Details for Patent: 3,624,205

Summary for Patent: 3,624,205

Title:	TREATMENT OF HYPERURICEMIA IN HUMANS
Abstract:	The method of treatment and prophylaxis for hyperuricemia, which comprises administering to a human patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound selected from the class consisting of 4-hydroxy-1-H-pyrazolo(3,4-d)pyrimidine and 4,6-dihydroxy-1-H-pyrazolo(3,4-d)pyrimidine.
Inventor(s):	Hitchings; George H. (Yonkers, NY), Falco; Elvira A. (New Rochelle, NY)
Assignee:	Burroughs Wellcome & Co. (U.S.A.) Inc. (Tuckahoe, NY)
Application Number:	04/633,364
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims	Use;

Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 3,624,205

Introduction

United States Patent 3,624,205, though not directly provided in the sources, can be analyzed using general principles of patent law and the tools available for patent research. Here, we will delve into the key aspects of analyzing a patent's scope and claims, using this patent as a hypothetical example.

Understanding Patent Claims

Patent claims are the heart of a patent, defining the scope of the invention for which protection is sought. Each claim must be clear, concise, and fully supported by the patent's description and drawings[5].

Independent and Dependent Claims

• Independent Claims: These claims stand alone and define the invention without reference to other claims. They are crucial as they set the broadest scope of protection for the invention.
• Dependent Claims: These claims refer back to and further limit an independent claim. They narrow down the scope of the invention and often provide additional details or specific embodiments.

Patent Scope and Validity

The scope of a patent is determined by its claims. Each claim is presumed valid independently of the validity of other claims, as per 35 USC 282[5].

Presumption of Validity

• The patent office's grant of a patent is based on a thorough examination process, and each claim is presumed valid unless proven otherwise.
• This presumption can be challenged through various defenses, such as prior art, obviousness, or lack of enablement.

Analyzing the Patent Landscape

To understand the patent landscape surrounding a specific patent like 3,624,205, several tools and databases can be utilized.

Patent Search Tools

• Patent Public Search: The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool allows users to search for existing patents and published patent applications. This can help identify prior art, related patents, and the evolution of technology in the field[4].
• Global Dossier: This service provides access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, helping to map the global patent family and identify potential conflicts or overlaps[4].

Patent Claims Research Dataset

• The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset offers detailed information on claims from US patents granted between 1976 and 2014 and US patent applications published between 2001 and 2014. This dataset can help analyze trends and patterns in patent claims, including the scope and dependency relationships between claims[3].

Steps to Analyze a Patent

Step 1: Identify the Patent

• Locate the patent in question using the USPTO's search tools or other patent databases.

Step 2: Read the Claims

• Carefully read and interpret the independent and dependent claims to understand the scope of the invention.
• Identify key elements and limitations in each claim.

Step 3: Review the Description and Drawings

• The patent description and drawings provide context and support for the claims. Ensure that the claims are fully supported by the description and drawings.

Step 4: Conduct Prior Art Search

• Use tools like the Patent Public Search and Global Dossier to identify prior art that may affect the validity or scope of the claims.
• Analyze the prior art to determine if it anticipates or renders obvious any of the claims.

Step 5: Analyze the Patent Family

• Use the Global Dossier to identify related applications and patents in other jurisdictions.
• This helps in understanding the global patent landscape and potential conflicts.

Example Analysis

For a hypothetical analysis of United States Patent 3,624,205:

• Claims Analysis: If the patent has multiple claims, identify the independent claims and analyze their breadth. For example, if Claim 1 is broad and Claim 2 is dependent on Claim 1, Claim 2 narrows down the scope of Claim 1.
• Prior Art Search: Conduct a thorough search to identify any prior art that may invalidate the claims. For instance, if a prior patent or publication describes a similar invention, it could challenge the validity of the claims.
• Global Landscape: Use the Global Dossier to see if there are related patents or applications in other countries. This could indicate a broader intellectual property strategy.

Legal and Policy Considerations

Small Claims Patent Court

• The concept of a small claims patent court, as studied by ACUS, could impact the enforcement and validity of patents. Such a court would provide a more accessible and potentially less costly venue for resolving patent disputes, which could affect the strategy around patent claims and scope[2].

Economic Impact

• The economic impact of patents, as studied by the USPTO's Office of the Chief Economist, can provide insights into the value and scope of patents. For example, the Patent Claims Research Dataset can help analyze the trends and economic implications of patent claims[3].

Key Takeaways

• Claims are Key: The claims define the scope of the patent and are presumed valid.
• Prior Art: Thoroughly searching for prior art is crucial to ensure the validity of the claims.
• Global Landscape: Understanding the global patent family and related applications is essential for a comprehensive analysis.
• Legal and Policy: Changes in legal and policy frameworks, such as the potential for a small claims patent court, can impact patent strategy.

FAQs

1. What is the importance of independent claims in a patent?

   • Independent claims define the broadest scope of protection for the invention and stand alone without reference to other claims.

2. How do you conduct a prior art search for a patent?

   • Use tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search and Global Dossier to identify relevant prior art that may affect the validity or scope of the claims.

3. What is the Global Dossier, and how is it useful?

   • The Global Dossier provides access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, helping to map the global patent family and identify potential conflicts or overlaps.

4. Why is the Patent Claims Research Dataset important?

   • It offers detailed information on claims from US patents and applications, helping to analyze trends and patterns in patent claims.

5. How might a small claims patent court impact patent enforcement?

   • A small claims patent court could provide a more accessible and less costly venue for resolving patent disputes, potentially changing the strategy around patent claims and scope.

Sources

1. United States Patent and Trademark Office. Patent Claims Research Dataset.
2. Administrative Conference of the United States. U.S. Patent Small Claims Court.
3. United States Patent and Trademark Office. Search for patents.
4. United States Code. 35 USC 282: Presumption of validity; defenses.

Drugs Protected by US Patent 3,624,205

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

Foreign Priority and PCT Information for Patent: 3,624,205

Foriegn Application Priority Data
Foreign Country	Foreign Patent Number	Foreign Patent Date
United Kingdom	23,055/55	Aug 10, 1955
United Kingdom	19,863/62	May 23, 1962
United Kingdom	34,519/62	Aug 23, 1962