Details for Patent: 3,920,818

Summary for Patent: 3,920,818

Title:	1-Polyfluoroalkyl-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-thiones for effecting tranquilization, sedation and treating colvulsions
Abstract:	Disclosed herein are 1-polyfluoroalkyl-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-thiones, a new class of chemical compounds particularly useful as sedatives, anti-anxiety agents and anti-convulsants.
Inventor(s):	Steinman; Martin (Livingston, NJ)
Assignee:	Schering Corporation (Kenilworth, NJ)
Application Number:	05/494,002
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims	Use;

Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 3,920,818: A Detailed Analysis

Introduction

United States Patent 3,920,818, granted on November 18, 1975, is an example of an early patent in the technological landscape of the 1970s. To analyze this patent, we need to delve into its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape of its time.

The Patent System Overview

Before diving into the specifics of Patent 3,920,818, it's essential to understand the U.S. patent system. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is responsible for granting U.S. patents and registering trademarks. The process involves a thorough examination to ensure the invention is novel, non-obvious, and useful[2].

Patent Examination Process

The patent examination process is complex and involves several stages. It includes the initial filing, a first-action allowance or rejection, and potential continuation procedures such as continuations, continuations-in-part, and divisional applications. These procedures can significantly affect the outcome and the number of patents derived from a single progenitor application[1].

Identifying the Patent

United States Patent 3,920,818 was granted in 1975, a period marked by significant technological advancements. To find detailed information about this patent, one would use the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool or visit the USPTO Public Search Facility. These resources provide access to patent documents, including the full text of the patent and its claims[4].

Patent Claims

Patent claims are the heart of any patent, defining the scope of the invention. The Patent Claims Research Dataset by the USPTO provides detailed information on claims from U.S. patents, including those granted between 1976 and 2014, though it does not directly include patents from 1975. However, understanding the structure and content of patent claims during this era is crucial.

Claim Types

Patents typically include independent and dependent claims. Independent claims stand alone and define the invention, while dependent claims refer back to and further limit the independent claims. The clarity and specificity of these claims are critical in determining the patent's scope and enforceability.

Claim Analysis

For Patent 3,920,818, analyzing the claims involves identifying the key elements of the invention and how they are described. This includes understanding the technical language, the specific features of the invention, and how these features are distinguished from prior art.

Scope of the Patent

The scope of a patent is defined by its claims and is a critical factor in determining what is protected and what is not. The scope must be broad enough to cover the invention but not so broad as to encompass prior art or obvious variations.

Technological Field

Patent 3,920,818 would fall into one of the broad technology fields as classified by the USPTO, such as Chemical, Drugs and Medical, Electrical and Electronics, Computers and Communications, Mechanical, or a miscellaneous "Other" category. Understanding the technological field helps in contextualizing the patent's significance and impact[1].

Historical Context

Patents granted in the 1970s were part of a rapidly evolving technological landscape. This period saw significant advancements in electronics, computing, and medical technologies. The historical context provides insight into why certain inventions were prioritized and how they fit into the broader innovation ecosystem.

Allowance Rates and Continuation Procedures

The probability of a patent being granted varies across different technology fields and inventor types. For instance, applications filed by large firms are more likely to result in patents compared to those filed by small firms. Continuation procedures can also affect the outcome, allowing applicants to refine their applications or introduce new subject matter[1].

Impact on the Patent Landscape

Patent 3,920,818, like other patents of its time, contributed to the evolving patent landscape. It may have influenced subsequent inventions, either by building upon its claims or by prompting new innovations to circumvent its protections.

Public Access and Search Tools

The USPTO provides several tools for accessing and analyzing patent data. The Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) are essential resources for researchers and inventors. These tools help in understanding the patent's place within the broader patent family and its impact on the global patent system[4].

Conclusion

Analyzing the scope and claims of United States Patent 3,920,818 involves a deep dive into the patent's technical details, its historical context, and the broader patent landscape. Understanding these elements is crucial for inventors, policymakers, and legal scholars to appreciate the patent's significance and its contributions to technological advancements.

Key Takeaways

• Patent Claims: The claims define the scope of the invention and are critical in determining what is protected.
• Technological Field: Understanding the broad technology field helps in contextualizing the patent's significance.
• Historical Context: The patent's historical context provides insight into its impact and relevance.
• Allowance Rates: The probability of a patent being granted varies across different technology fields and inventor types.
• Public Access Tools: The USPTO provides several tools for accessing and analyzing patent data.

FAQs

What is the significance of patent claims in defining the scope of an invention?

Patent claims are essential as they define the boundaries of what is protected by the patent. They must be clear, specific, and distinguishable from prior art.

How do continuation procedures affect the patent examination process?

Continuation procedures allow applicants to refine their applications, introduce new subject matter, or separate distinct inventions. This can result in multiple patents from a single progenitor application and complicates the calculation of allowance rates[1].

What resources are available for searching and analyzing patent data?

The USPTO offers several resources, including the Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs), to help in searching and analyzing patent data[4].

How does the historical context of a patent influence its analysis?

The historical context provides insight into why certain inventions were prioritized and how they fit into the broader innovation ecosystem, helping to understand the patent's significance and impact.

What are the differences between independent and dependent claims in a patent?

Independent claims stand alone and define the invention, while dependent claims refer back to and further limit the independent claims, adding specificity and detail to the invention.

Sources

1. Carley, M., & Hegde, D. (n.d.). What Is the Probability of Receiving a US Patent?. Emory Law Journal.
2. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (n.d.). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). USA.gov.
3. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2017, August 28). Patent Claims Research Dataset. USPTO.
4. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2018, October 18). Search for patents. USPTO.
5. Administrative Conference of the United States. (n.d.). U.S. Patent Small Claims Court. ACUS.

Drugs Protected by US Patent 3,920,818

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