a small claims patent court highlight the need for more accessible and cost-effective patent litigation processes.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the claims section in a patent?

The claims section defines the scope of the invention, specifying what is protected by the patent.

How can I measure the scope of a patent?

Metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count can be used to measure patent scope.

What are the different methods for valuing a patent?

The three primary methods are the cost approach, income approach, and market approach.

Where can I find resources to help with patent searching and analysis?

The USPTO provides resources such as the Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs).

Is there a proposed small claims patent court in the United States?

Yes, there have been studies and discussions on the feasibility of a small claims patent court to address patent litigation costs and accessibility.

Sources

  1. USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
  2. USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
  3. SSRN - Patent Claims and Patent Scope: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2844964
  4. Perpetual Motion Patents - The value of a patent: https://perpetualmotionpatents.com/the-value-of-a-patent/
  5. ACUS - U.S. Patent Small Claims Court: https://www.acus.gov/research-projects/us-patent-small-claims-court

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Drugs Protected by US Patent 3,420,851

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