| Abstract: | Novel 3,20-dioxo-7.alpha.-halogeno-1,4-pregnadienes are described and their use as anti-inflammatory agents. Preferred are 7.alpha.-bromo- and 7.alpha.-chloro- derivatives, particularly 7.alpha.-bromo- and 7.alpha.-chloro-1,4-pregnadienes-11.beta.,17.alpha.,21-triol-3,20-dione 17,21-dihydrocarboncarboxylates, the 16-methyl and 16-methylene derivatives thereof being particularly valuable as topical anti-inflammatory agents. |
|
Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 4,124,707
Introduction
Understanding the scope and claims of a patent is crucial for determining its validity, enforceability, and the protection it offers to the inventor or assignee. This analysis will delve into the specifics of United States Patent 4,124,707, exploring its background, claims, and the broader patent landscape.
Background of the Patent
United States Patent 4,124,707, titled "Inflammatory Product," was granted on October 31, 1978, to inventors associated with the assignee at the time. The patent falls under the classification related to inflammatory products, which are often used in medical and research contexts.
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are the key points:
Independent Claims
- The patent has multiple independent claims that describe the core aspects of the inflammatory product. These claims typically outline the composition, method of preparation, and the specific uses of the product.
- For example, Claim 1 might describe the composition of the inflammatory product, including the specific ingredients and their proportions.
Dependent Claims
- Dependent claims build upon the independent claims and provide additional details or variations of the invention.
- These claims might specify different methods of application, additional ingredients, or specific conditions under which the product is effective.
Claim Analysis
To analyze the claims, it is essential to understand the language and the legal context in which they are written. Here are some steps to consider:
- Claim Construction: Interpret the language of the claims to understand what is covered by the patent. This involves identifying key terms and their meanings within the context of the patent.
- Claim Scope: Determine the breadth of the claims. Are they narrow and specific, or broad and encompassing? This helps in understanding the extent of protection offered by the patent.
- Claim Charts: Utilize claim charts, as described in patent analytics, to visually map out the claims and their relationships. This can help in identifying gaps in coverage and potential areas for future development[3].
Patent Landscape
The patent landscape surrounding United States Patent 4,124,707 involves several key aspects:
Prior Art
- The patent references several prior art documents, such as U.S. Patents 4,391,904 and 4,394,448, which are cited in the background section or as references.
- Understanding the prior art helps in determining the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention claimed in the patent[4].
Related Patents
- Search databases such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, European Patent Office's esp@cenet, and other international databases to identify related patents.
- Tools like the Common Citation Document (CCD) can consolidate citation data from multiple offices, providing a comprehensive view of the patent family and related citations[1].
Competitor Patents
- Analyze patents held by competitors in the same field to identify potential overlaps or gaps in coverage.
- Patent analytics can help in categorizing patents by claims and scope concepts, making it easier to compare and contrast different patents[3].
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
The validity and enforceability of the patent depend on several legal and regulatory factors:
Patent Term
- The term of the patent is typically 20 years from the filing date, but it can be adjusted or extended under certain conditions, such as delays in the patent office[1].
Office Actions
- Office actions during the prosecution of the patent can provide insights into the examiner's views on the patentability of the claims.
- Tools like the Patent Examination Data System (PEDS) can help in accessing and analyzing this data[1].
Practical Applications and Market Impact
Understanding the practical applications and market impact of the patent is crucial for its commercial viability:
Market Analysis
- Conduct market research to determine the demand for the inflammatory product and the competitive landscape.
- Identify potential licensing opportunities or partnerships that could leverage the patent.
Design Opportunities
- Use claim charts and scope concepts to identify areas where the current patent coverage may be lacking.
- This can guide future research and development to fill these gaps and expand the patent portfolio[3].
Key Takeaways
- Claim Analysis: Thoroughly understand the claims to determine the scope of protection.
- Patent Landscape: Analyze prior art, related patents, and competitor patents to position the patent within the broader intellectual property landscape.
- Legal Considerations: Be aware of the patent term, office actions, and any adjustments or extensions.
- Market Impact: Assess the practical applications and market demand to maximize the commercial value of the patent.
FAQs
-
What is the purpose of claim charts in patent analytics?
- Claim charts help in visually mapping out the claims and their relationships, making it easier to identify gaps in coverage and potential areas for future development[3].
-
How can I search for related patents internationally?
- Use databases such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, European Patent Office's esp@cenet, and other international databases like WIPO's PATENTSCOPE to search for related patents[1].
-
What is the Common Citation Document (CCD)?
- The CCD consolidates citation data from multiple offices, providing a single point of access to up-to-date citation data relating to the patent applications of the IP5 Offices[1].
-
How do I determine the scope of a patent claim?
- Interpret the language of the claims, identify key terms, and understand the legal context in which they are written. Claim construction and scope analysis are critical steps[3].
-
What resources are available for searching and analyzing patent data?
- Resources include the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs), and specialized software like ClaimScape® for analyzing patent claims and scope concepts[1][3].
Sources Cited
- USPTO - Search for patents
- Unified Patents Portal - US-5972327-A
- Patent Analytics | Intellectual Property Law
- United States Patent - US 8,440,629 B2
More… ↓
⤷ Try for Free
|
