Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 4,217,347
Introduction
Understanding the scope and claims of a patent is crucial for inventors, researchers, and businesses to navigate the intellectual property landscape. This article will delve into the details of United States Patent 4,217,347, exploring its claims, scope, and the broader patent landscape.
Overview of the Patent
United States Patent 4,217,347, titled "Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor," was granted to Merck & Co., Inc. on August 12, 1980. This patent is significant in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of treatments for hypertension and heart failure.
Claims of the Patent
The claims of a patent define the scope of the invention and what is protected by the patent. Here are some key aspects of the claims in Patent 4,217,347:
Independent Claims
- The patent includes several independent claims that describe the novel compounds and their use. For example, Claim 1 describes a specific compound, its structure, and its use as an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor[5].
Dependent Claims
- Dependent claims further specify the independent claims, often detailing particular aspects such as dosage forms, methods of administration, and specific uses. These claims help to narrow down the invention and provide additional protection.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of a patent is determined by its claims and the description provided in the specification.
Novelty and Non-Obviousness
- The patent must be novel and non-obvious over the prior art. In this case, the invention of specific ACE inhibitors was a significant advancement in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure, meeting these criteria[5].
Enablement and Written Description
- The patent specification must enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The detailed descriptions and examples in Patent 4,217,347 ensure that the invention is fully disclosed and can be replicated.
Patent Landscape
Understanding the patent landscape involves looking at related patents, prior art, and the global patent family.
Prior Art
- Prior art includes all publicly available information that existed before the patent application was filed. For Patent 4,217,347, prior art would include earlier publications and patents related to ACE inhibitors and hypertension treatments[5].
Global Patent Family
- The global patent family for Patent 4,217,347 includes related applications and grants in other countries. This can be accessed through services like the Global Dossier provided by the USPTO, which allows users to see the patent family for a specific application across participating IP offices[1].
Searching and Analyzing Patents
To analyze patents like 4,217,347, several tools and resources are available:
USPTO Patent Public Search
- The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool is a powerful resource for searching prior art and related patents. It offers enhanced access to prior art and modern interfaces for a more efficient search process[1].
Global Dossier
- The Global Dossier service allows users to view the file histories of related applications from participating IP offices, providing a comprehensive view of the global patent landscape[1].
International Patent Offices
- Searching databases from other international intellectual property offices, such as the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), can provide a broader view of the patent landscape[1].
Economic and Research Implications
The Patent Claims Research Dataset provided by the USPTO can offer insights into the economic and research implications of patents like 4,217,347.
Patent Claims Research Dataset
- This dataset contains detailed information on claims from U.S. patents and applications, including statistics and measures of patent scope. It can help in understanding the trends and impact of patent claims in various industries[3].
Practical Applications and Impact
The practical applications and impact of Patent 4,217,347 are significant:
Pharmaceutical Industry
- The invention of specific ACE inhibitors has revolutionized the treatment of hypertension and heart failure, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Research and Development
- This patent has paved the way for further research and development in the field of cardiovascular diseases, leading to new treatments and therapies.
Key Takeaways
- Claims and Scope: The claims of Patent 4,217,347 define the novel compounds and their use as ACE inhibitors, with the scope determined by these claims and the specification.
- Patent Landscape: Understanding the global patent family and prior art is crucial for navigating the intellectual property landscape.
- Tools and Resources: Utilizing tools like the USPTO Patent Public Search and Global Dossier can facilitate comprehensive patent analysis.
- Economic and Research Implications: The Patent Claims Research Dataset provides valuable insights into the economic and research impact of patents.
FAQs
Q: What is the main invention described in United States Patent 4,217,347?
A: The main invention is a specific angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure.
Q: How can I search for related patents to 4,217,347?
A: You can use the USPTO Patent Public Search tool or the Global Dossier service to search for related patents and view the global patent family.
Q: What resources are available for analyzing the economic impact of patents?
A: The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides detailed information on claims and statistics that can help in understanding the economic impact of patents.
Q: How do I determine the scope of a patent?
A: The scope of a patent is determined by its claims and the description provided in the specification.
Q: Where can I find international patent databases to search for patents similar to 4,217,347?
A: You can search international patent databases through resources like the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)[1].
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- USA.gov - U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO): https://www.usa.gov/agencies/u-s-patent-and-trademark-office
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Duke University Libraries - Finding Patents Online: https://guides.library.duke.edu/c.php?g=289276&p=1929213
- Google Patents - DE4001496C2: https://patents.google.com/patent/DE4001496C2/en
