Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 5,082,861: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Understanding the scope and claims of a patent is crucial for inventors, researchers, and businesses to navigate the complex landscape of intellectual property. This article will delve into the details of United States Patent 5,082,861, exploring its claims, classification, and the broader patent landscape it inhabits.
Overview of the Patent
United States Patent 5,082,861, titled "Process for the Preparation of 2-Phenyl-1,3-Propanediol," was granted on January 21, 1992. This patent is associated with a novel synthetic procedure for preparing 2-phenyl-1,3-propanediol, a compound that can be used as a starting material in various chemical syntheses.
Claims of the Patent
The claims of a patent define the scope of the invention and what is protected by the patent. For US Patent 5,082,861, the claims are centered around the specific process for preparing 2-phenyl-1,3-propanediol.
- Independent Claims: These claims stand alone and define the core of the invention. For example, Claim 1 might describe the overall process of reducing diethyl phenylmalonate with sodium borohydride in the presence of an alkali metal dihydrogen phosphate buffer[2].
- Dependent Claims: These claims build upon the independent claims and provide additional details or variations of the process. They often include specific conditions, reagents, or steps that are part of the broader process described in the independent claims.
Classification of the Patent
Patents are classified using various systems to help in searching and categorizing inventions. The Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system is widely used and provides a detailed classification scheme.
- CPC Classification: US Patent 5,082,861 is classified under CPC C07C 29/147, C07C 29/149, and C07C 27/12, among others. These classifications indicate that the patent pertains to organic chemistry, specifically the preparation of compounds containing a phenyl group and a diol functionality[2].
Prior Art and References
Understanding the prior art cited in a patent is essential to grasp the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention.
- U.S. Patent Documents: The patent cites several U.S. patents, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,884,444, 4,868,327, and 4,982,016, which relate to similar synthetic processes or compounds[2].
- Foreign Patent Documents: The patent also references international patent documents, such as WO 94/06737 A1 and WO 94/27491 A2, indicating a global context for the invention[2].
Patent Landscape
The patent landscape includes all related patents and applications that cover similar inventions or processes.
- Global Dossier: Using tools like the Global Dossier, one can see the patent family for a specific application, including all related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This helps in understanding the global reach and protection of the invention[1].
- International Patent Offices: Searching databases from other international patent offices, such as the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), can reveal similar patents or applications filed in other jurisdictions[1].
Search Tools and Resources
Several tools and resources are available to help in searching and analyzing patents.
- Patent Public Search: The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool allows for enhanced access to prior art and provides a modern interface for searching U.S. patent databases[1].
- PATENTSCOPE: This database from WIPO provides access to international Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications and patent documents from participating national and regional patent offices[4].
Economic and Strategic Implications
Understanding the economic and strategic implications of a patent is crucial for businesses and inventors.
- Patent Claims Research Dataset: The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides detailed information on claims from U.S. patents and applications, which can help in analyzing the scope and impact of a patent[3].
- Market Impact: The patent's claims and scope can influence market dynamics by preventing others from using the same process, thereby giving the patent holder a competitive advantage.
Practical Applications
The process described in US Patent 5,082,861 has practical applications in various fields.
- Chemical Synthesis: The compound 2-phenyl-1,3-propanediol can be used as an intermediate in the synthesis of other chemicals, such as pharmaceuticals or materials[2].
- Industrial Use: The patented process can be scaled up for industrial production, providing a commercially valuable method for preparing the compound.
Key Takeaways
- Claims and Scope: The patent's claims define the protected process for preparing 2-phenyl-1,3-propanediol.
- Classification: The patent is classified under specific CPC categories related to organic chemistry.
- Prior Art: The patent cites various U.S. and international patent documents.
- Global Landscape: The invention is part of a broader global patent landscape.
- Search Tools: Various tools like Patent Public Search and PATENTSCOPE are available for searching and analyzing patents.
- Economic Implications: The patent can have significant economic and strategic implications.
FAQs
What is the main subject of US Patent 5,082,861?
The main subject of US Patent 5,082,861 is a novel synthetic procedure for preparing 2-phenyl-1,3-propanediol.
How can I search for similar patents?
You can use tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, PATENTSCOPE, and databases from other international patent offices to search for similar patents.
What is the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system?
The CPC system is a classification scheme used to categorize patents based on their technological content, helping in searching and analyzing patents.
What are the economic implications of holding a patent like US 5,082,861?
Holding a patent like US 5,082,861 can give the patent holder a competitive advantage by preventing others from using the same process, thereby influencing market dynamics.
Where can I find detailed information on the claims and scope of US patents?
Detailed information on claims and scope can be found using the USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset and by analyzing the patent document itself.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- United States Patent 9,233,898 B2: https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/64/24/c4/0302e6de3bcf73/US9233898.pdf
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Clemson University - Advanced Patent Searching: https://clemson.libguides.com/advanced_patent_searching
