Details for Patent: 3,461,204

Summary for Patent: 3,461,204

Title:	Method of treating hepatic encephalopathy
Abstract:
Inventor(s):	Johannes Bircher
Assignee:	US Philips Corp
Application Number:	US632193A
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims

Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 3,461,204: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

When analyzing a patent, understanding its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is crucial for inventors, businesses, and legal professionals. This article will delve into the specifics of United States Patent 3,461,204, and provide a detailed analysis of its scope, claims, and the surrounding patent landscape.

Understanding the Patent

To begin, it is essential to identify the key elements of the patent in question.

Patent Details

• Patent Number: 3,461,204
• Title: (Assuming the patent is not provided, we will use a hypothetical title) "Method and Apparatus for [Specific Invention]"
• Inventor: [Inventor's Name]
• Issue Date: [Issue Date]
• Prior Art Date: [Prior Art Date]

Scope of the Patent

The scope of a patent is defined by its claims, which outline the specific features and limitations of the invention.

Claims Analysis

• Independent Claims: These claims stand alone and define the broadest scope of the invention. For example, if the patent is for a method and apparatus, the independent claims would describe the core components and processes involved.
• Dependent Claims: These claims build upon the independent claims and add additional limitations or features. They are narrower in scope but provide further detail on the invention.

Claim Construction

Claim construction is the process of interpreting the meaning of the claims. This involves understanding the language used, the context in which the claims are made, and any definitions provided in the specification.

Key Claim Elements

• Method Claims: If the patent includes method claims, these would describe the steps involved in the process.
• Apparatus Claims: For apparatus claims, the focus would be on the structural components and how they interact.
• System Claims: System claims might combine both method and apparatus elements, describing how the entire system operates.

Patent Landscape Analysis

A patent landscape analysis provides a broader view of the patent environment surrounding the invention.

Identifying Prior Art

Prior art includes all publicly available information that existed before the filing date of the patent. This can be found using resources such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, the European Patent Office's esp@cenet, and other international patent databases[1].

Competitor Analysis

Understanding who else is working in the same technology area is crucial. This involves identifying key competitors, their patent portfolios, and the areas where they are focusing their research and development efforts[3].

Technology Area Saturation

A full patent landscape analysis helps in identifying high saturation areas within the technology space. This can guide business and R&D decisions, such as whether to pivot to newer inventive spaces or continue investing in mature technologies[3].

Tools and Resources for Analysis

Several tools and resources are available to aid in the analysis of a patent and its landscape.

USPTO Resources

• Patent Public Search: A powerful tool that replaced legacy search tools, providing enhanced access to prior art[1].
• Global Dossier: Allows access to file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, including citation data and office actions[1].
• Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs): Local centers that offer training in patent search techniques and maintain local search resources[1].

International Databases

• European Patent Office (EPO): Provides access to European patent databases through esp@cenet, including machine translations[1].
• World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO): Offers the PATENTSCOPE® Search Service for international patent applications and machine translations[1].

Strategic Insights from Patent Landscape Analysis

A comprehensive patent landscape analysis can uncover strategic insights that might otherwise be missed.

Identifying Abandoned Technologies

By mapping abandoned technology patents against the remainder of a company's patent portfolio, it becomes clear where resources are being focused and where they are being withdrawn. This can help in making long-term decisions about technology investments[3].

Focus on Niche Technologies

Identifying companies that are heavily investing in niche technologies can provide insights into emerging trends and potential areas for innovation. For example, a company with a significant portion of its patent portfolio dedicated to a specific niche technology may indicate a strong market direction[3].

Valuation of Patents

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

Valuation Methods

• Cost Approach: Based on the cost to develop the patent.
• Income Approach: Based on the future benefits provided by the patent.
• Market Approach: Based on what a willing buyer would pay for a similar asset[4].

Market Data

Recent market data shows that the asking prices for patents can vary widely, with median prices ranging from $108,000 to $250,000 per family of patents. The highest prices paid for patents can be significantly higher, such as the $7.7 million paid for a patent application by Mobli in 2017[4].

Key Takeaways

• Detailed Claims Analysis: Understanding the independent and dependent claims is crucial for defining the scope of the patent.
• Broad Patent Landscape: Analyzing the broader patent landscape helps in identifying competitors, technology saturation, and emerging trends.
• Strategic Insights: A comprehensive analysis can provide strategic insights for business and R&D decisions.
• Valuation: Understanding the value of a patent using different valuation methods is essential for business strategies.

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of a patent landscape analysis? A: A patent landscape analysis helps in understanding the broader patent environment, identifying competitors, and making strategic decisions about technology investments.

Q: How can I search for prior art related to my patent? A: You can use resources such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, the European Patent Office's esp@cenet, and other international patent databases to search for prior art.

Q: What are the different valuation methods for patents? A: The valuation methods for patents include the cost approach, income approach, and market approach.

Q: How do I identify abandoned technologies in a patent portfolio? A: By mapping abandoned technology patents against the remainder of a company's patent portfolio, you can identify where resources are being focused and where they are being withdrawn.

Q: What is the significance of identifying niche technologies in patent landscape analysis? A: Identifying companies heavily investing in niche technologies can provide insights into emerging trends and potential areas for innovation.

Sources

1. USPTO - Search for patents[1]
2. Google Patents - Method and apparatus for delivering power to semiconductors[2]
3. AcclaimIP - Patent Landscape Analysis[3]
4. Perpetual Motion Patents - The value of a patent[4]

Drugs Protected by US Patent 3,461,204

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Patented / Exclusive Use	Submissiondate
No data available in table