Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 3,888,995
Introduction
United States Patent 3,888,995, titled "Fatty Alcohol-Propylene Glycol Vehicle," was granted on July 18, 1975. This patent pertains to a specific formulation used in various industrial and consumer products. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Inventor and Assignee
The patent was invented by an individual or individuals whose names are not specified in the provided source, and it was assigned to a company that is also not identified.
Publication Number and Dates
- Publication Number: US3888995A
- Prior Art Date: The exact prior art date is not specified, but it is typically the date when the patent application was first filed.
- Grant Date: July 18, 1975[5].
Claims
Independent Claims
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are some key aspects:
- Claim 1: This claim typically outlines the broadest definition of the invention. For US3888995A, it involves a vehicle composed of fatty alcohols and propylene glycol, which are combined in specific proportions to achieve desired properties.
- Dependent Claims: These claims narrow down the invention by specifying additional components, ratios, or conditions that must be met. For example, dependent claims might specify the weight percentages of fatty alcohols and propylene glycol, or the presence of additional solvents or additives.
Claim Analysis
Each claim is carefully crafted to protect the unique aspects of the invention. Here’s a breakdown:
- Claim Scope: The claims define the composition and the method of preparing the fatty alcohol-propylene glycol vehicle. This includes the types of fatty alcohols, the range of propylene glycol content, and any other necessary components.
- Claim Limitations: The dependent claims provide additional limitations that help to distinguish the invention from prior art. These limitations could include specific ratios, preparation methods, or application uses.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Technological Domain
The patent falls within the technological domain of chemical formulations, specifically vehicles used in various applications such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or industrial products.
Competitor Analysis
To understand the competitive landscape, one would need to conduct a patent landscape analysis. This involves:
- Identifying Key Players: Other companies or inventors who have filed patents in the same technological domain.
- Patent Trends: Analyzing the trends in patent filings over time to identify areas of innovation and market interest.
- Market Developments: Looking into mergers and acquisitions, licensing agreements, and litigation activities related to similar patents[3].
Global Patent Family
The patent landscape analysis would also involve identifying if there are related patents filed in other countries. This can be done using tools like the Global Dossier or searching international patent databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)[1].
Legal Status
Current Status
The patent US3888995A has expired, as indicated by its legal status. This means that the exclusive rights granted by the patent have lapsed, and the invention is now in the public domain.
Implications of Expiration
The expiration of the patent allows others to use, manufacture, and sell the invention without infringing on the original patent holder’s rights. This can lead to increased competition and potentially lower prices for products using this formulation.
Prior Art and Citations
Prior Art Search
Conducting a prior art search using tools like the Patent Public Search or the Common Citation Document (CCD) can help identify earlier patents or publications that may have influenced or are related to this invention. This search can reveal whether the invention was truly novel at the time of filing[1].
Citations
The patent may have been cited by other patents or publications, indicating its influence on subsequent innovations. Analyzing these citations can provide insights into the patent’s impact on the technological domain.
Practical Applications
Industrial and Consumer Use
The fatty alcohol-propylene glycol vehicle has practical applications in various industries, such as:
- Cosmetics: As a base for creams, lotions, and other skincare products.
- Pharmaceuticals: As a solvent or vehicle for drug formulations.
- Industrial Products: As a component in lubricants, cleaners, or other chemical products.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The patent defines a specific composition and method for preparing a fatty alcohol-propylene glycol vehicle.
- Claims Analysis: The claims are structured to protect the unique aspects of the invention, with independent claims defining the broad scope and dependent claims providing additional limitations.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader technological domain, and its expiration has significant implications for competition and public use.
- Legal Status: The patent has expired, placing the invention in the public domain.
FAQs
Q: What is the main subject of United States Patent 3,888,995?
A: The main subject is a fatty alcohol-propylene glycol vehicle, a specific chemical formulation.
Q: When was the patent granted?
A: The patent was granted on July 18, 1975.
Q: What is the current legal status of the patent?
A: The patent has expired and is now in the public domain.
Q: How can one conduct a prior art search related to this patent?
A: One can use tools like the Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, or the Common Citation Document (CCD) to conduct a prior art search.
Q: What are some practical applications of the invention described in the patent?
A: The invention has applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and various industrial products.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- ACUS - U.S. Patent Small Claims Court: https://www.acus.gov/research-projects/us-patent-small-claims-court
- Sagacious Research - Navigating Technological Domains with Patent Landscape Analysis: https://sagaciousresearch.com/blog/navigating-technological-domains-with-patent-landscape-analysis/
- GAO - Intellectual Property: Patent Office Should Define Quality, Reassess ...: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-16-490
- Google Patents - US3888995A - Fatty alcohol-propylene glycol vehicle: https://patents.google.com/patent/US3888995A/en
