Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 5,559,269
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 5,559,269, exploring its invention, claims, and the broader patent landscape.
Patent Overview
United States Patent 5,559,269 was granted for an invention related to "3,3-diphenylpropylamines" of a specific formula. Here is a brief overview of the patent:
- Invention: The patent pertains to a class of compounds known as 3,3-diphenylpropylamines, which are defined by a particular chemical formula. These compounds are typically used in pharmaceutical applications[2].
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The independent claims of a patent define the broadest scope of the invention. For US Patent 5,559,269, these claims would typically outline the core structure and functionality of the 3,3-diphenylpropylamines.
- Claim 1: This is usually the broadest claim and sets the foundation for the invention. It might specify the general chemical structure and any key functional groups or substituents.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow down the scope of the independent claims by adding additional limitations or specific features.
- Claim 2-10: These claims might specify particular substituents (R1, R2, R3), their positions, and any other specific characteristics that differentiate these compounds from others in the same class.
Understanding Patent Claims
To analyze the claims effectively, one must understand the dependency relationship between them. The Patent Claims Research Dataset provided by the USPTO can offer insights into how claims are structured and their dependency relationships[3].
Prior Art and Patent Landscape
Global Dossier
To understand the broader patent landscape, tools like the Global Dossier can be invaluable. This service allows users to view the patent family for a specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices, along with dossier, classification, and citation data[1].
Common Citation Document (CCD)
The CCD application consolidates prior art cited by all participating offices for the family members of a patent application. This helps in visualizing the search results for the same invention produced by several offices on a single page[1].
International Patent Search
To see if similar inventions have been patented abroad, one must refer to searchable databases from other international intellectual property offices. For example:
- European Patent Office (EPO): Provides access to Europe's patent databases through esp@cenet, including machine translations for some languages[1].
- Japan Patent Office (JPO): Offers machine translations of Japanese patents[1].
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO): Features the PATENTSCOPE® Search Service, which includes full-text search of published international patent applications and machine translations for some documents[1].
Public Search Facilities
USPTO Public Search Facility
The USPTO Public Search Facility in Alexandria, VA, provides access to patent and trademark information in various formats, including online, microfilm, and print. Trained staff are available to assist users[1].
Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs)
Local PTRCs maintain local search resources and may offer training in patent search techniques, which can be beneficial for detailed analysis[1].
Statistical Analysis
For a deeper statistical analysis, the Patent Claims Research Dataset can be used. This dataset contains detailed information on claims from US patents granted between 1976 and 2014 and US patent applications published between 2001 and 2014. It includes claim-level statistics and document-level statistics, providing insights into patent scope and trends[3].
Practical Applications
Understanding the scope and claims of a patent like US 5,559,269 is crucial for several reasons:
- Innovation: It helps inventors and researchers to identify areas where they can innovate without infringing on existing patents.
- Licensing: Companies can use this information to negotiate licensing agreements or to determine the value of a patent.
- Litigation: Detailed analysis of claims can be critical in patent litigation to determine infringement or validity.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Claims: Understanding the independent and dependent claims is essential for defining the scope of the invention.
- Prior Art: Tools like Global Dossier and CCD help in understanding the broader patent landscape.
- International Search: Searching international patent databases is crucial to ensure global uniqueness of the invention.
- Statistical Analysis: Using datasets like the Patent Claims Research Dataset can provide valuable insights into patent trends and scope.
FAQs
Q: How do I conduct a preliminary U.S. patent search?
A: You can use the Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and other resources provided by the USPTO. A step-by-step strategy is available through the USPTO's web-based tutorial[1].
Q: What is the Global Dossier, and how does it help in patent searching?
A: The Global Dossier is a service that provides access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, helping users to see the patent family and related data for a specific application[1].
Q: How can I access international patent databases?
A: You can access international patent databases through services like the European Patent Office's esp@cenet, Japan Patent Office, and WIPO's PATENTSCOPE® Search Service[1].
Q: What is the Common Citation Document (CCD), and how is it useful?
A: The CCD consolidates prior art cited by all participating offices for the family members of a patent application, allowing users to visualize search results on a single page[1].
Q: Where can I find detailed statistical data on patent claims?
A: The Patent Claims Research Dataset provided by the USPTO contains detailed information on claims from US patents and applications, offering insights into patent scope and trends[3].
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Unified Patents Portal - US-5559269-A: https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/US-5559269-A
- 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
- PubChem - Methods and compositions for treating urinary incontinence: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/patent/US-6207681-B1
