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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 4,758,598
Introduction
United States Patent 4,758,598, titled "Solid shaped articles," was granted on July 19, 1988. This patent pertains to a method for producing solid shaped articles that carry chemicals, which is crucial in various industrial and consumer applications. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Patent Title and Number:
- Title: Solid shaped articles
- Number: 4,758,598
- Grant Date: July 19, 1988
Inventors and Assignees:
- The patent was granted to the inventors who developed the method for producing these solid shaped articles. However, specific details about the inventors and assignees are not provided in the publicly available summary.
Scope of the Patent
The patent describes a process for producing solid shaped articles that involve the sublimation of a solvent from a composition in the solid state. Here are the key aspects of the scope:
Process Description
- The method involves mixing a chemical with a solvent to form a composition.
- This composition is then shaped into the desired form.
- The solvent is subsequently sublimated (changed directly from a solid to a gas) from the composition, leaving behind the solid shaped article carrying the chemical[5].
Applications
- The solid shaped articles produced by this method can be used in various applications, such as in the manufacture of detergents, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and other products where controlled release of chemicals is necessary.
Claims Analysis
The claims of a patent are the most critical part as they define the legal boundaries of the invention.
Independent Claims
- The patent includes several independent claims that outline the core aspects of the invention. For example:
- Claim 1 might describe the overall process of producing the solid shaped articles.
- Claim 2 could specify the types of chemicals and solvents used.
- Claim 3 might detail the shaping process and the conditions under which the solvent is sublimated.
Dependent Claims
- Dependent claims further elaborate on the independent claims by adding specific details or limitations. For instance:
- Claim 4 might specify the temperature and pressure conditions for the sublimation process.
- Claim 5 could describe the materials used for shaping the composition.
Patent Landscape
Understanding the patent landscape is essential for assessing the novelty, non-obviousness, and potential infringement of the patent.
Prior Art
- The patent landscape includes prior art that was considered during the examination process. This would involve other patents and publications related to methods of producing solid shaped articles and chemical delivery systems.
- Tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search and the Common Citation Document (CCD) can help identify relevant prior art and citations from other patent offices[1].
Related Patents
- There may be other patents that are part of the same patent family or that cover similar technologies. These can be identified using the Global Dossier service, which provides access to related applications from participating IP offices[1].
International Considerations
- To determine if similar inventions have been patented abroad, one would need to search 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].
Patent Analytics and Claim Coverage
For companies holding this patent, it is crucial to analyze the claim coverage to understand the protection and potential gaps.
Claim Coverage Matrix
- A Claim Coverage Matrix can help identify which patents and claims are actively protecting the intellectual property. This involves categorizing patents by claims and overarching scope concepts, which can be particularly useful for large portfolios[3].
Interactive Claim Charts
- Tools like ClaimScape® software generate interactive claim charts that help technical experts determine whether a particular scope concept is applicable to a target product or method. This aids in identifying gaps in current coverage and highlighting future design opportunities[3].
Practical Implications
Understanding the scope and claims of this patent has several practical implications:
Licensing and Enforcement
- Knowing the exact claims and scope helps in licensing negotiations and enforcement actions. Companies can ensure they are not infringing on existing patents and can also identify potential licensing opportunities.
Research and Development
- The patent landscape analysis can guide R&D efforts by highlighting areas that are not covered by existing patents, thus identifying potential innovation opportunities.
Competitive Analysis
- Analyzing the patent landscape helps in understanding the competitive environment. Companies can see what their competitors are patenting and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The patent covers a method for producing solid shaped articles through the sublimation of a solvent.
- Claims Analysis: Independent and dependent claims define the legal boundaries of the invention.
- Patent Landscape: Understanding prior art, related patents, and international considerations is crucial.
- Patent Analytics: Tools like Claim Coverage Matrix and interactive claim charts are essential for managing large patent portfolios.
- Practical Implications: The analysis aids in licensing, enforcement, R&D, and competitive analysis.
FAQs
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What is the main process described in US Patent 4,758,598?
- The main process involves mixing a chemical with a solvent, shaping the composition, and then sublimating the solvent to produce a solid shaped article carrying the chemical.
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How can one analyze the claim coverage for this patent?
- Using tools like a Claim Coverage Matrix and interactive claim charts to categorize patents by claims and scope concepts.
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Where can one find related international patents?
- Through databases provided by international intellectual property offices such as the EPO, JPO, and WIPO.
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What is the significance of the Global Dossier service in patent analysis?
- It provides access to related applications from participating IP offices, helping to identify the patent family and related dossier, classification, and citation data.
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How does the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool aid in patent analysis?
- It offers enhanced access to prior art through modern interfaces, improving the overall patent searching process.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents
- ACUS - U.S. Patent Small Claims Court
- SLWIP - Patent Analytics
- U.S. Department of Commerce - U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
- Justia - US Patent for Solid shaped articles
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