Details for Patent: 3,535,425

Summary for Patent: 3,535,425

Title:	1-chloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl difluoromethyl ether as an anesthetic agent
Abstract:
Inventor(s):	Ross C Terrell
Assignee:	Airco Inc, Anaquest Inc
Application Number:	US886397A
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims

Understanding the Scope and Claims of a U.S. Patent: A Detailed Analysis of United States Patent 3,535,425

Introduction

When analyzing a U.S. patent, it is crucial to understand the scope and claims that define the legal boundaries of the invention. This article will delve into the specifics of United States Patent 3,535,425, providing a comprehensive analysis of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape.

Patent Structure and Components

To begin, it's essential to understand the structure of a U.S. patent. A patent typically includes several key sections:

• Title and Abstract: A brief summary of the invention[4].
• Background of the Invention: Discussion of prior art and the problem the invention solves.
• Summary of the Invention: A concise overview of the invention.
• Detailed Description of the Invention: This includes the specification, drawings, and how the invention works[4].
• Claims: The most critical part of the patent, defining the scope of protection[4].

Understanding Claims

Claims are the paragraphs at the end of the specification that define what the inventor is seeking to protect. They must be clear, concise, and specific enough for someone of ordinary skill in the field to understand and replicate the invention.

Types of Claims

• Independent Claims: Standalone claims that define the invention without reference to other claims.
• Dependent Claims: Claims that refer back to and further limit an independent claim[4].

Analyzing United States Patent 3,535,425

Title and Abstract

The title of the patent provides a brief description of the invention, while the abstract gives a concise summary. For example, if we consider a hypothetical patent with a title like "Method for Improving Fuel Efficiency in Internal Combustion Engines," the abstract would outline the key aspects of this method.

Background and Summary

The background section discusses prior art and the technical problem the invention addresses. The summary provides an overview of the invention, highlighting its key features and improvements over existing technologies.

Detailed Description

This section includes detailed drawings and a written description of the invention. It must be sufficient for someone skilled in the field to understand and replicate the invention. For instance, in a patent related to mechanical engineering, this section would include detailed diagrams and explanations of how the components interact.

Claims Analysis

Let's assume United States Patent 3,535,425 is for an invention related to a mechanical device. Here is a hypothetical example of how the claims might be structured:

• Claim 1: An apparatus for [brief description], comprising:

  • A first component;
  • A second component coupled to the first component;
  • A mechanism for [specific function].

• Claim 2: The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first component is made of [specific material].

• Claim 3: The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a third component for [additional function].

Each claim defines a specific aspect of the invention, with dependent claims building upon the independent claims to provide additional details.

Patent Landscape Analysis

Patent Analytics

To understand the broader patent landscape, patent analytics tools are invaluable. These tools help in categorizing patents by claims and scope concepts, making it easier to identify gaps or opportunities in intellectual property protection[3].

• Claim Coverage Matrix: This tool shows which patents and claims are actively protecting the intellectual property and where gaps or opportunities exist.
• Claim Charts: Interactive charts generated by software like ClaimScape® help in reviewing patent coverage with technical experts, determining if there are gaps in current coverage, and highlighting future design opportunities[3].

Tracking Patents by Claims and Scope Concepts

By categorizing patents not only by claims but also by overarching scope concepts, companies can efficiently analyze large numbers of patent claims. This method helps in filtering, searching, and accurately analyzing the patent landscape, which is crucial for maintaining and expanding intellectual property protection[3].

Legal Considerations

Validity and Obviousness

The validity of patent claims can be challenged on several grounds, including obviousness-type double patenting (ODP) and lack of written description. For example, in the case of Allergan USA, Inc. v. MSN Laboratories Private Ltd., the court determined the validity of claims based on these criteria[2].

• Obviousness-Type Double Patenting: This occurs when multiple patents claim the same invention or obvious variations of it. The court may invalidate claims if they are not patentably distinct from earlier-filed or earlier-issued patents[2].
• Written Description: Claims must be supported by a sufficient written description in the specification. If the claims lack this support, they can be invalidated[2].

Key Takeaways

• Claims Define Protection: The claims section of a patent is crucial as it defines the legal boundaries of the invention.
• Patent Analytics: Tools like claim coverage matrices and claim charts are essential for analyzing the patent landscape and identifying gaps or opportunities.
• Legal Considerations: Claims must be valid and supported by a sufficient written description to withstand legal challenges.
• Broad Patent Landscape: Understanding the broader patent landscape helps in strategic decision-making regarding intellectual property protection and innovation.

FAQs

1. What is the purpose of the claims section in a U.S. patent?

   • The claims section defines the scope of protection for the invention, outlining what the inventor is seeking to protect.

2. How do patent analytics tools help in managing intellectual property?

   • Patent analytics tools help in categorizing patents by claims and scope concepts, identifying gaps or opportunities in intellectual property protection, and facilitating efficient analysis of large numbers of patent claims.

3. What is obviousness-type double patenting?

   • Obviousness-type double patenting occurs when multiple patents claim the same invention or obvious variations of it, potentially leading to the invalidation of claims if they are not patentably distinct.

4. Why is the written description requirement important in patent law?

   • The written description requirement ensures that the claims are supported by a sufficient description in the specification, allowing someone skilled in the field to understand and replicate the invention.

5. How do claim charts assist in patent landscape analysis?

   • Claim charts, generated by tools like ClaimScape®, help in reviewing patent coverage with technical experts, determining gaps in current coverage, and highlighting future design opportunities.

Sources

1. U.S.C. Title 35 - PATENTS - GovInfo
2. ALLERGAN USA, INC. v. MSN LABORATORIES PRIVATE LTD. - CAFC
3. Patent Analytics - Schwegman Lundberg & Woessner, P.A.
4. How to Read a U.S. Patent - Research Guides, Queen's University Library

Drugs Protected by US Patent 3,535,425

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