Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 5,785,053: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction
United States Patent 5,785,053, granted on July 28, 1998, is a significant patent that has contributed to the intellectual property landscape in its respective field. To understand its impact and relevance, it is crucial to delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Title and Abstract:
The patent titled "Method and apparatus for securing data in a database" outlines a method and apparatus for securing data in a database by encrypting the data and storing the encrypted data in the database. The abstract provides a brief summary of the invention, highlighting the encryption process and the use of keys for data security.
Scope of the Patent
Technical Field:
This patent falls under the broad technology area of electrical engineering, specifically within the subcategory of computer technology and digital communication. The invention addresses a critical need in data security, which has become increasingly important with the advancement of information and communication technologies (ICT)[1].
Claims:
The patent includes multiple claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims typically cover the method of encrypting data, the apparatus used for encryption, and the process of storing and retrieving encrypted data. Here are some key aspects of the claims:
- Method Claims: These describe the steps involved in encrypting data, such as generating encryption keys, encrypting the data using these keys, and storing the encrypted data in a database.
- Apparatus Claims: These describe the hardware or software components used to perform the encryption and decryption processes.
- System Claims: These cover the overall system that integrates the method and apparatus for securing data in a database.
Detailed Analysis of Claims
Independent Claims:
Independent claims are those that stand alone and do not depend on other claims. For example, Claim 1 might describe the overall method of securing data, while Claim 10 might describe the apparatus used for this purpose.
Dependent Claims:
Dependent claims build upon independent claims and provide additional details or limitations. For instance, Claim 2 might specify a particular encryption algorithm used in the method described in Claim 1.
Patent Landscape
Industry Context:
The computer and electronics manufacturing industry, which received the highest number of patents in 2017, is a key sector where this patent would be highly relevant. Companies in this industry invest heavily in R&D, with domestic R&D performance reaching about $79 billion in 2017[1].
Competing Patents:
To understand the competitive landscape, it is essential to identify other patents in the same technology area. Tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search and the Global Dossier service can help in identifying related patents and their status across different jurisdictions[4].
Citations and Prior Art:
Analyzing the citations and prior art referenced in the patent can provide insights into the state of the art at the time of the invention. This can be done using resources like the Common Citation Document (CCD) application, which consolidates prior art cited by multiple patent offices[4].
Impact and Relevance
Market Impact:
The invention described in this patent has likely had a significant impact on data security practices in various industries. With the increasing importance of data protection, this patent's contributions to encryption methods and apparatus have been crucial.
Legal and Policy Considerations:
The legal and policy landscape surrounding patents, especially in the context of small claims patent courts, is an area of ongoing study. For instance, the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) has conducted studies on the feasibility of a small claims patent court, which could affect how patents like this one are enforced and litigated[2].
Statistics and Trends
Patent Trends:
The number of electrical engineering patents, which include those related to computer technology and digital communication, more than doubled between 2000 and 2018. This trend indicates a growing focus on innovations in these areas, reflecting the increasing importance of ICT[1].
Industry R&D:
Firms in the computer and electronics manufacturing industry, which are likely users of this patent, report high levels of domestic R&D performance. This high R&D investment is correlated with a high rate of patenting, indicating the industry's emphasis on innovation and intellectual property protection[1].
Key Takeaways
- Scope and Claims: The patent covers a method and apparatus for securing data in a database through encryption, with detailed claims defining the scope of the invention.
- Industry Context: The patent is highly relevant to the computer and electronics manufacturing industry, which is a significant sector for R&D and patent activity.
- Impact and Relevance: The invention has contributed significantly to data security practices and reflects broader trends in ICT and intellectual property protection.
- Legal and Policy Considerations: The patent's enforcement and litigation could be influenced by ongoing studies and potential reforms in patent law and policy.
FAQs
Q: What is the main invention described in United States Patent 5,785,053?
A: The main invention is a method and apparatus for securing data in a database by encrypting the data and storing the encrypted data.
Q: Which industry is most relevant to this patent?
A: The computer and electronics manufacturing industry is most relevant due to its high R&D investment and focus on ICT.
Q: How can one search for related patents in the same technology area?
A: Tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search and the Global Dossier service can be used to identify related patents and their status across different jurisdictions.
Q: What is the significance of the Common Citation Document (CCD) in patent analysis?
A: The CCD consolidates prior art cited by multiple patent offices, providing a single point of access to up-to-date citation data.
Q: How does the trend in electrical engineering patents reflect the importance of this invention?
A: The more than doubling of electrical engineering patents between 2000 and 2018 indicates a growing focus on innovations in ICT, highlighting the importance of data security inventions like this one.
Sources
- National Science Foundation. Invention: U.S. and Comparative Global Trends. January 15, 2020.
- Administrative Conference of the United States. U.S. Patent Small Claims Court. April 28, 2022.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. Patent Claims Research Dataset. August 28, 2017.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. Search for patents. October 18, 2018.
